Chapter 226 Scare You to Death

Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned as he heard the news. "Where did this come from? Young Master Guo got it through bribery, but where did you, Si De, hear this?" he asked, casting a perplexed glance at Si De. "How did you manage to uncover such important news while you were out looking for boy's urine?"

Si De chuckled ingratiatingly, "This news has long been circulating in Jinling City. As soon as I heard it, I rushed back to inform you and the Young Master. The way I see it, it's better to believe that it's true than to risk overlooking it. You and the Young Master are brilliant, unparalleled talents. With the two of you taking action, won't Miss Luo be easily captured?"

Young Master Guo shook his head earnestly, "I merely intended to exchange knowledge and learn from each other at this gathering. Please don't degrade me with such presumptions."

‘Had this matter really stirred up such a commotion that everyone in Jinling City knew about it? Damn it! Was Luo Ning, that little minx, playing me? Unlikely, she held onto me so tightly when she embraced me. Besides, with my charm, could anyone who fell into my lap run away?’ It was all so confounding.

When something was handed to you, you didn't want it, but when someone took it back, you felt a twinge of desire. Men were such lowly creatures, and Lin Wanrong, being a real man, was no exception. A little annoyed, he quickly found an excuse to console himself. Just as he was about to step out, Xiao Feng came running over, panting heavily. "Brother Lin, Brother Lin, something bad has happened."

"What else has gone wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked irritably. "Brother Xiao Feng, remember not to panic when things happen, as the sage once taught us."

Xiao Feng steadied himself, gasping for breath, "Brother Lin, Commander Cheng has sent troops to arrest people."

"Commander Cheng? Cheng De?" Lin Wanrong was startled, "Arrest who?"

"They're claiming that our Xiao family was involved in a brawl in the city last night and want to take us in for questioning," Xiao Feng hurriedly explained. "Right now, Commander Cheng's son is waiting in the main hall with his men. Our Eldest Miss is currently negotiating with them."

"Commander Cheng's son? Cheng Ruinian? He led the troops here?" Lin Wanrong grunted, asking.

"It's him!" Xiao Feng spat out, "The Eldest Miss asked me to find you, telling you to stay put and let her handle everything. Any issues can be addressed after today."

She's handling it? That silly girl, did she think she could easily shoulder this matter? Dammit, this Cheng Ruinian was clearly looking for trouble. He was in a foul mood today, and he decided to give him a piece of my mind.

"Si De, put down your boy's urine. Brother Xiao Feng, let's go." Si De tossed the boy's urine he held to the ground, and Lin Wanrong grinned wickedly as he led the two toward the main hall.

Young Master Guo hastily dropped his book and sprinted after them, shouting, "Lin San, are you going to fight? I'll come with you, you have to protect me."

‘You are shameless enough, I despise you,’ Lin Wanrong thought, flipping Young Master Guo the bird. He pondered for a moment, then pulled Si De over and whispered some instructions into his ear. Si De nodded repeatedly, "Brother San, you've entrusted the right person with this task. I'll take care of it perfectly." The two broke into hearty laughter.

Long before they had approached the hall, they heard a man's cold laughter echoing. "Miss Xiao, servants of your Xiao family participated in a city brawl last night. This was witnessed firsthand. How can you deny it?"

Eldest Miss Xiao responded, "Young Master Cheng, I have reiterated multiple times. Last night, someone attempted to infiltrate our Xiao family's old mansion and destroy our workshop. The members of the Xiao family defended our property and fought against the thief. Additionally, Miss Tao Wanying, an official of the Jinling Prefecture, was present and witnessed the incident. By all accounts, my Xiao family was simply acting in self-defense. Where is there any mention of a brawl?"

Cheng Ruinian grunted, "So you claim self-defense, and it becomes self-defense? There was a mob fight, and people were maimed. There are eyewitnesses. Your sophistry will not work today. Since Miss Xiao is unwilling to hand over the criminal, I'm afraid I have no choice but to offend you. Come, take Miss Xiao to the Commandant's Yamen."

