Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

The prince was confused at first, but as Emperor Jingjiang's words gradually became clear: "There are insiders in the court who are assisting the sixth uncle. Mr. Lin is now in a dangerous situation. He may be framed if he returns safely. My father is in good health and will do his best to protect Mr. Lin's safety." "And now that it is inconvenient for my father to directly handle government affairs, those with ulterior motives will relax their vigilance when they think the time has come." After hearing the prince's understanding, Emperor Jingjiang nodded with satisfaction and continued to explain the mystery: "The sixth brother can cross the ocean and accumulate wealth." Rich wealth, close connections with salt merchants, and building such a huge fleet cannot be done by oneself. It must involve collusion within the court. If they want to get rid of Mr. Lin, they must first frame him and make him bear the crime. Then we can do it quietly, so as to minimize the impact of the situation. "

The prince was puzzled as to why he did not directly investigate the matter. Emperor Jingjiang gave a serious warning: "As an emperor, although he is unparalleled in dignity, the way of governing the country still needs to be discussed and implemented together with the scholar-bureaucrats. Acting rashly without conclusive evidence will only lead to the turmoil of the scholar-bureaucrats." Classes are alienated from each other. On the surface, the search operation may be easy to implement, but it may shake the foundation of the country. In the long run, no one will truly serve the country, and no one will dare to speak out. Although the people are important, we cannot ignore the power of the gentry. Smiling bitterly in private, these words should not be widely publicized, because as the emperor, it is often difficult to truly get close to and understand the sufferings of the people. The so-called "co-ruling the world" is actually full of hypocrisy. It’s just fighting in the quagmire of interests. To know a person, you must look at his actions, not just by his beautiful words.”

The prince asked Emperor Jingjiang whether he planned to monopolize power, and Emperor Jingjiang responded frankly: "What people want, even the supreme emperor has his own ideal pursuit, but he knows that he cannot do anything but does not do it, and he is unwilling to act in the name of the people. The rise of emerging gentry, After all, we cannot escape the vortex of interest entanglements, and such problems cannot be completely eradicated." Emperor Jingjiang asked the prince to continue to concentrate on reviewing the memorial, and wait for the news in the secret report to quietly ferment and spread in the dark, and just wait for the opportunity.

At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng's story is also unfolding in another world: He is wearing a Tsing Yi and a small hat, lying leisurely by the flower bed, holding a blade of grass in his mouth, listening to the servants complain that the back pain is as unbearable as dogtail grass , couldn't help but sternly reprimanded the young and strong people for living a lazy life. A clever little servant next to him took the initiative to ask Ying to do the work for him, which led to a burst of light-hearted laughter and banter. Everyone looked forward to hearing Lin Xiaofeng tell wonderful stories at night. However, what Lin Xiaofeng couldn't forget was the whereabouts of Luo Huajun and others. He was lucky that he was hanging out in the west courtyard of the Fu family, cleverly avoiding Jiang Jiantao's surveillance, living in harmony with many servants, and enjoying this rare tranquility. As night fell, Lin Xiaofeng declined the request to tell a story, claiming that he would have dinner with his brother that night. The servants dispersed with regrets, but they did not know that the worries and plans in his heart were quietly advancing.

Dog Tail Cao'er hunched over and snuggled dejectedly next to Lin Xiaofeng. He sighed: "Oh brother, I'm thinking about returning to my life as a beggar. This life of working in the Fu family is really not for people." Lin Xiaofeng was not happy. He stood up unhurriedly, glanced at Gou Tail Cao'er sideways, and said teasingly: "Where have you been wronged? Are you so carefree when begging for food?" Gou Tail Cao'er shook his head and sighed: "Although I receive a lot of wages every month, But it's like making wedding clothes for others, and I feel like I've lost my freedom." Lin Xiaofeng sneered: "Your idea is quite unique! It's not easy to make a living with a legitimate craft. You should cherish this opportunity to change your destiny. If you are willing, I will. It can help you bring down Jiang Jiantao, or even take his place." Dogtail Cao'er smiled awkwardly and joked: "Brother, you are just like those rebel eunuchs rumored on the streets who intend to subvert the imperial court." Lin Xiaofeng interrupted sharply. : "That's nonsense, shut up if you can't speak!" Then the conversation changed and he asked about his plans for dinner, and learned that the Fu family strictly prohibited the servants from eating out. Lin Xiaofeng smiled slyly: "Go to the kitchen, I'll take you to taste some good things. The ingredients purchased today are very rich, there will definitely be leftover meat to enjoy."

Lin Xiaofeng has established friendships with many servants through his unique use of leftovers. Recently, the food has been too bland and tasteless, so he takes this opportunity to improve everyone's meals. Dog's Tail Cao'er was in a state of confusion: "Does this count as stealing?" Lin Xiaofeng dismissed it: "How can it be called stealing when it comes to scholars?!" Then he quoted scriptures, which made Dog's Tail Cao'er confused. Shui: "Since you can read and write, why do you still want to be a beggar?" Lin Xiaofeng replied proudly: "Everyone has his or her own strengths, and things are unpredictable. There is no eternal iron rice bowl. I have gone through ups and downs and tried many professions. , just to get a bite to eat.”

Lin Xiaofeng suddenly remembered that Dogtail Cao'er had never set foot in the West Courtyard, and asked why. It turns out that the west courtyard is the boudoir of the second young lady Fu Jiayi, and Gou Tail Cao'er is enamored with her personal maid Qiu Ju. Lin Xiaofeng was surprised to hear that Gou Tail Cao'er had not had an in-depth conversation with Qiu Ju, but only praised her beauty from afar but received no response. Lin Xiaofeng laughed and said: "You are just like an unskilled 'dog licker'. I deeply despise this kind of behavior." As he said, he made a fist and imitated teasing movements, making a teasing "squeak" sound. He teased the big yellow dog who was guarding the courtyard, letting him come closer for a while, then quickly retracting his hand. Repeatedly, the big yellow dog finally barked in confusion. Lin Xiaofeng took the opportunity to teach him a lesson: "Look at this dog and you will know the meaning of 'licking the dog'. Blind pursuit will only lead to nothing." He also warned Dogtail Cao'er that such a pursuit method is both easy to get hurt and difficult to learn lessons.

Dogtail Cao'er looked ashamed, Lin Xiaofeng encouraged him to be confident, telling him that matching any woman in the family on his terms was considered a high achievement, so there was no need to feel inferior. Lin Xiaofeng taught him his pursuit strategy: First, he must leave a deep impression on the other party, and then look for opportunities to lend a helping hand and cater to his liking; he should not lack sweet words, be thick-skinned, and dare to take the initiative; make Qiu Ju feel dependent on him and feel There are many inconveniences in life without him. After the relationship gradually warms up, then infiltrate it into her friends to create jealousy and create an emotional gap. Give sweets at the right time, but you must also pay attention to when it is enough, stop catering blindly, and establish your personal charm so that she can start to reflect and desire to have her. . After hearing this, Gou Tail Cao'er felt enlightened and eager to put it into practice, but Lin Xiaofeng stopped him and ordered him to tidy up his appearance before going to the West Courtyard.

At dusk, Lin Xiaofeng saw a figure hobbling towards him with a cane, a bruised face and tearful eyes. He cried that he had failed in following the instructions. Lin Xiaofeng was initially doubtful about the identity of the visitor, but after confirming it, he found out that it was Dogtail Cao'er, and asked what happened. Dogtail Caoer burst into tears: "I did it according to your method, but somehow it got messed up. I told Qiu Ju that she was ugly, but she beat me up." Lin Xiaofeng was stunned when he heard this. , stepped forward to check his injuries carefully, and couldn't help but laugh.

The moon shrouded like mist, stars sparsely dotted the night sky, and the entire courtyard was immersed in a deep and mysterious pool of quiet water. Lin Xiaofeng and Dogtail Cao'er were like ghosts in the dark night, silently walking through the courtyard and approaching the kitchen quickly. After entering, Lin Xiaofeng quickly lit several candles and placed them on the stove. The dim light instantly dispelled the gloom in the room. Dog Tail Cao'er's face was filled with melancholy, as if a thousand pounds of weight were weighing on his heart. Lin Xiaofeng saw this and scolded sternly: "Stop looking so sad! You must be measured in your teachings. I will let you leave a deep impression on Qiu Ju." Impressions are not about enmity. Now that things have happened, it depends on how I can turn things around." Dogtail Cao'er leaned against the stove and sighed, worried that he might have to be beaten by Qiu Ju again tomorrow.

