Finest Servant

Chapter 498

Chapter 498 A Message from Goryeo

The defeat was as crushing as a mountain collapsing. Upon seeing Prince Cheng captured, the morale of the two thousand peripheral troops who had been fighting fiercely plummeted. They turned to retreat, only to be decimated by the unified cannon fire of the Divine Machine Unit. The morale of the government troops soared as they vigorously pursued the retreating forces for ten miles, scattering and largely annihilating them.

"General, Prince Cheng has been taken to the palace," Lin Wanrong sat in a wheelchair on an elevated vantage point, staring blankly at the smoke in the distance. Xu Zhen observed his somber mood and lowered her voice considerably as he reported.

Taken to the palace, a place where words would be as sharp as swords and tongues as piercing as daggers. Lin Wanrong merely hummed in response. The exhaustion visible on his face even took Xu Zhen aback.

"Have all the remaining forces been eradicated?" he asked.

Xu Zhen answered cautiously, "Sixty percent have been killed, and the other forty percent have been captured alive. Among the sixty percent who were killed, there were two hundred Dongyin people. They offered the fiercest resistance our army encountered."

Lin Wanrong had already anticipated Dongyin's involvement. Prince Cheng's elite soldiers often betrayed the influence of Dongyin warriors. He was not surprised, and simply nodded.

With the battle over and nothing urgent in the southern part of the city, he instructed Xu Zhen to clean up the battlefield meticulously before being carried back to the city in a palanquin.

"Husband, what's the matter?" Qin Xian'er sensed that something was off. Lin Wanrong had been silent the whole way, his palm cold to the touch. Ever since Prince Cheng had been captured, Lin Wanrong's expression had been grave and he had been speaking much less. This was unlike his usually cheerful demeanor.

Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, his expression solemn. "Xian'er, if there comes a day when you must choose between your father and me, who would you choose?"

Shocked by his question, Qin Xian'er broke down in tears. "Why would you ask such a thing? Don't you know my feelings for you? Has my father wronged you? I'll confront him—"

She was about to jump out of the palanquin, but Lin Wanrong, touched, quickly stopped her. He chuckled, "Silly girl, I know you care for me. But the world is complicated; matters often can't be easily judged as right or wrong."

He spoke with a smile, but the fatigue and desolation in his eyes were clear. It was even more intense than when he had been injured at Weishan Lake.

"Husband," Qin Xian'er muttered through her tears, "I don't understand what you're saying, but I love hearing you speak."

"Right," Lin Wanrong wiped away her tears and burst into hearty laughter. "Do you remember our time in Hangzhou? You took me to your mother's former residence. I promised you that one day we'd build a grand house by West Lake and listen to wind chimes every day. You remember, don't you?"

Qin Xian'er nodded joyfully. "You still remember?"

"Of course, it's also my dream," Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded. "Once I return from the north, I'll take you all back to Weishan Lake and Jinling. We'll build that house by West Lake. We'll go boating, swimming, singing, and dancing, living like joyful immortals. Let all the schemes and bloodshed go to hell!"

Qin Xian'er let out a joyful hum, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Husband, I know you want to leave the capital. You're tired, aren't you? Then let's go back to Jinling, back to West Lake. Xian'er will be by your side forever and always."

Lin Wanrong burst into hearty laughter. Miss Qin tightly clutched his hand and gently nestled into his arms.

By the time their palanquin arrived at Prince Cheng's mansion, Gao Qiu was already there, eagerly waiting, a broad grin on his face. Standing next to him was the pale-faced Lord Chen.

"Congratulations, Master Lin! I've heard that the rebels have been captured and their remaining forces have been eradicated. You've performed a great service for our nation," Gao Qiu said, beaming from ear to ear.

Gao Qiu was a straightforward man, concerned only with rewards and recognition. He couldn't possibly understand Lin Wanrong's current state of mind. But simplicity had its blessings, and Lin Wanrong found himself envying Gao Qiu's carefree attitude. Smiling, he glanced at Lord Chen. "Lord Chen, what's the matter?"

"Lord Lin—" Chen Biqing bowed deeply, his lips quivering as if he couldn't find the words.

Lin Wanrong glanced at Gao Qiu, who proudly said, "Brother Lin, you've made great accomplishments today. Thanks to your efforts, I've also gained some minor merits. Come with me; I have something to show you."

