I would appreciate your assistance as an English translator, spelling corrector, and enhancer. I will communicate with you in Chinese, and you are expected to provide the translated and refined version of my text in English. Please replace any simplistic and basic words or sentences with more sophisticated and elevated English expressions, maintaining the original meaning while enhancing the literary quality. Kindly refrain from explanations; simply provide corrections.
Heeding his discourse on marital unity, Qiao Qiao's countenance blushed, her body warmed, and she leaned feebly into his embrace, devoid of any strength.
Witnessing this maiden's gentle and charming demeanor, deeply enamored by himself, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. If I were to venture to the capital someday, would this maiden's soul not follow? Truly, my cherished one would be subjected to hardship. Concerned for Qiao Qiao's well-being, he contemplated, and his disdain for Cheng Dezhi intensified.
"Qiao Qiao, listen to me," Lin Wanrong turned her body, gently kissing her lips, and spoke softly, "Being generous and tolerant is indeed your virtue, but excessive leniency, devoid of moderation, becomes an indulgence to evildoers. Especially in our current business dealings, we abstain from unscrupulous practices. However, we shall not be the victims of bullying."
Qiao Qiao, blushing, smiled shyly, "Big brother, Qiao Qiao understands. It's not that Qiao Qiao indulges the wrongdoers. It's just that the boss by the Qinhuai River wants more money, and I don't know how he's connected with the young master of the commander. That's why he acts so arrogantly. I'm worried about causing trouble for big brother."
Lin Wanrong held her in his arms and said gently, "Little darling, don't worry. Big brother fears everything but trouble. In the future, leave such intricate matters to big brother to handle. You just be a good shopkeeper."
Qiao Qiao agreed, her face blushing, and she whispered in his arms, "Big brother, you're so good to me."
Lin Wanrong felt guilty. A sweet word from him, and this little maiden was content. Too easy to please. Honestly, since entering the Xiao family, he hadn't spent many days with Qiao Qiao. The girl remained infatuated, constantly thinking about him. He, on the other hand, had to deal with Yu Shuang, Qing Xuan, and Xian'er. It was a bit embarrassing.
Ah, the troubles of being affectionate. He chuckled, but he held Qiao Qiao even tighter. The faces of Yu Shuang, Qing Xuan, and Xian'er floated in his mind. If being affectionate was a mistake, then I'll continue making the same mistake, he thought with difficulty.
After a warm moment, Qiao Qiao suddenly raised her head and said, "Big brother, did you give Sister Luo a diamond?"
Sweat, rumors spread like wildfire. I clearly gave it to the old lady for her birthday, but somehow it turned into me giving it to Luo Ning. Lin Wanrong hurriedly replied, "No, absolutely not. That was on the old lady's birthday. I gave it to her, and she rewarded Luo Ning. It has nothing to do with me."
Qiao Qiao covered her lips, smiling, "Big brother, I was just talking. Why are you so flustered? Sister Luo came to discuss the sponsorship of the poetry event a few days ago. I saw her wearing a necklace with a diamond pendant, very exquisite. I thought you gave it to her."
A diamond necklace? Damn, Luo Ning is quite creative. Regardless of the pendant, once set with this diamond, it would undoubtedly exude extraordinary taste. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Her diamond is smaller, not even a third of the one I gave you. I'll find out where she got it and make a pendant for you. When you wear it, my dear Qiao Qiao will become a celestial beauty on earth, making everyone jealous."
Listening to his sweet talk, Qiao Qiao's face turned pink, and she said softly, "Big brother, I'm not as beautiful as you say. Sister Luo is the one who is truly beautiful."
"My Qiao Qiao is the most beautiful in my heart." He teased, adding silently in his heart, "One of them."
Even though he knew he was speaking sweet words to please her, Qiao Qiao felt delighted. Leaning in his arms, she said, "Big brother, I heard from Sister Ning about what happened at the birthday banquet."
"Oh? Little darling, do you remember what I told you last time? When others speak ill of me, you should reduce it by a hundredfold because it's probably false. When they praise me, you should amplify it by a thousandfold because it's undoubtedly true." Lin Wanrong grinned, "I wonder if Miss Luo's words are true or false?"
Qiao Qiao giggled, "Sister Ning is so good to you. How could she speak falsely? She said you, single-handedly, faced the 'King of Couplets' from the northern provinces, bringing glory to our southern scholars. Everyone admires your courage and wit, exposing the old Daoist's deceitful tricks. You're a true scholar."
Qiao Qiao looked at him, her eyes filled with deep affection. "Big brother, you also know that I've always been modest and sincere. The things Miss Luo mentioned might be somewhat embellished, but they are still close to the truth."
"Sister Ning also praised you for your unique insights, appearing mischievous but genuinely sincere in your dealings with others. You are a person of true emotions and righteousness." Qiao Qiao said with a smile.
"Qiao Qiao, bring the account book. Let me take a look." Lin Wanrong suddenly said.
"Big brother, why do you need the account book?" Qiao Qiao asked curiously.
"This girl spoke so many good things about me in front of you. Let me check if she deceived you out of a thousand taels of silver." Lin Wanrong said with a smile.
