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

In the majestic palace of Emperor Jingjiang, in the magnificent hall, a group of old ministers in the cabinet were solemnly talking to each other. Their faces were full of traces of time, and their wrinkles were like ancient rivers, witnessing the changes of the dynasty. They were dressed in gorgeous court robes, holding jade tablets, and their every move revealed a calmness and solemnity.

"Your Majesty, the emperor's grandson is young. If he stays outside for a long time, I'm afraid there will be many inconveniences." An old minister stepped forward, bowed, and his voice was full of concern and worry. His eyes were shining with wisdom, as if he could see through everything in the world.

Emperor Jingjiang sat on the dragon throne, frowning, with doubt in his eyes. He was wearing a dragon robe and a golden crown, looking majestic and solemn. However, at this moment, a trace of confusion and puzzlement appeared on his face. He pondered for a moment, shook his head, and said, "What the hell are they doing? They let my grandson and grandson plow the land outside..." His voice was full of doubt and puzzlement, as if this matter was beyond his understanding.

Wang Jingwen, a young official, stood aside and explained with a smile: "Your Majesty, this matter is not difficult to understand. The Crown Prince and Lin Xiaofeng may want to punish themselves in this way to show their repentance. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince usually likes to travel outside and experience the people's sentiments. This time they chose to work in the fields, perhaps to understand the hardships and difficulties of farmers more deeply through personal experience."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with this view. He sighed and said, "That makes sense. This is indeed the style of the Crown Prince and Lin Xiaofeng." The figures of the two young men emerged in his mind. They always acted unpredictably and were hard to figure out. However, Emperor Jingjiang always maintained a high level of concern and worry about their safety.

"Let's observe for two days first." Emperor Jingjiang pondered for a moment and finally made a decision. His words revealed endless majesty and determination, as if he wanted to control everything in his own hands. "Remember to ensure their safety." He emphasized again.

···········
At the same time, in the fields far from the palace, the sun was blazing, and the golden wheat waves were swaying gently in the breeze. Li Lingjue, the young grandson of the emperor, was standing in the field, sweating profusely as he worked. His figure seemed particularly small in the wheat field, but his eyes were firm and persistent.

He was wearing coarse cloth and a bamboo hat, holding a hoe tightly in both hands, swinging it non-stop. The soil flew up and down with each digging, as if dancing in the air. His face was full of seriousness, his brows were furrowed, as if he was waging a silent battle with the land.

Farming, this ancient and arduous labor, seems particularly arduous at this moment. However, Li Lingjue did not back down. He gritted his teeth and persisted, using his own hands to touch the temperature of the land and feel the pulse of the land. He knew that this was the only way for him to grow up and an important step towards maturity.

As time went by, Li Lingjue's arms began to feel sore and weak, as if they were filled with lead. Back pain also came with it, and he almost couldn't hold on. However, every time he wanted to give up, he would always remember the words of his grandfather, Emperor Jingjiang: "You must persevere!" These words were like a ray of light, illuminating his way forward.

As night fell, the sky was dotted with stars. Li Lingjue lay on his simple bed, and his tired body immediately fell asleep. In his dream, he seemed to see golden wheat fields, laughing farmers, and the joy of harvest. He felt his close connection with this land, and also felt the determination and persistence deep in his heart. He knew that he would thrive on this land and become a responsible man.

The sun shines through the sparse clouds, scattering on the land in the fields, as if covering this hard-earned land with a golden coat. Two days passed in the blink of an eye. For Li Lingjue, these two days were like struggling through a long tunnel. His body was still troubled by pain, and every muscle seemed to be protesting to him, but he chose to remain silent and persist.

Li Lingjue's eyes were deeply embedded in his thin face, and they flashed with a determined light. Although his hands were covered with calluses and scars, every time he swung the hoe, he seemed so powerful and determined. He knew that only through his own hands could he cultivate hope on this land and earn a living. Therefore, he could only work hard and bury all the fatigue and pain in his heart.

In a corner of the field, a figure was lying under the shade of a tree. It was Lin Hongwan, who was wearing a ragged cloth and a straw hat that he got from nowhere, covering half of his face. He crossed his legs leisurely, holding a straw stem in his mouth, as if the whole world had nothing to do with him. His eyes were full of laxity and confusion, as if he had gotten used to this idle life.

Since coming here, Lin Hongwan has never worked. He looked at the land illuminated by the sun, but his heart was not touched at all. He felt that farming was tiring and meaningless, and it was far better to lie in the shade of the trees and enjoy a leisurely time. He often lamented that time passed too quickly, as if he had been forgotten by the world. He waited for someone to take him back and live a life of food and clothing, but he never thought about creating the future with his own hands.

"Hey, why haven't you come to pick me up yet? It's been three days." Lin Hongwan complained to himself, his face full of dissatisfaction and helplessness. He seemed to have gotten used to this kind of life of waiting and complaining, but never thought about changing anything. His heart was full of confusion and emptiness, and he didn't know where his future lay.

At this time, Xiaocao came over with a small basket. She was wearing a simple cloth dress, and her young face was filled with an innocent smile. Her eyes were clear and bright, as if she could see through people's hearts. She walked to Lin Hongwan and said softly, "Brother Lin, it's time to eat." But Lin Hongwan didn't even raise his head, but just muttered in dissatisfaction: "Why do you always call me brother? It's so annoying. Is it potatoes and pickles again today?"

Xiaocao answered cautiously, "Yes." Her voice was full of trembling and anxiety, for fear of angering the young master. Lin Hongwan pointed to the ground with his toes and said, "Put it there." His tone was full of disdain and arrogance. Xiaocao gently put a bowl of potato pickles on the ground, then turned and walked towards Li Lingjue and Zhou Ping'an. Her heart was full of helplessness and bitterness, but she was powerless.

However, just after she took two steps, Lin Hongwan suddenly stretched out his legs, and Xiaocao stumbled and fell to the ground. The basket in her hand flew out instantly, and the food spilled all over the ground. Xiaocao cried in pain, and she hurriedly checked the food in the basket. Fortunately, she consciously protected it, so not too much food spilled out. She raised her head with tears in her eyes: "You bullied me again! Woo woo..." Her voice was trembling and weak, as if she had become accustomed to this kind of life of being bullied.

Lin Hongwan lifted his straw hat with disdain, revealing a pair of cold eyes. He looked at Xiaocao sarcastically: "If you can get me some meat to eat, I won't bully you anymore." His words were full of provocation and ruthlessness. Xiaocao cried even more sadly: "There is no meat in my house..." After saying that, she turned around and walked towards Li Lingjue and Zhou Ping'an. She still had to deliver food to her father. Her back was stretched out in the sun, looking so thin and helpless.

Li Lingjue heard Xiaocao's cry, and he looked over there. His eyes were full of anger and helplessness. He knew that Lin Hongwan had always been a lazy person, but he didn't expect that he would bully such a little girl. He put down the hoe in his hand, walked over and helped Xiaocao up. His voice was gentle and firm: "Don't be afraid, we are here."