"Hold on, hold on." Lin Wanrong sauntered into the hall with a cheerful laugh, glancing around. "Oh, so many people. Quite lively, eh?"

Upon seeing him enter, Eldest Miss Xiao's expression tightened. She hurriedly signaled to him, but Lin Wanrong pretended not to notice. He caught sight of Cheng Ruinian, who was strutting about in the Xiao family's grand hall with a dozen of his personal guards.

Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Cheng Ruinan gave a disdainful snort. "Lin San, do you still recognize me?"

"You're standing too close. I can't see clearly." Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, then stepped back to stand beside Eldest Miss Xiao before saying, "This gentleman is quite tall, fierce, and heroic. He looks somewhat familiar. I wonder which family’s uncle he might be?"

"How dare you!" A guard next to Cheng Ruinian barked, "This is the son of Commander-in-Chief Cheng De, Young Master Cheng Ruinian. You're just a lowly servant. What right do you have to speak here? Step aside."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I was wondering why he looked so familiar. It turns out to be Young Master Cheng. My apologies for my lack of recognition. How come I haven't seen you at the Miaoyu Pavilion recently? I was hoping to exchange ideas with you."

Mention of Miaoyu Pavilion stirred up new resentments in Cheng Ruinian. A flash of anger crossed his face, "Lin San, I have no time for idle talk today. The Xiao family was involved in the city brawl last night, and you were the ringleader. Come, take both Lin San and Miss Xiao back to the Yamen."

Lin San appeared shocked, "Brawl? What are you talking about? We are all law-abiding citizens. The incident yesterday was a catastrophe for our Xiao family. Look at our brother here--" Lin Wanrong pointed at Si De. Si De, very cooperative, raised his head, revealing the bruises, "Those thieves broke into our Xiao mansion, smashed whatever they found, and slashed at whoever they met. This brother here almost lost his life. Our Xiao family suffered property damage, our workshop was destroyed, and we lost tens of thousands of taels of silver. We were in despair over our grievances. How can Young Master Cheng mistake us, the victims, for the perpetrators of a brawl? This is an enormous misrepresentation."

Cheng Ruinian laughed coldly, "So you are wronged when accused of brawling, huh? I have an eyewitness. Come, bring the witness--"

As he spoke, a skinny man with a shifty gaze swiftly entered the grand hall. He bowed to Cheng Ruinian, flattering, "I am Chen Xiaosong. It's an honor to meet you, Young Master Cheng."

Cheng Ruinian nodded, saying, "Chen Xiaosong, recount what you saw yesterday in front of everyone. Remember, you must tell the truth."

Before Chen Xiaosong could respond, Si De pointed at him, his fingers trembling. Fury blazed in his eyes. He tried to speak, but anger rendered him speechless. Suddenly, his body shook, and he began to fall backward.

Lin Wanrong, quick as lightning, caught him, exclaiming, "Si De, what's wrong? My good brother, what happened to you? You mustn't die."

"It's him... it's him," Si De managed to gasp out, his face pale as a ghost. He glared at the witness with a look of pure fury, proclaiming loudly, "Brother San, Miss Xiao, it was this man who barged into the Xiao house last night, smashing and stealing. Here, here, and here," Si De gestured to various parts of his body, pain evident in his voice, "all were hit by him. He even slashed me with a knife, nearly taking my life. You heartless beast! After harming the Xiao family and attempting to kill me, I'll fight you to the death!"

A few crocodile tears sprang from Si De's eyes. Lin Wanrong gave a quiet thumbs-up while his face remained a picture of grief. He hurriedly grabbed Si De, comforting him, "Don't worry, brother. We will take care of this murderer. Xiao Feng, go report this to the Jinling Prefectural Government immediately. Say we've identified the robber who barged into the Xiao mansion and injured people with a knife last night. Si De, remember his appearance to describe it to the court artist later, so they can issue a wanted notice. You murderer, you've walked right into hell's gate. Let's see where you can run to now."

