Finest Servant

Chapter 357 The Emperor is in Trouble

Cried? Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment and then understood. The Eldest Miss was the type who acted tough but was soft-hearted. She must have overheard the Madam saying that Qiaoqiao was beginning to pack up the house and assumed they would soon move out. That must be why she was so upset. He knew her personality all too well. Outwardly, she might appear indifferent, but deep down, she was probably very anxious.

“Yesterday, after I shopped with Sister Xu, I saw the Eldest Miss hiding from us and crying secretly in her chamber,” Qiaoqiao said somberly. “Brother, the Eldest Miss is truly pitiable. She and the Madam have been so good to you. Can we not part ways with them, please?”

“Silly girl, who said we were parting?” Lin Wanrong pulled her into an embrace, the image of the Eldest Miss's determined yet gentle demeanor surfacing in his mind. He sighed softly, “Didn't I tell you yesterday? We, along with the Madam and Eldest Miss, will always be one family and will never be separated. Once she returns, I'll tell her that we should all move into the big house together. It’ll be warm and lively; how wonderful would that be?”

Qiaoqiao obediently nodded, looking up with a seductive smile and said sweetly, “Big brother, you're so kind.”

The two went inside. Lin Wanrong recalled the “Nose-piercing Grass” he had acquired from the Turkic people and took out a small bag, which was as precious to Ashile as life itself. He poured the long, thin tobacco leaves onto the table and examined them closely. This crude tobacco had been processed roughly; the Turkic people simply burned it in pots to inhale. But in Lin Wanrong’s hands, it was a different story. Being a cunning merchant, he wouldn’t miss such a lucrative opportunity.

He asked Qiaoqiao to bring a small blade and grindstone. He finely shredded the tobacco, then asked her for a thin piece of paper, and wrapped the tobacco in it, rolling it slowly. Qiaoqiao's skillful hands were renowned. Following her brother's instructions, she rolled the tobacco perfectly, handing it over to Lin Wanrong. The cigarette was straight and slender, somewhat resembling the cigarettes from his previous world.

Elated, Lin Wanrong lit the cigarette, and a mild tobacco scent filled his nostrils. Though it was bitter and dry compared to the superior tobacco of his world, having a cigarette to smoke in this era was a treat. This was innovation; a veritable goldmine.

“Big brother, what's this?” Qiaoqiao asked, covering her nose, finding the tobacco scent a bit overwhelming.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, “This is called tobacco. It's a very profitable commodity. I plan to use it to extract money from the foreigners, hehe.”

Qiaoqiao didn't understand what he was talking about, but seeing her brother in high spirits, she simply smiled and said nothing.

Remembering what Lu Dongzan had mentioned, that the tobacco's growing area was near the southern foothills of the Altai Mountains, within the Turkic territory, Lin Wanrong felt indignant. Damn it, why did such a valuable plant grow in Turkic territory? Such a waste! He needed to take it! The nomads invaded Great Hua for its land, and if Great Hua were to resist them, it shouldn't stop at simply driving them out. Plunder, destroy, decapitate, and kill without mercy.

He chuckled, grabbing Qiaoqiao's hand. "Qiaoqiao, in a while, I'll have to make a long journey. You and the Eldest Miss, stay in the capital and don't be scared. Once I finish my business, I'll be back."

Qiaoqiao, taken aback, asked, "Big brother, where are you going?!"

"I'm going to... 'retrieve', yes, to fetch something," Lin Wanrong stated with seriousness. "With this item, our Great Hua will be able to trade with other nations. They will all be engulfed in the clouds and mists, enjoying it... such a magnificent dream."

Qiaoqiao looked downcast for a moment. Looking up with a tender expression, she said, "Big brother, is the place you're heading to far away? I want to go with you."

"You can't," Lin Wanrong replied, unsure of how to explain. Would he say that he's heading to the battlefield to fight the Turks? Even he wouldn't believe that. All he desired was to capture the tobacco land. As to who would do the capturing, that wasn't his concern. With tens of thousands of soldiers and old Li Tai in the lead, no danger would befall him. Nevertheless, the safest option would be to have an army commander with layers of protection. If worst came to worst, he could always run, sparing his life.

"Just stay in the capital and manage our restaurant. I am undertaking a covert operation, and there's no danger involved. Don't worry about me," Lin Wanrong said, gently caressing Qiaoqiao's hair, trying to reassure her.

Knowing her brother's determination and how once he set his mind to something it was hard to sway him, she sighed gently. "Then, big brother, return soon. The Eldest Miss, Sister Xu, and I will be waiting for you."

"Of course, I too will miss you all, especially my sweet little Qiaoqiao," Lin Wanrong cooed, his voice dripping with honey. Qiaoqiao blushed at his words but was also filled with joy, leaning tightly against him, lost for words.

