Damn, what's your deal? I'm not clueless, and you're still putting up this act in front of me. Trying to act tough, huh? I'm better at this game than you. Lin Wanrong snorted inwardly, wearing a confused expression on his face as he glanced at Zhao Kangning. "Oh, is the young master talking to me? Could it be that the young master knows me from before? This, I must say, is truly an honor."
Zhao Kangning smiled, "Even if we didn't know each other before, today I'm afraid everyone will recognize you. Lin San, judging by your skill, you are indeed extraordinary. If we have some free time in the future, I'd like to have a good chat with you."
"Thank you for the young master's appreciation. The young master is the grandson of the Prince Dragon, a dragon spirit of the country, managing myriad affairs diligently. I, Lin San, a mere commoner, dare not engage in conversation with you." Lin Wanrong chuckled.
Zhao Kangning, unaware of the hidden meaning in Lin Wanrong's words, nodded and waved his hand. A follower presented a painting, and Zhao Kangning took it, smiling as he said, "Lord Luo, in today's couplet competition, if I lose, I'll give you this painting, 'Wind and Snow Returning Home,' obtained from Master Wen Chang years ago. Consider it a bonus for Lord Luo."
Luo Min hurriedly expressed her gratitude, "I dare not, I dare not. Today's couplet competition is a match between Lin San and Mr. Shen. It has nothing to do with me. How can I accept such a reward?"
Zhao Kangning nodded and said, "Once I speak, I will keep my word. Lin San, I will give you this 'Wind and Snow Returning Home.'"
Eager to make some money, Lin Wanrong accepted the painting with a smile. "Thank you, young master, for this fine painting. However, I am a crude person and cannot appreciate good paintings. I dare not keep it for myself. How about this, as today is the old lady's birthday, I'll use this 'Wind and Snow Returning Home' as a birthday gift for the old birthday star."
The crowd marveled at Lin San's clever move. As a mere servant, how could he accept a painting from the young master? Now, he had passed it on to the old lady, benefiting both sides.
The old lady, discerning in her own right, smiled and said, "Lin Xiaoge, you're too polite. How can this be?!"
Lin San spoke sincerely, "Old birthday star, this is what you deserve. Today, Mr. Shen and I engaged in couplet play for fun, and more importantly, to celebrate your birthday. May the old birthday star have boundless blessings, and it is only fitting to gift a good painting to the birthday star; it's only right and proper."
Lo Ning smiled and said, "Grandmother, this is Brother Lin's sincere gesture. Please accept it."
The old lady was delighted and said, "In that case, I won't be polite. Thank you, Brother Lin."
After the painting was received by the old lady, the atmosphere in the hall became lively. Today, Prince Ning brought people to celebrate the birthday, and Lin San defeated the couplet king Shen Banshan, bringing joy to the Southern scholars.
During the banquet, after a few cups of wine, Zhao Kangning, seeing everyone in high spirits, suggested, "Since it's so lively today, I'd like to join in the fun. I have some entertainers with me. How about inviting them to perform a few small plays to amuse everyone? What does Lord Luo think?"
Luo Min, relieved that it wasn't another competition, replied, "Young Master, your kindness is much appreciated."
Zhao Kangning gestured, and several entertainers emerged, showcasing various skills in the courtyard. Tightrope walking, jumping ropes, and a variety of performances created a lively and cheerful atmosphere. The old lady enjoyed the spectacle, and even Lo Ning found it fascinating.
Lin Wanrong nodded in approval but thought to himself, Zhao Kangning came prepared, not only bringing the couplet king Shen Banshan but also arranging a variety show. He was clearly trying to win over Luo Min's favor. I wonder what the old Luo is thinking.
Seeing everyone engrossed in the performances, Zhao Kangning smiled and waved again. This time, an elderly Daoist with a graceful demeanor and flowing white beard entered, bowing to the old lady. "I am Daoist Xuanxuanzi from Songyun Taoist Temple, offering my congratulations to the old lady for a long and prosperous life."
