Finest Servant

Chapter 402 A Cat in Heat

When he stepped out the door, it was unexpectedly raining. Everything was rejuvenating, and the spring rain was like oil, with thin drops landing on his face, cold and refreshing, waking him up. Seo Jang Geum he had met earlier that morning was nowhere to be seen. Thinking of the conditions he had offered her, he realized they were indeed hard for a young girl. But from the perspective of his nation and people, he couldn't betray his passionate heart.

"Why have you only just returned?" As he entered the shop, Eldest Miss stood up from her chair, softly scolding.

Lin Wanrong shook off the rain from his cape and smiled, saying, "It was raining, and the roads were hard to traverse. I was also delayed by some trivial matters, so I returned late. I hope I haven't caused Eldest Miss any worry."

"I wasn't worried about you at all." Eldest Miss's face turned slightly red as she approached him, gently brushing the rain from his clothing, and huffed, "You have countless admirers outside. Even if you didn't come back for one or two months, no one would worry about you. Oh, what's this—"

A bright red lipstick mark was printed on the right cheek of Master Lin, forming a small cherry mouth. Eldest Miss's face changed drastically, and she pounded her small fist on his shoulder, shouting, "You, get out!"

Xiao Yuruo desperately pushed him towards the door, and Lin Wanrong hastily leaned against the door panel, confused, "Eldest Miss, what's going on? We were just talking fine a moment ago. How have I offended you?"

Eldest Miss, panting and glaring at him, her beautiful eyes ablaze, and her chest heaving, exclaimed, "You scoundrel, living a debauched life outside while I've been waiting for you to return. You, you, you've infuriated me—" Two sparkling teardrops welled up in her eyes. Xiao Yuruo's face was filled with grief, on the brink of tears.

A debauched life? Master Lin was taken aback for a moment. Had something about him and Miss Seo been exposed? Bah, bah, nothing had happened between them, and he was more innocent than tofu. "Eldest Miss, what exactly is going on? Don't you know my righteous character? How could I possibly be the person you're describing?"

Seeing his wide-eyed innocent expression, Xiao Yuruo became even more annoyed. ‘You sure act the part,’ she thought. ‘As if the two at home weren't enough for you to mistreat, now you're hooking up with vixens outside. Absolutely despicable.’

Eldest Miss sneered, "Don't you dare make up more lies to deceive me. Don't you know what's on your face?"

‘On my face?’ Lin Wanrong hurriedly touched it, suddenly recalling the soft kiss from Seo Jang Geum before leaving. Oh no, a disaster! He had neither gained anything nor avoided trouble.

"What else do you have to say, you heartless man?" Seeing his stunned expression, as if he were recalling that embracing vixen, Eldest Miss's anger intensified. She pummelled him with her fists as tears flowed like broken pearls.

"Oh, so that's what Eldest Miss was talking about." Master Lin laughed heartily, his mind working quickly, and said very seriously, "Eldest Miss, you've misunderstood. Westerners have a custom of a cheek kiss, a kissing greeting. Haven't you heard of it?"

The Eldest Miss had seen Westerners with her own eyes. During that day in Hangzhou, the one who sold diamonds, Tavernier, was a Frenchman from the West. She had heard that their customs were strange and women were quite liberal. Could it be—Eldest Miss covered her face and wept, saying, “You, you accursed Lin San, even Western women you won't leave alone?”

Lord Lin was stunned for a moment, and thought, ‘The imagination of the Eldest Miss is truly rich!’ Lin Wanrong laughed and said, “Eldest Miss, where has your mind wandered to? This facial greeting and kissing gesture are common Western courtesies, akin to our Great Hua's custom of bowing and saluting when meeting. On my way back, I encountered Seo Jang Geum and helped her solve a problem that had been troubling her for a long time. In a moment of excitement, she simply performed a Western courtesy. There is nothing more to it.”

“Seo Jang Geum?” The Eldest Miss was also taken aback. Earlier, when Seo Jang Geum had come to find Lin San, she was present and saw her anxious appearance as though there was some urgent matter. Could it really have been Seo Jang Geum who performed this gesture out of gratitude? She had never seen her act so freely before.