Qiao Qiao covered her mouth and chuckled, "Big brother, it's not as bad as you say. Sister Ning sincerely praised you. She also said that you, in the face of gains and losses, show warmth to people and true feelings. This is the first time I've seen her praise someone like that."
A bit excessive, how can she describe me so well, especially in front of my wife? Although she extorted a thousand taels of silver from me for the poetry event, and I turned it into a public announcement ceremony, it's acceptable since she's Qiao Qiao's friend. "Sister Ning said that on the day of the feast, you single-handedly confronted the 'King of Couplets' from the northern provinces, bringing glory to our southern scholars. Everyone admires your courage and wit, exposing the old Daoist's deceitful tricks. You're a true scholar."
"Brother Lin, you've become famous in Jinling after that grand performance at the Governor's banquet. Everyone says you possess extraordinary talent. Our father-in-law is also proud of you." Lin Wanrong shivered at this address. This title was really not something he was used to. L
ao Dong grabbed his hand and said with a smile, "Son-in-law—"
Lin Wanrong felt a chill throughout his body. This title was indeed uncomfortable. Lao Dong grabbed his hand and said with a smile, "Son-in-law, I heard that you were invincible at the Lord's banquet, and the neighbors envy you. You are now a celebrity in Jinling, and everyone says you have unparalleled talent. Your father-in-law also has some face now."
After Prince Ning left, this old Dong came to make trouble. Lin Wanrong hurriedly pulled Qiao Qiao downstairs, but saw a slender figure standing by the window on the third floor, looking at Xuanwu's scenery, with a somewhat familiar silhouette. The person's clear voice sounded, "Envious of the gentleman drifting in a boat, arriving for a ten-day tour of the Qinhuai. Washing away worldly troubles, he gazes at the clear eyes, and writing poetry under the mountain, he furrows his brows. In the snow, he rides freely, thinking of returning when spring is over. When will he go to the Five Lakes with Fan Li, and breed thousands of fish and thousands of orange trees?"
Who is this literati who can be so wet? Lin Wanrong was busy chatting with Qiao Qiao and didn't bother to look at him. He was about to pull his little darling to go downstairs when he suddenly saw a person standing in front of him with a smile, saying, "Master Lin—"
Lin Wanrong looked up and saw a man standing in front of him. It was the high-ranking guard with a knife. Since he drove away Tao Yucheng that day, he hadn't seen him for a few days. Why didn't he return to Xu Wei's side? Lin Wanrong greeted with a fist and smiled, "Big Brother Gao, why are you here? Didn't you go back to Hangzhou?"
Gao Qiu smiled and said, "I've been staying in Jinling. I witnessed the young master's mighty power at the old lady's banquet. I also saw it with my own eyes." Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Ashamed, ashamed, not powerful enough. Big Brother Gao, are you here to drink? That's great. I'll treat you to a meal."
Gao Qiu, who had experienced his methods of dealing with Tao Dongcheng, knew that this person couldn't be measured by common sense. He smiled and said, "Thank you, Master Lin. I came here today not to drink, but because someone wants to see you."
Lin Wanrong remembered the figure he had just seen, and suddenly slapped his head. Oh, who is so charming? It turns out that the old Xu Wei came in person. He quickly looked over, but saw the figure by the window turn around and smile. Who else could it be besides Xu Wei? Xu Wei looked at him, stroking his beard and smiling, "Lin Xiaoxiong, how have you been recently?"
Ning Xia, who just left, was followed by this old man Xu Wei. Lin Wanrong chuckled, bowed and said, "Mr. Xu, these days have been good for me. How about you? Is Madam well?"
Xu Wei knew that he was referring to Su Qinglian. He had lived for so many years and was teased by this kid, naturally blushing, and hurriedly said, "All good, all good, thanks to Lin Xiaoxiong's blessing."
Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Old Xu is here, and it's great. With Xu Wenchang, who is Xu Wei? The world-renowned talent, the emperor's favorite minister, and the loyal and heavy minister in front of the emperor. With his help, dealing with Cheng De would be a piece of cake. Damn, this old Xu is here to save the day. No matter what his purpose is, as long as he can be used, it's good. He quickly held Qiao Qiao's little hand and said, "Qiao Qiao, come and greet Mr. Xu."
"Mr. Xu?" Qiao Qiao was surprised. She was also a woman who had read books. How could she not know the name of Xu Wenchang? Seeing the kindly old man in front of her, she quickly bowed and said, "The young lady Qiao Qiao has seen Mr. Xu."
Lin Wanrong smiled and introduced, "Mr. Xu, this is Qiao Qiao, also my wife."
Mr. Xu made a long "Oh" sound, blinked at him, and smiled, "Miss Qiao Qiao is truly a beauty, a perfect match with Lin Xiaoxiong."
Hearing that big brother called her his wife in front of outsiders, Qiao Qiao was happy and quickly stood obediently by big brother's side.
Lin Wanrong invited Mr. Xu to sit down and said, "Mr. Xu, why do you have time to come to Jinling? Have the matters in Hangzhou been settled?"
"Half settled." Mr. Xu looked at him with a profound smile.