Lin Wanrong glanced around, confirming that he was alone. He smiled at the person, "Brother, are you calling me?"
The term "brother" made the man in the yellow robe smile, "Indeed, I'm addressing you."
Lin Wanrong was surprised, wondering why this person, whom he didn't know, was talking to him. The man reassured, "No need to worry, I bear no ill intentions. Do you know Wei Xian?"
"Wei Xian? I don't know," Lin Wanrong replied.
"Maybe you do. You seem to call him Uncle Wei," the man added.
"Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed, "How do you know him?"
So Wei Xian, or Uncle Wei, was the name Lin Wanrong now knew Wei Zhongxian by – just one character different from Wei Zhongxian's real name. That was a close call.
The man chuckled, "We go way back. I not only know him but also know you. You're Lin Wanrong, currently serving in the Xiao family, and Lin San is the alias Wei Xian gave you, right?"
With these words, Lin Wanrong had no more doubts. Lin San was indeed a name given by Old Wei; only Wei and Lin Wanrong knew the details.
"How about it? Do you believe now? Can we have a chat?" The man smiled, a glint in his eyes, a subtle authority despite the smile.
"Sir, do you really know Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong approached. Observing the man closely, he appeared middle-aged at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't certain. Although well-preserved, his face showed a sickly paleness, revealing signs of not being in great health. With graying hair at the temples, he seemed to be in his fifties or sixties.
As Lin Wanrong got closer, a few sturdy men nearby became tense. However, the man in the yellow robe shook his head slightly, and those men settled down.
The elderly man, with slightly squinted eyes, looked at him and calmly said, "Are you Lin Wanrong?" His voice, though not loud, carried a peculiar rhythm, creating a drum-like resonance around Lin Wanrong, imposing a sense of pressure. This old man is quite peculiar.
"I am Lin Wanrong. May I ask what business you have with me?" Lin Wanrong found it truly strange. Despite the old man speaking with a smile, Lin could feel waves of pressure. It was as if this elderly man possessed an imposing aura that compelled submission.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of restraint, as if, in the presence of this person, he couldn't fully unleash his capabilities.
Lin Wanrong glanced at the old man, who seemed to be smiling ambiguously at him, as if Lin were a mouse to be captured.
Locking eyes? I can do that too. Lin Wanrong's stubbornness emerged, and he continued to silently observe the old man. Initially somewhat reserved, he gradually became accustomed. No matter who you are, everyone has a nose and two eyes, so what's there to be afraid of?
As he relaxed, the pressure on him lessened, and the old man's gaze seemed less sharp.
"Sir, did you bring me here just to observe me? Or perhaps, do you want to invite me for a meal? Please speak candidly. I'm not a polite person," Lin Wanrong said, smiling. In the face of this imposing elder, he became more at ease. In this world, few could overpower him in terms of aura.
The old man chuckled, and his imposing demeanor softened. "Wei Xian was right; you indeed have a thick skin."
Really, this old man could use some tact. He's practically scraping my face, thought Lin Wanrong, smiling. "In this world, the least significant thing is this face of ours. Same face, yet there are countless life stories. Smiles on the outside, tears within; smiles within, tears outside. This face is the most unreliable thing in the world. What's the use of it?"
The old man burst into laughter, the sound penetrating the entire bamboo forest, startling a few birds hidden deep within. The atmosphere was truly extraordinary. Lin Wanrong looked at him, thinking, What's with this old man? Why is he laughing so loudly? Is he trying to intimidate me?
After a few laughs, the old man started coughing abruptly. A servant-like person nearby hurriedly handed him some pills, and after swallowing them, the old man's breathing stabilized. His face gained some color again, and he smiled at Lin Wanrong, "I didn't expect you, at such a young age, to have such insights. What you said is correct. In this world, the face is the most useless thing. Someone may have an attractive face, yet no one knows what's inside their stomach. What's the use of such a face?"
After a moment of calm, he continued, "From Wei Xian, I've heard about your unique qualities. Seeing you today, indeed, you have some insight. Would you mind chatting with an old man like me for a while?"
"Sir, I'm here already. Is there anything to mind or not? I won't hide it; Uncle Wei saved my life. Since you're his friend, you're my friend too. What's there to mind about chatting with a friend?" Lin Wanrong replied.
The man in the yellow robe looked at him, saying, "What a mouth you have." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he continued, "You say Wei Xian saved your life, but if one day you have to kill him, would you do it?"