“Ah, Eldest Miss, were you specifically waiting here for me?” Taking advantage of the Eldest Miss's distraction, Lin Wanrong quickly changed the subject, “Ah, the weather is getting cool; why didn't you wait inside?”

“Who was specifically waiting for you?” The Eldest Miss snorted. She had a good relationship with Seo Jang Geum, the knowledgeable and mild-mannered palace woman. She hadn't heard of any scandals between her and Lin San, so perhaps it was truly a gesture of gratitude. Comforting herself, she quietly wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye, her face glowing as she whispered, “Did, did Mother say anything to you?”

So this girl was worried about this matter. Lin Wanrong closed the door and chuckled, “She did, of course. Not only did she speak, but Madam and I also had a very pleasant chat.”

The Eldest Miss's heart pounded, her pretty face flushed as she lowered her head and softly asked, “What, what did she say to you?”

“She said something very important.” Lin Wanrong teased, reaching to take her small hand. Having learned from the lesson of being caught red-handed by her mother, the Eldest Miss looked around before placing her hand in his.

“I proposed to the Madam.” Lin Wanrong whispered in her ear.

Xiao Yuruo uttered a soft cry, lowering her head, her face flushed, her heart beating even harder, her body twisting as she tried to pull her hand from his grip, “What does your proposal have to do with me? The affections of that girl, Yushuang, will finally be fulfilled.”

So the elder sister was jealous of the younger one. Seeing the Eldest Miss's shy yet expectant look, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but burst into laughter. The Eldest Miss's face turned red, and she twisted his arm angrily, saying, “What are you laughing at so foolishly? You fool!”

Lin Wanrong chuckled, “I asked the Madam for her blessing to marry the Second Miss. Eldest Miss, do you agree?”

Xiao Yuruo sighed, turning her face away, softly saying, “It should be so. Yushuang is devoted to you, and now, for you, she's studying hard at the Capital Academy. You must not fail her; otherwise, Mother and I will never forgive you.”

"Understood, understood, I thank Eldest Miss and Madam for their support," Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, "That's about it, really. There wasn't much else said. Eldest Miss, do you have any more questions? If not, I'll go to my room."

"You—" Xiao Yuruo's face clouded with intense disappointment, her teeth clenched tightly. "Is that all you talked about with Mother? What about the rest?"

"The rest? What rest?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled. "It seems I didn't talk to Madam for very long."

"You can leave!" Eldest Miss defiantly turned away, refusing to look at him. After waiting in silence, she started to turn her face back towards him, only to hear Lin San's infuriating voice in her ear, "I also asked Madam for your hand in marriage, to have Eldest Miss promised to me."

"You, you, you're talking nonsense," Xiao Yuruo's face turned a shade of embarrassed red, and she hastily turned her head away again. Her red, burning ears were as hot as if they were on fire, and a shy joy rapidly spread across her eyes.

"Let it be nonsense, then," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Anyway, Madam doesn't—"

"What did Mother say?" Xiao Yuruo, hearing a change in his tone, couldn't help but interrupt, no longer mindful of her shyness.

Speaking of Madam Xiao's attitude, Lin Wanrong truly felt distressed: "Madam made it clear, saying I can only marry either Eldest Miss or Second Miss. Eldest Miss, tell me, isn't this making things difficult for me? Both are dear to me; I can't bear to give up either."

Eldest Miss was stunned for a moment, murmuring to herself, "Only marry one?" A bitter expression crossed her face, her eyes closing slightly as large tears rolled down, her voice resolute: "If that's the case, then you must treat Yu Shuang well. She is still a child, ignorant of the world's ways. If you wrong her, even as a ghost, I won't forgive you."

Seeing Eldest Miss's determined expression, Lin Wanrong was torn between laughter and tears, grabbing her hand tightly: "Eldest Miss, you're not intending to play a part in a drama about yielding your husband, are you?"

"What yielding husband? It sounds so unpleasant!" Xiao Yuruo, her face originally filled with grief, couldn't help but laugh at his distraction, hitting him in annoyance, her heart filled with a sour sensation.

