Finest Servant

Chapter 465 I Did It On Purpose

"Who did you say has arrived?" Lin Wanrong felt momentarily dizzy. "This can't be a coincidence. How did Old Xu's agents carry out their work? They were supposed to be watching others, but it seems they've been watched instead."

Xu Wei was equally shocked. "Prince Cheng is here? How is that possible? He couldn't possibly know we're here. Gao Qiu, calm down and speak slowly."

Gao Qiu swallowed hard, visibly deflated. "I don't know what's happening. The gates of Prince Cheng's mansion suddenly opened, and the prince led dozens of people straight toward us. Our perimeter guards just sent word. He and his men are already at the entrance of the alley, practically here."

"He really came?" Xu Wei stroked his beard, pondering for a while before looking at Lin Wanrong. "Little brother Lin, what do you suggest we do?"

Old Xu was cunning, passing the hot potato to him at a crucial moment. Lin Wanrong was visibly displeased. He chuckled, "Brother Gao, are you certain that Prince Cheng has brought only dozens of people?"

Gao Qiu nodded repeatedly. "Absolutely certain. The alley is narrow; even a hundred people would have to queue to enter. Bringing more men would be pointless."

"I see," Lin Wanrong nodded, then asked, "One more question, Brother Gao. How many eyes do we have around the mansion?"

"Not a hundred, at least eighty. They are skilled men from the palace. If things turn ugly, we won't be at a disadvantage," Gao Qiu answered confidently. He was the captain of the palace's inner guards; he knew his men well.

"That's strange," Lin Wanrong slowly paced back and forth, smiling as he spoke. "Judging by the situation, we're in the dark and they're in the light. In terms of manpower, we have around a hundred men in the surrounding alleys; he has only dozens. They wouldn't stand a chance in a fight. So, why would he actively seek us out? To find trouble?"

Upon hearing Lin San's analysis, Gao Qiu became puzzled too. By all accounts, Prince Cheng was deeply cunning and shouldn't take such risks. What was he up to?

"Brother Lin, this alley is the largest one opposite the mansion, and it houses dozens of families. Could he be visiting relatives or friends?" Gao Qiu pondered, as if asking himself, offering an opinion.

This old fellow really knew how to console himself. Lin Wanrong shook his head, smiling. "Brother Gao, would anyone visit relatives or friends at night? Moreover, he's a royal prince; if there were visits, others should go to him, not the other way around."

"Makes sense," Gao Qiu nodded in agreement. Xu Wei, stroking his beard, asked, "Could it be that he has discovered our whereabouts? This old man has some confidence. I personally arranged the guards and watchers around here, all highly competent men. There's no way they could have leaked information. Even I came here in disguise, unrecognizable. They shouldn't have discovered this place."

"That's unlikely," Lin Wanrong shook his head. "If this residence had truly been exposed, he wouldn't show up personally."

Xu Wei nodded repeatedly, finding that Lin San's words struck right to the point. "If Prince Cheng really discovered this place, he would never reveal it so openly. In your opinion, Little brother Lin, what is he up to?"

The fact that even Xu Wei, a man of renowned reputation, sought advice from Lin San showed how increasingly extraordinary Brother Lin was becoming. Gao Qiu listened intently, his admiration unabated.

"From what I can gather, he's here to show off his power," Lin Wanrong said softly.

"To show off?" Both Gao Qiu and Xu Wei were taken aback.

"Exactly, to show off," Lin Wanrong confirmed, his expression solemn. "Mr. Xu, you've been an official in the court for quite some time and are well aware of the fickleness of human nature. The Emperor's recent actions in the court, although carried out in secret, are already the subject of speculation even among commoners. Do you think someone as experienced as Prince Cheng is unaware?"

Xu Wei nodded, "He understands better than anyone else, but given his cunning, he would never show his hand."

"Exactly," Lin Wanrong slapped his palm. "Who the Emperor's actions are targeting is public knowledge. How could Prince Cheng not know? If my guess is correct, he already knows there are people spying outside his residence. We're in a standoff right now, and all that's missing is a spark to ignite things. He's probably expecting that we still lack a good reason to make a move. Thus, he staged this sudden show of force to both catch us off guard and unsettle our arrangements. At the same time, it serves as a subtle warning, discouraging us from taking any hasty actions."

"Ah, I see. So, you're saying Prince Cheng might not even know we're here? His sudden appearance is to intimidate the spies we've planted around?" Gao Qiu finally grasped the idea.

Lin Wanrong grinned, "Exactly. He's not specifically targeting us. His goal is to show his face and let the news spread back to us. This is a psychological battle to see who loses their nerve first."

When it came to reading people's minds, Lin San was second to none. Xu Wei found the argument convincing. Just then, a guard hurriedly entered and whispered something into Gao Qiu's ear. Lowering his voice, Gao Qiu said, "Mr. Xu, Brother Lin, Prince Cheng is only a few steps away from us—" ℝ�

Just a few steps? Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. Though his analysis had been thorough, it was based on speculation. What Prince Cheng was actually thinking remained a mystery. Seeing him brazenly advancing, in stark contrast to his usual calculated demeanor, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of anxiety. Biting his lip, he gestured for silence, then quietly moved with Gao Qiu and Xu Wei into the courtyard. They had just taken their positions against the wall when they heard the pitter-patter of footsteps approaching.

