Finest Servant

Chapter 265

Chapter 265 Farewell

That night was a blur. Lin Wanrong spent his time drinking with two old men, exchanging jokes, and listening to their intriguing tales of the court. It was rather carefree. The three were learned men, and their stories were so lifelike that he could not tell which were real and which were mere exaggerations. Lin Wanrong found it amusing. Talking with educated people was indeed refreshing.

When he woke up early the next day, his head pounded fiercely. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself lying in Xian'er's pleasure boat, with Qiaoqiao, the little girl, watching over him. The young girl was curled up by his side, sleeping soundly with a sweet smile on her rosy cheeks.

Lin Wanrong reached out and lightly touched her face, chuckling, "Wake up, darling, it's daylight."

Qiaoqiao mumbled in response, opening her eyes to see her 'big brother' smiling at her. She instantly squealed in joy, "Big brother, you're awake? Xian'er, hurry, big brother is awake—"

Qin Xian'er entered, pulling back the curtains, her eyes brimming with delight. "Husband, you've finally woken up. Last night, you were so drunk that we had a hard time moving you here. Here, drink this hangover soup first."

Lin Wanrong took the medicine bowl, gulped down the contents, and was immediately choked by a sour and spicy taste, causing him to cough violently. Qiaoqiao gently patted his back, her voice filled with concern, "Big brother, drink slowly. This is hangover soup, not a fine wine. With the way you drank last night, how could you not be drunk?"

The hangover soup Xian'er had prepared was different from other remedies; it smelled strange, but its effect was astonishingly good. After a bout of coughing, his hangover seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. Lin Wanrong held the bowl and sniffed it carefully, then asked curiously, "Xian'er, what kind of soup is this? How come it works so well?"

Xian'er gave him a mysterious smile, "This is my Master's secret recipe. She said I can't tell you, or else you would vomit the soup out."

Intrigued, Lin Wanrong wondered what ingredient could make such a difference. Qiaoqiao whispered, "Big brother, I heard that last night, Xian'er's master had someone dig up earthworms, saying it was for medicine. I wonder if it was for this soup?"

His face turned pale, ‘Digging up earthworms in the dead of winter? Can you even find any? This little demon must be trying to mess with me.’ He resisted the urge to vomit, gritted his teeth, and asked, "Xian'er, where's Sister An? Is she practicing her martial arts again? I need to consult her about something. Don't stop me, even if you try to, I'll still find her. Are earthworms even edible—"

Qin Xian'er's face clouded over. She shook her head slightly, "Husband, I'm afraid you can't see my Master today. She left Jinling at dawn and headed towards the capital at full speed."

Gone? She sure fled quickly. The New Year was just around the corner, what urgent business could Sister An have that she'd rush to the capital? Lin Wanrong blinked in surprise, "Xian'er, does your Master have an old flame in the capital, calling her for a reunion?"

Qin Xian'er looked at him with a mixture of exasperation and amusement, "Husband, what nonsense are you spouting? How could my Master be that sort of person? She said she had important matters to attend to, and I didn't dare to stop her."

Lin Wanrong stood up and sighed, "It's a pity indeed. I originally wanted her to stay for the New Year celebrations. Given her modest eating habits, adding an extra pair of chopsticks would not cost much."

Upon mentioning her Master's departure, Qin Xian'er's eyes were initially damp, but Lin Wanrong's remark drew a laugh from her. "Husband, you are so annoying! Countless people would offer fortunes to support Master lifelong, yet she barely gives them a glance. How can you make it sound so unpalatable?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled. His intention of making that joke was merely to distract Xian'er from her sadness. Seeing her laugh, his goal was achieved, so he stayed silent with a smile.

From her sleeve, Qin Xian'er retrieved a letter, "Husband, this is a letter from Master for you."

"For me?" Lin Wanrong wondered. Sister An just left, why would she leave a letter for him without reason?

Little brother, are you happy to hear that I am leaving? Hehe, I don't have any old flames in the capital. If anything, you, a newly acquainted flame, are the only one. Other suitors have not even caught my eye, don't be jealous, okay?

Sweat, a cold sweat appeared on Lin Wanrong's forehead. This enchantress, could she be a worm in his stomach, guessing even this?

You seem nonchalant about everything, yet you're astute in reality. I told your Lady Qiaoqiao last night that I was planning to make soup with earthworms for you. I bet she has told you by now. Hehe, I'd love to see your expression. You destroyed my White Lotus, so I pranked you this once, we're even now. Don't blame me, I was afraid you would bombard me with cannons.

Lin Wanrong had a cannon indeed, but he would not resort to it lightly. He laughed out loud, yet sweat was forming inside, this Sister An indeed knew him well.