"Ah, I must say, Madam isn't handling this matter fairly, putting both Eldest Miss and Second Miss in a difficult position," Lin San sighed, shaking his head and looking regretful.

"Don't you dare speak ill of Mother behind her back!" Eldest Miss glared at him angrily, then added in a softer voice, "How is Mother being unfair?"

Lin Wanrong wore a worried expression: "Think about it, if I marry Second Miss, won't I still have to see Eldest Miss every day? Eldest Miss will be thinking of me every day. This will become an elder sister-in-law longing for her brother-in-law. What if something happens in the future? What will we do then?"

"You're asking for trouble," Eldest Miss flushed crimson, her heart pounding wildly. "What elder sister-in-law longing for brother-in-law? I, I won't think of you."

"Ah? So it's a younger sister-in-law thinking of her brother-in-law? Eldest Miss, you have such thoughts! Ah, why did I have to run into such a difficult situation? Being too charming can be deadly!" Lin Wanrong muttered to himself.

"Shameless, despicable, vile, low!" Eldest Miss cried out in a panic, her mind a flurry of insults. Unfortunately, her vocabulary of invective was limited, and she kept repeating the same few phrases. To Lin San, these words were practically compliments.

Seeing Lin San's gleeful face, Eldest Miss gritted her teeth in anger, but his few words had stirred in her a strange emotion. She felt both afraid and yearning, a mixture of extreme shame and excitement. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to speak.

Having teased her enough, Lin San's expression became entirely serious, and he took her small hand gently, saying, "Eldest Miss, don't worry. I'll handle the Madam. You know I have quite a way with women."

Eldest Miss turned her head away, not daring to respond, while Lin San stretched and laughed, "It's late. Time to rest. Oh, by the way, where are the Qiaoqiao and Ning'er? I've been back for a while, but they haven't come to greet me."

Xiao Yuruo responded softly, "They went to the new residence and asked for you to go there later. They have something to discuss with you."

"Oh, something to discuss with me? That must be important. I must hurry over." Lin San's eyes sparkled with joy, sensing that Luo Ning had persuaded Qiaoqiao. ‘She really is a good political commissar.’

Seeing Lin San's elated expression, Eldest Miss didn't know what they were planning, but knowing Lin San, whenever his eyes sparkled like that, there had to be a beautiful woman enticing him. Qiaoqiao was naturally mild and wouldn't use those cunning tricks, but the other one was hard to guard against. Eldest Miss gritted her teeth and snorted, "That foxy Luo Ning, using such low methods to lure away your soul."

Lin Wanrong chuckled and suddenly exclaimed, "Ah, I've thought of a way to make the Madam submit. Eldest Miss, how about this? Let's present a fait accompli, and then there won't be any worries."

"You're courting death!" Eldest Miss blushed with anger and pinched his arm fiercely, "Do you think I'm like that foxy Luo Ning? I can see from her eyes what you two have been up to. I, Xiao Yuruo, am an innocent girl and won't imitate others in a base union."

With a toss of her hand and a twist of her body, Eldest Miss glared at him and turned away. Jealousy, it was pure jealousy. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, found a carriage, and headed straight for the grand mansion bestowed by the Emperor.

The grand mansion, located opposite the Golden Jade Bridge, was a prestigious place in the capital, surrounded by dignitaries and officials. Lin San's status was on par with Xu Wei and Li Tai, indicating the Emperor's high regard for him.

Upon reaching the front gate of the residence and disembarking from the carriage, he found the mansion completely refurbished with golden plaques, jade lions, red bricks, and green tiles, looking quite majestic. The vermilion door was tightly shut. Lin Wanrong pushed it a couple of times but found it bolted from inside.

‘Damn, they're not going to make me climb the wall to get in, are they? Stealing into my own home to see my wife? What a world!’ Just as he was preparing to scale the wall, he heard a muffled sound, and the red door opened. A dim lantern emerged, and a charming young maid poked her head out, asking, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

‘Who am I? That’s a good question.’ Seeing the adorable appearance of the young maid, Lin Wanrong leaped forward a few paces with a playful laugh. "Are you asking me?" he teased. "Everyone calls me Brother San! Little sister, how old are you? Do you live here alone? Are you scared? Would you like Brother San to keep you company?"

