Finest Servant

Chapter 400

Chapter 400 "Wanrong Oppa"

After Du Xiuyuan led the troops to escort Ashile and Lu Dongzan back, the remaining thorny issues were left for Xu Wei and his associates to puzzle over. The rupture between the two nations was an imminent event, just a matter of time. Ashile was insignificant, but Lu Dongzan was a formidable figure. In Lin Wanrong's view, the best course of action would be to ostentatiously release him and then secretly dispose of him on his way back to the Turks, effectively severing one of the Turks' strong arms. Although this approach was somewhat disgraceful, its practicality was undeniable. Sadly, this method might not be accepted by Xu Wei and the Emperor, who, in their haughty pride, would surely disdain to resort to such roguish and unscrupulous tactics as those of Lin San.

"General, this Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse—" The young Xu Zhen, looking at Lin Wanrong's steed, a Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse, had a face filled with longing. A cavalryman loves his horse, and he, personally trained by Hu Bugui, was no less skilled than a nomad. His desire for this Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse naturally exceeded that of ordinary people.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong remembered that he had earlier promised Hu Bugui that he would leave this Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse with the army for their training, perhaps giving birth to a new breed, a significant contribution to the cavalry of Great Hua.

"This Treasure Horse, I entrust to you," Lin Wanrong said, dismounting and patting the shining yellow mane of the Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse with a smile. "If you can cultivate a new breed, consider it a contribution from the Turks to our great Great Hua."

Xu Zhen was overjoyed, "Thank you, General. I will do my utmost." He took the reins, beaming as he led the Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse a few steps. The treasured steed of the Turks, with its clear hoofbeats and mighty build, was naturally a cavalryman's favorite. Xu Zhen touched the sweat-like bloodstains on the horse's back, reluctant to let go.

‘This is all money, and I've truly given my all for Great Hua,’ Lin Wanrong thought with a pang, riding away on another Blood-Sweat Horse with resignation.

Entering the city gates, he had not gone far when he saw a figure suddenly appear, blocking the path. Lin Wanrong was taken aback and hastily reined in. The horse beneath him neighed and reared up, spinning on the spot. It took a moment to regain stability.

It was dark, and Lin Wanrong couldn't see the person's face clearly. Angered at being blocked, he snapped, "Hey, friend, could you watch where you're going? Don't think you can walk sideways just because there's no traffic light."

"Seo Jang Geum?" The voice was gentle and crisp, familiar to Lin Wanrong. Looking closely, he saw that the person standing in front of the horse was none other than Seo Jang Geum, a young palace maid from Goryeo, dressed in a long skirt, her skin translucent, smiling radiantly.

How did this girl get here? Lin Wanrong wondered, a broad smile on his face. "Oh, isn't this Miss Seo Jang Geum? How come you haven't returned to Goryeo yet?"

"Sir, may I have a word with you?" Seo Jang Geum asked, her face serious.

"You may have not just one word, but ten if you need," Lin Wanrong said, dismounting and standing before her. Looking at Seo Jang Geum's jade-like flawless skin, he felt a teasing itch in his heart, quite wanting to reach out and touch her.

Upon seeing Lord Lin so close, laughing and frolicking, Seo Jang Geum hastily stepped back and bowed her head, saying, "I'm sorry to trouble you, my Lord. Please come with me."

‘Goryeo women are indeed courteous. Even if one day they were to undress and get into bed, a Goryeo lady would certainly say, "My Lord, please enjoy!"’ Gazing at Seo Jang Geum's slender and graceful figure, Lord Lin felt a sly thrill in his heart.

Seo Jang Geum led him to a nearby tavern, ascending to the top floor. She pulled back a curtain and said softly and respectfully, "My Lord, please enter!"

Jang Geum really had no need to be polite. As Lin Wanrong entered the room, he was momentarily stunned. The room was small, but there was a raised platform with a low table on it, just like a typical Goryeo dwelling.

Seo Jang Geum bent down, picked up a pair of cloth slippers from the side, and said with a slightly reddened face, "My Lord, allow Jang Geum to help you change your shoes."

"This, well, might not be appropriate," Lord Lin responded with a smile, plopping down onto a chair beside him, and said carefreely, "I've never been one for being waited on."

Having grown accustomed to Lord Lin's say-one-thing-and-do-another character, Seo Jang Geum didn't hesitate. Once he was seated, she knelt down and carefully removed his boots, her face a faint pink.

The feeling of being attended to by a beautiful woman was indeed wonderful. Lord Lin sighed in contentment, laughing, "Miss Seo, your Goryeo customs are quite special, even having the habit of taking off shoes for guests."

Seo Jang Geum's face turned rosy as she quickly lowered her head and softly said, "No, Goryeo women only do this for, oh, esteemed guests like you, my Lord. It is right for Jang Geum to take off your shoes."

