The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 125 Lord Lin's Appreciation and Recruitment

However, Lin Ruhai was, after all, a seasoned veteran of the officialdom. He knew the weight of the title "descendant of a prince" and understood that since Wang Sanguan had publicly called him "godfather," he could not simply turn away on the spot.

In any case, since he holds the title of "nephew and godfather of the Prince," he must be given superficial recognition and courtesy.

He quickly concealed the fleeting glint of surprise on his face, his gentle smile returning. He returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his tone calm yet clearly distant: "Oh? So it's Ximen... Master Ximen. No need for such formalities."

The address "Master Ximen" was polite yet distant, lacking the acknowledgment based on clan and etiquette shown towards Wang Sanguan. Master Ximen didn't mind; if he were to be treated with such respect, it would be his turn to be alarmed.

His smile remained unchanged as he gave a slight bow.

Lin Ruhai accepted Ximen Qing's greeting. Although Ximen Qing's bow was deep and the movements were standard, his back was ramrod straight, and his eyes were unwavering, exuding an air of neither servility nor arrogance. He showed none of the timidity or obsequiousness that ordinary gentry or even lower-ranking officials displayed when meeting him. This demeanor made it seem as if Ximen Qing was on an equal footing with him.

"Huh?" Lin Ruhai was slightly surprised and couldn't help but take a closer look at Ximen Qing, who was dressed as a merchant. This man had the air of a scholar... This composure and subtle self-restraint made the Imperial Physician, who was used to flattery, think of him a little more highly.

Lin Ruhai stopped looking at Ximen Qing and turned his gaze to the officials around him, including Magistrate Li Datian and Garrison Commander Zhou Xiu, who were still standing respectfully and waiting for instructions.

He raised his voice slightly: "Lord Li, Commander Zhou, Commander Xia, and all my colleagues and fellow villagers, I appreciate your hospitality today. I am deeply grateful. You are all busy with official duties, so there is no need for you to stay with me any longer. It is more important for you to return to your offices to attend to your official business."

Upon hearing this, the crowd exchanged hesitant glances. Magistrate Li quickly said, "Sir, you are new to our county; it is our duty..."

Lin Ruhai gently raised his hand, stopping him from speaking, his face bearing an unyielding smile: "I understand Magistrate Li's good intentions. However, my purpose in coming here is merely to revisit familiar places and rest briefly, not for official business. If my presence were to delay the county's affairs, it would be unfortunate. Please return." Though his tone was gentle, the authority of someone long accustomed to a high position was naturally revealed. Li Datian and the others dared not insist further and could only bow and agree: "Yes, yes, we will obey your orders, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd exchanged hesitant glances. Magistrate Li quickly stepped forward, his face plastered with a fawning smile, and bowed, saying, "We are deeply grateful for Your Excellency's consideration for our plight! However... Your Excellency's journey has been arduous, and it is truly an honor for our entire county to have you grace our humble abode with your presence."

"I have prepared a cup of wine at the county office and invited several respected local gentry to accompany me. Firstly, to show my hospitality as a host and to welcome you, sir; secondly... so that the gentry of the whole county may admire your demeanor and listen to your teachings. I earnestly hope that you will grace me with your presence!" He adopted an extremely humble posture and spoke eloquently, turning a formal official engagement into an elegant gathering of gentry seeking guidance.

Garrison Commander Zhou Xiu, Commander Xia Yanling, and others chimed in, "Yes, sir! Magistrate Li is very sincere. Please do not refuse!" "We would also like to take this opportunity to learn from you, sir."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai's gentle smile remained unchanged, but his eyes calmed slightly, carrying an undeniable authority. He did not immediately answer Magistrate Li, but instead glanced around at the officials and gentry present. His gaze seemed to carry an invisible pressure, instantly silencing the noisy dock.

He then spoke slowly, his voice still clear and calm, yet each word distinct and resolute: "I appreciate the kindness of Magistrate Li and my colleagues. However..."

