He gently opened the envelope and took out the letter, only to see the words "Lin Xiaofeng's personal letter" written in vigorous handwriting. His heart moved, and he quickly unfolded the letter, his eyes fell on the signature, and he couldn't help but be stunned.
"Ezio? Who is this?" Lin Xiaofeng was puzzled and looked up at Emperor Jingjiang. Emperor Jingjiang smiled and said, "This letter came from overseas. It was written to you by Ezio."
Lin Xiaofeng was even more confused when he heard this. He had never heard of this name, let alone where this person came from. He opened the letter with doubts, and saw that the letter was full of flattery and loyalty to the Jinyiwei, and also mentioned his Razor Society and their glorious achievements. While reading the letter, Lin Xiaofeng secretly thought in his heart: Who is this Ezio? How could he develop such a power overseas?
The letter also mentioned that Ezio hoped that the Razor Society could be merged into the Jinyiwei and become a member of it. After reading the letter, Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help but feel a little absurd. He sneered in his heart: This guy has no support overseas, but he can develop such a force. He is really capable! However, his flattering words and loyal attitude made Lin Xiaofeng feel a little disgusted.
"Your Majesty, I think Ezio's proposal is worth considering." After reading the letter, Lin Xiaofeng said respectfully to Emperor Jingjiang, "It is indeed a pleasant surprise that the Jinyiwei has such a loyal branch overseas."
Emperor Jingjiang nodded in agreement. He turned to the crowd and asked, "My dear ministers, what do you think of this letter?"
The ministers looked at each other, and no one dared to speak easily. They all knew that the content of the letter involved the overseas situation and the expansion of the Jinyiwei, which was not something they could easily comment on.
At this time, Lin Xiaofeng already had an idea in mind. He pondered for a moment and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I think we can order the Razor Society to investigate to understand Ezio's true intentions. This will not only avoid a major conflict, but also help us understand the situation. If we rashly send troops, it will likely cause unnecessary suspicion and dissatisfaction, and will also affect our friendly relations with Ferrero and other countries."
After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang nodded in agreement. He turned to Bai Yongyuan and asked, "Lord Bai, what do you think?"
Bai Yongyuan was one of the important officials in the court and a close friend of Lin Xiaofeng. He knew Lin Xiaofeng's character and ability very well, so he naturally believed in his words. He said quickly, "Your Majesty, I agree with Lord Lin's point of view. If it is confirmed that Ezio is truly loyal to our court, then it would be a good thing. But now that his identity has not been confirmed, it is unwise to rashly send troops."
Several other senior scholars also echoed and expressed their agreement. Seeing this, Emperor Jingjiang had already made up his mind. He looked at Li Dexian and asked, "Prince, what do you think?"
Li Dexian is the eldest son of Emperor Jingjiang and the future heir to the throne. He is not keen on state affairs and prefers to study some novel things. When asked by Emperor Jingjiang, he was a little unprepared. But he also knew that this was related to the safety of the country and the reputation of the court, and he could not answer rashly. He pondered for a moment, and then said firmly: "Father, I think Lao Lin is right! As long as we are strong, we can do anything! Now the court is building railways, which costs huge amounts of money. There is no need to start a war overseas!"
Emperor Jingjiang sat on the dragon throne, frowning, as if a thousand burdens were weighing on his heart. He rubbed his tired brows, and the memorials in front of him piled up like a mountain, each representing the opinions and disputes of the court and the people. He had never thought that his decision would be met with such strong opposition. The moonlight outside the window sprinkled on the dragon robe, giving it a faint luster, but it could not dispel the haze in his heart.
Emperor Jingjiang took a deep breath and closed his eyes, as if to draw strength from this moment of tranquility. He recalled the hardships he had experienced since ascending the throne, and every decision he made was made with great caution, fearing that he would fail the expectations of the previous emperor. However, this time, he had to face a difficult choice.
He slowly opened his eyes, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He knew that as an emperor, he could not retreat because of a momentary weakness. He had to make the right decision for his country and his people. He sighed softly, his voice full of helplessness and unwillingness: "It's not that I don't know that we shouldn't start a war. But this concerns the safety of the country and the well-being of the people. How can I stand idly by? Well, since you have all reached a consensus, then don't leak this matter to the outside world."
Although the voice of Emperor Jingjiang was low, it was full of unquestionable majesty. He swept his eyes over the people in the hall, and seeing them all bow their heads and say yes, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He knew that although his decision was difficult, it was also for the sake of the overall situation.
"Xiaofeng." Emperor Jingjiang suddenly spoke, calling the eunuch Lin Xiaofeng beside him. Lin Xiaofeng was thin, but his eyes were sharp, giving people the impression of being smart and capable. He walked quickly to Emperor Jingjiang and bowed: "What do you want, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Jingjiang said in a deep voice: "You write a letter to the Razor Society in person, ordering them to investigate this matter carefully and report back as soon as possible." Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise flashed across Lin Xiaofeng's face, but he immediately regained his composure and replied respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty!"
With Lin Xiaofeng's departure, the atmosphere in the warm room suddenly became much more relaxed. Emperor Jingjiang seemed to have unloaded a heavy burden and smiled. He knew that although this matter was difficult, with a capable assistant like Lin Xiaofeng by his side, he believed that he would be able to handle it properly.
Not long after, Lin Xiaofeng returned to the warm room with a sealed letter in his hand. He walked to Emperor Jingjiang and presented the letter: "Your Majesty, the letter has been written, please take a look." Emperor Jingjiang took the letter, read it carefully, and nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, you are really thoughtful."
Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly and said, "It is my duty to share your majesty's worries." Emperor Jingjiang looked at him with a hint of admiration in his eyes. He knew that although Lin Xiaofeng was young, he was talented, loyal and reliable, and was an indispensable talent by his side.
Emperor Jingjiang put down the letter and looked at everyone in the hall again. He took a deep breath and said, "You came at the right time today. I have another important thing to tell you." Although his voice was calm, it revealed an unquestionable majesty.
Lin Xiaofeng's heart moved when he heard this. He knew that what Emperor Jingjiang was going to say next was very important. He took a deep breath and prepared to listen to Emperor Jingjiang's next instructions. Emperor Jingjiang looked at him, with a hint of complex emotions in his eyes, as if he had a thousand words to say, but didn't know where to start.
He was silent for a moment, and finally spoke slowly: "When the previous emperor was in power, he established a rule: no one can be given a title without military merit. However, your merits far exceed those of ordinary people. Not only have you made great military achievements for our dynasty, but you have also achieved world-renowned achievements in scientific research. I know that these rewards may not mean much to you, but I still want to give you a due status."
Lin Xiaofeng was moved when he heard this. He knew very well the efforts and hardships he had made for the country over the years. But he also knew that as a minister, he could not be proud of his achievements and covet fame and fortune. He lowered his head and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I just did my duty."
Emperor Jingjiang looked at him with a hint of admiration in his eyes. He waved his hand, motioning Lin Xiaofeng to look up: "I have decided to confer upon you the title of Marquis of Jianye, a title which shall be hereditary for generations." Lin Xiaofeng was startled when he heard this. He looked up at Emperor Jingjiang, and saw a warm smile on his face, as if a spring breeze was blowing on one's face and warming one's heart.
An indescribable emotion surged in his heart, a mixture of excitement and gratitude. He knew that this was the recognition and reward from the Emperor of Jingjiang for his years of hard work. He took a deep breath, calmed down his excitement, and then knelt on the ground solemnly: "I am deeply grateful, I really don't deserve it!"
