Xu Wenchang's words carried profound meaning, but Lin Wanrong pretended not to hear, smilingly responding, "Since Mr. Wenchang has arrived in Jinling, it seems you must stay for a few days, exploring the picturesque scenery of Xuanwu and the beauty of Qinhuai. I believe it will be a worthwhile journey. Ah, the scenery on the Qinhuai River is truly delightful. A person of Mr. Xu's sophistication would not miss such an opportunity."
Xu Wenchang chuckled a few times and replied, "This time, my visit to Jiangnan is quite urgent. Although the scenery of Qinhuai is splendid, I'm afraid I won't have the time to appreciate it." After a brief pause and a glance around, he whispered, "To be honest with you, a few days ago while handling the White Lotus Sect case in Hangzhou, I obtained new clues related to Jinling. So, reluctantly, I hurriedly came to Jinling."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily and said, "Mr. Xu, as a pillar of the nation and highly favored by the emperor, your busy schedule is understandable. By the way, Mr. Xu, how did you know I was here?" After some circumlocution, he skillfully avoided mentioning the White Lotus matter.
Xu Wei smiled, "The fame of Fei Wei Xian has spread far and wide in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. How could I not know? Not only is this restaurant doing well in business, but I also heard it displays four exceptional couplets from around the world. I have some interest in both business and couplets, so coming to Fei Wei Xian upon my arrival in Jinling is only natural. As they say, seeing is believing. Today, upon seeing it, the arrangement is indeed exquisite and unique. Coming here and coincidentally meeting you, it seems that I have a connection with Fei Wei Xian."
Having traveled extensively, Xu Wei had broad knowledge. The fact that Fei Wei Xian earned his appreciation was noteworthy. However, Lin Wanrong didn't believe in the so-called coincidence. With the older brother of Gao Qiu working under Luo Min and their friendship with Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong was keen to know the true relationship between himself and Fei Wei Xian. Xu Wei's talk of coincidence was nothing but a direct invitation to meet.
"Especially these four marvelous couplets, although I consider myself well-versed, I'm afraid I can't match up. Regrettable indeed." Xu Wenchang looked at the four couplets with a regretful expression, seemingly genuinely unable to cope. Lin Wanrong naturally felt a sense of achievement; if he could stump Xu Wenchang, he might as well be the number one in the world.
"Oh, by the way, young friend, the smoke curls along the beautiful eaves, who is the author of the next line? It's quite well-crafted. The world is vast, truly filled with countless talents and extraordinary individuals." Xu Wenchang referred to the second part of the couplet that Luo Ning sent, and Qiao Qiao had already framed it. One of the four exceptional couplets was now missing.
"Oh, this? It's from Miss Luo Ning, the daughter of Governor Luo Min in the capital. She is a remarkable lady, serving as a female instructor at the Jinghua Academy in the capital and also holding the position of the Libationer at the National University. Quite an impressive title." Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I heard that this young lady is extraordinary, a friend of Fei Wei Xian from the capital."
"Miss Luo's friend?" Xu Wei responded with a long 'oh,' wearing a mysterious smile. "So, it turns out to be her; that explains a lot."
With Xu Wei's arrival and Lin Wanrong's opportunistic nature, he couldn't let go of this golden opportunity. He grinned at Qiao Qiao, "Qiao Qiao, Mr. Xu is a person of great importance who can't be easily invited. Quickly prepare the writing materials; we must invite Mr. Xu to inscribe a few words for Fei Wei Xian."
Xu Wei's calligraphy and paintings were renowned, worth a fortune. Qiao Qiao clearly understood her big brother's intentions and happily prepared the writing materials.
Xu Wei and Lin Wanrong had a harmonious relationship, and with Su Qinglian being the matchmaker, inscribing a few words was a simple matter. Xu Wei, however, politely declined a few times. Seeing that the writing materials were ready, he reluctantly shook his head and, with a smile, wrote, "In this place, melodies of spring accompany the wine; in Jinghua, celebrations never cease. Stirring the cauldron and preparing a feast in the magnificent forest, toasting under the moonlight gathers the literary elite."
My goodness, this old Xu indeed had talent. In the blink of an eye, he composed a short poem, especially the last two lines, not only praising the delicacies but also pointing out the flourishing literary activities here. It was truly a finishing touch. Others might say these two lines were not of much use, but Xu Wenchang was no ordinary person. With this inscribed poem, the literary talents from all over the world would gather, and endless wealth would flow in.
"Qiao Qiao, quickly take this poem and frame it, hanging it in the most conspicuous place in the hall. This is our treasure, to be enjoyed by talents from all over the world," Lin Wanrong enthusiastically exclaimed.
Xu Wei bowed repeatedly, saying, "I am flattered, I am flattered. Lin Xiaoge, you are overly generous."
Having extorted
a poem from Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong finally sat down, leisurely drinking tea with him.
Xu Wei glanced at him and said with a smile, "Lin Xiaoge, during those days in Hangzhou, I already believed in your extraordinary talent. It seems you have become remarkable upon returning to Jinling."
