Did Luo Min seek my presence? This venerable gentleman always appears mysteriously; when I intend to meet him, he eludes my grasp, but when he wishes to see me, he promptly materializes, truly a diabolical phenomenon.
Miss Second just had a delightful encounter with him. As he was about to depart, she anxiously held onto the hem of his robe, her heart reluctant to let him go. After dismissing Sì Dé, Lin Wanrong whispered to Yù Shuāng, "Fear not, once I conclude my discussions, we shall continue."
"Who said anything about continuing with you?" Second Miss blushed and retorted, "I merely wish to converse with you. You always have mischief on your mind. No wonder my sister deems you the most incorrigible person. Her judgment is truly accurate, hehe."
After exchanging a few words with the lively and charming Yù Shuāng, Lin Wanrong felt considerably better. In the hall, however, he encountered Gāo Shǒu, the elder brother of Gāo Shǒu.
Lin Wanrong clasped his fists and greeted, "Brother Gāo, it has been a while. What wind brings you here today?"
Gāo Shǒu reciprocated the gesture with a smile, "Master Lin, you are overly polite. I am acting on orders from a high-ranking official to invite you for discussions."
Old Luo seeks my presence for discussions? Well, I was just contemplating seeking him out. Lin Wanrong chuckled and remarked, "If it's for discussions, sending a yamen clerk would suffice. No need to trouble Brother Gāo."
Gāo Shǒu, along with his brother Gāo Qiú, were once personal guards of the emperor, a stature incomparable to that of a yamen clerk. Gāo Shǒu smiled without uttering a word. Departing with him, Gāo Shǒu had already prepared horses. The two mounted and headed outside the city.
Lin Wanrong inquired, "Brother Gāo, is the high official not in the mansion? Why are we heading outside the city?"
Gāo Shǒu replied, "The high official is occupied with official duties and has not been in the mansion for several days."
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Does the high official know about Miss Luo being unwell?"
Gāo Shǒu was surprised, "Unwell? How could Miss Luo be unwell? Where did Master Lin hear this? The high official is still unaware."
Lin Wanrong sighed. This old Luo is indeed a workaholic, not even aware when his own children are ailing. Lin Yuan and Lin Ning, having him as their father, are probably torn between laughter and tears.
The journey outside the city was quite extensive. If not for Gāo Shǒu's company, Lin Wanrong might have thought someone was attempting to lead him to a secluded location to silence him. After half an hour, they reached the foot of a mountain. The mountain was steep, but the surroundings were tranquil, adorned with pine and cypress trees, accompanied by the soothing sound of flowing water. Winter seemed distant in this serene setting.
"This chosen location by Old Luo is quite commendable. Tranquil mountains and clear waters, suitable for laying to rest loyal bones." Lin Wanrong grinned and remarked, "Brother Gāo, is the high official planning to retreat here? Fishing and cultivating the land, perhaps?"
Gāo Shǒu chuckled, "Master Lin has an astute imagination. If the high official could truly retire here, that would be a joy. However, I'm afraid the high official lacks the leisure for such pursuits."
Lin Wanrong felt a chill. According to Gāo Shǒu, the high official isn't retiring here; rather, he is seeking seclusion to avoid attention. Could there be some significant plan in progress? Contemplating significant undertakings, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of delight. What grand event could Luo Min be involved in? Most likely, it entails dealing with Cheng De and eradicating the White Lotus.
Gāo Shǒu led Lin Wanrong up the steep mountain cliff. Thanks to Lin Wanrong's skills, it wasn't too challenging. Upon reaching the summit, Lin Wanrong observed shadows moving about—well-dressed men numbering around a hundred, each exuding a formidable aura.
They patrolled various key points, and upon Gāo Shǒu's return, they nodded in acknowledgment without uttering a word. Witnessing their imposing presence, Lin Wanrong inquired, "Brother Gāo, are these comrades also skilled warriors from the palace?"
Gāo Shǒu, relishing the flattery, smiled and responded, "Master Lin has a discerning eye. Since Master Lin has perceived it, I won't conceal the truth. These are my subordinates from the palace. We have come to Jinling following a person of great importance."
A person of great importance? Palace guards? Could it be the emperor? Lin Wanrong was startled. But then he dismissed the notion; if the emperor truly arrived, how could there be no commotion whatsoever? It's even less plausible that he would stay on this exposed mountainside. Gāo Shǒu was likely referring to Xu Wei. Xu Wei, the current foremost official, must be here for a crucial task. Luo Min must be discussing matters with him in seclusion.
Lin Wanrong, following Gāo Shǒu, descended the hill. In front of him were several neatly arranged cottages. Luo Min, with a portly figure, walked out and greeted with a smile, "Master Lin, please forgive the humble accommodations. It's inconvenient, and I appreciate your effort in coming. I hope you won't mind."
This old man has a knack for putting on airs. Lin Wanrong chuckled and replied, "Nowhere at all. Lord Luo resides in a modest abode, contemplating the world's worries. Truly an exemplar for us younger generations."