Lin Xiaofeng angrily rummaged through the cabinets in the kitchen, looking for something to satisfy his hunger. However, after searching, he found nothing. He couldn't help but cursed: "Are all the people in the Fu family pigs? We can't even find any leftovers! Here we come. , then we have to find something to eat." Dog Tail Cao'er endured the pain and got up, barely pulling himself together to help search. In the end, there was not much left in the kitchen, only a few wilted rotten vegetable leaves, a jar of yellowed pickles, and fortunately two pieces of tofu, which could barely supplement some protein. They picked up the vegetable leaves and put them together into a bowl, sliced ​​the tofu into a casserole and cooked it, and then sat on the ground, relatively speechless. Dogtail Cao'er complained repeatedly about the shabby food in front of him, but Lin Xiaofeng smiled and comforted him: "This pickled vegetables rolled with tofu, although simple, is better than the delicacies from the mountains and seas at the emperor's banquet."

At this moment, there was a clear sound of footsteps outside the door. Lin Xiaofeng suddenly blew out the candle and quickly hid the casserole, while Dogtail Cao'er hurriedly hid under the stove. The door was quietly pushed open, and a figure quietly walked into the kitchen and began to rummage around. Lin Xiaofeng's heart moved, and he realized that he had bumped into a fellow person who was also here to look for food, so he cooperated tacitly with Dog Tail Cao'er to quietly capture the figure in the darkness and choked him to subdue him. When the light gradually became brighter, it became clear that the person was actually a woman, Qiu Ju. Lin Xiaofeng threatened to catch the thief, Qiu Ju was horrified, and Dogtail Cao'er was even more surprised when she recognized his identity.

Lighting the candle again, Lin Xiaofeng sneered at Qiu Ju and falsely accused her of being a thief. Qiu Ju angrily asked him why he sneaked in here, and Lin Xiaofeng pretended to answer that he was waiting for something to happen. Qiu Ju was speechless for a moment, Gou Tail Cao'er let go of her hand, and Lin Xiaofeng gently touched her body to confirm her female identity. Lin Xiaofeng even threatened her by stripping off her clothes to force her to remain silent. Then she brought up the past incident of stealing food and threatened to report it to the master. Dog Tail Cao'er subdued him again, and Lin Xiaofeng took the opportunity to stuff the hot tofu that had just come out of the pot into Qiu Ju's mouth, causing Qiu Ju to suffer from the scalding pain.

At the critical moment, Lin Xiaofeng cleverly changed his attitude, solemnly apologized to Qiu Ju, and explained the reason why Dogtail Caoer's inappropriate words and deeds: it turned out to be because he always missed his childhood sweetheart who died of illness early and his parents who both died, and he was overworked recently. , I am in a low mood, so my words will inevitably offend. Lin Xiaofeng described the tragic experience of Dogtail Cao'er in detail. After hearing this, Qiu Ju felt sympathy in her heart and stopped pursuing the matter. The three of them sat around under the weak candlelight, Gou Tail Cao'er deliberately pretended to be stupid, and Qiu Ju's expression gradually softened. Lin Xiaofeng found the right moment and was about to slap Gou Tail Cao'er again to express his apology. Qiu Ju stopped him in time and frankly stated that she had no intention of blaming him and advised not to impose any more punishment. Dogtail Cao'er admired Lin Xiaofeng's skills in his heart, and secretly admired his superb methods for successfully resolving this sudden crisis and turning enemies into friends.

The moon was silent and the stars were faint. In this dim kitchen, Lin Xiaofeng decisively ordered Dogtail Cao'er to apologize to Qiu Ju. Dogtail Cao'er immediately put on a flattering smile on his face and apologized with fear. Facing this scene, Qiu Ju's face was as calm as water, and she said calmly that she no longer cared. Lin Xiaofeng then tentatively asked Qiu Ju if she also came here in search of food. Qiu Ju nodded slightly and told the truth: The master was busy entertaining guests, and she had not been able to eat yet. Qiu Ju offered to share the remaining food, and Lin Xiaofeng readily accepted it, knowing that this was a good opportunity to enhance their relationship.

Seeing that Dog Tail Cao'er was still standing there at a loss what to do, Lin Xiaofeng became furious and kicked him on the butt, urging him to help Qiu Ju get food. When Gou Tail Cao'er was about to mention the topic of childhood sweethearts, Lin Xiaofeng immediately stopped him sternly and told him to concentrate on his work. The two of them worked together to take out a few plates of leftovers from the cabinet. There were only a few withered yellow vegetable leaves and a little soup left on the plates. At first glance, Lin Xiaofeng thought they were unwashed tableware. However, Qiu Ju said calmly that the vegetable soup and rice were enough to satisfy her hunger, and explained that today was indeed an unusual day, and the second lady usually treated her with considerate care.

Considering that the scraps for the three of them might not be enough to share, Lin Xiaofeng decisively decided to find another way out and ordered Dog Tail Cao'er to quickly boil hot water for emergencies. Immediately, he quietly sneaked into a nearby chicken coop and soon returned with a lively chicken in hand. When Qiu Ju saw this, her surprise was palpable, while Lin Xiaofeng smiled and declared that this was not stealing, but just a temporary loan. If there was any trouble, he was willing to take full responsibility. Lin Xiaofeng skillfully slaughtered the chicken and prepared to cook and fry the whole chicken into a delicacy. He bluntly said that in the eyes of poor people, fried chicken is undoubtedly a rare delicacy.

As the oil temperature gradually increased, Lin Xiaofeng put the whole chicken into the hot oil pan. Instantly, the kitchen was filled with an alluring aroma, which made Dogtail Grass intoxicated. Even Qiu Ju, who had always been calm, couldn't help but salivate. . The chicken was fried until golden and crispy and then taken out. Lin Xiaofeng carefully cut the chicken into pieces, first removing the chicken butt, and then evenly distributed the remaining parts between Qiu Ju and Dogtail Grass. Qiu Ju noticed that Lin Xiaofeng had not moved her chopsticks, and couldn't help asking why. Lin Xiaofeng replied that she had already eaten before, and now she only needed a little food to satisfy her hunger.

Originally, Lin Xiaofeng planned to eat the chicken butt, but Gou Tail Cao'er insisted on exchanging the chicken legs in his hands with him. This made Lin Xiaofeng both moved and dumbfounded. What is even more ridiculous is that the dog-tailed grass then respectfully presented the chicken butt to Qiu Ju. Qiu Ju took it and took a sip, finding it tasted wonderful. Dogtail Cao'er sincerely invited Qiu Ju to taste the fried chicken. Qiu Ju couldn't resist the persuasion and praised her repeatedly after taking a bite.

Lin Xiaofeng recalled in his mind the scene when he first came into contact with the foreign fast food KFC, with mixed feelings in his heart. When he saw that he had not yet moved his chopsticks, Qiu Ju took the initiative to hand over a chicken wing and persuaded him to enjoy the delicious food together. The three of them sat around the simple table, enjoying the fried chicken dinner together, immersed in this happy and warm moment. Lin Xiaofeng silently lamented in his heart that Dog Tail Cao'er was overly attentive and his behavior was like a complete "dog licking", but at the same time he was gratified by his sincerity and sincerity. Although life is difficult, they can find joy in ordinary food, and the simple human touch makes this night particularly special.

Lin Xiaofeng's gaze was like a still lake, calmly resting on the oily and meaty chicken wings in the bowl, and then drifting like flowing clouds towards Qiu Ju's simple and gentle face, and a wave of joy quietly rose in her heart. A feeling of joy. He secretly thought about Gou Tail Cao'er's wise decision. This woman was pure-hearted and considerate, which was really rare. Lin Xiaofeng said to her in an indifferent but caring tone: "You can enjoy these chicken wings without worrying about me. I always prefer vegetable soup with rice and am a little tired of chicken." As soon as he finished speaking, he Then he put the chicken wing back into Qiu Ju's bowl.

Staring at their thin faces and rough fingers, Lin Xiaofeng thought to himself that their dining tables would rarely have delicacies on ordinary days, so how could he bear to deprive them of the opportunity to enjoy delicious food? There is a plate full of golden and tempting fried chicken at home. You can eat as much as you want, so why should you skimp on a chicken wing?
Qiu Ju bowed her head, and her soft words were like a breeze blowing across the fields: "Thank you, Brother Lin, for your generous gift." Lin Xiaofeng smiled back, but there was a trace of emotion in her heart: Sure enough, friendship between food is easy to grow, and just before tasting chicken wings, She also called him Lin Jinjiang respectfully, but now she affectionately calls him Brother Lin. Everyone sat together, immersed in delicious food and conversation, and the atmosphere was cheerful and harmonious.

