Duke Lu's Guidance

Lin Yan felt a little helpless. Following Commander Han's earlier advice, he had come in his true appearance.

So the one who had come today was neither the Banner Bearer of the Lin Jiang Department nor Killer Star Impermanence, but Lin Yan—the Lin Family's Third Son, one of the common folk from the bottom rung of the outer wards.

To avoid any breach of etiquette on this visit, he had even bought a few gifts along the way.

But just now, he had also heard of the lavish gestures from these Inner City powers.

Some were hosting banquets, some gifting antiques and paintings, some offering divine weapons and sharp arms, and some even presenting Flood Dragon Scale Horses that could travel a thousand li in a day.

He had also heard that the Prefectural Governor's Mansion, in the name of the academy, intended to gift three residences.

Compared to those, the cured meat and refined salt in his hands did seem a little shabby.

And when the stewards of the various factions heard that this shabbily dressed youth had come to visit Duke Lu carrying such meager gifts, they made no effort to hide the contempt, mockery, and disgust in their eyes.

Those who lived in the Inner City—even a mere errand runner or handyman, let alone a steward from one of the major powers—could not help but feel superior when facing the common people from the bottom rung of the Outer City.

Had they not been standing before Duke Lu's residence, they would have long since sent their men to drive away this lowly Outer City wretch.

"..."

Lin Yan had not particularly cared about these people's looks.

But the problem was that he had come in his true appearance.

With so many eyes around, and with Inner City powers involved, he had intended to keep a low profile.

If that middle-aged man had not looked over just now, he would already have left by way of the alley.

Yet at that moment, Duke Lu's voice came from within the courtyard.

Then Lin Yan discovered that the contempt and disdain in the eyes of the stewards from every faction had frozen in an instant.

What replaced it was shock, incomprehension, and astonishment.

But in the end, all of it became careful scrutiny and assessment.

Quite a few quick-witted individuals even changed their attitude in that instant, giving him slight nods and using those subtle gestures to convey a trace of goodwill.

"Why is this old man putting me on the spot?"

Lin Yan felt somewhat surprised. "After today, even Lin Yan, this insignificant nobody, probably won't be able to stay hidden."

Feeling helpless, he sighed and entered the courtyard.

As for the middle-aged man, faced with the complicated expressions of the various factions, he shut the courtyard gate directly before anyone could speak.

"Greetings, Duke Lu."

Once inside, Lin Yan set his gifts to one side and bowed.

But Duke Lu did not seem to like them much. Looking at that pound of snow-white refined salt, he frowned.

Lin Yan did not feel any dissatisfaction at this. Compared to the gifts outside, it truly did look rather poor.

"Are you very wealthy?"

Duke Lu spoke slowly, his tone mild. "One pound of refined salt can be exchanged for two pounds of coarse salt. If you trade it for inferior salt, you can get four pounds."

Gao Liu City was not near the sea, nor did it have salt wells or mines within the city.

Its salt was transported in from elsewhere.

In this age, once night fell, danger followed.

Thus, merchant caravans rarely traveled long distances.

The salt that reached Gao Liu City often passed through many hands, crossed several cities, and was traded between several merchant caravans before finally arriving. Along the way, it had to be protected from damp, rain, thieves, and evil spirits.

As a result, salt was relatively expensive in Gao Liu City.

As for inferior salt, some of it had poor color and too many impurities from the refining process, while more of it had been poorly preserved during transport—usually dampened or soiled.

"You also came from hardship. Save some silver from now on."

Duke Lu set the bag of refined salt aside and said, "Take it back with you later and exchange it for inferior salt. The next time you come, bringing one pound of inferior salt will do."

The middle-aged man beside them could not help showing a stunned expression.

He knew Duke Lu extremely well, and Duke Lu was not usually such a patient person.

It was not unexpected that he would tell the other party to take the gift back. After all, the gifts he had turned away recently would have been enough to fill several carriages.

But Duke Lu had also said that next time, he should bring a pound of inferior salt.

That meant Duke Lu was willing to accept his gift—and even more willing to receive another visit.