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious: "The imperial laws clearly stipulate that all officials, including imperial envoys, circuit inspectors, and censors, who are ordered to tour the local areas, must prioritize official business and must not lightly accept lavish welcomes or banquets from local officials and gentry, so as not to disturb the local areas, waste the people's resources, or damage the reputation of the court and the integrity of the censors. This is an established law of our ancestors, and as an official under the Imperial Archives, I should set an example. How dare I neglect my duties for personal reasons and take the lead in violating this rule?"

Upon hearing this, the smiles on the faces of Magistrate Li and his entourage froze instantly, and beads of sweat even appeared on their foreheads. Of course, they knew about these rules, but in officialdom, it was a long-standing custom to find ways to circumvent policies, especially when dealing with imperial envoys from above—how could they not try to curry favor?

But now that Lin Ruhai has slapped down all sorts of heavy accusations—the imperial laws, ancestral precedents, and the censors' code of conduct—who would dare to offer any advice? Wouldn't that be blatantly encouraging Lord Lin to make a mistake?

Magistrate Li bowed quickly and said repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes! Your Excellency is right! I was foolish, I was foolish! I was only thinking about fulfilling my duties as a host, and I almost forgot about the laws of the court! Your Excellency is upright and honest, and is a role model for us all!"

Commander Zhou, Chief Censor Xia, and others quickly echoed their sentiments, but inwardly they were lamenting their misfortune, knowing that their flattery had backfired.

Seeing that everyone had given in, Lin Ruhai's expression softened and his tone became gentler. He turned his gaze to Wang Sanguan, who was still excited because his "uncle" wanted to "visit" him, and said gently, "Although the law is strict, human feelings cannot be ignored. It is quite a coincidence that I just learned that young Wang Zhaoxuan is a descendant of the sixth branch of the Lin family of the Nine Shepherds, and he is also related to the clan of the former Prince. So, he is a close relative of the clan."

"Since we've met here, I, Lin, would like to invite you to my residence for a simple meal tonight. Firstly, to visit your mother, and secondly, for a small family gathering to catch up. This will not violate the laws of the court, nor will it disturb the peace of your household."

"Convenient! Convenient! Absolutely no disturbance!" Upon hearing this, Wang Sanguan was overjoyed, as if gold had fallen from the sky! He was so excited his voice cracked, and he almost knelt down again.
"It is an honor for the whole family that you, my uncle, have graced our humble abode with your presence! It is a great blessing for me! My mother and I are overjoyed! I'm just afraid... I'm just afraid that our humble abode is too simple and that we might neglect you, my uncle..." He stammered, his face flushed with joy, and he didn't know what to do with his hands.

Lin Ruhai smiled slightly: "It's alright, a simple home-cooked meal will do, no need for formalities." He then turned to Magistrate Li, as if suddenly remembering something, and asked:

"By the way, Magistrate Li, I am new to this place and am not very familiar with the changes in the local customs and scenery. Since you are revisiting this place, you would like to hear about the local history. I wonder if your magistrate could send a local gentleman who is familiar with the old stories and acts with composure to come to the Prince's Mansion this evening, so that he can give a brief explanation during the meal?"

Magistrate Li was lamenting that he hadn't been able to arrange a welcoming banquet, but upon hearing that Lin Ruhai was offering to send someone, his spirits immediately lifted—this was a perfect opportunity to make up for it! His mind raced, calculating which trusted local gentry would be the most suitable to send. However, before he could even recommend a candidate, Wang Sanguan, standing nearby, couldn't contain himself any longer!
"Uncle!" Wang Sanguan exclaimed loudly, afraid that someone else would take the opportunity. "My godfather is a native of Qinghe County! In this Qinghe County, from the government offices and treasuries to the streets and alleys, there is nothing big or small that my godfather does not know about over the decades! Moreover, my godfather is the most steady, thorough, and reliable person!"

As he spoke, he frantically tried to wink at Ximen Qing.

Ximen Da Guanren nodded inwardly, realizing that his education of Wang San Guan'er had not been in vain. Today, from kneeling down to speaking, everything was handled and taught by Da Guanren himself.

Wang Sanguan'er's timely offer of a way out! He immediately stepped forward again and bowed deeply to Lin Ruhai: "If there is anything you need from me, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse! Although I am not very talented, I was born and raised here and know a little about the local history, customs and traditions of this county."