As the old man's gaze pierced through, seemingly trying to see through him, Lin Wanrong remained unfazed, "Is there a possibility of that happening? Even if there is, I won't do it. The difference between humans and beasts lies in having our thoughts and emotions. If I can't control myself in front of Uncle Wei, how am I different from a beast?"
"Foolish kindness!" The old man closed his eyes and sighed, "Those who achieve great things must not be bound by trivial matters. You are still too young."
Sweat, a man in his twenties, and he still says I'm too young. I wonder what this old man has experienced. Lin Wanrong didn't argue, just smiling, "Sir, did you bring me here to discuss these matters with me?"
The old man changed his expression, smiling, "Not entirely. Where are you from?"
I want to know how to answer this question. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "Consider me a person from Jingchu."
"I heard that the businesses the Xiao family runs are all planned by you. Is that true?" The old man continued.
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes."
The old man nodded, "You indeed have a knack for managing. If everyone in the world focused on their businesses as you do, there would be no disasters."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If only ensuring well-being were that simple. For ordinary people, having enough to eat and wear is sufficient. The people of Dahua are kind-hearted. Satisfied with sustenance, they are content. Where is the thought of causing trouble?"
"Oh," the old man looked at him with interest, "
You speak quite differently from others. The Xiao family's achievements are impressive. What are your plans for the future?"
Lin Wanrong's eyes sparkled, "I've always wanted to build a city."
"A city?" The old man's eyes glinted, and he seemed intrigued, "A city for what purpose?"
Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously, "A city where people can live in peace, pursue their dreams, and enjoy life. A city that brings prosperity and happiness to its inhabitants."
The old man fell silent, his eyes deep in thought. After a while, he nodded, "Interesting. A city of peace and happiness. I hope you can realize your dream. If there is any assistance you need, feel free to ask."
Lin Wanrong was slightly surprised but quickly composed himself, "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your goodwill."
The old man waved his hand, "It's nothing. I like people with dreams. If you ever encounter any difficulties, remember that there are still people in this world who can help you. Now, let's continue our conversation. Tell me more about your vision for this city of yours."
"Woman's benevolence!" The old man closed his eyes and sighed, "Those who achieve great things must not be bound by trivial matters. You, on the other hand, are still too young."
Indeed, a person in his twenties was surprisingly described as young. Lin Wanrong, unsure of the old man's experiences, chose not to argue, smiling, "Old sir, did you summon me just to discuss these matters with me?"
The old man's expression changed, and he smiled, "Not entirely. Where are you from?"
Wondering how to respond to this question, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "Consider me a person from Jingchu."
"I heard that you've been planning the businesses run by the Xiao family. Is that true?" the old man continued.
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes."
The old man nodded, "You indeed have a knack for management. If everyone in the world focused on their businesses as you do, there would be no disasters."
Lin Wanrong smiled, "If avoiding disasters were that simple. For ordinary people, having enough to eat and wear is sufficient. The people of Dahua are kind-hearted. Satisfied with sustenance, they are content. Where is the thought of causing trouble?"
"Oh," the old man looked at him with interest, "Tell me more."
"Essentially, people's livelihoods come down to survival. For ordinary folks, it's as simple as having food to eat and clothes to wear. The people of Dahua are kind-hearted; once their basic needs are met, they are content, and there's no inclination to cause trouble," Lin Wanrong explained.
The old man's eyes flashed, "Basic needs are indeed crucial. The danger lies in the human heart harboring trouble."
Lin Wanrong laughed, "Old sir, I don't entirely agree with your interpretation. The White Lotus Society's turmoil originated from a peasant uprising due to famine. It was only later that it was manipulated by sinister individuals. If the people had enough to eat, where would the desire for rebellion come from?"
A cold glint flashed in the old man's eyes, "The chaos caused by the White Lotus Society threatens the foundation of Dahua. In your view, how should it be eradicated?"
Perplexed by the sudden turn in the conversation, Lin Wanrong smiled, "Old sir, isn't this matter beyond my concern?"
The old man in the yellow robe smiled, "I'm just chatting with you casually. Share your thoughts. How would you handle the Northern invaders?"
"Northern invaders?" Lin Wanrong was momentarily surprised, "Why bring up such matters? This conversation is getting mysterious. It almost sounds like a plot from a novel. Anyway, if everyone thinks like me, there's no need to worry. The Huns have invaded a few cities, and apart from a decisive battle, what other options do we have?"
"If everyone thinks like you, there would be no worries indeed," the old man harrumphed, "The Huns have temporarily captured a few cities, but they haven't reached the heartland of Dahua. The court is divided between those advocating war and those for peace."
