Finest Servant

Chapter 220 Repaying a Kindness

The voice seemed vaguely familiar to Lin Wanrong, who was in the throes of puzzlement, when the Eldest Miss frowned and said, "Doesn't it sound like Wanying's voice? Why is she here?"

No wonder the voice seemed familiar. Was it not the voice of Tao Wanying, the little girl? Had her emotional wounds healed? Why would she come here at this time?

Outside, two major factions were engaged in a fierce firefight. The Eldest Miss dared not carelessly open the door and instead called out gently, "Which Eldest Miss is outside?"

"Miss Yuruo, it's me, Wanying!" Tao Wanying's voice came back, filled with anxiety, "There was a delay on the way, I arrived a bit late, Miss Yuruo, please forgive me."

"It's Wanying with the people from the Yamen," the Eldest Miss declared excitedly.

Lin Wanrong merely grunted in acknowledgment. This girl surnamed Tao recovered pretty fast, already back to work at the Yamen. However, their efficiency as constables was far too low. He had already solved the problem, what did he need them for now?

The Eldest Miss ordered the door to be opened and there stood Tao Wanying, dressed in a bright red official uniform, who darted in as soon as the door was ajar.

Xiao Yuruo, seeing her all alone, queried, "Miss Wanying, why have you come alone?"

Tao Wanying gasped a few times before speaking, "Miss Yuruo, as soon as we received your message, we wanted to rush over immediately. But as we were leaving the Yamen, we received news that the Commander's troops were conducting drills up ahead, and all the intersections were blocked. We couldn't get through no matter how we tried. Thankfully, my family has a longstanding relationship with Official Cheng. He kindly allowed me to pass, but the others are still waiting in place."

‘Cheng De was indeed behind this,’ Lin Wanrong sneered in his heart. Tonight was filled with continuous disturbances. First, Cheng De surrounded the governor's mansion with troops, and then the Black Dragon Society harassed the Xiao family. This was all part of their step-by-step probing.

Though the situation seemed calm now, the bloodshed between the two factions outside was still undecided. The Eldest Miss saw that Tao Wanying had risked her own safety to come to their aid, and felt grateful. She had already forgotten the mean prank Tao Wanying and her brother Tao Dongcheng had played on her. She took her hand and said, "Little sister Wanying, my family and I are deeply grateful for your disregard for personal safety and your help."

Tao Wanying shook her head and said, "Sister Yuruo, don't say that, I'm extremely ashamed. After the way my brother and I treated you that day, you won't hold it against me, will you?"

The Eldest Miss knew she was referring to the incident of the staged highway robbery and smiled gently, shaking her head. "It's been so long since that happened, why bring it up again? Besides, you didn't intend to hurt me then. How could I hold it against you?"

Tao Wanying's eyes reddened as she said, "Sister Yuruo, the more I think about it, the more I feel I was terribly wrong that day. I don't know what came over me to do such an evil thing. It seems like retribution is happening. After you released my brother and me that day, my older brother's behavior has been getting stranger and stranger. He's always angry at home, throwing things around. He hits and yells at the servants, and is nasty to me as well. It's like he's become a different person, and even my father can't control him. As for me, I thought I had been defiled that day—"

Tears streamed down her face, and she could not continue speaking. Upon hearing these few sentences, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but grin broadly. ‘Well, according to Tao Wanying's account, that Tao Dongcheng must certainly be impotent. Perhaps he is secretly preparing an embroidery needle, emulating the notorious Invincible East. This is precisely what should happen to evildoers. Brother Gao's move was indeed ruthless, and I truly am a genius.’

Upon seeing her tears, Miss Xiao knew that Tao Wanying was lamenting her own experience. Her heart softened, and she gently said, "Little sister Wanying, don't worry. There's nothing wrong; it's all just someone's trick—"

"Cough, cough—" Lin Wanrong hastily coughed twice, preventing Eldest Miss Xiao from potentially spilling the beans. Suppressing a laugh, Eldest Miss Xiao shot him a playful glance. ‘You villain, you've frightened an innocent girl into this state, aren't you proud?’

Seeing the teasing in Eldest Miss Xiao's eyes, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, ‘You little imp, the moment your wound healed, you've forgotten the pain. After the girl apologized twice, you're ready to sell me out. Your kindness is rather excessive.’

Tao Wanying whispered to Miss Xiao, "Sister Yuruo, I had the maids and old women at home check me, and I hadn't been violated. It seems that when you left me in the roadside grove that day, I must have sustained some scratches, leading to the discomfort. Sister Yuruo, I cannot express my gratitude enough."

Lin Wanrong, blessed with excellent hearing, had already caught every word. A thrill of joy ran through him; deceiving the young girl was such a delightful task.

Eldest Miss Xiao laughed, "There's nothing to thank us for. It was all Lin San's idea. He said that 'A grievance should be addressed, not deepened.' We had no profound hatred with you, so why create a life-and-death situation? Thus, we let you go and returned straight to Jinling."

