Worldwide Awakening: My Soul Kinds Are Lost-Chapter 429: At the Wen’s feast, why can only you alone gain fame and profit? _1
"A Wen Tong Banquet?" Wang Linchi was somewhat puzzled, holding an invitation in his hand. It was quite strange.
"It’s jointly organized by the city’s prominent clans, Great Families, and wealthy gentry. Every year, Spirit Masters who obtain the Child’s Title are invited to attend."
"There will be many experienced seniors there, so you could receive much valuable guidance if you attend," the house servant delivering the invitation said respectfully.
Wang Linchi checked the time on the invitation—it was for this very evening.
"Hmm, I understand. I’ll arrive on time," Wang Linchi agreed, tucking the invitation away.
He wanted to see what kind of opportunity awaited him this time.
Otherwise, why would they send him a special invitation for no reason at all?
They had never been on the same path, so there was no need for this.
If a peasant got mixed up with a Great Family, no one would be comfortable.
The house servant, having received a response, naturally left.
After closing the door and returning to his room, Wang Linchi still felt puzzled.
Delivering it this late... are they deliberately trying to give me a hard time, or were they genuinely running late? Wang Linchi murmured to himself.
It was already past afternoon and nearly evening. Sending it at this hour... it felt as if they were afraid he’d actually make it. The intention seemed to be to make him late and cause him to lose face.
No matter which it is, I’ll go and see. If there are genuine benefits, losing a bit of face to them is acceptable. Wang Linchi was a very practical person.
Between actual benefits and superficial dignity, he would choose the former without hesitation. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
Self-esteem and such were unimportant. Why bother getting worked up over the inhabitants of a world on the brink of destruction?
Alright, they’re really cutting it this close. Wang Linchi shook his head, then quickly tidied himself up and set off for the Drunken Flower Building, where the Wen Tong Banquet was being held.
Surprisingly, they were willing to spend lavishly, booking the entire Drunken Flower Building. This was no place for ordinary folk; a single meal there cost at least ten taels of silver, and that was for just a few dishes and no wine.
However, while the Drunken Flower Building might be expensive for commoners, it was merely average for Spirit Masters. Upon becoming a Spirit Master, one gained a certain social standing, even at the lowest level. This was even more true for this group of Spirit Masters holding the Child’s Title; each was a Ninth-rank Official. Even if their positions were merely honorary, the Drunken Flower Building couldn’t afford to offend them.
Upon arrival, he presented his invitation and was led to his seat by an attendant.
"This seating arrangement, was it your decision or the hosts’?" Wang Linchi asked, one eyebrow raised.
Hearing this, the attendant naturally understood Wang Linchi’s dissatisfaction. After all, who would feel comfortable being seated in a corner?
"Sir, it was arranged by the hosts. How would we dare to decide the seating for esteemed sirs like yourselves?" the attendant replied immediately.
"Hmm, I see. You may leave." Wang Linchi was now certain: the late delivery of the invitation was a deliberate attempt to slight him, not a genuine delay.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been assigned to such a position.
As time ticked by, attendees began to arrive one after another.
Several people took seats near Wang Linchi. Their faces were expressionless, though they were likely also displeased, yet none of them voiced any complaints.
It seems they’re planning to promote someone.
And I’m the one they’ll use for comparison? Wang Linchi noticed his peers who also held the Child’s Title. Most were seated towards the front, with a few in the middle.
These individuals, however, hailed from Great Families or established Poor Families; they were inherently insiders and had connections.
As for Wang Linchi—older and a peasant—he was the perfect target to make an example of.
He didn’t mind being used as a stepping stone, provided he received sufficient benefits and his own interests weren’t harmed. If not, then they shouldn’t blame him for erupting.
Having served as a foil to protagonists for so many years, he had experienced much. His professional ethics were solid, whether it was a face-slapping scenario, a buffoon act, or even playing the sycophant... well, he hadn’t actually encountered that last script, so he might be a bit rusty, but he was adept at the others.
The Liu Family?
The banquet began to liven up. Following the usual script, the chosen individual they intended to build up had made his appearance. This person was clearly capable, not some useless fop, and quickly became the center of attention.
If all went according to plan, they would then find some clown to serve as a contrast, further elevating this person’s prestige and allowing him to quickly make a name for himself in Zhenhai City, perhaps even the entire commandery.
