Finest Servant

Chapter 364 The Flirtatious Husband

"Leaving? Where to? It's late now. Can't we go tomorrow?" Lin Wanrong asked with puzzlement.

Qin Xian'er shook her head slightly, her lips moving a few times before she whispered, "I want to see if that man is dead. If he is, I will set off fireworks in celebration."

Lin Wanrong silently chuckled. This young woman's stubbornness was evident. Even though she cared deeply for her father, she wouldn't express it directly. He laughed lightly and nodded, "Exactly, exactly. When the time comes, I will buy the fireworks for you, and we can set them off for days on end. Isn't your husband very considerate of you?"

A blush tinted Qin Xian'er's fair face, knowing she couldn't hide her feelings from him. Her gaze, full of affection, turned to him, an unspeakable sweetness in her eyes. Naturally beautiful, she was unparalleled in her beauty. Today, as she had been paying respects to her deceased mother, her plain attire added a unique charm that left Lin Wanrong with an itch in his heart. If not for the respect due at the grave of his mother-in-law, he might have taken advantage of the situation.

As dusk settled, Qin Xian'er, with matters weighing on her heart, hurriedly made her way down the mountain. Lin Wanrong followed her lead. Upon returning to the monastery's meditation chamber, they noticed the guards had dispersed. There was no sign of the old Emperor, who presumably had returned to the palace. Recalling the frail figure of the Emperor he'd seen earlier that day, Lin Wanrong sighed softly. It was fortunate he had arrived when he did; otherwise, misunderstandings between Xian'er and her father might have led to another tragedy.

Whether she acknowledged it or not, Qin Xian'er had become the esteemed Princess of Great Hua, a title of great prestige. As she had been on the mountain paying her respects, the imperial entourage waited for her return. Countless court ladies and eunuchs awaited her descent. When they saw the princess come down, they hastily knelt in salutation.

A serious expression crossed Qin Xian'er's beautiful face. Though dressed in plain robes, she exuded an air of grace and nobility. With a slight wave of her hand, she calmly said, "Everyone, please rise. I have urgent matters in the palace. Please hurry."

"Yes," the crowd promptly replied, and quietly got up, preparing to return to the palace.

"The title of princess really suits you. Xian'er, you are growing more and more regal," Lin Wanrong remarked with a grin. "Compared to you, I feel utterly old-fashioned."

"Stop talking nonsense," Qin Xian’er interrupted, lifting the curtain of the carriage. Without waiting for the eunuch to set up the steps, Qin Xian'er, with a delicate step, gracefully mounted the carriage. As she adjusted the curtain, she turned and smiled, resembling a pristine pear blossom tree that blossomed alongside the road.

Good heavens, becoming a princess had truly enhanced her allure. Her charm now rivaled that of Fairy Ning and Sister An. Truly, she had captivated Lin Wanrong's soul. He stood, momentarily dumbstruck. Seeing this, a joyous thrill filled Qin Xian'er's heart. With a coy voice, she teased, "Husband, what are you waiting for? Come on."

"Come on? Alright, alright, I'm coming," Lin Wanrong, both aroused and enthralled, took Xian'er's delicate hand and swiftly climbed into the carriage. The two fell together onto the soft cushions.

The maidservants below the carriage were surprised when they heard the princess address this man as 'husband'. How could it be that in just a blink of an eye, the princess had acquired a prince consort? However, they understood the principle not to ask unnecessary questions, an unspoken rule in palace service. Gently, they lowered the carriage curtain with their bare hands. The warm interior of the carriage then became a private world for the princess and her consort.

The princess's carriage was unique, with eight horses pulling it together, and an extraordinarily spacious compartment, encompassing dozens of square meters. Inside, a red carpet was spread on the floor, gold and silver embellishments were scattered everywhere, a symbol of absolute prestige. Before the phoenix couch hung yellow draperies, and atop it, there was a small pot and four tiny cups, the finest porcelain from the official kiln. Neatly placed on the couch was a bright yellow brocade quilt, emitting a faint, mysterious fragrance that symbolized the honor and wealth of the owner. Qin Xian'er, a true princess, had been accustomed to such grandeur since childhood. After years of braving the world alone, she had seen the dangers and fickleness of the world, and was indifferent to these external matters. However, Minister Lin was quite a common man, who could only stare at the wealth of gold, silver, and jade in the carriage and gasp in admiration. "Such luxury, I absolutely love it."

Qin Xian'er smiled gently, "Husband, what are you looking at? You seem so entranced!"

Lin Wanrong nodded, "Xian'er, this carriage is truly worth a fortune. If it were in the past, I'd have certainly swindled it and sold it."

Xian'er laughed lightly, nestled in his arms, and whispered, "You can do as you wish, as long as you don't sell me."

