The portly old gentleman glanced towards the site of the brawl, shook his head, and entered the sedan, proclaiming, "Let's return home." The sedan slowly moved away.
Lin Wanrong, having identified the person, leaped out and called, "Sir, please halt."
His shout startled the several big men surrounding the sedan, immediately making them tense, encircling the sedan warily, watching Lin Wanrong.
The old man opened the curtain, took a glance, and upon seeing Lin Wanrong's face, he froze for a moment. A somewhat embarrassed smile appeared on his face as he waved his hand, saying, "Please stop."
The old man descended slowly and respectfully faced Lin Wanrong, saying, "May I inquire, young sir, for what reason have you detained this old man?"
Lin Wanrong, observing the lack of surprise in the man's expression, gained more confidence. "Today, the time is late, and I happened to be strolling in this alley. Unexpectedly, I encountered the esteemed sir. It seems that the sir is quite interested in this place. Consider it fate, so I took the liberty to detain you. Please forgive my presumptuousness."
The big men guarding the sedan thought to themselves as they listened to his fabrications, suspecting that this encounter was more than just a casual stroll in the dark. Lin Wanrong was probably deliberately blocking the sedan, likely looking for trouble.
"May I inquire what advice the young sir has?" The old man smiled, narrowing his eyes into a small slit.
"Oh, it was purely accidental that I witnessed a fascinating spectacle earlier. Feeling somewhat frightened, I noticed the sir's benevolent countenance, and my heart eased. You, sir, seem to be a wise and venerable elder. Your presence brings comfort," Lin Wanrong exaggerated.
"Oh," the old man sighed, "I witnessed it too. I did not expect such an unpleasant incident during my leisure time. Honestly, I felt a bit frightened as well. That's why I instructed my men to leave early, and it seems the young sir found it amusing."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking, "You're afraid? More like you're good at acting." Before, Lin Wanrong intended to leverage the identity of Luo Yuan, the governor's son, to strengthen Hongxing. Now, this old man was using Hongxing's power to restrain the father and son from the Cheng family. It seemed everyone had their own schemes. However, this old man invested quite a bit by involving his own son.
"Please don't take offense, sir. It's just a joke. In fact, I thought the sir looked somewhat familiar earlier, so I deliberately followed," Lin Wanrong said with a laugh.
The old man curiously asked, "Oh, who do you think I resemble?"
"In this small territory of Jiangsu, the one who holds the greatest sway bears a resemblance to you," Lin Wanrong replied with a smile.
The old man laughed heartily, his face showing a few bitter smiles. "Master Lin, you don't need to be so polite. I've heard of your shrewdness and capability. Seeing you in person today, you truly live up to the reputation. Your presence is ten times more impressive than the rumors."
Flattery was a basic skill in the officialdom, and this old Luo was a master at it. Lin Wanrong respectfully said, "I am Lin Wanrong, paying respects to the esteemed governor."
Luo Min hurriedly added, "Mr. Lin, please don't be too courteous. With your intelligence and talent, you are destined for greatness. Your future is extraordinary, and I can't help but admire you."
Lin Wanrong, dismissing the compliments about his intelligence and talent, said, "I have recently made the acquaintance of many talented individuals. I believe they would be deeply moved by the generosity of the esteemed governor. I doubt the esteemed governor's daily rewards of gold plaques won't go unnoticed."
Luo Min smiled awkwardly, "Mr. Lin, no need for jests. Your assistance to the Xiao family, the confrontation with the White Lotus, your actions are remarkable. I simply express my appreciation."
Lin Wanrong thought, "What does he mean? Is he hinting that I'm involved in some struggle?" Annoyed, he said, "Governor Luo, I appreciate your kindness, but as a humble servant, I don't read poetry, practice archery, and have neither power nor wealth. Where does this talk of standing out come from?"
Luo Min chuckled, "Though poetry and archery are admirable skills, they still render one subservient. Let's not dwell on that. Mr. Lin, even without those skills, you can still rise above others. You've managed to gain the favor of my son, and I fully support that. Recognizing talents is my duty as the provincial governor. How could I not extend my guidance to such a promising individual within Jiangsu?"
Lin Wanrong gave a sidelong glance, testing, "On the opening day of the restaurant, when you bestowed the golden plaque, and now, sending your son to assist, I am truly grateful. However, I have never met the esteemed governor, and I wonder how I earned such favor?"
Luo Min looked at Lin Wanrong with a mysterious smile, "Mr. Lin, you are exceptionally talented. I have heard of the three top courtesans in the brothel, and I've heard of your remarkable skills. Your management and knowledge are outstanding. My son's friendship with you is commendable. Recognizing and understanding talents is a responsibility of mine as the provincial governor. How could I not pay attention to such talent within Jiangsu? Although we haven't met, we seem to have had a profound connection."
Lin Wanrong teased, "Governor Luo, with such praise, I feel a bit embarrassed. Fortunately, I have recently made friends with many talented individuals. I believe they, upon hearing of the governor's virtue, will be deeply moved. The governor's daily golden plaques might soon be in high demand."
Luo Min chuckled, "Mr. Lin, please spare me from your jests. Your assistance to the Xiao family, your confrontation with the White Lotus, your contributions are not ordinary."
