Finest Servant

Chapter 414 Bombarding the Archway

From a distance, several people approached, all dressed in grey robes. Walking on both sides were two young girls, with their hair coiled up and daoist pins inserted into their hair, their expressions solemn. In the middle of them was an old daoist nun, around fifty or sixty years old, her hair white and her demeanor majestic. Wherever the three passed, people were sincerely terrified and respectful, bowing and saluting.

Behind them stood a tall archway. When they had been hurrying up the mountain earlier, they hadn’t taken a good look at it. Now, upon closer inspection, the archway was grand and imposing, with four shimmering golden characters written on it—"Jade Virtue Fairy Archway."

Xiao Qingxuan saw Lin Wanrong deep in thought, not speaking, and whispered, "That place is the sacred inheritance site of the archway, the core area of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, where ordinary people cannot enter."

The core of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? Lin Wanrong sneered a few times, having made up his mind.

"Disciple Xiao Qingxuan, paying respects to the abbess." Seeing the old daoist nun slowly approaching, Xiao Qingxuan remained calm, about to bow down, but Lin Wanrong quickly stopped her, saying with concern, "You are pregnant; it’s best to do less of this needless action. From now on, you are not allowed to bow to anyone except Heaven and Earth and your parents."

Xiao Qingxuan sweetly smiled, nodding her head. The abbess, having arrived in front of them and hearing this, raised her eyebrows in anger, "Qingxuan, is this the evil man who has led you astray? For his sake, you even forgot the rites?"

"Rites? What rites?" Lin Wanrong spread his hands and laughed, "In the world, only justice and righteousness are the greatest rites. I have treated Qingxuan sincerely, yet suffered malicious obstruction. I ask you, old lady, do you understand the rites?"

While they were talking, the scholars and disciples of the Fairy Hall had already gathered around the abbess, emboldened. The abbess signaled them, then coldly said, "What a brazen child, daring to spout such madness, undermining my Fairy Hall's hundred-year foundation. Today, I must properly deal with you."

"Fairy hall?" Lin Wanrong laughed loudly, "Abbess, don't take yourself too seriously. You call yourself 'Fairy,' but where is the Fairy?"

Upon hearing him repeatedly call her "old lady," the people of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall were already seething with rage. The abbess raised her eyebrows, her robes fluttering, proudly saying, "Our Fairy Hall has produced countless scholars and great learned men through the generations. They have devoted their lives to caring for the people, leading the masses, rescuing them from disasters. The name of the virtuous and fairy is respected all over the world."

"What a caring for the people, leading the masses, rescuing them from disasters." Lin Wanrong laughed loudly, clapping, "This is indeed the biggest joke I have ever heard. Your Fairy Hall is truly extraordinary in its sanctity."

The abbess shouted, "Audacious rogue, why do you laugh?"

Lin Wanrong stopped laughing, disdainfully asked, "Abbess, what is your daoist name?"

As soon as his voice fell, there was an uproar on the other side, "How dare you! Our abbess's daoist name is not something an ignorant person like you can inquire about."

Lin Wanrong glanced at the speaker, who turned out to be Li Panlong, who had lost a bet earlier. Seeing Lin Wanrong looking at him with a smiling face, Li Panlong somehow felt a chill in his heart, quickly shutting up and not daring to speak again. The abbess waved her hand to stop her disciples from talking, calmly saying, "Telling you my daoist name does no harm. I am the seventeenth abbess of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, Recluse Jing’an." [TL: Jing’an means ‘Quiet peace.’]

"Recluse Jing'an?" Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "The name does indeed resemble that. It's just a pity that such a good name has been wasted."

"How dare you—" Li Panlong yelled, but Lin Wanrong angrily pointed at his nose, "You're the one being daring! I, the master, am speaking here; it's not your turn, you little monkey, to interrupt." Everyone had witnessed Lin San's magical duel, so Li Panlong couldn't deny it. Having his nose pointed at and scolded by Lin San in front of everyone, his face turned both red and white, and he was unable to make a sound.

