Finest Servant

Chapter 326 The Imperial Capital

Lin Wanrong fell into a slight reverie before speaking, "In our grand capital of Great Hua, beauty is all around. Everywhere you go, there's a scenic view. The street performances on Tianqiao, the snacks at the Chenghuang Temple, the bright moon over Xiangshan, all are renowned far and wide. Why don't we visit these places first?"

Yi Seung-Jae naturally wouldn't refuse. However, it was Ashile who frowned and said, "Master Lin, all these places are about food and fun. They are quite meaningless. Are there any other places, such as where you train your soldiers—"

"Training soldiers—" Lin Wanrong's brow furrowed, "Don't mention training soldiers to me. I got whipped yesterday and I'm still in pain today."

He then recounted the half-true, half-fabricated story of his experiences from the day before. Ashile exclaimed in surprise, "General Lin, you rule your soldiers so strictly that even you have to undergo corporal punishment for your own mistakes?"

"Strict? Not really," Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I'm just average. Under General Li Tai, we have a million soldiers, each possessing outstanding martial skills. They train far more strictly than I do, a hundred times over. The daily casualty rate stands at one in a hundred."

Ashile quickly grabbed hold of him, "Master Lin, do you have any soldiers with you? I would like to see the troops under your command."

Lin Wanrong looked troubled, "Well, my troops are just a bunch of insignificant soldiers, not worthy of any presentation. Perhaps it's best if we don't go. Instead, why don't we head to Tianxiang Building to enjoy some music? I know the courtesans there only sell their bodies, not their skills—"

Ashile, clearly anxious, interrupted him, "Master Lin, let's go watch your training. I am quite interested in military affairs."

Yi Seung-Jae also chimed in, "Master Lin, I've long heard about the mighty and strong Great Hua soldiers, and the grandeur of Great Hua. Please allow me the pleasure of observing."

Seeing the earnestness of the two, Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, "Alright then, since both of you insist so passionately, I'll comply, despite the embarrassment. Let's go together and see who's training. We can just watch casually. Ah, I'm still wounded—"

Ashile nodded repeatedly. He and Yi Seung-Jae mounted their horses while Lin Wanrong, due to his severe injury, climbed into the carriage. They had only traveled a few steps when they heard a woman's voice from outside, "Master Lin, it's Palace Lady Seo. May I come up?"

‘Palace Lady Seo? What does she want with me?’ Lin Wanrong laughed, "Come in, the door isn't locked."

Palace Lady Seo climbed into the carriage, a small medicine box in hand. Lin Wanrong, surprised, asked, "Miss Seo, what are you doing?"

Palace Lady Seo gave a slight smile, "Our prince said that Master Lin leads by example and has exceptional military discipline. He especially asked me to come and see to your wounds. Would that be convenient for you?"

"Oh my, how could I possibly refuse?" Without any hesitation, Lin Wanrong undid his shirt, revealing his back full of whip marks.

Palace Lady Seo didn't expect Lin Wanrong to be so forthright, saying no but acting to the contrary. Her cheeks reddened slightly before she regained her composure and carefully inspected Lin Wanrong's wounds. After a long while, she finally spoke, "Master Lin, your injuries haven't affected your muscles. Given your robust physique and the excellent wound medicine you've used, your recovery has been remarkably quick. I estimate that the scabs should fall off by tomorrow."

"But I still feel sore all over, with aching back and cramped legs, and suffer from difficult sleeping every night," Lin Wanrong sighed.

"Well, this may be due to injuries causing stagnant energy that is difficult to disperse, leading to symptoms like difficult sleeping," the palace Palace Lady Seo pondered before saying.

"Not only difficult sleeping, but there are also more serious issues," Lin San spoke with a pained expression. "Did you believe me when I said I have eighteen lovers?"

With a blushing smile, Palace Lady Seo replied, "If you say you have that many, then that's how many you have."

"Ah, I knew you wouldn't believe me, but do I even believe it myself?" Lin Wanrong said earnestly. "Do you think I want to be involved with all of them?"

"Did they force you, Sir?" Palace Lady Seo, asked, surprised.

"It's not really about being forced. It's just mutual needs. I'm naturally quite dominant, and during marital activities, I can't help being a bit... well, so there's no other choice but to find a few more. Ahem, I'm just talking nonsense. Please, don't take it seriously, Palace Lady Seo!" Lin San held back his laughter.

Palace Lady Seo shook her head with a light smile, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "You do enjoy your jokes, Sir. Let's talk about your difficult sleeping problem."

"Oh, go ahead. Do you have any special treatments?" Lin Wanrong eyed Palace Lady Seo's fair, flawless cheek, feeling an itch in his heart. How could this maid have such good skin, almost better than his wives?

"I have a recipe for medicinal food, called 'Tanluo Qi Restoring Soup', which is suitable for your condition," said Palace Lady Seo.

"Medicinal food? I don't quite trust that. Is there something better? Faster?"

"Acupuncture can stimulate circulation, clear stasis, and disperse blood. Would you like to give it a try?" Palace Lady Seo asked earnestly.

"Ah, needles, I'd better pass." The mention of acupuncture made Lin Wanrong shiver, instantly recalling the Vixen An and Fairy Ning.