Lin Wanrong wondered, "What does he mean? Is he implying I've become entangled in some conflict? Damn, taking advantage of the governor's favor is one thing, but dealing with the factions is another matter. Don't involve me in that."
With a mysterious smile, Luo Min continued, "Some time ago, I heard that Mr. Lin valiantly fought the White Lotus and rescued Miss Xiao. It's truly a cause for celebration."
Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly, "This old fox." Regarding the White Lotus incident, it was more about the governor's ineffective governance. Why would he bring it up now? Luo Min's eyes flickered with a hint of cunning.
This statement had a profound meaning, and Lin Wanrong understood. This old fox wasn't a fool. The pig-rider camp might have already got wind of the White Lotus movement, and that's why they disappeared without a trace after the governor tried to apprehend them.
Lin Wanrong thought, "This matter is your business among officials. Why mention it to me? Could it be that you're using Hongxing as an excuse? However well Hongxing is managed, it's still a criminal organization, not comparable to
the official green camps."
Luo Min, sensing Lin Wanrong's shrewdness, sighed, "The matter of the White Lotus is beyond my control. My military forces are mainly responsible for city defense, and the infantry camp is under the command of Mr. Cheng. Even if I issue orders, I can't mobilize them effectively. I attempted to apprehend them once, but they disappeared as if they had received advance notice."
Luo Min's eyes flickered with a trace of cunning. This statement carried a profound meaning, suggesting that someone within the government was aiding the White Lotus.
"This is the official matter among officials. What use is it telling me?" Lin Wanrong thought. "Is this your excuse for using Hongxing? Even if Hongxing is managed well, it can't compare to the green camps."
Luo Min, sensing Lin Wanrong's sharpness, sincerely said, "Mr. Lin, please understand. I have no ill intentions towards you. I believe you can sense that. My visit today is merely due to concerns for my son, Luo Yuan. Growing up, he has never been in a fight." When mentioning Luo Yuan, a hint of parental affection flashed in Luo Min's eyes, indicating deep love for his son.
Lin Wanrong didn't doubt Luo Min's sincerity. The way he encouraged Luo Yuan to get close to him indicated that Luo Min had invested a lot in him. However, Lin Wanrong found it strange. As a mere servant, why would Luo Min invest so heavily in him?
"Luo Governor, I am truly grateful for your kindness. However, I am a stubborn person. I never believe that good fortune falls from the sky. Your support, sir, must be at someone else's behest. May I inquire if my guess is correct?" Lin Wanrong pointedly asked. If Luo Min refused to speak, Lin Wanrong wouldn't force it, but he needed to confirm his suspicions.
Luo Min, with a helpless smile, said, "I cannot say, and I dare not say. Please forgive me. But I hope you can trust me. With influential figures supporting you, achieving greatness is only a matter of time."
Lin Wanrong thought, "What influential figures are blessing me? This old man speaks half-truths and half-lies. It's frustrating. Even if Princess Qingxuan spoke, would it be enough to make this high-ranking official so devoted? Considering Luo Min's character, it can't be that simple."
Headache, headache. Who is this person behind the scenes? Can I compete with the master behind Cheng De when the time comes? If I stand on the wrong side during a crucial moment, it might cost me my life.
Seeing Lin Wanrong pondering, Luo Min said, "Mr. Lin, you don't need to think too much. I have no ill intentions towards you. I believe you can feel that. My visit today is just because I worry about my son. This child, growing up without getting into a fight until now, makes me concerned."
Luo Min had no ill intentions, and Lin Wanrong didn't doubt that. He encouraged Luo Yuan to befriend Lin Wanrong because he invested heavily in him. However, it was still strange. Why would Luo Min, a high-ranking official, invest so much in a mere servant?
"Luo Governor, I appreciate your kindness, but I'm a straightforward person. Even if I have the courage of the sky, I wouldn't dare to tell you what you won't say. You can rest assured that I will focus on my affairs and assist the Xiao family as much as possible," Lin Wanrong replied.
Luo Min nodded and smiled, "Mr. Lin, you are indeed straightforward. However, tomorrow, I'd like to invite you to go somewhere with me."
Lin Wanrong grinned, "Are we going to the Miaoyu District? It's been a while since I last visited. I wonder if the ladies there still remember me?"
Luo Min, despite being the governor, couldn't resist Lin Wanrong's jests. Awkwardly smiling, he said, "Tomorrow morning, someone will come to escort you. When you arrive at the destination, you will understand."
After parting ways with Luo Min, Lin Wanrong kept pondering about the person secretly supporting him. After much thought, the only person he could think of was Qingxuan. However, Luo Min's demeanor suggested that the situation was not that simple.
Upon returning to the Xiao residence, Lin Wanrong, concerned about Qiushui, grabbed a maid downstairs and inquired, "Has Miss Qiushui, who spoke with the Young Mistress earlier, returned?"
The maid replied, "Not yet. Miss Qiushui and the Young Mistress arranged for an in-depth conversation tonight. Miss Qiushui will be staying in the Young Mistress's room."
"In-depth conversation? This pair of girls, what can they possibly talk about?" Lin Wanrong wondered as he gazed through the lantern paper on the window, seeing the two petite figures clearly. He couldn't help but be puzzled.