Lin Ruhai looked at Ximen Da Guanren and nodded in agreement: "Well, since you are both the godfather of Xiao Wang Zhaoxuan and familiar with this area, please come along. Thank you for your trouble."

"I dare not!" the official said in a deep voice, neither humble nor arrogant.

Lin Ruhai held him in even higher regard after seeing this behavior.

Seeing that Lin Ruhai had already made proper arrangements, Magistrate Li was somewhat disappointed that he couldn't place one of his own people there. However, since Ximen Qing was also considered one of his own, he could only repeatedly say, "Master Ximen is indeed the best choice! Your consideration is thorough, and I admire you!"

Lin Ruhai said no more, and bowed slightly to Magistrate Li and the others: "In that case, please return to your office to attend to your business." After saying that, he took the lead and walked along the dock towards the city.

This group of people went to great lengths to curry favor with Lin Ruhai, while Lin Ruhai himself simply went to Wang Zhaoxuan's residence. It was like heaven and earth. The former, at least, got a free advantage, without having to spend a single copper coin, and could at least show his face in front of others. Who knows, maybe his ancestors' graves would be filled with auspicious smoke, and he would stumble upon a stroke of good fortune.

Magistrate Li, Garrison Commander Zhou, and their retinue of followers and gentry watched helplessly as the man in the garish scarlet official robe entered the sedan chair, flanked by Ximen Qing and Wang Sanguan on horseback, and gradually disappeared into the distance. The crowd felt as if a vinegar shop had been overturned, or as if they had swallowed twenty-five rats—a hundred claws scratching at their hearts! A mix of sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors surged to their throats, choking them until their eyes turned red.

This group of officials and gentry had gone to great lengths, burning the midnight oil, eagerly awaiting the arrival of this high-ranking and powerful imperial envoy! Who would have thought that it would all be for nothing, a complete waste of time and effort!

Which official doesn't desperately try to climb the ranks? As the saying goes, "A single word from a powerful figure is worth more than ten years of hard study!" A few kind words from this Imperial Censor or Salt Commissioner Lin, spoken before the Emperor or in the Ministry of Personnel, are worth more than ten years of diligent service as a local official in Qinghe County! Promotion or transfer could very well hinge on a single word from such a powerful figure.
The wealthy and powerful were trembling with envy, their eyes practically spitting fire! Normally, currying favor with a seventh-rank county magistrate or a fifth-rank garrison commander was merely for peace and quiet, or to snag a few meager profits. But who was this Lord Lin before them? He was the Salt Commissioner, holding the reins of the nation's salt tax! A mere speck of salt slipping from his fingernail could feed an ordinary family for generations!

Leaving aside other matters, just take the "salt permit" as an example; it is an immense fortune that can support several generations of people to eat, sleep, and drink without worry!

These salt permits were issued by the government to merchants to transport and sell salt; they were practically the keys to a treasure trove!

Merchants had to offer piles of grain or silver as tribute to the Salt Transport Office in exchange for a salt permit.

Then, using this permit, one can obtain salt from designated salt fields, transport it to designated areas, and sell it. This single transaction yields profits far exceeding tenfold or even a hundredfold! It's truly turning lead into gold!
It's infuriating that the government issues a limited number of salt permits, and when it comes to paying for them, they're always making excuses and delaying until you're crying for your parents. If only you could catch Lord Lin's eye and get your stockpiled salt permits cashed out sooner, or even get a few extra new permits... hey! Wouldn't that pile of silver be like the Yellow River bursting its banks, flowing in like a torrent? More than ten thousand taels! This is clearly a living god of wealth bestowed upon you!

But now? The cooked duck has flown away! The immense wealth and fortune have been ruined by that "uncle" Wang Sanguan who suddenly appeared out of nowhere! What's even more hateful is that all the benefits and opportunities for intimacy seem to have been snatched into the pockets of that big shot Ximen Qing!