"Ah—" the little maid screamed in surprise, stepping back, her face flushed. "You're Master Lin?!"

"Hmm, little sister, you recognize me?" Lin Wanrong nodded, adopting a serious tone. "Well, considering my dashing and handsome appearance, which has already captured the hearts of countless young maidens, your recognizing me is not so surprising."

The little maid burst into giggles. "I don't recognize you at all. My young mistress told me about your characteristics. I recognized you as soon as I compared them."

"My characteristics? What characteristics?" Lin Wanrong was intrigued.

The little maid explained, "My young mistress said, 'If you see a man who's always laughing and flirting, shamelessly arrogant, and tries to tease every woman he sees, peeking around at the front door, that's undoubtedly Master Lin.'"

"What? That's a mistake! Who knows me so well?" Lin Wanrong protested angrily. "Do I even have any privacy left? Who is your young mistress? I need to argue with her."

The little maid laughed coquettishly, holding up her lantern, revealing a large character "Xu" on the oxhide paper. Master Lin's face changed, and he waved his hands in regret. "I take back the last sentence. Forget I ever said it. But let me remind you, little sister, you're still young. Don't always believe what you hear. Flirty, shamelessly arrogant, teasing women—is that me? I don't flirt with more than a few each year. Most of the time, I'm the one being teased."

The little maid smiled demurely and bowed to him. "Master, my young mistress has specially instructed me to meet you. Please follow me."

‘Your young mistress is meeting me? In my own house? How absurd!’ The little maid led the way with her lantern, and Master Lin followed, feeling disgruntled. The mansion had been completely renovated, clean and tidy, with freshly planted flowers and plants throughout the courtyard. They made their way through halls and alleys, stopping at an elegantly designed three-story pavilion in the backyard, where bright lights were shining. The little maid curtsied, "Master, the three young mistresses are waiting for you upstairs!"

Lin Wanrong nodded, and as he crossed the threshold, he heard a burst of joyful laughter from upstairs. The voice of Qiaoqiao rang out, "Sister Zhiqing, your eyeshadow looks really good. If big brother sees it, he will surely be stunned."

Miss Xu's voice responded, "Why mention him out of the blue? It ruins the mood. By the way, Qiaoqiao, is this eyeshadow and mascara really a gift from the Goryeo girl named Seo Jang Geum? I never knew Goryeo had such talent. However, Qiaoqiao, Ning'er, don't blame me for not warning you. I heard that this girl Jang Geum is ambiguously involved with your family's Lin San. You'd better keep an eye on him. If a foreign vixen seduces him, that would be a disgrace to our Great Hua women."

Lin Wanrong listened, grinding his teeth in secret. So what if he had accidentally touched her a few times, or mistakenly kissed her a few times? Was it worth her gossiping and scheming behind his back?

He strode up the stairs with a commanding presence, only to find three young women sitting in front of a mirror, giggling and painting their eyebrows, enjoying themselves. On Miss Xu's eyelids was a newly drawn layer of pale blue eyeshadow mixed with some silver, paired with her mature and fiery body, she was truly as enchanting as had been described by Qiaoqiao.

"See, I knew big brother would be stunned by the sight," Qiaoqiao's soft laughter rang in his ears. Lin Wanrong snapped out of his trance, chuckling, "My eyes aren't stunned, what do you think they are, crooked? Hey, am I mistaken? Isn't this Miss Xu? We parted only a few hours ago, how come we meet again now?"

Xu Zhiqing snorted, discontentedly saying, "You think I want to see you? If it weren't for my father's message from the palace, instructing me to inform you, I wouldn't bother seeing you."

Seeing that big brother and Miss Xu seemed to be somewhat indifferent to each other, Qiaoqiao quickly grabbed Lin Wanrong's hand, smiling, "Yes, big brother, Miss Xu has come to convey a message from Lord Xu from the palace. Also, she has put a lot of effort into refurbishing our mansion. Many places were planned by her personally. You could say, she knows our home even better than you. Isn't that right, Miss Xu?"