Xiaocao looked up at Li Lingjue, her eyes full of gratitude and trust. She knew that Li Lingjue was a good man and he would definitely protect her. She wiped the tears from her face and followed Li Lingjue towards Zhou Ping'an. Her heart was full of gratitude and warmth, and she knew that she was no longer alone.

Looking at Xiaocao's back as he left, Lin Hongwan suddenly felt an inexplicable loneliness. He looked at the land illuminated by the sun and Li Lingjue and Zhou Pingan who were working hard, and an inexplicable impulse surged in his heart. He suddenly realized that he had lost too many things - his passion for life, his vision for the future, and his respect for himself. He felt as lonely and helpless as if he had been abandoned by the world.

At the end of the field in the distance, the sun shines on the golden ears of wheat, forming a sparkling golden ocean. Li Lingjue, a sturdy, dark-skinned man, is swinging a hoe, and sweat soaks his clothes. Suddenly, his eyes are fixed on a scene not far away - Lin Hongwan is facing a thin little girl, Xiaocao, speaking harshly to her and even stretching out his hand to push her.

Li Lingjue's heart suddenly tightened, and he threw down the hoe in his hand. The hoe drew a sharp arc in the air and finally fell to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust. He walked quickly towards Lin Hongwan, and each step was heavy and powerful, as if he wanted to pour out all the anger in his heart.

Seeing this, Xiaocao's heart tightened. The basket in her hand trembled slightly, but her eyes were shining with determination. She quickly picked up the basket and walked towards Li Lingjue, her voice trembling a little: "Brother Li, you eat first." Her eyes were full of concern and worry, as if she was afraid that Li Lingjue would do something irreversible because of impulse.

Li Lingjue stopped and a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes. He whispered, "You eat with your father first, I'll eat later." After that, he took a deep breath and continued to walk towards Lin Hongwan.

He walked up to Lin Hongwan and kicked the tree trunk hard. The tree trunk made a loud "crackling" sound, as if it was shaking with his anger. He roared, "Lin Hongwan, get up!" His voice was like thunder, echoing in the field, full of anger and majesty.

Lin Hongwan was so frightened that his straw hat slipped off his head and fell to the ground. He raised his head and looked at Li Lingjue's angry eyes, and his heart trembled. He patted his chest repeatedly, with a hint of fear and confusion in his voice: "Oh, Old Li, you really scared me to death! What are you doing?"

Li Lingjue clenched his fists tightly, his veins bulging, as if telling of his inner anger. He glared at Lin Hongwan, his voice low and firm: "I ask you, why are you not only not working but also bullying Xiaocao recently? I tell you, if you dare to bully her again, I will really be rude to you!" His tone was full of warnings and threats, as if it would explode at any time.

Lin Hongwan looked at Li Lingjue's angry eyes and couldn't help but panic. He curled his lips and tried to ease the tense atmosphere with a relaxed tone: "Old Li, we are brothers, are you going to hit me for an outsider?" He pointed to a pile of small stones behind him, with a hint of self-mockery in his voice, "Look, I haven't done anything, I even built a toilet. Won't you use it when I finish it?"

Li Lingjue frowned, his eyes flashing with anger and disappointment. He swung his fist and smashed it on the tree trunk next to him, which instantly cracked. He roared, "Who wants to use your toilet?! Do you think building a toilet can offset your bullying of Xiaocao? I tell you, if you dare to bully her again, I will really not recognize you as my brother!"

Lin Hongwan was intimidated by Li Lingjue's momentum. He waved his hands helplessly, with a hint of bitterness in his voice: "Old Li, I see you working so hard every day, you really feel tired. Don't you notice anything?"

Li Lingjue's anger subsided a little, and he looked at Lin Hongwan in confusion, as if waiting for his explanation. Lin Hongwan sighed, with a hint of helplessness and sadness in his voice: "Alas, it seems that you really didn't see it. Then I'll be frank - all this is fake! Everyone around is an actor! Including those people who plow the fields, Xiaocao, Zhou Pingan and his son! They are all acting in front of us! You actually followed them to work together."

After hearing this, Li Lingjue was shocked. He looked around, and those familiar faces became blurred in front of him. He suddenly remembered that he worked hard every day, but never really cared about the lives of these people. Their smiles, their fatigue, their helplessness, seemed to have become a false appearance, covering up the true face of life.

He turned his head and looked at Xiaocao's thin figure, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He suddenly realized that although he was a hardworking farmer, he had never really understood the lives of these people. They were struggling for survival every day, but he was just immersed in his own world and ignored their existence.

He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly: "What do you mean by that?" His heart was full of doubts and confusion, as if he was shocked by Lin Hongwan's words.

Lin Hongwan looked at Li Lingjue's puzzled eyes, and he shook his head gently, with a hint of sarcasm and disdain in his voice: "Do you read newspapers regularly? The newspapers we read often say that we are good here and there, and the people live and work in peace and contentment, and have a prosperous life. But look at these people, what kind of life do they live? They can't even get enough food or meat! Do you think this is reasonable? Are our newspapers all lying?"

The afterglow of the setting sun filled the entire countryside, and the golden light coated the earth with a faint golden glow. In this quiet and peaceful field, two young men stood side by side, their shadows stretched out in the setting sun, as if extending to the endless distance.

Li Lingjue, a thin boy, has a strong and deep face, but at this moment he is a little confused and puzzled. His eyes are like stars in the night sky, shining brightly, staring at the distance intently. Lin Hongwan, his good friend, is a slightly cunning boy. He always has a half-smile on his face, as if he can see through everything.

"Ling Jue, do you really believe in the so-called 'good life' written in the newspapers?" Lin Hongwan's voice broke the silence around them, and his tone was filled with disdain and sarcasm.

Li Lingjue was slightly stunned. He recalled the newspapers he had read before. Those pictures depicting a better life were as beautiful as a dream. However, standing here at this moment, looking at these hardworking people in front of him, an inexplicable doubt arose in his heart.

"I... I don't know." Li Lingjue's voice trembled a little. He felt that his heart was going through an unprecedented struggle.

Lin Hongwan sneered, pointing at the people working in the distance, and continued, "Look at them, working from dawn to dusk every day, but only earning a meager income. And those newspapers say that they live a happy and fulfilling life. Do you think that's possible?"

Li Lingjue looked in the direction of Lin Hongwan's finger and saw those hard-working people. Their faces were full of fatigue and helplessness, but they still persisted silently. At this moment, a strong sense of uneasiness and doubt surged in Li Lingjue's heart.

"Potatoes... Yeah, why don't they use potatoes to do business?" Li Lingjue suddenly thought of something. He turned to look at Lin Hongwan with a puzzled look in his eyes.

Lin Hongwan smiled slightly, as if he had seen through Li Lingjue's doubts. He pointed to the grass next to him that trembled slightly in the breeze, and said in a tone as if he had discovered a big secret: "Look at that grass, I think it's very suspicious."

Li Lingjue looked in the direction of Lin Hongwan's finger and saw the grass. In the afterglow of the setting sun, it looked particularly green and tender. However, the environment it was in was very bad - the surrounding soil was poor and dry, with only sporadic water drops nourishing it. But even in such an environment, it still grew tenaciously.

