Finest Servant

Chapter 448 Dark Skies, Hard to See Clearly

The night was deep and the streets were deserted. Not a soul could be seen. The clip-clop of horse hooves resonated in the air, mingled with the sounds of clashing swords and spears. Hu Bugui and his men were escorting General Lin and the ladies back to their residence.

Noticing Lin Wanrong's low spirits, Miss Xiao was at a loss. She took his hand and softly said, "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, I'll take good care of Master. Once I've recovered in a few days, I'll personally go to the mountain and bring Master down."

"That won't do." Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly tightened his grip on her hand. "Times have changed; you're not the adventuress you once were. You're five months pregnant. How could you undertake such a dangerous journey? Even after you've given birth and recovered, you can't go. You're my wife; I can't bear to put you in danger."

Miss Xiao smiled tenderly and nestled against him. "Just hearing you say that is enough for me. Is this how you've been cajoling my Master these past few days?"

"Well, sweet words are inevitable," Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly, stealing glances at Xiao Qingxuan's expression. "As you know, Fairy Sister initially wanted to kill me, but later changed her mind and sent me back. Many twists and turns happened between us. I'll tell you all about it when we go to bed."

Xiao Qingxuan touched her flushed cheek, biting her red lip and letting out a shy hum. "Don't even think about it. Tonight, you're not allowed in my room."

"Why?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. "My dear wife, I've been taking hot spring baths daily up on the mountain. I'm very clean."

"What does your interaction with Master have to do with me—" Miss Xiao turned away, her face turning red. "Fast for a day tomorrow, then you may enter my room."

‘What's going on? Apart from hugging and kissing with your Master, I've done nothing else. I'm essentially still innocent.’ Lin Wanrong's expression was one of distress.

Luo Ning covered her lips and looked at him flirtatiously. "Big brother, your verbal skills are unparalleled. I'm sure my Sister's Master must have been conquered by your eloquence. Otherwise, why would she voluntarily send you back? Right?" Ning’er looked somewhat flushed, her eyes twinkling, her smile mysterious.

"Actually, my verbal skills are just average," Lin Wanrong said, sweating profusely. He turned and playfully squeezed Luo Ning's hip. "My skills are more in my hands. You've experienced it, haven't you, Ning’er?"

Qiaoqiao noticed their playful gestures, her cheeks flushing. She hurriedly leaned against Xiao Qingxuan, wanting to watch but not daring to.

During the days Lin Wanrong had been trapped on the mountain peak, his wives had been anxious and scared, unable to muster a smile. Now that the worst was behind them, their spirits lifted. Inside the carriage, aside from Second Miss Xiao, there were only the four of them, husband and wives. Some teasing and bantering only served to enhance their intimacy.

Seeing the two of them getting touchy-feely, Xiao Qingxuan had to suppress her own shyness. She shot him a disapproving look, her face flushed, and said, "Stop it. Don't you see that Yushuang is still here?"

Second Miss hurriedly lowered her head, speaking softly, "It's fine, it's fine. It's a rare occasion to be with my sisters; I feel joyful."

Lin Wanrong's heart ached for her. He moved closer and took her small hand, "Second Miss, don't worry. I promise you, within three days, Xiao Yuruo will definitely return."

"Really?" Xiao Yushuang exclaimed in joy, glancing at him softly before lowering her head, "Rascal, you better not be lying to me. You know, there's no one in this world I trust more than you."

His heart was touched by her words. He remembered the times in the Xiao family in Jinling before he had made his name. Second Miss had even risked her life to save him; how could he not be concerned for her? Thinking back on their shared past—selling books, dealing with dogs, saving each other—each scene flashed before his eyes. A subtle sense of joy filled his heart. He didn't care that others were watching; he hugged her and gently kissed her beautiful face, "Yushuang, thank you!"

Second Miss was delighted beyond measure; her eyes moistened with tears. She let out a soft 'ah,' covered her cheeks with both hands, and stammered, "Wh-what are you doing? Our sisters are still here. I'm so embarrassed!"

Qiaoqiao grabbed her hand and laughed, "We're all sisters here; there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Now, we, the renowned young ladies of Jinling, are all sisters. Look at us, including big brother; we all met in Jinling."

Mentioning Jinling, everyone in the carriage had an epiphany. Indeed, they had all met in Jinling.

Xiao Qingxuan smiled and gave Lin Wanrong a white-eyed look before extending her hand toward Second Miss, "Yushuang, come sit next to me."

Second Miss was usually a little fiery in temperament, and initially wanted to measure herself against Lin San's 'other women.' However, upon seeing Xiao Qingxuan's face, she lost all her spirit. Suppressing her shyness, she softly hummed in agreement and obediently sat next to Xiao Qingxuan.

"Qiaoqiao is right," Xiao Qingxuan smiled, "We all have an unbreakable bond with Jinling. Yushuang, you probably don't know that you played a role as a matchmaker in my relationship with My Dear."

"I was a matchmaker?" Xiao Yushuang was surprised for a moment and snuck a peek at Lin San, "Sister Princess, what are you talking about? I had no idea."