After exchanging some disdainful glances, Luo Min welcomed Lin Wanrong into the room. The interior was simple with only a few tables and chairs. Lin Wanrong inquired, "Has the high official been residing here these past few days? It's indeed quite humble."
Luo Min sighed, "There's no other choice. In service to the court's duties, one must expend all efforts. The emperor has assigned an overwhelming number of tasks, and a moment's neglect could lead to errors. With so much to attend to, one can only seek a place with fewer disturbances. This location has serene mountains and clear waters, suitable for burying an old bone like me."
The old man boasts of loyalty with a certain flair. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "I wonder why Lord Luo summoned me. What task do you have for me?"
Luo Min replied, "I dare not assign a task. I merely wish to consult with you on certain matters." He smiled mysteriously and continued, "A few days ago, I reunited with an old friend who spoke highly of you, praising your refined demeanor and extraordinary talents. He envisioned you as a rising dragon and urged me to establish a connection with you. Do you know who this esteemed person is?"
"Oh? Is that so? But I'm not aware of the distinguished individual who holds me in such regard. I am truly humbled," Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance.
Luo Min smiled faintly, "Mr. Lin, there's no need for us to play guessing games. In recent days, Lord Xu Wei and I have been in seclusion here, discussing important matters. Would you be interested in hearing more?"
"So, it is Lord Xu Wei. My apologies," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "What significant matter does Lord Xu wish to discuss with me? I am but a humble individual. After hearing this important matter, would Lord Xu consider silencing me? Hehe, perhaps it's better not to listen."
"Linh Wanrong, you jest," Luo Min chuckled. "You are a person blessed by many nobles. Who would dare oppose you?"
He then pulled aside a curtain on the wall, revealing a military map to Lin Wanrong.
The map, though crudely drawn, clearly marked mountains, rivers, and distances. Lin Wanrong stared in astonishment. These past few days, Old Luo and Old Xu have been studying military maps? They are civil officials, not military commanders. Do they understand such matters?
Seemingly aware of Lin Wanrong's thoughts, Luo Min smiled and said, "Mr. Lin, Master Wen Chang is well-versed in both literary and military strategies. He personally drew this map. In recent days, he has gathered several generals to inspect and seek effective strategies against the enemy. I am here to accompany him."
This confirmed Lin Wanrong's speculation. Indeed, Xu Wei and Old Luo have been discussing this matter.
Luo Min sighed, "Mr. Lin, you are no stranger. Before leaving today, Master Wen Chang mentioned not hiding anything from you. Allow me to be frank. The White Lotus sect is becoming increasingly rampant, posing a significant threat to our Great Hua. It has reached a point where it must be eradicated. I believe Mr. Lin is well aware that the persistence of the White Lotus sect indicates a powerful figure behind it. Moreover, this influential figure is not only associated with the White Lotus sect but also has connections with the northern barbarians."
"Barbarians?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. This is getting more complicated. Stirring up internal troubles is one thing, but colluding with external invaders is unforgivable.
Luo Min nodded solemnly, "Exactly. These barbarians are set to return in the coming spring. With the turmoil caused by the White Lotus sect, our Great Hua is not only at risk politically but also faces imminent danger to our national existence. This individual's cunning and malevolence, driven by personal gain, disrupts the court and disregards the well-being of our Great Hua. Such ambitious schemes must be met with condemnation by the people of Great Hua."
Lin Wanrong remained silent. Such occurrences are well-documented in history; he is no longer surprised.
"The roots of the White Lotus must be eliminated—" Luo Min gestured emphatically, "In this winter, in these coming days, the infantry and cavalry units from Shandong and Zhejiang will unite. With Lord Xu Wei at the helm, we are determined to obliterate the White Lotus. Only by eliminating internal threats can we withstand external aggression."
Luo Min revealed the time and map to Lin Wanrong, clearly treating him as an insider. Lin Wanrong grinned and said, "Lord Luo, I have no doubt about your and Lord Xu's determination. However, there's one thing I'd like to ask: Why are troops from Jiangsu not being mobilized? Instead, you are choosing to call forces from distant Zhejiang. I find this puzzling."
Luo Min sighed, "Mr. Lin, don't mock me. Why troops from Jiangsu are not being mobilized, don't you understand? Cheng De has committed numerous crimes, yet I have been unable to bring him down. It is my incompetence, with orders I cannot carry out and forces I cannot deploy. I feel ashamed before the emperor and the people of Jiangsu."
Lin Wanrong smiled, "Lord Luo, you are too modest. In my opinion, bringing down Cheng De is not a difficult task. There is a perfect opportunity at hand."
Luo Min eagerly asked, "Please elaborate, Mr. Lin."
Lin Wanrong said, "Lord Luo, you have been in conflict with Cheng De for many years. Do you have evidence of his corrupt practices?"
"Of course, I do. If not for powerful figures supporting him in the court, I would have exposed him long ago."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. "Even if you cannot expose him, just cut him down directly."