Lin Wanrong approached her, with keen eyes, and quickly scanned the content of the written charm. Needless to say, it was certainly a marriage charm. However, after reading the verse, even he, a great talker, was perplexed. What did this written charm mean? Why did it suddenly become profound?
Seeing Lin San stealing glances, Miss hurriedly hid the charm, blushing. She said, "What are you looking at? I'll go consult the old monk about it."
After finishing her words, she went to find the old monk. Lin Wanrong shook his head; women, no matter how strong they were, were greatly affected by matters of marriage. Even a strong woman like Xiao Yuruo couldn't avoid it.
The day passed in a leisurely manner. However, after Miss consulted the old monk about the charm, her smile seemed to diminish a lot, replaced by a hint of confusion. Lin Wanrong wondered what the old monk said to make Miss look like this.
Lin Wanrong thought, the old monk is just like me, a great talker. Probably couldn't say anything useful, all ambiguous. The only difference is, he charges two silver coins, while this talented scholar does it for free.
Today's outing brought some gains. Not only did Miss have a brighter smile, but he also encountered the Minister of Revenue, Xu Wei, a prominent figure. Fortunately, it was not in vain.
There was also that man in yellow, no idea who he was, and how Uncle Wei knew him.
Forget about who he is, as long as he poses no harm to me. If it's something I can't figure out, I won't dwell on it. That's Lin Wanrong's principle.
On the other hand, Miss Xiao seemed a bit strange after seeking the charm. The matter of marriage seemed to be bothering her. Lin Wanrong didn't know what the old monk said, and could only watch helplessly.
Back at the residence, Miss announced that the next day, they would be free to explore, emphasizing not to cause trouble, and then went straight to her room.
Xiao Feng and Little Cui were excited; they were probably planning to go out together. Lin Wanrong chuckled, love is in the air.
Back in the room, after placing "West Lake Mist and Rain Painting" properly, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that he was supposed to find a buyer for this painting. Today, that man in the yellow robe seemed like a good target. How did he end up discussing national affairs with him and forget this important matter? What a failure!
Early the next morning, Miss resumed her strong personality, heading out early to visit the famous ladies of Hangzhou.
Lin Wanrong had nowhere to go, wandering aimlessly in the city. Hangzhou was not large, and moving around was convenient. He explored many small alleys but found few interesting things.
Arriving near a residence to the east of the city, close to Su Causeway, he discovered a crowd surrounded by fragrant smoke. Hundreds of people were kneeling on the ground, shouting in unison, "The Goddess of White Lotus has manifested!"
"White Lotus Goddess?" Lin Wanrong was particularly sensitive to the words "White Lotus" and hurriedly pushed his way through.
In front, there was an open space with a white jade Buddha statue in the center. It portrayed a dignified woman with a kind and gentle expression.
Strangely, this white jade Buddha was not any Bodhisattva from a temple. Lin Wanrong had never heard of the name "Goddess of White Lotus." Even more surprising, the lower half of the statue was buried in the ground. The surroundings were filled with offerings and incense, and numerous believers knelt, chanting "Goddess of White Lotus."
A robust man climbed to a higher place and loudly announced, "Dear believers, brothers and sisters, the merciful Goddess of White Lotus has appeared."
With his announcement, countless believers below echoed, "The Goddess of White Lotus has appeared."
Although there were many people, Lin Wanrong carefully observed and saw many "believers" mixed among them.
Lin Wanrong understood, couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Damn, these are all staged.
"In these past months, everyone has witnessed the miraculous power and merits of the Goddess of White Lotus. The buried Buddha statue grows an inch every day. Why is that? It's the compassionate Goddess of White Lotus demonstrating her miraculous powers to help us, the suffering. Our White Lotus sect is her messenger, gathering virtuous deeds for everyone. Once you join the White Lotus sect, you become brothers and sisters. Everyone has clothes to wear, food to eat, and bathes in the blessings of the Goddess of White Lotus, accumulating immeasurable merits."