Qiu Ju suddenly asked Lin Xiaofeng: "Brother Lin, why do people call you Gou Fu Cao'er?" At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng was chewing the bowl of vegetable soup and rice that was cold but still fragrant. He replied: "But It’s just a nickname.” Then he admired the unique flavor of this cold food and how delicious it was. Qiu Ju did not show surprise when she heard this, but continued to ask about Gou Wei Cao'er's past: "Gou Fu, what kind of business did you do before joining the Fu family?" Gou Wei Cao'er heard Qiu Ju take the initiative Talking to him, he was overjoyed. When he was about to respond, Lin Xiaofeng secretly kicked him and answered on his behalf: "Cao'er was invited by a restaurant in his early years to taste the dishes of each restaurant."

"Exploring the store?" Qiu Ju was very curious about this. "Wander around like a traveler, taste hundreds of dishes, and strictly control the taste for restaurants." Qiu Ju was a little confused: "Such a beautiful job, isn't it like a beggar tasting hundreds of dishes for free?" Lin Xiaofeng laughed loudly. , cleverly changed the topic and avoided in-depth discussion of the real situation. Qiu Ju then became curious about Lin Xiaofeng's past: "Then what did you do before?" Lin Xiaofeng proudly said: "Lin once held an official position in Kyoto and owned a large fiefdom. The princes and nobles fought for it. Invite me to a banquet."

Qiu Ju smiled brightly and solemnly raised her hands in greeting: "It turns out that Brother Lin is actually an adult. He is so blind that he cannot see the mountains. It is disrespectful and disrespectful!" Lin Xiaofeng was so heroic that he promised to fulfill Qiu Ju's wish without hesitation. Dog Tail Cao'er watched the two chatting and laughing from the side, and fell into deep thought: Brother Lin's boast is getting bigger and bigger. In the past, he only showed off that he owned several luxury houses, but now he calls himself a local official. Maybe when walking in the world, talking big is an art of life, right?

Qiu Ju cooperated obediently, and after thinking for a moment, she proposed her first wish: "I hope to eat fried chicken every day." Lin Xiaofeng disagreed: "This wish is too small, change it to another one!" Qiu Ju then changed her mind: "But I hope my salary can be increased by one penny next month." Lin Xiaofeng still felt not satisfied. At this time, Dogtail Cao'er took the opportunity to get close and carefully stated his wish: "I hope to have white and neat teeth." Lin Xiaofeng sneered at it.

Qiu Ju looked up at the roof and slowly said another wish in her heart: "I have a wish. I want to visit Yangqu County." Lin Xiaofeng's face instantly became serious when he heard this: "Yangqu County? Where do you come from? Where did you know about this place?" Qiu Ju replied with a smile: "Yangqu County is famous far and wide. Who knows in the capital? It is said that it is the best county in the world, the people are extremely wealthy, and it is also the fiefdom of the talented Lin Xiaofeng."

Lin Xiaofeng was stunned and filled with doubts: "Where did these claims come from?" Qiu Ju explained: "The eldest lady and the second lady often mentioned Yangqu County when chatting, especially the eldest lady loves poetry and is very interested in Lin Xiaofeng's works. The praise is very high. Yangqu County's wealth is extraordinary and difficult for ordinary people to match. This reputation has spread throughout the capital."

Lin Xiaofeng's expression changed subtly. He was surprised by the contrast between Yangqu County's reputation and his low-key personality. He was even more surprised by the so-called "number one in the world" and "talented man". However, when she unexpectedly learned that she had a crush on a girl, Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help feeling a little proud. So, he agreed to take Qiu Ju to visit Yangqu County to see its true appearance.

In the meantime, they also talked about the second young lady’s upcoming selection of book boys in the school. Lin Xiaofeng expressed surprise that women could also enroll in school, and deeply admired the enlightened measures of the director of Yuelu Book Club. Qiu Ju added that the eldest daughter also disguised herself as a man to attend school and was highly appreciated by the mountain chief, so the second daughter had no trouble entering the school. After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng began to believe that it was not groundless for women to study. After learning that the eldest lady was not only talented but also stunningly beautiful, he felt a strange sense of loss in his heart towards her.

Qiu Ju suggested that Lin Xiaofeng go to the West Hospital to run for a book boy the next day, so that he could not only serve the second lady, enjoy generous treatment, but also go out with her to gain more experience. Compared with being a hospital worker, it was undoubtedly a hundred times better. Lin Xiaofeng fell into deep thought after hearing this, and finally came to an understanding: How could a young student easily give up the opportunity to get close to a beautiful classmate? Thinking of this, he felt more and more relieved, full of expectations and longing for his future life.

Lin Xiaofeng heard that if he was chosen as a book boy, he would be able to travel around as he pleased, and he couldn't help but make a calculation in his mind: "In this way, it will be a little more free and convenient. I have been sneaking around Fu's house many times these days, and every time I am surrounded by dangers, walking on thin ice. Brothers in the world may be looking for me. I can't stay here for long. As a gangster, if I am trapped in this deep house day after day, what difference will I have from those servants? The investigation may have reached Ge Feng Bay. I have been missing for many days. Luo Huajun and other friends of life and death must be as anxious as ants on a hot pot. "

Lin Xiaofeng further asked Qiu Ju about the specific conditions for choosing a book boy, and Qiu Ju replied calmly: "You only need to be proficient in writing and ink. After all, in this huge courtyard, there are very few people who can hold a pen and write. Tomorrow, the eldest and second young ladies will both be able to write." He will be present in person to preside over the selection, and the main assessor should be the eldest lady with outstanding talents." Lin Xiaofeng slightly slyly explored whether he could participate in the selection of the West Academy based on his status in the Second Lady's Court. Qiu Ju smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. , and guarantee that there is no risk in this matter.

At dawn on the second day, Lin Xiaofeng got up early, washed his face with the clear well water, tidied his clothes, and walked straight to the west courtyard to participate in this fateful selection. Dog-tailed Cao'er saw him walking in a hurry and asked anxiously what happened. Lin Xiaofeng responded jokingly, saying that he would take this opportunity to help him win Qiu Ju's favor and at the same time fight for the position of the book boy. Cao'er was dubious after hearing this , but also happily accepted this arrangement.

When they arrived at the West Courtyard, there were several servants dressed in smart clothes and solemn expressions waiting there. One of them, a handsome servant who looked like a dark horse prince, looked at Lin Xiaofeng with interest. While the two were talking, Lin Xiaofeng remained silent. Remain calm and composed, neither arrogant nor revealing in your words and deeds, maintaining a low-key and humble attitude.

Just at this time, the second young lady Fu Jiayi and Qiu Ju walked out of the boudoir. Lin Xiaofeng watched all directions and listened in all directions. He quickly caught the opportunity and used ingenious means to make the servant who looked like the dark horse prince suddenly show pain in a moment. With his unbearable look, everyone thought he was suddenly seriously ill and needed to be sent to the hospital urgently. Jiayi was so shocked that she had no choice but to order someone to carry him away from the scene.

Immediately afterwards, the eldest lady Fu Lingzhi, known as "the best in poetry and painting", arrived gracefully. Everyone followed the instructions and wrote and wrote, showing off their talents. Lin Xiaofeng calmly observed the surrounding atmosphere. After most of the servants had put down their pens, he started writing leisurely and contentedly. The poems jumped out on the paper in an instant. His speed was eye-popping, and he was the best among them. At this moment, Lingzhi had not noticed Lin Xiaofeng during her first inspection, but had already silently made a preliminary ranking of candidates. Lin Xiaofeng was temporarily ranked fifth due to his calligraphy.

After everyone finished writing, Lingzhi began to look at each person's work one by one. Most of them are just daily chores or grateful platitudes with nothing new to say. When she read the poem written by Lin Xiaofeng, "How can one live and die for the benefit of the country and avoid it because of misfortunes and blessings?" Lingzhi's footsteps stopped abruptly, an expression of approval and surprise appeared on her face, and she asked about this poem Where does it come from.

Lin Xiaofeng was well aware of the risk of revealing his true identity, so he calmly responded that it was not his own original work, but a precious calligraphy treasure left behind by his father, and lied that he was born in a scholarly family. After listening to Fu Lingzhi, she admired and admired the heroic aspiration of sacrificing one's life to serve the country more and more in the poem he described, but she had no idea that Lin Xiaofeng's resourcefulness and astuteness were actually hidden behind this poem. He weaved a self-protection card between the lines. network, carefully concealing his true identity and past.

Lin Xiaofeng's face gradually took on a sad color, like a reflection in the autumn water, and he whispered: "My father was once a man with great ambitions to serve the country. Before he gave up his pen and joined the army, he left this poem as a legacy. I have no choice but to I was young and ignorant at that time, and could only remember this sentence. Whenever I think about it, I feel guilty." After hearing these words, Fu Lingzhi's eyes flashed with inquiry and curiosity, and asked about the whereabouts of Lin Xiaofeng's father and why he did it. When he came to Fujiaqu, he became a servant.