Seeing how courteous and polite he was, Emperor Jingjiang nodded secretly. He helped Lin Xiaofeng up and said, "You don't have to be so modest in front of me. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will do its best to build a perfect mansion for you!" Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng was even more excited. He kowtowed and thanked him: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
As Lin Xiaofeng thanked him, the cabinet scholars came forward to congratulate him: "Congratulations, Marquis Jianye!" Lin Xiaofeng returned the greetings one by one with a happy smile on his face. He knew that from today on, his life would turn a new page, and this was inseparable from the trust and support of Emperor Jingjiang.
···········
The warm sun shines obliquely, and the golden light is like fine golden ribbons, gently falling on the glazed tiles of the palace. Each glazed tile seems to be coated with a layer of golden luster, shining with dazzling light, like thousands of stars inlaid under the blue sky. The outline of the palace appears particularly solemn and mysterious under the warm sun, as if telling a thousand years of history and glory.
Emperor Jingjiang was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and sitting on the dragon throne in the warm room. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through people's hearts. He waved his hand gently, and the gesture was elegant and calm, like a conductor waving a stick, which brought this grand award ceremony to a perfect end. The cabinet scholars saluted one after another, with respect and joy on their faces, as if they were excited about the prosperity of the country.
However, among this group of people, there are two people who stand out. The cabinet scholar Lin Xiaofeng, he is young and handsome, with a humble smile on his face, as if he has long been accustomed to all this. His eyes reveal a kind of detachment and indifference, as if all this glory and wealth have nothing to do with him. Standing next to him is the biological son of Emperor Jingjiang, Li Dexian. He is wearing a purple brocade robe, tall and straight, with a resolute face. However, at this moment, he stood there expressionlessly, like a stone sculpture, quietly watching all this.
Emperor Jingjiang's eyes swept through the crowd and finally fixed on Li Dexian. He frowned slightly, and asked in a questioning tone: "Why don't you leave? Don't you always dislike being idle in the palace?" Li Dexian moved the corners of his mouth and squeezed out a sentence: "I think that Lao Lin's reward seems too light. That steam locomotive is like an alien object, it is really a miracle that has never been seen before. It is not too much to confer a title of king. The court has discussed for so long, and only conferred a marquisate?"
Emperor Jingjiang's face darkened instantly, like a dark cloud before a storm. His eyes were as sharp as a knife, piercing Li Dexian's heart. However, Li Dexian did not flinch. His eyes flashed with a determined light, as if to illuminate the dome of this warm room. He took a deep breath and continued, "My father once said that only by distinguishing rewards and punishments can we convince the people. The contribution of the train is like the bright moon in the sky, and no one can match it. How can such a reward convince the people?"
The Emperor of Jingjiang's eyes widened with anger, as if he wanted to swallow Li Dexian in one gulp. His raised hand trembled slightly, as if he was about to drop it to slap Li Dexian. However, when he saw Li Dexian's unwavering eyes, he slowly put his hand down. He sighed helplessly and waved his hand: "Since the founding of my Jingjiang country, how many people with different surnames have been crowned kings? This matter has been decided, and there is no need to discuss it further."
However, Li Dexian refused to give in. He straightened his chest and said in a sonorous and powerful voice: "No, I don't accept it. How can Old Lin accept it? I want an explanation today." His voice echoed in the warm room, as if to tear apart the silent space.
Emperor Jingjiang glanced at him, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and stared at the scenery outside. The warm sun was still shining obliquely, and the golden light sprinkled in every corner of the palace, shrouding the entire palace in a warm and peaceful atmosphere. However, Emperor Jingjiang's heart was as heavy as if it was pressed by a huge rock.
He turned his head and looked at Li Dexian, his tone filled with helplessness and emotion: "How do you know Xiaofeng is not convinced? You still don't know him well enough. He is used to being lazy, and the official position is nothing but a passing cloud to him, and he even disdains empty reputation." Emperor Jingjiang's words revealed his deep admiration and understanding for Lin Xiaofeng.
Li Dexian was stunned when he heard this. He turned around and looked at Lin Xiaofeng who was standing beside him. Lin Xiaofeng was still standing there with a smile, as if all these disputes had nothing to do with him. His eyes revealed a kind of detachment and indifference, as if he was watching a drama that had nothing to do with him.
Emperor Jingjiang continued, "If it were someone else, they would have been eager to try. But what about him? He has never asked anyone for information, which shows that he doesn't care about these things at all." As he spoke, Emperor Jingjiang actually showed a bitter smile, "It may be better to reward him with some silver than to confer him a title of marquis. But when it comes to silver, I am not as rich as him!"
Li Dexian couldn't help but touch his head when he heard this, as if he had suddenly realized something. He looked at Lin Xiaofeng again as if he wanted to see something from him. However, Lin Xiaofeng still stood there with a smile, as if everything was under his control.
Seeing his look, Emperor Jingjiang couldn't help but sigh and continued, "To be honest, sometimes I really can't see through Xiaofeng. Although he is active in the court, he always gives people a feeling of being detached from the world." Emperor Jingjiang's words were full of helplessness and emotion, as if he was lamenting his own incompetence and as if he was praising Lin Xiaofeng's transcendence.
"He doesn't seem to be attached to power. You can say he loves money, but he never calculates when spending money, as if he is just doing it to achieve a certain goal. Everything he does is not just for himself. He is strong because he has no desires. I have never seen such a person before." As he spoke, a gleam of admiration and helplessness flashed in Emperor Jingjiang's eyes.
He paused for a moment, looked at Li Dexian and continued, "What can I give him to make him happy? I can't find the answer." His tone revealed a deep helplessness and confusion, as if he was talking to himself or seeking answers from Li Dexian.
In the deep warm room of the Jingjiang Palace, the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the delicate window lattices onto Li Dexian's deep and slightly tired face. He lowered his head, frowning, as if he was thinking about something difficult to decide. The voice of the Jingjiang Emperor was like a spring breeze, slowly brushing past his ears. The heartfelt words left him speechless for a moment.
Emperor Jingjiang, the emperor who once galloped across the battlefield and was feared by all, has now entered his twilight years. His eyes still gleam with wisdom and depth, as if he can see through everything. He sat on the golden dragon throne, wearing a brocade dragon robe, and exuded a majestic and solemn aura. He looked at Li Dexian, his eyes full of expectation and trust.
Li Dexian raised his head and met the deep gaze of Emperor Jingjiang. He felt the heavy expectation, and a warm current surged in his heart. He took a deep breath, tried to calm his inner fluctuations, and then nodded slowly: "I understand..."
Seeing this, Emperor Jingjiang showed a relieved smile on his face. He stood up, walked to Li Dexian, and gently patted his shoulder. Although the palm was no longer young, it was still strong and warm. He said earnestly: "He still has a long way to go, and we can't let him see the end at a glance. If I really decide to make him a king, I'm afraid his lazy body will be paralyzed in the palace." At this point, Emperor Jingjiang couldn't help but smile bitterly, as if he remembered the days when he was young.
Li Dexian listened quietly to the words of Emperor Jingjiang, and an inexplicable feeling of emotion welled up in his heart. He knew very well the emperor's expectations and care for Lin Xiaofeng, and he also understood the responsibilities and missions on his shoulders. He raised his head and met the gaze of Emperor Jingjiang, with a firm light in his eyes: "Father, rest assured, I will definitely assist Lin Xiaofeng and make him a responsible and capable prince."