At this moment, Li Lingjue was inexplicably moved. He seemed to see the tenacity and perseverance of those hard-working people. Although they lived in poverty, they never gave up hope and pursuit of life.

"I understand!" Li Lingjue suddenly said loudly, his voice full of firmness and determination, "What is written in the newspapers is just a superficial phenomenon. Real life is much more complicated than that. We cannot be fooled by the superficial beauty, but must see the essence of life."

Lin Hongwan looked at Li Lingjue's determined eyes, and he couldn't help but feel admiration in his heart. He knew that Li Lingjue had grown from an ignorant boy to a thoughtful and insightful young man.

The afterglow of the setting sun gradually dissipated in the sky and night fell.

The sun shines through the dense leaves, dappling onto the open space in the forest, rendering this world like a dream. The breeze, with a hint of coolness, gently brushes across Li Lingjue's cheek, awakening his thoughts that were originally immersed in this peaceful and beautiful scenery. He turned his head and his eyes fell on Lin Hongwan who was standing beside him. He saw that Lin Hongwan's thin body was emitting a strange light at this moment, as if it contained some unknown wisdom.

Lin Hongwan's eyes flashed with a mysterious light, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised, outlining a confident arc. He coughed lightly, and his voice was a bit majestic, as if he was a detective who was about to uncover the truth. He spoke slowly, his voice was low and powerful: "Do you still remember the classmate who always curiously asked the teacher why there were no girls in the school?"

Li Lingjue raised his eyebrows slightly, and a trace of memory flashed in his eyes. He nodded and said, "Of course I remember. We were all very curious at that time, but the teacher always answered that our school did not accept girls."

Lin Hongwan nodded and smiled with satisfaction. He continued, "That's right, our school doesn't accept girls. Also, have you seen any news in the newspaper that encourages women to go to school?"

Li Lingjue was slightly stunned, and his mind quickly recalled the contents of those newspapers. He nodded and said, "Well, I have read it. Is there any problem with it?"

Lin Hongwan smiled lightly, with a smug look on his face. He analyzed, "This shows that women are generally unwilling to go to school. But, have you noticed that Xiaocao? She holds a torn notebook all day long and uses a branch to draw on it, and she even uses a branch without ink. Do you think this is true?"

A trace of doubt flashed in Li Lingjue's eyes. He looked at Xiaocao who was concentrating on writing in the distance, and his heart began to waver. He pondered for a moment, and then said: "But I really don't think Uncle Zhou's house is so fake. Could it be that the newspaper is wrong?"

Lin Hongwan waved his hand with a look of disdain on his face. He said indignantly: "Absolutely impossible! Think about it, my father and uncle are the ones who control the newspaper, they will definitely find the best actors to act. It's normal that we didn't see it, but it's even more impossible for the newspaper to lie! It's the mouthpiece they control!"

At this point, Lin Hongwan's voice was a little excited. He paused and continued, "We just cheated a little money, and it was not intentional, but we were beaten! If the newspaper lied, wouldn't it be deceiving the whole world? That would be a big sin!"

After hearing this, Li Lingjue's eyes flashed with shock. He had never thought that this problem would be so serious. He was silent for a moment, and then said, "You have a point. However, I still feel that Xiaocao is not acting."

Lin Hongwan glared at him and said with some dissatisfaction: "How can you be so naive? Do you think the world is as beautiful as you imagine? I tell you, this world is full of lies and deception! We must remain vigilant!"

Li Lingjue sighed and shook his head helplessly. He knew that Lin Hongwan was right, but he still didn't want to believe that Xiaocao was acting. He turned and looked at Xiaocao not far away, only to see her squatting on the ground eating potatoes with a satisfied smile on her face. He couldn't help but feel an inexplicable emotion in his heart.

At this moment, Lin Hongwan picked up a potato from the ground and took a bite with disgust on his face. He frowned and said, "How can I eat this? Their family must be eating meat behind my back!"

Li Lingjue didn't say anything. He leaned against the tree and thought silently. He knew in his heart that the chess game was becoming more and more complicated. They were both opponents and chess pieces struggling to survive in this game.

Ten minutes later, Xiaocao and Zhou Pingan had finished their meal and were resting. Xiaocao put away the dishes and walked towards them again with the basket. Her steps were light and firm, as if every step was on solid ground. After seeing the empty bowl on the ground, she turned sideways to collect the empty bowl and ran home quickly, as if she was afraid of being discovered by Lin Hongwan.

Looking at Xiaocao's back, Lin Hongwan smiled wickedly: "She went back." His voice revealed a sense of pride and excitement as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

Li Lingjue didn't say anything. He just stared at Xiaocao's back silently, with an inexplicable emotion in his heart. He knew they were about to uncover a huge lie, but what kind of truth was hidden behind this lie?

At this moment, Lin Hongwan couldn't wait to expose this lie. He stood up, dusted himself off, and walked towards the hut. Li Lingjue followed closely behind him, and the two walked towards the door that was about to be opened.

…………

The afternoon sun shines through the dilapidated wooden window, scattering mottled light into the simple house. Pushing open the shabby wooden door, it seems as if you can hear the whispers of time in your ears. Behind the door is a world that has been worn down by life and has almost lost its color.

Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue stepped into the house, and a damp earthy smell hit them, mixed with a little residual heat from the firewood. Their eyes wandered around the house, and finally fixed on the thin figure in the corner.

Xiaocao, a girl of only ten years old, was lying on a worn wooden table, gesturing attentively. Her small body seemed to be compressed by the years and became particularly petite. Her long black hair was casually tied behind her head, revealing a pretty but slightly pale face. Her eyes were clear and bright, like the brightest stars in the night sky, but at this moment they were flickering with nervousness and anxiety.

She was wearing a washed-out cloth with frayed cuffs and trouser legs. Although her clothes were worn out, she was very skillful, and she placed the washed dishes neatly on the table, as if adding a rare touch of warmth to this simple home.

When the footsteps of Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue sounded in the house, Xiaocao's body froze. She raised her head alertly, and a trace of panic flashed in her clear eyes. But when she saw that the person coming was Lin Hongwan, the panic was quickly concealed, and she lowered her head and continued to pretend to study seriously. However, her tense muscles and slightly trembling fingers betrayed her inner fear.

Lin Hongwan quietly observed Xiaocao's reaction, with a cynical smile on his face. He slowly approached Xiaocao, leaned over and whispered in her ear: "Xiaocao, I want to ask you a question." His voice was low and cunning, like a cunning fox teasing a helpless chicken.

Xiaocao shivered in fear. She felt the coldness emanating from Lin Hongwan, which made her tremble uncontrollably. She lowered her head in inferiority, not daring to look directly into Lin Hongwan's eyes, and whispered, "Ah?... I... our family is poor..." Her voice was weak and trembling, as if a gust of wind could blow it away.