Xiao Qingxuan's face flushed, she shook her head and chuckled, recounting the story of her relationship with Lin Wanrong.

Hearing how Xiao Qingxuan spent her nights in conversation with the man in his room, adding poetic atmosphere with her presence, Second Miss was stunned. Her heart sank, and her face turned melancholic, "It's vexing that he kept me in the dark. If only I could have met you back then."

"People meet each other for a reason," Xiao Qingxuan was dignified, perceptively capturing the younger girl's thoughts with just one glance, "Yushuang, don't feel resentful. If you hadn't invited My Dear into the Xiao family, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet him again, nor would we have such an opportunity. What you didn't know is that, at that time, the person I was most envious of was you."

"Envious of me?! Why?!" Second Miss was stunned.

Miss Xiao nodded slightly and smiled gently, "I speak nothing but the truth. In those days, though My Dear and I conversed daily, we were constrained by our respective statuses, full of unspoken barriers. Many topics we could only touch lightly. While you and My Dear spoke outside, I would listen from within the room. I never saw your face, but I felt your sincerity. You spoke your mind and dared to love and hate, much stronger than me in many ways. What I wished for the most back then was to be like you—to speak and act as my true self."

Xiao Yushuang's face flushed, utterly shy, "Sister Princess, you flatter me. I am not as good as you describe."

"You are that good," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, winking, "Second Miss, you may not know, but the first time a dog bit me in this lifetime was your valiant general."

This statement instantly reddened the Second Miss's face. She pounced on him playfully, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Seeing Yushuang's chest pressed against him, her quickened breath, and her flushed face, Lin Wanrong's eyes softened and he whispered, "Yushuang, do you like this?"

The Second Miss seemed to melt under his gaze; her body went limp. Lying softly in his arms, she murmured, "I like it! You scoundrel—"

As for matters concerning the Xiao family, they ultimately had to be resolved. Xiao Qingxuan wouldn't stand in the way, especially given Yushuang's purity, her affection for Lin San, and her kindness towards her.

Seeing Lin Wanrong blowing in Yushuang's ear, her small ears already a transparent red, wanting to struggle but also not willing to, Xiao Qingxuan shook her head helplessly and laughed, "Don't tease Yushuang anymore. She is still so young—Since all the sisters are here today, why not settle this matter? It couldn't be more appropriate for Second Miss Yushuang to enter our Lin family. My Dear, have you proposed to Madam Xiao yet?"

"I have, I have," Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, "Not just proposed, but I also sent a substantial betrothal gift."

He listed the gifts one by one. The Second Miss's face turned crimson; the ladies giggled. Xiao Qingxuan gave him a sidelong glance, her lips parting slightly, "You're so eccentric! Musket, drug, erotic book—are these things to win a lady's hand? It's fortunate Madam Xiao is good-natured, or she'd have kicked you out. Leave this to me; I'll prepare the gifts in a few days and personally propose to Madam Xiao, making this perfect for you."

With Miss Xiao's promise, it was a done deal. Xiao Yushuang, her wish fulfilled and shyly ecstatic, buried her head in his chest and dared not look up.

As for the matter of marrying a wife being arranged by Miss Xiao, all that was left for Lin Wanrong was to consummate the marriage. He sighed and smiled mischievously.

Qiaoqiao clapped her hands and giggled, "Today is truly a double celebration. Big brother has returned, and Second Miss Xiao is also joining our Lin family. It seems our family is getting more and more prosperous. Second Miss, why don't you stay at our house today to get used to the atmosphere—"

"No, not today," Xiao Yushuang was sweetly flustered, her voice barely audible, "My mother is alone at home, I'm not at ease leaving her. Maybe later—ah, you're making fun of me—" The three ladies laughed in unison, dispelling days of gloom.

After exchanging a few words, Xiao Qingxuan instructed the carriage to pass in front of the Xiao residence. When they reached the entrance, Xiao Yushuang excused herself to alight from the carriage. Just as the curtain was lifted, she stole a quick glance at Lin San, her lips parting as though she had something to say.

"Do you still feel like a stranger among us?" Xiao Qingxuan asked, clearly seeing her hesitation. She grasped her hand and smiled, "If there's anything you wish to say, please feel free. We're all family here."

Second Miss hummed in agreement, her cheeks flushing as she spoke, "Sister Princess, the bad man is not at home, and without any men around, our house has become a mess. Even Mother has fallen ill from the stress. I was thinking... I was thinking of asking him to stay with us for a few days." Her voice faltered, embarrassment preventing her from speaking clearly.

Xiao Qingxuan had a moment of realization. Ah, she wants her husband to return to the Xiao residence. Yushuang was too pure and lively to ever think of such a scheme; it must be Madam Xiao's idea. The Xiao family, two daughters and a widowed mother, were already on the brink of ruin. It was Lin San, who had seemingly fallen from the sky, who had lifted them up. Lin Wanrong's importance to the Xiao family was known to all. Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, acknowledging that her husband would forever be entangled with the Xiao family.