Seeing Gao Qiu's excitement, Lin Wanrong didn't have the heart to dampen his spirits. He followed him through the front courtyard, all the way to the back of the mansion. What he saw astonished him: the lakeside had collapsed, revealing a gaping, dark pit. The hole was about fifty to sixty feet deep, with numerous soldiers digging through the soil with pickaxes and shovels.

Carefully lowering Lin Wanrong into the pit, Gao Qiu stood in front of him, torch in hand, and excitedly gestured, "Brother Lin, look—"

Before them was a collapsed section of earth. Upon excavation, they found a pathway paved with gold bricks, shimmering in the torchlight. Lin Wanrong sighed, "So it really is an underground dragon palace!"

"Brother Lin, you are truly unparalleled in wisdom," Gao Qiu admired, giving him a thumbs-up. They continued down the golden pathway, growing more astounded with each step. The underground labyrinth was intricate and unfathomable. Floors were paved with gold bricks, walls were made of jade. Every few steps, there was a jade lamp; every five steps, a dazzling pearl. The extravagance was breathtaking.

"This is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, this is the Pavilion of the Source of Literature, this is the Hall of Extended Years, this is the Imperial Study. Oh, and the Palace of Benevolent Peace—" Gao Qiu identified each section for him. The underground fortress was a miniature replica of the imperial palace.

"This is the Golden Hall—look," Gao Qiu halted and whispered.

A throne, about a yard wide, stood in the center, made entirely of gold and radiating brilliant light. The throne was intricately carved with various lifelike golden dragons, their bodies majestic, enveloped in clouds and mist. Behind the throne was an exquisitely carved jade screen, adorned with countless golden pearls, the epitome of opulence. Below the throne were three golden steps; to the sides were places where ministers would kneel. The hall contained eighteen pearls the size of hen's eggs, illuminating the area and casting a radiant glow on Xian'er's pretty face.

It seemed that his tactic of framing Prince Cheng was not unfounded. Lin Wanrong bitterly chuckled. The splendor of this underground palace before him had undoubtedly cost a fortune. The sum would be equivalent to a decade of war expenses between Great Hua and the nomads.

What was the point of all this? Could sleeping in a golden palace each night truly add flesh to one's bones? The image of Prince Cheng's bloody legs came to mind, and Lin Wanrong sighed deeply.

Although Gao Qiu had been here several times, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Lin, I've lived my entire life and only today have my eyes been truly opened." He glared at Chen Biqing who trailed behind them, "Imperial Censor Chen, Lord Chen, you've seen this too. Can we say that we've wronged Prince Cheng?"

Chen Biqing was pale, his former authoritative air as an imperial censor entirely gone. He sneakily glanced at Lin San but dared not speak.

Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, "Throughout history, many legends have been lost to time and elements. Compared to history, humans are but grains of sand in a river, ultimately swallowed by the waves. The prince still can't let go, huh?"

Gao Qiu was a simple man but even he could understand the sentiment behind Lin Wanrong's words. He quickly nodded, showing his agreement.

Though the underground labyrinth was large, Lin Wanrong had lost interest in exploring further. The group retreated, and someone approached them with a lantern.

"Master Lin," Gao Ping, dressed in a crimson robe and bearing a solemn expression, spoke, "The Emperor invites you to the palace."

‘Seems like no matter where I go, the Emperor can find me quite quickly.’ Lin Wanrong sighed in resignation. Qin Xian'er quickly stepped in front of her husband, "The culprit has been caught. Can't Father Emperor give my husband some rest? It's already late. Eunuch Gao, go back and tell Father that my husband will rest tonight and see him tomorrow."

Only Princess Nishang would dare to speak to the Emperor like that, Gao Ping thought ruefully. "Princess, do you wish for my demise? How could I bear the crime of deceiving the Emperor? Many nobles and officials are in the Hall of Literary Brilliance, waiting to discuss this urgent matter. The Emperor has especially sent me to invite Master Lin."

Lin Wanrong nodded, "Has the Emperor seen Prince Cheng yet?"

"Not yet," Gao Qiu lowered his voice, "The news spread like wildfire. The man was just put in the Heavenly Prison, and already numerous petitions for mercy have flooded in. Even old Master Gu has come in person."

