Finest Servant

Chapter 316 Assassination

When they returned to the Xiao residence, it was deep into the night. Du Xiuyuan and others had to support him, and despite General Lin's self-proclaimed resilience, he couldn't withstand the intense beating. His back was covered with countless wounds, with bloodstains barely visible on the clothes. Even the soldiers, accustomed to the sight of battles, were inwardly shocked. Old Hu was indeed a straightforward man.

When soldiers fought, they followed a straightforward path until the end, admitting defeat without any further argument. Originally, there were thousands of soldiers under Su Mubai. Today, having personally witnessed General Lin's loyalty and righteousness, they all admired him secretly, and even shook hands with him. Despite enduring a beating, General Lin managed to win over the hearts of the people, and his prestige in the army escalated, an outcome that Du Xiuyuan and the others hadn't anticipated.

Hu Bugui was also covered in wounds, but he was a hardened veteran, having endured countless battles. Unlike the young, dark-skinned General Lin, he could withstand the blows. After enduring the beating and drinking strong liquor with everyone, Hu Bugui fell asleep on the ground, completely ignoring the many wounds on his back.

‘This big bearded man, no matter how much I disapprove of him, I must admit his toughness.’ General Lin in his white robe, threw his cloak and feathered fan, thinking helplessly.

As they helped General Lin to the entrance of the shop, they saw a small sedan hurrying from a distance. Before it got close, they heard a woman's anxious voice from inside, "Stop, stop quickly."

The sedan stopped abruptly, and a woman flew out of it, looking at Lin San who was being supported by others. She was first stunned, then involuntarily her eyes reddened, and tears began to fall, "What happened to you?"

Lin Wanrong grinned, "It's nothing, I accidentally fell from a horse today. It will be fine tomorrow."

"You and your lies," the woman wiped her tears, rushed over and looked at him, biting her lip and weeping, "Do you think everyone else is a fool?" The Eldest Miss moved closer to Lin San. When she saw the chaotic whip marks on his back, her heart jumped with fright. She covered her mouth with her hand and her tears fell faster.

Du Xiuyuan, who had escorted Lin Wanrong back, was visibly embarrassed. He bowed, "Madam, I was unable to protect the general well, please punish me."

"What madam?" The Eldest Miss's face turned red, although tears were still streaming down her face. She glanced at Lin Wanrong and forcibly said, "You, you better not talk nonsense."

"I never talk nonsense." Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile, "But if others talk nonsense, I can't control it."

"You... You're such a dead man. You're in such a state and still tease others." The Eldest Miss reproached him with a heartache, holding his arm. She took a covert peek at his back and was instantly saddened again. She held back her tears and said, "Gentlemen, please sit inside. Huan’er, prepare tea..."

Du Xiuyuan hurriedly waved his hands, "Madam, you're too kind. Today, I feel deeply guilty for not being able to protect General Lin well. Now that the general is safe and sound, I can only entrust his care to you. General Lin is the soul of our army. On behalf of tens of thousands of soldiers in our army, I thank you for your kindness."

As Du Xiuyuan spoke, he fell to his knees, kowtowing to the Eldest Miss.

Xiao Yuruo exclaimed anxiously, "Why are you saying such things, sir? Taking care of him is my responsibility, it isn't a favor. You, say something and quickly get this man up!"

Lin Wanrong gave a grin, "Brother Du, please get up quickly. Otherwise, she might find some way to torment me later. Ouch—" He winced, having been pinched in the waist by the Eldest Miss for his nonsensical talk. The sudden pain from his wound made him yelp, and seeing his reaction, Xiao Yuruo was filled with regret and worry. She quickly grabbed his hand, her eyes brimming with guilt.

Du Xiuyuan rose to his feet and sighed, "The general and his wife share such an extraordinary love, it truly is enviable. I won't interrupt the two of you any longer. I'll take my leave now. General Lin, the brothers will visit you tomorrow."

Lin Wanrong waved and laughed, while the Eldest Miss blushed as she escorted Du Xiuyuan out. When she returned, she saw Lin San looking pale and haggard, a stark contrast to his usual lively demeanor.

With no outsiders present, she no longer concealed her worry and anger, her tears flowing freely like a dam had burst, "You fool, I was gone for just one day, and you ended up like this?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Today's events were unexpected. The brothers were a bit too enthusiastic. A few lashes don't matter much. Weren't you staying at Miss Xu's house? How did you return so soon? I thought you'd stay there at least a fortnight."

Wiping her tears, the Eldest Miss softly said, "I did want to chat with Sister Xu more, but I was worried about what trouble you might stir up at home. Just as I was feeling uneasy, Sister Xu returned and told me you were seriously injured. I, I was so frightened that I almost lost my soul—"

At this point, Xiao Yuruo could no longer hold back her tears. Remembering her worry, her tears flowed ceaselessly like a burst river.

What on earth had Xu Zhiqing said to make the Eldest Miss so terrified? Seeing her trembling and crying, he couldn't help but feel guilty. He reached for her hand and laughed, "Stop crying, I'm fine. Don't believe me? Why don't you give me a kiss to check? What, you don't want to? You want me to kiss you? Please, I am the one who's injured!"

