Finest Servant

Chapter 338 The Number One Talent Under Heaven

"This question has been answered correctly by Lord Lin. Lord Ashile, do you have any objections?" Ashile shook his head in defeat, and the young palace maid Cuiyun smiled and said again, "Lord Lin has answered three questions in succession, the Goryeo prince and the Turkic envoy have each answered one. Without comparing the last question, we already know who the winner is."

"We must compare, we must compare," loudly declared Lu Dongzan. "Lord Lin's talent is unparalleled. We all want to see how he solves the four riddles posed by Princess Nishang. This last one will make us wholeheartedly accept the result. Lord Lin, what do you say?"

This Lu Dongzan, being a Turk, possessed a hearty and candid disposition. Had the two nations not been at odds, becoming friends with him might have been pleasant. Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "Brother Lu, you flatter me. The riddles posed by the Princess are something I just stumbled upon and answered. They are not deserving of true praise."

"Lord Lin, I implore you to answer the last riddle as well," said Palace Lady Seo with a sad expression. "Witnessing the remarkable deeds of a remarkable person is something we all eagerly await."

Seeing so many people looking at him with excitement, Lin Wanrong knew that he had no choice but to answer. He smiled bitterly and looked at Cuiyun, saying, "Sister Palace Maid, please pose the last riddle."

Cuiyun smiled and said, "During this Princess's selection for a consort, the first three riddles were all predetermined. Only the last one was personally devised by the Princess. And the Princess will not pose this riddle arbitrarily; only if she is satisfied with the talented young man who has answered correctly, will she present another riddle. Currently, there has been no decree from the Princess, and I do not know if there will be this fourth riddle. Please wait patiently for a moment."

So that was the case! Lin Wanrong was suddenly covered in sweat. It turned out that the riddles were not casually posed, and even if you wanted to answer these strange questions, you might not have the opportunity. You must catch the eye of the Princess, only then will she grant you the favor of posing a riddle.

Whispers spread through the crowd. If the Princess posed a riddle, it would mean that she was satisfied with Lord Lin, and he was sure to become the Prince Consort of Great Hua, his value greatly increased. But would the Princess pose a question? What would it be? Everyone was waiting for that moment to come.

The Goryeo prince and the Turkic envoy had already lost their chance, and both sides were disheartened and despondent. Out of jealousy, they naturally did not wish Lord Lin to become the Prince Consort. Seeing the curtain on the embroidered tower hanging still for a long time, both sides became hopeful again. If the Princess was dissatisfied with Lord Lin, did that mean they still had a chance?

Time ticked by, and Lin Wanrong, who had been calm and confident, became increasingly restless. Was Qingxuan really behind all this? If it was truly her, she must have already known of his presence, so why was she still so calm and composed? ‘Oh God, don't toy with me!’

Everyone waited for a while, seeing no one emerge, and they all thought that Princess Nishang was dissatisfied with Lord Lin. Sighs of regret filled the air, as they lamented for this rising talent of Great Hua.

Amid the whispers, suddenly the hanging curtain was lifted. A pretty little maid rushed out, handing Cuiyun a small note and whispering something in her ear, before turning and retreating.

Cuiyun smiled faintly, her voice soft and delicate, “I apologize for the long wait. The princess has set the question—”

"Good!" A wave of excitement swept through the crowd. At last, Princess Nishang had shown her discerning eye. Where else could they find such an exceptional talent like Lord Lin? If not him for a Prince Consort, then who else could it be?

Lin Wanrong wiped a bead of cold sweat. This princess was indeed one to torment others, playing such a hand at the last moment. ‘If it truly is Qingxuan,’ he thought, ‘I will definitely spank her little bottom.’

"Lord Lin, the last question from Princess Nishang is specially designed for you. Please listen carefully." Cuiyun's words once again whetted everyone's appetite. Everyone, including Lin Wanrong, focused intently on the question the princess had crafted just for him, curious about what strange novelty it could be.

