Finest Servant

Chapter 320 The Emperor Summons You

Ning Yuxi came and went like a gust of wind, her intentions as elusive as her presence. Even before Lin Wanrong could decipher her intentions, she had disappeared, leaving behind an air of unbound freedom.

After interacting with Fairy Ning twice, Lin Wanrong still couldn't clearly articulate his impression of her. However, one thing was certain - he would undoubtedly have opportunities to meet her in the future.

As for the gold token she had taken, given that it originated from the palace and considering the regal bearing of the old man in the splendid robes, could he possibly be—Lin Wanrong's heart quickened. If that were true, then he had truly hit the jackpot. He laughed heartily. The forest was quiet and expansive, and his laughter echoed without end.

General Lin, injured and in pain, slowly limped back to the Xiao household, causing the Eldest Miss to startle. She quickly grabbed his hand, asking, "Why... why did you return so soon?"

Lin Wanrong replied helplessly, "Was I supposed to wait for them to invite me to a midnight snack? Ah, the pain is killing me..."

Xiao Yuruo hurriedly helped him into the room and applied ointment to his wounds, alleviating some of the pain. The Eldest Miss, despite her soft and considerate words, couldn't help but feel exhausted from the day's events. Lin Wanrong, despite his severe injuries and fatigue, couldn't resist teasing her as her delicate fingers gently caressed his back. Unknowingly, he drifted off into a deep sleep.

Seeing Lin Wanrong's peaceful sleeping face with drool at the corner of his mouth, illuminated by the moonlight, Xiao Yuruo felt a different kind of affection compared to his usual wild and unrestrained demeanor. This scoundrel, always caught up in the troubles of An Biru, Qin Xian'er, and the myriad of chaotic matters. She wondered how he had managed to endure it all.

A soft tenderness welled up in her heart. Unable to resist, she reached out and gently stroked his face. His short, stubbly beard tickled her soft palm, stirring a gentle itch. A blush crept onto her face, but the sensation of happiness was undeniably real.

The Eldest Miss sat by his bedside for a long time, waiting until his sleep was deep before she carefully covered him with the quilt, then slowly walked out of the room.

"Miss, Miss Xu has arrived." As she was about to step out, she was informed by the maid.

"Miss Xu?" Xiao Yuruo frowned, glancing at the half-submerged moon in the sky, she asked, "Why has she come so late?"

While speaking, she continued her stride, soon reaching the living room, only to find Xu Zhiqing sitting there, her eyebrows furrowed in thought.

"Miss Xu, it's so dark and the road is not good, why did you come in person?" The Eldest Miss quickly walked over, grabbing Xu Zhiqing's hand.

Miss Xu gave a small smile, "I came to check on you. I was worried that seeing him in such a state would upset you, and you might do something reckless."

Xiao Yuruo's face reddened, "Sister, you're making fun of me again. He willingly took that beating. Even if I wanted to be angry, I couldn't blame anyone but him."

Xu Zhiqing nodded slightly and chuckled, "If you think that way, then it's for the best. Today's incident can't be truly blamed on anyone. There is no right or wrong here, you shouldn't blame him anymore."

"How could I blame him!" The Eldest Miss grabbed Xu Zhiqing's hand and led her to sit, sighing, "Although he appears to be a servant in our house, he doesn't act like one. It has always been this way, and now, I fear it will only get worse." A faint blush appeared on Xiao Yuruo's face, making her look inexplicably charming.

Xu Zhiqing sighed lightly, taking out a jar of ointment from her bosom, "I got this miraculous salve from the palace's royal doctor. It's made from top-quality snow ginseng and deer antler velvet, specially for external injuries. A scab forms in a day, peeling in three, healing in seven. It's incredibly precious. You should take it and use it on him."

Receiving the small jar of medicine, the Eldest Miss exclaimed, "Really, Sister Xu? Thank you so much! You were still at home during dinner. When did you enter the palace to get this medicine?" No wonder Xu Zhiqing visited so late, it turns out she came specifically to deliver medicine. From dinner time until now was only a span of two hours at most. With the complicated procedures of entering the palace, Xu Zhiqing had to obtain the medicine first, then deliver it personally. This friendship was indeed profound.

Seeing Xiao Yuruo's grateful face, Miss Xu shook her head, "Miss Xiao, you needn't thank me. Today, Lin San's performance on the battlefield was truly astounding. What's this little jar of medicine compared to that? I just hope he doesn't think that today's incident on the battlefield was some deliberate deception on my part."

The Eldest Miss hurried back upon hearing of Lin San's injuries. As for the details, she didn't know. Hearing what Xu Zhiqing said, she became even more confused, but didn't ask.

"Has he slept?" Xu Zhiqing glanced at the Eldest Miss and asked softly.