Xu Zhiqing smiled faintly, saying, "I came to help for the sake of you, Qiaoqiao, and Ning'er, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."

Lin Wanrong, having long understood this girl's stubbornness, didn't argue with her. Considering that tonight was a special night, he sneaked a glance at Luo Ning, noticing her blushing face and the intense affection in her eyes as she gazed at him.

"So Miss Xu is here to convey an order, I wonder what Lord Xu has commanded?" Lin Wanrong said, his heart burning with impatience, eager to send Xu Zhiqing away and enjoy his romantic evening.

Miss Xu snorted and said, "The Emperor urgently summoned my father for a meeting, and he has not yet come out since noon. A message just came from the palace, saying that tomorrow morning, the Emperor has summoned you to discuss urgent military matters in court. You must attend."

"The morning court?" Lin Wanrong hesitated, saying, "But I still need to sleep!"

"You—" Miss Xu was infuriated to the extreme, almost wanting to march over and beat him up. The Emperor had been gracious enough to Lin San, summoning anyone to court would normally be met with profound gratitude. Yet Lin San treated state affairs so lightly, naturally stirring some anger in Miss Xu.

Suppressing her irritation, Miss Xu slowly said, "My father said, there are three urgent matters that need discussion. First, the Emperor of Dongyin has sent an envoy, demanding an explanation from Great Hua for the disappearance of Tsugumi Takeshita within our borders; second, yesterday Dongyin's army of a hundred thousand set sail for Goryeo, war is imminent; third, General Li Tai's army is about to set out, and the expedition must be discussed."

These three matters were all somewhat related to Lin Wanrong, and there was no avoiding them. Lin Wanrong nodded reluctantly, "Then let's see what it's about. Alas, it's a pity that I won't be able to fulfill my dreams of spring."

"My father also said, concerning Miss Xiao Qingxuan's matter, he is probing the Emperor's intentions, and he will notify you immediately when there's news," Seo Jang Geum added.

"Really?" Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Old Xu was indeed efficient in handling matters.

Xu Zhiqing snorted and said, "Who would bother to deceive you?"

Having finished discussing serious matters, Xu Zhiqing seemed to have more to say, and without regard to whose house she was in, she began to whisper to Qiaoqiao.

"Big brother, I have something to tell you. Come in with me." Luo Ning gave him a charming smile and stepped into the inner room.

Something to tell him? Lin Wanrong had just stepped into the room, and the door gently closed behind him. A fiery body wrapped around him like a serpent, and Ning'er, dressed only in a thin garment, pressed tightly against him, panting, "Big brother, this is our home, do you like it?"

"I like it." Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, then his blood boiled, and he feigned seriousness, "Ning'er, Miss Xu is still outside."

"I don't care." Eldest Miss exhaled a fragrant breath, "Big brother, this is our home, and Ning'er is truly happy. Do you remember what you did to Qiaoqiao in my room in Jinling? Ning'er wants a turn too."

This request was truly hard to refuse. Lin Wanrong's hands slid down her buttocks, feeling a damp sensation. Luo Ning softly moaned, her body aflame, and her smooth, voluptuous legs entwined around him like serpents. Her hips twisted slightly, and her eyes were full of seduction, "Big brother, be gentle, Ning'er is afraid she can't help but make noise, and Miss Xu might hear. Oh, big brother, you're so naughty—"

Eldest Miss had seen through the nature of the Talented Lady Luo, an unabashed enchantress. How could Lin Wanrong resist? Pressing against her raised buttocks, Luo Ning let out a cry, a little shriek like a kitten, stealing a glance at him, her lips slightly parted, her eyes watery, "Big brother, you did that on purpose! You mustn't think of Miss Xu; she's just outside. Oh, she heard—"

"What was that noise?" Xu Zhiqing's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she curiously peeked into the inner room.

"Oh, it's nothing." Qiaoqiao's face turned red, and she hurriedly covered up, "It's probably just a little cat in the house!"

"A cat in heat!" Miss Xu snorted, and for some reason, her face also turned red.

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