Emperor Jingjiang nodded slightly, with a satisfied smile on his face. He looked at Li Dexian, his eyes flashing with a deep sense of helplessness and the boldness of letting the young man go and venture out. He sighed deeply, as if to expel all his worries and fatigue with this breath: "I am old, and this world will be yours sooner or later. You two are as close as brothers, and you can reward him however you want in the future. I can't control it."
When Li Dexian heard this, he could not help but feel a warm current in his heart. He understood that Emperor Jingjiang was entrusting the country to him and Lin Xiaofeng. What a trust and trust! He bowed deeply, then raised his head and said firmly: "Father, please rest assured. I will do my best to assist Lin Xiaofeng and jointly protect this country."
Emperor Jingjiang nodded, as if he had seen hope for the future. He waved his hand, signaling Li Dexian to leave. Li Dexian bowed again, then turned and walked out of the warm room. Although his steps were steady and powerful, his heart was filled with mixed emotions. He knew that he was about to embark on a road full of challenges and difficulties, but he also believed that as long as he fought side by side with Lin Xiaofeng, nothing could stop them from moving forward.
The warm sun gradually sets, and the golden light shines in every corner of the palace. The magnificent palace looks more solemn and mysterious against the backdrop of the setting sun. Li Dexian walks on the long palace road, his heart full of expectations and longings for the future. He knows that no matter how difficult and dangerous the future is, he will stand firmly by Lin Xiaofeng's side and face all challenges and difficulties together. Because the two of them are as close as brothers, and they jointly protect this land.
On this long palace road, Li Dexian couldn't help but think of every little detail of how he and Lin Xiaofeng met, got to know each other, and then fought side by side. Although those days were full of hardships and difficulties, they were also full of laughter and tears. They experienced life and death together, and shared the joy of success together... All of this made their feelings become deeper and firmer.
Thinking of this, Li Dexian couldn't help but feel a surge of ambition in his heart. He knew that he and Lin Xiaofeng would be the guardians of the future country, and they would use their wisdom and courage to defend every life on this land. Their responsibility was heavy and sacred, but they also believed that as long as they trusted each other and worked together, they would be able to create a prosperous future.
As the night deepened, Li Dexian finally walked out of the palace gate. He looked up at the starry sky, his heart full of expectations and longings for the future. He knew that this road was not easy to walk, but as long as Lin Xiaofeng was by his side, he was fearless. Because the two of them were as close as brothers and sisters, guarding this land together.
Outside the warm room, the spring sun shone obliquely on the delicate bluestone slabs, casting patches of mottled light and shadows. A breeze blew by, carrying the faint fragrance of peach blossoms in the distance, blowing the corners of the clothes of several cabinet scholars beside Lin Xiaofeng. They stood or sat, sometimes whispering, sometimes laughing loudly, and the laughter was like the spring breeze blowing across the lake, bringing layers of joyful ripples, rippling around the warm room.
Li Dexian walked out of the room slowly, his eyes passed through the scholars and fell on Lin Xiaofeng who was talking to someone. He saw that Lin Xiaofeng was talking excitedly, his face was filled with a warm and bright smile like the morning sun, as if the whole world was immersed in this joy. Li Dexian couldn't help but raise his hand and greeted Lin Xiaofeng gently, with a bit of joy in his voice: "Old Lin, it's really a cause for celebration!"
Lin Xiaofeng turned around when he heard the voice. His eyes sparkled with wisdom, as if he could see through all the worldly troubles. His smile was like the rising sun, illuminating every corner around him. He nodded slightly at Li Dexian, his tone full of gratitude and respect: "It's all thanks to your highness!"
Li Dexian looked at Lin Xiaofeng's carefree appearance, but he felt a little ashamed. He knew that the reward from the court was not a big deal for Lin Xiaofeng, and it even seemed a little unfair to him. So, he cautiously asked, "I see you don't seem very happy?"
Lin Xiaofeng raised his eyebrows upon hearing this, and a sly light flashed in his eyes. He smiled and shook his head, with a hint of teasing in his voice: "Happy! Of course I'm happy! With the inheritance of the family, my son will have someone to rely on in the future. This way he won't have to work as hard as I did." At this point, he couldn't help but reveal a meaningful smile, as if he had seen his son's bright future.
Hearing this, Li Dexian's worries were somewhat relieved. He smiled and tried to change the subject: "I see your son is doing well in school, right? Is he also doing his homework seriously?"
Lin Xiaofeng sighed upon hearing this, and felt somewhat helpless when talking about his son. He shook his head and showed a bitter smile on his face: "Alas... This child is not as studious as I was when I was a child. He has been spoiled and has developed bad habits! He is not as honest and upright as the emperor's grandson... I have to take time to discipline him when I have free time recently." When he said this, a trace of determination and expectation flashed in his eyes, as if he had made up his mind to correct his son's bad habits.
Li Dexian nodded in agreement. His admiration for Lin Xiaofeng increased a little more. This old friend was not only knowledgeable, wise and brave, but also attached great importance to family education. It was really rare.
"By the way, what have you been busy with recently?" Li Dexian asked curiously. He always felt that Lin Xiaofeng seemed to be full of endless energy and creativity.
Lin Xiaofeng was about to answer, but suddenly seemed to remember something and smiled mysteriously: "I recently discovered an interesting thing, and I made a lot of money!" His eyes flashed with excitement and anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to share this secret with Li Dexian.
Li Dexian's eyes widened when he heard this, and he looked at Lin Xiaofeng in disbelief: "Making money? What's going on?" His tone was full of surprise and confusion. He had never thought that this friend who was always known for his steadiness would actually get involved in such gambling activities.
Lin Xiaofeng just smiled without saying anything, as if everything was under his control. He turned his head slightly and looked at the distant sky, as if he was recalling something. After a moment, he turned around with a smug smile on his face: "Bet on football!"
Li Dexian's eyes widened after hearing this, and the expression on his face gradually changed from surprise to anger: "Gambling? You actually gamble on football?" His tone was full of surprise and confusion. He had never thought that this friend who was always known for his steadiness would actually get involved in such gambling activities.
Seeing Li Dexian's reaction, Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help but laugh. He was dressed in a green robe, looking like a fairy, but with a bookish air, he seemed out of tune with the secular world around him. He smiled and shook his head, his tone full of confidence and calmness: "Your Highness, you misunderstood. I didn't really go there to gamble on football, but I discovered a new business opportunity."
He paused and continued, "I found that many of those who gamble on football have only a superficial understanding of football. They often bet based on their feelings, and the result is naturally more losses than wins. I have a deep understanding of football, so I can naturally find some patterns from it."
Li Dexian nodded thoughtfully after hearing this: "I see... Then how much money did you make?"
Lin Xiaofeng stretched out two fingers and shook them: "Not more, not less, exactly two thousand taels of silver."
Li Dexian's eyes widened after hearing this: "So many?"
Lin Xiaofeng smiled proudly: "Yes, this is what I call a business opportunity. As long as we can master enough information and analytical skills, we can make a lot of money in this field."
Li Dexian fell into deep thought after hearing this. His admiration for Lin Xiaofeng deepened. This old friend was not only knowledgeable, intelligent and courageous, but also good at discovering and seizing business opportunities. He was truly a rare talent!
"Oh, right," Lin Xiaofeng seemed to suddenly remember something and continued, "I heard that recently there is a master named Mr. Lu who is very famous in Zhengtongfang in Kyoto. He has in-depth research and understanding of football and can predict the results of games very accurately."
