120: Chapter 0120 General Lin Knows How to Play

Early the next morning.

The area around the West City Pavilion was decorated with lanterns and streamers.

A huge banner read, "Celebrating the Grand Opening of the West City Pavilion."

The Zhenbei Army Militia responsible for security stood guard around the pavilion, ensuring order at the scene.

"Have you heard? There's a heating miracle inside this pavilion; it can stay as warm as spring even in the dead of winter!"

"Really? How much charcoal would that take to burn?"

"You don't get it, do you? They don't use charcoal or honeycomb coal. The heat comes up from a natural hot spring underground!"

"I also heard that not only is there food and drink inside, but there will be performances by various troupes every day!"

"That's wonderful! Every winter, I'm so bored at home!"

"Does it cost money to watch the plays? If I have to pay every day, I won't be able to afford it."

"It seems they say... as long as you buy food and goods inside and spend enough money, you can get free tickets to watch the plays!"

"There's such a good deal? I'll bring my wife to try it out another day; she loves listening to plays!"

The commoners on both sides discussed the interesting tidbits about the pavilion enthusiastically, while a large crowd waited in anticipation for the arrival of a certain important figure.

Finally, a squad of the Zhenbei Army arrived at the scene.

A horse-drawn carriage drove over the brand-new cement road and arrived at the spacious "carriage parking lot" in front of the pavilion.

At Lin Xiao's request, the pavilion's carriage parking lot could accommodate hundreds of carriages at once.

Of course, if they stayed for a long time, there would be a fee.

But for these rich people, having a place to show off their wealth and compete was worth it; a mere parking fee was nothing!

Lin Xiao stepped out of the carriage, accompanied by Xiao Qingxuan and Mu Wanying.

Both women wore simple dresses, looking just like ordinary folk, which made the commoners feel particularly close to them.

As soon as Lin Xiao appeared, cheers erupted from all directions, with cries of "Lin Xiao" rising one after another.

Some commoners who had received favors from the Zhenbei Army were even moved to tears!

"Lin Xiao! I've finally seen you! Thanks to you, my family didn't starve to death!"

"General! Thank you for saving my son's life. I'm an old man and he's the only son I have left. Let me kowtow to you!"

"Lin Xiao! These are eggs from our own home; you must accept them..."

Although Lin Xiao knew he was popular, he didn't expect such a huge reaction.

"My fellow folks, I cannot accept these gifts. If I, the General, were to accept gifts, I would be breaking the rules of the Zhenbei Army!"

"Our Zhenbei Army does not take a single needle or thread from the common people! This is an ironclad rule!"

"If you, the fellow folks, respect me, Lin Xiao, then please continue to support the Zhenbei Army in the future, and let us protect our home and country together!"

Lin Xiao said in a loud, resonant voice, "Of course, if you have some spare money, buy more goods from our Zhenbei Army Workshop, and I will be even happier!"

"Hahahaha..."

The commoners at the scene burst into laughter, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Xiao Qingxuan and Mu Wanying exchanged glances, seeing joy and emotion in each other's eyes.

Because of Lin Xiao's appearance, the lives of the people in Baishui Prefecture were thriving.

Many impoverished households now had farmland, those with skills could work at construction sites, and their children could attend school for free.

Because of Lin Xiao, the commoners no longer feared the barbarians and had the confidence to resist the Northern Barbarians.

Being able to assist such a towering, upright hero who was loved by the common people, both women were naturally proud!

They both knew that Lin Xiao himself didn't care about being any kind of hero.

He just wanted to survive, didn't want to be controlled by others, and at most, just wanted to live more comfortably.

But unknowingly, Lin Xiao had become a god of war, a savior-like existence for the people of the Northern border!

Lin Xiao waved to the crowd and led the two women toward the high platform in front of the pavilion.

Meanwhile, behind the crowd not far away, a troupe of acrobats and magicians preparing to perform were ready to go.

The Faceless Boy had long since replaced a magic illusionist; he was now wearing a cloak and stroking his beard.

Seeing the interaction between Lin Xiao and the commoners, feeling the atmosphere at the scene, and the genuine expressions of the commoners...

The Faceless Boy's eyes held a hint of sighing.

Having been in Baishui City for these days, through his own experience, he also discovered that Lin Xiao was a good official who stood up for the people.

If he were given another chance to choose, he might have rejected this assignment.