"Kiss your head!" Embarrassed and annoyed, the Eldest Miss huffed, "Even in this state, you're still thinking of such nonsense."

Seeing Lin San's dejected expression, her heart softened, and she couldn't keep up her stern facade. She extended her small hand to gently touch the whip marks on his back, her voice shaking, "Who did this? Why did they hit you so hard? Does it hurt—"

Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "It does hurt a bit, but no matter how much it hurts, it can't compare to the pain in your heart, Eldest Miss."

"Smooth talker." Xiao Yuruo blushed, her eyes shimmering softly, and she softly called out, "Huan'er—"

The young maid outside hurried in, and the Eldest Miss gently said, "Lin San is injured, come and help me take him inside."

Huan'er acknowledged and the two women cautiously supported him, making their way into the house. The sensation of being wedged between two women, feeling their tender shoulders and waist, and glimpsing at Eldest Miss's beautiful face and soft, white earlobes made Lin Wanrong's heart flutter. He leaned over to Xiao Yuruo's ear and exhaled lightly, causing a shiver to run through her. Her knees went weak and she nearly lost her footing. Her face flushed, she shot him a disgruntled look, the blush on her face enhanced by her anger, and her embarrassment was enchanting.

"Lying in bed is so comfortable!" Once the two women had laid him face down on the bed, Lin Wanrong hugged his pillow and exhaled deeply.

Eldest Miss ignored him, instructing the maid, "Huan'er, go and prepare some medicinal water. Oh, and bring scissors!"

Lin Wanrong was startled, "Eldest Miss, why do you need scissors? Please, don't do anything rash. I'm not dead yet, everything is still functioning perfectly, don't you trust me?"

Huan'er chuckled lightly. Flustered and slightly embarrassed, Eldest Miss wanted to hit him but couldn't bring herself to do so. She merely grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly, "Stop talking nonsense! You're making us look ridiculous."

After the little maid left the room, Lin Wanrong took her hand. Eldest Miss sat gently by his side. She remembered what Xu Zhiqing had told her but couldn't figure out how to achieve it, and she sighed softly.

Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, you seem a bit off today. Did you suffer any ill-treatment from Xu Zhiqing? I will seek justice for you."

"Thank the heavens that I am not being bullied by you. How could anyone else bully me?" Eldest Miss sighed and said, "Lin San, I have a question for you, and I need an honest answer, with no deception whatsoever."

"Is there anyone more honest than me in this world?" Lin Wanrong replied with a straight face, "Eldest Miss, we have been together for such a long time, you must know this trait of mine very well, do I need to reiterate it?"

Eldest Miss stared at him, her expression vacant, and softly said, "Lin San, if one day I were to disappear like Miss Xiao, would you search for me desperately? Would you do anything for me?"

Lin Wanrong was startled. What did Eldest Miss mean by that? What on earth had Xu Zhiqing told her that she was having such whimsical thoughts?

Xiao Yuruo anxiously watched his expression, seeing his hesitation, a pang of pain shot through her heart and tears welled up in her eyes. She turned away resolutely, saying, "Never mind, you don't have to say it, I don't want to hear your lies."

"Eldest Miss, look into my eyes," Lin San said earnestly and with utmost sincerity.

"Why?" Eldest Miss glanced at him, his eyes wide and bright, seemingly filled with honesty.

"What do you see in my eyes?" Lin San asked, smiling gently.

Suppressing her laughter, Eldest Miss replied softly, "Besides bloodshot veins, I see nothing."

Lines of frustration marred Lin Wanrong's forehead. ‘Why couldn't this lass just play along?’ He sighed lightly and said, "Eldest Miss, everyone perceives a different reflection in my eyes. Similarly, in my heart, you and Qingxuan are unique entities. She's pure and noble, like a celestial maiden from the moon palace, while you're mature and charming, like the goddess of the Luo River. Both are equally beautiful and noble, like the two ends of a pole. Forcing me to weigh which end is heavier, isn't that making things difficult?"

"What beautiful talk of moon maidens and river goddesses," Eldest Miss smiled, her eyes softening, and asked gently, "If it is as you say, would you leave Miss Xiao for me?"

Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "That's impossible. Just like if Qingxuan asked me to leave you, I wouldn't agree. It's the same principle. Alas, universal love is a grand sentiment. Even if the world fails to understand it, I will embrace it to the end."

"You insufferable rogue!" Eldest Miss lightly hummed, a blush spreading across her face as she held his hand tightly. "I, Xiao Yuruo, have always considered myself clever, yet somehow you've ensnared me. If you dare to act unkindly towards me, I swear I'll die just to spite you."

"Unkind?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise, "That's inhumane! Eldest Miss, please never mention that word around me; they make me shiver."

"Scoundrel!" Eldest Miss chuckled, lightly scratching his palm. Lin Wanrong felt an itch in his heart, and despite the pain on his back, pulled her with such force that she gasped in surprise before falling onto the bed, ending up right beside his pillow.

