The merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang present at the scene instantly stirred with excitement. In this era, the status of merchants was low, and their interactions with the government were extremely limited. Now, the arrival of Lord Xu Wei, the Chief Academician of the Wenhua Palace, the foremost scholar in the realm, and the Minister of Revenue, personally graced these merchants with his presence, greatly elevating their prestige.
President Yu hastily got up from the ground, while Tao Dongcheng, assisted by Tao Wanying, hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.
This Xu Wenchang arrived at the perfect moment, Lin Wanrong thought, smiling at the young lady.
Xiao Yuruo, upon hearing that Lord Xu Wei had arrived, initially felt delighted. However, she grew concerned afterward. Even if Lord Xu Wei appreciates Lin San's talent, he is an imperial official. Will he be biased in the face of unanimous accusations against Lin San?
Dressed in a crimson official robe, Xu Wei wore a slight smile on his face. His slender countenance carried a hint of majesty as he strolled in. Following him were the magistrate of Hangzhou, as well as dozens of officials from various ranks in Zhejiang.
"Greetings, Lord Minister. Greetings, esteemed gentlemen," President Yu respectfully bowed, assisting others to rise.
"Student Tao Dongcheng pays respects to Lord Xu and esteemed gentlemen," Tao Dongcheng also bowed.
Everyone knew that Xu Wei was once the Emperor's chief strategist in the hidden palace and now served as a pillar of the Dahua Dynasty, overseeing financial matters. He was the most trusted confidant of the Emperor. Gaining his favor would undoubtedly lead to rapid advancement.
"Gentlemen, colleagues, please dispense with formalities," Xu Wei nodded and said with a smile, helping them up.
As the group stood, Xu Wei noticed the swollen faces of Yu and Tao. He was surprised and asked, "Gentlemen, what has happened to you two?"
President Yu immediately knelt down, wailing, "Lord, you must help me, help our merchant guilds in Jiangsu and Zhejiang."
Tao Dongcheng gritted his teeth, also kneeling, "Please, my lord, intervene on behalf of this student."
Xu Wei was puzzled, "What has transpired, please rise and speak. You two are the leaders of the merchant guilds in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the dragons among merchants. What has occurred?"
President Yu, with tears and mucus, pointed accusingly at Lin Wanrong, "It's all because of this servant Lin San from the Xiao family—he not only insulted our guilds in Jiangsu and Zhejiang but also publicly assaulted me, Young Master Tao, and many others in our guild. It's a disgrace to merchants worldwide. Lord, please do justice for us."
Hearing this, Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly at the shameless President Yu. I clearly only fought with the two of you, but with his words, it became an attack on a multitude of people. Shameless, surpassing even me.
Xu Wei exclaimed, looking at Lin Wanrong, and then turned to Yu and Tao in amazement, "President Yu means to say this servant Lin San alone attacked both of you, Young Master Tao, and numerous others?"
"Yes, yes, yes," President Yu hastily exclaimed, "All the brothers present can testify to this."
"One person assaulting many?" Xu Wei questioned, walking a few steps to Lin Wanrong, smiling, "Young Master Lin, is what they say true?"
Before Lin Wanrong could reply, the young lady spoke up, "Lord Xu, today's incident is due to my Xiao family. It has nothing to do with Lin San. All troubles and responsibilities rest solely on my Xiao family."
Xu Wei looked at Xiao Yuruo and sighed, "You, Miss Xiao Yuruo?"
The young lady curtsied, "Indeed, it is I."
Xu Wei gazed at her, "You look remarkably similar—"
The young lady, confused, glanced at Xu Wei, unsure of his meaning.
Xu Wei sighed again, "Miss Xiao Yuruo, don't be surprised. I had some interactions with Lady Guo in the past. I greatly admired Lady Guo's intelligence and wit. Separated for over two decades, seeing an old acquaintance is both heartening and saddening."
Upon hearing that Xu Wei had connections with her mother, Xiao Yuruo felt somewhat consoled. She didn't seek Xu Wei's bias but hoped for fairness.
