A night of good sleep. The next morning, upon waking up, he discovered that it was already late. Surprisingly, the young lady allowed him an unprecedented lazy morning, probably considering that everyone was fatigued from the long journey the day before.
After completing his grooming and stepping out, he noticed that the young lady had also just left. There were traces of weariness in her eyes, indicating an uneasy sleep the previous night.
Lin Wanrong, understanding her concerns about the affairs of the trading company, sighed inwardly. There was nothing he could do in a hurry, so he said, "Good morning, young lady. Did you sleep well last night?"
The young lady nodded and said, "In these years, it's the first time I've risen so late. It's all because of your peculiar ideas that have made me lazy." Though her words carried a tone of blame, her face was adorned with a smile.
After breakfast, everyone headed out, aiming directly for West Lake. Lin Wanrong accompanied the young lady at the front, while the trio of Sī Dé, Xiāo Fēng, and Xiǎo Cuì followed at a distance.
Walking leisurely for a few steps, they arrived at West Lake. The water sparkled, the waves were like mirrors, the bridge shadows reflected in the water, birds chirped, peach and plum trees greeted each other, and the picturesque scenery of the lake and mountains unfolded like a painting, showcasing a thousand charming scenes for people to appreciate. Officials and tourists strolled around, creating a lively atmosphere.
Sū Dī, starting from the foot of Nán Píng Mountain to the north of Qī Xiá Ridge, extended for five or six kilometers. Along both sides of the embankment, countless willows and green peaches were planted. The embankment connected six single-arch stone bridges, forming the famous Sū Dī Six Bridges.
Lin Wanrong and the young lady strolled on Sū Dī. The sunlight shone on the lake, creating faint golden ripples. A gentle breeze brought refreshing coolness, making it exceptionally pleasant.
The young lady seemed preoccupied, and her enthusiasm appeared low. Lin Wanrong asked, "Young lady, why is this place called Sū Dī?"
Xiāo Yùruò smiled and replied, "Don't you know the origin of Sū Dī? I thought you were the smartest person in the world."
Seeing her relaxed expression, Lin Wanrong smiled and answered, "I am smart when it comes to big matters and a bit muddled with small things. How can I remember these things so clearly?"
The young lady smiled and looked at him. "You're good at sophistry. By the way," she explained, "Sū Dī was constructed by the ancient poet Mister Sū Xīpō during his tenure as the governor of Hangzhou. He dredged West Lake, using the silt to build it. Over the years, it evolved into what it is now. To commemorate his achievements in managing West Lake, it was named 'Sū Dī.' Sū Dī Spring Dawn is listed as one of the top ten scenic spots in West Lake, also known as 'Six Bridges amid Mist and Willows,' part of the Qiantang top ten sights. It is one of the most famous landscapes in Hangzhou."
The young lady took a few steps, looked at the clear lake, and recited, "Willows dim, flowers bright, it's springtime, Mist rises, birds scatter, separating woods. Where does the oriole break the morning mist, crying over Sū Dī at dawn."
Lin Wanrong raised his thumb and said, "Young lady, you're truly knowledgeable and refined. Such insight, such literary grace."
The young lady smiled and said, "You're saying flattering words for no reason. I don't believe you. This poem was composed by someone else. I just casually recited it. But you, not only are you ignorant of poetry, you also don't know the origin of this poem."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. "Do you still need to learn poetry or recite poetry? I can come up with poems effortlessly. A rainbow soaring a thousand feet hangs over the west of the lake. It's still Mister Sū's old embankment. Don't say the changes of the world are strange; the charm of the past is remembered in the wind."
The young lady covered her mouth and smiled. "Did you write this poem? I don't believe it. You must have copied it from someone else. You, who can't even write a few words, dare to recite poetry. Who would believe it?"
Lin Wanrong sweated on his forehead. The young lady saw through him clearly. He chuckled, saying, "Although I don't like reading or writing, reciting poetry is a matter of talent. My ability to learn is innate. Others can't learn it even if they try."