Before Chen Xiaosong could speak, he was doused with a bucket of dirty water. Unable to restrain himself, he protested, "You're lying. I didn't kill anyone. It was Brother Long who slashed you. He led the attack last night. I was only keeping a lookout outside. I never set foot in the Xiao mansion."

"Oh—" Lin Wanrong, Si De, Xiao Feng, and Young Master Guo all exclaimed together, "So it was Brother Long who did the slashing, and you were keeping watch. We understand. And where is this Brother Long now?"

"Brother Long is at Young Master Cheng's..." Chen Xiaosong was interrupted by a sudden coughing fit from Cheng Ruinian. Cheng Ruinian glared at Chen Xiaosong, yelling, "Chen Xiaosong, what nonsense are you spouting!"

"Oh, we understand!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, turning to Cheng Ruinian, "Young Master Cheng, we understand. Do you?"

Cheng Ruinian turned an unhealthy shade of green but remained silent. Miss Xiao saw through the situation and looked at Cheng Ruinian with a cold smirk, "Young Master Cheng, is this the witness you brought? How convenient it is that your witness turns out to be the culprit who wreaked havoc in my Xiao house last night, and he admitted it himself. Guards!"

At Miss Xiao's delicate shout, Xiao Feng and Si De promptly responded, "At your service!"

Miss Xiao elegantly pointed her slender finger at Chen Xiaosong, saying, "Arrest this thief and deliver him to Jinling Prefectural Government for investigation."

At this moment, Si De was far from his earlier dispirited state. He was energized and was about to join Xiao Feng and others to rush forward, but Cheng Ruinian interrupted, "Hold on, I dare anyone to try."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Young Master Cheng, I am naturally timid. Please don't scare me."

Miss Xiao raised her delicate eyebrows, her voice stern, "Young Master Cheng, today you brought witnesses to my residence to accuse us, suggesting that the Xiao family was involved in a brawl. However, as everyone witnessed, this man you brought confessed that he was the thief who attacked the Xiao mansion last night. What's wrong with us arresting him? Or, are you intending to shelter him? If you, Young Master Cheng, are covering up for criminals with such fervor, my Xiao family, although weak, will not allow ourselves to be bullied. I'm ready to see the officials with you."

"The right and wrong are convoluted. It's not something that can be explained with a few simple words. The court will decide. You better come with me to my father's yamen and explain everything properly," Cheng Ruinian snorted.

He gave a signal to his personal guards behind him. They immediately lunged forward to seize Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong. Even though Miss Xiao had a thousand reasons, Cheng Ruinian was clearly just stirring up trouble, never allowing her a chance to argue her case. She was both startled and angered, and was about to shout, but Lin Wanrong grabbed her sleeve and offered a reassuring smile.

Xiao Yuruo looked at him and felt a sense of calm. She stopped struggling. As the guards were about to grab the corner of her dress, Lin Wanrong slammed the table and roared, "Cheng Ruinian, you are quite bold!"

This sudden outburst, fueled with his inner strength, sounded like a thunderclap, leaving Cheng Ruinian pale and collapsing into his chair.

"Lin San, what, what are you trying to do?" Seeing Lin Wanrong's cold smile and dismissive gaze, Cheng Ruinian stuttered nervously.

"What am I going to do? I should be asking you what you're trying to do!" Lin Wanrong smirked, "You barged into the Xiao mansion with your soldiers. Are you planning to rebel?"

This accusation was so severe that even a stone statue might be frightened. The few guards, who were about to advance, hastily stopped, looking at each other, no longer daring to take another step.

"Rebel?" In his shock, Cheng Ruinian's heart pounded, and he could no longer sit still. He jumped from his chair, stuttering, "What rebellion? Lin San, you, you, are really bold."

Lin San laughed, "Cheng Ruinian, my dear Young Master Cheng, when I accuse you of rebellion, do you think I'm falsely blaming you?"