Lin Xiaofeng's face was instantly shrouded in grief. He slowly recounted the past of his father's tragic death during the war. Only mother and son were left in the family to depend on each other. As the world changed, the family situation declined day by day, and life was as difficult and difficult as falling into a swamp. Until today, fate led him to the Fu family. When he mentioned his mother, his emotions became deeper and more intense, and his endless longing was like a river. In order to remember his father's patriotism and entrustment, his mother engraved the four characters "Serve the Country with Loyalty" on his body, like a brand. Eternal in the heart. Lin Xiaofeng unbuttoned his clothes and exposed the tattoo on his chest. The mark of sincere emotion moved everyone around him. Fu Lingzhi was also deeply moved, with tears in her eyes.

Lin Xiaofeng continued: "Although I haven't read enough poems and books, my parents' teachings are as deep in my heart as a knife carved on a stone. Especially this poem, I dare not forget it." After saying this, he rearranged his clothes. , his expression turned solemn and solemn, as if he was shouldering a great mission. After hearing this, Lingzhi felt ripples in her heart. She knew that poetry could be copied and imitated with paper and ink, but the tattoos full of emotions and memories were evidence that could not be imitated, so she firmly believed that everything Lin Xiaofeng said was true. Lingzhi couldn't help but praise: "Your Majesty is indeed a gentleman with noble sentiments and uprightness. Your Majesty is also a woman with high moral character and virtuous character."

When Lingzhi asked her name, Lin Xiaofeng humbly replied: "Lin Jinjiang, a common man." Lingzhi immediately made a decision and decided that from now on, Lin Jinjiang would accompany her second lady Fu Jiayi to study and study together. This move aroused dissatisfaction among other servants, who believed that the selection process was unfair. Lingzhi calmed down the public opinion with a firm attitude and defended her decision impartially and selflessly. Lin Jinjiang was secretly happy when he witnessed all this. He regarded the predicament in front of him as the first level of a brave man's experience. He was confident that he would be able to turn danger into safety with his own wisdom and courage.

At this moment, Fu Jiayi and Qiu Ju came after hearing the news and were curious about Lin Jinjiang's selection. Lin Jinjiang was honest, saying that he was recommended by Qiu Ju, and detailed the reasons behind ordering more dishes at Jinxinlou, emphasizing that this move was to take care of his companions rather than for personal gain. Qiu Ju stepped forward in time to confirm his statement. After careful observation, Lingzhi became more and more convinced that Lin Jinjiang was not only outstanding in appearance, but also an honest, reliable and compassionate person.

Fu Jiayi insisted on conducting additional assessments on Lin Jinjiang. Although Lingzhi felt that this was too harsh, she couldn't defeat her sister in the end, so she agreed to let her set up an additional test. Jiayi suggested that calligraphy and painting should be tested together. After hearing this, all the servants looked embarrassed, but Lin Jinjiang was calm and calm and could handle it with ease. In an instant, Lin Jinjiang raised his pen and a lively painting appeared on the paper. Although the picture was childish but full of fun, the two sisters couldn't help but laugh. Jiayi laughed and commented that Lin Jinjiang's paintings were slightly funny, but Lin Jinjiang accepted it calmly and smiled without losing his grace.

Although Jiayi set up obstacles in every possible way, Lingzhi always unswervingly chose Lin Jinjiang as the book boy. However, Fu Jiayi still refused to give up and wanted to design new problems to test him. A trace of sullenness began to appear on Lingzhi's face, and Lin Jinjiang noticed it quickly and volunteered to accept any challenge Jiayi put forward. Jiayi was speechless for a moment, racking her brains but couldn't think of a question that was enough to stump Lin Jinjiang, so she suddenly asked for the stars in the sky. Lin Xiaofeng sighed slightly when he saw this. Facing Jiayi's cunning and eccentric demands, he still maintained a gentle and tenacious attitude, calmly waiting for Jiayi's final decision.

The rumored glimmer of hope seemed like a glimmer of dawn, which lifted the spirits of many servants in the mansion. They whispered and thought: If even those of us who have been serving in the mansion all year round cannot achieve something, what will happen to this new arrival? What can the new faces do? Fu Jiayi's eyes were full of provocation, and she cast a sharp look at Lin Xiaofeng. Fu Lingzhi could no longer hold back, and with a stern and upright look on her brows, she sternly scolded: "That's nonsense! Go back to your boudoir quickly, and we'll start tomorrow." If you want to go to the academy, the first thing you need to do is learn how to study and cultivate your character!" Upon hearing this, Fu Jiayi's face suddenly flashed with anger, and when she was about to retort, Lin Xiaofeng responded calmly: "That's right, girl! , It’s just that it’s not nightfall now, and the stars haven’t appeared yet. When the moon is dark and the wind is high, I will definitely pick the stars from the sky for the second lady.” Fu Jiayi quickly passed this sentence to Lingzhi: “Sister. , he said he could pick the stars!" Then he ran back to his boudoir angrily, vowing to witness with his own eyes the moment who could actually pick the stars.

Lingzhi could only smile and shake her head at this scene, and in desperation warned Lin Xiaofeng not to care about Fu Jiayi's willful behavior. The two then walked into the study room and discussed in detail the specific arrangements for how Lin Xiaofeng would accompany Fu Jiayi to study in the academy tomorrow. As soon as he stepped onto the threshold of the study, Lin Xiaofeng's footsteps suddenly stopped in place, and his sight was firmly caught by the half-written poem hanging on the wall: "The cicadas are sad, it's late in the pavilion, the shower has just begun to stop; the capital tent is drinking without a trace. , Good times are in vain..." This word is only half written, and the two gaps at the end are left unfilled. Lin Xiaofeng's heart was filled with ups and downs: "Isn't this exactly what I wrote when I was inspired by "Yulin Ling", so how could it appear here? I put so much thought into it at that time, even after the college entrance examination, I even read it and reviewed it. How could it be so blurry now!"

Lingzhi noticed that Lin Xiaofeng stopped to look at the words on the wall and asked with interest: "Do you also recognize this poem?" Lin Xiaofeng pretended to be calm and replied: "I just think it has a profound artistic conception and is intriguing." Lingzhi explained. : "This is the work of today's Zhan Shi Lin Xiaofeng, who is famous for his outstanding talents. If you are interested, you may wish to study it in depth and taste it with your heart." Lin Xiaofeng asked humbly: "Since this Lin Xiaofeng has such an amazing talent, he must have He must have extraordinary moral character and outstanding personality, right?" Lingzhi was stunned at first, and then nodded affirmatively: "That's true."

Lingzhi turned around and pulled out a few old and yellowed notebooks from the bookshelf, and handed them to Lin Xiaofeng cautiously: "These are some of my study notes from the past. You can give them to Miss Er as a reference for your homework. You must keep them properly and do not It's damaged." Lin Xiaofeng took it and browsed it quickly, nodding and saying, "Don't worry, Miss."

On the pages of yellowed paper, the dense regular script is like dancing elves, arranged in an orderly manner, showing the owner's concentration and hard work. Lingzhi showed this note in person, which shows its importance in her heart. Lin Xiaofeng looked at these notes and felt a sense of respect in her heart. She knew that in this world, women have to work harder and bear greater pressure than men to realize their self-worth, and they also have to withstand all kinds of secular scrutiny.

Lingzhi further reminded Lin Xiaofeng: "I was supposed to teach Jiayi myself, but I was burdened with trivial matters and was unable to do what I could. As a personal companion, your first task is to ensure that Jiayi concentrates on learning and avoids all playfulness and wasting time. Behavior. As for daily study tidying, household affairs and other trivial tasks, you have your own servant Qiu Ju to take care of her. You need to ensure Jiayi’s safety on her way to and from the academy, pick her up and drop her off on time, accompany her to Jinxin Tower for dinner at noon, and escort her safely in the evening. Coming home, that’s what your day job is all about.”

Lingzhi also elaborated on the school's atmosphere and principles of interpersonal communication, especially warning Lin Xiaofeng that if any classmates harass Fu Jiayi, she must step forward to protect her and try to resolve conflicts. Then, she took out two taels of silver and handed it to Lin Xiaofeng: "This is Miss Second's daily living expenses. Her three meals are all taken care of at Jinxin Building. You will manage this money on your behalf. You need to check the accounts with Jiayi every night." ." He also added that the salary payment is coordinated by Jiang Guanjia, and Lin Xiaofeng does not need to worry about it. Lin Xiaofeng agreed one by one, thinking in his mind: "These two taels of silver are enough to pay for Jiayi's daily needs for clothing, accessories, food and bathing, and even to meet her special requests such as reaching for stars. It is not a problem."

