Finest Servant

Chapter 293 Seeking Trouble

"Enter the palace?" Xu Wei asked, staring at him in astonishment. "Why would you have such an idea, Little brother Lin? Could it be that you are not getting along with your wives, or they are not satisfying you?"

‘Damn it, it's just entering the palace. How did the conversation shift to my wives?’ Lin Wanrong smirked, "Where are you going with this, Master Xu? I am getting along splendidly with my wives. Every night we show each other respect and consideration. How could we possibly be at odds? You're overthinking it, Master Xu!"

Xu Wei wondered aloud, "That's odd then. If your life is blissful and you're happily married, why would you want to enter the palace? You must know that there are hundreds, even thousands of eunuchs inside the palace. Even with your understanding of the world and your talents, you won't be more or less significant there. Even if you become a eunuch and enter the palace, it's doubtful that it would be more enjoyable than your free life outside – not to mention, if you were to become a eunuch, what would you do about your wives? Where would they stand?"

A eunuch? Lin Wanrong stared at Xu Wei in horror. ‘When I said I wanted to enter the palace, this old man actually thought I wanted to be a eunuch. Damn, I don't know what he's thinking all day, it's utterly disgusting! Any man can do anything, but never become a eunuch.’

He forced out a dry laugh and replied, "Where are you going with this, Mr. Xu? I'm in the prime of my life, full of needs, and my marital life is blissful and harmonious. How could I possibly become a eunuch?"

Xu Wei suddenly understood and laughed heartily, "So, it was all a misunderstanding on my part, my apologies. It seems Little brother Lin intends to join the government. In that case, I might have some ways to help. However, it strikes me as strange; with your distinguished military service, you've always refused when I proposed to recommend you to the Emperor. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Lin Wanrong was both amused and frustrated. How could this shrewd old Xu become so muddled? ‘When I say I want to enter the palace, he either thinks I want to become a eunuch or join the government. Damn it, are there no other possibilities? Can't I go to secretly meet the princess?’

He sighed and said, "Mr. Xu, you've misunderstood again. I neither want to become a eunuch nor join the government. Let's just say I want to go into the inner court of the palace to find someone."

Xu Wei looked at him with suspicion but shook his head more resolutely, "Little brother Lin, that's absolutely impossible. The inner court of the palace is where the princesses and concubines reside. Besides the Emperor, the only men allowed in are eunuchs and palace maids, outsiders are not permitted entry. If you were willing to become a eunuch, this could be up for discussion. Otherwise, I see no other way."

Lin Wanrong responded with a forced smile, "It's precisely because of this difficulty that I need Master Xu's help. If I truly wished to become a eunuch with one cut, then there would be no need for Master Xu to worry."

Seeing Lin San's determined demeanor, Xu Wei knew he genuinely wished to enter the inner court of the palace. Although he didn't know whom Lin San was looking for, he could tell from Lin San's willingness to take this risk that the person was undoubtedly of great significance to him.

Xu Wei furrowed his brow, his face grave. Without responding, he began to pace slowly in the hall.

Lin Wanrong was also aware of the difficulty of the matter at hand. Seeing Old Xu in deep thought, he too fell silent, quietly waiting for a resolution. At the other side of the room, Su Qinglian, as well as Miss Xiao and Miss Xu, who were deep in conversation, noticed the sudden silence of the two men. The three of them looked curiously in their direction.

Xu Wei pondered for a while, but still shook his head in frustration. "Little brother Lin," he said, "for a man to intrude the imperial harem is a grave crime punishable by beheading, even to the extent of having his clan exterminated. However, owing to your kindness to me, I would be willing to risk this crime for your sake. But I fear that even after our sacrifice, if you were to be discovered, it would be a great loss."

The sincerity in Old Xu's voice resonated with Lin Wanrong. Considering his words, Lin Wanrong could not deny their validity, and he sighed, "So, according to Master Xu, there's really no solution?"

Seeing his disappointed expression, Xu Wei laughed, "Don't be pessimistic, little brother. There is a solution, but it depends on whether you're willing to carry it out."

"What solution?" Lin Wanrong asked excitedly. "For Qingxuan, there is nothing in this world I wouldn't dare to do."

Xu Wei gave him a small smile. "The solution sounds simple but is quite difficult to implement. The imperial harem forbids men to enter, but if someone spoke up for you, you could walk right in, quite openly."

"Do you mean the Emperor?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised.

Xu Wei nodded. "Indeed, Little brother Lin, you are remarkably astute. The harem belongs to the Emperor. If he invites you in, you'd be perfectly within your rights to go there. No one would dare to stop you."

