Finest Servant

Chapter 344 I Grant Her to You

Qiaoqiao was astonished by his words and quickly asked, "Big brother, where is the Emperor?"

As she spoke, a man appeared at the door, his face rosy but with an unusually pale hue. His temples were tinged with the frost of autumn, and he wore a yellow satin robe, walking with the grace of a dragon and the stride of a tiger, exuding majesty. Behind him followed the Eunuch Gao and a group of plain-clothed guards and attendants, tightly surrounding him.

"Your Majesty, what brings you here?" Lin Wanrong, without showing any formalities, greeted the Emperor with a smile.

The Emperor seemed not to hear his words, ignoring him completely. His eyes were fixed straight behind Lin San, his face a mixture of shock and joy. He stammered a few times before finally asking, "Miss Guo, is it really you?"

"I, Guo Junyi, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live, long live, long live the Emperor!" Madam Xiao bowed slightly, kneeling on the ground and respectfully saluting.

A series of emotions flashed across the old Emperor's face, his cheeks becoming even more flushed. He coughed violently twice, and Eunuch Gao hurriedly handed him two pills, soothingly saying, "Your Majesty, here is your medicine!"

With a wave of his hand, the Emperor flung the pills away. They bounced on the ground a few times before shattering into pieces.

"I'm not ill. What do I need these pills for?" the Emperor roared. He then glanced at Madam Xiao kneeling on the ground and reached out to help her up.

Madam Xiao's body moved slightly backward, avoiding his hand, and bowed again, "I, Guo Junyi, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live, long live, long live the Emperor!"

The old Emperor's hand stopped in mid-air, and he stood there for a moment, his expression changing. After a long pause, he withdrew his hand and sighed, "Miss Guo, please rise! Gao Ping, help Miss Guo up!"

Eunuch Gao moved to assist Miss Guo, and Madam Xiao bowed her head, saying, "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace." She rose gracefully, her face showing a faint smile.

Lin Wanrong observed the Emperor's expression and felt very puzzled. This old Emperor appeared frail and even weak on the outside, but his determination and will were unmatched by anyone. Those who underestimated him would surely suffer greatly. He believed that Prince Cheng must have felt this most acutely. Such a stoic and inscrutable ruler, but seeing Madam Xiao, he revealed such emotions. Could it be that there was something between them? Lin Wanrong's eyes darted between the two, seeing the Emperor's eyes flashing intensely, fixed on Madam Xiao, as if he wanted to devour her. Madam Xiao stood gracefully to one side, her eyes downcast, her face showing a hint of a calm smile, utterly tranquil!

There was an illicit affair! Lin Wanrong slapped his palm, cursing inwardly. No wonder Madam Xiao had remained a widow for so many years, cold as ice to everyone. It turned out she had once been entangled with the Emperor! He knew that Madam Xiao was no ordinary woman, but he never thought she had become involved with the Emperor. Incredible, truly incredible!

"Miss Guo, how have you been these years?" the Emperor looked at Madam Xiao, a glint in his eyes, and said softly, "Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye! Seeing you now, you are still as stunning as you were back then, while I have grown old and decrepit. Time is truly unforgiving!"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well," Madam Xiao replied with a bow, her expression extremely calm, showing no sign of any clandestine relationship.

So, there had been an attempt, but no success. It seemed even the Emperor could falter. Lin Wanrong chuckled and then heard the Emperor sigh, "Miss Guo, after twenty years, why does there seem to be a distance between us? I still prefer to hear you call me Mr. Zhao. In the past, we were friends despite our age difference, discussing scholarship, composing poems, and playing with words. Those moments have remained in my eyes, hard to forget even now."

Madam Xiao smiled slightly, as if recalling the years gone by, and shook her head, "In my youthful ignorance, I did not know your true identity, Your Majesty. I hope you will forgive me."