Lingzhi once again asked Lin Xiaofeng to walk Jiayi to the academy tomorrow, familiarize herself with the route in advance, and bring a jar of good wine to be given to Chang Shansheng.

Lin Xiaofeng was full of confidence and promised Lingzhi that he would do his best to take care of Fu Jiayi. He also declared without hesitation that reaching for the stars was as easy as picking something out of a bag. Then, he left the east courtyard with the wine jar on his shoulders and returned to the west courtyard. Seeing the dog's tail leaning against the wall and taking a rest, he greeted cordially: "Brother, are you back? It seems that you have been selected this time, right?" Lin Xiaofeng responded with a smile: "How can you not be selected? You Look at the jar of fine wine in my hand, which is the most direct evidence!" He also revealed that he was confident that he had won Fu Jiayi's trust. Even a small matter like reaching for the stars was just a show of his skills for him! A piece of cake.

Before Chang Shansheng had a chance to taste the richness and richness of the fine wine, Lin Xiaofeng and Dogtail Cao'er had already drank half of the jar. They knew they couldn't swallow it all to avoid facing the Chang family's censure the next day, so they put down their glasses and left the banquet, stepping out. Entering the Chang family gate. Lin Xiaofeng used the remaining silver to buy an elegant green shirt, a simple jade pendant, an elegant folding fan, and a small and exquisite wine flask. He bathed and changed clothes, carefully selected the most exquisite food and enjoyed a meal. Although the two taels of silver were quickly exhausted, Lin Xiaofeng calculated in his heart that this was enough. He thought carefully that Fu Jiayi's daily extravagant diet cost two taels of silver, which was really bad for her health in the long run, so he planned to teach her to pay attention to healthy eating tomorrow and lead her to experience the simple but delicious snacks in the streets, so as to save money. Spend money while also nourishing the body and mind.

As dusk spread quietly, Lin Xiaofeng had a cunning and confident smile on his face. He held an ordinary water basin in his hand and stepped on the road to the west courtyard with light steps. He intended to use the ink to illuminate The starry sky coaxed Fu Jiayi into "reaching for the stars" in this subtle way.

Lin Xiaofeng's action attracted the attention of a young servant next to him. He ran quickly and quickly passed the news to the other servants. Everyone was confused about this and talked about it. Finally, a seemingly clever servant guessed that Lin Xiaofeng might use a basin as a mirror to reflect the starry sky. He even boldly guessed that he mixed a mysterious substance into the ink to make the reflected starlight brighter. Clear. The servants were inspired to imitate Lin Xiaofeng, each holding a basin in their hands, and rushed to the west courtyard, hoping to win the "Star Reaching" competition and seize the position of book boy. Fu Jiayi had been waiting here early and saw Lin Xiaofeng holding a basin in his hand, asking him if he wanted to wash his face here. Lin Xiaofeng had a smile on his face and something in his mind, and he declared straightforwardly that he would capture the stars for her. Fu Jiayi sneered at this and made a bet. If he could really succeed in catching stars, she would agree to go to the academy with him tomorrow. Otherwise, she would rather go alone.

Lin Xiaofeng found Qiu Ju and asked her to help prepare the ink. Qiu Ju immediately started grinding and mixing. Fu Jiayi looked sideways at Lin Xiaofeng to see what tricks he would play. Lin Xiaofeng looked back and saw a group of servants swarming over with water basins in their hands, asking for ink. Lin Xiaofeng froze on the spot, secretly sighing that such a battle was unexpected. The servants eagerly poured the ink into the basin, and the clear water surface was instantly soaked in ink and turned pitch black. One of the servants excitedly presented the basin full of ink to Fu Jiayi, claiming that he had collected the stars into the basin. After careful inspection, Fu Jiayi found no trace of the stars, and her face immediately darkened. She sternly reprimanded everyone for trying to muddle through, and warned that if no one could truly achieve the goal of catching stars, she would reconsider the choice of book boy. When Lin Xiaofeng saw this, he was secretly glad that someone had failed in the first attempt, thus indirectly relieving him of the pressure. He looked up at the stars and suddenly realized that his previous assumptions were wrong, but he still needed to be flexible at this moment. Fu Jiayi also had doubts about him and asked him if he was equally incompetent. Lin Xiaofeng remained calm and composed, claiming that the stars were actually in his hands and that they were a treasure passed down from generation to generation in their family. When Fu Jiayi heard this, her face was full of doubts. Lin Xiaofeng then turned around and took out an item and told her that there were stars hidden in it.

Lin Xiaofeng made up a lie, saying that once the star in the tube is turned on, it will disappear. Because it took three generations of his family to pursue it hard to obtain it, it must be kept carefully and no mistakes can be made. In fact, the tube contained only a bunch of fireworks. In view of his special status, Lin Xiaofeng was worried that using it directly would cause unnecessary misunderstandings, so he chose to use this method to temporarily ease the current situation.

Fu Jiayi was still dubious and insisted on asking Lin Xiaofeng to open the tube to verify. Lin Xiaofeng hesitated for a moment, pretended to obey, and signaled Qiu Ju to get the fire fold, lying that after the stars were extinguished, they needed flames to regain their brilliance. Fu Jiayi obeyed and ordered Qiu Ju to do what Lin Xiaofeng said. The fireworks in Lin Xiaofeng's hands seemed to be transformed into a priceless star at this moment, lying quietly in the tube, waiting for the moment of ignition to bloom with bright light.

The firework was quickly passed among the crowd, and finally landed on Qiu Ju's slender hand. Her eyes were filled with curious flames, and she locked tightly on the mysterious firework tube in Lin Xiaofeng's hand. Lin Xiaofeng took the fire and moved firmly to the center of the courtyard. His tone was passionate, as if every word contained majestic power: "Second Miss, please hold your breath and concentrate at this moment. Once this star rises into the sky, it will never be seen again." Come back!" Although Fu Jiayi still maintained a contemptuous smile on the surface, she had already stood up and stared at Lin Xiaofeng's movements with a pair of bright eyes. A faint, imperceptible smile appeared on Lin Xiaofeng's lips. He gently rubbed the firework, lit the fireworks fuse, and then raised the fireworks tube high into the night sky.

In the electric light and stone fire, fireworks erupted like fire dragons. With a loud "crack", a dazzling firework was as fast as a shooting star, passing through the night and shooting straight into the sky. After the short-lived glory, it quickly merged into the sky like a phantom. The endless darkness of night. Everyone present was shocked by this sudden and spectacular sight. They were all dumbfounded and speechless. They all marveled that this "star" inherited from the Lin family was indeed extraordinary, but it disappeared in an instant and became a star. An aerial magic trick.

The servants were completely conquered by this visual feast, and heated discussions broke out one after another. They seemed to have forgotten the original intention of selecting book boys, and were all intoxicated by this fairyland-like starry scene. Fu Jiayi stood there, looking up at the stars, and murmured to herself: "How can the stars have sparks and disappear in such a short period of time?" Lin Xiaofeng let out a long sigh at the right time and responded calmly: "Second Miss "What do you think of this performance?" He explained humorously: "These are stars captured by our ancestors. As time goes by, stars also grow old, so their trajectory cannot cross the distant sky." Lin Xiaofeng said this. While reading the bizarre story, he tried his best to suppress the laughter in his heart. He recalled the scene when the villagers prayed devoutly and expressed their good wishes when the fireworks were set off for the first time in Yangqu County. A strong feeling of homesickness quietly filled his heart. .

After hearing this, Fu Jiayi apologized and asked if compensation was needed. Lin Xiaofeng was secretly happy in her heart, expressed her gratitude for her kindness, and hinted that it was because of the arrival of the second young lady that the stars of the ancestors could reappear in the world. , which is undoubtedly a blessing. Although Fu Jiayi still had doubts in her heart, when she saw Lin Xiaofeng's rock-steady demeanor, she stopped delving into it and acquiesced to his decision to become a book boy.

··················
In the early morning of the next day, when the sun first shone on the earth, Lin Xiaofeng took off his servant's coarse clothes and put on a fresh and refined white robe, with a jade pendant symbolizing his status tied around his waist. Although he still lacked a folding fan to fully show his former style. , but has been restored to 7788. According to the agreed time, Lin Xiaofeng was already waiting in front of Fu's house, while Qiu Ju accompanied Fu Jiayi, who was dressed in men's clothing, out of the house. When Fu Jiayi saw Lin Xiaofeng, she couldn't help but be stunned. The person in front of her was completely different from yesterday. The three of them walked to the academy together. Today, Lin Xiaofeng's clothes were fluttering and he had an immortal demeanor. Fu Jiayi and Qiu Ju's eyes widened with astonishment.