"Brother Liu Kang is truly a great talent! However, speaking of talent, we must mention another among our cohort. Barely after passing the Tongsheng examination, he rushed to register for the Academy Examination. One has to wonder if it’s sheer arrogance or utter disdain for others." A sarcastic voice cut through the hall, loud enough for everyone in the Drunken Flower Building to hear.
Wang Linchi knew this was directed at him. The others had connections and backgrounds; he had none. Who else would they choose as the clown for comparison?
However, he showed no reaction, feigning ignorance.
Seeing Wang Linchi’s lack of response, the speaker’s expression soured. He then shouted towards Wang Linchi, "Wang Linchi, do you know who this person is?"
"I don’t," Wang Linchi replied, shaking his head, his expression one of utter cluelessness.
"Hah! Still playing dumb? That person is you!" The man strode over, casually slinging an arm over Wang Linchi’s shoulder, his voice deliberately loud. Everyone’s gaze turned towards them; some showed pity, others contempt.
"Oh, you know it’s me?" Wang Linchi asked.
"Of course, I know! How could I not?" The man had yet to grasp the gravity of the situation.
"Oh, you do? Then may I ask how you came by this information?" Wang Linchi continued, setting his trap.
"If you don’t want people to know, don’t do it in the first place! It’s easy enough to find out. Compared to you, I certainly haven’t..." Before he could finish his attempt to belittle Wang Linchi and pivot to praising the Liu Family scion for contrast, Wang Linchi cut him off.
Wang Linchi reached out, swiftly grabbing and restraining the man, silencing him.
Witnessing this, several people shot to their feet. One started to speak out, perhaps to reprimand, but Wang Linchi interrupted him sharply.
"According to Article Ninety-Five of the Dajing Imperial Code, Spiritual Affairs Section: the registry of Spirit Masters’ titles is a state secret. Non-officials who view it shall be imprisoned for three years. Those who privately disseminate it shall be imprisoned for ten years. Those who publicly announce it shall be summarily executed!"
"Spirit Masters are authorized to enforce this!"
"You, boy, have broken the law!" Wang Linchi roared, and in an instant, the expressions of everyone present changed dramatically.
"Y-you... you’re spouting nonsense!" The Spirit Master pinned by Wang Linchi stammered, clearly shocked; he had no knowledge of this law.
"Brother Wang, must you take things so far? This is merely a misunderstanding," someone interjected, attempting to mediate.
"A misunderstanding of the Court’s laws? Or are you perhaps his accomplice? Why else would you be so quick to jump in and try to absolve him?" An imposing aura emanated from Wang Linchi, rendering the would-be mediator speechless.
"This... this... it’s just a trivial matter!" The man, flustered, blurted out foolishly.
Wang Linchi gave a cold laugh and promptly subdued this man as well.
"A trivial matter? Is stealing state secrets a trivial matter? It seems you are indeed an accomplice."
"The registry of Scholars is kept sealed within the government yamen. Non-officials are forbidden to view it. Even officials who have access are not permitted to privately circulate it, much less announce its contents in public. Neither of you are officials, so how did you come to know of such a state secret?" Wang Linchi sneered.
"Is there anyone else who wishes to speak up for these two?"
Wang Linchi swept his gaze across the room. Anyone who met his eyes couldn’t help but lower their head.
Even the scion of the Liu Family dared not utter a word.
He too was afraid of bringing disaster upon his family.
The Dajing Code indeed contained such a provision. However, due to the close ties between the Great Families and the government yamen, and because they were all essentially insiders, viewing the list was often overlooked. Thus, this particular law had been tacitly ignored by everyone.
Who would have thought Wang Linchi would so blatantly disregard convention and use this very law to counter their attempts to suppress him?
At this juncture, all anyone could do was try to protect themselves.
"I have noted everyone present here today. Next, I will escort these two traitors to the yamen. I trust you will all cooperate with the government’s investigation into why these two chose to publicly divulge state secrets."
"Therefore, I request all of you to accompany me, so the yamen can execute these traitors and thereby uphold the law and deter others!" Wang Linchi was essentially compelling everyone to go with him.
His implication was clear: either everyone present would be implicated, or two individuals would die to protect the reputations of the majority.
Everyone present understood Wang Linchi’s meaning perfectly. Their faces turned a shade of green, a mixture of fear and dismay. They were forced to choose.
Between their superficial friendships with the two accused and their own reputations, everyone unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice the pair. After all, their deaths would have nothing to do with them. They weren’t the ones who acted; the blame would fall squarely on Wang Linchi.