"Sister Princess, are you...are you upset?" Seeing Xiao Qingxuan silent for a long while, Second Miss spoke hastily, her face filled with remorse.

"Don't worry, your Sister Princess is not so easily angered," Lin Wanrong interjected, taking both women's hands. He smiled softly, "The Xiao family and the Lin family are one and the same. I would never abandon either."

Xiao Qingxuan glanced at him sharply, her eyes discerning. "Well spoken. But would you feel the same if the Xiao family didn't have two such stunning daughters?" Nevertheless, she smiled, "Very well, since you've made up your mind, Yushuang, I'll leave him in your care."

Xiao Yushuang's face lit up with joy, and she nodded vigorously. "Rest assured, Sister, Mother and I will take good care of him, so he'll never want to leave us."

Xiao Qingxuan smoothed out Lin Wanrong's clothes and spoke softly, "You have only a few days left before you depart for the battlefield. Take care of the Xiao family's affairs properly and don't bully them. Just remember one thing: take good care of yourself. Your son and I can't endure any more scares like this."

Touched by her sincere words, Lin Wanrong could only nod in agreement.

"If you find it hard to stay there, then come back. I'll be waiting for you," Xiao Qingxuan said, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. He looked at her cautiously and asked, "So, are we still abstaining?"

"How should I know?" Xiao Qingxuan replied, her face turning red as she gently pushed him away. "Go now. Once you've sorted things out, I'll forgive you."

As Xiao Qingxuan's carriage disappeared into the distance, Lin Wanrong stood still, pondering the deeper meaning behind her words.

The moonlight was like water, casting a serene glow over him. Compared to the usual lively and restless Lin San, he seemed to have an added layer of mature intelligence. Xiao Yushuang stood beside him, her joy manifesting as she wrapped her arms around his and gently leaned into his embrace.

"Eh, the little white rabbit has turned into a big white rabbit!" Lin Wanrong suddenly exclaimed.

"What little white rabbit?" The Second Miss looked at him puzzledly, only to find his eyes mischievously fixated on her chest. "You're disgusting!" She let out a gentle, pleased spat and quickly pushed the door open to enter.

The night was deep, and the shop was quiet and somewhat disorderly compared to usual days. Xiao Yushuang lit a lamp, and she noticed that the official documents he had been working on were still on the table, now adorned with some elegant small characters. She picked up a few sheets and saw that the writing was simple and clear, each containing just one word: "Approved."

"These were reviewed by my mother," Xiao Yushuang said, snuggling against him with a joyful smile. "She said that no one in the world could compare to you in handling matters. Wait here; I'll see if my mother has gone to sleep yet. I'll give her a pleasant surprise—seeing you will surely improve her health."

Xiao Yushuang tiptoed towards the inner chambers. Lin Wanrong chuckled and held her back. "Let's go together. I have to go in anyway. And we can see if there's hot water for us to wash our—hands!"

Having been teased by him multiple times, the Second Miss had grown thicker skin. With her cheeks flushed, she took his hand and they quietly moved toward the Madam's room.

A faint light came from inside the room, indicating that Madam Xiao hadn't gone to bed yet.

"Mother—" The Second Miss called softly. After a moment of silence, an excited voice came from inside. "Yushuang, you're back? Did you find him?"

"Don't worry; seeing him will definitely give you a start," the Second Miss laughed softly, quite pleased with herself. "Mother, please open the door. It's cold outside!"

The sound of hurried footsteps approached, and the door swung open. "You little girl, can't even wait for a moment, huh—"

Madam Xiao had delicate features and a tired but beautiful appearance. She was holding a lantern and wore only a high-quality silk nightgown that barely reached her knees. Her long, well-defined legs glowed softly in the dim light. In her haste, she hadn't fastened her robe properly, revealing a generous expanse of her full chest between the folds. Her voluptuous figure was barely contained within the thin silk, sensual and inviting.

"Ah, close your eyes, close your eyes—"

With a "thud," the door slammed shut before the Second Miss could finish her sentence. Madam Xiao's panicked voice echoed from within the room, "Yushuang, why did you bring him here?"

"Why should I close my eyes?" Lin Wanrong said, his expression utterly serious. "It's pitch dark in here; I can't see anything. Hey, why isn't Madam Xiao opening the door? I've already been waiting for two tea periods!"

Still shaken, Xiao Yushuang waved her hand in front of his face for a moment before finally asking, half-believing and half-doubting, "Did you really not see anything?"

Lin Wanrong didn't even blink as he said, "It's so dark here, the lighting is so poor, and my eyes are so small. What could I possibly see? Huh, who touched my face? Madam, this isn't a joke to be made."

The Second Miss patted her chest, relieved, and laughed, "Mother, don't be afraid. It's dark and hard to see clearly. Look, haven't I brought this rascal back?"

Hard to see clearly? His eyes were wider than a bull's. The Madam's voice trembled as she said bitterly, "You naughty girl, you're going to scare your mother to death! Lin San, you're back? Go rest early, we can talk more tomorrow."

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