Finest Servant

Chapter 355 The Boyfriend

A lady who didn't eat or sleep, waiting for him for seven or eight hours? Whose lady was sick with longing? Lin Wanrong was puzzled. Suddenly, a feeble voice rang in his ears, "Sir... sir... you're finally back."

Lin Wanrong looked up and saw a woman with skin as smooth as cream staring blankly at him. Her face was pale, and she suddenly collapsed into a soft heap.

Qiaoqiao's reflexes were quick, and she promptly supported her, calling out anxiously, "Miss Seo, Miss Seo, what happened to you?"

Lin Wanrong rolled up his sleeves enthusiastically, "Qiaoqiao, don't panic. Miss Seo is just too worried and exhausted, coupled with hunger and fatigue, that's why she lost her strength. I am strong, let me carry her in."

Qiaoqiao obediently hummed in agreement, intending to hand Miss Seo over to him. Miss Seo raised her head from Qiaoqiao's arms, weakly but firmly saying, "No need... don't bother... I can walk myself." She took two shaky steps, her legs giving out once again, but Qiaoqiao was there to catch her.

What a stubborn temperament Miss Seo had, thought Lin Wanrong. He forced a smile and let Qiaoqiao help her inside. Upon entering, he saw a teacup on the table, filled with tea that had long since gone cold. Qiaoqiao explained, "Big brother, Miss Seo came here yesterday to find you. She sat here quietly, not touching a drop of water or grain of rice, saying that she would keep waiting for you."

As Qiaoqiao spoke, she was about to help Seo Jang Geum sit down, but Jang Geum stubbornly shook her head. She stared resolutely at Lin Wanrong, her eyes seeming to accuse and yet also show heartbreak.

Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Miss Jang Geum, why are you doing this to yourself? Whatever the issue, it's not worth ruining your health. Seeing you like this... it makes me uncomfortable."

Seo Jang Geum looked at him seriously, "Would Sir really feel uncomfortable? If you do, then that is your punishment for breaking your promises. I intend to punish you with my actions, make you feel guilty and not break your word again."

He'd met strong women before, but none as strong as this! Lin Wanrong wanted to laugh, but seeing Seo Jang Geum's stern face, he held it back. Her logic was strange - she suffered to make him feel guilty? She wasn't his wife! But she was so earnest, probably thinking that everyone in the world was as upright and selfless as she imagined. Truly fitting for someone like Jang Geum, what a character!

"Miss Seo, when did I break my word?" Looking at Seo Jang Geum's clear eyes and selfless expression, Lin Wanrong had a strange feeling - if he stared at her for too long, he would believe he was a heinous criminal.

Seeing that Master Lin didn't even realize where he went wrong, Seo Jang Geum widened her beautiful eyes and softly said, "You don't even know how you broke your promise? Sir, you can't behave like this. You promised our Prince two days ago to attend a banquet at Mirror Lake. Last night the Prince sent me to invite you, but you didn't come back all night. Isn't this breaking a promise? Sir, how could you be like this? I, I——"

She spoke too hastily, her thoughts in a whirl. Her body swayed, threatening to topple over. Qiaoqiao, empathizing with this upright and obstinate woman, quickly helped her to sit down. "Miss Seo," she pleaded, "Don't be so anxious. Please, sit down and speak slowly. Big brother is a man of his word; he is not at all the person you describe."

This young lady was so fragile; Lin Wanrong hoped no serious harm would befall her. With a bitter smile, he asked, "Miss Seo, when did I agree to your invitation?" Considering the greater significance of the negotiations with Prince Cheng and the Turks over Goryeo, Lin Wanrong had prioritized those two over anything else. Moreover, he hadn't even promised Seo Jang Geum that he would attend the feast. Dealing with Sister An's departure the previous night, how could he find the mood to go and frolic at the Mirror Lake with Yi Seung-Jae?

Seo Jang Geum shook her head, maintaining her earnest tone. "When I invited you, you didn't express any refusal. That naturally means you accepted. Yet when I came to summon you last night, I was told that you had already left. How can you not fulfill a promise you made, Sir?"

Acceptance by default of not refusing? The logic of this young lady indeed astounded him. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Seo, if I were to kiss you right now, would you object?"

