"You're welcome, sir. Just call me Wuchen." Luo Wuchen waved his hand, not caring about the name. He asked with a hint of curiosity, "I heard from my father that it was you who helped to wipe out the bandits in Luohe Mountain. The plague in Chu City was also successfully resolved with your help. You are a man of great talent and strategy, and you are admired by everyone."
Although the emperor downplayed Situ Yao's contribution to the plague in Chu City, the people in this area all knew his identity. They didn't care what the people above them thought, they only knew that he was their benefactor.
As a result, Situ Yao's status in the hearts of the people became higher, and many people sang his praises. However, this was not a good thing for Situ Yao now.
"I was only able to accomplish those things by relying on others. It's a pity that a world-famous talent from Luoyang has to live in Heyang City." Situ Yao wanted him to take the imperial examination and become an official.
Luo Wuchen smiled and said, "What's wrong with being free and easy like this? Instead of being caught up in the intrigues of the officialdom and doing nothing, it's better to stay here, write and paint every day, and enjoy the pleasures that ordinary people can't enjoy."
"If I remember correctly, Wu Chen once said that he wanted to give the people a peaceful and prosperous world. Have you given up now?" Situ Yao could see the unwillingness and hidden ambition in his eyes.
Luo Wuchen was definitely not uninterested in officialdom; on the contrary, he was extremely ambitious. It was just that something had hidden his ambitions. What was the reason?
"Those were just the arrogant words of my youth. I don't remember them now. Why should you take them seriously, young master?" Luo Wuchen unfolded his fan, carefree and relaxed. "Young master has great talent and strategy. He will surely become a wise ruler in the future. I'd rather live peacefully as a wealthy and idle person."
"How can a wise ruler govern the world without wise ministers to assist him?" asked Situ Yao.
"The court is full of talented people, there are always virtuous ministers. Young master, don't be discouraged." Luo Wuchen fanned himself, his handsome eyes etched with an unbridled and arrogant smile. "I'll give this red plum lantern to you, young lady, as an apology for offending you today."
Situ Yao was a little frustrated that he hadn't been able to keep the person. However, someone like Luo Wuchen couldn't even subdue him, let alone work for Situ Zhao. So, as long as he didn't threaten him in return, it was already a good outcome.
When Situ Yao stood up, he noticed Su Mengyan still staring blankly at the red plum lantern, jealousy boiling in his eyes, "Is this really that beautiful?"
Su Mengyan came back to her senses instantly, pulled Situ Yao and said, "Sir, this is an authentic work of a talented scholar from Luoyang. If I take it back to the capital and sell it, will I make a lot of money?"
"Are you so short of money?" Situ Yao asked.
"Of course, the money that the young master promised to give me is still a long way off. I have to make plans for myself, otherwise I won't even be able to buy a sachet." Su Mengyan didn't want to be short of money again.
"Speaking of sachets, when does Yan'er plan to fulfill her promise?" Situ Yao was still thinking about the sachet she had embroidered herself.
Su Mengyan thought he had forgotten about it after the incident of looking for someone, but she didn't expect him to remind her. She wanted to delay time, so she said, "After returning to the palace, I will find an embroidery lady to learn from."
"I almost forgot, Yan'er can't do needlework." Situ Yao said expectantly, "But as long as it's made by you, I can accept it no matter what."
Su Mengyan was stunned, thinking that Situ Yao was joking, it didn't sound right no matter how she said it, so she started to argue in her mind again.
Su Mengyan hung the red plum lantern in the most conspicuous place, so she could see it as soon as she looked up. As for those who said they wanted to sell it, it was just talk.
That night, Su Mengyan saw Situ Yao standing at her door, staring intently at the lantern. After seeing her approach, he asked, "Does Yan'er really like it so much?"
"It's very beautiful, and look at these red plum blossoms, they are delicate and cold, as if they were infused with souls, a bit aloof, and don't want to compete with other flowers for beauty." Su Mengyan's feelings gave Situ Yao an epiphany, and he could roughly guess why Luo Wuchen hated officialdom.
Given his aloof nature, he likely couldn't stand the behavior of those in the court, which was why he never set foot there. During his peak of fame, he had befriended many high-ranking officials and must have heard a lot of these stories. Furthermore, the current occupant of the throne was aging and prone to biased opinions, making the court tainted with smog. Anyone caught in this vortex would be prepared to pay with their lives.
"What are you thinking about, sir?" Su Mengyan looked at him strangely, because in the previous moment, his expression was very strange, changing every now and then.
"I'm thinking about my wise ministers." Situ Yao said truthfully.
Su Mengyan pondered his words for a while, then quickly realized, "Master, have you convinced Luo Wuchen?"
"I didn't have it just now, but with Yan'er's reminder, I believe it will be done soon." Most of the people around Situ Yao are military generals, and the civil officials are on the side of Concubine Bai. If he has Luo Wuchen's help in the future, it can be said that he will be assisted by God.
Su Mengyan was wondering what she had said to make Situ Yao so happy.
Situ Yao originally planned to look for Luo Wuchen the next day, but something happened in the cell that stopped him.
Situ Zhao's men finally came to break into the prison. After a fierce battle with Situ Yao's personal guards, the two sides were evenly matched.
Situ Zhao's men knew that they could not rescue Lin Huaian today, so they used a trick to run into the cell and kill him.
Afterwards, everyone was arrested. When Situ Yao and others arrived, Lin Huaian was already dead.
Su Mengyan couldn't help feeling a little regretful when she thought of Lin Huaian's distinctive peach blossom eyes.
If he had not followed Situ Zhao, he would have lived a good life and would not have died so miserably.
But on second thought, there was nothing to sympathize with this man. After all, he had killed many people. Moreover, when he was in Luohe Mountain, he almost injured Situ Yao, so his death was not a pity.
Lin Huaian's body was disposed of, and those who were arrested were put in jail again.
However, the guards sent by Situ Zhao were all loyal guards. Knowing that they would not survive, they committed suicide by taking poison in front of everyone.
In this way, Situ Zhao completely destroyed the evidence against Luo Heshan, and even if Situ Yao wanted to expose him, no one would believe him.
A few days later, the matter of Luohe Mountain was completely over, and Situ Yao and his companions were about to set off again to return to Beijing.
In order to thank Situ Yao, the prefect held a farewell party for them.
The governor of Heyang City was always frugal. There was no singing or dancing at the farewell banquet. Just a few people sitting together drinking.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
