Finest Servant

Chapter 460 The Gift

Walking down the bustling main street with Gao Qiu, Lin Wanrong was enveloped by a cacophony of vendors shouting their wares. Tea houses and restaurants teemed with people, lively as ever, seemingly unaware that the capital was teetering on the brink of chaos.

Seeing Lin Wanrong meandering about, picking up trinkets that seemed tailored to feminine tastes, Gao Qiu laughed, "So, you really are meeting up with a young lady. I thought you were joking with me. You're truly fortunate; your wives at home are all gentle beauties, like celestial beings, and yet you keep mistresses on the side. Such luck in love is enviable to people like us."

"What's there to envy?" Lin Wanrong made a grimacing face. "Being a man isn’t easy either. You have to be good-looking, make money, and be skilled at sweet-talking. Act like a gentleman by day and become a beast by night. Fall short in any of these aspects, and you'll fail. Maintaining a harmonious household while entertaining affairs outside—do you think it's that easy?"

Gao Qiu burst into hearty laughter. "Every conversation with you, Brother Lin, is more entertaining than flipping through ten erotic paintings."

Lin Wanrong had boasted loudly in front of Mr. Xu about how impressive he was, but when it came to picking a gift for Miss Xu, he was scratching his head. Not to mention the icy state of their current relationship, but the young lady’s tastes were particularly hard to cater to. No wonder Mr. Xu seemed so eager to marry her off, even if it came at a cost to himself.

"What's troubling you?" Seeing Lin Wanrong stop in his tracks, lost in thought, Gao Qiu looked puzzled but quickly grasped the situation. He casually picked up some rouge and powder from a small stall by the road. "When it comes to gifts for women, why hesitate? Buy her heaps of cosmetics and fine silk. She will be delighted and cling to you, calling you 'my dear' incessantly. If all else fails, just whip out a stack of silver notes and make it rain."

‘You must frequent the brothels often,’ Lin Wanrong clicked his tongue, looking Gao Qiu up and down. He chuckled, "Brother Gao, I never would have guessed. Such wisdom and insight coming from your mouth? No wonder the ladies at the brothels must adore you."

"They do adore me, and I adore them," Gao Qiu replied, grinning lasciviously.

"Truly profound. I'm impressed!" Lin Wanrong first gave him a thumbs-up, then flipped him off, expressing disdain from head to toe.

They walked for a while but found nothing that truly caught his eye. Something that would be both unique and unforgettable to Xu Zhiqing was proving to be a real challenge.

"Brother Gao, is there a good toy or doll shop in the capital? One with skilled artisans and fine craftsmanship?" Lin Wanrong asked Gao Qiu, who was walking beside him.

Having lived in the capital for many years and being familiar with the lay of the land, Gao Qiu nodded, "Of course, there is an old, reputable shop not far from here called De Sheng Tower. They specialize in handcrafted puppets and cloth toys. Why the sudden interest in children's playthings? Are you expecting a son or daughter?"

Lin Wanrong grinned slightly, not replying. He motioned for Gao Qiu to lead the way and headed straight for the De Sheng Tower. As soon as he walked through the door, he was immediately captivated by the sight before him. The shelves across the three levels were filled with a plethora of curiosities—various dolls, wooden tools, flora and fauna, predators and prey, everything imaginable.

Surveying the merchandise from top to bottom, Lin Wanrong slowly shook his head. "Too small, all too small. Shopkeeper, have you ever made anything bigger? Something my size, for example!"

"Something your size?" The shopkeeper followed him, shaking his head repeatedly. "We've been in business for a hundred years, and the biggest puppet we’ve ever made was a tiger or a leopard. We've never seen anything as large as what you're suggesting."

"My requirements are indeed not small," Lin Wanrong chuckled, whispering something in the shopkeeper's ear. The shopkeeper looked visibly surprised, scrutinizing Lin Wanrong for a while before finally saying, "We've never undertaken such a project before. Your idea is feasible, but the size of what you want is rather... excessive."

"Enough with the nonsense, just say if you can do it or not!" Gao Qiu, the leader of the imperial guards, was used to giving orders and was a man of impatient temper. He didn't care what Lin Wanrong was up to; annoyed by the shopkeeper’s evasiveness, he barked out his demand.

Being close to the Emperor, Gao Qiu's shout carried weight. Startled, the shopkeeper's legs trembled as he stammered, "M-Mercy, sir—"

"What did you say?!" Gao Qiu slammed the table, glaring with his eyes wide. "Mercy? What do you take me for?! I rule by virtue, do you understand? By virtue!"

‘A person even more shameless than me has finally appeared!’ Lin Wanrong, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel grateful. He wished he could shake Gao Qiu's hand and burst into laughter.

"Don't be afraid, shopkeeper," Lin Wanrong smiled, "My dear brother Gao here just has a fiery temperament. But when it comes to punishing the wicked and protecting the innocent, he's top-notch. Now, can you or can you not make this object? How long will it take? We need it urgently."