Cuiyun slowly unfolded the slip of paper, reading it aloud in a gentle voice, "Lord Lin, may I ask, during your time in the hideout of the White Lotus Cult in Dangtu County, you were captured by bandits and then rescued by others. Who is the person you find most unforgettable?"

What kind of question was this? The sudden and seemingly disconnected statement left everyone puzzled. It was entirely different from the previous three questions, which had been a battle of wits. It seemed to be a question exclusively designed for Lord Lin, based on his past. It appeared much simpler than an intellectual duel, and it was thought that Lord Lin would surely answer correctly, becoming the beloved Prince Consort of the Great Huá Emperor without a hitch.

Yet, Lin Wanrong was unable to conceal his astonishment and excitement, leaping up and shouting, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, is it you?"

Silence reigned in the upstairs chamber, with no one answering his question. The incident of being captured and rescued by the White Lotus Cult was known to only a few; who else but Qingxuan could be so familiar with him to ask such a question? Qingxuan was indeed Princess Nishang; he thought triumphantly, ‘I've made it!’

"My lord, have you thought it over?" Cuiyun asked, smiling at Lord Lin's sudden outburst.

"Two people saved me in that time of danger, but the most unforgettable one is naturally Qingxuan—" Lin Wanrong answered confidently.

The crowd was left in a state of confusion, and silence fell once again in the chamber above. Suddenly, a soft snort was heard, "If you miss her so much, go find her then, and don't seek me. Cuiyun, back to the palace—"

That voice? Lin Wanrong was so startled that he jumped a yard high. It didn't sound like Qingxuan; it seemed somewhat like Xian'er?

"Xian'er, Xian'er, is it you?" Lin Wanrong yelled.

Standing on the elevated platform, the maid Cuiyun gave a bitter smile before retreating behind the curtains. From above, there was the sound of angry footsteps, and the guards before the princess's palanquin began to move slowly toward the palace gate.

"It's not me; go find your Qingxuan, hmph!" A familiar slender figure emerged from the building, stepping into the palanquin, her voice filled with hurt and bitterness.

Lord Lin's mind short-circuited. Princess Nishang—Princess Nishang!! It was his darling Xian'er!! How could this be? No wonder Sister An said Xian'er had gone on a secret mission and that there would be a big surprise. It truly was a huge surprise! It nearly took his life to admit before so many people that Qingxuan was the most unforgettable, every word falling into the ears of his jealous young wife. She was now the princess of Great Huá; it would be strange if she didn't flare up.

By the time Lin Wanrong had come to his senses, Princess Nishang's carriage had already traveled quite a distance, with one foot of the small palanquin almost stepping into the palace gate. In a desperate hurry, Lin Wanrong chased after, shouting loudly, "Xian'er, Xian'er, don't go!"

With a tremendous bang, the enormous palace gate closed, almost smashing Lin Wanrong's nose as he rushed toward it.

He touched his nose resentfully, pounding on the door ring, cursing under his breath, "What in the world is happening? In seeking one wife, I've offended another. If anyone's to talk about bad luck, who in the world can compare to me? And this girl Xian'er, she could have been a princess but chose to become a popular courtesan, and she loves being jealous so much. Ah, now I'm in trouble."

The situation in the field had suddenly changed. Originally, the princess had already posed a question, and it was an extremely simple and unrelated one. How had Lin Wanrong managed to annoy the princess, causing her to leave in a huff? It seemed that he would not be able to become prince consort after all. What a classic example of failing at the last step! Those present were all sighing and shaking their heads, except for the previously disappointed Yi Seung-Jae and the Turkic envoy, who were secretly pleased. If the princess was unhappy with Lin Wanrong, they might still have a chance. The scene was truly filled with unexpected twists and dramatic changes!

Seeing Lin Wanrong's dejected appearance, the Emperor was not worried but pleased, laughing heartily, "Today has indeed been interesting, Gaoping, summon Lin San, the Goryeo, and Turkic envoys to the hall."

Lin Wanrong fretted for a moment but soon saw Eunuch Gao coming hurriedly, respectfully saying, "Lord Lin, His Majesty has summoned you. Come quickly!"