Feeling the warmth and fragrance of Qin Xian'er, Lin Wanrong embraced her delicate, boneless figure, and slowly caressed her waist. He sighed in admiration, "How could I do that? I can barely bear to let you out of my sight. My dear Xian'er, your skin is so smooth, just like washed milk, no worse than Dae Jang Geum."

"Who is Dae Jang Geum?" Qin Xian'er asked softly, twisting his ear gently.

"Oh, Dae Jang Geum? She's a woman I read about in a book. She was knowledgeable about medicine and agriculture. Other than that, there's not much else to say." Minister Lin blinked and chuckled.

"Really?" Qin Xian'er laughed, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "So, this Dae Jang Geum has nothing to do with the beautiful palace girl from Goryeo? In that case, I will send a notice to the Goryeo envoy tomorrow to return to Korea early, lest someone harbors ulterior motives towards her."

‘This little minx, speaking obliquely. But the one with ulterior motives isn't your husband, me. Even when the Goryeo prince Yi Seung-Jae wanted to give me Jang Geum, I refused. I'm quite resolute.’ Lin Wanrong chuckled, and slowly caressed her round and plump buttocks, with an extremely lascivious voice, "I have no designs on others, just on my dear princess. Xian'er, tonight, surrender to me."

Listening to his words, Qin Xian'er blushed hotly, her body limp, and with a soft moan, she fell into his arms, whispering softly, "Husband, wait for my master to return, then I will be all yours."

Master? Speaking of Sister An, the fire of desire in Master Lin's heart suddenly vanished, and a bitter smile crept upon his lips, "Has your master come to see you?"

"Hmm." Xian'er nodded. "Master said she was going back to the Miao village. She also mentioned that once she returned, she would find a way to lift the love bug in me, so that we could be a true married couple."

"Would Sister An return? By the time she comes back, it would probably be ages." Lin Wanrong kissed Xian'er's delicate face gently and asked, "When your master left, did she mention anything? For instance, did she mention me?"

Xian'er gave him a curious glance. "Why would she mention you? Ah, I get it. You must've gotten into trouble again and she reprimanded you. That's why you're so fearful of her. If you ever bully me in the future, I'll tell her. Let's see if you dare then!"

Xian'er's words, though not entirely accurate, weren't too far from the truth. Yet, when she discovered the intricate and tangled affairs between Sister An and her husband, how would she react? With a touch of regret, Lin Wanrong asked, "Didn't she leave anything behind? A letter, embroidery, or perhaps a blood-written note?"

Xian'er giggled and tapped him on the forehead. "You're so mischievous. Don't you know Master's temperament? She comes and goes as she pleases, never dilly-dallying. Why would she leave such items? Are they for a lover? Even if she had one, with her unparalleled beauty, which man in this world would be worthy of her? They can only dream."

Sister An's departure was decisive. Like a fleeting bird, she came without a trace and left without one, never leaving any sign behind – a true testament to her character. Lin Wanrong, with a pang of disappointment, held onto Xian'er's hand and chuckled, "You speak of your master as if no man is her match. Look at me, tall and handsome, suave and debonair. Wouldn't I be more than a match for her?"

Hearing this, Xian'er laughed playfully. "No matter how good you are, you're my husband. How could you be suited for Master?" Her eyes twinkled mischievously, then she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! Are you harboring some intentions towards my master? I'll hit you—"

"No, no, absolutely not!" Seeing Xian'er's tiny fist about to strike, Lin Wanrong quickly said, "Xian'er, believe in me. Look at my upright demeanor. Anyone can tell I'm an honest man. How could I ever harbor such thoughts? Though, I can't speak for others if they entertain such fantasies."

Qin Xian'er, suppressing her laughter, pouted, "If everyone in the world were as 'honest' as you, we'd be doomed. I think you're the one with the wandering mind. You lustful, lecherous husband, if you dare entertain ideas about my master, I'll tell her and have her deal with you."

Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter, embracing Xian'er's slender waist. He planted a passionate kiss on her rosy lips, lingering with a teasing lick of his tongue, and said with a merry gleam in his eyes, "Yes, yes, tell Sister An and have her punish me. Oh, it's been days since she last reprimanded me. I'm starting to miss it a little."

Xian'er gave him an exasperated glance. Being stuck with a husband as shameless as him left her truly without recourse. However, she secretly delighted in the sense of unpredictability and constant surprises they shared.

"Oh, by the way, Xian'er," Lin Wanrong remembered something that had been on his mind for a long time and seized the opportunity to ask, "You mentioned Sister An went back to the Miao village. Where exactly is this village?"

Xian'er, suddenly alert, shot him a cautious look, her lips pouting slightly. "I won't tell you," she teased, "so you can just keep guessing."