Recluse Jing'an angrily said, "You have quite the nerve to insult me!"

Lin Wanrong laughed, "Where's the insult? You, a recluse, are not calm, and not peaceful; where do the words 'quiet' and 'peace' come from? Saying that this good name has been defiled is not at all an injustice. The word 'Fairy Hall' is indeed the greatest absurdity under the heavens."

"You—" Recluse Jing'an angrily said, "Stop spouting such nonsense, insulting my Fairy Hall!"

"Do you not agree?" Lin Wanrong shouted, "Caring for the people, leading the masses, rescuing all from fire and water – this is really the biggest joke. You lords and masters of the hall, detached from the masses and lofty, regard all living beings as mere weeds. How dare you talk about leading the masses? The common people of remote mountains and countryside work from sunrise to sunset, supporting themselves with their own hands. Why do they need your leadership, your rescue? Do you truly think that reading a few shabby books allows you to comment on the country and write passionate words? Without the millions of peasants tilling fields and paying taxes to support you, you would be nothing but a lump of dung in the latrine. Who are you leading? Who are you saving? Except for yourselves, you cannot save anyone. Your so-called 'Fairy Hall' is nothing but a harlot in a brothel, flaunting herself daily to attract attention. Do you think yourselves noble? Claiming the name of Fairy, respected by all, I spit on it—respect my foot!"

Lin Wanrong's cursing was heartfelt and unrestrained. With a "snap," he kicked a small stone, which flew up and landed in front of the abess, startling everyone.

"You, you—" Recluse Jing'an's face turned pale, her body swayed, and she was unable to speak a word. The "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" had stood for a hundred years without falling, unparalleled in reputation; when had it ever suffered such an insult? Across the vast world, no one dared to bombard the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall like this, except for Lin San.

Xu Zhiqing saw Lin San's body filled with a furious aura, seemingly carrying a storm of anger, and felt secretly startled. Being highly wise, she felt an affinity for the populist thoughts embodied in Lin San's words. The world belonged to the common people, who possessed infinite courage and wisdom. They were the true rulers of the world. How could this aloof and out-of-touch Jade Virtue Fairy Hall qualify to lead or save them?

Seeing his impassioned appearance, Xiao Qingxuan's eyes brimmed with tears, and she was faintly reminded of their first meeting by the side of Xuanwu Lake in Jinling Prefecture last golden autumn. He had looked just like this, capturing her attention. This moment, this scene, made her feel as though she had returned to the time when they first met. Her heart filled with tender emotions, she took his hand and smiled charmingly, like a hundred flowers blossoming, overshadowing the brilliance of heaven and earth.

Lin San's words were like heavy artillery shells, landing on the people of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, leaving them wide-eyed and speechless. Faced with Lin San's domineering and stern appearance, the room fell into an extreme silence, with no one daring to speak.

Recluse Jing'an swayed a few times, barely steadying himself, and shouted angrily, "What a sharp tongue you have! Our sacred hall's century-old foundation is not as disgraceful as you describe. As for this matter concerning the masses, I will not argue with you today. Xiao Qingxuan is our disciple, the chosen heir of our residence many years ago. No one can take her away; this is a universally accepted principle, and you cannot deny it."

Seeing Recluse Jing'an no longer daring to call herself "Fairy Hall," Xu Zhiqing inwardly chuckled, casting an admiring glance at Lin Wanrong. No matter how wild and unyielding the sacred hall was, they had to bend their waists in front of the stone-like, unyielding Lin San.

Lin Wanrong's fierce scolding had subdued everyone's momentum. Hearing Recluse Jing'an backpedal, he sneered, "I say, old madam, Qingxuan is just a disciple under your care, not sold to you. She has the right to marry and have children. How can you obstruct this and claim righteousness?"