Lin Wanrong shook his head, thinking, "What's wrong with our nation? Always prone to internal strife. When the enemy comes, we should fight, not bicker."
"The treasury is depleted, the military lacks strength, and there's a lack of capable generals in the court. Some suggest seeking peace first, then planning strategies," the old man glanced at him, "What do you think?"
"Peace my foot! Damn it!" Lin Wanrong cursed.
The old man chuckled, "Are you a warmonger?"
Lin Wanrong scoffed, "Fight if you can win; fight even more if you can't. If we can't win in a year, we've only lost a few cities. We can fight again next year. If we don't dare to fight at all, we'll lose the people's trust. Losing a city is nothing compared to losing the entire country. Old sir, which one would you choose – losing a city or losing a country?"
"Losing a city or losing a country?" The old man sighed, "A profound choice. Unexpectedly, you have such insights. The courtiers are not as clear-sighted as you, not that they don't understand, but they understand too well. If the country falls, they can surrender and still gain high positions and wealth. Only the emperor sitting on the throne is anxious, as he can't surrender. Who, in this situation, is the one with true understanding? It's the human heart, the human heart—"
"Hahaha," the old man in the yellow robe burst into laughter, "Well said, the human heart is indeed the human heart. Throughout history, it has been the source of all evils. Lin Wanrong, you are young, but your understanding of the human heart is impressive. Very good."
The old man's enthusiasm increased, "If we advocate war, the Huns are physically robust and formidable in battle. With Dahua's soldiers at a disadvantage, how do you propose to fight?"
Lin Wanrong, not having military experience, chuckled, "Old sir, I haven't been to the court or the battlefield, so I'm not well-versed in military matters."
The old man waved his hand, "It's better that you haven't. You can say anything as an outsider. If you were in the court, you might not be able to speak so freely. Just share, how would you, as someone unfamiliar with national and military affairs, handle the situation if you were to get involved? You might have clearer insights than those in the middle."
Lin Wanrong, noticing the old man's dignified demeanor, thought, "This friend of Old Wei is quite influential. He talks about national and military affairs so casually. There might be significant forces in the capital."
Being a shrewd businessman, Lin Wanrong smiled, "Old sir, discussing these matters isn't my expertise. I'm just a commoner."
The old man chuckled, "I know you are a business-minded person. Today, I asked you to speak, and I won't let your eloquence go to waste. Consider it a debt owed to you. When you come to the capital in the future, find me, and I'll fulfill a wish for you."
Indeed, this old man had a prominent background. Lin Wanrong wondered about his official rank and how Old Wei knew such an influential figure.
The man in the yellow robe took out a waist token from his waist, "Consider this a token. When you come to the capital, show this token at the yamen, and someone will guide you to me."
Taking the waist token, Lin Wanrong examined it. It was a palm-sized piece of pure gold, intricately carved with a golden dragon on both sides. Apart from that, there was nothing else.
"Old sir, are you from the imperial palace?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised. He had never seen such an item before. It somewhat resembled an imperial envoy's token, but those usually had inscriptions, like the character '御' symbolizing imperial authority. Higher-ranking ones might have the character '朕,' indicating the emperor's personal decree – rare and precious. However, this one had carvings of dragons on both sides, something he had never encountered.
Seeing him inspect the gold token, the old man smiled, "If you
come to the capital one day, you'll find out who I am. Today, speak without reservation. If the people throughout the court, civil and military, shared your thoughts, who would worry about the invaders not being eradicated and the lands not being recovered?"
He sighed, "But war requires more than just enthusiasm. Your words are good on paper, but they may not be practical on the battlefield."
Lin Wanrong smiled, "Old sir, my words might be basic, but they provide a general outline. With a good plan and knowing how to use people, it should be enough. As for the execution, it's up to Dahua's military generals. The court pays them salaries to defend the country; otherwise, what's the point?"
The old man nodded, "I didn't expect you to have some understanding. Old Wei didn't misjudge you."
A servant approached and murmured something to the old man. He nodded and turned to Lin Wanrong, "I have some matters to attend to. If you come to the capital, remember to find me as I mentioned earlier. Remember it well."
Watching the old man board a sedan chair, escorted by guards, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but wonder, "How did I end up discussing national and military affairs with this old man out of the blue? Even I find it hard to believe."
He glanced at the gold token in his hand, heavy and valuable. He stowed it away in his bosom, thinking, "At least I gained something from this verbal exchange."