Lin Hongwan looked at her like this, and couldn't help but feel teasing. He looked up at Xiaocao, and a mocking smile appeared on his lips: "Tsk tsk, you acted so convincingly." His words were full of sarcasm and disdain, "Xiaocao, it's not good for your family to be so poor. There are no people as poor as your family out there. You have to know that if you continue to pretend to be poor, it will bring shame to our Jingjiang."

Xiaocao's heart tightened when she heard this. She raised her head, her eyes wide open, and looked at Lin Hongwan in horror. Her clear eyes were filled with helplessness and despair, as if she was a lonely boat abandoned by the world struggling in the vast ocean. Her eyes began to moisten, and crystal tears rolled in the corners of her eyes, which might fall at any time.

Li Lingjue stood aside and watched all this, frowning. He couldn't stand Lin Hongwan bullying an innocent little girl like this, but he also wanted to know if this was just Xiaocao's disguise. So he suppressed his dissatisfaction and quietly observed Xiaocao's reaction.

Xiao Cao looked at Lin Hongwan's mocking face, her heart filled with fear and helplessness. She knew that she could not change Lin Hongwan's decision nor her own fate. But she still wanted to defend herself: "I am not pretending... Why did you arrest my father and grandfather? Brother Lin, please don't report to the police..." Her voice was crying, sounding even weaker and trembling.

Upon hearing this, Lin Hongwan sneered: "You still say you're not pretending? You don't have to report to the police if you don't want me to. Then let me ask you where did you and your family live before?" His words revealed a kind of cunning and complacency, as if he had already controlled Xiaocao's fate.

In a remote mountain village, the morning sun shines all over the village, and everything seems so peaceful and tranquil. Xiaocao, this name is just like her, plain and simple, yet tenacious. She is wearing a washed-out blue cloth skirt and a pair of worn-out cloth shoes. She stands on the small earthen slope in front of her house, looking at the rolling mountains in the distance, her heart filled with confusion and tension.

At this moment, a man in a long robe and with an extraordinary temperament walked into the sight of the village. He was Lin Hongwan, a scholar from a big city. He came to this remote mountain village to find some lost ancient books and investigate the local customs and practices. When he saw Xiaocao, a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes, and he stepped forward to ask.

"Little girl, have you always lived here?" Lin Hongwan's voice was gentle yet powerful, giving people an unquestionable majesty.

Xiaocao was startled by Lin Hongwan's voice. She turned around and saw a stranger standing in front of her. There was a trace of panic and helplessness on her face, like a frightened deer. She lowered her head slightly and answered in a voice as thin as a mosquito: "I have always lived here and have never been anywhere else." There was a trace of trembling and confusion in her voice, and it was obvious that she was a little overwhelmed by Lin Hongwan's question.

Lin Hongwan looked at Xiaocao's thin body and fearful eyes, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He took a deep breath and tried to soften his tone: "What about your mother and grandmother?"

When Xiaocao heard this question, her eyes started to moisten. She raised her head and looked at Lin Hongwan's serious face, and an inexplicable sadness surged in her heart. She bit her lip and tried to make her voice sound calmer: "They are all dead..." Her voice began to choke, and tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't seem to want to bring up this topic, but Lin Hongwan forced her to say it.

Lin Hongwan looked at Xiaocao's sad expression and couldn't help feeling sad. He sighed and continued to ask, "How did they die? What did your father do before?" He asked questions one after another, as if he wanted to completely analyze Xiaocao's heart.

Xiaocao clenched her hands tightly, her palms full of sweat. She was terrified, but she had to answer Lin Hongwan's question. She took a deep breath and tried to make her voice sound more stable: "My grandmother died when I was very young. My father liked to gamble when he was young, and there was no money at home, so my mother died of illness... Later my grandfather also fell ill. My father stopped gambling and came back to farm..." Her words were full of helplessness and sadness, as if these past experiences were the eternal pain in her heart.

When Lin Hongwan heard this, he was shocked. He didn't expect that this seemingly ordinary girl had such a tragic life. He was silent for a moment, then asked again: "Then why do you read that book every day?" His words revealed a kind of disdain and ridicule, as if he had seen through the real purpose behind Xiaocao's hard work.

Xiaocao couldn't help but feel nervous when she heard this question. She was afraid that Lin Hongwan didn't believe in her, and she was even more afraid that he would laugh at her dream. However, she still plucked up her courage, pushed the tattered book on the table to the corner, then carefully picked it up and said, "This is what my father bought for me... I want to learn to read. When I grow up, I can go to a girls' school..." Her voice was weak but firm.

In the afternoon sunshine, Lin Hongwan stepped into the simple hut, and a stale smell came to his nose, mixed with the musty smell of paper and a little ink. His eyes wandered around the room, and finally fixed on the tattered newspaper in the corner. The newspaper had rolled up its corners and was mottled in color, as if it had experienced countless years of baptism, but it still stubbornly hung on the wall, like an unyielding old man.

Lin Hongwan raised his chin with a sarcastic smile, and said with a disdainful tone: "Why do you keep such a tattered newspaper? I find it too dirty to paste on the wall!" His voice echoed in the empty room, sounding particularly harsh. His words were full of sarcasm and disdain, as if the newspaper was just a worthless piece of waste paper in his eyes.

However, he did not notice that at this moment, the little grass in the corner seemed to have sensed his contempt. The grass that had been standing upright suddenly trembled slightly as if it had been blown by a cold wind, as if it had lost its former vitality. A trace of disappointment and sadness flashed in its eyes, a deep and indescribable loss.

Li Lingjue, who had been observing silently, caught this subtle change. With a bit of curiosity and concern, he slowly walked over. He glanced at the old newspapers scattered on the ground, and an inexplicable emotion rose in his heart. Although those newspapers were tattered, each page carried a piece of history, and each line of words recorded a story.

Li Lingjue squatted down, gently picked up a newspaper, and looked at it carefully. The corners of the newspaper had turned yellow, and the handwriting on it was a little blurred. He gently stroked the handwriting, as if he could feel the years that had passed. He showed a look of astonishment on his face. The news in these newspapers were all outdated, and even the information about studying had lost its timeliness. However, for Xiaocao, these were the most precious treasures in her heart.

At this time, Lin Hongwan also noticed these newspapers. He pointed at the word "为" on the newspaper, turned to Xiaocao, and asked provocatively: "Do you know this word?" Xiaocao was startled by his sudden question. She looked in the direction of his finger, and a trace of confusion flashed in her eyes. She bit her lip and seemed a little hesitant. Faced with Lin Hongwan's questioning, she finally shook her head helplessly.

"How could you not know the word 'for'? You want to go to school but you deceive us to this extent!" Lin Hongwan sneered and reached out to take the old book on the table. His movements were swift and decisive, as if he wanted to tear all the hypocrisy to pieces. Xiaocao saw that her beloved book was about to fall into Lin Hongwan's hands, and in a hurry, she desperately reached out to grab it.

