Chapter 394: Lin Beifan, Spreading Positive Energy!

Chapter 394: Lin Beifan, Spreading Positive Energy!

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Putting aside the invitation, Lin Beifan retrieved a fine wine from the wine cellar, walking out with a smile on his face. At this moment, in a private room of the restaurant, Yao Zheng, the director of the Imperial Academy, sat side by side with an elderly man.

What was surprising was that Yao Zheng, usually fearless and unyielding, was now remarkably humble and respectful in the presence of this frail old man. Teacher, this time youre returning for good, right? After all, Great Wu is your roots!

The old man chuckled, Naturally, I wont be leaving. After years of wandering, witnessing the splendor of various places in the world, Im still most attached to this place! Perhaps, as one grows older, they yearn to return to their roots. I want to live and die on this piece of land! Haha

Teacher, with your robust health, you can probably live for several more decades. How can you talk about death? Its not at all auspicious! But, Teacher, your decision to stay makes me so happy. I can listen to your teachings anytime! Yao Zheng said with joy, shaking his head, his beard swaying.

Little Zheng, youre an official now. How can you be so impetuous? the old man scolded. If others see you like this, its disgraceful!

Please forgive me, Teacher. I understand, Yao Zheng immediately lowered his head in apology.

Decades have passed, but you havent changed a bit! the old man said with a smile, though not without irritation. But when you meet the Prime Minister later, you must show proper respect. Ive heard that youve caused him trouble more than once. If not for his magnanimity, you would have been dismissed long ago!

Yao Zheng forced a smile. Teacher, I was ignorant in the past. My eyesight was failing, and I thought he was like other corrupt officials. But who knew

Knowing your mistakes is good, the old man said, stroking his beard. By the way, Im really looking forward to meeting this Prime Minister. I wonder what kind of person he is! I really want to see him!

Just then, the door creaked open.

The old man turned to look and saw a young man in splendid attire, exuding an extraordinary aura, walking in with a bottle of wine, smiling. He was taken aback and asked, Young man, did you enter the wrong room?

Lin Beifan glanced at Yao Zheng beside the old man and replied, I dont think I did.

The old man kindly advised, Young man, you should leave quickly. We are preparing to receive an important guest. If you disturb him, it might affect your future

Yao Zheng was sweating profusely. Teacher, you misunderstood. This is the current Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the military, Loyalty and Valor Duke Lin Beifan!

Ah? The old man was almost jaw-dropped.

He hadnt expected that the young man before him was the most powerful man in Great Wu today! Although he knew he was young, he didnt expect him to be this young, even younger than his youngest students. Moreover, the young mans behavior and demeanor were nothing like that of a high-ranking official. When had a high-ranking official pushed the door himself and walked in with a bottle of wine?

So, youre the Prime Minister, the old man said, apologetically. Ive misunderstood, and I apologize.

Lin Beifan smiled and clasped his hands. I see we used to be colleagues. My apologies for any disrespect.

Prime Minister, youre too polite. Im just an ordinary man now, not worthy of such courtesy, the old man humbly replied.

Lin Beifan chuckled. Deserving! If I remember correctly, you were the relentless Yama twenty years ago, standing above the emperor and below the officials, renowned among the people! In the end, disappointed with the court, you resigned and traveled to foreign lands. Your integrity and character are truly admirable!

Lin Beifan grinned.

But then, the two old men suddenly realized something.

No, no, no! Yao Zheng blushed. Prime Minister, we are scholars and high-ranking government officials. How can we engage in such improper and unethical activities?

Old man Luo Guanghai, his face redder than ever, echoed, Yes, yes!

Lin Beifan burst into laughter. I thought you two had aged gracefully!

The two old men gave him a glare; they realized they had been played for fools!

Lin Beifan continued to chat and enjoy the meal. During their conversation, Old man Luo Guanghai was amazed. No matter what he talked about, Lin Beifan could always follow along and provide insightful responses.

You should know that after years of traveling and broadening his horizons, he gained such insights and knowledge. But Lin Beifan, at such a young age, without even leaving Great Wu, knows so much. Its truly remarkable!

No wonder he rose to become the top figure in the court!

I returned this time for two reasons. First, as one gets older, they become attached to their homeland, hoping for a return to their roots. Second, seeing Great Wu prosper and thrive fills my heart with comfort. I hope to serve the court once again with this aging body, and I kindly ask Prime Minister for this opportunity, the old man said sincerely, bowing.

Yao Zheng, who was standing nearby, added, Prime Minister, my teacher has always been loyal to Great Wu, and his abilities are exceptional. He just lacked the right opportunity. I hope you can give him a chance.

Lin Beifan nodded. Ive seen the sincerity and capabilities of the old sir. I will recommend you for an official position and allow you to pursue your ambitions.

The old man waved his hand repeatedly. Entering the court as an official is one thing, but back when I resigned, I considered myself a failure in the courts eyes. Now, they are becoming even stronger, and Im getting older. I wont be able to compete with them, so being an official again doesnt hold much appeal. Besides, it might just harm my health without much gain.

Lin Beifan was puzzled. So, old sir, are you saying

The old man smiled and said, After traveling far and wide for many years, Ive realized how vast the world is, and Ive come to understand my own insignificance. At my age, there are only a few years left, so I simply want to pass on all the knowledge Ive gained in my lifetime, so that everyone can benefit and broaden their horizons. This way, I can rest easy.

Old sir, your sense of righteousness is admirable, Lin Beifan said with deep respect.

The old man waved his hand again, modestly saying, Prime Minister, you overpraise me, and I dont dare to accept it.

Lin Beifan asked, Old sir, what have you learned over these years? Could you share it with me?

Of course, it would be my honor, the old man sighed. Over these years, Ive learned many things, and they are quite different from what we learn from books. Reading ten thousand books is not as useful as traveling ten thousand miles holds true. Some of the knowledge Ive acquired is unconventional, but it is based on facts. If I hadnt seen it with my own eyes, I wouldnt have believed it.

Please, go ahead, Im all ears, Lin Beifan said with a serious expression.

Very well, Ill tell you. Please forgive me if I dont explain it well, the old man said, his face becoming serious. Prime Minister, do you know that the world is actually round?

Lin Beifan: Haha!