On seeing Lin San, Tao Wanying's face flushed, full of embarrassment. That day on the street, she had nearly forced Lin San to admit the crime of defilement. Now, thinking back, she felt quite uneasy. But as a woman, how could she easily admit to such a crime? Her lips moved silently for a moment before she lowered her head and murmured, "Are you... well?"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, responding with a significant air, "Thanks to Miss Tao, I have been quite well lately. I wonder if Miss Tao has been well these past few days?"

Biting her lip, Tao Wanying replied, "I've been well these past few days. Thank you for what happened that day, otherwise I—" Her eyes reddened, and she couldn't continue.

He thought, 'I merely staged a scene, and she was scared into this state. Will she develop a fear of bridal chambers in the future? Alas, that's quite unfortunate for her future husband.'

"There's no need for formalities, Miss Tao," Lin Wanrong laughed, "Helping others is my one weakness. As long as misunderstandings are resolved, and everyone is safe, there's no need for thanks."

Tao Wanying didn't dare to continue the conversation with him. She turned to Xiao Yuruo, "Sister Yuruo, with the fight going on outside, it's better to wait a while before leaving. I'm here today, they wouldn't dare harm you."

'As if the underworld fears the police? This girl is too naive,' he thought. But Tao Yu and Cheng De were in the same faction, so Wu Zhenghu should not dare touch Tao Wanying. Eldest Miss Xiao turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what should we do about the current situation?"

Lin Wanrong saw that the forces led by Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou had engaged in a melee with the Black Dragon Society. Although the Hung Hing seemed to have the upper hand, it looked like it wouldn't be over anytime soon. Tao Wanying brought important news: Cheng De's troops were nearby, so it would be wise to resolve the situation here quickly.

With that in mind, Lin Wanrong turned to Tao Wanying seriously, "Miss Tao, your arrival is timely. Those in black who came to cause trouble at my home today are part of the so-called Black Dragon Society. You'll be a witness for us, won't you?"

Tao Wanying nodded, "Black Dragon Society, Wu Zhenghu, I'm aware."

"Good, you know," Lin Wanrong gave a sly smile. "Eldest Miss, those who are obstructing the Black Dragon Society outside, I'm not sure which group of righteous men they are, but we must express our gratitude later."

"They are not any righteous men," Tao Wanying corrected, "They're another gang in town, Hung Hing. They are no better than the Black Dragon Society."

"Hung Hing on the same level as the Black Dragon Society? Impossible," Lin Wanrong gave her a sharp look. "Miss Tao, don't make reckless comments. Those righteous men are all brave and impressive. How could the Black Dragon Society compare? They helped us in our time of need. We must reciprocate."

The Eldest Miss glanced at him meaningfully, "So, what do you suggest we do?"

Lin Wanrong said, "The Black Dragon Society is already at a disadvantage. We have about a hundred brothers in the house, why not we rush out and assist those righteous men?"

"No--" Tao Wanying exclaimed in shock, "These two gangs are the scourge of Jinling City. If we rashly rush out and assist Hung Hing, and they harbor ill intentions, won't that be inviting the wolf into the sheep's pen?"

Inviting the wolf in? The biggest wolf was standing right in front of her, what else did she need to worry about? Lin Wanrong laughed, "Miss Tao, we can't afford to delay. If the Black Dragon Society wins, we'll be in even more danger."

Tao Wanying saw his eyes filled with amusement as he looked at her. She remembered the day she forced him to admit he had sullied her. Embarrassed, she lowered her gaze and dared not speak anymore.

The Eldest Miss frowned, "Our men are not suited for a fight. What if someone gets hurt? It'll be a huge mistake."

Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Eldest Miss, don't worry. The Black Dragon Society is already at the end of its rope, how could they dare to entangle with us? If we rush out, just to show our force and without any intent to fight, they'll surely run."

The Eldest Miss considered this. Gritting her teeth, she said, "If that's the case, Lin San, let's do as you suggest. None from the Black Dragon Society are good people. We can trust Hung Hing."

Lin Wanrong was somewhat surprised by her decisiveness. What made her so certain? Had she been involved in the underworld too?

The Eldest Miss looked at him, her cheeks reddening in shyness, "Why are you standing there dumbfounded? The leader of Hung Hing is Qiaoqiao's brother, do you think I don’t know? These men must be the ones you called, hmph! You've been keeping so much from me. I'll need to interrogate you thoroughly when this is over."

This Eldest Miss wasn't foolish, Lin Wanrong realized, breaking out in a cold sweat. Hastily, he called over Xiao Feng, "Tell the brothers to get ready. We'll all rush out together and give those dogs from the Black Dragon Society a thrashing."

The men of the Xiao family had tasted the thrill of battle just moments ago, and the prospect of beating an enemy when they were down stirred their blood once again. Instantly, they all became excited.

Just as Lin Wanrong was about to lead the charge by opening the door, Tao Wanying caught hold of his sleeve.

"Miss Tao, what do you mean by this?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise.

"In gratitude for your honesty, I ought to repay it with my humble efforts," Tao Wanying murmured. Then, with a swift movement, she darted ahead of Lin Wanrong, charging toward the outside.

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