He was just a merchant who, by adopting a good-for-nothing "descendant of a prince" as his godson, actually climbed up to such a high and mighty position! Now, following Lord Lin, he looked exactly like a trusted guide!
Putting everything else aside, just looking at the current situation, from now on, which official in Qinghe County would dare to look down on Ximen Qing? He was already rich and powerful, had connections with government officials, and ran rampant in the countryside. Now, he also has a powerful censor in charge of salt tax who is deeply favored by the emperor! His arrogance is probably about to reach the heavens.

Let alone ordinary officials, even high-ranking officials like Magistrate Li and Garrison Commander Zhou would probably have to be more cautious and polite when they see Ximen Qing from now on, and would no longer dare to order him around as casually as before! From now on, this Ximen Qing will truly have everything he wants in Qinghe County!
Everyone had their own agenda. Some were annoyed at missing a good opportunity, some were jealous of Ximen Qing's good fortune, some were plotting how to use Ximen Qing to curry favor with Lord Lin, and some were simply enjoying the spectacle.

Only the mournful river wind remained on the dock, adding to the restlessness and indescribable bitterness in people's hearts. A meticulously prepared welcoming feast ultimately became a stepping stone for Ximen Qing's meteoric rise to power. This feeling was even more bitter than swallowing raw gall bladder!

The group entered Qinghe County. Ximen Qing, noticing Lin Ruhai's expression, led them to the famous "Liaoting Huaxu" in the west of the city. This place was a bay of clear water surrounding a red reed beach. In late autumn, the reeds were in full bloom, their vibrant colors reflected in the water like a rouge box spilled by the heavens.

In the past, the wealthy and powerful Ximen Qing loved to bring his women here for pleasure, sometimes engaging in wild squabbles. He knew this place intimately and was also very eloquent. Now, pointing to the riverbank, he spoke eloquently about the legends of the red smartweed, the habits of the water birds, and even the nearby scenic spots, describing them vividly and engagingly. His colloquialisms and relevant anecdotes were readily available, making his descriptions more vivid and authentic than those of pedantic scholars.

Lin Ruhai stood with his hands behind his back on the bank, gazing at the vibrant red smartweed, listening to Ximen Qing's explanation, and surprisingly, he nodded slightly. The usual gentle smile on his face faded slightly, and a faint trace of bewilderment flickered deep in his eyes. After a long while, he sighed softly, the sound so faint it was almost carried away by the wind:
"Master Ximen... his explanation was quite witty and entertaining. What a pity... what a pity about those days..."

He paused, his gaze still fixed on the patch of red smartweed, as if through the shadows of the flowers he could see a distant, distant past. His voice carried a hint of barely perceptible bitterness: "If back then... someone as clever as you had been by her side, explaining the scenery here to her... she would have been extremely happy."

Although Lin Ruhai's words were vague, the use of the word "she" and the phrase "back then," coupled with the lingering sadness in his eyes, were enough to make Ximen Da Guanren understand perfectly well!

This Lord Lin's return to this old place is not merely a revisit; it is clearly a reverie, a return to the beautiful scenery of his honeymoon when he and his newlywed wife, Jia Min, came from the capital to this suburban city of Qinghe County for a stroll!

The official switched to just the right amount of respect and sigh, and said softly, "What you say is true... Such a beautiful scene should be appreciated by refined people, so as not to waste the wonders of nature. Madam... must also be a person of very refined taste."

The old feelings that Lin Ruhai had just been stirred up at Liaoting Huaxu had not yet dissipated, and a layer of obvious sorrow appeared on his usually dignified face: "Do you... know where my deceased wife came from?" The question was abrupt, and his voice revealed a suppressed bitterness.

The official replied, "Your Excellency, your wife is the direct daughter of the Dowager Lady Shi of the Rongguo Mansion. Such a distinguished family is known not only in Jinling and the capital, but also along the banks of the Grand Canal. Anyone with even a modicum of worldly wisdom knows her. She is truly a golden branch and jade leaf, of immeasurable nobility!"