But the problem was, there was no turning back once the arrow was loosed.

Besides, even if he didn't act, Prince Bai would just send other experts.

At the end of the day, a grassroots nobody trying to arm-wrestle with a feudal prince was just too overconfident.

Since it was death either way, it was better to give him a swift end himself.

Because the illusionist needed to maintain a sense of mystery, no one dared to disturb the Faceless Boy.

Only the head of the troupe came over at this moment to give instructions:

"Master Xu, you must make sure the performance in front of the General goes without a hitch!"

"Whether our troupe can become a resident performer in this pavilion depends heavily on Lin Xiao's attitude!"

The Faceless Boy grinned: "Don't worry, troupe leader. This old man's 'Ten Thousand Swords Piercing the Body' has never failed!"

The troupe leader nodded with a smile: "Then thank you for your hard work, Master Xu!"

The Faceless Boy sneered inwardly, never failed? Then today... let it fail once.

At this moment, Su Wansha had already directed the pavilion staff to stretch out a long ribbon.

Su Wansha was also dressed in men's clothing today, looking spirited as the host.

"Everyone, next is the ribbon-cutting ceremony!"

"The purpose of this ceremony is to bring good fortune! Those who have come are all people of great wealth and nobility!"

"The distinguished guests here today to participate in the ribbon-cutting include Wealthy Merchant Qiu from the Baishui Bank, Wealthy Merchant Liu from the Wu Mountain Tea House, and Chief Manager Zhou from the Northern Border Chamber of Commerce..."

As several well-dressed, beaming wealthy merchants came out, the commoners let out gasps of amazement.

These were the richest people in the region who controlled industries like banks, tea, pawnshops, and carriage companies; they were rarely seen in daily life.

To think they all showed their faces today to support this?

"The heir to the Marquis of Linyuan, Young Marquis Xie Yu!"

When Xie Yu appeared, dressed back in his noble attire, the scene was filled with exclamations.

"My god! Even the heir to the Marquis of Linyuan came to show support?"

"This is the number one powerful family in Cang Province! Lin Xiao really has influence!"

"You don't get it, do you? Princess Ningxiang was betrothed to Lin Xiao, so they are already relatives!"

Xie Yu was originally not interested in such activities, but when he thought about how the floor heating inside was his own masterpiece, he was quite happy to come.

When the wealthy merchants nearby saw that it was indeed the Young Marquis cutting the ribbon with them, they felt honored.

Each of them sighed in their hearts, Lin Xiao really knows how to have fun!

This kind of opening ceremony, they should organize one themselves later; it was so stylish!

"Finally, it is our commander of the Zhenbei Army, the Baron of Baishui, Lin Xiao, and his two wives!"

Lin Xiao, holding the hands of Xiao Qingxuan and Mu Wanying on his left and right, arrived at the center position.

The commoners immediately erupted into the most enthusiastic cheers and applause, and the atmosphere at the scene reached its peak!

The two women didn't expect they would have the chance to participate, and they felt excited and touched, but after all, they had seen big events before and were not stage-frightened at all.

"Husband, would this be inappropriate? No one else brought their wives," Xiao Qingxuan said in a low voice.

"Haha, there are differences even among wives! You are both my right-hand women; of course, I must share such a joyous occasion with those closest to me!"

Hearing Lin Xiao say this, the two women were even happier.

Su Wansha was naturally envious; if it weren't for her father's refusal to agree, perhaps she could have gone up to cut the ribbon too...

However, being the host, she was very satisfied; this experience was quite good.

As the sound of gongs and drums rang out, Su Wansha led a group of staff and shouted: "Wishing a prosperous opening, wishing the West City Pavilion booming business!"

Lin Xiao took the lead, and everyone stepped forward to cut the ribbon.

Seamlessly following that, a dragon dance team entered the scene to begin their festive performance.

The commoners had never seen such an interesting opening ceremony; the atmosphere at the scene was exceptionally lively, and everyone watched with great interest.

Suddenly! A black shadow leaped down from a nearby rooftop!

"Lin Xiao, pay with your life!"

The woman let out a sharp cry, holding a sword in one hand, and flew toward Lin Xiao to stab him!

An assassin!?

Countless people at the scene were frightened and cried out, and the most astonished of all was a certain "illusionist"!

What is going on!? There is someone else who wants to assassinate Lin Xiao!?