His eyes were gleaming with excitement, as if he couldn't wait to share more information about this mysterious master with Li Dexian: "This Mr. Lu is rumored to be an extremely low-key person, but his prediction ability is amazing. He never directly participates in gambling, but only makes his predictions public and allows people to choose for themselves. But what is surprising is that his prediction accuracy is extremely high, almost to an astonishing degree."
When Li Dexian heard this, he also showed curiosity in his eyes: "There is such a person? What is his prediction based on? Does he really have any special skills or methods?"
Lin Xiaofeng shook his head, a hint of mystery flashed in his eyes: "I don't know about this. However, I heard that he would leave immediately after each prediction and never stay. His whereabouts are erratic, like a dragon that can only be seen from the head but not the tail. It is precisely because of this that his reputation has spread more and more, attracting the attention of countless people."
After hearing this, Li Dexian fell into deep thought, and he was full of respect for Mr. Lu. He had never thought that there was such a powerful person in this world. He nodded slightly, as if he had made up his mind: "Old Lin, I want to meet Mr. Lu in person to see if he is really as amazing as the rumors say."
Lin Xiaofeng smiled and patted Li Dexian on the shoulder. "Okay, that's what I meant. But we have to be careful not to attract other people's attention. After all, Mr. Lu is a very low-key person, and we can't disturb his peace."
The two smiled at each other, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding. They knew that this meeting would be a journey full of surprises and excitement.
···········
Deep inside the dormitory building of North Corridor University, the afternoon sun was blocked by thick curtains, leaving only a lazy light and shadow. At this moment, the entire floor was immersed in tranquility, as if time had slowed down here. However, this tranquility was completely broken by a rapid and loud knock on the door. The sound was like the beating of a war drum, shaking the entire corridor and making the sleeping air tremble.
Karami, a burly, dark-skinned young man, was sleeping on the bed. He had a satisfied smile on his face, as if he was having a sweet dream. However, the knock on the door was like a hammer hitting his eardrums, waking him up from his sweet dream. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, frowned, and his face was full of dissatisfaction and complaints: "Who is making noise! I'm sleeping!"
The knocks on the door became more intense, and the door frame creaked as it vibrated, as if it would collapse at any time. Karami was finally irritated by the continuous noise. He suddenly threw off the quilt, walked to the door barefoot, and opened it. The scene outside the door surprised him, and he saw Eric's familiar and anxious face appeared in front of him. Eric's face was pale, and his eyes were full of tension and anxiety, as if he had encountered something terrible.
"Eric! What's wrong with you?" Karami asked unhappily, yawning and stretching. However, Eric seemed not to hear his question. He eagerly grabbed Karami's arm and said in a trembling voice: "Quick! Pack your bags and follow me!"
Karami was so shocked by Eric's words that he lost all his sleepiness. He stared at Eric with wide eyes, trying to find the answer from his face. However, Eric urged him anxiously: "Don't ask! Pack your luggage! We have to leave quickly!" His tone was full of tension and urgency, which made Karami nervous.
Karami turned around and looked at the messy bed and the clutter on the floor, and he couldn't help but feel annoyed. However, Eric's anxious expression made him realize the seriousness of the situation, so he had to suppress his dissatisfaction and began to pack his luggage quickly. His hands flew through clothes and books, and soon he had packed a package. He picked up a mop head, picked up the package and put it on his back, then turned to Eric and said, "Okay! Let's go!"
Eric heaved a sigh of relief, took a deep breath to calm down, and then hurriedly left the dormitory building with Karami. They walked through the empty corridors and stairs and came to the bustling street. However, when they just walked out of the door of the dormitory building, they were stunned at the same time. There were more than a hundred Jinyiwei standing on the street, holding embroidered spring swords, and forming a semicircle at the entrance of the stairs. The leading Jinyiwei looked at them coldly, with a mocking smile on his face: "Have you packed your luggage? Very good! Jinyiwei is investigating a case, come with us!"
Karami and Eric looked at each other, their faces full of fear and despair. They never thought that they would be targeted by the Jinyiwei at this time. However, since things had come to this point, they could only follow the Jinyiwei to the Dali Temple obediently.
In the Dali Temple, they were taken to a dim room. The room was filled with a damp and musty smell, which made people feel very depressed. Lin Xiaofeng sat at a table. He was wearing the uniform of the Jinyiwei official and looked at Karami and Eric who were kneeling on the ground with disdain on his face. He took a sip of tea and said lightly: "I knew you wanted to escape, but you dared to follow the Jinyiwei. With your mediocre skills, how could you not be discovered?"
Karami and Eric lowered their heads and dared not speak, their hearts were filled with fear and anxiety. Lin Xiaofeng continued: "The court needs you now, and has other arrangements for you. Are you really unwilling?" Eric raised his head and said helplessly: "Master Lin, we are not Jinyiwei... We are working well at Dongda University, you are forcing us..." Karami also echoed: "Yes! We really don't want to leave Jingjiang..."
······
In the early morning of Jingjiang, the sun shines through the mist onto the ancient streets, illuminating the cobblestone roads with a golden and warm glow. The plane trees on both sides of the street sway gently in the breeze, as if whispering. In this peaceful and beautiful scenery, Karami seemed a little uneasy. He stood in front of Lin Xiaofeng's study, his face full of traces of time, and his wrinkles were like ravines carved by time, which looked particularly deep. He pulled the corners of his mouth, trying to squeeze out a relaxed smile, but that smile revealed a hint of embarrassment and uneasiness.
In the study, Lin Xiaofeng was sitting at the desk, his figure looking particularly tall in the sunlight coming through the window. He was wearing a green robe, looking gentle and elegant, but his deep eyes were as sharp as a knife, as if they could see through people's hearts. He raised his head slightly, his eyes passed through the window, and met Karami's. The firmness and unquestionableness in his eyes made Karami's heart tighten.
Karami took a deep breath and walked into the study room with courage. He felt an inexplicable pressure, which made his words tremble a little: "Sir, we are telling the truth, can we not go?" His voice echoed in the empty study room, sounding particularly weak.
Lin Xiaofeng did not answer immediately, but looked at Karami quietly. He noticed the wrinkles on Karami's face and the anxiety in his eyes, and he could not help but feel a little sympathy in his heart. But he knew that this mission was of great importance and there could be no retreat or hesitation. He frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "Look, we have lived in Jingjiang for so long, and this place already feels like home. Now we have to travel thousands of miles back to Ferrero, which is like pulling out the roots that have just been planted. It really makes us feel lost."
Although his voice was calm, the firmness and determination contained in it made Karami unable to ignore it. He felt the majesty and power emanating from Lin Xiaofeng, and couldn't help but feel awe in his heart. He lowered his head, not daring to look directly into Lin Xiaofeng's eyes.
Seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng tapped his fingers on the tabletop, making a rhythmic sound. The sound echoed in the study, as if examining Karami and Eric. He said calmly, "Fobole has done such a big thing in Ferrero, even clashing with the church. He requested to join the Jinyiwei, and the court has already issued an order. With his status, wouldn't he be able to become a captain in the Jinyiwei?"
Karami and Eric looked at each other and quickly picked up the letter on the table to read. The content of the letter shocked them. Everything that Furber had done in Ferrero and his conflict with the church were all revealed to them. They recalled the days when they were with Furber. At that time, they were all equally poor, but now Furber had reached a height that they could not reach.