Recluse Jing'an snorted, "If this were happening to another disciple, I would certainly not stop it. But Qingxuan is an exception. She was directly chosen by the previous head as the heir, a matter concerning our Hall's eternal cause. I absolutely cannot let her go. Besides, she vowed in the past to cast away worldly desires, practice asceticism, lead our disciples, and carry forward the spirit of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. How can we forget such a vow?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "What a ridiculous rule, utterly inhumane. Even if Qingxuan is to become the head, must she renounce her desires and become a nun? Why don't you reorganize the sacred hall? Make the Literary School a Department of Culture, the Martial School a Fighting Club, and the Sacred Hall a corporation, with Qingxuan as the chairman and me as the chairman's husband. This way, everyone would be satisfied, and it would be perfect."

Recluse Jing'an flicked her long sleeve and scolded, "Nonsense! The heads of our Hall have always been talented individuals with high cultivation, willingly sacrificing worldly desires for the pursuit of heavenly truth, single-mindedly maintaining Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. Only this path can gain the disciples' support."

"Pursue heavenly truth?" Lin Wanrong scoffed, "Worldly emotions are the natural rights of common people. Who are you to take them away? You ask people not to enjoy their humanity but to pursue an elusive heavenly truth. Is this how your Jade Virtue Fairy Hall cultivates? Seeking the heavenly way while destroying the human way, who would agree? You're forcing Qingxuan to do what she doesn't want to do for your so-called selfish desires of the Hall, yet you speak as if it's so selfless, so noble. It's laughable, just laughable!"

Xu Zhiqing listened and applauded, for Lin San's words hit the nail on the head, tearing off the veil of supposed nobility and sanctity covering "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall." Xiao Qingxuan's face flushed, holding Lin Wanrong's hand tightly, and softly said, "My Dear, Qingxuan does not seek the heavenly way, only wishing to follow the path of human relationships with you, life after life!"

"Exactly, exactly." Lin Wanrong nodded hurriedly, playfully whispering in her ear, "The way of human relations, the pinnacle of intimate emotions between husband and wife, is truly sacred. I have always been tireless and assiduous on this academic path. My good wife, after we take care of things here, let's explore it further."

Miss Xiao lightly spat and blushed, hitting him once. The two were affectionate and loving, envied by all around.

Upon hearing Lin Wanrong's words, the younger generation of disciples in the Fairy Hall were all moved. "Seeking the Heavenly Way, Destroying Human Way" – these seven characters were deafening and enlightening, giving a feeling of sudden clarity. Everyone looked at each other, whispering amongst themselves.

Recluse Jing'an saw that the situation was somewhat out of control and hastily shouted, "A person without trust is unstable. No matter what you say, Xiao Qingxuan's vow from the past is true. Qingxuan, do you admit it?"

With her proud character, Xiao Qingxuan's integrity was akin to that of a man, so how could she deny it? She calmly nodded and said, "What the head of the sect says is not false. I indeed made that vow in the past. Today's matter is my violation of the promise I made. I am willing to accept any punishment." Lin Wanrong knew Miss Xiao's temperament and didn't stop her, allowing her to act freely. After all, whatever his wife did, he’d take care of it.

Upon hearing Xiao Qingxuan's straightforward admission, Xu Zhiqing became anxious and quickly tugged at Lin Wanrong, giving him a stern look. She whispered, "With your intelligence, why don't you think of a way to have Miss Xiao phrase it more tactfully? That way, there may still be room to remedy the situation."

Miss Xiao shook her head gently and gratefully said, "I appreciate your concern, sister. This is how My Dear understands me; what's white is white, and what's black is black. What I have done in life, even if wrong, cannot be erased. I will never deny what I have done."

Lin Wanrong chuckled and said unconcernedly, "Exactly, exactly. What are we afraid of? Let's just say it as it is. After all, I'm the world's most notorious villain; I'll handle the wicked deeds."