"He's been through quite an ordeal tonight and has just fallen asleep." Seeing Xu Zhiqing's hesitant expression, the Eldest Miss couldn't help but ask, "Sister Xu, is there something you want to tell me?"

Xu Zhiqing smiled, "Miss Xiao is indeed astute. No wonder even that wild Lin San is completely subdued by you."

The Eldest Miss blushed and softly said, "Sister Xu, you're joking. How could I subdue him? I'm more afraid that I'm the one being controlled by him."

Seeing the Eldest Miss's flushed face and content expression, Xu Zhiqing sighed lightly and said, "Miss Xu, you are so gentle and caring towards him. I hope Lin San knows and understands you, and treats you well. There aren't many happy endings in this world. I hope you two won't let minor issues interfere with your relationship."

Hearing this, the Eldest Miss blushed even more and nodded, but then she thought of something from Xu Zhiqing's latter sentence. She quickly raised her head and asked, "Sister Xu, is there something you want to tell me?" She was startled, and then added, "Is there... is there something wrong?"

Xu Zhiqing sighed, neither shaking nor nodding her head. She softly asked, "Eldest Miss, do you truly like this Lin San?"

The question left the Eldest Miss hard-pressed to respond. After a moment of pondering, she heaved a sigh and said, "He and I, we're a pair of natural antagonists. In the past, he used to infuriate me daily, yet I found myself drawn to him, unable to shake him off. It's as if I'm under a spell. Every day, he would make me lose my temper twice. But when he's not around, I feel something is missing. I think about him, I miss him, I want to see him..." Her face flushed ever deeper, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke the last words.

Xu Zhiqing nodded, "The matters of men and women are the most intricate knots in the world. Even if one lived ten lifetimes, one wouldn't fully understand it. If you care about him so deeply, then you should seize this opportunity and make sure no one takes him away from you."

Take him away? The Eldest Miss raised her head and asked, "Sister Xu, what do you mean by that? Did he provoke some young lady again, this dead man—"

Xu Zhiqing laughed and took her hand, "Don't panic just yet. It's not certain if he caused this. Though he's quite arrogant, I don't think he's capable of that. There's something fishy about this."

Xiao Yuruo grew even more puzzled. Looking intently at Xu Zhiqing, she gave a bitter smile, "Sister Xu, what exactly is going on? Just tell me all at once, I can handle it."

Xu Zhiqing exhaled and stood up. Pacing back and forth in the hall, she finally said, "Sister Xiao, although I don't know where Lin San came from, his knowledge and wisdom far exceed that of an average person. You'd agree, wouldn't you?"

‘I know him better than you do, I know his abilities more than anyone. Not only does he excel in knowledge and wisdom, but also in deceit and scheming.’ As she thought of his past deeds, the Eldest Miss smiled faintly and nodded, "I'm aware of that. The things he's done are widely told in Jinling."

Xu Zhiqing couldn't help but laugh, "The stories you're talking about, I've heard from my father too. The bean sprouts supporting the Buddha statue, washing hands in a pot of oil, burning copper coins. Also, mocking the Couplet King, fighting Mei Yanqiu, and the Poetry Contest. Sometimes it's hard to believe that Lin San was responsible for all of these. Actually, there's a lot you don't know, like his significant role in eliminating the White Lotus Sect. He was regarded as the number one warrior among the three armies. Today, at the drill ground, in front of the Emperor, he faced formidable foes, one against five, yet achieved a dramatic victory. If you consider all these things, Lin San indeed deserves to be called an extraordinary person."

The Eldest Miss smiled and nodded, a touch of pride flickering in her eyes, "That's him. There's nothing he can't do if he sets his mind to it."

"With Lin San being so remarkable and widely praised, have you ever thought, Sister Xiao, the more extraordinary he is, the further he moves from your Xiao family? Are you sure you can keep him forever?" Xu Zhiqing gently asked.

The Eldest Miss turned pale. This had been her long-standing concern. The more outstanding Lin San became, the less beneficial it was for the Xiao family. Xiao Yuruo bit her lip, her eyes clouding over, "Sister Xu, what exactly has happened?"

Xu Zhiqing spun around, taking Eldest Miss's hand and saying, "Sister Xiao, do you know that during today's military drill on the battlefield, the Emperor himself was present, witnessed his prowess, and praised him highly? He even asked my father to invite him to the palace in a few days."

Eldest Miss was puzzled. "Invite him to the palace? Is it because the Emperor has taken a liking to him? That's a good thing, isn't it? Sister, why did you raise such a strange question?"