Lin Ruhai nodded slightly, the sorrow in his eyes deepening, as if Ximen Qing's words had stirred up even deeper thoughts. He looked at Ximen Qing again, his gaze less distant and more filled with regret and inquiry:

"I see that you speak and respond fluently and clearly, and you are not a crude and stupid person. Since you are so clever, why don't you... take the imperial examination and obtain a degree? That way you can have a good background and bring honor to your family."

Ximen Da Guanren sighed: "Your Excellency is wise. I was naughty in my youth, only knowing how to fight cocks and dogs, gamble and drink. Now that I think about it, I regret it to the core, but unfortunately in this world... there is no medicine for regret."

"What a pity..." Lin Ruhai sighed again, his sigh carrying the genuine sentiment of someone who had been through it all, lamenting the wasted years. He then looked away and stopped asking questions.

The group turned the corner and came into view the ancient Wenwu Temple of Qinghe County. The temple was not large, but because it was a place where local scholars prayed for success in the imperial examinations, the incense had never been cut off. With its blue bricks and gray tiles, and ancient cypress trees, it had a solemn and serene atmosphere compared to the vibrant colors of the reed beds and flowers they had just seen.

Lin Ruhai stepped into the temple, his pace unconsciously slowing. His conversation with Ximen Qing about his deceased wife and fame had acted like a key, inadvertently loosening the heavy gate in his heart. He looked up at the somewhat old but still dignified clay and gold statues of civil and military officials in the hall, his gaze distant, as if piercing through time.

“This place…” he suddenly began, his voice lower and more reminiscent than when he was by the flower pond, as if he were recounting something to Ximen Qing: “Back then, before I went to the capital to participate in the imperial examination, I lingered here for several days… right here in front of this hall, beneath this old cypress tree…”

He paused for a moment: "At that time, I was filled with trepidation. I sat here quietly, looking at the holy image and listening to the wind rustling through the pines. Suddenly, I had an epiphany about policy and strategy... Later, when I responded to questions in front of the palace, the basis of my arguments was what I had learned here."

Ximen Da Guanren had already done his homework and was prepared: "I have also read your famous memorial, 'The Memorial on the Coordination of Civil and Military Affairs to Secure the World,' which shook the court and the country back then!"

Just as Lin Ruhai was caught off guard, he heard Ximen Qing claim that he had "read" his proud work from back then. Even with Lin Ruhai's profound self-control, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and let out a soft "Oh?" through his nose, his voice carrying seven parts surprise and three parts undisguised inquiry.

He stopped, turned around, and looked Ximen Qing up and down twice, then down and up, with great interest.

Upon seeing the other person's fearless gaze, a slow smile appeared on her face.

Lin Ruhai found it unremarkable that a wealthy merchant from Qinghe County was eloquent and well-informed about the local market. He thought it was nothing more than the skills of greeting guests and haggling over every penny. Although this Mr. Ximen was eloquent, Lin Ruhai didn't give him much of a second glance.

But to say that this person had actually read his imperial examination essay, which quoted extensively from classical texts and analyzed current affairs, is as absurd as hearing that a courtesan could interpret "Li Sao" (a famous classical Chinese poem).

"Heh," Lin Ruhai's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile, revealing a sharp, scrutinizing gaze: "I'd like to hear... what your opinion is?"

Meeting Lin Ruhai's scrutinizing gaze without flinching, he said in a deep voice:
"Your Excellency, I am foolish and dare not presume to comment on the profound meaning of your magnificent writings. However, I believe that the essence of your strategy lies in the principle that 'literary and military matters should complement each other, like the two wings of a bird or the two wheels of a cart, neither of which can be missing.' This argument is not merely empty talk, but a keen insight into the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history."

He paused, gathering his thoughts, and his words became increasingly earnest:
"Take our dynasty as an example. Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong established the dynasty through military force, expanding its territory, which was the foundation of the nation. However, without Emperor Zhenzong and Emperor Renzong, who promoted civil administration and culture, valued Confucianism and Taoism, broadened channels for public opinion, and nurtured scholars for a hundred years, how could we have achieved such a prosperous and civilized era? This is exactly what you mean when you say, 'Without military force, one cannot stabilize the country; without culture, one cannot secure the nation!' But now, with lax military preparedness and complacency in both civil and military affairs, we are ultimately unable to withstand the clash of swords and the thunder of horses... This is truly the pain of an imbalance between civil and military power, a self-destruction of the Great Wall!"