While walking on the road, Fu Jiayi finally couldn't hold back and asked Lin Xiaofeng if he felt that such clothes were too ostentatious. Lin Xiaofeng responded frankly that this was just his daily dress and was not deliberately showing off. When they arrived at the entrance of the academy, many students gathered here. Lin Xiaofeng still stood out among the crowd, with extraordinary temperament. Some students even mistakenly thought that he was coming with a maid. Fu Jiayi followed Lin Xiaofeng closely, feeling a little uneasy in her heart until the two of them stepped through the gate of the academy side by side and embarked on a new journey of seeking knowledge together.

"You are walking around the academy alone with a bookcase on one shoulder, no one else around you. Could it be that the beauty of the maid makes you so attached to it that you ignore the rules of the academy?" This sentence was like a thunderbolt in the clear sky, exploding in Fu Jiayi's heart, She suddenly realized that her secret of disguising herself as a man had been revealed. What was even worse was that she had been misunderstood as a maid. Her cheeks turned red with shame and anger. However, Lin Xiaofeng did not notice the subtlety in this, and he still responded with a smile: "I am dressed simply, if I don't modify it, wouldn't I lose your face, second lady?" Fu Jiayi said full of resentment. Counterattack: "Now that I am disgraced, it's all thanks to you!"

Just at this moment, a handsome young man stepped forward and interrupted, asking if the academy would accept a maid to accompany him. Fu Jiayi's inner inferiority complex was instantly aroused, and her aura became chaotic and unstable. Lin Xiaofeng still maintained his iconic smile and replied calmly: "I am a book boy, and this is the young master of my family." The young talent Jun Sha Gongzi had a suspicious face, and his eyes wandered back and forth between Lin Xiaofeng and Fu Jiayi. Fu Jiayi looked sullen and corrected sternly: "Mr. Sha, have you ever seen a maid like me?" Upon hearing this, Mr. Sha was surprised: "Fu Jiayi, it turns out that you also came to the academy to study?" Fu Jiayi Yi admitted shyly, mentioning that she was allowed to enroll with permission from the mountain chief.

Lin Xiaofeng seized this opportunity and started joking lightly about the misunderstanding between them. When Mr. Sha saw Lin Xiaofeng looking relaxed and happy, he couldn't help but became furious, accusing Lin Xiaofeng of being a servant and daring to wear Confucian clothes and not understanding the order of superiority and inferiority. Fu Jiayi wanted to defend Lin Xiaofeng, but Lin Xiaofeng could no longer bear Mr. Sha's arrogance, so he satirized and belittled him sharply. Fu Jiayi panicked and tried her best to stop Lin Xiaofeng from continuing to argue, but Lin Xiaofeng's words were like sharp swords that pierced Mr. Sha's dignity.

Mr. Sha was furious and was about to teach Lin Xiaofeng a lesson, but Fu Jiayi hurriedly grabbed Lin Xiaofeng and fled into the academy. On the way, Fu Jiayi blamed Lin Xiaofeng for speaking without scruples and claimed that she did not need to come to the academy again tomorrow. Lin Xiaofeng used the story of the ancestral star as a shield. Fu Jiayi felt guilty after hearing this, so she had to cooperate with him in concealing the facts and claimed that Lin Xiaofeng was unwell to prevaricate Mr. Sha's doubts. Fu Jiayi was worried and worried that it would be difficult to get along with Mr. Sha normally in the future, but Lin Xiaofeng took it calmly and confidently told her that the spicy words she just said were enough to make Mr. Sha think about it for the whole day.

Fu Jiayi was confused by the contradictory nature of Lin Xiaofeng's behavior, and at the same time felt anxious about his blatant insult to Mr. Sha. Lin Xiaofeng asked about Mr. Sha's family background, and Fu Jiayi revealed that Mr. Sha's father was a civil servant, reminding Lin Xiaofeng that this person is not trivial and should not be offended easily. However, Lin Xiaofeng didn't take it seriously. Fu Jiayi had no choice but to take over the wine jar and let Lin Xiaofeng find a hidden place to wait for school to end. Lin Xiaofeng walked into the dormitory of the book boys. Compared with other book boys, his movements revealed a majestic and extraordinary aura, which made all the book boys feel awe of him.

Lin Xiaofeng casually ordered a book boy to make tea. The book boy performed it nervously and respectfully, while Lin Xiaofeng appeared calm and composed, completely unaware that his series of actions had broken the rules that a book boy should have. Fu Jiayi secretly regretted in her heart. If she had known that there would be such a situation today, she should not have let Lin Xiaofeng go to catch stars. Today's experience made her deeply troubled and troubled.

Mr. Lin was sitting in front of the desk. A book boy came forward cautiously, holding a plate of delicate pastries in his hands. He lowered his eyebrows and asked in a soft voice: "Master, there are still some pastries on the table that have not been eaten. Could you please Do you want to taste it?" Lin Xiaofeng took the vermilion lacquer plate leisurely, and said calmly, "Then have a piece." The book boy on the other side handed over a cup of scalding hot tea in time. Praising words: "Mr. Lin, you have a vast network of contacts in the world. I didn't expect that you would have crossed paths with my son. Could you please put in a few kind words and seek some blessings for me in the future?" Lin Xiaofeng smiled generously and responded generously. : "It's just a trivial matter, just one sentence, and your young master will definitely improve your salary."

After hearing this, the boy was very happy and quickly filled another cup of tea for Lin Xiaofeng. At this moment, the sound of reading could be heard outside the academy, but Lin Xiaofeng was still sitting leisurely on his chair, drinking tea freely, with no intention of getting up to teach. People around him looked confused and asked why. Lin Xiaofeng revealed frankly: "The so-called class is just an appearance. In fact, I am just a book boy." After that, he gently took off his gorgeous disguise, making everyone present turn pale with shock.

As soon as Lin Xiaofeng entered the door, he asked for tea and cakes. When all the bookboys saw that he was dressed in fine clothes, they were filled with suspicion. Some people couldn't help but question: "Mr. Lin, are you kidding us?" Lin Xiaofeng replied calmly and with a smile: "It's absolutely true, I am indeed a book boy. What's your dissatisfaction?" When he publicly admitted that he was When asked about his identity as a book boy, everyone expressed disbelief. Some book boys even rolled up their sleeves, as if they were ready to argue with him.

Lin Xiaofeng, however, was sipping tea contentedly and said sarcastically: "If you want to take action, you'd better think carefully. If this affects your young master, don't say I didn't warn you." After hearing this, the book boys said, They all stopped and left angrily, saying harshly: "We will argue with you after school." Lin Xiaofeng waved his hands calmly and said calmly: "These are trivial matters, why should we take them to heart? We are all together "Shu Tong, look at my clothes and the jade pendant I wear, do you know why I am the only one who can live so freely and freely?"

Some bookboys curiously asked why, and Lin Xiaofeng proudly replied: "Just because I am rich and wealthy." The bookboys sneered at this, but when Lin Xiaofeng mentioned the source of the money, everyone pricked up their ears. Lin Xiaofeng smiled mysteriously and said slowly: "It's just a way of eating soft food." Some people in the crowd laughed at this, but Lin Xiaofeng took it calmly and asked: "Even if you are criticized as shameless, think about it, as a Servant, how often do you get treated as an equal by others? Young people who don’t understand the sweetness of soft rice are like farmers who plant the rice seedlings upside down, wasting their youth in vain.”

Lin Xiaofeng took the story of a master marrying a concubine and the young master's woman as an example, and told everyone that he had personally experienced it and accumulated rich experience from it. His words revealed the wealth of his life, with beauties by his side and a box full of gold and silver, which made the book boys present ripple in their hearts.

Lin Xiaofeng took this opportunity to extend an olive branch: "Since I have enjoyed your things, I must give something back. If you want to learn this skill from me, just call me 'Brother Lin' and I will teach you how to eat soft rice for free." Skills." The room suddenly fell into silence, and soon there was a slightly shy call: "Hello, Brother Lin." At this time, the sound of reading outside gradually faded away, and Lin Xiaofeng spoke eloquently in the book boy's room, and all the book boys listened with bated breath.

Lin Xiaofeng recounted how he spent a spring night with a noble lady and received a generous gift - a bowl of nourishing sugar water. After hearing this, the bookboys were all envious and asked how much wealth Lin Xiaofeng had earned. Lin Xiaofeng eloquently analyzed the art of eating soft rice in depth, classifying it into soft rice soldiers, soft rice generals and even soft rice kings. He claimed that only those who consume more than five taels of silver a day can be called soft rice kings, but he himself has long been far away from it. exceed this number.