The Emperor forced a smile, "Had I known that Miss Guo would become so distant, I would rather have remained the anonymous Mr. Zhao. Had it not been for the complicated situation in the capital back then, and your honorable father's wish to avoid entanglement, we might have grown much closer—"

"Your Majesty," Madam Xiao interrupted, "I have been married for many years and have never entertained any foolish fantasies. My friendship with Mr. Zhao was based on his extraordinary learning and wisdom, nothing more. Not only with Mr. Zhao, but I also knew the top scholar of the South, Liu Dongsheng, and the famous gentleman of the Southwest, Jia Fan. They were all my friends, and there was never any romantic attachment. If you have misunderstood, I deeply apologize." Madam Xiao's eyes were clear, her words firm. She had been a widow for many years, strictly adhering to the code of conduct for women, maintaining her integrity. Her strong character was well-known in Jinling.

‘I can't listen to this anymore. If the old Emperor is rejected, who knows if he'll become furious and punish me?’ Lin Wanrong thought, and quickly bowed, "Your Majesty, since you and the Madam are old acquaintances, please take your time and enjoy your conversation. My wife and I will continue our tour of the residence. Please excuse us, we take our leave!"

A flicker of approval appeared in the Emperor's eyes. At least this boy knows when to advance and retreat. Madam Xiao's face showed a hint of urgency, but before she could speak, Lin Wanrong, pulling Qiaoqiao, darted out of the room and into the garden, where he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Qiaoqiao glanced at him, hesitating to speak. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Little darling, speak your mind."

Qiaoqiao nodded and looked worriedly back at the room, "Big brother, leaving the Madam alone in there like that, it seems, it seems—"

"It seems wrong, is that it?" Lin Wanrong said with a smile.

Qiaoqiao quickly shook her head, anxiously saying, "Big brother, I'm not blaming you. But since the Madam came with us, and the Emperor obviously has designs on her, leaving her alone there, I can't help but feel uneasy!"

Lin Wanrong gently stroked her hair and smiled, "Silly girl, if I left you there as well, would that make you feel better? I think it would make you feel even more uneasy!"

Qiaoqiao bit her red lip and whispered, "But with the Madam alone there, what if, what if something happens—"

"There's no 'what if'," Lin Wanrong said as he took her little hand and walked towards the center of the garden. "The reason the Emperor is the Emperor is that he can endure more than ordinary people. If he wanted to force the issue, even if we were there, we wouldn't be able to help Madam Xiao. It's better to give them space to sort it out directly. Without outsiders present, Madam can speak more freely, and the Emperor won't lose face in front of others. Isn't that better?"

The young girl thought it over carefully, deeply feeling that her big brother was right, so she didn't worry anymore and leisurely strolled with him around the mansion. The grand residence the Emperor had spoken of was indeed as magnificent as described. It covered a vast area, with an extravagant setup, and buildings layered upon each other. There were three large gardens alone. Besides the front and back gardens, there was also a smaller garden within the living quarters reserved for the closest intimates to enjoy. However, this mansion had been unused for many years, and the accumulation of dust was such that it would require thorough cleaning before they could move in.

The two of them wandered from the back door to the front, and upon reaching the front, they were both stunned to find that this place was directly facing the inner courtyard of the imperial palace. Across the way was the moat that protected the Forbidden City, and they could faintly see the guards on the Golden Jade Bridge.

Lin Wanrong turned his head to look at his front gate, and he saw that it was painted in a grand shade of vermillion, with wide horizontal beams, capable of admitting five sedan chairs side by side. Above the door frame, two large characters were hanging—Lin Mansion! Two stone lions, carved from fine rock and as tall as a man, stood on either side, looking very majestic.

"Little darling, what do you think of our home?" Lord Lin asked proudly.

Qiaoqiao nodded, saying, "Big brother, our house is so big! It's two or three times bigger than the mansion of the Eldest Miss’ in Jinling!"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I have many people to support, so of course, the mansion has to be larger. The old Emperor is, after all, not completely muddled. Heh heh, what's so great about East Straight Gate Street? I don't care about them at all; our back door opens there. Once you all have babies, I will build a swimming pool in our home, a horse-riding field, and also a great big love-bed—little darling, you've never seen this love-bed, let me explain its functions to you, you can preview it first!"