The man fervently declared, and many common people immediately knelt and joined the White Lotus sect.
Damn, growing an inch every day? What kind of nonsense is this? This White Lotus sect, with a name so close to the White Lotus Cult, is obviously up to no good.
Lin Wanrong was pondering this when someone patted his shoulder. Turning around, he saw the thin and wise face of Xu Wei, the Minister of Revenue who had gifted him the painting the day before.
The old man is here? Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, truly life's encounters are unpredictable.
Xu Wei smiled and said, "Young man, we meet again."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Mr. Xu—"
Xu Wei, however, hushed him with a gesture and said, "This is not the place for conversation. Please follow me, young man."
Lin Wanrong followed Xu Wei, and the two boarded a nearby restaurant, taking seats near the window, providing a view of the White Lotus believers.
Xu Wei smiled, "Young man, it seems we do have some fate."
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Xu, I never expected to encounter you here."
Shaking his head, Xu Wei chuckled, "Young brother, I found you quite straightforward yesterday, but today, you seem a bit reserved. What happened?"
Lin Wanrong inquired, "Mr. Xu, what do you mean by that?"
"This visit to Hangzhou is a private one for me. I prefer keeping a low profile. Don't treat me as a court official. Just call me Mr. Xu or Mr. Wen, like yesterday on Su Causeway, you can even call me an old man. Using 'Mr. Xu' would be too common and uninspiring," Xu Wei said with a smile.
So, this Xu Wei has some boldness, not like someone from the official circles. Lin Wanrong nodded, "Since Mr. Xu says so, I will certainly comply."
Xu Wei sighed, "Being an official in the court has many taboos. Conversations and discussions need careful attention. In the martial world, one can be carefree. Mr. Wen once led a carefree life as a scholar, but now things have changed. Talks and actions carry many considerations, quite lamentable."
Xu Wei seemed to share these words openly, as if not treating Lin Wanrong as an outsider.
Lin Wanrong was not naive, Xu Wei's words sounded comforting on the surface, making it seem sincere, but upon careful consideration, he hadn't said much beyond expressing emotions. This was the art of conversation.
Nevertheless, Xu Wei, holding a high official position, treated a mere servant with such humility and ease. It was indeed admirable.
Lin Wanrong admired Xu Wei to some extent and said with a smile, "Mr. Xu, your words are profound. As the most learned and highly positioned individual, admired by people all over the world, the affairs of the court and those of the martial world are similar life experiences for someone of your open and broad character. What difference does it make?"
Xu Wei looked pleased and said, "Young man, your words carry deep meaning. Affairs of the court and the martial world are both life experiences. Good, good, your words resonate with me."
Seeing that Lin Wanrong was not just an ordinary servant, Xu Wei smiled and said, "Lin, your words have a deep meaning. In the future, if you encounter difficulties, seek out Governor Luo. Just mention Mr. Wen's request, and he will naturally help you."
Lin Wanrong thought, do I need your favor now? I have already taken in Luo Min's son as my follower, and that old fox treats me respectfully. Nevertheless, Lin Wanrong expressed gratitude for Xu Wei's goodwill.
Xu Wei's gaze fell on the White Lotus worshippers in the distance. He sighed, "The White Lotus rebellion in the past had its roots in hunger and discontent, which is somewhat understandable. Unfortunately, they were manipulated by malicious individuals and deviated further. Engaging in arson, murder, and looting, they became detested by the people. Eradicating the White Lotus is an urgent matter."
Curious, Lin Wanrong asked, "Mr. Xu, if the White Lotus Cult has a notorious reputation, why do people still worship them?"
Xu Wei explained, "That's the result of their bewitching techniques. The worshippers you see here may not be aware that the White Lotus Cult and this White Lotus gathering are the same. Combined with their bewitching methods, they hold allure for the common people. That's what you witness now."
Glancing at the devout believers, who knelt and worshipped from a distant alley, Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "The most frightening thing in this world is the manipulation of hearts. Mr. Xu, what exactly is this 'bewitching technique' you mentioned?"