A feeling of bitterness and unwillingness welled up in Eric's heart, and he muttered in a low voice: "If I had known that I would go out to sea as well, shouldn't I be the one who made the contribution?" Although his voice was small, it was particularly clear in the study.
Lin Xiaofeng frowned slightly, and he looked at Eric, with a hint of displeasure in his eyes. But he quickly regained his composure and said calmly: "Now that Jingjiang is expanding its business overseas, the missionaries will help the priest consolidate his power. And the two of you will join the Razor Society to help Foberle."
Karami and Eric's faces suddenly became determined and angry when they heard this. They shouted in unison: "No! We can't go! We were all of the same status back then. Now that he's rich, we're going to work for him? How can we save our dignity? We can't go even if we're beaten to death!"
Lin Xiaofeng looked at them, a sneer on his face. He stood up, walked in front of the two, and stared at them with eyes as sharp as knives. He said slowly: "I know what you are thinking. You just don't want to be inferior to others. But I actually have another task for you." He paused, and then said: "In addition to helping Foberle, you must also secretly monitor the Razor Society."
Karami and Eric were surprised when they heard this. They didn't expect Lin Xiaofeng to give them such an important task. Lin Xiaofeng looked at them and continued, "Of course I trust Foberle's loyalty to Jingjiang, but when a business becomes big, it is often difficult to control. Especially when the emperor is so far away, so this important task must be assigned to you two."
His words revealed his trust and expectations for the two. Karami and Eric looked at each other, and a warm feeling surged in their hearts. They knew that although this mission was difficult, it was a test of their ability and loyalty. They nodded and said in unison: "Thank you, Lord Lin, for your trust! We are willing to accept the mission!"
Lin Xiaofeng nodded with satisfaction. He smiled slightly and said, "The court has absolute trust in you and has entrusted you with important tasks. You can report directly to me after you go to sea. This is a rare opportunity, don't miss it." There was a gleam in his eyes, as if he was looking at two future heroes.
Karami and Eric were very excited. They knew that this voyage was not only to complete the mission, but also for their own future development and growth. They said in unison: "Thank you, Lord Lin! We will definitely live up to your trust!" Lin Xiaofeng nodded slightly, he turned and walked to the window, looking at the scenery outside the window. The sun shone on him, stretching his figure very long. He said slowly: "The fleet will need more than a month to prepare. This time you are called in advance to provide ideological guidance to the missionaries. You two need to undergo special training."
Karami and Eric looked at each other with complicated expressions on their faces. Special training was a brand new challenge for them, but they also understood that this was Lin Xiaofeng's recognition of their abilities and an opportunity for them to improve themselves and realize their value.
In the following days, Karami and Eric's life was filled with unprecedented hardship and passion. They were in a hidden valley surrounded by mountains, which was once a holy place for ancient martial arts masters to practice. In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds and fell on the green hillside, the two had already started their day's practice.
Karami, a tall, resolute young man, always reveals an unyielding tenacity in his eyes. His skin is dark due to long-term outdoor training, and the sweat shines brightly under the sunlight. He holds a heavy sword in his hand, and the tip of the sword draws graceful arcs in the air. Every time he swings the sword, it seems to tear the surrounding air apart.
Eric, on the other hand, was a sturdy man with deep eyes. He held a short knife in his hand, the blade flashing with cold light, and every strike was as fast as lightning. He was agile and quick, and every jump and roll seemed so calm.
The training process for the two was extremely difficult. They not only had to practice the martial arts of swords, spears, swords and halberds, but also had to learn the skills of body movements, hidden weapons and poisons. Every day, they had to run and jump in the valley to exercise their physical strength and endurance. They also had to climb cliffs and walk through dense forests to improve their flexibility and reaction speed. In addition, they had to learn how to identify various poisons, how to use hidden weapons, and how to use various tactics to deal with different enemies.
Although the training process was extremely difficult, Karami and Eric never gave up. They knew that only through hard training could they become stronger and better complete the upcoming tasks. Whenever night fell, the two would sit by the campfire in the valley, exchange their training experiences during the day, and encourage each other.
At the other end of the valley, Lin Xiaofeng was also busy. He was a thin, elegant businessman, but his eyes revealed a sense of determination and courage. He knew the importance of this mission and the abilities and potential of Karami and Eric. Therefore, he was personally responsible for preparing the fleet and kept an eye on the training progress of the two.
Lin Xiaofeng would personally visit Karami and Eric in the valley every day, ask about their training, and give them necessary guidance and encouragement. He would also personally prepare food and medicine for them to ensure their health and smooth training. With his careful arrangements, the fleet was soon ready.
One month later, the sun was shining and the sea breeze was blowing. Karami and Eric stood on the bow, looking out at the sea in the distance. Their faces were filled with anticipation and excitement, and their hearts were filled with longing and confidence for the future. They knew that this voyage would be an important turning point in their lives. They would leave this familiar valley and embark on a journey full of unknowns and dangers. But they also believed that as long as they united as one and worked together, they would be able to overcome all difficulties and realize their dreams.
At this time, Lin Xiaofeng also came to the dock to see them off. He patted Karami and Eric on the shoulders and said, "Go! Go and carve out a world of your own! Don't let me down!" His voice was full of determination and trust. Karami and Eric bowed deeply, then turned around and boarded the ship. As the sails were raised and the ship slowly sailed away, they embarked on a new journey.
The ship was sailing on the sea, the sea breeze blew on their faces, and also blew away the worries and uneasiness in their hearts. They stood on the bow, looking at the sea and sky in the distance, their hearts were full of expectations and longings. They knew that the road ahead was still long and difficult, but as long as they had firm beliefs and moved forward courageously, they would be able to create their own glory!
···········
When Lin Xiaofeng stepped into the house, the setting sun was like a tired traveler, slowly sinking to the distant horizon. At the horizon, the remaining afterglow dyed the sky a gentle orange-red, interweaving with the approaching night to form a beautiful picture. He dragged his heavy steps, crossed the path in front of the door, and came to the door of the study.
In the study, a bronze table lamp quietly emitted a dim light, illuminating a corner of the room. Lin Xiaofeng leaned back tiredly on the back of the chair in the study, feeling the hardness and warmth of the wood, and closed his eyes. His heart was filled with fatigue, as if he was carrying the weight of the whole world.
At this moment, a slight sound of footsteps broke the silence of the study. Lin Xiaofeng suddenly opened his eyes and saw a small figure staggering past the door. It was a thin figure wearing a light blue robe and a small bun on his head. His steps seemed a little unstable, as if he would fall at any time.
"Stop! Where are you going?" Lin Xiaofeng's voice echoed in the study, with a bit of coldness and majesty.
Hearing his father's voice, the little figure stopped. He turned around, revealing a childish face. It was Lin Hongwan, Lin Xiaofeng's only son. He had a stiff smile on his face, but his eyes revealed a hint of guilt and uneasiness.
"Dad, you're back?" Lin Hongwan's voice trembled a little, as if he was afraid of his father's reproach.
Lin Xiaofeng walked into the house expressionlessly. His figure looked particularly lonely under the dim light. He glanced inside the house and saw that the furnishings were simple but neat, and the bookshelves were filled with various books and scrolls. There was a faint scent of ink in the air, and the cold wind outside the window gently swayed the curtains, making a rustling sound.
Lin Xiaofeng closed the door gently, as if to isolate the outside world. He walked up to Lin Hongwan and looked at him with a sharp gaze. Lin Hongwan was limping, his face full of guilt and embarrassment. His left foot was slightly raised, obviously trying to hide something.