The old lady hurriedly said, "Daoist, please rise."
Zhao Kangning stood up and introduced, "Old lady, Daoist Xuanxuanzi is highly skilled in the Dao, renowned far and wide. Today, I specially invited him to perform a Daoist ritual to wish the old lady longevity."
Daoist Xuanxuanzi, with his white hair and beard, looked like a true immortal. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but think, Damn, is dying your hair and beard white enough to pass off as a Daoist? Seems like making money with superstitious beliefs is quite lucrative.
The old lady, a devout person, eagerly invited him to perform the ritual. Daoist Xuanxuanzi smiled, touched his beard, and said, "Today, on the old lady's grand birthday, I have nothing to offer. I will perform a ritual to
establish a good relationship with all present."
He asked for a bowl of clear water, then found three wooden chopsticks of varying lengths. After moistening one of the ends in water and placing a bit of water between the other ends, he stood the three chopsticks together. Smiling, he said, "Please, everyone, observe closely."
Taking the bowl of clear water, Daoist Xuanxuanzi, with everyone's eyes on him, slowly inserted the three chopsticks into the water.
The chopsticks were slightly crooked, but Daoist Xuanxuanzi swiftly circled the water cup a few times, chanting rapidly, "Supreme Taoist, Sanqing Daoist, urgent command, rise—"
Strangely enough, the three chopsticks stood together, upright and straight.
The chopsticks stood in the water – a sign of good luck. The hall buzzed with excitement. Daoist Xuanxuanzi's magical powers were truly extraordinary.
The old lady exclaimed, "Daoist, please be seated. Someone, offer incense to Daoist."
Daoist Xuanxuanzi, with a pleased smile, looked like a true celestial being. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but burst into laughter, thinking, This Daoist is even better at acting than me. What kind of nonsense Daoist powers are these? I stopped playing with standing chopsticks when I was ten.
Miss Luo, hearing him laugh, whispered, "Why are you laughing? Be careful; if Daoist hears you, he might punish you."
Well, this feudal superstition was brought about like this. Daoist this and Daoist that, if he's a Daoist, then I'm the Supreme Taoist. Lin Wanrong laughed until his stomach hurt but adhered to the principles of the martial world, refraining from exposing the fraud.
Zhao Kangning, smiling, noticed Lin San's peculiar expression and a trace of disdain. Unable to hold back, he snorted lightly and said, "Lin San, do you have any objections to the Daoist's skills?"
To be honest, Lin Wanrong, having left the rivers and lakes, wasn't willing to expose the tricks of others. Both the standing chopsticks in the water and his past experiences were mere clever tricks. They were fellow travelers in deceiving people to make a living. It was a matter of martial ethics not to expose someone's shortcomings.
"Well, well." Lin Wanrong smiled and said, his face showing no respect. Since we're colleagues, I won't expose you, but you don't get any special treatment.
Daoist Xuanxuanzi, sensing Lin San's disdain, smoothly brushed his long beard and said, "Ignorant young man, how can you doubt my Sanqing Daoist? Let me advise you, with your limited experience, it's better to doubt yourself than to doubt the Daoist."
Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow, damn it, I'm trying to look out for you, but now your master is deliberately provoking and directly picking a fight with me? Lin Wanrong snorted, "Daoist, this humble one is just a servant, holding great respect for the Sanqing Daoist. As for you, Daoist, I am sincerely convinced."
Daoist Xuanxuanzi, with a pleased smile, nodded. Suddenly, a servant spoke, "Young man, I have practiced the skill of balancing a teacup for some time. Today, I dare to try the Daoist's technique with the standing chopsticks."
Upon hearing this from Lin San, the hall was filled with astonishment. The Daoist's skills were witnessed by all; was this Lin San seeking death? Miss Luo's face turned anxious, and she muttered, "You, why would you be so reckless?"
Daoist Xuanxuanzi's expression changed, and Lin Wanrong smirked. He had picked up three clean wooden chopsticks and raised them, saying, "Everyone, please watch closely."