Qiaoqiao blushed, letting out a small whimper and lowering her head, not daring to speak. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, saying, "It's alright to listen, you'll have to practice in the future—"

He was going on enthusiastically, explaining to Qiaoqiao the "Bowing Buddha" function of the love-bed when his glance swept across the two large mansions on either side of his front gate, each one no smaller than his own. The one on the left had a sign reading "Li Mansion", and the one on the right bore a plaque that said "Xu Mansion".

Although Lord Lin's title of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was nominal, the Emperor's favor he enjoyed was real. The mansion granted to him was already top-notch in the capital, but these "Li Mansion" and "Xu Mansion" were not smaller, and the imperial favor bestowed upon them could easily be inferred.

Lost in thought, Lin Wanrong was suddenly startled by the sound of the mansion's door on the right swinging open. A young woman stepped out, her radiant face blooming with a smile, cheeks flushed like peach blossoms. She inclined her head slightly toward him.

Lin Wanrong was taken aback and exclaimed, "Miss Xu, what are you doing here?"

Responding with a gentle smile, Miss Xu said, "What a question! This is my home. Where else would I be?"

"Oh my, it turns out we are neighbors with old Xu," Lin Wanrong laughed. "So that's how it is, Miss Xu! From now on, we will be neighbors. Ha ha, I've finally found a place to mooch meals."

Qiaoqiao playfully pinched his wrist, saying, "Big brother, I'm here, aren't I? I'll cook for you every day, alright?"

Miss Xu snorted and said, "Lin San, it's only been a few days, and you've already changed your affections. What's this, not going to be a prince consort anymore?"

Before Lin Wanrong could reply, he saw Eunuch Gao running toward him, calling out, "Master Lin, Master Lin, the Emperor wishes to see you!"

‘See me? Isn't he reminiscing with the Madam?’ Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled, "Eunuch Gao, isn't His Majesty speaking with Miss Guo? Why does he want to see me again?"

Eunuch Gao gestured with his mouth toward something behind him. Lin Wanrong looked and saw Madam Xiao standing behind Eunuch Gao, smiling at him. "I'm touched you still remember me. You ran faster than a rabbit earlier!"

"Oh, well, I didn't want to interrupt your reunion," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. "Madam, how did your talk with the Emperor go? Did you, uh, make any progress?"

Madam Xiao shot him a charming glance and snorted, "Progress? Only you would think of such nonsense. Mr. Zhao and I are old friends who have not seen each other for years. We were merely chatting. It has nothing to do with anything else."

"Of course, of course. Madam, your loyalty, strength, and integrity are truly exemplary to all of us," Lin Wanrong said, smiling sheepishly.

Miss Xu, suddenly alert, hurried over and exclaimed, "Aunt Guo, Aunt Guo, is that really you?"

Madam Xiao studied her closely and asked, "You are—?"

"I am Zhiqing! Aunt Guo, I am Zhiqing!" Miss Xu said excitedly.

"Zhiqing?!" Madam Xiao exclaimed, grasping her hand. "Are you truly Zhiqing?!"

Miss Xu nodded lightly, and the two embraced tightly, tears streaming down their faces. Miss Xu had lost her mother at a young age, and she had been particularly stubborn. Madam Xiao had taken care of her back then, and their bond was profound. After many years apart, they wept in each other's arms.

Lin Wanrong naturally didn't understand their relationship, nor did he intend to. Admiring these two flower-like women was his immediate desire. Madam Xiao, like a mature begonia, and Xu Zhiqing, like a vibrant hibiscus, were both ripe peaches, and their figures were beyond description. Watching them embrace, Lin San swallowed and suddenly thought of the phrase: true affection "face-to-face."

"Lord Lin, Lord Lin—" A somewhat effeminate voice rang in his ear, and Lin Wanrong, impatiently, said, "Who is it? Don't block my view of the game—!"

"Lord Lin, the Emperor is still waiting for you!" exclaimed Eunuch Gao in a hurry.