Putting aside his doubts about Xian'er's identity, he followed Gaoping into the golden hall, where he saw Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile and others had already arrived. Xu Wei's eyes were smiling, and he was nodding slightly at Lord Lin, looking very satisfied.

Lin Wanrong knew his situation well. He had made a complete mess of the princess's marriage proposal, failing at the last step. He didn't know how the jealous little Xian'er would torment him. Old Xu knew nothing of the situation, still thinking Lord Lin had gained a significant advantage.

"Today's Princess Nishang's marriage proposal has concluded, with both Goryeo and Turk showing great restraint and dignity," the Emperor said with a smile.

Yi Seung-Jae hurriedly bowed, "Your Majesty is too kind. It was our lack of preparation that caused us to miss the opportunity with the princess. I feel a great regret. However, since Princess Nishang has not chosen a consort, I believe there is still a chance."

"That's exactly right," the Turkic envoy Ashile added. "The princess has not chosen a consort, so we Turk also have a chance."

The Emperor laughed loudly, "You are both mistaken. Princess Nishang personally posed the test questions, and it was fair and just. Both of your countries answered only one question correctly and have no chance to participate in further testing. Even if the princess has not chosen a consort, she will not choose between you two. If everyone asked for a second chance like you, would not Princess Nishang never be married, and the marriage proposal event go on every day?"

Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile were left speechless. As the Emperor said, the opportunity was equal; they just had not grasped it. They could blame no one else.

"Where is Lin San?" The Emperor suddenly thundered with authority.

"Your humble servant is here." Lin Wanrong lazily replied with a fist salute, his mood clearly not very elevated.

The Emperor laughed and said, "Do not be overly concerned with temporary gains and losses. From what I have seen of your performance today, it was unexpected, both brave and strategic. You were able to compete with the two envoys from Goryeo and the Turkic Khaganate, showing the demeanor of a national scholar. I am very pleased."

What was this "compete with the two envoys from Goryeo and the Turkic Khaganate?" Everyone understood that the Emperor was saying this purely to save face for Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile in the Golden Hall.

"Lin San is widely learned, outstandingly talented, and has won honor for our Great Hua. We have all witnessed it. Previously, he had commanded troops in Shandong for Xu Wei, personally capturing the rebel king Lu Kanli, bombarding the White Lotus Holy Mother, and occupying Jining City. His merits are immense. How can such a statesman be wasted among the common people? Where is Ye Shuqing, the Minister of Personnel?" The Emperor's voice boomed loudly.

"Your humble servant is here!" An old man with a flushed face quickly stepped forward.

"Minister Ye, you manage the Ministry of Personnel. Now, look for me, are there any vacancies recently? Lin San is a scholar of our Great Hua and must be put to good use." The Emperor smiled.

Prince Cheng's eyes flashed sharply, and he gave Ye Shuqing a look. Ye Shuqing understood immediately and hastily saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, the positions arranged by the Ministry of Personnel are almost full. However, there are still idle positions in various localities."

The Emperor chuckled and said, "He came from Jinling and once commanded troops in Shandong. He is from the localities. Why would you send him back there? Oh, I remember now, the former Vice Minister of Personnel, Tong Yuan, has retired, leaving a vacancy in the Ministry — Lin San, I hereby promote you to be a Scholar of the Hall of Literary Brilliance and hold the title of Vice Minister of Personnel. Do you accept?"

"Your Majesty!" Ye Shuqing exclaimed in alarm. "The responsibilities of the Ministry of Personnel are significant, and the Vice Minister directly assists me. Although Mr. Lin is widely learned and talented, he is still young and has never had any experience in office. Even the newly crowned top scholar, Mr. Su Mubai, has not yet entered the departmental examination. Promoting Mr. Lin too high all at once may cause resentment. Please, Your Majesty, think it over!"

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Minister Ye brought up Top Scholar Su, using Su Mubai as an example to prevent the Emperor from promoting Lin San. Top Scholar Su, though holding an honorary position, had not yet entered any of the Six Ministries. Seeing the Emperor favoring Lin San so much, he went pale and lowered his head, saying nothing.