‘This girl is really vigilant,’ Lin Wanrong thought, grinning. He pulled her into his embrace, his hands daringly exploring her curves. The softness beneath his fingers sent thrilling sensations through him, prompting him to become more intimate with her.

Xian'er's entire body shivered, she murmured in a tremulous voice, "You rascal... don't..."

Lin Wanrong whispered into her ear, his warm breath tickling her, "It's such a pity for Sister An. All alone out there for so many years, and she's only now managed to return home. Xian'er, why didn't you go with her?"

Feeling quite vulnerable under his teasing, her face burning, Xian'er softly replied, "I... I did express my wish to accompany my master, but she deemed the journey to Sichuan too tedious and long, hence she refused. Stop it, you devil, I hate you so much right now!"

Sichuan? Lin Wanrong thought, mentally noting the information. He kissed her fair skin, as Xian'er, her eyes slightly dazed, clung to him. She whispered, "Once Master returns and lifts our curse, we can finally be a proper married couple. If you take a fancy to that girl, Seo Jang Geum, I'll bring her from Goryeo to serve you. Let's experience foreign delights together. My master taught me many things... Oh, I can't... it's too embarrassing."

Her face flushed like she was on fire, Xian'er hastily covered her cheeks, not wanting him to see her deep blush.

It was the first time anyone had broached such intimate topics with him, and that too, his own beloved wife. Thanks to a rather passionate master, Lin Wanrong thought playfully. He quickly asked, "So, what kind of techniques did Sister An teach you? Does she know them too? The Old Man Pushing the Cart, Dripping Wax, Drawing Water from the Opposite Shore, Poisonous Dragon's Tongue... Xian'er, why are you looking at me like that? I'm innocent! All the terms I just mentioned, they're martial arts moves. Clearly, you're thinking of something else entirely."

Hearing his teasing, Xian'er's face turned a deeper shade of red. She covered her face, too embarrassed to look at him. "Horrible man! I always knew you were a complete rogue. Master told me to truly win your heart; I had to take good care of you and show you what a real woman is like. She said once you've experienced my love, you won't think of any other woman. I swallowed my pride to learn all that, and you dare make fun of me!"

Wonderful! Lin Wanrong's heart swelled with elation upon hearing this. Sister An's teachings were quite something. What was a true woman? One who could manage the kitchen, grace the hall, and charm the bedroom! Indeed, Miao women were known for their bold love and fearless demeanor. Sister An dared to teach anything, truly fiery.

"Why would I mock you?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "On the contrary, I hardly had time to welcome it. Discussing the intimate bond between a husband and wife should be natural. Only through open conversation can a couple's relationship and affection grow stronger. Alas, Sister An is quite selfish! She taught you these wonderful things but left me in the dark? That won't do. The next time I see her, I must ask for some lessons. The 'Old Tree Takes Root' technique is quite advanced; I've yet to grasp it fully. We must discuss it."

"You always spout such nonsense." Qin Xian'er, finally overcoming her shyness, nestled into his chest. "My master also said that if you were to fancy another woman, I shouldn't fear. I should welcome them into our room and show them how I serve you, make them so envious of my skills that they'd be beside themselves with frustration! That Seo Jang Geum girl, you know, she seems so prim and proper. But my master once read her fortune. Such outwardly innocent women are secretly seductive. Once you have her, she'd be even more bashful, but on the bed, she'd be passionate and accommodating. It's called a fierce allure. Do you like it? I can keep her for you!"

This topic was truly wicked, but... he liked it! Xian'er would never speak of such things. Apart from the tantalizing Sister An, who else could say something so astonishing? It seemed Xian'er might become the teacher for Qiaoqiao and Qingxuan in the future, instructing them on how to properly serve their husband. They would need training first, of course. He chuckled lewdly, pulling the blushing Xian'er into his embrace. But in his mind, he was thinking of discussing these salacious topics with the knowledgeable Sister An. The mere thought made him drool.

The carriage rattled on, heading straight to the palace. With Princess Nishang's protection, Master Lin no longer had worries about gaining entry to the palace. Hidden within the carriage, sharing secrets with Xian'er and learning what Sister An had taught her, he felt as though he was living a heavenly, carefree life. Upon arriving at their destination, Master Lin was so engrossed that he was reluctant to alight. Every moment in the carriage felt invaluable.

They stopped not far from the Palace of Heavenly Purity where the old Emperor resided. Passing palace maids and eunuchs saw Princess Nishang's arrival and hurriedly knelt to greet her.

Qin Xian'er took a few steps but gradually hesitated. A hint of uncertainty crept onto her face, and her pace slowed.

"What's wrong, Xian'er?" Lin Wanrong asked, holding onto her.

"Dear husband, I... I'm afraid..." Qin Xian'er murmured, her eyes cast down.