"Oh, is that so?" Lord Lin reluctantly shifted his gaze from Miss Xu's chest, only to find her eyes wide open in anger, glaring at him fiercely, apparently aware of his previous actions.

If Lord Lin could be embarrassed, then all the roosters in the world would be laying eggs. He stared back at her unabashedly and laughed a few times, saying, "Miss Xu, please continue. Embrace each other tightly to express true love and affection. Ah, I'm so moved!"

"Despicable, shameless, hateful, lowly!" Miss Xu exclaimed vehemently.

"Zhiqing, who are you talking about?" Madam Xiao, who stood beside Xu Zhiqing, asked upon hearing this.

"Oh, it's nothing! I'm just playing around," Miss Xu replied, a bit embarrassed. "Aunt Guo, where were we in our conversation?"

Eunuch Gao finally managed to drag Lord Lin away, but sighed helplessly in his heart. When the Emperor summoned his ministers, who wasn't terrified and anxious? They would even rush without tying their pockets properly. Why was this Lord Lin so different from the others? The Emperor's discernment truly had a unique perspective.

Eunuch Gao said as they walked, "Lord Lin, I must say, having served the Emperor for decades, I have never seen anyone enjoy such favor as you. His Majesty initially left the palace today to visit the Grand Prime Minister Temple but suddenly thought of the mansion bestowed upon you yesterday. He wanted to have a look, and after inspecting it for quite some time, instructed the craftsmen to renovate it for your residence. His concern for you even makes me, a mere servant, envious!"

So that was the case; no wonder the Emperor had appeared here. ‘Xian'er is my wife, and the Emperor is my father-in-law; his kindness to me is only natural, and I've been good to him as well.’

When they reached the front hall, Eunuch Gao pointed to a side room and whispered, "Lord Lin, please go in by yourself; the Emperor is inside."

Upon entering, Lord Lin saw the old Emperor standing with his back to the door, hands clasped behind him, gazing intently at a portrait on the wall. Looking up, Lord Lin recognized the woman in the painting, clad in a goose-yellow gown, her features finely drawn, an expression of calm on her face. It was a young Madam Xiao.

The old Emperor was indeed a sentimental man. Alas, the gallant King was willing, but the goddess unwilling, truly pitiable. Feeling sympathy for his father-in-law, Lord Lin softly began, "Old man—"

The old Emperor waved his hand, pointing at the woman in the painting, "Lin San, do you recognize her?"

"I do, it's Madam Xiao!"

"Wrong!" the Emperor snorted. "When I knew her, she was not Madam Xiao, she was Miss Guo! Back when the two princes were vying for the throne, if it weren't for stubborn old Guo's self-righteousness, unwilling to get involved, I would have asked for her hand long ago. Junyi would now be my beloved consort, perhaps even bearing several princes for me! Cursed old Guo, so headstrong, harming others and himself. To avoid factional strife, he even resigned his post and secretly betrothed Junyi to another. By the time I learned the truth, she was already a thousand miles away in Jinling. Tell me, isn't he hateful? Isn't he hateful?!!"

The Emperor slapped the table forcefully, breaking into a series of violent coughs, his voice sternly booming. The momentum was so intense that even Lin Wanrong, who feared neither heaven nor earth, couldn't help but frown. He had had many interactions with the Emperor and was deeply impressed by his inscrutable demeanor. A ruler's emotions were often well-hidden, and this old Emperor was indeed a master of such concealment. Yet, now, he was thunderously angry on account of Madame Xiao, clearly displaying his deep affection for her.

"About this," Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "Your Majesty, the matter with Miss Guo has already passed. Whether you accept it or not, she is no longer Guo Junyi; she is now Madame Xiao. Even if she is a widow, given her steadfast character, she will not succumb to you."

