"Big... Big Brother, can you stop smiling like that?
It really unnerves me."
Yan Tinghao rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and shuffled several steps away.
Lin Qingge, however, chuckled and signaled for everyone to return and rest. She then called Hua Jinrong over for a private word.
With Leng Ningyue accompanying them the whole way, the three of them schemed in the room for a good while.
Before leaving, Hua Jinrong couldn't help but stand at the doorway and bow to the person inside who was always all talk and no action:
"Brother Lin, your intelligence and strategies truly impress me. I'm increasingly curious about what exactly is inside your skull~"
Leng Ningyue, seated at the table, shot him a withering glance, and Hua Jinrong then sheepishly fell silent.
At dinner.
Lin Qingge reassured everyone not to worry about the first round of the competition, stating she had a way for all of them to pass tomorrow.
The group exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. Yet, none of them harbored even a shred of doubt about Lord Lin's words.
After all, those present had, to varying degrees, experienced Lord Lin's methods.
Meanwhile, other participants of the martial arts gathering were seen returning elderly grandmothers who had been sunning themselves outside to their homes, fetching water and chopping firewood for widows, sending illegitimate children back to their ancestral homes, and even gifting their own money to those less fortunate.
In short, the villages and counties near Wolong Mountain Villa were a picture of prosperity, where no one picked up what was dropped and doors remained unlocked at night.
In stark contrast, the courtyard where Lin Qingge and her group resided seemed as peaceful and idyllic as an untouched paradise.
With rare downtime, Lin Qingge finally had the chance to focus her attention on Lin Zimo, whom she had neglected since taking charge.
She immediately began planning for Lin Zimo's education: in the morning, studying the Four Books and Five Classics with Murong Bai; in the afternoon, learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from Xu Siyun; and in the morning and evening, receiving martial arts training from Ling Han and Yan Tinghao respectively.
As for Lin Qingge herself, she reclined on a chaise lounge when tired, drank red date water when thirsty, and nibbled on fruits, pastries, and seeds when bored. Occasionally, she would cast a glance at the diligent young scholar.
Lin Zimo, feeling utterly exhausted: ...
Around noon the next day.
Lin Qingge led everyone grandly to the front of the Wolong Hall. She gave Hua Jinrong a meaningful look, and the latter pulled a densely written list of names from his sleeve.
"This is...?"
The martial arts elders responsible for judging exchanged bewildered glances.
"Good noon to all esteemed seniors and heroes. This list comprises what we juniors consider the most virtuous deeds.
The names on the list are all individuals who have had past dealings with the authorities. These people have committed various crimes, from rape and robbery to arson and murder.
Since they have all conveniently gathered at Wolong Mountain Villa, as a righteous江湖 (jianghu) individual who abhors evil, I naturally intend to report them to the authorities and apprehend them all!"
???
Those with and without official records fell silent: ...
After a deathly stillness, one of the Shaolin monks among the judges was the first to speak:
"Amitabha, young hero, that joke of yours is not funny at all."
"Master, you monks do not speak falsehoods, and I would not dare to speak carelessly in your presence."
As soon as Lin Qingge finished speaking, a disciple rushed in from outside, "Re-report, report to the Villa Master, there are many, many soldiers outside the mountain villa!"
"How can you be so flustered!
Speak, what is happening?"
"Reporting to the Villa Master, a troop of soldiers has arrived at the entrance. They claim our Wolong Mountain Villa is harboring fugitives of the court and wish to search and apprehend them!"
Long Xiaotian's gaze turned cold upon hearing this. He glanced at the instigator before striding out.
After Long Xiaotian left with the disciple, Lin Qingge cheerfully approached the judges, "Esteemed seniors and heroes, can we be considered qualified?"
The martial arts elders, utterly bewildered and finding the situation preposterous beyond belief, stared at each other for a long while.
Finally, the Shaolin monk who had spoken earlier sighed heavily, "Amitabha, very well, let's consider the young hero as having passed."
"Master Huichong!"
The only woman among the judges called out reproachfully. The Shaolin monk, addressed as 'Huichong,' shook his head and whispered in a voice only a few could hear:
"Amitabha.
Sect Leader Leng, this young hero has even alarmed the authorities. If we do not allow them to pass, firstly, it would make us seem as though we dare to question the government's decisions, easily inviting trouble upon ourselves. Secondly, it is difficult to guarantee that they won't resort to even more outrageous actions if rejected.
Therefore, for both practical and ethical reasons, it is better to pass them.
After all, there are three rounds in total, and this is only the first."
"Since Master Huichong has said so, let it be done."
The woman pouted and said no more.
"Amitabha, young hero, please write your name on this register of those who have passed."
"Certainly."
Lin Qingge picked up the brush and began writing rapidly. Master Huichong's lips twitched, unable to remain calm:
"Amitabha, young hero, I asked you to write your name, not to write everyone else's name as well."
"Master, you are unaware of this matter.
This wanted list from the authorities was not the work of just one person, but the result of our collective efforts. Each person is indispensable.
Therefore, I believe we should all be considered as having passed.
After all, collaborating with like-minded individuals to jointly punish evil and promote good should also be considered a part of virtue."
"Amitabha!"
Tongue-tied and completely unable to argue, Master Huichong could only close his eyes and chant Buddha's name.
With no one to object, Lin Qingge's writing became even more enthusiastic. She even included Lin Zimo's name along the way.
If not for the fact that Xiao Cao hadn't come along, and she might not be able to find her when verifying names later, she would have added Xiao Cao's name as well.
Having finished, Lin Qingge pulled Hua Jinrong into a secluded corner, "What's the deal with that soldier?"
Hua Jinrong, being the well-informed one in the martial arts world, found it effortless to obtain the list of participants for the martial arts gathering and then pick out those with official records.
She had indeed instructed Hua Jinrong to send people to the nearby county to send a few constables as a formality.
However, she hadn't expected soldiers to arrive!
Where did these soldiers come from?
A mere county town shouldn't have soldiers stationed there...
Hua Jinrong, who was being questioned, pondered for a moment and carefully stated:
"Brother Lin, if I were to say that the magistrate of Suileng County, where Wolong Mountain Villa is located, is actually a subordinate of Prince Wucheng of Yingtian Prefecture, or has close ties with the Northeast Military Camp, what would you do?"
Lin Qingge processed Hua Jinrong's words in her mind, her eyes widening:
"You mean, those soldiers were sent by Prince Wucheng?"