After exchanging words with Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong gained insight. This elderly Xu was specifically here for the eradication of the White Lotus menace. Judging from his words, it wasn't just about eliminating the bandits but also addressing issues within the government, a meaning that was implicit.
Before leaving, Xu Wei spoke with earnestness, "Young Brother Lin, my words today come from the heart, with no concealment. In the territory of Jiangsu, trustworthy individuals are scarce for me, and you are one of them. If there are difficulties in the future, I hope Young Brother Lin can lend me a helping hand."
This seemed to be Xu Wei's purpose in seeking Lin Wanrong. As he stated, within the territory of Jiangsu, the influence of the White Lotus Sect was rampant. Besides Luo Min, Lin Wanrong was someone he could trust.
Perceiving the camaraderie with Old Xu, Lin Wanrong dropped the affectation, "Lord Xu, I am ignorant about leading troops into battle and dare not speak much. However, since Lord Xu is aware that certain individuals support these bandits, the matter of secrecy need not be reminded by me. Additionally, the troops in Jiangsu may not be usable anymore; Lord should carefully consider this."
With a glint in his eyes, Xu Wei remarked, "Young Brother is indeed astute. As you said, for this crackdown, I hold the imperial token granted by the emperor, mobilizing the garrisons from Zhejiang and Shandong, while not deploying a single soldier from Jiangsu. I want to see who is obstructing and colluding with the White Lotus."
No need to look into it. Even a fool could understand. Lin Wanrong disdainfully regarded Old Xu. Xu Wei laughed, "Young Brother must know what's going on, but evidence is needed in all matters. Without proof, even with the imperial decree in my hands, it's not easy to handle."
Seemingly talking to himself or giving a hint, Lin Wanrong suddenly realized. Oh, evidence, evidence. This old man was indeed waiting for evidence from certain individuals to take action.
Lin Wanrong contemplated that Luo Min and Cheng De were arch-enemies, and the latter must have evidence against Cheng De. Later, he would ask Qing Shan to find some unscrupulous individuals, use some tricks, and let Old Xu lead the troops in to catch Cheng De red-handed. Let's see how he would still argue. Thinking about this, he felt triumphant. Xu Wei seemed to see through his thoughts, and the two burst into laughter simultaneously.
Qiao Qiao looked at Mr. Xu and her elder brother, feeling that their laughter was unusually cunning.
According to Lin Wanrong's suggestion, since Mr. Xu rarely visited Qinhuai, it should naturally be hosted by him to visit the Miaoyu Lane, listen to some music, and engage in joyful activities.
Their relationship with Old Xu was good, not treating him as some court official but more like a bond of forgotten-age brothers. Of course, he despised the mundane customs like bowing and kowtowing. Only people with no taste would do such things. Cutting off a chicken's head and drinking its blood could make one live longer? Nonsense. True iron bonds were forged by carrying rifles together, going to the countryside together, and enjoying the pleasures of life together, much more effective than beheading chickens and drinking blood. Therefore, going to Qinhuai Riverbank for some fun was the way to go.
Xu Wei, hearing this, felt a cold sweat. He hastily explained that urgent official matters needed attending, and they could gather for joyous occasions another time. With that, he left in a hurry with his entourage.
When Lin Wanrong left the restaurant, it was already late. A person came running towards him, calling out, "Third Brother, Third Brother, hurry back. Miss is looking for you everywhere."
Lin Wanrong quickly focused his gaze. It was Sider. Lin Wanrong grabbed him and chuckled, "Why is Miss looking for me? Has the shop takeover been completed, and everyone is gathering for a meal?"
"No, no," Sider panted and said, "Miss asked me to tell you that something has happened, and she wants you to be careful. She also said to return to the mansion as soon as possible."
"Something happened? What could have happened?" Lin Wanrong wondered, puzzled. He hadn't engaged in any violence or peeked at young girls bathing. Where could there be trouble?
Sider pulled out a letter from his bosom and said, "Miss asked me to quickly find you and deliver this letter to you. She also said for you to be cautious and return to the mansion as soon as possible."
Lin Wanrong unfolded the letter, seeing four delicate yet hastily written characters: "Wan Ying has arrived."
Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. With so many things happening these days, he almost forgot about the siblings surnamed Tao. If that little girl is here, so be it. What could she do to me? I haven't done anything wrong. Wherever I go, I have a reason. I'm not afraid of your nonsense.
Lin Wanrong folded the letter, smiling, "Go back and tell Miss that I know. Once the matter is resolved, I'll return to the mansion immediately."
Sider nodded, "Third Brother, Miss reminded you to be careful." Lin Wanrong nodded, letting Sider return.
At this moment, the twilight had darkened, and Lin Wanrong contemplated seeking counsel with Old Luo regarding the matter of searching for evidence. Thus, he proceeded towards the Governor's Mansion. Upon reaching a narrow alley, Lin Wanrong found it somewhat familiar, vaguely recalling the previous occasion when Tao Dongcheng led a group to besiege him at this very location. He chuckled at the passage of time, acknowledging that the methods of the high chief must have taken effect, and little Tao was likely sitting at home contemplating ways to enhance his prowess.
In the midst of his self-satisfaction, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. Just as he was about to stride away, he suddenly heard an indignant low shout, "Lecher, submit to your fate!" A vast sword aura, resembling a venomous snake spitting its core, swiftly thrust towards his chest.
Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly. Why is it that every young female assassin, before attempting an assassination, feels the need to shout such a phrase?
With a sly smile, Lin Wanrong skillfully evaded the sword's momentum. Seizing the opportunity, he swiftly approached the assassin, clasping her wrist like lightning. Smiling, he remarked, "Well, if it isn't Miss Tao. What's the matter? Haven't seen you in a few days, and you've transformed from a female knight to a female assassin?"
Tao Wanying, dressed in all black, with delicate features and a pale complexion, flashed with a furious light in her eyes. She desperately tried to push forward with her longsword, but Lin Wanrong's strength was overpowering, rendering her unable to move.
"Lecher, kill me quickly!" Tears welled up in Tao Wanying's eyes as she angrily demanded.
Damn, she wants me to kill her, but there's not even a door. With such a strong personality, why not choose the path of self-destruction?
Feigning ignorance, Lin Wanrong said, "Lecher? Miss Tao, where does this accusation come from?"
"You, you—" Tao Wanying's silver teeth had already shattered. Gazing at this shameless person, she bitterly smiled and said, "You lecher, defiling my innocence. Today, I am determined to kill you and offer myself as atonement to the world."
A light sound echoed as Lin Wanrong's palm forcefully shattered her longsword. Tao Wanying let out a cry, and Lin Wanrong roared, "Enough!"
This authoritative roar, full of vigor and fearlessness, startled Tao Wanying, who had harbored a heart determined for death. Lin Wanrong coldly snorted and said, "Miss Tao, you keep accusing me of being a lecher. I ask you, where have I committed such an act?"
How can a woman speak of such things? Tao Wanying's eyes were bloodshot as she pointed at him, "You, you scoundrel, that day you knocked me unconscious. What, what did you do to me? Today, I will fight you to the death—"
Lin Wanrong, with a righteous demeanor, said, "Miss Tao, please clarify. What did I do?"
"You, you defiled me. You, you wretch. I'll kill you, and the world will be grateful." Tao Wanying cried, wishing to consume his flesh and blood for peace of mind.
"Defiled?" Lin Wanrong innocently widened his eyes. "Where is this coming from, Miss Tao? Could it be that you've misunderstood? That day, with the intention of resolving the situation peacefully, I knocked you unconscious and left your brother on the side of the road—all for your sake. I understand that your brother and sister bear resentment due to the incident at the Hangzhou Qingyu Building. However, my young lady is broad-minded and wouldn't hold grudges against you. She simply wanted to let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, given your brother and sister's attempt to rob us on the road, even if we had killed you on the spot, you wouldn't have any grounds to complain."
Lin Wanrong, with a charming smile, turned black into white, yet remained confident. Not a single flaw in his facade.
Seeing his innocent expression, Tao Wanying felt a momentary panic, a more ominous premonition rising in her heart. She angrily said, "You're lying—"
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Am I lying? Miss Tao, I, Lin San, solemnly swear to the heavens: if I defiled Miss Tao's innocence that day, I'll have two sons with an extra appendage."
Tao Wanying, a mix of shame and anger, retorted, "You shameless—"
Lin Wanrong, unperturbed, laughed heartily, "Miss Tao, on our journey back from Hangzhou, our group, including the young lady, was always together. In the rush of travel, where would I find the time or inclination to defile you? Is the young lady that kind of person? Even in the wilderness, if you enjoy fighting in the wild, I'm more concerned about snakes and insects. Moreover, while my taste may not be noble, it certainly isn't base. I don't just go after anything. Accusing me of defiling you in such a manner is a great insult to my reputation. If you don't apologize, tomorrow I'll go to the magistrate's office, beat the drum, and accuse Miss Tao Wanying of the Jinling Prefecture of defaming my innocence. I demand justice from the honorable magistrate."
In the art of verbal sparring, Lin Wanrong was unmatched. Tao Wanying doubted him, but she had absolute trust in Xiao Yuruo. Miss Xiao would never tolerate violence against others.
Could it really not be him? Did someone take advantage of me while I was unconscious? This revelation was alarming, and she couldn't focus on the following words. She pointed at Lin San and said, "You, what you said might be true—"
Damn, this girl is too easy to deceive. Lin Wanrong was delighted, maintaining a serious expression. "Miss Tao, you've seen it. In verbal sparring, you can't match me, and in a fight, you're not my opponent. Do I have any reason to lie in front of you? Besides, I am not naturally inclined to lie."
"Did you really not do anything—?" Tao Wanying's voice trembled as she anxiously stared at him. If what Lin San said was true and not his doing, it would be terrifying. She regretted not thinking of this sooner. The latter part of Lin San's speech didn't register with her; her focus was on the possibility of another person taking advantage of her unconscious state.
Lin Wanrong, with a loud voice, said, "If you don't believe me, the young lady naturally can vouch for my innocence."
Upon hearing this, Tao Wanying became even more anxious, looking at Lin Wanrong with confusion. Her heart was in turmoil, her heartbeat rapid. She seemed to hear an unbelievable truth, choking as she asked, "Is what you said true?"
Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly, "Naturally, it's true. If you don't believe me, ask the young lady tomorrow. She will tell you that I haven't uttered a single lie."
Tao Wanying's eyes stared