Finest Servant

Chapter 432 Trust Lin San or the Imperial Edict?

Xu Wei remained silent, as quiet as a winter cicada. Lin San's words were intense, but they carried an uncommon sense of reason. Releasing Ashile and Lu Dongzan, he had once thought it was a righteous act, dispelling the rumors of other countries and proving the innocence of the Great Hua Empire, all perfectly executed.

But Lin San's words awakened him to regret and shock: Why should we care so much about how others view our Great Hua? Is saving face truly more important than the rise and fall of the country and the safety of the people?

"Mr. Xu, I am a man without great ambition," Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, feeling a sense of helplessness in his heart, "But I am also a citizen of Great Hua. I do not wish to see anything happen that endangers our people and compatriots. Sometimes I think, I would rather bear more blame, be scolded as shameless and despicable, than let others harm my simple-minded brethren. But what have we done—"

Xu Wei shook his head in shame: "Little brother, your words have awakened a dreamer. In the matter of Lu Dongzan, I truly made a mistake, failing to stop the Emperor in time. It's too late to say anything now, I don't know what can be done to remedy it?"

"How long have Lu Dongzan and Ashile been gone?" Lin Wanrong asked.

Xu Wei understood his meaning and smiled bitterly: "The imperial edict was issued yesterday evening, and the Turkic horses can travel a thousand miles in a day. By now, they must be seven or eight hundred miles away; it's too late for us to take any action."

Lin Wanrong was helpless and didn't know what to say. Even Xu Wei, the most learned man in the world, had made a mistake on this matter. Who else could Great Hua rely on? A deep sense of fatigue suddenly welled up in his heart; he felt drained and lost all his spirited appearance, longing to go home and sleep, forgetting these vexing matters.

He pulled out the treaty signed with Seo Jang Geum and handed it to Xu Wei, saying indifferently: "Mr. Xu, you give this to the Emperor. The matter with Goryeo has been settled. The recruiting in the northeast must be expedited. Don't wait until the troops are full; best to set off immediately, enter Goryeo directly, giving the Goryeo king no time to rest or prepare, and also effectively deter the Dongyin."

Xu Wei took the treaty, quickly glanced at it, his expression both excited and ashamed: "Little brother Lin, is this true? You truly are a divine man!"

Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled bitterly: "I have done what I can. As for whether we can firmly hold Goryeo, it depends on you."

The sound of the scattered sedan had already alerted the ministers. The Emperor's eyes swept over, loudly asking: "Minister Xu, what happened?"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations," Xu Wei, tears streaming down his old face, ran a few steps and presented the treaty: "Little brother Lin has signed a treaty with Goryeo. In the expansion of the Great Hua's territory over the past hundred years, our Emperor is the first. Long live the Emperor. Long live, long live!"

"Is this true?!" The Emperor's face lit up with joy, and without waiting for the eunuch to act, he strode forward, grabbed the paper from Xu Wei's hand, and began to read it, his hands slightly trembling.

Li Tai asked anxiously: "Brother Xu, do you mean, we've come to terms with Goryeo?"

"Indeed, indeed!" Xu Wei nodded hastily, his smile radiant. "The King of Goryeo has agreed to Little brother Lin's proposal, and both sides have signed the treaty, incorporating Goryeo into the Great Hua system. Our Great Hua's territory will expand several hundred li to the northeast. This is a great joy for the country and the people."

Li Tai's face broke into a smile. As a military general, he had a deeper understanding of territorial matters. A thin piece of paper had pushed the boundary of the Great Hua nation forward by several hundred li. How could this not bring joy?

Back during the debates in the Golden Hall, all the princes and ministers were present when Lin San made his proposal. Everyone thought it was absurd, but no one had expected that within a few short days, the dream had come true, incorporating Goryeo into the Great Hua map. The ministers were abuzz with discussion, filled with admiration and awe. Only Prince Cheng looked displeased, coldly snorting without a word.

The Emperor, looking at the text on the paper, could not hide his joy. "Good, good, today is truly a blessing from heaven. The princess has returned to the palace, Goryeo has come to the court, the might of Great Hua has spread far and wide. Send the decree for a feast in the Imperial Garden tonight. I want to drink heartily with all my ministers, to celebrate this national joy."

The ministers all congratulated the Emperor, flattering words filling the air. The Emperor stroked his beard and smiled, in high spirits. "Lin San, you have achieved this remarkable feat for Great Hua. Whatever reward you want, I will grant it!"

Lin Wanrong shook his head lightly. "This matter with Goryeo was within expectations, and not a great merit. Right now, all I want to do is go home and have a good sleep. I beg the Emperor's permission to leave first."

Everyone was stunned. Lin San had accomplished a great feat, and it was the perfect time to seek rewards. Why would he give it up? The Emperor laughed, "You should think it over. Whatever you want, I will grant it. Miss this chance, and you won't have such an opportunity again."