"Father, it's so late, why are you heading to the Grand Prime Minister Temple? Why not wait until tomorrow?" A clear voice rang out. Lin Wanrong recognized the speaker as none other than Zhao Kangning, the young prince who had once crossed paths with Luo Ning and Seo Jang Geum.

Prince Cheng heaved a light sigh, his voice tinged with age. "Is there a right or wrong time to visit the Grand Prime Minister Temple to pray? Just yesterday, my late father appeared in my dreams, reproaching me for not having offered incense to him for some time. I feel like a failure as both a son and a subject. I've been restless all day, unable to concentrate even in court. Tonight, I'll go to Grand Prime Minister Temple and keep him company."

Upon hearing that the message came through a dream from the late Emperor, Zhao Kangning immediately held his tongue. Prince Cheng paused briefly, glancing around with a look of infinite wistfulness. "Ever since I moved out of the palace as an adult, more than three decades have passed in the blink of an eye. These residential lanes and houses haven't changed much. They still look like they did years ago, yet I have aged."

Zhao Kangning hurriedly offered words of deference, "Father is in the prime of life, as unyielding as evergreen trees. How could you be aging?"

Prince Cheng softly coughed twice and shook his head. "There's no need for flattery. I know my own body. I've been declining year by year. I'm not even sure if I'll be able to see this autumn's red leaves. Kangning, if I can't make it this year, go in my stead, and fulfill my final dream for me."

"Father—" Zhao Kangning burst into tears, unable to speak further.

As footsteps in the lane grew fainter and voices were no longer audible, Lin Wanrong finally let out a long sigh of relief. Gao Qiu said, "Brother Lin, did we get it wrong? Was the Prince actually here to show remorse? He seemed regretful to me."

Xu Wei laughed out loud. "They say that great villains have great wisdom. If he truly felt remorse, he would have kept it to himself at home. Why venture into this lane to announce it? In my opinion, Brother Lin got it right; he's here to intimidate us, catch us off guard, and perhaps even confuse us with his words."

Gao Qiu's face reddened as he heard this. Although he served in the palace, he was a man of the martial world and didn't understand the cunning ways of a figure like Prince Cheng. Smiles and tears were his unyielding weapons, and had Xu Wei not woken him up, he might well have been deceived by the Prince's heartfelt remarks.

"It's not necessarily all fake," Lin Wanrong smiled. "Human nature always has elements that are real and cannot be concealed. But Mr. Xu has reminded me of something: a personage like the Prince would never act without purpose. When he expresses his thoughts in public, what exactly is he trying to convey to us?"

Xu Wei nodded. A man like Prince Cheng would imbue every word with deep meaning. It was rare for little brother Lin to be so perceptive; it was truly a shame he hadn't pursued a career in officialdom. With his talents, rising to a high position wouldn't be mere talk.

Gao Qiu, lacking the analytical abilities of Lin San and Xu Wei, thought in simpler terms. He snorted, "What's there to think about? Either he's genuinely showing weakness, or he's faking it. One of the two has to be true."

"Brother Gao's insight is indeed extraordinary," Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up and laughed.

Xu Wei was also quite amused. The words of Gao Qiu basically amounted to saying nothing at all. He sighed, "If he is truly showing weakness and begging for mercy, then it would be a blessing for our great empire. Unfortunately, matters are probably not that simple. He must have other plans. The White Lotus Sect that he painstakingly built was completely destroyed by us last year. Now, with no troops at his command and trapped in the capital, what can he do?"

Xu Wei furrowed his brow, deep in thought, as if speaking to himself.

"Who says he has no troops?" Lin Wanrong said calmly, "Can't he borrow some?"

Borrow? Xu Wei looked horrified, suddenly enlightened, "Little brother Lin, are you suggesting he could ally with the nomads? Would he dare to commit such a treacherous act?"

The notion Lin Wanrong put forth was audacious. Even Xu Wei, a man seasoned by the harsh realities of life, could hardly bring himself to voice it. Ever since the founding emperor established the nation, nomad invasions had been incessant, each battle at the frontier stealing away land from the empire, their power growing upon the spilled blood of their people. Even the founding emperor, on his deathbed, lamented the need to eliminate the nomad threat. If Prince Cheng, a royal descendant, were to ally with the nomads, it would be more than a betrayal of his ancestors; it would be a monumental disgrace for the empire.

"There is no question of daring. When interests are at stake, all are vulnerable," Lin Wanrong responded, shaking his head with a bitter smile, "Mr. Xu, you've been in the court for many years. You should have seen more of this than I have."

Xu Wei had no reply. There had been countless examples throughout history of people betraying their heritage for personal gain. Prince Cheng wouldn't be the first, nor would he be the last. Xu Wei sighed, "Little brother Lin, this matter is grave. Without substantial evidence, we shouldn't recklessly spread rumors."