"There are always exceptions to everything. I have spoken of Lin San's merits; who in the court can deny them? Su Mubai earned his top scholar status through true talent, so I promoted him to the Pavilion of the Source of Literature. Lin San's triumph over Goryeo and the Turkic Khaganate is no false achievement. Advancing him to Hall of Literary Brilliance is what everyone expects. Moreover, he has made tremendous contributions in Shandong. Who would resent him becoming Vice Minister of Personnel? As for his being young, my dear ministers, have you forgotten that when the late Emperor was alive, my brother Prince Cheng took charge of the Ministry in his early twenties? What is wrong with that?" The Emperor's eyes flashed, and his words struck like heavy hammers, resounding in the hearts of all.

Prince Cheng was a divine scion, a son and grandson of Emperors, who had taken over the Ministry of Personnel at a little over twenty years old. No one dared to utter a word of dissent. But now, the Emperor was equating Lin San, who was presently in servitude to the Xiao family as a mere household servant, with Prince Cheng. What did this all mean? Don't forget, Lin San had no qualifications to be compared with Prince Cheng.

"Master Xu, what does this Vice Minister of Personnel do?" Seeing that Ye Shuqing's face had turned pale, looking as though he was at death's door, Lin Wanrong pulled Xu Wei aside and asked quietly.

"The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the examination, promotion, and transfer of all officials in the country. It is a critical part of the imperial court. The Vice Minister assists the Minister, holding a high rank with even greater authority. The former Vice Minister, Tong Yuan, has retired, so although you are a deputy, you will actually be holding a principal position. Little brother Lin, you have ascended to the heavens in a single step," Xu Wei said with a gentle smile.

So this was equivalent to being the Deputy Director of Human Resources, a position of real power! Lin Wanrong couldn't help but think: ‘The Emperor has bestowed such a great gift upon me, should I accept it or not?’

"A mere Vice Minister of Personnel, why has it made this Mr. Ye look as if he's lost his own mother? His face has even changed color," Lin Wanrong replied.

‘Little brother Lin still lacks understanding of the bureaucratic world,’ Xu Wei thought, holding back his laughter. He said, "Little brother Lin, although there is a three-grade difference between you and Mr. Ye, in reality, you are only one level apart. And since you were personally promoted by the Emperor, whose grace is as boundless as the sky, who knows when he might replace Mr. Ye with you? How could Mr. Ye not consider his own position? Even more importantly, the Ministry of Personnel has always been held by Prince Cheng's confidants. Now the Emperor has forcibly inserted you. Just think, how would you feel if someone drove a nail right into the center of your heart?"

Cold sweat! So there were so many underlying factors. The Emperor wanted Lin San to be a pawn in his battle against Prince Cheng. Could Lin San really be so foolish?

Before Ye Shuqing could say anything further, the Emperor's expression changed, and he snorted, "My mind is made up, Minister Ye, say no more. Come, draft the decree—"

"Wait, wait a moment." Lin Wanrong cheerfully stepped forward, bowing his fist, "Your Majesty, thank you for your profound favor. But I too think that Mr. Ye makes sense. I am merely a lowly servant in the Xiao family, utterly ignorant of state affairs and politics. Your Majesty's esteem for me truly makes me ashamed. I have been living well and happily with the Xiao family. Please, Your Majesty, allow me to return to the Xiao household and continue to be a content little servant. I will be perfectly satisfied."

Xu Wei's eyes nearly rolled back into his head. Had this boy's wits been addled by the duel of intellects, abandoning the post of Vice Minister of Personnel within his grasp to return to the Xiao family as a mere servant? What enchanting potion had the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family given him?

"Lord Lin's noble character is like that of a great general; the Emperor's discerning eye recognizes the gold within. This servant admires it greatly," Prince Cheng, his eyes gleaming, suddenly interjected.