"You - " Seo Jang Geum blushed furiously. "How could you say something like that?" she asked, staring at him with a stern expression.

With a cheeky smile, Lin Wanrong retorted, "You didn't object, so you must agree. Here goes - Qiaoqiao dear, there might be some scenes inappropriate for children, turn your head - Miss Seo, are you ready?"

Qiaoqiao couldn't help but laugh and obediently turned her head. Seo Jang Geum hurriedly intervened, "Sir, you cannot equate these two situations. I can outright reject you, but I was afraid it might hurt your ego."

"True enough," Lin Wanrong clapped his hands, laughing heartily, "Miss Seo, you've hit the nail on the head. Like you, I didn't explicitly refuse because I didn't want to hurt your feelings. Oh, Miss Seo, I'm glad you finally understand my dilemma. Qiaoqiao darling, quickly prepare some food for Miss Seo, something nourishing like lotus seed porridge, angelica ginseng bird's nest with saffron. Quickly, fetch the best ones! Ah, to think you've been without food for a day and a night, it pains my heart, poor child."

"Big brother, do we need the saffron too?" Qiaoqiao asked, confused. Her Big brother sure knew how to exaggerate; just look at what he's reduced Miss Seo to.

"Add a bit, women who stay up all night always seem to lose something," Lin Wanrong laughed, "Miss Seo, being the most celebrated medical practitioner of the Goryeo royal court, surely understands its use. Ah, I've considered everything thoroughly."

Lin Wanrong's thoughts jumped quickly. Even the self-proclaimed intelligent Seo Jang Geum couldn't keep up with his pace. Seeing Lin Wanrong's animated expressions, she couldn't help but sigh, "Even if you didn't say it, I understand. Our Goryeo Kingdom is weak, like a single hair amongst nine oxen compared to Great Hua. If you don't want to bother with us, it is understandable."

Lin Wanrong lazily sat down and yawned, "Miss Seo, we've clarified the banquet issue; it was a misunderstanding. I appreciate your sentiments, but the banquet is no longer necessary."

"Sir—" Seo Jang Geum was about to speak when Master Lin chuckled and interrupted, "Miss Seo, I have a personal question for you. You may choose not to answer—I won't force you—but if you don't answer, I can't guarantee I'll answer yours. Fair, isn't it?"

Seo Jang Geum sighed slightly. She prided herself on her superior intelligence and talent, yet all her cunning was shattered in front of this man. Master Lin's mind was as unfathomable as the waters around Jeju Island, making it difficult for her to grasp. "Whatever you wish to ask, Sir, I will answer truthfully."

Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Jang Geum, are you considered the most beautiful woman in Goryeo?"

Seo Jang Geum shook her head and responded, "Appearance is not everything for a woman. It's the inner character that plays a pivotal role in a woman's life. Beauty and ugliness lie in the soul, not in the physical appearance."

Master Lin smirked. Based on Miss Seo's promoted principle that "no rejection implies acceptance," coupled with her radiant, crystal-clear skin, it would be unthinkable to deny that she was the most beautiful woman in Korea. He laughed, "If you're the most beautiful, just admit it! Talking about inner beauty and appearance is superficial. If beauty is truly based on inner qualities, I should be the most handsome man in the world. Jang Geum, do you have a boyfriend?"

"What is a 'boyfriend'?" Seo Jang Geum asked, confused.

"Oh, someone handsome and intelligent like me, capable of having conversations with you! Do you have one?" Master Lin asked seriously.

Seo Jang Geum shook her head slightly, "Handsome and intelligent, Sir, you jest. However, I enjoy conversing with you. If that's what a boyfriend is, then you, sir, would be my boyfriend."

Playfully teased Jang Geum, Master Lin blushed and thought to himself, it was indeed delightful to flirt with her.

"Sir—" Seo Jang Geum noticed Master Lin had stopped asking questions and was about to continue talking about the banquet when Qiaoqiao came in with a bowl of delicious lotus seed porridge. "Big brother, the porridge is ready. Miss Seo, please have it while it's still warm. I've added ginseng—it's very nourishing."