"What's wrong with your foot?" Lin Xiaofeng's voice was low and majestic, revealing an imperceptible concern.
Lin Hongwan raised his head and smiled awkwardly: "I've been squatting in the toilet for too long and my feet are numb." His voice became smaller and smaller, as if he was afraid that his father would discover some secret.
Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng's face darkened slightly. He frowned, his eyes revealing a bit of blame and helplessness. He looked out the window. It was already dusk, but Lin Hongwan was still wandering around here, obviously not focusing on his studies.
"Lin Hongwan, do you have anything to do?" Lin Xiaofeng's voice became louder, and he was obviously not satisfied with this explanation. "Every time I go to the toilet, I spend half an hour! You are wasting time!"
Lin Hongwan was frightened by his father's words. He lowered his head and dared not look his father in the eye. His little hands tightly grasped the corner of his clothes, as if he wanted to draw some courage from it.
At this moment, Lin Hongwan suddenly pulled out a booklet from behind and showed it to Lin Xiaofeng with a smile on his face: "Dad, this is what you wrote, "The Legend of Cao Pinuo." His eyes flashed with love for the booklet and admiration for his father.
Lin Xiaofeng took the book and flipped through it. Looking at his son's tender face and expectant eyes, his expression softened a little. He patted Lin Hongwan's head gently and said in a softer tone: "Reading is a good thing. You can learn useful knowledge. But don't talk nonsense in the future. Children who talk nonsense will become pig-nosed."
After saying that, he stood up and gently held Lin Hongwan to sit on his lap. The wind was still blowing outside the window, but at this moment the room was filled with warmth and harmony between father and son.
Lin Xiaofeng sighed. He knew that he had a great responsibility. He was not only an official of the court, but also a father. He had to set an example for his son and teach him to become a knowledgeable and virtuous person.
"I'm very busy every day, and your mother dotes on you too much." Lin Xiaofeng looked at Lin Hongwan, with a bit of helplessness and expectation in his tone, "You have to be sensible, you will be a big brother in the future."
Lin Hongwan nodded, his little face full of determination and seriousness. He knew what his father's words meant, and he knew he had to become a responsible person.
"Then let me ask you, how many places did you take in the recent quizzes at school?" Lin Xiaofeng continued to inquire about his son's academic performance.
"In the top ten!" Lin Hongwan answered loudly, his tone revealing the pride and joy that he could not conceal. He knew that his hard work had paid off, and he knew that his father would be proud of him.
"Who is the last one in your class?" Lin Xiaofeng continued to ask.
"It's Chen Liangliang." Lin Hongwan answered without hesitation. A trace of disdain and contempt flashed across his face, and he obviously had no good feelings towards the classmate who always opposed him.
Lin Xiaofeng thought about it for a while, and he had some impression of this name. So he is the grandson of Master Chen... It seems that bloodline is also unreliable, Lin Xiaofeng sighed in his heart. But he did not say this thought, but continued to ask: "How is the emperor's grandson recently? Has his academic performance improved? How do you get along with him?"
"Oh, I have a very good relationship with His Highness." Lin Hongwan answered excitedly, "He started school late, but he ranked third in the last exam. The teachers all praised him for being smart."
Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng felt a warm current in his heart. He was very pleased with the intelligence of the emperor's grandson and the deep friendship between him and Hong Wan. He nodded slightly, with a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes.
"You have a good relationship with the emperor's grandson, which is a good thing." Lin Xiaofeng said slowly, "But you have to know that as friends, you should not only share happiness together, but also help each other when needed. Although the emperor's grandson is smart, he may also encounter difficulties. You should do your best to help him."
Lin Hongwan nodded seriously, he understood the deep meaning of his father's words. He knew from a young age that although he was born in an official family, it was more important to have a kind and helpful heart.
"So how is your relationship with other students in the class?" Lin Xiaofeng continued to ask with concern.
Lin Hongwan was silent for a while, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he was a little embarrassed to speak. But he knew that his father was an upright and sensible man, and he would not blame himself for telling the truth.
"Everything is fine, except that Chen Liangliang is always against me." Lin Hongwan muttered softly, "He always picks on me and refuses to admit his losses when he loses a game." His little face was full of dissatisfaction and complaints.
The afterglow of the setting sun shines through the window of the study room, onto Lin Xiaofeng's serious and slightly tired face. He sits at his desk, his eyes deep, as if he can see through people's hearts. Lin Hongwan, a ten-year-old boy, is standing in front of him at this moment, with his head down, his hands tightly grasping the corners of his clothes, looking like he has done something wrong.
Lin Xiaofeng sighed softly, stretched out his hand, and gently patted his son's shoulder. His palm was broad and strong, as if it could convey endless strength and comfort. He whispered, "It's okay, son, we just don't associate with poor students in the future. However, you must remember that you should get along well with your classmates at ordinary times. We are all friends. If there is a conflict between friends, how should you solve it?"
Lin Hongwan raised his head, a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes. He pouted and turned his head away, no longer looking at Lin Xiaofeng. He muttered, "I just ignore him!" There was a bit of stubbornness and unwillingness in his voice.
Lin Xiaofeng was not angry, but patiently guided him: "This won't work. You have to learn to cooperate and communicate. Remember, if you want to succeed, you must learn to handle interpersonal relationships." He paused, as if thinking about how to make his son understand this truth in a more vivid way. He smiled and said, "Let me think about how to solve this contradiction in a high emotional intelligence way?"
At this moment, Lin Hongwan suddenly said something ridiculous: "My father is the principal, don't go too far!" There was a hint of pride and threat in his words, as if this sentence could solve all problems.
Lin Xiaofeng's smile gradually froze on his face. He stood up, walked to Lin Hongwan, and carried him to the desk, so that his butt was facing the roof. Lin Xiaofeng took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calmer: "You bastard! Who taught you to bully others? Who taught you to take advantage of others' power?" Although he tried hard to control his emotions, his words still revealed anger and disappointment that were difficult to conceal.
Lin Hongwan turned pale at his father's sudden severity. He had never seen his father so angry before, and his heart was filled with fear and anxiety. He cried out loudly: "Dad! Why did you hit me? Stop it! My grandfather is the emperor!" He tried to threaten his father with his own identity in the hope of escaping punishment.
However, these words made Lin Xiaofeng even angrier. He stared at his son with eyes wide open, full of anger and disappointment. He gritted his teeth and said, "Okay! You actually threaten your father?" He raised his palm suddenly, but finally put it down. He took a deep breath and raised his palm again, but this time he didn't put it down again, but slapped Lin Hongwan's butt hard.
"Bang, bang, bang!" Three consecutive crisp sounds echoed in the study. Lin Hongwan cried loudly in pain, but Lin Xiaofeng had no intention of stopping. He didn't stop until he felt that he had vented enough. He put Lin Hongwan down, hugged his shoulders, and asked angrily: "Tell me the truth, who taught you this? Did you threaten your classmates like this in school?"
Lin Hongwan sobbed and replied, "No one taught me, and I have never threatened my classmates." He picked up "Copino" on the table and said while crying, "If I lie, I will become a pig nose." He tried to divert his father's attention with this sentence, while also expressing his grievances and innocence.
Lin Xiaofeng looked at his son's pitiful appearance, and the anger in his heart gradually subsided. He glanced out the window and saw that night had fallen and the lights of thousands of houses were flickering in the distance. He looked at the clock with a gloomy face and said, "Okay, go back to bed. From today on, I will take care of you personally. You must submit your homework and quizzes every day for me to check. You will not be allowed to eat dinner if you miss a day!"