Xu Wei smiled, "Miss Xiao Yuruo, although we are acquainted, in handling today's matter, I cannot show favoritism. I must handle it impartially. I hope you understand."
Xiao Yuruo hastily said, "I seek nothing more than your impartiality, my lord."
President Yu and Tao Dongcheng, initially shocked by the revelation of Xu Wei's acquaintance with Xiao Yuruo's mother, felt relieved as it seemed Xu Wei had no intention of favoring either side.
Xu Wei nodded and turned to Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, are these two speaking the truth or fabricating stories? Did you engage in a brawl with them and others?"
"A brawl? Absolutely not," Lin Wanrong replied in confusion, "Lord Xu, how could one person like me engage in a brawl with a group? Even if I had six arms, it would still be impossible."
Xu Wei nodded, turned to Fatty Yu, and said, "President Yu, this Lin San allegedly brawled with many of you. Even if he had all his limbs, it would be difficult. Are you sure you remember correctly?"
Sweat beads formed on Fatty Yu's forehead as he realized he had exaggerated. He quickly corrected himself, "My lord, it was Lin San who first attacked me, then Young Master Tao. All present can testify."
Tao Dongcheng added, "President Yu's words are entirely accurate, and I vouch for it with my life."
Xu Wei acknowledged, "So, it's not a brawl but a mutual fight, is that correct?"
This time, Fatty Yu quickly adjusted his statement, "My lord, it was Lin San who initiated the attack, and we hadn't retaliated before being assaulted."
"I see. Lin San, did you indeed attack President Yu and others?" Xu Wei turned to Lin Wanrong.
"It's not accurate to call it an attack. We simply had a friendly exchange. Those who know me are aware that I always prefer to win people over with virtue," shamelessly stated Lin Wanrong.
The innkeeper, Li, immediately interjected, "Nonsense! We witnessed you assaulting President Yu and Young Master Tao. Do you still want to argue?"
Xu Wei nodded but raised his voice, "Lin San, do you understand the gravity of your actions? Why did you assault President Yu and Young Master Tao?"
Before Lin Wanrong could reply, President Yu hurriedly said, "My lord, we were just discussing business matters with the Xiao family. Lin San, however, resorted to violence. Please, my lord, observe the truth."
"Oh," Xu Wei looked understanding, "President Yu, this is the territory of Zhejiang. Lin San, a mere servant, without power or authority, dared to assault you? That's excessively arrogant, and forgiveness is impossible."
On the side, Liu Yue'e couldn't tolerate it anymore and jumped up, "Lord Xu, don't listen to their nonsense. It's President Yu and them who are bullying and overbearing. Lin San retaliated out of justified anger."
Liu Yue'e went on a lengthy explanation, vividly describing how the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce pressured the Xiao family, Tao Dongcheng's complicity, and how the Nanjing Chamber of Commerce submitted. She highlighted Lin Wanrong's action as a righteous response to unjust provocations.
Xu Wei squinted his eyes, revealing no clear stance. Lin Wanrong, however, was astute. In Xu Wei's seemingly casual questions, there were subtle layers of wisdom.
After listening to Liu Yue'e's account, Xu Wei furrowed his brows, gazing at Fatty Yu, "President Yu, is this true?"
Fatty Yu nervously responded, "My lord, please don't misunderstand. The Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has no intention of bullying. We were just discussing business matters with the young lady."
"Discussing?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "How did President Yu discuss it? It seems he wanted the Xiao family to hand over the business rights of the entire province to the innkeeper Li. Otherwise, the Xiao family would be forbidden from operating in Hangzhou. Is that President Yu's idea of 'discussion'?"
Fatty Yu stammered and couldn't deny it.