Xu Zhiqing shook her head with a bitter smile, "My naive sister, you only see part of the picture. Of course, it's good that the Emperor values him and wants to invite him to the palace to assign him important tasks. If he gets promoted and flourishes, and you two are in a loving relationship, becoming a couple that everyone envies, then indeed, that would be wonderful. But things are not that simple!"

In terms of court affairs, Eldest Miss was far from as knowledgeable as Xu Zhiqing. She bit her lip and asked, "Sister, are there any twists and turns in this?"

Xu Zhiqing looked at her and sighed, "There are twists and turns, but also mysteries. Sister Xiao, you are aware that our Emperor has two princesses."

"Yes, there are two princesses," Xiao Yuruo nodded, "What about it?"

"Oh, you silly girl!" Xu Zhiqing smiled bitterly and patted Eldest Miss's hand, "My father mentioned that when the Emperor invited him to the palace today, besides discussing state affairs, he revealed a significant piece of news - the young princess, who had been wandering abroad for many years, has recently returned to the palace."

"The princess? Returned to the palace? What does that have to do with Lin San?" Eldest Miss pondered for a moment, her face gradually turning pale. "Does sister mean that the Emperor wants to betroth the princess to—"

Xu Zhiqing held her hand, feeling it trembling and seeing her complexion turn deathly white. Miss Xu naturally knew the bitter pain in Xiao Yuruo's heart. She didn't know how to comfort her and could only sigh gently, "The young princess is now twenty years old. Whether she will choose a prince consort, I do not know. But one thing is certain: according to my father, the young princess has suggested to the Emperor that Lin San be invited to the palace—"

This news was enough. The noble princess of the Great Hua Dynasty, who was not yet married, would speak in favor of Lin San in front of the Emperor. Who would believe there was nothing going on between them? If Lin San were to become the prince consort, the royal dignity would be higher than anything else. How could the princess, who was considered the gem of the royal family, allow him to marry a commoner girl again?

When did this rascal meet the princess and kept her in the dark so tightly? Eldest Miss trembled slightly, her palm growing colder, her heart felt as if it was being pricked by needles. Was her affection for him all in vain, disappearing like the waters of the Yangtze River?

Eldest Miss gave a sorrowful smile, "He is indeed very lucky, even the princess has taken a liking to him. In his eyes, what does a simple girl like me mean?"

Xu Zhiqing quickly replied, "Sister Xiao, don't panic, things may not reach that point. From my perspective, Lin San is not a heartless person. I told you all this today hoping you could seize the person you like. Don't wait until the flowers have wilted before regretting it, ending up like me, living a life of solitude."

The Eldest Miss shook her head, tears flowing like rivulets down her cheeks, "A phoenix cannot perch on a small bird's nest, a flood dragon cannot be trapped in shallow water. I have always known who he truly is. With his capabilities, he is bound to soar high one day. On that day, I will be happy for him. If he tires of my family, I will not be a burden. In my eyes, he will always be that detestable servant, Lin San, the scoundrel who stole my heart. I will devote my entire life to him."

She paused, her face wet with tears, seemingly visualizing Lin San leaving her behind. Her heart ached as if it were being torn apart, and her body lurched backward in faintness.

Xu Zhiqing quickly supported her. The Eldest Miss clung to her like a drowning person clutching at a straw, sobbing, "Sister, is this my fate? Why is my life so bitter?"

Xu Zhiqing had only intended to warn Xiao Yuruo with this information so she could prepare herself, but she had not expected such an outcome. Seeing the Eldest Miss's tear-streaked face, she felt a deep sense of guilt. She tightened her grip on her hand, whispering, "Sister, don't worry. Even if it costs me my life, I, Xu Zhiqing, will ensure that you and Lin San live a life of enduring love."

—---

After suffering injury and fatigue, Lin Wanrong enjoyed a deep slumber until late in the morning. Waking up refreshed, his pain seemed to have subsided significantly. He yawned lazily, noticing a bottle of medicine by the bed. The word "Imperial" was inscribed in the middle of the bottle, of which a small portion was already used. A faint scent wafted from the bottle's cap, pleasant to his senses.

How did the Eldest Miss obtain something from the palace? Lin Wanrong wondered, struggling to get up. His body still ached a little, but the intense pain from yesterday was gone. The medicinal effects of the imperial potion were indeed extraordinary.

As he was examining the bottle, he heard a soft noise. Huan'er, carrying a bowl of porridge, walked in from outside. Seeing him sitting up, she expressed her surprise joyfully, "Brother San, you're awake?"

Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling, "I am. Where's the Eldest Miss?"

Huan'er replied softly, "The Eldest Miss, she left early this morning with Miss Xu."

"With Miss Xu?" Lin Wanrong wondered aloud. ‘If I'm not mistaken, that girl didn't visit our home yesterday. Why would the Eldest Miss leave with her this morning?’