Hearing his father's words, Lin Hongwan felt hopeless. He knew that his future life would no longer be easy, but he nodded helplessly and agreed to his father's request. He bent over and walked out of the study dejectedly. His back looked particularly lonely and helpless in the dim corridor.
However, just as Lin Hongwan was about to disappear at the end of the corridor, he suddenly stopped. He turned around, facing the direction of the study, and muttered: "One plus one equals three, two plus five equals eleven." He seemed to be using this method to vent his inner emotions, while also trying to find a little spiritual comfort.
After saying that, he touched his nose and laughed heartlessly: "Hehe, the books are all lies." His laughter echoed in the empty corridor, and he seemed so lonely and helpless. However, in this laughter, he also revealed a kind of expectation and courage for the future. He knew that no matter how many difficulties and challenges there were in the future, he would face and overcome them bravely.
···········
The morning glow is like a fine golden ribbon, gently falling on the ground, dyeing the whole world with a light golden color. The train runs smoothly on the rails, making a rhythmic "click-click" sound, just like the pace of time, neither fast nor slow. The scenery outside the window is changing rapidly, from the bustling city with heavy traffic, to the empty and lonely barren fields, to the rolling green mountains. Every frame is like a carefully painted scroll, which is dazzling.
Lin Xiaofeng sat quietly in the carriage. He was wearing a dark blue Jinyiwei official uniform with a golden dragon pattern embroidered on his chest, which made him look both majestic and mysterious. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through people's hearts and all the vanity in the world. He folded his hands in front of his chest, tapping his fingers lightly, making a rhythmic "tap tap" sound, as if he was thinking about something important.
His face has clear contours and firm lines, revealing an unyielding perseverance. His eyes are deep and bright, like the brightest stars in the night sky, shining with the light of wisdom. His nose is high and his lips are tightly closed, giving people a calm and restrained feeling. His hair is neatly combed behind his head, revealing a smooth forehead and handsome eyebrows. He is tall and well-proportioned, and every movement seems calm, elegant and decent.
Lin Xiaofeng has gotten on the right track. He is busy dealing with the affairs of the Jinyiwei every day, and at the same time he has to care about his son's study and life. His son Lin Hongwan is a smart child. The homework he brings back from school every day is neatly written and the content is quite substantial. Lin Xiaofeng looks at his son's homework and can't help feeling a little relieved. He knows that his son has grown up and has begun to work hard for his future.
Early in the morning, Lin Xiaofeng walked into the Dali Temple slowly, holding a newspaper. His steps were steady and powerful, and every step seemed to be a well-thought-out decision. Before he entered the door, he heard two Jinyiwei whispering. Although their voices were not loud, they were particularly clear in the quiet of the early morning. Lin Xiaofeng coughed lightly, and the two men immediately separated and stood up straight, raised their heads and said, "Good morning, sir! We are discussing the newspaper."
Lin Xiaofeng nodded slightly, pulled out a newspaper from his armpit and unfolded it. The layout of the newspaper was simple and elegant, and the content was rich and colorful. His eyes swept across the newspaper and suddenly stopped at a news about a football match. He raised his eyebrows and felt a little bored. Speaking of football, he also liked to play football when he was in college. At that time, he called himself the little Ibrahimovic on the court and imitated many famous players. Some people even said that he protected the ball like Henry. However, because he imitated Ibrahimovic too much and injured his classmates, he was criticized by the school leaders and reluctantly withdrew from the football world. Now he has lost his former passion for football and is more focused on his career and family.
He rolled up the newspaper and pointed at the two people: "Stop chatting, just sweep the floor and get to work." Although his voice was not loud, it was full of authority and command. The two people answered in unison: "Yes! Lord Lin!" Then they quickly left the scene, fearing that they would be blamed by Lin Xiaofeng again.
Looking at their backs as they left, Lin Xiaofeng snorted softly, and then continued to walk towards the door. However, after taking just one step, he stopped again, turned around and asked, "You two didn't gamble on football, did you?" His eyes were as sharp as a knife, as if he wanted to see through the hearts of the two people. He knew very well that there were strict regulations within the Jinyiwei, and once gambling was discovered, the person would be expelled immediately without mercy. Before, more than a dozen people had been expelled from the Jinyiwei for gambling, so in front of Lin Xiaofeng, the two people were even more cautious and did not dare to be presumptuous.
One of them swallowed his saliva and answered nervously: "The Jinyiwei has strict discipline, we would never dare to have such thoughts. It's just that we recently heard that there is a god who can predict the results of the game, so we chatted for a while." He tried to explain his behavior so as not to let Lin Xiaofeng misunderstand. However, Lin Xiaofeng narrowed his eyes and continued to ask: "God? Who?" He became very interested in this so-called god, and also wanted to confirm whether this person really existed and whether he posed a threat to the Jinyiwei.
The moonlight was like a thread, and the breeze blew across every palace wall of the Forbidden City, bringing the tranquility and mystery of the night. On this quiet night, a Jinyiwei quietly appeared in front of Lin Xiaofeng's study. He lowered his head, holding the hilt of a dagger tightly with both hands, but the sword was not unsheathed, as if waiting for something.
His figure looked particularly lonely in the moonlight, and his black brocade clothes were looming in the night, as if blending into the darkness. There was a trace of fatigue on his face, but his eyes were bright and revealed a firm light. His voice was low and powerful, as firm as iron and stone, with a hint of unquestionable majesty.
"Lord Lin, I have something important to report to you." The Jinyiwei's voice echoed in the night sky, breaking the silence.
Lin Xiaofeng was sitting in the study, holding an ancient book in his hand, but his eyes drifted to the window involuntarily. He heard the voice of the Jinyiwei, and his heart moved slightly. Then he put down the ancient book in his hand and stood up. He walked to the window, opened it, and looked at the figure standing in the moonlight.
"What's the matter?" Lin Xiaofeng's voice was calm and cold, as if without a trace of emotion.
Jinyiwei raised his head and looked at Lin Xiaofeng. There was a hint of respect on his face, but there was a firm light in his eyes. He took a deep breath and said in a low and powerful voice: "This man's whereabouts are secretive and he hides his true identity. People call him Mr. Lu. He behaves very modestly on weekdays. I only know a little about him because of my work."
After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt. He frowned slightly, as if thinking about something. This was not the first time he had heard of this name. The last time, he heard it from the prince. The prince praised him highly, saying that he had an unpredictable ability to predict the future, and that his five predictions were all accurate. For a person to be so humble and yet famous, he must have something extraordinary.
However, out of professional acumen, Lin Xiaofeng always felt that there was something fishy going on behind this. A person with such influence who neither sought fame nor profit, and who never shared his unique skills, was it just to show off his predictive abilities to ordinary people? There seemed to be a hint of deception in this.
Lin Xiaofeng pondered for a moment, then raised his head and looked at the Jinyiwei. "What has this person done recently?" he asked.
Jinyiwei shook his head. "There has been no movement yet. It's just..." He paused and continued, "Rumor has it that Mr. Lu seems to have a unique prediction for the upcoming game. But the strange thing is that he hasn't released any news this time."
After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng's heart moved. He remembered that he had never won in his previous life when betting on football, and he always lost miserably. If Mr. Lu was really as accurate as the rumors said, then it was absolutely impossible!