However, Lin Hongwan pulled hard, and the tattered book was torn to pieces in the fight between the two. The pages of the book flew around like a butterfly with broken wings struggling in the air. Xiaocao looked at the torn pages in despair, each of which was like the pain in her heart, ruthlessly torn apart. Her knees softened, and she knelt on the ground powerlessly. The tears that had accumulated in her eyes for a long time fell like beads from a broken string. Li Lingjue stood aside and witnessed all this. An inexplicable emotion surged in his heart, with both sympathy for Xiaocao and dissatisfaction with Lin Hongwan. He walked up to her, gently helped Xiaocao up, and comforted her in a soft tone.

Xiao Cao looked up at Li Lingjue, tears sparkling in her eyes. Her voice was choked with sobs, as if she had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to start. Li Lingjue listened quietly, his eyes full of understanding and care.

At this time, Lin Hongwan was also stunned. He looked at the remaining half of the old book in his hand, and then looked at Xiaocao who was kneeling on the ground and crying, and a sense of inexplicable guilt surged in his heart. He said awkwardly: "Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it..." But before he finished speaking, he immediately became tough: "Don't cry! Although this book is torn, I will compensate you with ten new ones in the future. Besides, you have been deceiving..."

In the afternoon sun, the simple hut seemed particularly quiet. Li Lingjue stood in the hut, his eyes revealing a hint of determination and unquestionable. He frowned slightly and glared at Lin Hongwan who was chattering nonstop, as if to glare back at his unreasonable behavior.

Lin Hongwan, a young man who claimed to be extremely smart, looked so embarrassed at the moment. His words echoed in the air, but his voice became lower and lower, as if suppressed by Li Lingjue's firm gaze.

Li Lingjue didn't say anything more. He walked to the table silently and took the tattered old book from Lin Hongwan. The edges of the pages of the book were severely worn, as if they had carried countless years and vicissitudes. He gently opened the pages, only to see that the pages were covered with stains and fingerprints, as if telling a forgotten story.

At the same time, Xiao Cao was squatting on the ground, carefully picking up the scattered pages. Her hands were slender and pale, like the tender buds of early spring, with a hint of fragility and helplessness. She gently stroked the pages, as if she could feel the warmth and knowledge left on the pages. However, when she saw the pages that were ruthlessly torn, her heart was as painful as being cut by a knife. She kept wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes, with a determined light flashing in her eyes.

Li Lingjue looked at Xiaocao's painful expression, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He walked to Xiaocao, gently stroked her hair, and comforted her softly: "Xiaocao, don't cry, I will buy you better books in the future." His voice was like a spring breeze, which eased the pain in Xiaocao's heart a little.

Then, he held up the broken book and asked Xiaocao, "You read every day, why don't you know how to read?" His eyes were full of doubt and puzzlement. Xiaocao sobbed and replied, "No one taught me how to read, I can only write... My father said that when he has money, he will hire a teacher to teach me..." Her voice was full of helplessness and expectation.

Lin Hongwan listened to their conversation and could not help but feel angry. He whispered, "I don't believe it. Old Li, you try her." Li Lingjue did not speak, but silently picked up the book and began to test Xiaocao's literacy.

He held the book in his left hand and covered half of the word on the book with his right hand, letting Xiaocao write the covered part. He changed positions many times, and Xiaocao was able to write the covered word accurately and quickly every time. Although her handwriting was a little immature, every word was written neatly, just like her inner determination and persistence.

Lin Hongwan was stunned, his face full of surprise and confusion. He couldn't accept the fact that this seemingly ordinary girl had such amazing literacy. He began to doubt his own judgment and his prejudice and misunderstanding of Xiaocao.

Xiaocao looked at Lin Hongwan's surprised expression, and anger surged in her heart. She raised her head, with a determined light in her eyes, and shouted loudly: "My family is very poor! I can't afford pens, ink and paper! Why do you always bully me! How did I lie to you! I have never lied to you!" Her voice echoed in the house, with a trembling and firmness.

After saying that, she jumped off the chair and began to search for something in the simple table and cabinet. After a while, she found two memorial tablets and placed them on the table. Although the two memorial tablets were simple, they exuded a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Xiaocao looked at Lin Hongwan with tears in her eyes, her eyes full of resentment and confusion. She didn't understand why this self-proclaimed smart man would be so rude and arrogant to her.

Lin Hongwan looked at the two spirit tablets on the table and Xiaocao's resentful eyes, and suddenly an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He realized that his previous judgment might have been wrong, and his self-righteousness and arrogance might have hurt this innocent girl. He felt a pain in his heart as if it were hit hard, and suddenly realized his ignorance and shallowness.

Li Lingjue looked at all this, and his heart was filled with heaviness. He walked to Lin Hongwan, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Hongli, let's stop here." His voice was full of helplessness and disappointment.

However, Lin Hongwan could not accept this fact. He shouted helplessly, "No! She must be pretending! How can there be such a poor person!" His voice echoed in the house, with a hint of trembling and anger. He began to question the authenticity of the newspaper and Xiaocao's true identity, as if he wanted to find some evidence to prove that his judgment was correct.

However, when he saw the two simple memorial tablets on the table, his expression suddenly became complicated. He realized that his previous behavior may have caused irreparable harm to Xiaocao. His heart was filled with guilt and self-blame, as if he was bound by an invisible force and could not move.

Li Lingjue looked at all this and was filled with emotion. He understood Xiaocao's predicament and helplessness, and also understood Lin Hongwan's impulsiveness and ignorance. He walked between the two and said softly, "We should all learn to respect and understand others instead of hurting others with our prejudice and arrogance."

Under the setting sun in the afternoon, the hustle and bustle of the city seemed to be isolated by an invisible veil, with only the occasional sound of traffic and the laughter of children in the distance breaking the tranquility. However, in this quietness, a corner was filled with deep sadness and despair.

Lin Hongwan stood there, his face as pale as paper, his lips tightly shut, as if all life had been drained out of him. His eyes stared blankly ahead, where Xiaocao was weeping with her face covered, her shoulders shaking with the rhythm of her sobs. The innocent smile that should have appeared on her young face was now blurred by tears.

Lin Hongwan felt an indescribable emotion in his heart. He recalled every encounter he had with Xiaocao. Those seemingly ordinary daily lives were now full of irony and sadness. It turned out that she had not lied to him. Those rumors about her poor family and hard life were actually true. The wealth and prosperity advertised in the newspapers became so illusory and ridiculous in his eyes.

He turned to look at Li Lingjue beside him, only to see that his face was also filled with sorrow and confusion. The two of them had once built a beautiful utopian world together, where there was no poverty and suffering, only laughter and harmony. However, at this moment, this world collapsed before their eyes, revealing its cruel and true face.

Lin Hongwan suddenly felt a strong sense of guilt and self-blame. He recalled all the teasing and ridicule he had done to Xiaocao. Those words, which he had thought were just jokes, were like sharp blades that pierced deeply into her heart. He looked at her lonely and weak figure, and an indescribable grief surged in his heart. His body began to tremble, as if he could not bear this heavy sense of guilt.