Everyone in the hall was frightened into silence. Lin Wanrong's accusation was indeed terrifying. Anyone would be overwhelmed. Cheng Ruinian turned pale and said, "Lin San, don't slander me. Be careful, or I'll take you to court."

Lin Wanrong snorted dismissively, "Going to court? At least you, Young Master Cheng, remember your place and know that you are not an official. In plain words, even though you have a commander as a father, you should remember your own status. You hold no official post and have no achievements. Like me, you are just a commoner."

"Heh, a mere civilian, yet you march in with soldiers who serve the court, trespassing into other's residences, kidnapping, and even committing murder. What's more, the ones you've abducted are no common folk, but descendants of the esteemed Mr. Xiao, a man awarded by the Emperor himself. The Emperor's very own title for Mr. Xiao hangs above the doors of the Xiao residence, revered by countless individuals. Who dares to behave so brazenly in front of his house? Yet, here we are today, Young Master Cheng, you openly defy the Emperor, leading soldiers to attack. Heh, you must've enjoyed killing, blatantly standing against the Emperor. If this isn't treason, then there's no justice in the world! Heh, you've done well, quite arrogant, even more so than myself."

Si De and Xiao Feng broke into cold sweats as they listened to these words. From a small arrest operation, their brother had made such a grand case, implicating Cheng Ruinian in treason; it was indeed an extraordinary talent. The Eldest Miss gave him a glance, sighing internally. Such a gift of the gab was wasted if not employed as a diplomat.

Listening to this, Young Master Guo on the side gave Lin San a thumbs up, "Lin San, you're truly amazing!" Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, considering himself quite the silver-tongued devil.

Cheng Ruinian, breaking into a cold sweat, hadn't expected that coming here to arrest a few people would lead to such an accusation. If his father were to find out about this, it would be disastrous.

"Lin San, you have quite a sharp tongue—" Cheng Ruinian gritted his teeth, "These soldiers are my family, not an army!"

"Family members in armor? Are you raising a private army?" Lin Wanrong's eyes widened in surprise. "That's even worse, Young Master Cheng, seems like you're ready to commit to this path of no return. Alas, may Buddha bless you."

When it came to verbal sparring, who could be a match for Lin San? Cheng Ruinian wiped the sweat from his brow, hurriedly trying to justify himself, "No, no, they are infantrymen; I've only borrowed them temporarily." He was in such a state of panic that his words barely made sense.

"Infantrymen, temporarily borrowed, oh, I see." Lin Wanrong sneered. "Young Master Cheng, let's say, hypothetically, the Xiao family was indeed involved in a brawl, it's not within the jurisdiction of the city's command post to handle, it's a local issue, not military. It should be managed by the local prefecture or governor's office. The city commander's post only governs provincial military matters and cannot interfere with politics. It is under the regulation of the governor to prevent someone from exploiting military power to plot a rebellion. Now, not only have you privately mobilized the infantry, but you've also interfered in local affairs and provoked the imperial might by trespassing the Xiao residence. Tsk tsk, if this news reaches the Ministry of War, the censor, and the Emperor's ears—Ah, these are all grievous offenses, Young Master Cheng. I must say, your ambition might be a tad too grand."

Lin Wanrong lamented, showing a sympathetic face, and patted Cheng Ruinian on the shoulder. "Brother Cheng, my condolences."

Darn it, he would scare him to death if need be. Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly; it was satisfying to dump all the blame on someone else. While physically eliminating an enemy was gratifying, destroying an enemy mentally was the highest realm, a direction he was moving towards. However, today's incident was indeed strange. Given the cunning nature of Cheng De, why would he send his son to make a fool of himself? It was likely that this Cheng lad had secretly slipped away from his father to stir trouble.

Cheng Ruinian was as pale as a sheet, unable to utter a single word. He was an inept fool, not even comparable to Tao Dongcheng, who had been stripped of his power. Lin Wanrong had seen through him that day at Miaoyu Pavilion when he was vying for the attention of Qin Xian'er out of jealousy.