"There's nothing to fear. He's not a stranger; he's your kin, bound to you by blood," Lin Wanrong reassured her, holding her hand tightly. "Would you like me to accompany you?"

Qin Xian'er responded with a sweet smile, gripping his large hand, feeling a newfound sense of security and determination. As they approached the entrance to Palace of Heavenly Purity, Gao Ping emerged. Catching sight of Qin Xian'er, he was momentarily struck dumb.

"What's the matter, Eunuch Gao? Don't you recognize Princess Nishang?" Lin Wanrong asked with a gentle smile.

Gao Ping's lips trembled for a few moments, overcome by emotion. He quickly knelt and said, "This humble servant Gao Ping pays his respects to the Princess. Please wait a moment, Princess, I will immediately inform His Majesty." Before he could properly bow, he clumsily scrambled up from the ground. Ignoring the usual protocols, he rushed forward a few steps, shouting out loudly, "Emperor, Emperor, the Princess is here! Emperor, the Princess has arrived!"

Qin Xian'er's delicate hand tightly gripped Lin Wanrong's, causing him a tingling pain. Lin Wanrong shook his head with an affectionate smile, gently patting her fragrant shoulder, "My dear, let's go inside."

Xian'er hesitated for a moment, then softly murmured her agreement. She snuggled close to him, and the two entered the Palace of Heavenly Purity together. They had only taken a few steps when they saw the palace eunuchs and maids kneeling on the ground, not daring to raise their heads. Ahead, Gao Ping was supporting a frail Emperor of Great Hua, who slowly approached.

"Greetings to His Majesty," the crowd chanted in unison.

However, the old Emperor seemed not to hear their greetings. His eyes settled on Qin Xian'er, brimming with deep joy and affection. "Nishang, Nishang, is that really you?"

"My name isn't Nishang. It's Qin Xian'er. My mother gave me that name," Xian'er said coldly.

"Alright, alright, Xian'er, if that's the name your mother chose for you, then Xian'er it is. Whether you are called Nishang or Xian'er, you are still my most beloved daughter!" The old Emperor smiled kindly, which led to a fit of mild coughing. Gao Ping quickly patted his back, and the Emperor's pale face showed a hint of improvement. He instructed Gao Ping, "What are you waiting for? Prepare a seat for the Princess and for Master Lin."

Gao Ping hurriedly obeyed. Qin Xian'er held Lin Wanrong's hand even tighter, her palm damp with sweat. After a long hesitation, she finally mustered the courage to speak in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "How... how have you been?"

Though the old Emperor's body was frail, he heard that sentence loud and clear. A few tremors passed over his facial muscles, and his eyes misted up with tears. "Xian'er, you don't need to worry. Your father is in good health. Just seeing you is enough for me. I have finally found my lost daughter."

Qin Xian'er shook her head stubbornly, "I didn't come here for you. I came to the palace to gather my mother's belongings and just happened to pass by, so I..."

"Just happened to come and see your father. I understand, I understand!" A sincere smile flashed across the old Emperor's face. He glanced at Lin Wanrong and nodded in approval.

Gao Ping had already fetched the embroidered stools, inviting everyone to sit. Xian'er glanced at the Emperor's pale and bloodless face, remaining silent for a while before finally speaking, "Give me your hand."

The Emperor looked puzzled. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Your Majesty, Xian'er wishes to take your pulse." The old Emperor's face lit up with realization. A slight tremor went through him as he slowly extended his hand, smiling, "I had forgotten. Having studied under Master An Biru, Xian'er has mastered the Qi Huang technique. It's as good as the rejuvenating touch. I am truly pleased."

Xian'er didn't respond. She delicately placed her slender fingers on the Emperor's wrist. After a moment of taking his pulse, her expression changed drastically. "How can this be?" she exclaimed.

The old Emperor gazed at her deeply, his smile still in place. "My dear daughter, your father is in good health. You don't need to worry. My greatest wish now is to hear you call me 'Father' just once."

Tears welled up in Qin Xian'er's eyes, her grip on Lin Wanrong's wrist so tight that it drew blood. Her lips quivered, but she couldn't utter a word. Lin Wanrong sighed softly, murmuring, "The tree wishes for stillness, but the wind continues to blow. The child wishes to care, but the parent is no more."

"Father!" Qin Xian'er's voice broke with sorrow as she fell to her knees, burying her face in the Emperor's lap, her cries filling the room.

"My dear daughter, my dear daughter," the old Emperor laughed heartily. But amidst his laughter, a bout of coughing erupted, tears streaming down his face.

Lin Wanrong turned away, letting out a long sigh. He felt a hint of moisture at the corner of his eyes. Hastily, he signaled Gao Ping, and the two quickly withdrew from the room.

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