Damn, this Old Xu. His words seemed unreliable. The imperial harem was the Emperor's household, and his imperial power was more significant than heaven. Who would dare to trespass into the Emperor's house? Even if he were to tell the Emperor that he defeated the White Lotus Sect thanks to his power, at most he would reward him with the title of a great general, a few hundred East Pearls, and several thousand taels of gold. The idea of strolling into his harem was pure fantasy.

Old Xu, cunning as he was, had seen through Lin San's thoughts and chuckled, "Little brother, don't be in such a hurry. To the Emperor, you're far from a nobody. During the suppression of the White Lotus Sect, you were the greatest contributor. Despite your tremendous achievements, you neither sought rewards nor a chance to meet the Emperor, earning you his admiration. He praised you for your hermit-like demeanor and your proud and aloof character, like an evergreen pine. His impression of you is most favorable!"

Old Xu's flattery made Lin San chuckle, "Master Xu, we can save these sweet words for another day. What I really want to know is how I can enter the palace."

Xu Wei responded, "Little brother Lin, be patient. I'm getting to that. At the moment, you've already established a positive reputation in front of the Emperor. If you accomplish more great deeds for our Great Hua, with my recommendation, you could suddenly appear before the Emperor. He would surely be delighted at your impressive demeanor and exceptional knowledge. At that time, not only would he allow you to find the person you seek within the harem, but he might even agree to marry his daughter to you."

Damn it, that was exactly what Lin Wanrong wanted, if Qingxuan was indeed the princess. This thought stirred excitement within him. Seeing Xu Wei's gleaming eyes, as though he had just accomplished a sly plan, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but give him a once-over. He nodded and laughed, "I see, I understand now. It seems that Master Xu, you have some business to attend to today as well."

Seeing his intentions uncovered, Xu Wei gave an awkward laugh, saying, "Oh, not at all. My primary reason for visiting today was merely to reminisce about old times with you and the young lady. Everything else was simply an afterthought, nothing more."

Lin Wanrong chuckled sarcastically at the notion, retorting, "Mr. Xu, we have been old acquaintances for a long time. If there is anything you need, just say it directly. We can negotiate."

Nodding with a smile, Xu Wei admitted, "You are an insightful young man, so there is no need for me to beat around the bush. The other day, when I visited General Li's mansion, we discussed military affairs. The general had high praise for your subordinates Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, Li Sheng, and Xu Zhen, but he had quite a few criticisms for you, as the Commanding General."

Interrupting him, Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, "Mr. Xu, my time as General is in the past. Nowadays, I am a simple man, spending my days conversing with the Eldest Miss and finding joy in our daily activities. Let the old general say whatever he wishes."

Slightly embarrassed, Xu Wei responded, "While that may be true, I did recommend you to General Li, and he personally evaluated you. He praised your knowledge and bravery but criticized your selfishness and your refusal to serve the nation. From my interactions with you, I believe you are not that kind of person. So, what are you really thinking?"

So that was it, Lin Wanrong thought. Old man Li Tai was making a mountain out of a molehill. Everyone had their own thoughts and ambitions; coercion was pointless.

"Mr. Xu, you know very well, I lead a contented life in the Xiao family. If it hadn't been for your previous invitation, I would have no connection to these military affairs. Even though we fought in a battle, it was all due to luck. I know my own strengths and weaknesses. Rather than going to war and risking lives, including my own, it is better to be realistic, stay grounded and do what I can."

As Lin Wanrong finished speaking, he heard a female voice sigh, "There are many selfish people in this world who only care for their personal interests and disregard their duty to their country. They come up with all sorts of specious arguments. It's truly ridiculous. Yuruo, do you despise people like that?"

The speaker was Xu Zhiqing. She had been talking with the Eldest Miss but had raised her voice at the end of her statement, as if she wanted someone else to hear her words.

Curious, Xu Wei glanced at his daughter, a mysterious smile on his face.

Seems like the young lady was trying to provoke a response, thought Lin Wanrong, glancing at Xu Zhiqing. He chuckled, "In Miss Xu's opinion, what kind of person would be truly intelligent?"

Feigning surprise, Xu Zhiqing looked at him and replied with a smile, "Oh, I didn't expect you to overhear my conversation with Yuruo. The people I was criticizing were those who are selfish. Those with real knowledge and insight would never let their talents go to waste. Their lifelong dream is to seek the welfare of the people and the country. On the other hand, those who spout excuses, in reality, lack confidence in their abilities and are the epitome of selfishness."

"Miss Xu is indeed wise," Lin Wanrong responded with a hint of mockery in his eyes. He clapped and laughed, "I wonder, who are these knowledgeable and insightful people in Miss Xu's opinion? Are they the ones who shout about going to the frontline and fighting the enemy all day long? That's quite a slogan! If that's the case, consider my question withdrawn. It seems we do not tread the same path."

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