The Eldest Miss gently tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "You're always good at fabricating reasons, and they sound rather terrifying."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, it's not about scaring people. The struggle within the court is thousands of times more intense than this. Take today's matter, for instance. To us, it seems like a trivial issue of the Cheng lad arbitrarily arresting people. But if it falls into the hands of scheming old foxes, they would magnify this incident infinitely, raising it to a matter of national and ethnic importance. Just as I had explained earlier, once the report is submitted, a seemingly simple issue becomes serious. The Emperor would read of private military mobilization, interference in government affairs, and contempt for imperial power. Goodness, aren't those allegations serious when combined? I tell you, most of the impeaching memorandums the Emperor sees are like this. Therefore, deceiving the Emperor is the easiest thing."

The Eldest Miss covered her lips and chuckled, her cheeks flushed, eyes filled with softness. She softly said, "You say others are old foxes, but I see you as an unmistakable little fox. If you decide to deceive the Emperor, nobody could beat you at that."

The Eldest Miss looked incredibly alluring. Lin Wanrong's heart pounded wildly. If he was a little fox, she was a seductive little fox spirit, and her sisters were no less fox-like.

"What are you gawking at?" The Eldest Miss blushed and scolded him lightly, lowering her voice, "You're not afraid others will see."

"Heh, deceiving the Emperor doesn't interest me. I'm more into fooling princesses and concubines," Lin Wanrong teased.

The Eldest Miss's face changed, her alluring aura gone, and she turned away, saying, "You vulgar man, I won't talk to you anymore."

This girl, her mood changed faster than flipping a book. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. While he and the Eldest Miss bantered, Cheng Ruinian stood awkwardly nearby, unsure whether to stay or leave.

‘What, are you expecting me to invite you for lunch?’ Lin Wanrong was about to urge Cheng Ruinian to scram when suddenly, there was a clamor of gongs and drums outside the mansion. A servant rushed in, his face filled with joy, and shouted, "Miss, Brother San, great joy, great joy!"

The Eldest Miss's face, which had just returned to normal, was immediately flushed again. She chastised the servant, "You know not how to speak; who's joyful with him?"

Lin Wanrong laughed awkwardly, "What great joy? The time for great joy hasn't arrived yet."

The servant, panting heavily, said, "Brother San, it's a grand celebration. Both the Prefect and the Governor have come together to bestow a farewell upon our Xiao family."

"A farewell?" Lin Wanrong kicked him on the backside, laughing, "What bestow a farewell? Be clear next time, it's bestow a plaque." [TL: Homonym words]

"Right, right, bestow a plaque, bestow a plaque!" The servant quickly corrected himself.

The Eldest Miss looked at Lin Wanrong in confusion, and talked to herself as if asking him, "Why would the Prefect and the Governor bestow a plaque on us?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If someone doesn’t talk to me, even if I know, I wouldn't tell her."

The Eldest Miss huffed, about to retort when the sound of drums and music filled the courtyard, announcing the arrival of a group of visitors. Leading the procession from the Governor's Mansion was Luo Min's messenger, whom he had met at the opening of Food for Immortals, and standing next to him was the grinning Luo Yuan, who was making a bow towards Lin Wanrong.

The one leading from Jinling Prefect was a young miss, followed by a group of officials. Recognizing a few of them, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but laugh. Weren't these the very men he had fought with in Hangzhou that morning? Why had they willingly come to his door today? The young miss, bearing the surname Tao, gave Lin Wanrong a slight smile, a touch of blush gracing her features.

Oh dear, why was this Tao girl here again? Didn't they finish their conversation yesterday? Before Lin Wanrong could finish his thought, he heard the Eldest Miss ask, "Wanying, what's going on?"

Tao Wanying responded with a smile, "Yuruo, no need to ask just yet. Prepare to receive the plaque."

[TL: A plague here is a type of signboard, often rectangular and made of wood, that is typically inscribed with calligraphy. These plaques are often hung in places of honor, such as above the door of a home or business.]