He nodded slightly and said to the Jinyiwei: "Okay, I understand. You can go down."
…………
The next afternoon, the sun shone through the carved window, filling the entire study. The golden spots of light danced on the table, contrasting with the antique desk and tea sets. Lin Xiaofeng sat on the armchair in front of the window, leisurely flipping through the Beilang Daily in his hand. His fingers gently slid across the soft paper, occasionally stopping to sip a sip of fragrant tea, enjoying this rare quiet time.
His eyes were fixed on a football news that took up most of the page. It was a report of an unprecedented football match. Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help but frown, and a slight dissatisfaction surged in his heart. He thought, in this world nowadays, it seems that there is really no news worth reporting. Even a football match can become a headline. But then he thought, this may also be a reflection of the people's comfortable life and love of sports, and the reporters are also working hard and not lazy.
He continued to scan through the reports, with a wide variety of content. There were livelihood news describing "After a hundred days of drought, Kangyang County finally welcomed the rain", health tips such as "The Complete Solution of Longevity Exercises Taught by Women from Zushihui", and gossips such as "A wealthy businessman in the north of the city divorced his original wife and took over as a concubine, but she was often unsatisfied - the tragic ending of the fierce woman". Although these news were close to people's lives, Lin Xiaofeng lost interest after reading them for a few times, thinking that today's news was really boring.
He thought to himself that the Beilang Daily was going further and further on the road of pursuing traffic. Although it could attract readers' attention, it would inevitably reduce the taste and quality of the newspaper in the long run. As a man of insight, he felt it necessary to find time to reform the newspaper.
At this moment, the door of the study was suddenly knocked on by a series of urgent knocks. Lin Xiaofeng put down the newspaper in his hand and looked up at the door. He saw two people rushing in from outside and standing at the door panting. He was stunned for a moment, and when he looked closely, it turned out to be the crown prince Li Dexian and a stranger in official uniform.
"Prince? Why are you here?" Lin Xiaofeng asked in surprise.
Li Dexian panted and said, "I...I have something to talk to you about!" He patted the person next to him, "This is the commander of the military department, Versace, meet the Marquis!"
Lin Xiaofeng then noticed Versace standing next to Li Dexian. He was tall, with a resolute face, and dressed neatly in an official uniform, looking very majestic. Although he and Versace were not close friends, the work exchanges between the Jinyiwei and the Wucheng Bingmasi also made him familiar with this commander. He frowned slightly, and an ominous premonition surged in his heart, "What's the matter?"
Versace smiled bitterly and said, "Master Lin, you may not know that there is a liar who predicts football matches in Zhengtongfang, who calls himself Mr. Lu. This morning, Mr. Lu sold the prediction results in Zhengtongfang and cheated the people of Zhengtongfang out of nearly 150,000 taels of silver in one fell swoop."
Lin Xiaofeng was shocked when he heard this, and he could not help but feel angry. He felt very guilty when he thought of the people who were deceived by the swindlers. As an official appointed by the court, he had the responsibility to protect the rights of the people from being infringed.
Versace continued, "The Bingmasi is now surrounded by the people, and the situation is urgent! I have ordered the city gates to be blocked and the swindler to be hunted down. But I am afraid that the people are too emotional and it will be difficult to calm the situation in a short time. Therefore, I would like to ask Lord Lin to dispatch the Jinyiwei for support. The swindler may have fled to other markets in Kyoto, and the Bingmasi is short of manpower... I hope Lord Lin can lend us a hand."
Lin Xiaofeng did not hesitate when he heard this. He immediately stood up and gave orders: "Come here! Go to Zhengtongfang immediately to evacuate the people. Don't let them gather together to cause trouble." He turned and looked at Versace, "This matter has not alarmed His Majesty yet, right?"
Versace looked at him gratefully and shook his head, saying, "Your Majesty has not been alarmed yet. But if the situation is allowed to develop, I am afraid it will be difficult to end."
Lin Xiaofeng nodded, and he already had a plan in mind. He knew that this matter must be resolved as soon as possible, otherwise once it reached His Majesty's ears, the consequences would be disastrous. He turned to Li Dexian and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured that I will calm this storm as soon as possible."
Li Dexian nodded gratefully and said, "Then I'll leave it to Lord Lin."
In the bustling city of Kyoto, night fell quietly, and the bright lights could not hide a sense of worry and uneasiness. Investigating cases is the job of the government, but at this moment, it was like a heavy stone weighing on Lin Xiaofeng's heart. He knew that this was not just a simple fraud case, but also a serious challenge to the trust of the people of Kyoto.
Lin Xiaofeng, dressed in a green robe, had a calm face. His eyes flashed with a sharp light, as if he could see through all hypocrisy and lies. His fingers tapped the table lightly, making a rhythmic sound, as if telling of his inner determination.
"We can take our time investigating the case, but we must not allow the people to gather and cause trouble." Lin Xiaofeng's voice was deep and powerful, like an order, echoing in the air. His eyes swept through the crowd and finally fixed on Versace.
Versace, a burly man with a resolute and unyielding look on his face, saluted with his fists and reported the progress of the case in a loud voice. Every word he said was clear and powerful, as if he was trying to uncover the mystery of the case.
"In dozens of towns and cities in Kyoto, there are people who predict the results of football matches. But most of these people only predict once or twice, and at most three or four times before disappearing. Only Mr. Lu from Zhengtongfang is the most amazing. He has made five correct predictions five times..." Versace's voice revealed some doubt and confusion.
Lin Xiaofeng nodded slightly, and his eyes looked through the window at the night sky in the distance. In the dark night, there were many stars, as if countless pairs of eyes were silently watching everything. He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to absorb all the doubts and anxieties into his chest, and then resolve them one by one.
"As soon as this incident broke out, I immediately ordered everyone who knew about it to report it. After summarizing the information, we did find some strange things," Versace continued. His voice revealed a bit of fatigue and helplessness, but more of determination and resolve.
Lin Xiaofeng retracted his gaze and turned to look at Li Dexian. The former top scholar was like a helpless child at this moment, slapping his thigh anxiously and annoyed. His face was full of regret and anger, as if he wanted to vent all his emotions.
"Old Lin, what are you laughing at? So many people have been deceived, and I have lost 30,000 taels of silver! Quickly order a city-wide search! Oh... my silver..." Li Dexian's voice was full of anxiety and anger.
Lin Xiaofeng shook his head helplessly, but his heart was filled with peace and calmness. He knew that he couldn't panic or get confused at this time. He gently patted Li Dexian's shoulder to calm him down. (End of this chapter)
You'll Also Like
-
In the entertainment industry, everyone has been reborn, but who will be their servant?
Chapter 119 11 hours ago -
Mysterious Resurrection: What If
Chapter 275 11 hours ago -
We were supposed to be doing horror movie guides, but what the heck is this "mysterious resurre
Chapter 172 11 hours ago -
Perfection: The Eastern Emperor Bell manifests, I am the Golden Crow Heavenly Emperor
Chapter 119 11 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: A conceptual term, inheriting the power to destroy life.
Chapter 138 11 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: After Ten Thousand Years of Silence, I Was Exposed by the Sky.
Chapter 121 11 hours ago -
Chaos begins when one joins a martial arts school
Chapter 92 11 hours ago -
Dark Ruins Dawn
Chapter 138 11 hours ago -
Big G, Coffee Machine and Goblin
Chapter 56 11 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: Disciple Tang San, righteous yet evil
Chapter 138 11 hours ago