Lin Wanrong understood the Emperor's meaning, but he was disheartened and bored, having no interest in anything. He shook his head firmly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Whatever you are willing to give, you will definitely give, and what you're unwilling to give, I won't insist on. Please grant my request."

Xiao Qingxuan, who knew him deeply, saw the deep fatigue in his face, as if he had encountered a significant setback. She didn't care about the presence of others, rushed over, took his hand, and softly said, "My Dear, what's wrong? Have you encountered some difficulties?"

It was more than just difficulties; it was utterly infuriating. Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "Qingxuan, I'll tell you about this later. Today you are reunited with your father, so spend some quality time talking with him. I'll go back and rest, and come back for you tomorrow."

What had happened? Seeing her husband looking worn, Miss Xiao felt both sour and pained. She wanted to talk to him, but this place was the Golden Hall, not their home, and many things couldn't be spoken.

"In that case, go back and rest well." The Emperor sighed. "You have done so much for Great Hua; I will keep it all in my heart."

Lin Wanrong bowed and, seeing Xiao Qingxuan's worried face, smiled at her to reassure her. Then he turned and left the palace.

The streets were bustling with people, and the cacophony of vendors hawking their wares resonated in all directions, creating a lively atmosphere. Yet Lin Wanrong could not muster any interest. What had been a wonderful mood evaporated in an instant when he heard that the old Emperor had released Lu Dongzan. Lu Dongzan, a clever and adaptable man, was the right-hand man of the Turkic Khan. Lin Wanrong understood all too well what his release meant for the Great Hua Empire.

He couldn't help but wonder how many of the Great Hua's brave men would have to pay with their lives for this decision. Shaking his head and heaving a deep sigh, he felt a pang of guilt. If he had known this would be the outcome, he would have instructed Du Xiuyuan to take action when they had set the trap. In the end, his methods were not ruthless enough, and he had to bear some of the responsibility.

He let his horse amble along for a few steps, his thoughts turning to the matters at the Xiao family home. Having been away for two days and with Eldest Miss not around, he didn't know what chaos awaited him at home. His anxiety grew, and he quickened his pace, hurrying towards the Xiao residence.

As he approached the entrance, he spotted a graceful figure in the shop, a girl in red around sixteen or seventeen, with a lovely face that seemed a bit pale but determined. Biting her lip, she was busily moving goods with others, bustling about. Lin Wanrong stared, then exclaimed joyfully, rushing forward, "Second Miss, Second Miss—"

The young woman's delicate body trembled, and she slowly turned to look at him, her face expressionless. Her eyes reddened, and she hurriedly looked away, ignoring him.

Lin Wanrong stepped into the shop and immediately sensed that something was wrong. Not only did the Second Miss, whom he hadn't seen in days, act coldly towards him, but even the little maid Huan'er glared at him and snorted. Only Si De remained loyal, casting knowing glances at him as though something was amiss.

"Second Miss, aren't you at the academy? How did you find time to come back?" Lin Wanrong asked, moving closer with a smile. In just a few days, Xiao Yushuang seemed to have grown taller, her figure more curvaceous, and her innocent liveliness had somewhat diminished, replaced by a hint of maturity.

Seeing him coming closer, the Second Miss retreated a step, her face flushing as she whispered, "What are you doing here? Don't interfere with my work."

"I'll do it, I'll do it." Seeing her delicate hands about to lift the fabric, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of distress. He hurriedly grabbed the goods from her hands, saying softly, "This isn't work for you. Rest, and let me handle it. If I were to ruin your little hands, wouldn't I die of heartache?"

The Second Miss grunted in response, then seemed to think better of it and huffed angrily, her face stern, tears in her eyes.

"Yushuang, when did you come back?" Lin Wanrong stared at her, his face full of tenderness. "I haven't seen you for a few days, and you've lost weight."

"I, I," the Second Miss stammered, tears about to fall, then turned away, hardening her heart, "It's none of your business. I—I'm going inside."

Xiao Yushuang stomped her lotus foot and rushed towards the inner residence, lifting the curtain as she went. Lin Wanrong understood clearly; the Second Miss saying she was going inside was surely a hint for him to follow. But as he took a step to obey her guidance, the little maid Huan'er blocked him like a gust of wind, her face uninviting, "Excuse me, sir, but this inner residence is for the women of the Xiao family. No men or dogs are allowed inside. Please leave."

Two days without seeing her, even this little girl had become arrogant. Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly, grinning and said, "Oh, isn't this Huan'er? You've grown even more charming in just a few days. I think it won't be long before young men line up at our house to beg for mercy. Brother San congratulates you, sends his congratulations to you."

Huan'er snorted, turned around, and ordered Si De, "Today's mood has been ruined for this lady, as I saw a treacherous, ungrateful wretch. Si De, quickly close the door, we won't do business today."