Lin Wanrong clasped his hands to Xu Wei, "Lord Xu, as the Minister of Revenue, you must understand the principles of business. Effective business requires talent and skills, fostering competition to stimulate rapid development and prosperity of our great Dahua's trade. People like President Yu, solely pursuing personal gain and employing various means to hinder others' normal operations, obstruct the free atmosphere of trade. In commerce, like rowing against the current, if not advancing, one retreats. Under such suppression, how can the commerce in Zhejiang progress? Mr. Tao from the Nanjing Chamber of Commerce, being the president, should consider the interests of the merchants in the guild. Aligning with President Yu to ostracize the Xiao family—what audacity allows him to bully others? Encouraging trade, promoting competition, is the right path. However, bullying and dominating the market will undermine the foundation of Dahua's business. We cannot tolerate it."
Lin Wanrong's eloquent speech elevated the issue from local bullying to the vital foundation of Dahua's economy. The audience listened in a haze, seemingly comprehending yet not fully understanding.
Xu Wei's expression turned serious as he looked at Fatty Yu, "President Yu, did Lin San lie?"
Fatty Yu dared not speak. Xu Wei then turned to Tao Dongcheng, "What is your opinion, Mr. Tao?"
Tao Dongcheng remained silent, but his sister, Tao Wanying, defended, "Lord Xu, Lin San is spreading falsehoods, falsely accusing my brother. Please, my lord, make a fair judgment."
Xu Wei snorted heavily, "Since none of you want to speak, Lin San, did you really assault them?"
Everyone remained silent. Xu Wei sighed, "In Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the economic foundation of our Dahua, the granary of the nation, today's annual business gathering is highly valued by the Emperor. He appointed me to meet with all of you and understand the challenges you face in your operations. Unexpectedly, such an incident occurred, truly disappointing."
Xu Wei's reputation was formidable, and his presence was imposing, leaving everyone silent in the hall.
He sighed again, turning to the Hangzhou Prefect, "Magistrate Gu, according to our Dahua laws, what punishment does one face for assaulting another?"
Although Fatty Yu and Tao Dongcheng were leaders of the Chamber of Commerce in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, they were non-official organizations. Lin Wanrong assaulting them did not count as assaulting an imperial official, at most, it was an attack on local gentry.
"According to our Dahua laws, publicly assaulting someone warrants corporal punishment or imprisonment. Considering Lin San's case of assaulting the two gentlemen, a flogging of two hundred lashes is in order," said Magistrate Gu.
"And how is a crime like bullying and disrupting business treated?" Xu Wei inquired.
"According to Dahua laws, bullying and market domination can lead to confiscation of official assets or even forced conscription as a wanderer," replied Magistrate Gu.
Fatty Yu turned pale, and Tao Dongcheng gritted his teeth, not uttering a word. The charge of disrupting business was severe. The two were accustomed to rampant behavior in both Nanjing and Hangzhou, never facing opposition. Now, Xu Wei showed no mercy, dealing a heavy blow.
Miss Xiao Yuruo, who had been silent for a long time, felt a sense of joy after hearing Xu Wei's words. She couldn't help but glance at Lin San, who was smiling as if he had everything under control.
Xu Wei sighed, "Lin San is somewhat forgivable. As for President Yu and Young Master
Tao, they are pillars of our Dahua. The accusation of market bullying has yet to be proven. Magistrate Gu, in your opinion, how should we handle this matter?"
"Lord Xu, based on my humble view, both President Yu and Young Master Tao have their faults. Lin San, in response, also bears responsibility. It would be best to have the three of them reflect on their actions and learn from this experience," suggested Magistrate Gu.
Xu Wei smiled faintly, "So be it. President Yu, Young Master Tao, how do you feel about this resolution?"
Fatty Yu dared not speak, and Tao Dongcheng clenched his teeth, saying, "My lord, your leniency is appreciated. We will refrain from further words. However, while I, as a student, can overlook this, placing our Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce in an unfavorable position—how can I turn a blind eye? Today, with your presence, I wish to have a fair competition with the Xiao family."
"Oh?" Xu Wei expressed interest, "What kind of competition?"
"A battle of literary and martial arts," Tao Dongcheng gritted his teeth.