The capital is a thousand miles away from Jinling, once I leave, I don't know when we'll meet again. Don't forget what you promised, hurry to the capital. At worst, I will let you hold me as a compensation. If I don't let you, a little rascal, take some advantage, you wouldn't exert yourself. Neglect of duty is your forte. Of course, if you do well, there will be extra rewards — hehe, I wonder if Xian'er will be happy to see this letter? Take care!

After Lin Wanrong finished reading the letter, his face turned solemn. To Qiaoqiao, he said, "Qiaoqiao, bring a candle quickly."

Qiaoqiao nodded and brought a candle. Lin Wanrong set the letter on fire, and finally took a deep breath. ‘This enchantress, clearly trying to harm me, with this evidence destroyed, let's see what tricks you can play.’

Qin Xian'er curiously asked, "Husband, what did Master say?"

"Sister An asked me to do something very important and promised a big reward. But am I the kind of person who seeks advantages? There are secrets in this letter that can't be seen by others. Even though you two are my wives, I can't show it to you. Otherwise, I would be letting down Sister An, the people of Jinling, and the Great Hua." Lin Wanrong solemnly explained, his voice filled with "sorrow."

He turned his lustful intentions into righteousness, exhibiting an air of justice. Seeing his resolute expression, Qiaoqiao gently nestled into his arms, "Big brother, no matter what you are going to do, Qiaoqiao will support you."

Qin Xian'er was unwilling to fall behind, leaning into his embrace from the other side and said, "Husband, I am but your shadow, whatever you do, Xian'er will follow you."

"Really?" Lin Wanrong drew out his reply, "That's wonderful, my dear wives. Today the sun is shining brightly, why don't we return to bed and explore the game of drumming? Please don't look at me like that. Essentially, it's a very noble game, just like my character. Many of our ancestors have tried it, give it a go and you'll understand—"

Of the two women, Qiaoqiao was his bona fide wife, having already consummated their marriage. Xian'er, the little girl, shared his bed every night and was somewhat familiar with his temperament. Seeing his lascivious gaze, how could they not know what he was implying? Both women blushed, escaping his embrace, hand in hand, they ran out.

The relationship between these two sisters wasn't bad at all, Lin Wanrong mused, pleasantly surprised. A life of bliss awaited him.

—---

Xu Wei had finished his business in Jinling and was to return to the capital today. Having seen Sister An off in the morning, and now with old Xu returning to the capital, for some reason, Lin Wanrong felt an increasing connection with the capital.

As they escorted Xu Wei to the outskirts of Jinling, the old man laughed and said, "Little brother Lin, it has been a great fortune to meet and get to know you on this trip to Jiangnan. It's deeply gratifying. But there's no feast that doesn't end. For now, we must part ways. I'll be waiting in the capital for your arrival."

"Mr. Xu, I like to keep a low profile. Don't go making a big fuss about me when I arrive in the capital. I detest that sort of thing," Lin Wanrong replied, chuckling.

"I understand, I'll keep it low-key," Xu Wei laughed, his gaze fixed on a palanquin from the Xiao Residence, rapidly approaching.

The palanquin stopped before them, and Madame Xiao alighted, saying, "Master Wenchang, why the hasty departure? You should have stayed in Jinling for a few more days to allow me to play the gracious host."

Xu Wei replied, "Miss Guo, you are too kind. I've stayed in Jiangnan too long and there are matters pending in court that can't be delayed. Perhaps when you return to the capital, we can catch up." He paused, hesitated, then added, "There's something I need to convey to Miss Guo."

"Please, do tell," Madame replied, her expression serious.

"Miss Guo, Mr. Zhao has — for years — been missing you. I hope you can find the time to visit the capital," Xu Wei stuttered.

"Mr. Zhao?" Madame Xiao gently brushed her hair, smiling faintly, "Time flows like water. If Master Wenchang hadn't brought it up, I might have forgotten. For Mr. Zhao to remember me so fondly, I'm truly honored. Please convey my gratitude to him."

Recalling what the Old Wei had said, Lin Wanrong had a vague understanding. This Mr. Zhao must be the influential person who had always held feelings for Madam Xiao.

Xu Wei was speechless, he sighed, saluted, and climbed onto his horse. The entourage set off for the capital in grand procession. Du Xiuyuan, Hu Bugui and others waved to Lin Wanrong from a distance. They knew that General Lin would soon be heading to the capital as well, so there was no cause for sorrow, for they would be reunited soon.

Lin Wanrong watched as the group disappeared into the distance, heaving a long sigh, "They've gone, all gone. Just yesterday we were drinking and singing together, but today we part so swiftly. Life truly is unpredictable."

Madam Xiao looked at Lin Wanrong and chuckled, "Lin San, no need to sigh like that. I want to ask you, when will you accompany me back to the Xiao family?"

"Return to the Xiao family? What for?" Lin Wanrong sighed mournfully.

"To get married, of course." Madam Xiao beamed, her smile as bright as a tree full of splendid peach blossoms, unfolding just outside the pavilion.

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