At this moment, Xiaocao's sobbing sound reached his ears again. The sound was so weak and feeble, but it hit his heart like a heavy hammer. He suddenly came to his senses, looking at Xiaocao's thin body trembling in sobs, and a strong impulse surged in his heart. He wanted to comfort her and make up for his mistakes, but he found that he couldn't take that step.

Those unbearable memories came flooding back like a tide, and pictures emerged in his mind one after another. He remembered Xiaocao's innocent smile every time she saw him, how she worked hard to study, how she didn't want to eat meat to save money... All these pictures made him feel heartbroken. He realized how cruel and ignorant his past behavior was.

Suddenly, Lin Hongwan screamed, his voice full of pain and despair. He turned and ran out the door, as if he wanted to escape from this sinful world. Li Lingjue also hurriedly chased after him, his heart also filled with confusion and anxiety.

Lin Hongwan ran outside and yelled, "Liar! My dad is a big liar!" His voice echoed in the empty streets, full of anger and grief. Tears blurred his vision. He didn't know where to go, nor did he know how to face this cruel reality.

As he was running, he was suddenly tripped by a stone and fell to the ground. He lay motionless on the ground, as if the whole world was pressing down on him. His heart was filled with despair and powerlessness, and he didn't know how he could bear this pain and guilt.

Li Lingjue stopped and stood quietly beside Lin Hongwan, looking at his painful appearance, his heart was filled with helplessness and pain. He didn't know how to comfort Lin Hongwan, nor how to face this cruel reality. He just accompanied him silently, hoping that he could get out of this shadow as soon as possible.

At this moment, the sunset has gradually set, and the clouds in the sky have been dyed blood red. Under this sky, two teenagers are experiencing the most painful moment of their lives. The world they once thought of has collapsed, and the reality they face is much more cruel than they imagined.

In this moment of pain and despair, they began to re-examine their lives and values. They realized that the world was not as beautiful and perfect as they had imagined, but full of injustice and suffering. However, they also understood that only by facing these injustices and sufferings can they grow and become stronger.

The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on them, bringing them a touch of warmth. They sat there silently, letting time pass. They knew that they still had a long way to go and a lot to do. They had to learn to face reality, learn to be strong and brave. Only in this way could they become real people and leave their own footprints in this world.

The morning light of the next day was as soft as a thread, spreading over the fields, coating everything with a golden halo. After yesterday's frustration and pain, Lin Hongwan seemed to have shed all his immaturity and stubbornness overnight, becoming calm and obedient. He was no longer the young master who had everything he wanted, but a laborer who was truly willing to step into the fields and experience the hardships of life.

In the morning light, Lin Hongwan followed Li Lingjue's footsteps and stepped into the field full of hope. His eyes were full of determination and resolution, as if he wanted to find his own value on this land.

Zhou Ping'an, a dark-skinned, muscular man, was standing quietly on the ridge of the field. His eyes stayed on Lin Hongwan for a moment, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. But he didn't say much, just walked to Lin Hongwan silently, picked up a hoe, and began to teach him how to farm.

Zhou Ping'an's hands were rough but strong. His fingers slid flexibly on the hoe handle, and each time he applied just the right amount of force. He patiently taught Lin Hongwan how to distinguish weeds from crops and how to dig out the source of life from the soil. Lin Hongwan listened carefully and studied carefully. His palms were rubbed by the hoe handle and blisters formed, but he did not complain, but just endured it all silently.

As the sun rose, the temperature in the field also began to rise. Lin Hongwan felt dizzy and his clothes were soaked with sweat. But he did not back down, but gritted his teeth and persisted. He knew that only through his own efforts could he truly experience the hardships and beauty of life.

In the evening, when the afterglow of the setting sun filled the fields, Lin Hongwan finally finished his work for the day. He sat on the ridge of the field tired but satisfied, looking at the land in front of him, with an inexplicable feeling in his heart. He felt as if he had merged with the land and became a part of it.

After returning home, Lin Hongwan found that the food after hard work had become particularly delicious. The potatoes that he used to think were ordinary became so delicious after a day of hard work. He ate them with big mouthfuls, as if he wanted to turn all his fatigue into energy in the food. If he added a pickle, it would be a delicacy on earth, making him feel as if he could eat a cow.

However, delicious food could not completely fill the emptiness in Lin Hongwan's heart. He could never forget the harm he had done to Xiaocao. Whenever he saw Xiaocao, he would feel guilty. He knew that his past actions had caused great harm to Xiaocao, and he also knew that he needed to make more efforts to make up for it.

In order to rebuild his relationship with Xiaocao, Lin Hongwan began to actively show his affection to her. He would deliberately find topics to chat with her while working, asking her if she wanted to eat together or if he wanted to teach her how to read. But every time he did this, Xiaocao would always lower her head and walk away silently, far away from him. Her silence was like a sharp knife piercing Lin Hongwan's heart, making him feel helpless and frustrated.

What made Lin Hongwan even more indignant was that Li Lingjue took the initiative to teach Xiaocao how to read. Whenever he saw Li Lingjue and Xiaocao explaining the contents of the old book, he was so angry that his teeth itched. This kind of differential treatment made him feel very unfair!

In order to get Xiaocao to speak, Lin Hongwan even made a ridiculous decision - stealing chickens. He sneaked into the neighbor's chicken coop at night and carefully caught a fat hen. He thought that this hen could win Xiaocao's favor, but unexpectedly it backfired. Although Xiaocao was drooling in her heart, she didn't eat a single bite of chicken. She looked at Lin Hongwan coldly, her eyes full of disappointment and anger.

This scene made Lin Hongwan feel very depressed. He knew that his past actions had caused irreparable harm to Xiaocao, and he also knew that he needed to work harder to win her trust. So he made up his mind to change himself and become a better person. He began to work harder and care more about Xiaocao's feelings, hoping to make up for his past mistakes through his own efforts.

In the blink of an eye, ten days passed. Lin Hongwan's heart seemed to be hardened by time and he was numb and indifferent to everything around him. Every day, he still repeated the routine of working, eating and sleeping like a machine, but the hope in his heart that the grass would speak had already been worn away in the silence day after day.

Whenever he looked up and saw Xiaocao's silent back, stretched out in the sunset, his heart felt like being hit by a heavy hammer, with mixed feelings. Xiaocao, the little girl who once played with him but closed her heart because of his unintentional prank, has now become a pain in his heart that he cannot let go.

In the evening of that day, the afterglow of the setting sun filled the earth, covering this barren land with a golden coat. Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue sat under an old locust tree. Both of them were covered in dust and their skin was tanned by the sun, making them look much older than their actual age. Lin Hongwan looked into the distance, his eyes empty and confused, as if he was looking for something.

"Old Li, it's been almost a month, why hasn't anyone come to take us home? Can we still go back?" Lin Hongwan's voice was trembling, revealing endless confusion and helplessness. His words echoed in the silent air, like a stone thrown into a lake, stirring up ripples.

Li Lingjue gnawed on the hardened potato in his hand and muttered, "Who knows! It's okay here except for the bad food! It's nice to have mountains and water! It's much more fun than school!" His words revealed a carefree and optimistic tone, and he seemed to have adapted to the life here.