These two, one foolish and the other naive, one good and the other evil, were indeed a perfect match. Miss Xu was moved and at a loss for words. She could only grasp Lin San's hand, showing support.

The Fairy Hall's head, Recluse Jing'an, was waiting for these words from Miss Xiao. Upon hearing Xiao Qingxuan's candid admission, she immediately gave a chant and nodded, "Since Qingxuan admits it, there are no further concerns. As the saying goes, 'a person without trust is unstable,' and to violate a vow is something despised by the world. It's not too late to turn back now."

"Turn back? Turn back to what?" Lin Wanrong sneered, loudly saying, "Recluse Jing'an, my dear, do you remember when Qingxuan made this vow?"

The head of the hall snorted and said angrily, "Of course I remember this matter. It was the eighth year after Qingxuan came to the mountain, probably when she was around eight or nine years old."

Lin Wanrong turned and softly said, "Qingxuan, she's not wrong, is she?"

Miss Xiao nodded lightly, "The head of the hall remembers correctly; I was not even nine years old at that time."

Lin Wanrong let out a long "Oh," leaped to a scholar, and smiled, "May I ask this gentleman, what were you doing when you were nine years old?"

The young scholar was momentarily stunned, then said, “When I was nine years old, I was learning to write and memorize poetry with my father.”

“Oh, did you have any dishonest behavior at that time?” Lin Wanrong teased, “Like asking your honorable father to buy you candied hawthorn, he gave you ten wen, and you secretly pocketed six?”

The scholar's face turned red, and he nodded hesitantly, “One winter, he forced me to get up early to write. Under his authority, I had to agree. But when he went out, I sneaked away to play with others, betraying his teachings.”

“Oh, that's breaking a promise then,” Lin Wanrong said, spreading his hands in resignation. “Scholar brother, it seems you're no gentleman.”

The scholar was horrified and quickly said, “It's not like that. I was young and mischievous, momentarily tempted to play, but that was merely childish mischief. I believe everyone has had such experiences. It can't be taken seriously. I haven't broken my word in later years.”

Lin Wanrong shook his head, his face full of sympathy. “Scholar brother, I believe you. But if someone thinks you're no gentleman, I can't help it.”

The scholar hastily asked, “Who?”

Lin Wanrong pointed at the abbess, smiling, “Why, this old lady here. According to her reasoning, since my dear Qingxuan made a vow at nine and didn't keep it now, that's dishonesty. And scholar brother, you knew how to deceive at that age, so you're naturally no gentleman either. Alas, what a pity.”

The scholar became frantic and quickly defended himself, “What happened at nine is a child's doing; one could even be misled and not know it. How can that be taken seriously?”

Lin Wanrong let out a long, enlightened "oh," and said, “Ah, I see, childish ignorance, misled. Well said, scholar brother, I support you. You are a gentleman, a great gentleman. I have a relative who has an aunt, I'll set you up with her sometime.”

Miss Xu sensed the way out and suddenly relaxed, clapping her hands in laughter, “I don't know where this rascal gets his bizarre ideas from, Miss Xiao, I'm truly impressed by this scoundrel. Your husband is indeed unparalleled in the world.”

Xiao Qingxuan heaved a sigh, saying helplessly, “Unparalleled, yes, but I only worry that his allure to us women is also unparalleled. If any awkward situations arise later, it would be quite unsightly.”

Miss Xu, who had her own secrets, let out a soft sigh, hurriedly lowering her head, not daring to speak.

Upon hearing Lin San's words, some clever individuals began to understand, and whispers spread among the crowd. Lin Wanrong walked over to the scholars, smiling as he greeted them, “My respected sir, may I know your name? Ah, Brother Song, I've heard much about you. Did you do anything dishonest when you were ten? Like stealing candy from a child—no way, you could do such a heinous act? That's outrageous. We must have you severely punished!