"We can, we can!" Seeing the young man’s friendly demeanor, the shopkeeper nodded hastily, finding him far more agreeable than the terrifying Gao Qiu. "As long as you cooperate, I can gather the best craftsmen in our shop to rush the work. I assure you, it will be done before sunset. However, regarding the price—" He hesitated, glancing cautiously at Gao Qiu, his face tinged with fear.

"What, afraid we won't pay you?" Gao Qiu snorted angrily. "I rule by virtue—"

‘Oh, here we go again!’ Lin Wanrong found this rather amusing. ‘If you rule by virtue, then I, Lin San, must be Guanyin reincarnated.’ Seeing the shopkeeper fall silent, fearful that he might be scared off, Lin Wanrong reassured him. "Shopkeeper, don't worry. I have the utmost respect for people who earn their keep through skill. Your workers feed their families with their craftsmanship, which is in no way inferior to anyone else, and is far better than corrupt officials. Just name your price."

"Sir, your words warm my heart. Just for that sentiment alone, I'm eternally grateful. Today, I'll only charge you the cost price—ten taels of silver!" The shopkeeper sighed with gratitude. Since ancient times, craftsmen have been considered inferior, looked down upon by all trades. High officials and nobles in the court had never been willing to speak on their behalf. This gentleman, Lin San, was the only one who dared to openly advocate for them, leaving him deeply moved.

"Here is twenty taels." Lin Wanrong smiled as he shoved the silver note into the shopkeeper's hand. "I can't let my brothers labor for nothing, can I? I just hope you'll hasten your work. Don't disappoint me."

"Yes, yes, please come with me, sir." The shopkeeper joyfully pocketed the silver note and led Lin Wanrong into the inner chamber. Gao Qiu stayed outside, hearing the chattering of craftsmen from within. Some complained that the figure was too tall; others claimed the shoulders were too broad. He had no idea what Lin Wanrong was having made.

After a considerable wait, Lin Wanrong emerged from behind the curtain, smiling and looking quite satisfied.

"Brother Lin, is everything done? What are you having made?" Gao Qiu, who had been waiting impatiently, rushed to ask as Lin came out.

Calling it an object wouldn't be quite accurate, yet it wasn't something else either. Lin Wanrong wasn't sure how to answer, so he chuckled and said, "It's a secret. You'll find out when the time comes."

Lin San was famous for his intelligence and wisdom, so Gao Qiu had no doubt about his capabilities. He gave Lin San a thumbs-up and said with a laugh, "When Lin San takes action, he conquers hearts! I wonder which young lady will be captivated this time. This is truly a cause for celebration."

Lin Wanrong shuddered. ‘Good grief, has this guy been influenced by me? He's even more lewd in his laughter.’

"Sir, did you just say Lin San? Is this gentleman the Lin San who bombarded the Fairy Hall, reformed the Hall, and is planning a grand competition for all trades?" The shopkeeper, who had been following Lin San, overheard Gao Qiu and couldn't contain his surprise. He grabbed at Gao Qiu's sleeve and inquired.

Lin Wanrong laughed, "It's true that I'm Lin San, and I did bombard the Fairy Hall. But what is this competition for all trades you speak of? I've never heard of it."

"My heavens! You really are Lord Lin? I failed to recognize your greatness!" The shopkeeper was thrilled and quickly pulled out the silver note from his pocket, offering it back to Lin Wanrong. Tears filled his eyes, "I've been so foolish. You are our great benefactor. How could I accept money from you? If this were to get out, I'd be cursed by my peers!"

"Shopkeeper, what are you talking about? What is this competition for all trades? I don't understand a word." Lin Wanrong smiled as he pushed the silver note back. "You make an honest living through your craftsmanship. Even the Thunder God wouldn't dare to strike you down. Even if the Emperor came here, he would have to accept this payment. If you refuse, you're looking down on me, Lin San."

"Exactly, exactly," Gao Qiu chimed in. "We believe in winning people over through virtue, not taking advantage of them. Now, quickly tell us about this competition for all trades. What is it all about?"

Lord Lin persistently refused, leaving the shopkeeper with no choice but to accept the banknote. The shopkeeper took out a notice from the counter, gleefully saying, "Lord Lin, how could you not know about this? This is the announcement you issued — 'By the order of His Majesty, Lin San, the Chief Libation Officer, has been appointed to establish the Holy Virtue Academy, to promote craftsmanship and teach a wide range of skills. We will select the most skilled artisans from all over the realm, rewarding excellence and encouraging innovation. Generous rewards will be given for outstanding performances in various fields.' This notice has been posted all over the streets and alleys. It bears your illustrious name and even the imperial edict of the Emperor. How could this not be your doing?"

True, this was his intention, but he had never issued a public announcement before, only ‘classroom blackboard notices.’ Lin Wanrong held the notice in his hands, scrutinizing it. The calligraphy was neat and precise, and the imperial seal of the Emperor was prominently displayed. The scale of this announcement was grand, leaving no room for doubt about its authenticity.

‘I get it!’ Lin Wanrong slapped his hand in sudden realization, his face lighting up with joy. "Qingxuan, you are truly my good wife; your handling of this matter is a hundred times better than if I had done it myself."