Having been with Lin Wanrong for the longest time, Qiaoqiao had always been kind and caring towards him. She had evolved from a naive young girl into a charming young woman, with a fuller and more graceful figure. Every smile, every frown was both gentle and enticing, and Lin Wanrong cherished her deeply.

He softly caressed her behind, whispering in her ear, "Sweetheart, let's try the wonderful gift Seo Jang Geum gave me today. How about it? Oh, my poor little thing will suffer."

Qiaoqiao's ears reddened, and she leaned weakly into him, murmuring, "Big brother, not now... it's still daytime."

"Ever heard of 'daylight dalliance'?" Lin Wanrong teased, his hands gently massaging her behind. As he lifted her up, intending to carry her to the inner room…

"Cough, cough," a soft coughing sound interrupted from behind. Startled, Qiaoqiao hid behind him, her face flushed. Turning around, Lin Wanrong saw Madam Xiao standing there, her face bearing an amused, teasing smile.

"Ah, Madam, you've returned? Qiaoqiao and I were just playing a game. Would you like to join us?" Lin Wanrong asked with a straight face, genuine in tone. Yet internally, he was riddled with regret. How could he have been so careless as to forget to close the door, leaving himself caught in such a situation?

Madam Xiao shook her head with a light chuckle, pretending not to have heard his words. She cast him a glance and remarked, "Lin San, yesterday a beautiful young lady came looking for you. She waited the entire night. Did you happen to meet her?"

"A beautiful young lady?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows in confusion. "Where? Is she as beautiful as you, Madam?"

Madam Xiao replied with a soft laugh, "Enough with the sweet talk. Has the young lady left? She's not only stunning, but she also waited for you without eating or drinking. Such devotion is truly admirable."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Madam, you've misunderstood. There's nothing between us. She is a maidservant from the Goryeo royal family, entrusted me with a task. Our relationship is purely platonic, absolutely nothing inappropriate. Qiaoqiao can vouch for that."

Caught in the act by Madam Xiao earlier, Qiaoqiao felt a profound sense of embarrassment. Hearing Lin Wanrong mention her, she instinctively shook her head, saying, "No, no, we didn't do anything—"

Madam Xiao couldn't help but smile, observing their intimate behavior. Qiaoqiao had certainly chosen the right man. But Lin San was a notorious womanizer, involved with countless women. And to think, her own two daughters had relations with him too! How could this situation possibly be good? As these thoughts swirled, her brow subtly furrowed.

"Why haven't I seen the Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong inquired curiously.

"She's at the Jinghua Academy, chatting with Yushuang," Madam Xiao replied, casting him another glance. "Lin San, Yushuang asked me to convey a message to you."

"Yushuang said something?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed with joy. "I haven't seen her in days. I've been missing her."

"Really?" Madam Xiao obviously didn't buy his words and snorted coldly, "I see you busy every day, either courting a position as an imperial son-in-law or mingling with Goryeo maidservants. When do you ever find the time to think of her? Yushuang mentioned that if you don't visit her soon, she's going to bring General Zhenyuan from Jinling—"

Sweat broke out all over Lin Wanrong. That little miss! She had explicitly instructed, upon joining the academy, that she would not return until her studies were complete, and asked him not to disturb her, fearing it would distract her. And now, even though he had abided by her words, she was complaining about him.

"Lin San, have you taken note?" Madam Xiao, seeing his flustered appearance, felt even more irritated. He treated Qiaoqiao as if she were a treasured gem, so why was he neglecting Yushuang?

"I've taken note," Lin Wanrong replied with a sheepish grin. "I had intended to visit her earlier, but Yushuang had instructed me to not disturb her so she could focus on her studies. So, I've been following her guidance all this while."

"Do you do whatever she tells you to? Why don't I ever see you being so obedient in front of me? Do I need to teach you how to understand a woman's heart?" Madam expressed in dissatisfaction.

It was Madam who had initially prevented him from getting involved with the Second Miss, and now, she was the one pushing them together. Lin Wanrong found himself caught between laughter and tears, unable to react. He simply nodded in agreement. In front of the deeply protective Madam Xiao, regardless of his grievances, he had no choice but to bear them silently.

"Master Lin, Master Lin!" Suddenly, an anxious voice echoed from outside the door. Xu Wei rushed in hurriedly. Without even greeting those present, he grabbed Lin Wanrong's arm, pulling him towards the exit.

Taken aback, Lin Wanrong quickly asked, "Mr. Xu, what's going on? I was in the middle of a conversation with Madam."

"What are you still discussing?" Xu Wei's face was etched with urgency. After a swift glance around the room, he whispered cautiously into Lin Wanrong's ear, "The Emperor... The Emperor has met with trouble."

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