After hearing this, the bookboys were filled with enthusiasm, and they all ambitiously determined to follow Lin Xiaofeng's footsteps and climb to the top of the field of soft rice. Just as everyone was discussing the content of tomorrow's course, the door was suddenly violently knocked open. Sha Chenlu pointed at Lin Xiaofeng and shouted: "You, come out with me!" Fu Jiayi who was standing by saw this and quickly interceded for Lin Xiaofeng. Lin Xiaofeng Then he stood up calmly, comforted Fu Jiayi and followed Sha Chenlu away. All the bookboys were amazed by Lin Xiaofeng's personal charm, which allowed the second lady to intercede for him.

Lin Xiaofeng was thinking that he could offer higher-level paid courses tomorrow, but he also took into account the limited financial situation of the bookboys, so the charging standards needed to be carefully weighed. At this moment, Sha Chenlu broke in angrily again, and a new storm seemed to be about to happen again.

In front of the academy gate, Lin Xiaofeng, Fu Jiayi and Sha Chenlu stood side by side, and the atmosphere between them was extremely tense. Sha Chenlu's eyes widened with thunderous fury on his face, and he said sternly: "You cunning guy, I, Sha Chenlu, have endured it until now!" Fu Jiayi was anxious in her heart. Although Lin Xiaofeng was just a book boy, out of fear For his protection, she was determined to stand by Lin Xiaofeng no matter what. Lin Xiaofeng noticed Fu Jiayi's anxiety and decisively stopped him. He said calmly: "Second Miss, don't worry. Let me talk to Mr. Sha privately. Everything will be solved." After that, he motioned to Sha Chenlu to move aside. In a secluded place, Sha Chenlu sneered and replied forcefully: "What a courage! Let's see what you can do!" After that, he strode towards a remote corner, with Lin Xiaofeng following closely behind. Fu Jiayi wanted to go with him, but Lin Xiaofeng declined again. Lin Xiaofeng comforted him: "Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake again. I promise that when Mr. Sha sees me again, he will have a satisfied smile on his face. How about trusting me this time?" Although Fu Jiayi was unwilling, she could only stop where she was.

Lin Xiaofeng persuaded Fu Jiayi again, with a hint of ridicule: "Master Sha has a good impression of you. If you intervene at this time, I am afraid it will only arouse his anger and lead to unnecessary conflicts." Fu Jiayi listened. , his cheeks were slightly red, and he hesitated to move forward.

Lin Xiaofeng turned around resolutely and followed Sha Chenlu into the deserted corner. Sha Chenlu looked ferocious and viciously ordered Lin Xiaofeng to kneel down, threatening to break his leg bones. Lin Xiaofeng thought to himself that this person was gentle and gentle on the outside, but in fact he was vicious and vicious on the inside. It was obviously caused by excessive pampering at home. Lin Xiaofeng responded accordingly and quickly approached Sha Chenlu, cleverly suppressing him with her body, and said with a smile: "Master Sha, please be patient. In fact, the second lady gave me this opportunity to get close to you." When Sha Chenlu heard this, his face instantly showed surprise. Lin Xiaofeng continued to make up lies, claiming that Fu Jiayi had been secretly in love with Sha Chenlu for a long time, so she deliberately approached him in a provocative way. Sha Chenlu was full of suspicion at first, and then fell into a state of doubt, and his expression also changed subtly.

Lin Xiaofeng saw the right moment and quickly got rid of Sha Chenlu's control. Sha Chenlu still had doubts: "Are your words trustworthy?" Lin Xiaofeng pretended to be innocent and explained: "How dare I deceive Mr. Sha? You are so elegant. She is very charming, but the second lady was too shy to express her feelings, so she expressed her feelings in this way." After some thought, Sha Chenlu finally chose to believe this explanation.

Fu Jiayi was waiting anxiously not far away. Lin Xiaofeng walked back to her and announced with a relaxed look: "The problem has been successfully solved. Let's go to the banquet together now." Fu Jiayi asked for details, but Lin Xiaofeng made up a lie: "I promised Sha Young master, you will have fun in the brothel twenty times in a month, otherwise you will have to walk to the door of Sha's house to receive punishment." Fu Jiayi turned pale with fright and firmly believed that Sha Chenlu could not make such a request.

Lin Xiaofeng deliberately called Sha Chenlu loudly, and the two echoed each other. Sha Chenlu mistakenly thought that Lin Xiaofeng had become his ally. Fu Jiayi had mixed feelings in her heart, and it was difficult to accept that Sha Chenlu, who was usually gentle and elegant, could have such a bad side. Lin Xiaofeng secretly laughed at the common psychological weakness of men. Fu Jiayi was upset and urged to eat quickly.

When they walked near Jinxin Tower, Lin Xiaofeng dragged Fu Jiayi to a noodle stall on the roadside and strongly recommended her to try the local Yangchun noodles. Fu Jiayi couldn't believe this and insisted on going to Jinxinlou for dinner. Lin Xiaofeng reluctantly confessed that he had squandered all the money given by the eldest lady. He repeatedly emphasized that he would have a simple meal at the noodle stall, and made fun of Fu Jiayi's body shape, urging her to pay attention to diet control and go on a moderate diet. Fu Jiayi was furious after hearing this, but in the end she couldn't resist Lin Xiaofeng, so she had to sit down at the noodle stall and reluctantly accepted the simple meal.

Fu Jiayi's eyes were like two deep black pearls. Under Lin Xiaofeng's words as sharp as needles and as sharp as blades, they suddenly widened and shone with tears, like stars trembling in the dark night. In this era where thinness is regarded as beauty, Lin Xiaofeng measured Fu Jiayi's plump figure mercilessly. His words were like a poisoned knife, directly piercing into the depths of Fu Jiayi's heart that she had never touched. The soft corner made her whole soul tremble at the harsh words. Anger surged in Fu Jiayi's heart like a frenzy. Her face was so livid that ink was dripping from her face, and an irrepressible rage gathered in her brows. She sternly ordered Lin Xiaofeng to go home immediately, pack her bags and leave.

However, in the face of Fu Jiayi's thunderous anger, Lin Xiaofeng did not retreat even half a step. He spoke frankly, and his frankness contained a naked revelation of reality: "What I said about 'fat' was not intended to be an insult, but It is a true description of the current situation." As soon as these words came out, Fu Jiayi's chest heaved violently, like a lonely boat bumping and struggling in the storm. She tried her best to refute, claiming that no one in the world dared to judge her so frankly. figure. Lin Xiaofeng raised a sly smile at the corner of her mouth, and with a clever twist of words, she mentioned the eldest daughter of the Fu family, the flawless existence in the eyes of everyone, thus implying that Fu Jiayi could not marry her sister just because of her fat body. Fu Lingzhi stood side by side at the same height. After hearing this, Fu Jiayi was filled with doubts and asked who could be awarded the title of "First Beauty". Lin Xiaofeng pointed to her sister without hesitation.

In order to further prove his point of view, Lin Xiaofeng randomly asked four passers-by for their opinions on Jiayi's figure. Surprisingly, they all unanimously pointed out that Fu Jiayi was fat. This fact was like a bolt from the blue. The ground hit Fu Jiayi's heart, making it difficult for her to accept it. But Lin Xiaofeng did not give up. He took the opportunity to explain to Fu Jiayi that there are many deceptions in the world, and only honesty is the most valuable. He also showed that he was the one who dared to face the truth and tell the truth. Later, he invited Fu Jiayi to Jinxinlou to share a bowl of Yangchun noodles, and took the opportunity to start talking about various wisdom about weight loss.

When the steaming bowl of Yangchun noodles was placed in front of her, Fu Jiayi's face was full of resistance and struggle. However, under Lin Xiaofeng's persuasion, she finally reluctantly picked up the chopsticks and tried to accept this plainness. But meaningful food. Lin Xiaofeng took the opportunity to guide Fu Jiayi to gradually change her original eating habits, supplemented by appropriate exercise, and emphasized the decisive role of psychological adjustment in the weight loss process. Fu Jiayi was deeply touched by Lin Xiaofeng's remarks, and finally decided to follow his advice and quietly started her weight loss plan, looking forward to one day stunning the world with her new image.

As night fell, Fu Lingzhi asked her sister Fu Jiayi's life in the academy and her relationship with Lin Xiaofeng with concern. Fu Jiayi carefully concealed some of the facts and only revealed in sporadic words about the food arranged by Lin Xiaofeng. Resistance to weight loss programs. Although Fu Lingzhi keenly captured her sister's emotional fluctuations, she failed to understand the underlying reasons.