Lin Hongwan turned around and looked at Li Lingjue's face covered in dirt and hair covered in grass, and he couldn't help but feel envious and jealous. He envied Li Lingjue for being able to adapt to life here so easily, and for being able to have so much fun playing with the grass.

"Of course you think it's good! You still have Xiaocao to play with you! I have to follow you around the house, and I have to work with you every day! When I get home, all I have left is to sleep!" There was a hint of bitterness and unwillingness in Lin Hongwan's voice, and his words were like a sharp knife, piercing deeply into his heart.

Hearing this, Li Lingjue couldn't help but smile awkwardly, and then said: "Then go and play with Xiaocao too! She's not ignoring you!" His words revealed a hint of helplessness and blame, as if reminding Lin Hongwan not to forget his past mistakes.

When Lin Hongwan heard this, he could not help but feel angry and frustrated. He glared at Li Lingjue and said, "She is afraid of me! She doesn't dare to talk to me at all! How can I play with her?" There was a trace of trembling and pain in his voice, as if he was telling of his inner struggle and helplessness.

Seeing his friend in such pain, Li Lingjue couldn't help but feel a little distressed. He curled his lips and said, "Who told you to tear up her books? Buy her a few more books when you go back!" His words revealed his blame and helplessness towards Lin Hongwan, but also revealed his desire to help him.

When Lin Hongwan heard this, he couldn't help but feel guilty and self-blame. He lowered his head, hugged his knees with both hands, and buried his head deeply. His shoulders were shaking slightly, as if telling of his inner pain and struggle.

"Xiaocao ignored me again, I really want to go home!" Lin Hongwan's voice was choked with tears, and his words were like a sharp knife, piercing his heart deeply again. He raised his head and looked at Li Lingjue's dusty face, with a complex emotion in his eyes - envy and jealousy of Li Lingjue, as well as obsession and unwillingness to Xiaocao.

Seeing his friend in such pain, Li Lingjue couldn't help but feel distressed and helpless. He sighed and said, "Hongwan, don't be too persistent! Xiaocao has her own thoughts and feelings, and we can't force her to do anything." His words revealed a deep helplessness and sympathy, as if reminding Lin Hongwan to learn to let go and let go.

When Lin Hongwan heard this, he could not help but feel grief and resentment. He looked up at Li Lingjue's dusty face, his eyes gleaming with a determined light - he must make Xiaocao speak again! He must make up for his past mistakes!
"Or...you stay away from Xiaocao? I'll teach her to read?" There was a hint of urgency and pleading in Lin Hongwan's voice, and his words took root in his heart like a seed.

Hearing this, Li Lingjue looked at Lin Hongwan in surprise. He curled his lips and said, "Why? She is willing to learn from me!" His words revealed a kind of firmness and confidence, as if telling Lin Hongwan that his decision would not change.

When Lin Hongwan heard this, he could not help but feel angry and frustrated. He stood up, stared at Li Lingjue and said, "Are you still a brother?" There was a trace of trembling and anger in his voice, as if he was questioning Li Lingjue's betrayal and ruthlessness.

In the afternoon sun, the school playground seemed particularly peaceful. The sun shone through the sparse clouds and sprinkled on the ground, forming patches of golden light. In this peaceful atmosphere, Lin Hongwan sat alone in the corner of the playground, his face gloomy, as if shrouded by a layer of haze.

Lin Hongwan is a thin boy with a pale face and slightly messy hair, giving people a decadent and stubborn feeling. His eyes are deep and bright, but at this moment they are full of confusion and helplessness. He is wearing a loose school uniform, and the corners of his clothes flutter in the wind, giving people an impression of being content with what he has but unwilling to give up.

He stared into the distance, feeling frustrated. He thought of his ranking in the class, which was always in the middle and lower reaches, which made him feel very depressed. He felt that he was obviously very smart, but he could never realize his potential. Whenever he heard his mother praise him for his intelligence, he always felt ironic and mocked.

"I... I just don't like studying! If I work harder, I can get into the top ten!" Lin Hongwan said indignantly, revealing a kind of unwillingness and helplessness in his voice. He tried to save some face by showing off his intelligence, but the emptiness and powerlessness in his heart made him feel even more depressed.

At this time, Li Lingjue came into his sight. He was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, looking sunny and handsome. He saw Lin Hongwan's depressed look and came over to sit next to him.

"I don't want to know, just work hard!" Li Lingjue replied lazily, his voice revealing a calm and indifferent tone. He was not interested in Lin Hongwan's boasting, he was more concerned about how to help Lin Hongwan out of his predicament.

Lin Hongwan felt even more depressed when he heard Li Lingjue's words. He felt as if he had been abandoned by the whole world and no one could understand his feelings. He looked at the clouds floating in the sky and muttered to himself, "When will this end..." His voice revealed endless confusion and helplessness.

Li Lingjue felt a little sorry for Lin Hongwan when he saw him like this. He poked Lin Hongwan and said mysteriously, "Hey, to be honest, I think it's almost time." He pointed to the grove in the distance and said, "Look at that grove. There was a reflection just now. I saw it two days ago. Is there someone hiding there, watching us with a telescope?"

Lin Hongwan jumped up from the ground, a nervous look on his face. He looked around, trying to find the reflection that Li Lingjue mentioned. But when he found nothing, his face turned pale and he lost his spirit. He felt as if his heart was tightly grasped by something and he couldn't breathe.

"No, maybe I saw it wrong." Li Lingjue said with some disappointment. He felt even more sorry when he saw Lin Hongwan like this. He tried to comfort Lin Hongwan, but he didn't know how to say it.

The two fell into silence again, as if the air around them had frozen. Lin Hongwan felt as if he was trapped in a dark cave, unable to find a way out. He felt that his mood had hit rock bottom and he could no longer bear any more blows.

After a long time, Lin Hongwan finally broke the silence. He sighed and said, "Forget it, whatever happens. I don't know what to say to my father when I see him, this big liar!" His voice revealed his resentment and disappointment towards his father. He began to complain about the hard life this month, as if he wanted to vent all his dissatisfaction.

Li Lingjue listened to Lin Hongwan's complaints silently, and his heart was also filled with emotion. He understood Lin Hongwan's mood and his pain. But he knew that the most important thing now was to help Lin Hongwan get out of the predicament and find a solution to the problem.

He looked at the sky. The sun was setting in the west, and the golden light filled the entire playground. He took a deep breath and said, "Hongwan, we can't keep complaining like this. We have to find a way to solve the problem." He paused and continued, "You know what? Everyone has their own shining points. Maybe you are not good at studying, but you must have your own unique advantages in other aspects. We must find these advantages and work hard to make use of them."

Lin Hongwan was touched when he heard Li Lingjue's words. He raised his head and looked at Li Lingjue's determined eyes, as if he saw a glimmer of hope. He nodded and said, "You are right. We can't keep complaining like this. I have to find my own strengths and work hard to play them."