"No need, Miss," Seo Jang Geum insisted firmly. "I won't eat until I've fulfilled the Prince's task. Sir, please listen to me—"

"Speak, speak, what do you want to speak?" Master Lin, who was gentle a moment ago, suddenly turned solemn. "Miss Seo, are you saying that if I don't listen, you won't eat?"

Seo Jang Geum nodded. Master Lin snorted, "Great! If you don't eat, I won't listen. We can stay this way and see who's more stubborn. You, with your stubborn temperament, or me, with my strong personality. Qiaoqiao darling, there's a play in the town square, let's go for a stroll."

Qiaoqiao quickly grabbed Seo Jang Geum's hand, "Miss Seo, please listen to big brother and eat the porridge first."

However, Seo Jang Geum was much more obstinate than they had imagined. Upon hearing this, she shook her head, gently closed her eyes, and remained silent, as if she intended to wait in silence for Master Lin's return from his stroll.

‘Hey, this young lady has spirit,’ Lin Wanrong, receiving the lotus seed porridge, chuckled lightly. "Miss Seo, are you waiting for me to feed you? Alright, I'll try my hand. Open your mouth, here comes the porridge."

Seo Jang Geum's lips remained tightly shut, her silence unyielding, the expression on her face obstinate. Lin Wanrong gave a frosty laugh, "Miss Seo, you indeed have a strong character! But, my poor people of Goryeo, just because you show your character in front of me, they will have to suffer so much more hardship. Alas, I should send a message to Yi Seung-Jae saying that Seo Jang Geum is here, locked in a standoff with me, and tell the Goryeo people to continue waiting."

A flicker crossed Seo Jang Geum's expression, "Sir, do you mean—"

"Open your mouth—" Lin Wanrong interrupted her with a subtle smile, his voice laced with seduction.

Seo Jang Geum's lips moved slightly, a hint of blush painting her earlobes, her complexion was like blooming peach blossoms in March. After a long pause, she reluctantly opened her mouth, her eyelids falling bashfully.

"—open your mouth, my sweet little Qiaoqiao, you've been working hard these days, let big brother feed you porridge!" Lin Wanrong seemed to ignore Seo Jang Geum's actions and instead moved the spoon to Qiaoqiao's lips. The little maid was taken aback, "Big brother, this is for Miss Seo, uh—"

A mouthful of sweet porridge filled Qiaoqiao's mouth. Between the blush and the evident joy on her face, Seo Jang Geum waited for a moment, only to see him feeding Qiaoqiao. Her expression turned stunned, and then her eyes filled with unshed tears, and she quickly bowed her head in silence.

Lin Wanrong subtly smiled, took a handkerchief from Qiaoqiao and handed it to Seo Jang Geum, speaking softly, "Don't cry, dear Jang Geum. I want to tell you that when no one is pitying you, you have to learn to pity yourself."

Seo Jang Geum paused. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Wanrong handed the bowl of porridge to her. After pondering for a moment, she lowered her head, tears rolling down her cheeks, her voice as soft as a mosquito's whisper, "Sir, thank you, I understand now."

"Thank me for what? I'm your boyfriend, after all. Ah, international romance is the hardest. I'm stuck between the people of Goryeo and you, it's really killing me." Seeing Seo Jang Geum sip the porridge in small mouthfuls, Lin Wanrong chuckled, his expression becoming less serious.

Seo Jang Geum giggled, her face flushed as she lowered her head. The porridge tasted particularly sweet.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for Seo Jang Geum to finish her porridge, Lin Wanrong was drenched in cold sweat. This girl was too refined. Eating porridge was like doing embroidery for her. He estimated that she must have spent a fifth of her life eating.

Seeing Lin Wanrong stare at her, Seo Jang Geum bit her red lip and bashfully asked, "Sir, do I look awful when I eat porridge?"

"No, you don't look awful at all. You look too good," Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Seo, when you return to Goryeo, don't eat in front of other men. Otherwise, they'll be captivated by you."

Seo Jang Geum gave a small laugh and quietly said, "Sir, can I speak now?"

"I already said, forget about the banquet." Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, which caused Seo Jang Geum to look disappointed. However, Lin Wanrong continued, "I don't like playing games, talking with Yi Seung-Jae is less straightforward than you telling me directly. What exactly does the Young Prince want with me?"

Seo Jang Geum brightened up and hastily asked, "Sir, may I really speak now?"

