Finest Servant

Chapter 162 The Battle of Literature and Martial Arts (Part 3)

Miss Xiao was also startled, but she remembered the words Lin San had just said, and her rapidly beating heart gradually calmed down. She could only helplessly give him a glance and thought to herself, ‘You didn't even tell me in advance. Being with this wicked man, I'm afraid I won't be bullied to death, but I might be scared to death.’

She snorted but noticed that Lin Wanrong still held the large diamond gifted by the Westerner in his hand. A trace of envy flashed in Miss Xiao's eyes, instantly dismissing her previous thoughts. She softly asked Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what did you say to that Westerner? Why did he give you such a beautiful diamond?"

Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously. "It's a secret," he replied.

Miss Xiao turned her head and snorted. A secret? Was it really that remarkable? She wasn't interested!

Miss Xiao participating in the contest was unexpected. After watching the battle of literature, everyone thought they would witness a fierce physical confrontation, but it turned out to be Miss Xiao from the Xiao family stepping onto the stage.

This unexpected move disrupted Tao Dongcheng's plan. Sending Miss Xiao to the front instead of Lin San meant that their previous strategy against him was in vain. They were forcing Tao Dongcheng to participate in the martial arts contest. Tao Wanying absolutely could not take the stage. If the scene of two women fighting each other spread, it would completely ruin Tao Wanying's reputation. How could she ever get married after that? But this Lin San seemed to have ulterior motives and didn't even care about Miss Xiao's reputation?

"In that case, let this foolish brother accompany the wise sister for some amusement," Tao Dongcheng smirked.

Miss Xiao's face turned red, and she angrily exclaimed, "Shameless!"

Lin Wanrong, however, remained composed. He had foreseen that Tao Dongcheng would personally take the stage. He sneered a few times, too lazy to engage in a verbal dispute with this guy named Tao.

The martial arts challenge was proposed by the Xiao family, leaving everyone puzzled, wondering what kind of martial arts method the Xiao family would employ to defeat Young Master Tao.

Xu Wei asked, "Lin San, what kind of challenge did you propose for the martial arts contest?"

Lin Wanrong laughed, "My challenge is also very simple, with a straightforward and understandable name: 'Washing Hands in an Oil Pan.'"

"Washing Hands in an Oil Pan?" The name sounded terrifying. Initially, everyone regretted missing out on a fight, but upon hearing this topic, it seemed more interesting and thrilling than a mindless brawl, especially with the delicate and charming Miss Xiao participating.

Seeing the horrified expression on Tao Dongcheng's face, Lin Wanrong smirked. ‘Damn it, this little guy thinks he's good at ambushes? I'm the ancestor of this game.’

Xu Wei exclaimed in surprise, "Washing Hands in an Oil Pan? But Miss Xiao is a woman. How can she do it?"

Lin Wanrong smiled, "That's precisely to make Young Master Tao accept it wholeheartedly. Tao Dongcheng, do you dare?"

Tao Dongcheng's face turned pale. Washing hands in an oil pan was no joke. After washing once in the pan, that hand would be useless.

However, Lin Wanrong didn't wait for Tao Dongcheng's answer. He turned directly to Xu Wei and said, "Minister Xu, please instruct the inn to prepare some firewood and cooking oil and get a large pot ready. Oh, I'll go personally. Wait a moment, I'll be right back."

Xu Wei asked Tao Dongcheng, "Young Master Tao, do you have any objections?" Tao Dongcheng's face looked unpleasant, and he glared fiercely at Lin Wanrong without saying a word.

Lin Wanrong went downstairs to have the inn prepare. After a while, several staff members came up carrying a large oil pan filled with cooking oil, faintly scented with vinegar. A few others brought a basin and a stove.

This was going to be a serious affair, and the people in the hall immediately started discussing. Xu Wei glanced at Lin Wanrong and Miss Xiao. This Lin San was elusive, and they had no idea what he was up to. Everyone in the hall felt that Lin San had some trick up his sleeve, but they couldn't figure out what it was. This piqued their curiosity even more.

Lin Wanrong directed the staff to set up the stove and oil pan, and everyone focused their attention on their actions.

Lin Wanrong smiled slightly and said, "To ensure the fairness of this contest, I invite Minister Xu to light the fire."

Xu Wei nodded and took a torch from one of the staff members, tossing it beneath the stove. There was straw hidden below, and as soon as it caught fire, the flames roared to life.

"Please have Minister Xu test the oil," Lin Wanrong said.

Xu Wei took a small spoon from one of the staff members and scooped out a spoonful of oil. With everyone's eyes fixed on him, he poured the oil onto the fire. The flames instantly surged, proving that there was indeed oil in the pan.

Lin Wanrong took a few pieces of limescale and tossed them into the pan.

Under the gaze of the onlookers, the sparks ignited, and the oil pan began to boil.

Everyone in the hall, including Xu Wei, was taken aback. It was indeed oil, and it was definitely boiling. Did this mean that they really had to wash their hands in it? Their confusion grew.