The two chatted for a long time under the shade of the tree. They shared their dreams and plans. They decided to work together to face the challenges of the future. Although the road is still long, they believe that as long as they persist, they will be able to get out of the predicament and welcome a better future.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the two teenagers, their faces are filled with firm and confident smiles. They know that as long as they have dreams and hopes in their hearts, they will be able to overcome all difficulties and welcome a better tomorrow.

…………

On the other side of the city, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the door of an ancient newspaper office, gilding this historic building with a layer of golden brilliance. Inside the newspaper office, a middle-aged man is standing in front of the podium, his eyes are firm and deep, as if he can see through people's hearts. He is Lin Xiaofeng, a wise man who has experienced many hardships but still pursues the true meaning of happiness.

Lin Xiaofeng was wearing a dark blue robe, the hem of which fluttered gently as he spoke passionately. His face was firm and angular, and the years had left deep marks on his face, but it also added a bit of calmness and wisdom to him. His eyes sparkled with wisdom, as if they could penetrate the fog in people's hearts and lead them to the other side of happiness.

He stood in front of the podium, talking endlessly about his understanding of the true meaning of happiness: "So, what is true happiness? Is it endless wealth or supreme power? In my opinion, it is neither! People with wealth and power can also encounter misfortune, which shows that these two are not the final answer. The true meaning of happiness is by no means to reach the end, but to always approach your ideal state step by step on the road of pursuing progress. In this process, people will feel real happiness!"

His voice was sonorous and powerful, and every word hit the hearts of everyone present like a heavy hammer. The reporters listened attentively, their faces full of admiration and shock. Lin Xiaofeng's words were like a clear spring, moistening their dry hearts and giving them a deeper understanding of happiness.

At this time, in the fields far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a young farmer was working hard. He was Lin Xiaofeng's son, Lin Hongwan. He was wearing a ragged shirt, and his clothes were soaked with sweat, but he didn't care. He swung the hoe in his hand again and again, turning up waves of soil. His face was full of fatigue and pain, but he still persisted, because he knew that only through his own efforts could he change the fate of himself and his family.

However, at this moment, Lin Hongwan could not understand his father's profound words. He was still immersed in his own pain and struggle. He longed for his father's recognition and love, but he felt that the distance between him and his father was getting farther and farther. He didn't know how to get out of this fog and find his own happiness.

In the newspaper office, Lin Xiaofeng's speech gradually came to an end. He picked up a piece of chalk, turned around and wrote two big words on the blackboard - [Labor]. He put down the chalk, smiled and said to the reporters in the audience: "When I was young, I was just like you, confused and persistent in pursuing happiness. I ran around, looking for the answer to happiness, but I didn't find it in the end. Until one day, I put aside the confusion and pursuit and devoted myself to work. I found that when I was immersed in labor, my heart was full of satisfaction and happiness. Wealth and fame also came with it."

His words were like a bright beacon, illuminating the confused hearts of the reporters. They all nodded in agreement, with happy smiles on their faces. Lin Xiaofeng looked at them with a smile, his heart filled with relief. He knew that he had passed on the true meaning of happiness to them.

At this time, Xiang Xiehong, who was waiting on the side, approached Lin Xiaofeng and whispered, "Master, the prince is here and is waiting for you in my room. He said to come to him when you finish speaking." Lin Xiaofeng nodded and quickly walked into Xiang Xiehong's office.

In the office, a young man was sitting on a chair reading a newspaper. He was wearing a luxurious robe and a golden crown, and he looked extraordinary. He was the crown prince Li Dexian. When he saw Lin Xiaofeng coming in, he immediately put down the newspaper and said straight to the point: "Old Lin, you said yesterday that you would bring the children back. Isn't it time to pick them up now? If you are late, it will be dark when you come back."

Lin Xiaofeng nodded, thought for a moment and said: "You are right, it's time to bring them back. I know they may not be used to life here at first, but I believe they will slowly adapt. After all, this is their home." His words were full of firmness and determination.

Therefore, Lin Xiaofeng immediately arranged for someone to prepare a carriage. He knew that this was an important journey and he had to personally pick up his children. In his heart, they were not only his children but also the precious wealth of his life. Only when they returned to him could he truly feel the existence of happiness.

On the way home, Lin Xiaofeng and Li Dexian rode in the same carriage. The carriage was filled with a light wood fragrance, accompanied by the sound of the carriage wheels rolling, as if it was a melodious pastoral poem. Lin Xiaofeng sat in a corner of the carriage. His figure looked particularly soft in the afterglow of the setting sun. His black hair fluttered gently in the breeze, as if telling his thoughts. His eyes were bright and deep, as if he could see into people's hearts, and like the brightest stars in the night sky, full of wisdom and warmth.

Outside the car window, the scenery is picturesque. The golden rice fields sway in the breeze, like a golden ocean with undulating waves. On the edge of the rice fields are emerald green mountains, which are stacked layer by layer, like the green skirt of the earth, gently embracing this golden ocean. The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkles on the mountains, outlining their outlines more and more clearly, as if a beautiful pastoral painting is slowly unfolding before our eyes.

Li Dexian sat opposite Lin Xiaofeng, with a look of emotion on his face. His eyes were deep and bright, as if they could penetrate people's hearts and see through the prosperity and vicissitudes of the world. His fingers gently tapped the wooden board of the carriage, making a rhythmic sound, as if telling his thoughts. He looked out the window, with a hint of sadness on his face, as if he was recalling every detail of the two children.

"Those two kids were able to stay in a strange place for so long without any thought of running away. Their resilience is really commendable." Li Dexian's voice was deep and powerful, as if it carried an indescribable power. His brows were furrowed, as if he was thinking about something.

Lin Xiaofeng smiled, and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. His smile was like a spring breeze, making people feel extremely warm and comfortable. He shook his head gently, as if sighing: "After they go back, they will definitely be more docile and more at ease to study. This experience has allowed them to experience the hard work of farming and the hardships of studying, and also let them see the lives of ordinary people. I believe that they should be more empathetic and know how to cherish more."

Li Dexian turned his head and looked at Lin Xiaofeng with a teasing look on his face. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, as if he was mocking something: "But what do you think about Hong'er stealing the chicken?" There was a hint of teasing in his voice, as if he was testing something.

Lin Xiaofeng waved his hands, with a look of helplessness and doting on his face. His eyes were full of love and expectation for his son, as if he was looking at a child who had not yet grown up. He sighed softly, as if he was sighing with emotion: "These are all trivial matters. The child is hungry, and stealing a chicken is not a big mistake. Moreover, he also left a note saying that he would return it in the future, which can be regarded as a kind of affection. My son, yes, is just young and inexperienced." At this point, Lin Xiaofeng smiled triumphantly, his smile was full of pride and pride, as if he was boasting about his son.

Li Dexian also laughed, his eyes sparkling with pride and expectation. He seemed to see a smart and well-behaved child who would become a pillar of the country in the future. He gently patted Lin Xiaofeng on the shoulder, as if to encourage him: "This child is as smart as me, and his character must be like me!" His voice was full of determination and confidence, as if he had established a firm belief for his and Lin Xiaofeng's children. (End of this chapter)