‘Asking for mercy now is useless; Prince Cheng is already a spent force.’ Lin Wanrong sighed, once more admiring the Emperor's cunning and tactics.

"Xian'er," Lin Wanrong held his wife's hand, "It's sufficient that Brother Gao accompanies me to the palace. You go back and assure everyone that I'm fine. Once the discussion is over, I'll return. Have Qiaoqiao prepare some late-night snacks for me. I'm hungry."

Knowing he was trying to comfort her, Qin Xian'er softly nodded. She took a few steps, then abruptly turned back, gripping his hand tightly with tearful eyes, "My husband, when you enter the palace, don't argue with Father Emperor. Once you return from the north, everything will be alright."

No one could understand the unspoken words between the couple. Lin Wanrong pinched her tender fingers and smiled warmly.

The night was tranquil as ever in the capital. Little lights twinkled on the main streets, and the occasional bark of a dog echoed in the dark corners of the alleys. People were mostly asleep, blissfully unaware that their world had been turned upside down just miles away from them.

Lin Wanrong, nursing injuries and having exerted himself physically and mentally for two days straight, was too worn out to collapse just yet. With the army set to march the next day, and with border fires and camel bells at the frontier intertwining with conflict and bloodshed, where else could he find such a peaceful night?

He lowered the sedan curtain and had barely closed his eyes when he heard Gao Qiu whisper from outside, "Brother Lin, we've arrived."

He'd been to the Hall of Literary Brilliance many times before, but each time seemed to involve something less than fortunate. As Gao Qiu wheeled him down from the sedan, Lin Wanrong looked up at the glittering golden characters on the hall and couldn’t help but shake his head, finding it somewhat amusing.

"Announcing the arrival of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Commander of the Loyal and Brave Army of Great Hua, Lin San," Gao Qiu announced loudly, immediately silencing the chatter in the hall.

"Let him in," the Emperor coughed faintly, his voice indifferent.

Gao Qiu wheeled him into the golden hall. As he entered, the assembled ministers, who had previously been whispering among themselves, all turned their eyes to him. Unlike his previous appearances in court, where he was scrutinized and criticized, this time everyone looked at this "fake cripple" with nothing less than admiration and even a hint of fear. After all, Lin San had toppled and captured Prince Cheng, earning himself a reputation that no one dared to trivialize.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong gave a fist-and-palm salute and glanced at the Emperor. The old Emperor sat solemnly on his throne, his face full of concern and not a trace of a smile.

"Never mind that," the old man waved his hand dismissively. "Lin San, come and meet Master Gu."

To the left of the Emperor's throne sat an old scholar in his seventies, with white hair and a white beard, wearing a faded gray robe. Simple and unassuming.

‘Is this Master Gu Shunzhang, the Emperor's teacher?’ Lin Wanrong took a surreptitious glance. The old man had delicate eyebrows, a soft expression, and eyes that were squinted, giving off an ethereal elegance. This was nothing like his son, Gu Bingyan; truly, the teacher of an Emperor was no ordinary person.

Lin Wanrong quickly bowed, "Young Lin San pays his respects to Master Gu."

"So you're Lin San?" Master Gu looked him up and down, his eyes flickering in a way that Lin Wanrong couldn’t read.

‘Why is he scrutinizing me as if I were his prospective son-in-law?’ Lin Wanrong felt uncomfortable under Master Gu's gaze. Was he seeking revenge for his son?

"Lin San, have you ever been to Goryeo?" Master Gu finally spoke, but his question had nothing to do with the matters at hand.

"Been—ah, no, never been there," Lin Wanrong was puzzled. What was the old man getting at?

Master Gu smiled gently and said, "Lin San, do you know why I have come here today?"

"I've heard, Master Gu, that you've returned from Shandong," Lin Wanrong said softly, testing the waters. He couldn't help but marvel at the influence of the imperial tutor. Even in the solemnity of the imperial court, discussing unrelated matters, not even the Emperor dared to interrupt him.

Gu Shunzhang nodded with a smile, "It's true that I've come back from Shandong, but before that, I was traveling in Goryeo."

"Traveling in Goryeo?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Why was the old man bringing this up out of the blue?

"Yes, traveling in Goryeo," Gu Shunzhang said with a slight smile. "There, I met a young lady who asked me to deliver a letter to a certain Mr. Lin of the Great Hua Dynasty."

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