"What do you mean? You don't want to do business just because you saw me? Where is this coming from? I'm Lin San, the highly respected man of the Xiao family mansion." He hurriedly grabbed Huan'er's clothes, "Hey, hey, sister Huan'er, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't talk nonsense. When have I ever been treacherous? I, the handsome servant, protect the Xiao family with loyalty, and Lin San defends the great empire with iron-blooded heart. Everyone knows this, and who doesn't know or understand? Si De, you know me best, isn't that right?"

"Brother San," Si De chuckled twice, his face filled with embarrassment, "It's not that I don't want to help you, but the Madam has made it clear, if you come back, she will chase you out with a broom—"

"The Madam?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed, "I have no past grievances with her, only recent kindness. How could she do this to me?"

Si De leaned close to him, cautiously saying, "Brother San, you'd better leave quickly. Who knows what might happen if the Madam sees you?"

“The Madam is so cruel?”

Huan'er snorted heavily, "I think she's been more than kind to you. For a treacherous wretch like you who betrays and forgets kindness, you should be beaten to death, bitten to death by dogs, burned to death, choked to death eating food—in short, not die a good death!"

"What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong gasped. This little girl held such deep hatred for him, but he never took advantage of her. "Sister Huan'er, I have been Lin San in the Xiao family for more than a day or two. Everyone knows what kind of person I am, not many call me of bad character, but you're the first to curse me as treacherous, unfaithful, and rebellious. What did I do wrong to deserve such a terrible death?"

Huan'er gave a cold smile, "You didn't do anything wrong, it's our family's two young misses who were wrong, they didn't see your true character and fell for your deceit, you shameless thief. The two young misses are in pain but silent, yet I, Huan'er, am not afraid of you. So what if you became the son-in-law who would bring wealth and honor? You are the one who betrays, even if you cut off my head, I would still curse you to death, you thief. Si De, throw this shameless person out!"

The little girl rattled on like a string of firecrackers, leaving Lin Wanrong utterly confused, "What son-in-law? What betrayal? What on earth is going on, Huan'er, please explain."

"Brother San," Si De whispered, "You'd better accept it. The Emperor sent someone to take Eldest Miss away, and granted a decree to the Madam, saying that he wants to make you the Imperial son-in-law, and you cannot marry a common woman. The decree is still with the Madam, she's so angry she fell ill. The Second Miss rushed back, and fainted when she heard the news."

Lin Wanrong was furious, "Are you confused? Let me ask you, am I that kind of person? Si De, tell me, which do you believe, Brother San's character or the Emperor's decree?"

Si De hesitated for a moment, and cautiously said, "It seems that the imperial decree from the Emperor is slightly more credible, just a little bit, Brother San. Please don't be angry."

Unjust, it was truly unjust! Lin Wanrong was furious to the extreme. How malicious the old Emperor's intentions were! Just the day before, he had fought tooth and nail for this matter, only to find that the Emperor had stabbed him in the back. Taking advantage of the moment when he "sacrificed" himself for the country, the Emperor had directly issued the imperial decree to Madam Xiao. If he had been the Madam, he would have vomited blood on the spot. And what about Eldest Miss and Second Miss, who admired him deeply? This was simply life-threatening!

"Believable, my foot!" Seeing Si De's ghostly expression, Lin Wanrong slapped him on the head. "You've been with me for so long, and you don't even know my character. I always appreciate the new without despising the old. How could I give up a forest for a single tree? This is a divisive plot by the Emperor, aiming to ruin the great unity within the Xiao family and to damage my relationship with my wife and the two young misses. How can you not see it?"

Huan'er scoffed and said, "You talk as if you're innocent! Dare you say that you have not done anything to wrong Eldest Miss and Second Miss?"

"Oh, this," Lin Wanrong found himself somewhat at a loss, thanks to the sharp-tongued little girl. He had first married Qingxuan and then held a wedding ceremony with Qiaoqiao. While the matter with Second Miss was not so problematic, Eldest Miss had come after, taking precedence. By all accounts, he had wronged Qingxuan instead. However, at this crucial moment, he couldn't possibly tell the truth.

"Little sister, you are still young, and matters of the heart cannot be explained in a few words," Lin Wanrong helplessly said. "I am devoted to Eldest Miss and Second Miss, as clear as the sun and moon—"

"Don't speak such useless words," Huan'er interrupted, her teeth clenched. "I'll ask you, are you going to marry the Princess?"

"Yes! But—"

"There are no 'buts' about it." Huan'er's small face flushed with anger. "If you truly care for our young misses, then divorce the Princess!"

