Moma Liangshan

Chapter 164 Kong Jian's Probing, Visiting the Lin Residence

As the wealthiest family in Quanzhou, the Lin family naturally possessed excellent information channels and couldn't possibly be unaware of a political newcomer like Wang Hao. Wang Hao's actions were characterized by a very distinct personal style, one of which was his unwavering determination. When Lin Wei, the head of the Lin family, received the invitation, he understood that Wang Hao had come from afar, determined to achieve his goal. If the Lin family refused, it was difficult to predict whether Wang Hao, given his youthful impetuosity, would resort to any means necessary. Lin Wei even tried to reassure himself: "Although Wang Hao is young, he is well-versed in business, and judging from his past actions, he has always been fair in his dealings. If the Lin family cooperates with him, as long as we do our best, we should be able to reap the rewards!" Lin Wei didn't tell his son, Lin Yi, all of this, otherwise, given Lin Yi's personality, he might change his opinion of Wang Hao, believing him to be a bully who abuses his power, which would be truly difficult to handle!

Lin Yi sent someone to inform Wang Hao two hours in advance, along with his reply. Wang Hao, holding Lin Yi's reply, said, "The Lin family head has agreed to our visit. It will be tonight at the Lin residence." Yang Zhi said, "This Lin family head is quite straightforward. We presented our visiting cards this morning, and he invited us to his residence tonight!" Wang Hao smiled slightly and said, "This second young master Lin's reply is even more interesting; he actually expresses a longing for Jiaozhou!" Just then, the street outside the post station began to bustle with activity. Someone was banging a gong and shouting, "The Lin family has distinguished guests arriving tonight! All neighbors, please cooperate in cleaning the streets!" Wang Hao said, "The Lin family's so-called distinguished guest must be me, right?" Yang Zhi said, "Paving the ground with yellow earth and sprinkling clean water—that's indeed the kind of treatment reserved for distinguished guests!" Wang Hao said, "Could it be that the Lin family is deliberately trying to curry favor?" Yang Zhi frowned and said, "The truth will be revealed tonight!"

Kong Jian had already sent spies to monitor the Lin family's every move. When he received news that the Lin family was preparing a grand welcome for Wang Hao, he was still quite surprised. He said to the shop assistant beside him, "Kong Er, what do you think the Lin family's purpose is in making such arrangements?" The shop assistant replied, "Wang Hao is both an official and a businessman. Cooperating with him is not only profitable, but also provides an additional backer. The Lin family members are all shrewd; how could they not understand this?" Kong Jian was still puzzled and said, "But paving the ground with yellow earth and sprinkling water on the streets is still a bit too extravagant!" The shop assistant said, "The Lin family are maritime merchants, and Quanzhou Port is their lifeline. But Wang Hao is not only the magistrate of Laoshan County, but also the Maritime Trade Commissioner of Jiaozhou. By attaching themselves to Wang Hao, the Lin family unintentionally gains an extra escape route!"

Kong Jian suddenly had an idea and asked, "In your opinion, what is the relationship between Fang Sheng Gong and Wang Hao?" Kong Er frowned and replied after a long pause, "Young Master Fang donated over a million strings of cash to the auction of the Eight Immortals Wine shares, so it seems to me that there must be some connection between Fang Sheng Gong and Wang Hao!" Kong Jian shook his head and said, "Wang Hao is not only a favorite of the emperor but also the future son-in-law of the emperor. It's impossible for Wang Hao to be involved in a rebellion!" Kong Er shook his head and said, "But Fang Sheng Gong hasn't rebelled yet!" Kong Jian thought Kong Er had hit the nail on the head and said, "Let's get on Wang Hao's good side before Fang Sheng Gong starts his rebellion. That way, if things don't go well in the future, we can at least have a way out!" Kong Er hadn't expected Kong Jian to have this idea and said, "If the sect leader finds out about this, things will definitely not end well!" Kong Jian sneered and said: "With Wang Hao gone from Fujian, there are at least two things that must be done: First, what kind of deal did the Lin family make with Wang Hao? Second, how will Young Master Fang react after learning that Wang Hao is in Quanzhou!" Kong Er roughly understood Kong Jian's intentions and said, "The leader wants to..." Before he could finish, Kong Jian nodded and said, "As long as Master Fang or Young Master Fang dares to contact Wang Hao in private, then they can't blame me for doing the opposite. Even if the sect leader finds out, he'll only praise us for our foresight!" Kong Er thought this made sense and said, "Don't worry, leader, I'll immediately tell Third Brother to keep a close eye on Young Master Fang. As for the Lin family, I'll take care of them personally!" Kong Jian nodded and said, "Now that things have come to this, all the brothers in our Quanzhou branch must work together. Otherwise, the slightest mistake will mean we'll all be going to meet our maker!"

As evening fell, the Lin family's carriages finally arrived, and there were three of them. Warhorses were scarce in the Song Dynasty, and although the Lin family was the richest family in Quanzhou, they dared not use fine horses from beyond the Great Wall. Therefore, these three horses were all inferior steeds from the Dali Kingdom, and the carriages were naturally two-wheeled. The distance from the post station to the Lin family residence was not far, and the journey by carriage took only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Upon arriving at the Lin family gate, Lin Wei, the head of the Lin family, and Lin Xiao, the eldest son of the Lin family, were already waiting at the main gate. Seeing Wang Hao arrive, the two hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Young Master Wang's presence is a great honor to our humble abode!" Wang Hao smiled casually and said, "The head of the Lin family is in the prime of his life, not old at all!" Lin Wei stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Young Master Wang is too kind, please!" He then stepped aside to let Wang Hao pass first. Wang Hao looked at the Lin family members, seeing their sincerity, and did not feign reluctance, stepping into the residence. The mansion was already brightly decorated, and fine wine and delicacies were prepared in the main hall. Wang Hao arrived at the hall and said, "I am truly flattered by the Lin family head's hospitality!" Lin Wei said, "Please, young master, take a seat!" He then escorted Wang Hao to his seat. However, at that moment, Lin Wei glanced at Wang Hao and then ordered, "You may all leave now!" The maids and servants, upon receiving the order, withdrew. Lin Wei cut to the chase, saying, "Please do not take offense at my abruptness, young master!" Wang Hao smiled and said, "Please speak freely, Lin family head!" Lin Wei asked, "May I ask what brings you, young master, from so far away to Quanzhou?" Wang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "It is for the sharp-bottomed seagoing vessels!" The Lin family members were surprised. Lin Wei asked, "Young master, you actually know about the Lin family's sharp-bottomed seagoing vessels?"

Wang Hao explained, "The Mingzhou Mo Clan helped me build a shipyard in Jiaozhou. They told me that the pointed-bottom seagoing vessels from Fujian are the best seagoing vessels in the world today!" Lin Wei couldn't hide his pride and said, "The sand-hulled ships from Jiangsu and Zhejiang also have their unique advantages." Wang Hao shook his head and said, "Every inch has its shortcomings, and every foot has its strengths. I want the sand-hulled ships, and I also want the pointed-bottom seagoing vessels!" Lin Wei said, "To be honest, young master, pointed-bottom seagoing vessels do have many advantages, but they also have one obvious disadvantage!" Wang Hao said, "I would like to hear the details!" Lin Wei replied, "The cost is exorbitant!" Wang Hao said, "As long as the ship is good, what does it matter if it costs more money?"