Lin Wanrong knew what he was talking about. Given that the Turkic Khan could gift Zhao Kangning something as precious as tobacco leaves, their relationship must be extraordinary. Zhao Kangning did not have Lin Wanrong's knack for trickery, to obtain those leaves with just words.

"I too hope I have misunderstood Prince Cheng," Lin Wanrong chuckled twice, "but I fear the situation is more severe than you think, Mr. Xu. Don't you know? The army that Prince Cheng has borrowed has already set out."

"Set out? Where to?" The more Xu Wei listened to Lin Wanrong, the more horrified he became. Why had Lin Wanrong changed his style today? It used to be good when he just joked around. Now, when he spoke of military and national affairs, it was as if he wouldn't stop unless he shocked people to their core.

"Goryeo!" Lin Wanrong's answer was concise yet powerful.

Xu Wei collapsed into his chair, his face turning pale in an instant.

"Goryeo! Goryeo!" he muttered to himself. If Lin Wanrong's speculation was correct, Prince Cheng had not only allied with nomads but also colluded with Dongyin. He would be a sinner against the people for all of eternity. Considering the case of the Shandong army provisions and the timing of the Dongyin invasion of Goryeo, Lin Wanrong's words hardly needed any evidence to support them.

"Mr. Xu, what's the situation in Goryeo? How far have our Loyal and Brave troops advanced?" Lin Wanrong continued, unperturbed by Xu Wei's astonishment.

Xu Wei was, after all, a man of worldly experience. He regained his composure after a brief silence. "The warships from Dongyin have already arrived. For the past few days, the Dongyin people have been sending small units of soldiers to attempt landings. The Goryeo army has sworn to resist to the death, and both sides are now in a stalemate. The King of Goryeo has already sent several urgent reports, requesting reinforcements from the imperial court. Our Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army is moving at a snail's pace due to the large number of new recruits, and we have yet to cross the river."

"There's no rush, no rush at all," Lin Wanrong said with a sly grin. "If Goryeo and Dongyin are still locked in a stalemate, let our men practice a bit more. We can cross the river in a couple of days. The Goryeo soldiers are willing to die for their land, so let's just wish them bravery and valor."

Lin Wanrong's words were veiled, but Xu Wei understood immediately. This was a soft-kill strategy—let the people of Goryeo fight the Dongyin people first, clearing obstacles for the entry of the Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army. Even if the King of Goryeo knew it was a trap, he had no choice but to jump in.

Hearing Lin Wanrong's crafty words, the unease Xu Wei had felt due to Prince Cheng's collusion with the Dongyin people seemed to dissipate considerably. "Little brother Lin," Xu Wei said approvingly, "listening to you is better than reading ten years of books on sages and virtuous men. With you here, Great Hua will surely not suffer any losses."

“That's because we've already suffered enough,” Lin Wanrong sighed, then chuckled and saluted. "You are too kind, Mr. Xu. Actually, I have another favor to ask."

He whispered something in Xu Wei's ear. "Ah," Xu Wei exclaimed, looking at him with a smile. "You really are young and romantic, even going after a little palace girl from Goryeo. Though she is rather knowledgeable; if she weren't a foreigner, she might even be suitable for you. Don't worry, I'll have someone look into it right away."

Lin Wanrong was at a loss for words. That incident was his great shame. If people were to find out that the competent and resourceful Lin San was deceived by a little palace girl from Goryeo, what face would he have left to live in this world?

"It's not about being romantic," he said with an awkward smile. "Unknowingly, I left something very important behind with her, something that may trigger a chain of unpredictable adverse reactions in the future. That's why I need your help to investigate."

Here we go again, thought Xu Wei. Every time Little brother Lin spoke in riddles, it left him scratching his head. Fortunately, he too was a man of the world and gave Lin Wanrong a knowing look. "Don't worry, I'll handle this for you."

"By the way, Mr. Xu, are there any plans from the Grand Prime Minister Temple?" Lin San asked Xu Wei as he was leaving with Gao Qiu, noticing that it had already gotten dark.

Lin Wanrong was truly diligent and indefatigable. Xu Wei praised him, nodding his approval. "Rest assured, little brother Lin, wherever the big fish goes, a net will follow."

Lin Wanrong nodded without saying a word. A vague sense of unease settled in his heart, but despite pondering over it, he couldn't pinpoint what was bothering him. This remained on his mind as he returned to the Xiao residence and entered the main courtyard. Absorbed in his thoughts and not watching his step, he almost bumped into someone. The soft, silky feeling immediately relaxed his nerves that had been tense all day. Grinning mischievously, he reached out and said, "Ah, Xian'er, did you intentionally bump into me? You've done quite a number; look, you've even raised two big bumps."

"Who intentionally bumped into you?!" The woman exclaimed, her face a blend of embarrassment and anger as she quickly evaded his groping hand.

Still not lifting his head, he teased, "You may not have done it on purpose— but I certainly did! Come, let your husband give you a hug—"

"What? You did it on purpose?!" Several indignant, yet melodious reprimands simultaneously filled his ears, making them buzz.

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