Lin Wanrong said, "Please grant me five copper coins, Minister Xu."

Xu Wei took out five coins and handed them to Lin Wanrong. With a flick of his hand, the five copper coins fell into the oil pan.

The oil pan continued to heat up, the oil rolling and thick smoke billowing. Lin Wanrong looked at Tao Dongcheng and said, "Young Master Tao, these five copper coins must be retrieved in five attempts. Please retrieve them."

Facing the boiling oil pan, Tao Dongcheng's face turned pale. Retrieving coins from a boiling oil pan was no joking matter; it could cost him a hand. But if he didn't try, not only would he lose face, but the Tao family's cloth business would also be lost to the Xiao family. He stared at the boiling oil pan, contemplating: as long as Father doesn't fall, we can restart the cloth business, but if this hand is ruined, it can never be recovered.

Tao Dongcheng clenched his teeth, took a few steps back, distancing himself from the oil pan, and said, "I can't retrieve them. But if Miss Xiao can't retrieve them either, it shouldn't count as my loss."

Lin Wanrong had accurately predicted that Tao Dongcheng would take this move. He turned to Xu Wei and said, "Minister Xu, this is Young Master Tao's suggestion. If Miss Xiao retrieves the coins, then we win the second round."

Xu Wei nodded and said, "That seems fair."

Eldest Miss Xiao's face turned slightly pale. Facing the boiling oil pan, it would be a lie to say that she, as a delicate woman, wasn't afraid. But she was much stronger-willed than Tao Dongcheng. For the sake of the Xiao family, she could disregard anything.

However, Lin Wanrong smiled at her and said, "Don't be afraid, trust me. All you need to do is retrieve the coins as quickly as possible. I guarantee you'll be fine. After all, I am the second most talented person in the world."

Eldest Miss Xiao nodded and slowly walked towards the oil pan. Everyone in the hall, including the Tao siblings and Xu Wei, held their breath. It was now the most crucial moment. Could it be that this delicate and beautiful Miss Xiao would really have to sacrifice her hands in this way? That would be such a pity.

Eldest Miss Xiao stood by the oil pan, and the rising steam tinged her face with a red hue. She faintly sensed a sour smell in the air, the scent of aged vinegar. But in this highly tense moment, she had no time to think about such things.

She had only one thought in her mind: to trust Lin San. He wouldn't be wrong. Yet, even she could hear her heart pounding loudly.

Lin Wanrong also stood by the oil pan, knowing what Miss Xiao was thinking. He chuckled and said, "Don't forget, after we win, you have to help me with laundry for a year."

Eldest Miss Xiao snorted, feeling much calmer. Lin Wanrong glanced at the oil pan and noticed the bubbling at the bottom. A smile appeared on his face as he said to Eldest Miss Xiao, "Listen to me, be quick, retrieve the five silver coins swiftly, and don't delay."

Eldest Miss Xiao nodded. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest. The people below were anxiously observing every move of Xiao Yuruo. Xu Wei looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "Lin San, be careful not to hurt Miss Xiao."

Lin Wanrong slowly nodded and shouted, "Miss, retrieve the coins quickly!"

Seeing his determined and confident expression, Miss Xiao's heart steadied. She gritted her teeth and extended her jade-like hand into the oil pan.

"Ah!" Countless people in the audience exclaimed. Even Tao Wanying covered her eyes, unable to bear watching. Even Xu Wei, an experienced person, couldn't help but turn his head away.

There was no expected scream, no cry of pain. There wasn't even the slightest sound. Everyone quickly looked and saw that Eldest Miss Xiao's face showed initial fear, then surprise, and finally, delight.

When Xiao Yuruo's hand first entered the oil pan, it wasn't scalding as they had imagined. Instead, it was only slightly warm, like water for washing one's face. Although it was a little hot, it was not much hotter than washing water. She could hardly believe it. Was this really an oil pan? It was more like water for washing her face.

Lin Wanrong smiled faintly and said, "Don't wash your hands. Grab the coins quickly."

Eldest Miss Xiao responded with a joyful "Mmm" and quickly reached into the pan, retrieving one copper coin. While the astonished cries from the audience hadn't even subsided, Eldest Miss Xiao swiftly reached into the pan again, grabbing the second coin, then the third... She managed to retrieve all five copper coins from the oil pan in one go.

There was nothing but joy on her face, not a trace of pain. Looking at her delicate hand, there wasn't even a hint of burning. It remained as flawless and pure as ever.

Unbelievable! Everyone in the audience stood up and exclaimed. If they hadn't witnessed this scene with their own eyes, who would believe that Eldest Miss Xiao, a delicate woman, could retrieve five copper coins in succession from the scalding oil pan unharmed? Besides the words "miraculous" and "mysterious," there were no other words to describe it.

"How is this possible? How is this possible?" Tao Dongcheng collapsed onto a chair, murmuring to himself.

"A Statue can grow, an oil pan can wash hands. This world is vast and full of mysteries. Little brother Lin, I admire you greatly," Xu Wei sighed to Lin Wanrong.

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