Duke Lu was willing to befriend this youth!

The middle-aged man's heart stirred. In his understanding, Duke Lu was warning the youth that, having come from poverty, he should remember to be frugal and remain true to his original heart, lest he develop a luxurious and decadent nature in the future.

Just as countless thoughts rose in his mind, he saw Duke Lu give him a deep look.

The middle-aged man immediately bowed and withdrew.

Duke Lu withdrew his gaze, pushed the teacup before him over, and said mildly, "The Twelve Junior Banners of Lin Jiang Ward still haven't been decided?"

"There are no candidates for now."

"Why not let Old Man recommend someone to you?"

"Please enlighten me, Duke Lu."

"This person is named Lin Yan."

"..."

Seeing that the boy who had remained calm since entering the courtyard now reveal a look of astonishment, the old man finally laughed in satisfaction, looking rather pleased with himself.

"Did you resent Old Man for calling you in before everyone's eyes outside the courtyard just now?"

"You overstate it, Duke Lu," Lin Yan said.

"You disguised yourself as Impermanence because you did not wish to expose your identity. Yet today, Old Man refused even to see anyone from the Prefectural Governor's Mansion, but made an exception for an obscure poor boy like you."

Duke Lu raised his teacup, took a sip, and said, "From today onward, the various powers in the Inner City will form an impression of this name..."

He set down the cup and said, "Someone will probably investigate you today, but there should be nothing to uncover about the current Lin Yan."

The current Lin Yan was, relatively speaking, a blank sheet of paper. There was nothing to investigate.

But the Lin Yan of the future might inevitably leave behind many traces.

If the various parties became familiar with this name today and believed they had grasped Lin Yan's background, then when Lin Yan appeared in their intelligence in the future, their preconceived notions would most likely keep them from investigating further.

"You are already the Banner Bearer of Lin Jiang Ward. Your status is somewhat higher now, and there will be more eyes watching you."

"Unless you remain Impermanence forever, once you return to being Lin Yan, traces will inevitably be left behind."

"For example, once you return to the identity of Lin Yan, Impermanence, the Banner Bearer of Lin Jiang Ward, can only disappear."

"But the Banner Bearer of Lin Jiang Ward bears heavy responsibilities. How can he simply vanish?"

With meaning behind his words, Duke Lu said slowly, "Some things happen suddenly and cannot be foreseen... The people under your command should be able to find you at any time."

Hearing this, Lin Yan pondered for a moment and nodded.

This was precisely what had troubled him somewhat today.

Switching between two identities with absolutely no connection between them would inevitably leave traces.

"After today, 'Lin Yan' will be a junior banner officer under Impermanence."

Duke Lu said calmly, "He will also be the messenger between you and Old Man."

Lin Yan frowned slightly, a thoughtful look appearing on his face.

Naturally, it would be best if the two identities had no connection at all.

If something happened to Impermanence one day, then Lin Yan would merely disappear, and the Lin family would not be implicated.

But if Lin Yan became a junior banner officer under Impermanence, he might be dragged into it... and bring disaster upon the entire Lin family.

"As Impermanence is a Banner Bearer formally registered with the Heavenly Supervision Department, if something happens to him in the future and it involves various powers, Old Man may not be able to intervene easily."

Duke Lu refilled his tea and said calmly, "But an insignificant junior banner officer—since he has grown familiar with Old Man, anyone who wants to lay a hand on him must give Old Man some face... At the very least, they must show some regard for the head of the twelve temple priests of Wutong Temple."

At this point, he said softly, "From now on, you need not deliberately conceal the traces connecting these two identities. It will make things much easier for you... If the people under your command have urgent matters, they may seek out Lin Yan and report them to 'Banner Bearer Impermanence.'"

"Thank you for your guidance, Duke Lu."

Lin Yan rose and bowed.

"It is a small matter..."

Duke Lu set down his teacup and said lightly, "For a young man with proud bones, you surpass even Commander Han in his youth. Old Man had thought you would not come calling. Since you came today... you must have noticed the trouble surrounding yourself?"