At this point, a near-reverent agreement gleamed in his eyes, and he shifted his focus to Lin Ruhai himself:

"I believe that your approach, sir, is not merely a grand strategy for governing the country and ensuring its stability, but also a guiding principle for the inheritance of a distinguished family! Leaving aside distant examples, let's take your esteemed Lin family as an example..."

His tone was filled with genuine admiration:
"The Lin family's ancestors were founding heroes who achieved fame and fortune on horseback, and were ennobled and granted titles. This is how the family established its foundation through military prowess, and its roots are deep! However, the Lin family did not stop there by clinging to military achievements."

"Our descendants deeply understand that education is the foundation of character and family legacy, passing down poetry and books through generations, and continuing the tradition of learning. As for you, sir, you have achieved the highest honors, ranking third in the imperial examinations, bringing glory to your family with your brilliant writings and worldly wisdom, and joining the ranks of the elite!"

"This is not a simple 'transition from martial to civil,' but rather a consolidation of martial prowess through civil means and a promotion of martial arts through civil means! The Lin family has not only preserved the honor and foundation of its ancestors' martial achievements, but has also successfully rooted the family's lifeline in the land of flourishing culture."

"Martial merit is the bone, literary talent is the soul; only when bone and soul complement each other can a towering tree be formed! Such vision, such spirit, such a way of inheritance..."

Ximen Qing raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Ruhai, and concluded decisively:
"The Lin family... is the most profound and successful practice of the Master's philosophy of 'combining literary and martial arts' in the inheritance of aristocratic families! The Lin family is truly a model of how noble families in the world today have transformed from martial to literary and achieved their peak! Future generations who wish for their families to prosper and flourish must take the Lin family as a mirror!"

Everyone likes to be flattered; if you don't appreciate it, it means you haven't flattered well enough.

A wise ruler rejects flattery but appreciates honest and agreeable advice.

That honest official despised bribes, but cherished the people's praise.

If you encounter someone who "doesn't like flattery," it's because your flattery was crude and didn't hit the mark.

Excessive force reveals a sign of flattery, while scratching the surface fails to hit the other party's true strengths.

A wise person flatters others like a gentle spring breeze, just like Ximen Qing. He didn't even address him as "sir" but as "gentleman."

You must treat him with utmost respect—if he prides himself on his integrity, praise his character; if he secretly rejoices in power, admire his cunning!

You need to subtly point out his most cherished but unspoken virtues, as if you were the most understanding confidant in the world.

After the official finished speaking, his sharp eyes carefully scanned Lin Ruhai's face. His face remained as dignified as an ancient well, calm and composed, displaying the demeanor of an official who never showed his emotions.

But what keen eyesight does the great official possess? He had already noticed that at the corners of those tightly pursed eyes, several fine lines that were usually taut and etched were now rippling like a frozen river just beginning to thaw.

The official sneered inwardly: "It's done! People say 'oiled clothes don't leak,' and this skill of flattery, as long as it scratches the itch, is like a spring breeze and rain, nourishing things silently."

Every word he just spoke was the result of painstaking effort. He first pointed out Lin Ruhai's most prized literary works, as if plucking the most precious chord in his heart; then, he smoothly shifted the focus, comparing the Lin family's abandonment of their generations of illustrious wealth and status to that of an incomparably noble and scholarly family, making them appear as the most prestigious and respected family in the world!
Every sentence is grounded in reality, reflecting Lin Daren's proudest moments, without a trace of exaggeration. It is a truly accurate and steady shot, concealing every detail perfectly.

The essence of flattery lies in its subtlety, like a gazelle's horns hanging on a tree, leaving no trace. Even though it's the truth, it brings Lin Ruhai immense comfort, a warm feeling spreading from his very core, making him feel incredibly at ease, yet he can't find any fault with the other party's deliberate attempt to curry favor.