"Divorce the Princess?" Lin Wanrong almost bit his tongue, astonished at the audacity of the young girl. However, if not for the fact that his princess wives were Qingxuan and Xian'er, he could easily divorce ten princesses for the sake of Eldest Miss. Si De, standing nearby, shivered at the thought. To divorce a princess as a prince consort was like an old man eating poison, a sign of wanting to die.

A soft cry came from behind the curtain, and the voice of Xiao Yushuang, filled with heart-wrenching sorrow, reached them: "You wicked man, I hate you, I hate you to death!"

"Second Miss—" Lin Wanrong jumped, hearing the faint sound of footsteps moving towards the house. He rushed forward, darting inside.

"You heartless and ungrateful man, you've ruined our young misses' lives—" Huan'er slammed the door shut with a loud bang, right on Lin Wanrong's nose. He yelped in pain, jumping up: "Yushuang, Yushuang. Second Miss, listen to me, the truth is not as you imagine, ow—"

Poor Brother San, Si De thought, unable to bear the sight, and quickly reminded him, "Brother San, the back door, the back door is open—"

‘Good lad, truly clever indeed, your Brother San will not mistreat you.’ Lin Wanrong leaped to his feet and, amidst his haste, gave Si De a big thumbs-up, then rushed towards the rear gate of the courtyard. He moved fast, but someone was even more quick-witted. Before he could reach the back door, he heard a slight clatter as the door bolt was locked, and it seemed like someone was leaning against it from the other side. Silently, he faintly heard the soft sound of sobbing.

He was a step too late again, and Lin Wanrong could only sigh in desperation. He called out loudly, "Second Miss, Second Miss, are you there? The situation is really not what you think, I am innocent, cough, cough—"

He pinched his nose and coughed for a moment but did not hear any movement inside, and he didn't know whether Xiao Yushuang was there or not. Whether she was there or not, the situation was very dire. Lin Wanrong's mood was utterly depressed. The old Emperor was indeed harmful, and the most hateful part was that he was also the father of Qingxuan and Xian'er, so he couldn't do anything to him. Frustration, extreme frustration.

"Brother San, Brother San, how are things?" Si De arrived, panting heavily.

"Good lad, you are the most loyal," Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder, exclaiming, "Sticking with your Brother San through thick and thin in this critical moment, and never abandoning me, you have a promising future!"

Si De gave a dry laugh, "I had to be loyal—I couldn't get through the door, it was locked!"

So that's how it is! Lin Wanrong dropped his hand and suddenly sighed, "Si De, do you know why I came here today?"

Why had Brother San become so profound? Though Si De was puzzled, he still asked with concern, "Brother San, didn't you come to see Eldest Miss and Madam?"

Lin Wanrong nodded, his face filled with sorrow, "It's true that I came to see Madam and Eldest Miss, but there's actually something else. I came to say goodbye to you all."

"Brother San, are you really going to become a prince consort?" Si De's voice trembled as he spoke, seeing Brother San winking vigorously at him, he asked in confusion, "Brother San, what's wrong with your eyes?"

"Nothing, I'm just moved to tears by you," Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth, wanting to punch the lad, "I'm saying goodbye to you not because I'm going to be a prince consort, but because—" he paused slightly, and sighed deeply, "After today, you might never see me again!"

There was a faint sound from behind the door, as if someone was leaning against it to eavesdrop. Lin Wanrong was elated, this was his chance!

"Brother San, where are you going?" Si De was also startled, suddenly seeming to understand something. He grasped Lin Wanrong's hand tightly, his eyes moist, "Brother San, don't leave! Our Great Hua's medical advancements can cure anything. You must be strong! Hold on!"

‘If I had any incurable disease, it would be because of you, you lad. This kid seems to be inheriting my mantle.’ Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, "Actually, it's like this. The northern frontier has been invaded by nomads. They are savage, cruel, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of evil deeds. The Emperor has already issued a conscription order. All able-bodied men in Great Hua who are over sixteen must join the army and valiantly kill the enemy. Every man has a responsibility to protect his homeland. As a true man, I dare not slack off. I've already volunteered to join General Li Tai's army and will soon head to the front lines to fight the nomads. Brother—" he wiped a couple of crocodile tears, "If I die in battle someday, don't forget to burn some paper money on my grave—"

"Brother San, are you serious?" Si De was dumbfounded. If even Brother San could go to battle, those nomads must be easy to defeat!

"It ends here. I suppose today is our last meeting. Brother, take care! Farewell!" Lord Lin turned around, his demeanor gallant and poised. Just as he was about to stride away, he heard a slight clatter. The back door opened, and Xiao Yushuang's charming figure appeared before him.

"Second Miss, you—" Lin Wanrong was both shocked and delighted!

"Lin San, you scoundrel!" Xiao Yushuang's pretty face was covered with tear drops, beautiful as the morning dew. The dagger in her hand glinted sharply, catching the eye. With a whimper, she lunged directly at him.

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