"Oh? Mr. Xu, where does this praise come from?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.
Xu Wei loudly exclaimed, "Young friend, don't be modest. A few days ago, at Madam Luo's banquet, you single-handedly defeated the king of couplets, Shen Banshan. Each couplet was extraordinary, and they have long been talked about among the literati in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Don't you know?"
"Oh, that. I've always paid little attention to the rumors about me." Lin Wanrong modestly replied.
Xu Wei laughed heartily, "Young friend is truly extraordinary. I admire you greatly. However..."
He lowered his voice, "Although your reputation is well-known, inadvertently, you have offended some people. Just like that day when Prince Ning personally congratulated you, and you rejected him face to face. Aren't you afraid of offending him?"
"Sir, are you trying to scare me? I, Lin San, am just a small servant, with neither power nor influence. I've only done a little business. How can I, a mere servant, offend someone like Prince Ning? He's a dragon's grandson, a royal relative. His vision is so profound, and his mind is so broad. I just had a friendly exchange of skills with his followers, mutually benefiting each other. Why would he take offense at such things?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily.
"Young friend is indeed broad-minded. I admire you greatly." Xu Wei looked at him with a smile. "However, there is one thing. I wonder if young friend has considered it carefully?"
Seeing Lin Wanrong listen attentively, Xu Wei continued, "Young friend, with your resentment towards the White Lotus Sect and the numerous government crackdowns, your determination is commendable. However, the situation is intricate, and despite several crackdowns, they have all been in vain. What could be the reason behind this? The White Lotus Sect originated in Shandong, so why is it so rampant in Jiangsu? Are there other underlying causes? The White Lotus case in Hangzhou had broad implications but was within manageable limits. Why, then, has Jiangsu spiraled out of control?"
Xu Wei's words seemed like soliloquy but were intentionally directed at Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong chuckled, recognizing Xu's intentions. "Old man Xu, you have clever intentions. You're deliberately prompting me to speak. If I don't contribute something, wouldn't it be a waste of your goodwill?"
Frowning, he said, "The way Mr. Xu puts it, it does seem strange. Why is the banditry in Jiangsu so rampant?"
Recalling the crucial points from that day, he continued, "On that day when Miss Xiao and I were abducted by White Lotus bandits, there were many suspicions. Firstly, the government had not detected the White Lotus's presence for many days. Why could Lord Tao easily find them? Secondly, how did Lord Tao manage to borrow troops from the Cavalry Camp, and precisely when the bandits were retreating, they happened to attack the mountain? Thirdly, with numerous soldiers from the Cavalry Camp surrounding the bandits, why did the White Lotus thieves still manage to escape? These three questions have been lingering in my mind, unresolved. Also, among the bandits, I had contact with three leaders. One of them, who you took, was Lu Zhongping. The other two, around the same age, one of them is the mastermind behind them. Judging by his speech, his background must be extraordinary. There are indeed many mysteries in this, and I can't comprehend it."
Speaking with a mix of disclosure and concealment, Xu Wei laughed heartily, "Young Brother Lin is exceptionally clever. How could you not understand the intricacies? It's just that you're unwilling to reveal it. Well, let me be frank. My visit to Jiangnan, participating in the annual gathering of the two regions, is just a superficial task. The real urgency is..." He raised his hand, smiled slightly, and then swung it down forcefully, saying, "...to eradicate the White Lotus."
"Excellent, excellent." Lin Wanrong applauded and said, "Sir, you're considering the welfare of the people. I truly admire you."
Xu Wei said solemnly, "In the Hangzhou case, Young Brother also witnessed it. The White Lotus Sect is a group of disorganized people. Besides deceiving the common folks with tricks, their other abilities are ordinary. It shouldn't be difficult to eliminate them."
"Why, then, does it seem impossible to eradicate them every year?" Lin Wanrong asked meaningfully.
Xu Wei nodded, "That is the crux of the issue you were wondering about. Our Great Hua Dynasty has countless loyal ministers and virtuous generals, but there are also villains and cunning individuals. This White Lotus trouble is due to these malicious individuals secretly colluding and supporting them. Currently, with formidable enemies invading from the north and White Lotus causing chaos internally, our nation is facing internal and external threats. In the spring of next year, the north will go to war. If the White Lotus issue is not resolved, it will be like a festering sore on the country, causing pain throughout. My purpose in coming to Jiangnan is to eliminate the White Lotus, sever the demonic claws behind them, and restore a bright future for Great Hua. Together with all my fellow citizens, we will drive out the aggressors, resist the barbarians, and rebuild a flourishing era for the Heavenly Dynasty."
This impassioned speech was delivered with great eloquence, showcasing Xu Wei's exceptional oratory skills.
National enmity and family difficulties were not currently Lin Wanrong's concern. He only wanted peace in Jinling and to ensure Qiao Qiao's safety.
However, things were getting more interesting. Prince Ning hadn't left, and now Xu Wei had arrived, coupled with the cunning fox Luo Min. Heh heh, this was going to be quite a spectacle.