"She won't? Why won't she? If this were twenty years ago, I was the mighty Emperor of Great Hua, even if Junyi were another man's wife. If I wanted to take her into the palace, who would dare to say no!" The Emperor snorted, his ruddy face turning pale, his breath becoming more and more rapid. "Twenty years ago, twenty years ago—"

He murmured to himself, his eyes suddenly widening, his face showing a ferocious, murderous look. With a fierce sweep of his sleeve, he shattered all the tea pots and cups on the table, roaring: "Zhao Mingcheng, I will never share the same sky with you!"

His expression was terrifying, his coughing intense, his face flushed like fresh blood, and he suddenly slumped weakly in his chair.

‘Damn, he better not die, or there will be no fun at all.’ Lin Wanrong hurried over, supporting him, calling out, "Your Majesty, Old man, how are you, Eunuch Gao, Eunuch Gao—"

"Don't call for him!" The Emperor slowly opened his eyes, his voice weak but filled with undeniable authority.

"Old man, your illness—" Lin Wanrong said anxiously.

"I am not sick!" The Emperor gave a dark smile. "Lin San, look at me! Remember this, I am not ill. Do you understand?"

Looking at his aged and pale face, Lin Wanrong felt an inexplicable pang of discomfort. He turned his head and said, "Old man, since it has come to this, please say less. I know what to say!"

The Emperor glanced at him, snorting, "Lin San, your greatest weakness is that your hand is too soft, your heart not cruel enough. Do you know what power is?"

Without waiting for Lin Wanrong to shake his head, he continued, "Power is what makes you forget your parents, siblings, wife, and children. You will only remember a chair, a chair of supreme authority in the world! For it, you can do anything, dare to do anything! Lin San, ask yourself, can you do it?!"

‘The old Emperor has gone mad, why is he asking me this,’ Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head, "Old man, I have never considered such things. My position is different from yours, so I won't think about those things. This is what they mean by not concerning oneself with affairs outside one's position."

"Not concerning oneself with affairs outside one's position?" The Emperor looked deeply into his eyes, "If you were in my position, what would you do?"

This topic was somewhat taboo, Lin Wanrong laughed, "Your Majesty is joking. I am content being a minor servant, also holding the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and I have no other thoughts!"

The Emperor's face gradually softened, and he slowly laughed, saying, "A joke, perhaps it was a joke. Lin San, do you know why I wanted to hang that First Talent Under Heaven plaque on your back door?"

"Perhaps because you saw that my back door was in disrepair, so you decided to give me a heavyweight plaque to guard my backyard," Lord Lin seriously analyzed.

"Guard the backyard?!" The Emperor wished he could press this youngster's head to the ground and stomp on it a few times, but instead of becoming angry, he laughed, "You're the first, Lin San, to dare to use my bestowed plaque to guard your backyard. Did you know that I wouldn't chop off your head?!"

Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Old man, I feel that there might be some connection between us, perhaps even a familial relationship. What use is there for that plaque to hang on my back door?"

The Emperor shook his head and sighed bitterly, "I am the supreme ruler, and others would empty their hearts and souls to understand even a word of mine. Only you, young man, are so arrogant that I must explain it myself. I bestowed you that plaque in the great hall so that everyone knows you have strength, and I trust you! But hanging that plaque at your back door is to remind you—"

"To remind me to be patient!" Lin Wanrong laughed, "Is it not?!"

The Emperor laughed, nodding, "So you guessed it all along, but you still deceived me. I should chop off your head!"

Lin Wanrong looked at him and sighed softly, "Old man, how comfortable it is to talk to you! Your health is more important than anything else."

There was a hint of moisture in the Emperor's eyes, and he turned his head and exclaimed loudly, "Lin San, do you still have the gold medallion I gave you?"

"Yes." Lin Wanrong laughed, pulling out the gold medallion.

The Emperor snatched it, laughing loudly, "Excellent, excellent! I will reward you with something." He lightly clapped twice, "Fairy Ning—"

A charming figure floated down like a ghost, standing in front of Lin Wanrong. Her absolutely beautiful face left Lord Lin stunned, exclaiming, "Fairy Ning?! Ning Yuxi?!"

"Lin San, I bestow her upon you—" the Emperor said.

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