The Emperor glanced at Prince Cheng, a trace of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "What Prince Cheng says is not wrong; Lin San is indeed extraordinary. Since he wishes to remain with the Xiao family, then he shall continue to do so. However, possessing such talent and not using it for the nation would be a grave mistake, a waste, to put it bluntly. Lin San, you may return to the Xiao family, but you must also handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. Since you hold such a light regard for fame and fortune, there's no need for you to enter the Hall of Literary Brilliance. Lin San, heed my decree—"

"Your Majesty, your humble subject is listening!" Lin Wanrong hastily responded, bowing his fist.

"You have achieved great military success and brought glory to the nation; I hereby promote you to Vice Minister of Personnel and bestow upon you a residence. Considering you have duties to attend to in the Xiao family, I specially permit you to be excused from attending morning court," the Emperor said, suppressing a smile.

The officials were taken aback, their hearts filled with apprehension. What duties could Lin San, a mere household servant in the Xiao family, possibly have that could compare to affairs of state? The Emperor's treatment of him was filled with deep affection and loyalty.

A position as Vice Minister of Personnel was of little interest to Lin Wanrong; it was the bestowed residence that was truly advantageous.

"Furthermore, to facilitate your future actions, I will bestow upon you a few more characters," the Emperor said, smiling at Lin San, as Gao Ping quickly brought forward the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

‘Bestowing characters? How trivial! Gold would be more proper,’ thought Lin San, the newly appointed Vice Minister, somewhat naïvely. A character bestowed by the Emperor was a grace beyond measure, worth more than ten thousand taels of gold. With the Emperor's inscription, what riches could not be obtained?

Seeing Lin San's nonchalant attitude, Xu Wei couldn't help but pull him aside, whispering, "Little brother Lin, the Emperor is truly sparing no effort for you, even outdoing the Top Scholar Su."

‘Nonsense! Before, I might not have known, but now I understand. Xian'er is my wife, and also the Emperor's daughter. My relationship with him is that of a genuine son-in-law and father-in-law. If he's not good to me, would he rather be good to that pretty boy Su Mubai?’

Silence filled the grand hall. The Eunuch Gao prepared the paper, and the Emperor dipped his golden brush into the cinnabar ink. After a moment of contemplation, the brush flew across the paper, leaving behind a splendid inscription.

"Lin San, though you are but a humble household servant, you must not belittle yourself because of your status. Remember, the founder Emperor of the Great Hua Dynasty, in former years, was also a cowherd. Yet, he became a heroic figure praised by all for his talents and strategies," the Emperor said, looking gravely at Lin San.

‘Of all you've said, this sentence sounds the best.’ Lin Wanrong sincerely replied, "Your Majesty, thank you."

With a wave of the Emperor's hand, Eunuch Gao gently folded the imperial edict with the Emperor's personal cinnabar inscription and handed it to Lin Wanrong. Lord Lin took it with both hands, and the Emperor looked at him, smiling, "Hang these characters on the gate of your residence, and from now on, I dare assure you, no one will dare to bully the Xiao family again, nor will anyone dare to bully you."

Was he bragging? What was so powerful about a few characters? Lin Wanrong took the jade plate with both hands, calculating inwardly.

"Little brother Lin, little brother Lin." Xu Wei caught hold of him, kindly reminding, "Upon receiving the Emperor's inscription, you must open it on the spot to share with others, as a way to express gratitude for the Emperor's vast grace."

Rules were indeed plentiful. Lin Wanrong quickly held the Emperor's calligraphy in his hands, unfolded the scroll, and swept it lightly with his eyes. Suddenly, his eyes flashed with golden light, his mouth gaping open, unable to close, as he was struck dumb.

The Emperor smiled in silence, deeply satisfied with the effect that had so astonished this fearless and audacious fellow. Seeing Lord Lin's reaction, Xu Wei hurriedly rushed over with Gao Ping, each taking an end to help Lin San slowly unfold the calligraphy.

Everyone looked up and, with just one glance, was stunned along with Lin San!

There on the paper, shimmering with golden light, were five characters written in the style of dragons flying and phoenixes dancing— "The First Talent Under Heaven!"

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