Reborn as Lin Pingzhi, starting from escorting Daiyu to the capital.

Yangzhou City.

The study in the Lin family mansion.

In late spring, Jia Yucun, dressed in tattered clothes and a worn-out turban, spoke in a gentle voice:

"We finished the entire Great Learning the day before yesterday, and today we will move on to the Doctrine of the Mean. First, let's recite, 'Before the feelings of pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy are aroused, it is called equilibrium; when they are aroused and all attain their proper measure, it is called harmony.' Daiyu, please read it with me three times."

Daiyu obeyed and began to speak, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's song. After reading it three times, she looked up and asked, "Sir, does 'zhongjie' mean conforming to the rules? But if one is happy in one's heart, wouldn't it be too unfair to suppress it and not show it?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Yucun stroked his beard and smiled: "'Mid-season' does not mean suppressing one's emotions, but rather like spring flowers blooming, following the natural order; like summer rain nourishing all things, neither too fast nor too slow."

Daiyu seemed to be deep in thought, and said, "Sir, are you saying that, just like when my mother taught me to play the zither, I had to follow the nature of the strings in order to produce a harmonious melody?"

"That is precisely the meaning. The Doctrine of the Mean does not emphasize forcing things, but rather moderation. This 'moderation' and 'harmony' are the foundation of one's character and the wisdom for handling affairs."

A look of approval flashed in Yu-cun's eyes: "Master Lin said you've been intelligent since childhood, and he's certainly right. But..."

He paused slightly, his tone softening: "I've noticed you've been getting distracted lately, is something the matter?"

After a slight hesitation, Daiyu finally asked, "Mr. Jia, is Daiyu... really going to the capital?"

Her mother died early, and she relied on her father for support from a young age.

The thought of the grand mansion of the Jia family in the capital, with its many people and gossip, coupled with her separation from her father, filled Daiyu with anxiety.

Jia Yucun said, "As the saying goes, 'Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles,' your trip to the capital will be a good opportunity to broaden your horizons."

Most importantly, I need to go to the capital to seek an official position!

Jia Yucun cried out in his heart.

He came from a scholarly family and finally passed the imperial examination. He was appointed as a county magistrate, but unexpectedly, during his tenure, he was impeached by his superior and lost his job.

After becoming an ordinary citizen, Jia Yucun traveled around and, through an introduction, became Lin Daiyu's teacher.

Lin Ruhai admired his talent and had promised him that during his trip to the capital, Jia Zheng would help him regain his position.

After his dismissal, he knew the importance of having a powerful backer and now wished he could fly to the capital to get to know Jia Zheng, this big shot.

"Daiyu knows."

Daiyu lowered her head and answered, coughing softly a few times.

She had been in poor health since childhood, and perhaps due to the change in environment, her health deteriorated further after arriving in Yangzhou.

Although she was young, she understood her father's good intentions.

As the Salt Commissioner, my father was burdened with imperial orders and walked on thin ice. Now that I have gone to the capital, my father no longer has any worries.

"Sir, when shall we depart?"

Daiyu asked.

"We'll set off once the people from the Fuwei Escort Agency arrive."

As Jia Yucun spoke, he couldn't help but complain about the Fuwei Escort Agency's incompetence. Escorting the daughter of the Salt Commissioner to the capital should have been a matter of madness and haste, so why was there still no news?

As the two were talking, the hurried footsteps of the maid Xueyan came from outside the courtyard. She lifted the curtain and entered, saying, "Miss, the master invites you in."

Daiyu asked in confusion, "What does Father want with me at this hour?"

Xueyan said, "Master said that a distant relative named Lin Pingzhi has come from Fuzhou. He is the young lady's cousin by seniority, and he would like the young lady to meet him first."

Fuwei Escort Agency!

Jia Yucun's eyes lit up. Just as he had said, "Daiyu, go ahead. There's no rush with your studies."

Daiyu nodded and stood up, her heart filled with curiosity: What would this cousin from Fuzhou be like?

-----------------

Looking at the three powerful characters "Yangzhou City" on the city wall, Lin Pingzhi and the members of Fuwei Escort Agency finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Next comes the most important task.

After entering the city, we found an inn to stay in.

Lin Pingzhi first sent someone to inquire about Lin Ruhai's whereabouts. After confirming that Lin Ruhai was at home, he took the experienced镖头 (bodyguard) Cui, prepared gifts, and went to visit him.

-----------------

This day.

Lin Ruhai finally escaped the tedious banquets and was resting at home when he suddenly heard the butler come in to report:

"Sir, there is a young man outside requesting an audience."

"Who is it?" Lin Ruhai rubbed his forehead, his voice tinged with weariness. "If it's just some ordinary opportunist, then please refuse them for me."

Since he took office as the Salt Commissioner, countless people have tried to curry favor with him under various pretexts. He has become accustomed to such scenes and has always refused to engage in social interactions with those he can refuse.

"Master, the visitor claims to be Lin Pingzhi, the young head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the Fuwei Escort Agency," the steward said respectfully.