"What are you planning?" Eldest Miss saw the teasing smile on his face, his cheek almost touching hers. Her heart pounded wildly, yet she found herself incapable of resistance.

Her chest heaving, Xiao Yuruo trembled slightly, her face flushing a deep red. Her long eyelashes fluttered, her lips parted slightly as a fragrant, intoxicating breath escaped them. It was unbearably enticing.

Damn it, all or nothing. Lin General's eyes blazed, his heart stirred, pain on his back forgotten as he rolled over, wrapping Yuruo in his arms.

"No—" Lying in his arms, Eldest Miss felt weak. Her eyes sparkled seductively, her breath hot as she whispered tremulously.

"Yes, yes." Lin General smiled slightly, his hands slowly moving up her soft shoulders. After massaging them gently, his hand roamed downwards, lingering around her smooth waist, then ventured further down, reaching her pert buttocks.

Eldest Miss quivered, pressing his wandering hand against her buttocks. Her lips barely parted as she said, "You rascal, how dare you be so audacious. Aren't you afraid my mother will punish you?"

"If she punishes me, I'll punish you." Lin Wanrong shamelessly grinned, appreciating the round and smooth figure of Xiao Yuruo through the silky fabric. Swallowing hard, his hand slipped underneath her skirt, venturing inside.

"Miss——" The maid's voice echoed from outside, startling the two people who were engrossed in each other's company. The Eldest Miss swiftly turned over and got up, her face was so red that it looked like water could be wrung out from it. She gave Lin Wanrong an annoyed glance and bashfully said, "You rascal, even when injured, you're capable of mischief. I hate you to death."

"Ah, if you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have remembered that I'm injured." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Ah, not even sparing a wounded man—"

"What did you say?" The Eldest Miss blushed and was also angry. She pounced on him, and the two of them tussled together, laughing and playing.

After a while, they finally stopped. The Eldest Miss looked at him and suddenly threw herself into his arms, tears falling down like rain, "You devil, every day, I am constantly thinking about you, longing for you, wishing I could always be like this with you."

"There's no helping my charm," Lin Wanrong held out his hands and encircled her petite waist, saying softly, "This isn't even the best part. There are even better things waiting for us to do. We could even do them now. It's been a long time since I used the 'Old Tree Twining Roots' and 'Upside-down Candle' techniques. Why don't we explore them together today?"

Although she didn't understand what these two techniques were, seeing the lascivious grin on his face, she knew it was nothing good. The Eldest Miss scratched him out of annoyance, just as Huan’er, the maid, hurried in with the medicine.

"Huan’er, your timing is impeccable." Lin Wanrong grinned, his voice dripping with innuendo.

"Behave yourself!" The Eldest Miss blushed deeply and smacked him hard on the buttocks.

"Harder, harder, oh yes——" Lin San let out a strange shout that made both the girls blush. Huan’er turned her head away in embarrassment, while the Eldest Miss was both angry and embarrassed. She wished she could kick him until he was thoroughly bruised, but secretly, she savored this cheerful atmosphere.

She took the scissors, gently cutting away the bloody fabric stuck to his body. Although Lin Wanrong was moaning inappropriately, his face was covered in large sweat beads and his voice was trembling, revealing his immense pain. Huan’er was terrified and turned her head away, unable to look at his mangled back.

Xiao Yuruo bit her lower lip, her hand trembling as she cut away his clothes. Tears swirled in her eyes. Seeing the fresh blood he had bitten out from his lips, she couldn't hold back any longer. She threw the medicine and scissors away, threw herself onto his back, and gently rubbed his hot scars with her soft cheeks, "You devil, you're really going to be the death of me——"

Seeing the Eldest Miss crying in pain, Huan’er also threw herself onto Lin San's shoulder and sobbed. Their tears rolled down his shoulder, seeping into his wounds, causing waves of pain.

‘Damn, I'll endure it!’ Lin Wanrong was uncomfortable, but his heart was thrilled. A grin spread across his face, uglier than crying.

"Hehe, what a pair of lovers with shared destinies. What a touching scene of deep affection between a man and his love!" A teasing laughter echoed from the courtyard. The voice sounded both far and near, as if it were resonating in everyone's ears.

The Eldest Miss was startled and immediately stopped crying. She turned around in alarm, exclaiming, "Who's making that noise?" The maid Huan’er was also frightened, she quickly hid behind the two of them.

With a loud crash, the door was kicked open. Standing in the doorway were three black-clothed, masked men, their hands holding gleaming steel blades. Their eyes emitted a profound light, tightly fixed on Lin Wanrong.

"Who... who are you?" The Eldest Miss was taken aback. A trace of fear appeared on her face, but she bravely shielded Lin San, refusing to let him come to any harm.

‘It's here, it's here, the drama that Sister An was playing is here.’ Lin Wanrong's heart jolted with a mix of surprise and trepidation. "Bravely" he leaped forward, positioning himself in front of the two women, declaring, "Whoever comes, identify yourself quickly, and this general might spare you a death——"

Before his words even fell, a glinting blade was seen flashing towards him. The sound of the blade whistled through the air, its momentum was swift and relentless, showing no mercy, intending to split him on the spot.

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