The young lady knew him well. She understood that he was bragging again, but the relaxed atmosphere made her somewhat unwilling to scold him. She smiled and teased, "If I believe you, the sun will rise from the west that day."
After a few words, the young lady's mood improved. It was all because of this Lin Third's antics. The young lady, with a mix of shyness and joy, even ran ahead with small steps, as if she had returned to her sixteen or seventeen-year-old girlhood.
Although it was morning, Sū Dī was already bustling with activity. People gathering for the market, performers, and business transactions had already converged, creating an extraordinary scene.
The young lady seemed to regain her childish nature, abandoning Lin Third and walking while looking around. On the embankment, many performers showcased their skills, walking on tightropes, tossing money balls, kicking wooden boards, swallowing swords, spitting fire, and engaging in various acrobatics, making the onlookers amazed and unable to resist cheering.
The young lady admired, "I wonder how these people practice such martial arts?"
Lin Wanrong grinned, "These are just showy moves. If they really fought, one strike would end everything."
The young lady snorted and was about to speak when she suddenly screamed, hiding behind Lin Third in fright.
Lin Wanrong looked towards the source of the sound. It turned out to be a snake charmer, who somehow had a huge python wrapped around him, asking people around for money.
Women were naturally afraid of snakes, and the young lady was no exception. Lin Wanrong held the young lady's hand and quickly walked a few steps before he could laugh, "Why do these snake charmers use such a big snake to scare people? They should use smaller ones like bamboo vipers or eyeglass snakes; that would be more impressive."
The young lady, although afraid of snakes, knew that what he said was true. Those were highly venomous snakes. She glared at him lightly, saying, "You are truly bad. Let go of me quickly."
"Let go? Let go of what?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled.
"Let go of my hand." The young lady blushed and said, somewhat annoyed.
"Oh," Lin Wanrong hurriedly let go of her hand and said awkwardly, "Misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding."
The young lady snorted, "I've never seen someone as bad as you
." Her face turned slightly red, but she ignored him and continued walking. This time she had learned her lesson and chose places suitable for ladies, such as buying and selling, fragrant teas and delicate fruits, items for brewing, colorful makeup and puppets, lotus boats and warhorses, yangqin and drums, various props for plays, and countless other things.
The young lady, who had learned business from a young age, had distanced herself from these things for many years. Today, she had the opportunity to revisit her childhood dreams, and her excited little face turned red. She seemed like a playful child, looking around with curiosity and warmth for every little thing.
When Lin Wanrong finally caught up with her, he saw the young lady staring at a bunch of bright red crystal sugar skewers, seemingly lost in thought. Her white teeth tightly bit her red lower lip, as if she was hesitating.
This girl was tempted by a sweet tooth, Lin Wanrong thought with a hidden smile. He walked up to the old man selling the sugar skewers and asked, "Boss, how much for these sugar skewers?"
"Five wen for two skewers."
"It's too expensive. Will you sell three skewers for ten wen?"
The seller hesitated for a moment, then quickly pulled three and said, "Young sir, here are the three sugar skewers you wanted. Take them."
Lin Wanrong paid and handed two skewers to the young lady, saying, "I'll treat you. Eat."
The young lady's face blushed, and she said, "I just wanted to have a look. I didn't think of eating."
These wealthy young ladies, always wanting to save face, Lin Wanrong didn't pay attention to her. He took a bite of the frozen fruit and said after a few bites, "It's really sweet. The taste is good. Try it."
Unable to resist the temptation, the young lady took a gentle bite. Feeling the long-lost fragrance and sweetness fill her mouth, it was indeed delicious. Unconsciously, she finished the small skewer.
Lin Wanrong looked at her mysteriously and smiled, "Enjoying it?"
The young lady blushed and said, "Mind your own business." Her tone, however, was weak.
Seeing the mischievous smile on his face, the young lady knew that her previous expression had been seen through by him. Annoyed, she suddenly said, "Lin Third, your bargaining skills just now were truly unparalleled."
"Of course," Lin Wanrong chuckled. Just as he was about to boast, he suddenly slapped his forehead. Oh no, he had turned into a pig today. Oh dear, his face was going to lose big. Constantly chasing after wild geese had led to the geese pecking his eyes out.