The next morning, Lin Xiaofeng was still by Fu Jiayi's side. He used a strategy to cover up Fu Jiayi's purchase of snacks, making Fu Lingzhi mistakenly think that Fu Jiayi was unwilling to have dinner because he was greedy for snacks. Lin Xiaofeng secretly rejoiced that his "corruption" behavior could be covered up, and at the same time, he was also planning a more rigorous "weight loss plan" to deal with Jiayi.

Walking on the road to the academy, Lin Xiaofeng carefully planned a new weight loss plan while feeling a little guilty in his heart. However, he still insisted on speeding up Fu Jiayi's weight loss process with weight-bearing training. Although Fu Jiayi was full of expectations and hopes, she also felt an unspeakable pressure and challenge.

All in all, under the impact of Lin Xiaofeng's unpretentious and sharp comments, Fu Jiayi experienced the baptism of emotional storms and subversive changes in concepts, and finally accepted and practiced Lin Xiaofeng's weight loss guidance. In this series of twists and turns, the relationship between the two has also undergone subtle and profound changes.

In the simple and solemn courtyard of the Li Mansion in the capital, which has been carved by time, Lu Yinsheng sat there, flicking the tea leaves in the cup lightly and flexibly with the tea lid in his hand, like a philosopher interpreting the chaos of the world with delicate and subtle movements. Beside him, Mr. Li's face was as calm as a lake, and his hazy eyes were half-squinted. There seemed to be countless intertwined thoughts quietly surging in the time.

Sunlight was dappled through the shade of the trees. Lu Yinsheng took a leisurely sip of the refreshing tea soup. His words were calm but powerful: "Weng Li, the current situation has evolved to this day, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has quietly matured. Why are you still hesitating and unable to do so?" What about being decisive?”

When Mr. Li heard this, his eyes instantly withdrew from the distant sky and focused on Lu Yinsheng's deep eyes. His voice was old and hoarse, like the autumn wind sweeping through fallen leaves: "What worries me is that the authenticity of His Majesty's condition is elusive." Leaving the temple, I heard rumors but could not tell the truth. "

Lu Yinsheng smiled slightly, with a hint of regret for Mr. Li being too cautious. He slowly told the ministers that the ministers in the cabinet had witnessed the haggard face of the prince, and also mentioned that the prince's face was getting tired due to being sick day and night. At present, there are even more rumors spreading like wildfire, saying that the emperor has been weak since he was a child, and now he is suffering from a serious infection and is unable to go to court. The prince is still immature and unable to deal with the complicated affairs of the country. This situation is exactly what we want to do to bring down Lin Xiaofeng. great opportunity.

Mr. Li listened to Lu Yinsheng's eloquent statement and stared at him with blazing eyes. His voice was low and powerful: "According to the news passed by my disciples, there are rumors among the people that Lin Xiaofeng was ordered to go south to investigate the possible collusion between the salt merchants and the King of Hanjiang. And recently, There are also rumors that Lin Xiaofeng was kidnapped and the King of Hanjiang fled south by boat. If this is true, Lin Xiaofeng may not be able to return to Kyoto in the short term. We just need to wait and see what happens. "

After hearing this, Lu Yinsheng frowned, his brows showing eagerness, and advised Mr. Li that good opportunities are fleeting, and if he misses this moment, he will only become more arrogant and wanton when the Lin thief comes back. But Mr. Li still insisted on his opinion, believing that Lin Xiaofeng was just a young man who was favored by the emperor. With the emperor's protection and the prince's protection, he could not be taken down in one fell swoop simply by accepting bribes from Gu Meng.

Lu Yinsheng vividly revealed a more critical point. The Ministry of Accounts recently seized a secret account book of the Hanjiang Palace, which clearly recorded huge transaction records of hundreds of thousands of taels between Lin Xiaofeng and such huge money exchanges. , undoubtedly makes people suspect that there is a conspiracy to collude with the rebels. Mr. Li asked if the evidence was conclusive, and Lu Yinsheng responded eloquently that such a large-scale capital flow was undoubtedly irrefutable. In addition, the affair with Gu Mongolia was already confirmed, and Lin Xiaofeng was already guilty of death.

However, Mr. Li still chose to stand still. When he got up to see off the guests, Lu Yinsheng was stunned and confused. Mr. Li recalled his vow to avenge Li Yihao, but he shied away from being old and weak and did not dare to take risks easily. He only hoped to wait until Lin Xiaofeng returned to Beijing safely before making plans. In response, Lu Yinsheng retorted angrily, asking how the Zhongliang family could collude with rebellious people, and expressed his deep dissatisfaction with Mr. Li's hesitant attitude.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Mr. Li quickly apologized to stay, admitting that the reason why he was worried was actually because he was worried that the emperor's swelling would become more serious, and it was too risky to deal with Lin Xiaofeng at this time. At the same time, he asked Lu Yinsheng why he was eager to get rid of Lin Xiaofeng at this moment, so as not to arouse suspicion. Lu Yinsheng angrily denied it, insisting that his determination was entirely based on national justice and his desire to repay Li Yihao's personal revenge.

When Lu Yinsheng stood up again to leave, Mr. Li finally revealed his true considerations. He said that it was precisely because of the trust that His Majesty and the Crown Prince had in Lin Xiaofeng that they had to act prudently. Although he has now retreated to civilian status, his influence is already limited. He suddenly changed his tone and hinted that financial support is needed to promote the implementation of the plan.

Lu Yinsheng had an insight into Mr. Li's thoughts. Although he was dissatisfied, he knew that if Lin Xiaofeng's power was allowed to grow, it would definitely endanger the Lu family. So, after some inner struggle, he resolutely decided to agree to invest 500,000 taels of silver in the name of supporting the students of the Li family in exchange for Mr. Li's help in eradicating Lin Xiaofeng. After hearing this number, Mr. Li had a satisfied smile on his face. In this chess game of power and revenge, both parties took a crucial step with complicated thoughts.

Wang Jingwen set foot in the solemn and majestic Qianqing Palace with a heavy stack of memorials in his arms, as if carrying the heavy burden of the sufferings of thousands of people. The dim light in the hall reflects on the magnificent dragon couch, where Emperor Jingjiang is leaning, his face showing fatigue, but he still retains the dignity of an emperor. On one side, Li Dexian stood quietly like a loyal shadow, a pair of shrewd eyes scanning every detail intently. The emotional understanding flowing between the two was just like the closeness between father and son.

Wang Jingwen's expression remained as usual, like a deep pool of water whose bottom is difficult to fathom. He respectfully handed over the stack of thick memorials with both hands, as if he were holding the world's worries and expectations together. After Emperor Jingjiang took it, he ran his fingers over the pages soaked in the fragrance of ink one by one, flipping through more than a dozen books, and finally threw them on the wall at will, revealing a calm determination in his movements. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "This is a good opportunity. I should go to various places to inspect and observe the people's livelihood." Then he ordered the prince to take charge of the government affairs tomorrow to show that the country is sustainable and the emperor's kindness is great.

When someone mentioned the impeachment of Lin Xiaofeng for allegedly colluding with the Sixth Prince and receiving a bribe of 60,000 taels of silver from Mongolia, a playful smile flashed across Emperor Jingjiang's brows. When Li Dexian heard this, a hint of surprise appeared on his originally calm face, and he obviously had doubts about the authenticity of the matter. Emperor Jingjiang, on the other hand, was neither impatient nor impatient. With a faint smile on his lips, he explained: Lin Xiaofeng from Yangqu County had indeed had business dealings with the Sixth Prince. They jointly sold monkey wine. The transaction amount was huge, which naturally led to rumors. . However, this matter has already been planned by Emperor Jingjiang, and everything is under control, so it is not worth mentioning.

Regarding the theory of ancient Mongolian bribery, Emperor Jingjiang pointed to the bookcase behind him that was full of historical traces, and motioned to Wang Jingwen to take out the old memorials for verification. Wang Jingwen acted according to his words, and Li Dexian followed closely behind, carefully studying the memorial written by Lin Xiaofeng. The truth gradually emerged. It turned out that Lin Xiaofeng had indeed collected money from Gu Meng, but he did not hide it. Instead, he immediately reported it to Emperor Jingjiang and elaborated that the money was used for government expenses in Beilangfang. Faced with such a frank act, Emperor Jingjiang did not go into details. Instead, he greatly appreciated Lin Xiaofeng's intelligence and honesty and regarded him as the most sincere minister in the world.

However, behind this praise, Wang Jingwen was filled with contempt deep in his heart. He knew very well that Lin Xiaofeng was cunning and changeable, and Emperor Jingjiang's trust in him was like a blind man trying to feel an elephant. Although Li Dexian also realized that Lin Xiaofeng was not an honest person and was only good at flattery, he was reprimanded by Emperor Jingjiang as ignorant because of his outspokenness and ordered to imitate Lin Xiaofeng's way of loyalty. (End of chapter)