Huan'er, noting his confusion, explained, "After you fell asleep last night, Miss Xu came to visit. The medicine bottle came from the palace through her. While you were in deep sleep, the Eldest Miss carefully applied the medicine for you."

‘That explains why I dreamed of a cat scratching my back last night. It was the Eldest Miss applying medicine on me. She's becoming more and more like a caring wife,’ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling contentedly, "The Eldest Miss left so early with Miss Xu? Do they have any business to attend to?"

Huan'er shook her head, "I don't know. But—" She lowered her voice, glanced around, and mysteriously added, "I don't know what Miss Xu said to the Eldest Miss last night, but she cried all night. Even Miss Xu couldn't console her. She barely slept for half an hour this morning. Miss Xu stayed up with the Eldest Miss all night, and her eyes were red this morning, as if she had been crying too. They both left early in the morning."

‘The Eldest Miss had cried all night? Could it be because I was injured? That girl, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, I should treat her better in the future. But why did Xu Zhiqing cry? I have no entanglement with her, my vow to pursue her only to let her down has not been fulfilled yet. If she were crying for me, that would be laughable.’

He mulled over it for quite a while, yet he couldn't understand what was going on in the minds of these two women. All he could do was sigh in frustration, asking, "Did the Eldest Miss say when she would be back?"

"No!" Huan'er shook her head, "The Eldest Miss left in a hurry, she didn't leave any messages."

The situation seemed increasingly strange. Could Xu Zhiqing have corrupted the Eldest Miss? Lin Wanrong was momentarily worried but decided to put these thoughts aside. His mind drifted back to the golden token that Fairy Ning had taken away last night. If the man who sent the token was indeed the most prestigious man in Great Hua, wouldn't that have made him the one seated on the high throne in yesterday's military display? Damn it, given his handsome and dashing looks, he couldn't have forgotten him. He probably didn't summon him yesterday because the distance was too great, and he couldn't see his face clearly. If he had known he might be Qingxuan's father, he would have paid respects to his future father-in-law at Lingyin Temple without any hesitation.

Thinking of this, Lin Wanrong became restless. No matter what, he had to find a chance to meet his future father-in-law. A thought flashed through his mind, and he suddenly shouted out loud, "Huan'er, Huan'er, quickly find me a sedan chair. Then go to the east end of the city and buy two top-quality fake paintings. I'm going to visit an old friend."

"An old friend? Do you have friends in the capital, Brother San?" Huan'er asked in surprise.

"Of course. I'm handsome and capable, as the saying goes, friends are all over the world, but only one can be the chosen one. What's a few friends to me?" Lin Wanrong laughed.

Huan'er's little face flushed red, and she ran out hurriedly. Lin Wanrong laughed mischievously, and shouted, "When you buy the fake paintings, be careful not to be fooled. Anything over ten taels of silver is a forgery among the forgeries."

A forgery among the forgeries? What did that mean? As Huan'er's heart pounded, she gained a deeper understanding of brother san’s mysteriousness.

After everything was prepared, Lin Wanrong pocketed the "forgery among the forgeries". Just as he was about to ride the sedan chair and leave, he saw several bearers running swiftly from afar. A sedan chair hurried over, its destination pointed directly at the Xiao family shop.

Damn, who was this? Traveling by sedan chair as if it was an airplane? Lin Wanrong chuckled and was about to open the sedan door when he heard a loud shout from afar, "Lin San, wait up, Lin San, wait up!"

Looking up, he saw that the man seated in the fast-approaching sedan was an old man with white hair. It was none other than Master Xu Wei. Xu Wei was wearing a bright red official robe, a black gauze hat with elongated flaps, looking very formal, and was vigorously waving at him.

‘Just the person I was thinking of! This saved me the trouble of traveling.’ Regardless of the pain in his body, he laughed heartily, hurried forward, and greeted, "Hey, old friend, long time no see. How have you been recently?"

As the sedan approached him, Xu Wei stepped out of it, looking quite agile. He grabbed Lin Wanrong's hand and said, "Lin San, come with me quickly!"

"What's the rush?" Lin Wanrong laughed, "Old friend, your timing is perfect. I was just looking for you. Ah, this is a calligraphy piece by Master Guiguzi, a renowned strategist from the Warring States period that I recently collected. Connoisseurs call it 'Ghost Drawing Charm'. It's a small gift, please accept it." He carefully presented the forgery among the forgeries to Xu Wei, with utmost modesty.

"Oh, I don't have the time to care about your 'Ghost Drawing Charm' right now!" Xu Wei took the forgery without a glance, threw it into the sedan chair, and said in a hurry, "You need to come with me quickly. People will die if we are late - the Emperor has summoned you."

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