"Oh, it's my nephew Lin. Please invite him in."

The weariness in Lin Ruhai's eyes vanished instantly.

He held an important position and was under imperial command, putting him in a precarious situation. His only worry was his daughter, Daiyu.

Last year, Lin Ruhai's mother-in-law, Old Madam Jia, insisted on taking her to the capital to take care of her because she thought of her granddaughter's loneliness. After much deliberation, Lin Ruhai finally made up his mind.

However, the journey to the capital was long and fraught with banditry along the way, so after making inquiries from various sources, they finally chose the reputable Fuwei Escort Agency.

Chief镖头 Lin Zhennan was not only a relative but also had a good reputation, which made him feel very at ease.

A moment later, the steward led Lin Pingzhi and Chief Escort Cui into the main hall.

"Nephew Lin Pingzhi greets his uncle!" Lin Pingzhi stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke in a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant.

Lin Pingzhi's days of escorting goods, exposed to wind and sun, have shed some of his youthful naiveté, adding a touch of masculinity to his features, making him a truly dignified and composed man.

Lin Ruhai looked him over and nodded secretly.

Chief镖师 Cui followed closely behind, half a step behind, and also bowed respectfully.

While Lin Ruhai was observing him, Lin Pingzhi was also secretly sizing up this legendary father of Lin Daiyu.

He was dressed in a moon-white scholar's robe, exuding a refined and gentle temperament, yet his brows held a hint of dignified authority that inspired admiration in those around him.

His face was pale and his lips were bloodless, which clearly indicated that he was not in good health. No wonder he died young.

It is likely that Lin Daiyu's frail and sickly health was largely inherited from him.

"Please rise, my dear nephew. We are all family, there's no need for such formalities."

Lin Ruhai smiled and stood up, personally helping the two of them to their feet. He then looked at Chief Escort Cui.

"This must be Cui Baichuan, the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort)? Brother Zhennan mentioned you to me, saying that you are reliable and dependable, and that people can rest assured in your work."

Chief镖师 Cui was flattered.

He was originally a man of the martial arts world and didn't think much of officialdom.

However, after joining the escort agency, he had more dealings with government officials and unconsciously picked up the habits of officialdom.

When they encounter high-ranking officials, they automatically become humble.

Lin Ruhai exchanged a few more pleasantries with Lin Pingzhi and inquired about Lin Zhennan's recent situation, to which Lin Pingzhi answered.

Then, Lin Pingzhi took out the letter his father had written from his bosom and presented it to him with both hands:

"My father originally intended to come in person, but a sudden family matter prevented him from leaving. He has entrusted his nephew to escort him. I hope my uncle will understand."

"Brother Zhennan has already written to inform me, so I naturally trust my nephew." Lin Ruhai took the letter, opened it, and read it carefully.

At this time.

A maidservant brought over some tea.

Lin Ruhai put down the letter and warmly invited, "Come, come, Chief Escort Cui, my dear nephew, try this tea. It's a top-grade Biluochun tea sent by my brother-in-law; it tastes very good."

Lin Pingzhi thought to himself, "I wonder if this brother-in-law is Jia She or Jia Zheng."

Upon lifting the lid, a fresh and elegant aroma wafted out, prompting an exclamation: "Excellent tea!"

He picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and felt the aroma of the tea linger on his tongue, which made him feel much more refreshed.

Lin Ruhai took a sip of tea and continued reading the letter.

After a long silence, he said, "Brother Zhennan said that your swordsmanship has surpassed his; truly, like father, like son!"

Seeing this, Chief Escort Cui quickly interjected, "Lord Lin, our young chief escort killed that lecherous scoundrel Tian Boguang on his way here."

He was worried that Lin Ruhai might look down on Lin Pingzhi because of his youth, so he deliberately brought this up.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Lin Ruhai was suddenly moved.

A while ago, Tian Boguang committed several major crimes in the Jinling and Yangzhou areas, causing widespread panic. Even Lin Ruhai advised Daiyu to avoid going out as much as possible, for fear of being targeted by this lecherous thief.

Unexpectedly, Lin Pingzhi actually eliminated this villain.

Lin Pingzhi said, "Chief Escort Cui, you flatter me. I was just lucky to kill this lecherous thief by some means. It's nothing special."

Although it was a self-deprecating remark, it was also a form of acknowledgment of the matter.

"My dear nephew, you are too modest. You are young and promising, with extraordinary courage and insight. It is truly rare!" Lin Ruhai exclaimed in admiration.

His family was small, with only one daughter, Daiyu, so he couldn't help but feel a bit of affection for Lin Pingzhi, a younger member of the same clan.

A thought suddenly occurred to him: "I will have to trouble Pingzhi to escort Daiyu to the capital in the future. Why not let them get to know each other today so that they can become more familiar with each other?"

He immediately instructed his servants, "Go and invite the young lady to the main hall. Tell her that a cousin is here and ask her to come and see him."