The young lady burst into laughter, getting louder and louder, to the point where she could hardly stand. In the past, Lin Third took advantage of others, but today, he was taken advantage of, a rare sight.
Only thinking about taking advantage in verbal disputes, he had a momentary lapse of reason, and his lifelong reputation was ruined in an instant. Lin Wanrong regretted it inwardly, having to awkwardly say, "It's alright, it's alright. I'm promoting my style today. It's rare to be confused. Losing is gaining."
Hearing him say that losing is gaining, as if hearing him say he is a good person, was funny. The young lady found some face back and said, "Let's see if you dare to casually bully others in the future."
After this small episode, the young lady loosened up a bit. When she saw some snacks again, she took the initiative to pay and bought them, inviting Lin Third to taste them. Lin Wanrong, not rejecting free food, accepted graciously.
After the old man finished his painting, he seemed unsatisfied and brushed seven characters onto the misty rain painting: "Long, long, long, long, long, long, long."
Lin Wanrong nearly burst into laughter at this. The old man was playing word puzzles, quite amusing indeed. Miss raised her eyebrows, whispering, "Could these seven characters be the first half of a couplet?"
As the old man painted, a crowd of onlookers had gathered around. They all appeared to be refined scholars. Though these scholarly individuals might not excel in farming, when it came to literature and art, they were connoisseurs. This painting of the West Lake misty rain, with its ethereal and tranquil demeanor, showcased exquisite brushwork. Its artistic conception alone was enough to evoke envy. The skill and artistic conception displayed indicated a master, yet no one knew who this old man was.
After completing the seven characters, the old man casually tossed aside his small brush, his face filled with a smile. It seemed he had long known that there were spectators around. Turning to face the scholars, he smiled and said, "Esteemed scholars, these seven characters form the first half of a couplet. If anyone can provide a fitting second half, I will gift this new work, 'West Lake Misty Rain,' to him."
Hearing this, everyone was astonished. "West Lake Misty Rain" was a rare masterpiece, quite valuable. The old man was undoubtedly a contemporary master, though he had yet to leave behind his seal, leaving his identity unknown. What surprised everyone even more was that the seven characters "long" turned out to be the first half of a couplet, leaving them puzzled. In the land of West Lake, known for its talented scholars and beauties, faced with these seven characters, everyone was at a loss.
Miss contemplated for a while and sighed softly, "My knowledge is shallow. It seems I am not destined for this 'West Lake Misty Rain.'"
Lin Wanrong was puzzled, "Miss, while the painting 'West Lake Misty Rain' is indeed splendid, there's no need to elevate it so much."
Miss replied, "Judging by the old gentleman's style and grace, he must be a renowned contemporary master. To those who are illiterate in art, this 'West Lake Misty Rain' may seem worthless, but to art enthusiasts, it is priceless."
"Could it truly be worth a fortune?" Lin Wanrong suddenly became spirited. Though he anticipated the value of the painting, he didn't expect it to be worth so much silver. Indifferent to literature and art, he wasn't particularly concerned about renowned artists, but the allure of silver was a great temptation.
"Worth a fortune!" Miss affirmed.
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "In that case, Miss, let me think of a way to obtain this painting, sell it, and split the proceeds evenly."
Miss laughed, "If an art lover hears you talk like this, they'll surely kick you out. Wait, are you suggesting you can provide the matching second half?" She knew Lin Third had a disdain for poetry and such, but she had witnessed his wit firsthand. Could he truly have a way?
Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly, "Just a word puzzle. How could it stump a versatile talent like myself? First of all, Miss, rest assured, this is not me intentionally seeking the limelight."
Miss, curious, smiled, "You can rest assured. In matters like this, the more attention you attract, the better for the Xiao family." Such a matter that brought honor to the Xiao family couldn't be compared to Lin Third's brawl with the Marquis.
Lin Wanrong smiled and, from his pocket, pulled out a pencil. Under the gaze of the crowd, he walked over and, on the nearby blank paper, swiftly wrote seven large characters.