Palace Lady Seo smiled lightly and said, "I saw how bravely you fought with Prince Tsugumi. How can you be afraid of acupuncture?"

Lin Wanrong thought, ‘How could beating someone be the same as being pricked with needles?’ Seeing Palace Lady Seo's sweet smile, he laughed, "Alright, let's try it. But if it makes me uncomfortable, you must stop."

Palace Lady Seo nodded, took out a silver needle, and lightly pricked Lin Wanrong's shoulder. Her technique was exquisite, offering a different experience compared to Sister An. Perhaps because Palace Lady Seo was more personable and without the inexplicable fear he had for An Biru, Lin San found the procedure surprisingly comfortable.

After she inserted four needles, Lin Wanrong felt so relaxed that he yawned lazily on his pillow, smiling, "Palace Lady Seo, what's your name? Calling you 'Palace Lady Seo' feels weird. I think I heard someone calling you 'Geum' earlier, right?"

Palace Lady Seo nodded, "Sir, my name is Jang Geum."

"Oh, Jang Geum, nice name. So, Jang Geum that—ah—" It seemed like Lin San had remembered something. He jumped up as if he had seen a ghost, his face full of horror, and the silver needles on his body trembled. "You, are you Dae Jang Geum?"

[TL: Dae Jang Geum is the name of the main character, a palace lady who became a royal physician, in the historical Korean drama "Dae Jang Geum", also known as "Jewel in the Palace". It's worth noting that her real surname is not documented in history, and the "Dae” surname was created for the TV drama.]

Jang Geum shook her head in confusion, "Sir, my name is Seo Jang Geum, not Dae Jang Geum. What's wrong?"

‘Famous people, ah! She is the second famous person I've encountered after Xu Wenchang, and she is a foreign friend too. Darn it, why hadn't I thought of it earlier?’ With such knowledge and insight, wasn't this palace lady Dae Jang Geum?

"Hello, hello, Miss Seo Jang Geum," Lin Wanrong, without further ado, took the celebrity's small hand and smiled, "I've long heard of your great name."

Seo Jang Geum was taken aback. Only a few people in Goryeo knew her name. How did this nobleman from Great Hua know? "Sir, you should let me finish the acupuncture first," said Seo Jang Geum, her face slightly reddening.

"Oh, right, right. I forgot because I was so happy." Lin Wanrong released Seo Jang Geum's hand and lay back on the pillow, yet his gaze remained on her.

Seo Jang Geum, with a serene smile, said, "Sir, what's wrong with you? You've become so strange after hearing my name."

"Nothing, probably because you're pretty," Lin Wanrong chuckled, feeling immensely joyous within. This world was truly interesting. He had unexpectedly run into Seo Jang Geum.

"Sir, you're really strange," Seo Jang Geum shook her head and gently laughed. Lin Wanrong didn't reveal the truth and instead talked with her about events in Goryeo, listening to her stories about the Goryeo royal court, experiencing a sense of surrealism.

When they arrived at the training ground, Lin Wanrong jumped down with ease, the pain from his wound seemingly greatly relieved. Seo Jang Geum watched with quiet astonishment. The nobleman's transformation was indeed dramatic.

Upon his arrival, the training ground was nearly deserted, with only a handful of men still training. Lin Wanrong took a distant look and frowned, "Why is it always these few useless fellows?"

Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae followed behind Lin Wanrong, and upon hearing his comment, their gaze drifted to the few men. They saw the men practicing their combat skills on horseback. One young soldier held a silvery spear, and amidst the galloping, he suddenly turned back and struck a wooden figure right in the chest. The spear pierced through, displaying tremendous fierceness. Another man with a beard swung his big sword on horseback, splitting a log in half.

Ashile was quietly stunned. Who were these men who were not even inferior to the bravest warriors of his tribe? And yet Lin Wanrong seemed unsatisfied with them.

"Well, just take a look. I'm embarrassed that you have to see these good-for-nothing fellows," Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly.

Ashile curiously asked, "Master Lin, their horsemanship, swordsmanship, and spearmanship are all quite exquisite, why are you unsatisfied?"

Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "Brother A, please stop mocking me. These few are the weakest in my army. Everyone else has already passed. Only these few, despite many days of training, still can't meet the standards. According to our army's regulations, to pass the spear test, they need to pierce two stakes with one spear, and for the sword test, they need to split three logs in one go. But look at these men. Xu Zhen, Hu Bugui, if you don't meet the standards today, no dinner for you. I'm embarrassed to have made you witness this, truly, truly embarrassing!"

Yi Seung-Jae was so shocked he didn't dare make a sound, while Ashile was left with his mouth agape. This was merely a random inspection, and it was impossible for this man named Lin San to have arranged it in advance. A casual glance revealed such astonishing capabilities. Could it be that the new recruits of Great Hua this year were truly so formidable?

Ashile said, "Master Lin, are these your newly trained soldiers? I've fought with Great Hua soldiers before, but they were not this formidable."

Lin Wanrong quickly laughed it off, "Yes, yes, our Great Hua soldiers are quite weak. The performance of these few men doesn't count. Please just watch and forget about it. Don't take it seriously, don't take it seriously!"

When Ashile turned to look back, he saw the young soldier who was wielding the spear, with a single turn, managed to pierce two wooden stakes. The dimly gleaming tip of his spear radiated a chilling light.

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