“Oh, Brother Yan Ne, what bad things did you do before you were ten? Touching little girls' hair, stealing copper coins, tying up horses, gambling—

"Brother Li Yuanyang? May I ask what misdeeds you committed as a child? Throwing stones into the horse stable, luring other people's hens, peeping at widows bathing—"

He questioned them all the way, and everyone had some youthful indiscretions. Seeing him was like seeing a plague, and they scattered in panic.

Recluse Jing'an angrily said, "Lin San, what is the meaning of this nonsense?"

"Oh, I almost forgot about you, Lady Abess. Tell me, before you were ten, did you ever steal silk threads from other children, or snatch their paper cranes—"

"No!" Recluse Jing'an proudly said, "I was raised with good family values and never engaged in such filthy acts."

Lin Wanrong's eyes twinkled, and he chuckled, "Then, when you took the vow of celibacy, did you discuss it with your parents?"

Recluse Jing'an hesitated and stammered, "That—"

"Oh!" Lin Wanrong pursued relentlessly, "You must have deceived your parents, telling them you were well-fed and cared for here, so they could rest easy. My God, you could do such a heinous act. You deceived your parents, leading to no descendants, a great act of filial impiety. You took vows, causing a man to remain unmarried, unable to have children, leading to an imbalance of Yin and Yang for generations. You disrupted the birth policy, harming our great nation for generations, a great act of disloyalty. You, a disloyal and unfilial person, dare to speak of righteousness and morality, it's utterly absurd!"

Recluse Jing'an was trembling with rage, her fingers quivering, her lips pale, unable to utter a word.

Xu Zhiqing smiled slightly, "He has won again. His talk of disloyalty and unfilial piety seems absurd, but it's not without reason."

Eldest Miss nodded solemnly, "Though he makes everything sound ridiculous, there's hidden wisdom for those who understand."

"We, we are talking about Qingxuan's matter, why, why are you going off-topic?" Recluse Jing'an said, her voice trembling.

"Qingxuan's matter has already been judged by the public," Lin Wanrong slowly walked a few steps, smiling, "A nine-year-old girl, still a child, how could she make independent judgments? Think about what you all did at the age of nine, and how much you remember now. Forcing a child to make a vow, then demanding she keep it, sacrificing her happiness, is something a gentleman would despise. If it happened to you, what would you think?"

Everyone nodded silently, and Lin Wanrong loudly said, "So, the truth is, Qingxuan was naive and ignorant, and was lured or even coerced by Abess to make such a malicious vow. Alas, thinking back to those times, Qingxuan's suffering is unknown to all! Abess, how could you be so heartless!"

"You—" Recluse Jing'an's blood rushed to her head, and she swayed, about to collapse.

"What 'you'? Don't point your middle finger at me. You're so malicious, and I haven't even accused you of abducting and deceiving children, or mistreating child laborers. You should go home and offer up incense in gratitude." Lin San's words flowed smoothly, and he looked at the recluse, smiling disdainfully, "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall should be put to rest."

The recluse's eyes went dark, and she slumped to the ground, her two female disciples hurriedly catching her, crying out, "Abbess, Abbess—"

"General Lin, General Lin—" From down the mountain, a group of soldiers came rushing, led by Du Xiuyuan. Behind him were several fine horses, pulling two cannons, heading up the mountain.

‘Finally, they have come. I've talked myself dry,’ Lin Wanrong thought, and plopped down on the ground, panting heavily. Du Xiuyuan quickly helped him up, "I apologize for my tardiness, General. Please forgive me."

Lin Wanrong pointed to the distant archway with the words "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" inscribed on it, and yelled angrily, "Brother Du, blast that archway for me."

"At once!" Du Xiuyuan hastily set up the cannons, and the gunners loaded the ammunition. With several thunderous "Boom! Boom!" noises, amid the curling smoke, the noble archway crashed down and collapsed...

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