The Bone-Melting Palm technique is nothing more than this!
After the official finished speaking, his sharp eyes, like those of someone searching for a candle flame, scrutinized Lin Ruhai's face. Lin Ruhai's face remained as serene and composed as an ancient, deep pool. Even the hint of sorrow in his eyes from the memory of his deceased wife had faded somewhat, leaving only his usual coldness.

Lin Ruhai's throat moved slightly, but his face remained calm. After all, he was a leading figure in the Qingliu faction. He simply said, "Your words are too kind, sir." His voice remained steady, revealing no emotion.

If someone is not skilled enough, upon hearing this, they will either back down or stop talking.

But the official knew perfectly well that this wasn't a complaint of excessive praise; it was simply that the "itch" had only been scratched halfway, and the pressure and timing were still a bit lacking!
His face suddenly turned solemn, his back straightened, and he said in a loud voice, "Lord Lin! Every word I have said comes from the bottom of my heart, and every word is a righteous and straightforward statement! There is not a trace of pretense or exaggeration!!"

He changed the subject, his voice deepening, and spoke with an earnestness that seemed to dissect the ways of the world: "If I may be so bold as to use the Rongguo Mansion as a comparison, then let us take it as an example. The Rongguo Mansion has a long history of meritorious service, and is a distinguished military family with a reputation for wealth and honor. However, in its transition from military to civil service, has it ever been as deeply rooted and upright as the Lin family, sir?"

His gaze was intense as he looked directly at Lin Ruhai: "I am not speaking recklessly, but how can one transform from a family of high-ranking officials to a family of scholars simply by reading a few books of sages and writing a few beautiful articles? The obstacles involved are as difficult as ascending to heaven!"

He paused slightly, as if to emphasize his point: "Consider the Rongguo Mansion. The old matriarch's most beloved daughter was betrothed to a man of unparalleled nobility, the third-ranked scholar like Lord Lin. Other members of the manor have also married into scholarly families. However—"

Ximen Da Guanren lowered his voice, with a sigh of insight into the world: "Among the sons of the family, there are those who have studied the classics, but the martial spirit flowing in their blood, the bloodthirsty habits ingrained in their bones, looking at account books as if reviewing military tallies, discussing poetry and books as if calling up generals... these deeply ingrained 'thieves in their hearts' are not easy to break."

"As the saying goes, 'It takes three generations of officials to know how to eat and dress well; it's easy to defeat bandits in the mountains, but difficult to defeat the bandits in one's heart!' This complete transformation of the entire clan, washing away all pretense, can only be accomplished by those with great wisdom, great perseverance, and great opportunity! Lord Lin and his entire clan have truly undergone a complete transformation, a phoenix rising from the ashes! What I have said today is all true, how dare I exaggerate in the slightest?"

Upon hearing this, a genuine look of surprise finally flickered in the depths of Lin Ruhai's usually calm eyes. He couldn't help but re-examine the man before him and said slowly, "My lord... you actually know so much about the Rongguo Mansion's inner workings?"

Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing said, "The rise and fall of a noble family like the Rongguo Mansion, the open and covert struggles within and outside the household, and the inconsistencies in their actions... aren't they just a small microcosm of the vast world and the complexities of human relationships? It's just a glimpse into the whole picture."

Lin Ruhai listened intently, his gaze falling on Ximen Qing with a complex expression. After a long while, he sighed, "Now I understand why the sons of the Prince's Mansion in this vast Qinghe County would recognize you as their godfather. You are worldly-wise and adept at human relationships! Such insight and shrewdness are truly beyond the reach of ordinary people."

After praising him, he couldn't help but shake his head slightly, his regret almost overflowing: "What a pity...what a pity! Such a brilliant mind, if only he had used it in his youth to pursue the path of sages and achieve fame and fortune, he would surely have become a pillar of the nation. Why did he have to..."

Wang Sanguan, who had been standing by, completely bewildered, finally found an opening to speak when he heard the words "godfather" and his own name mentioned. With a blank look and an eagerness to show off his knowledge, he quickly interjected, "Exactly! Uncle is absolutely right! My mother often talks about it at home, saying that she admires Godfather to the core, that he understands her completely, and that she often says she wants to learn from him."

(End of this chapter)