Chapter 328
Chapter 328 A Second Visit to the Palace
Upon returning from the artillery demonstration, both Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae were notably more silent, especially Ashile. His swagger had significantly diminished. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but chuckle to himself. In this world, there was no such thing as diplomatic etiquette. Power was the ultimate truth. Today's demonstration had indeed been quite a scare. In addition to the pearls and agate, the blood-sweat treasure horse, and a pile of thousand-year-old Goryeo ginseng, entertaining the envoys was indeed a lucrative task. ‘No wonder Su Mubai was upset when I took over his role; he acted as though he had just lost his wife.’
After all, accepting bribes was not something to be proud of. Lin San was never short of silver, so these gains would go to Luo Ning, the young lady, to aid the orphans. He didn't do it for any other reason but to ease his conscience.
After sending the two envoys back to the designated envoy houses to rest, he saw that Palace Lady Seo looked serious. Master Lin laughed and said, "Palace Lady Seo, let's continue with the acupuncture later. After your treatment, I feel quite comfortable."
Seo Jang Geum replied seriously, "Master Lin, I used to admire you a lot. I thought you were different from others. But after seeing your actions today, I feel you are no different from the common man, even more greedy. Once a person succumbs to greed, it is hard to retain their true nature. This is especially true for officials. If they lose their resolve to love their country and people, life becomes meaningless. I hope you reconsider! And also, prepare yourself, I will report your deeds to His Majesty."
Left speechless, Lin San realized that this Lady Jang Geum was extraordinarily stubborn. It was rare to find such a unique woman in Goryeo.
Lin Wanrong laughed, "Palace Lady Seo, what we see on the surface isn't always the truth. The truth never floats on the water. Why are the waters of Jeju Island so blue, and why are the rocks of Mount Geumgang so hard? Because they have withstood the test and remain unpolluted. Just like my great heart."
Palace Lady Seo was surprised, "How do you know about Jeju Island and Mount Geumgang? Have you been there?"
"I visited during a vacation. The scenery is beautiful, though the girls there aren't as beautiful as you." Master Lin was never serious for long.