‘Alas, this lass is perfect in all aspects, except she's overly polite,’ Lin Wanrong thought with a smirk. ‘Even after marriage, undressed in bed, would she still say, 'Sir, please come in!'?’ His eyes, brimming with a lascivious gleam, fell upon Seo Jang Geum's immaculate face, savoring the sight.

Seeing Master Lin's lecherous expression, Seo Jang Geum felt at a loss. Where had the tender, considerate, and wise Lin Wanrong of a moment ago disappeared to? She couldn't withstand his gaze. Her usual calm wasn't enough, and a wave of panic washed over her. Hastily lowering her head, she said, "Sir, this matter isn't unrelated to Great Hua either. Do you know why we absolutely must marry Princess Nishang during our visit to Great Hua?"

‘Piffle. I'm not the King of Goryeo. How could I possibly know what you're thinking?’ Lin Wanrong thought. Remembering Miss Seo's omnipresent politeness, he managed to squeeze out a feigned smile, "Oh? And why is that? Ah, Jang Geum, you're so polite."

Seo Jang Geum failed to grasp the meaning behind his words, shaking her head, she sighed, "The reason we must marry Princess Nishang is that we wish to borrow troops from Great Hua."

"Borrow troops?!" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Since when had the Goryeo become so self-aware, inviting their Great Hua to take action?

"Please don't misunderstand us, Sir," Seo Jang Geum quickly clarified. "We are not asking Great Hua to station troops in Goryeo, but rather we hope Great Hua could reinforce its troops in the southeast and northeast directions."

"Southeast and Northeast?" Lin Wanrong pondered before raising his head, "Miss Seo, are you referring to — Dongyin?"

"Sir is indeed intelligent," Seo Jang Geum nodded with a grave expression. "Before coming to Great Hua, both the Turks and Dongyin have sent envoys to Goryeo, wanting to form an alliance with us against Great Hua."

An alliance? One in the grasslands, the other on the seas, these two also wanted to conspire? The Turks were powerful, so their intentions were conceivable. But that tiny Dongyin daring to covet Great Hua's land? They couldn't possibly swallow that! No, Dongyin wanted to take Goryeo! Only by establishing a foothold on the land could they dream of Great Hua.

A realization dawned on Lin Wanrong, yet he remained silent, and after a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Oh, how does the King of Goryeo view this?"

"His Majesty was initially quite moved by the idea, but I believe the people of Dongyin are cunning and malicious. They would never dare to lightly touch the whiskers of the Great Hua tiger. Their intention, I fear, is not Great Hua but Goryeo," Seo Jang Geum confided. "I consulted with a military advisor, who then relayed my thoughts to His Majesty. He too realized the inappropriateness of the matter. However, Dongyin has been expanding and strengthening its military in recent years, and their forces have become formidable. Goryeo is no match for them. Thus, His Majesty sent the Prince here to request that Great Hua exert pressure on Dongyin from both the southeast and northeast, hoping to make them abandon their unrealistic ambitions. But the Emperor of Great Hua has consistently refused to see us, so the Prince wanted to convey our intentions through you, Sir. If Goryeo falls, Dongyin can nestle into our lands and join forces with the Turks to strike at Great Hua. By then, Great Hua's situation will be even more precarious than it is now." Seo Jang Geum finished her piece in one breath, letting out a long sigh as though unburdening herself, her gaze once again falling on Lin Wanrong.

Seo Jang Geum indeed had insight. Goryeo was fortunate to have her. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Seo, telling me all this is of no use. I am but a minor official, as insignificant as a sesame seed or green bean. These matters of military and state are beyond my reach."

Seo Jang Geum glanced at him, saying softly, "Sir, there's no need for modesty. Even though I'm from Goryeo, I know that the Emperor's personal title of 'The First Talent Under Heaven' for you is not an ordinary honor. A word from you to the Emperor is worth more than a hundred thousand soldiers. For the common safety of Goryeo and Great Hua, I beg you to relay this message to His Majesty, urging him to be on guard early. Please!"

Seo Jang Geum bent down in a deep bow. Her Goryeo long dress perfectly accentuated her slender figure. Following her smooth, white neck, her ample chest heaved upward, utterly enticing.

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