"Lord Lin, you have no idea how powerful this announcement is," the shopkeeper wiped away a tear. "For generations, craftsmen like us have been looked down upon. Nobody wants their children to learn our trade, considering it lowly. Many crafts are at risk of being lost, and we've dishonored the legacies of our ancestors. But now that you've posted this notice, everything has changed—"

Suddenly, the shopkeeper was animated, his hands waving excitedly. "It has the golden seal and the imperial edict. It's silenced so many critics. This is not just an announcement; it's a declaration of grace for us craftsmen! You have no idea how many lives and crafts you've saved—Sir, I must bow to you!"

As the shopkeeper bent down and began to kowtow fervently, Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly lifted him up. "It's a small matter, shopkeeper. Don't shorten my life by doing this; I can't bear it!"

"To you, it might be a small thing, but for craftsmen like us, it’s a tremendous benefit for our descendants and an endless blessing. You have no idea how many craftsmen are lighting incense and worshiping you as if you were the Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy."

‘Worship me? I'm in the prime of my life.’ Lin Wanrong was torn between laughter and tears, but deep inside he was thrilled. The outcome had exceeded his expectations. ‘Qingxuan truly understands my heart.’

"A nation grows strong when its industries thrive, and falls into decay when they languish," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Shopkeeper, please tell everyone that this academy will be managed by me, Lin San, for a long time to come. Talent will be rewarded and put to good use, regardless of the field."

With those words, he quickened his pace and left, almost too fast for Gao Qiu to keep up with him.

What got into Brother Lin? Gao Qiu was puzzled.

After walking a good distance, Lin Wanrong's repressed emotions began to ease. He slowed his steps, gazing pensively into the distance, his thoughts flying to some unknown place.

"Brother Lin, Brother Lin—" Gao Qiu's soft calls roused him. He quickly nodded and smiled, "What's the matter, Brother Gao?"

Gao Qiu looked puzzled, "Brother Lin, what's come over you? I've always seen you happier than anyone else. Never seen you like this before."

"It's nothing. I just find the common folk of our Great Hua to be really simple-hearted. Something that should have been done long ago finally takes place after hundreds of years, yet it elicits shouts of joy and dancing in the streets from them. They’ve only learned gratitude and forgotten to demand accountability. Can there be anything more naive than this?"

Seeing Lin Wanrong's downcast expression, Gao Qiu shook his head, "Brother Lin, what you're saying is too profound for me to understand. I only know one thing—better late than never."

Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, "Brother Gao, you're not confused; you are truly wise, very wise indeed!"

After speaking a few words with Gao Qiu, his mood gradually improved. His thoughts also became more agile. What was the use of dwelling on pointless things? It was better to focus on important matters.

Speaking of important matters, Gao Qiu got excited, "Brother Lin, which young lady are you meeting clandestinely today? I can go scout for you."

Lin Wanrong didn’t answer him and instead hurriedly led him forward. Gao Qiu looked around at the familiar scenery and couldn't help but exclaim, "Hey, isn't this the way back to the mansion? Brother Lin, are you meeting the Princess or perhaps the Ladies Qiaoqiao and Ning’er?"

‘How could he be so dense? Does sneaking around like this look like I'm going home to see my wife? Clearly, I'm off to see a mistress!’ Lin Wanrong sighed, "Brother Gao, keep quiet and stay alert. There are guard dogs ahead."

Gao Qiu quickly took the lead to protect him. When he saw Lin Wanrong peeping towards the Xu Mansion, he understood instantly. Filled with awe and admiration, he thought, 'Brother Lin actually dares to have a secret rendezvous with Master Xu's daughter under the very noses of his wives. What audacity, what courage; truly unparalleled!'

"Brother Lin, are we going in? The ladder is ready for you," Gao Qiu whispered, suppressing a laugh as he saw Lin Wanrong staring silently at the wall of the Xu Mansion.

‘Damn it, do I look addicted to scaling walls? The guard dogs in the Xu Mansion are even more ferocious than I am; I can’t afford to provoke them lightly!’ Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Gao, you may not know this, but I have a habit. Whenever I enter my own yard, I like to climb the wall. If I have to enter someone else’s house, I prefer to be carried in on a palanquin."

‘You're planning to steal someone’s daughter, and you expect to be carried in on a palanquin?’ Gao Qiu stifled a few laughs and said nothing. His expression clearly spelled out four big words—I don't believe it!

"You don’t believe me, Brother Gao?" Lin Wanrong smirked, "Have you forgotten my name? When has Lin San ever failed in doing what he intends?"

It wasn't boasting; indeed, there were no records of Lin San ever failing. Just as Gao Qiu was about to speak, a distant clamor of gongs and drums, along with firecrackers, broke the air. Slowly approaching was a large palanquin, carried by none other than eight bearers!

The eight-bearer palanquin stopped in front of the Xu Mansion. An official began loudly announcing from a scroll, "In celebration of Miss Xu's youth and beauty, a gift of longevity and ritual is specially presented. Please graciously accept it—no need to ask who it's from, as known or unknown, the name will not be disclosed!"

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