"Is that so?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Seo, I have been to Goryeo, surfed the waves in Jeju Island, picked flowers on Mount Kumgang. I know a bit about your customs. In Goryeo, only the most intimate may enter one's bedroom, and taking off a man's shoes is even more special. Heh, you must know more than I do, Miss Seo."

"It's not as you think, my Lord," Seo Jang Geum replied, her face flushed like a sunrise, then gradually returning to normal, she continued calmly, "In Goryeo, women only take off shoes for their husbands or elders. That's our custom. But please do not misunderstand, my Lord; you are our esteemed guest, and Jang Geum respects you. This act has nothing to do with anything else."

"I see," said Lin Wanrong, rising with a smile as Seo Jang Geum put the slippers on him, "Miss Seo, you should have explained this earlier to avoid any misunderstanding. My wife just ordered me today not to flirt with other women, or I'll be sleeping on the floor when I get home."

Seo Jang Geum covered her mouth, laughing softly, "So the women of Great Hua can actually control their husbands like this; Jang Geum is truly envious. My Lord, which lady gave you this command? Was it Lady Qiao, Eldest Miss, or Miss Luo?"

The sweat broke on Lord Lin's forehead. The Goryeos' way of addressing people was indeed special, giving him a headache. Lin Wanrong laughed, then suddenly, as if recalling something, exclaimed, "Miss Luo's? You know Ning'er?"

Seo Jang Geum nodded with a smile, "I only just met her earlier. I learned about your return to the capital after lunch, my Lord, and hurried to the Xiao family. I even chatted with Miss Luo for a while. How else would I know of your whereabouts? Miss Luo is beautiful, dignified, and talented; I admire her greatly. Lord Lin, you are indeed fortunate."

Ning'er was indeed very "dignified." Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. Seo Jang Geum's visit had precisely suited Ning'er's temperament. Chatting with her and acquiring some cosmetics, the two quickly became familiar with each other.

"Sir, please come inside," Seo Jang Geum invited, bowing gracefully. Lin Wanrong stepped onto the tatami, soft and warm to the touch, walking on it was quite comfortable. Seo Jang Geum removed her shoes and wore pristine white socks, exposing her exquisite little feet. She gave him a slight smile, and the two sat down across a low table.

Seo Jang Geum clapped her hands, and two elegantly dressed Goryeo women came in, holding bowls and dishes. They carefully placed the food on the table and bowed before retreating.

"So Miss Seo has invited me for a meal," Lord Lin said with a smile. "Goryeo cuisine, it's been a long time since I last had it. I never expected that in the capital of our great Great Hua, there would be such an authentic Goryeo restaurant. It's quite astonishing."

"This is not a Goryeo restaurant," Seo Jang Geum shook her head. "All the food here is Great Hua cuisine. Only this top floor is reserved for the Goryeo royal family. To be frank with you, sir, this restaurant is owned by the Goryeo royal family. Whenever we come to Great Hua, we always stop here."

With those words, Seo Jang Geum essentially revealed that this restaurant was a Goryeo intelligence-gathering site. Her candid admission showed that Goryeo's situation was indeed urgent.

Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "In that case, the Goryeo food in this restaurant must have something special about it. Today, I must try it thoroughly."

Seo Jang Geum smiled faintly, "Sir, you are joking. Great Hua's eight major cuisines are varied and full of flavor, something our Goryeo food cannot match. Our Goryeo food's strength lies in its simplicity and unique taste, unforgettable once tasted. Please, sir, have a taste."

Seo Jang Geum used a small spoon to serve him some side dishes, respectfully handing it to him. Lin Wanrong tasted it and nodded with a smile, "Good, good. It's much more authentic than the Goryeo food I've had before."

"This is our specially brewed Goryeo wine. Please try it, sir," Seo Jang Geum filled a small cup in front of him and handed it to him. Lin Wanrong said with a laugh, "Since Miss Seo invited me to dinner, I can't be the only one drinking."

Seo Jang Geum's beautiful face tinged with a blush, she filled her cup and raised it with both hands, softly saying, "In that case, Jang Geum toasts you, sir. Here's to a thousand years of friendship between Great Hua and Goryeo, evergreen like the pine!"

"I wish Miss Jang Geum grows more and more beautiful," Lin Wanrong laughed loudly, downing the wine in one gulp. Seo Jang Geum took a small sip, furrowing her brow slightly, her face flushing, seemingly unable to handle the alcohol.

‘Really? It's just water. If it were stronger, you would be in trouble,’ Lin Wanrong thought, chuckling to himself.

"Sir, please try this. This is a medicinal dish personally prepared by Jang Geum. Its functions—"

"Are to nourish the blood, strengthen the spleen, moisten the lungs, nourish the kidneys, and increase vitality, right?" Lin Wanrong teased.

"Sir, how did you know?" Seo Jang Geum was taken aback but then realized, "It must have been Qiaoqiao who told you."

Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, "Miss Seo, since the medicinal dish has so many functions, what is the purpose of the one you've invited me to eat? Is it to nourish the blood, moisten the yin, or enhance vitality?"

Seo Jang Geum's face turned red, but she forced herself to remain calm. "My Lord is in the prime of youth, so you do not need the effects of these medicinal dishes. This particular dish is meant to clear heat and eliminate internal fire."

"I never thought that Qiaoqiao would even tell Miss Seo about this. How shameful, how shameful, indeed. Recently, I've been overzealous, overindulging in bedroom activities," Lin Wanrong said, his face serious. "I don't know if Miss Seo's medicinal dish will work, alas, I'll try it tonight, and if it works, I'll definitely report back to Miss Seo."

Seo Jang Geum, overcome with embarrassment, lowered her head and whispered, "My Lord, please don't joke around. You have such beautiful wives at home. If you don't cherish and love them, wouldn't that be a waste?"

‘Brilliant,’ Lin Wanrong thought. Seo Jang Geum indeed had insight. He burst into hearty laughter, raising his cup, while Seo Jang Geum took another sip of clear wine, her face growing even redder.

"By the way, Miss Seo, I heard from Qiaoqiao that you gave them some mascara and eyeshadow. Forgive my bluntness, but are these two things inventions of yours?" Lin Wanrong asked, remembering the things Qiaoqiao had shown him, and he wanted to clarify while face to face with Seo Jang Geum.

"Lord Lin, how do you know these two things are called mascara and eyeshadow?" Seo Jang Geum replied, ignoring his question and asking one of her own.

This was not an easy question to answer. Lin Wanrong answered evasively, "Oh, I've heard of these before, but I never thought you'd have them as well. Miss Seo, did you really make these yourself?"

Seo Jang Geum smiled slightly, "These were passed down by one of my masters. I heard they were brought over from the West. The ingredients are hard to find, so I only have a few. I gave them all to your wives."

"Your master?" Lin Wanrong frowned, "Has she been to the West?"

"I never heard her mention it," Seo Jang Geum replied indifferently, "Perhaps she has been. Lord Lin, my master is a private person, and she doesn't wish to be known. If your wives hadn't become close to me, I would never have gifted these things that my master gave me. So, please, keep it a secret. I beg you."

Seo Jang Geum bowed deeply, her words earnest. Lin Wanrong chuckled. He knew her intentions well; she was merely trying to appear generous because she wanted something from him. However, Seo Jang Geum's master knowing about mascara and eyeshadow meant she was no ordinary person and likely had been to the West. Fortunately, from Seo Jang Geum's explanation, mass production seemed unlikely, so the Goryeo royal family couldn't challenge Great Hua with these products. Lin Wanrong felt a bit relieved, sipped his clear wine, and changed the subject with a smile. "Miss Seo, I heard that young women in Goryeo have a habit of calling close male friends by certain names, like 'Seong-jun Oppa', 'Ji-hwan Oppa', 'Wei Oppa'. Is that so?"

"My Lord is so knowledgeable to even know this," Seo Jang Geum said, nodding slightly. "We Goryeo women indeed call our close male friends in this manner."

Lin Wanrong grinned and said, "Well, my full name is Lin Wanrong. If we were in Goryeo, how would you address me?"

"This, um," Seo Jang Geum stammered, her face growing hot. After hesitating for a while, she finally whispered, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Wanrong Oppa—"

"Ah, Jang Geum Dongsaeng—" Master Lin's eyes sparkled with joy, responding with extreme enthusiasm, "Today, I have become Wanrong Oppa for once, specifically Jang Geum's Wanrong Oppa, truly an honor."

Seo Jang Geum remained silent for a long time. The atmosphere in the room became ambiguously intense for a moment, and Master Lin teased, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, hearing you call me Wanrong Oppa so naturally, did you have many 'Oppas' when you were in Goryeo?"

"How could you think that way, sir?" Seo Jang Geum bit her lip lightly, her eyes flashing with a hint of anger, "Jang Geum has grown up in the Goryeo palace, merely a little palace maid. I had no close male friends, let alone many Oppas. Do you belittle me so, thinking that I am a vulgar woman?"

This girl has spirit, Lin Wanrong laughed, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, don't be angry, Wanrong Oppa is just joking. I know that you and I are not frivolous people."

Seo Jang Geum huffed, lowering her head and falling silent. The previous ambiguous atmosphere was shattered by Master Lin's comment. After waiting a long time without a response, she looked up to see "Wanrong Oppa" enjoying the cooling medicinal dish as if nothing had happened.

"Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you should try it too, it's cooling," Lin Wanrong said, passing the dish with a smile.

Dealing with this unkillable man, even her own face had to become much thicker. Seo Jang Geum shook her head with a wry smile, sighing, "Sir, do you know how Jang Geum feels about you?"

"I hope there's no feeling. Honestly, I'm not ready for international romance, fearing that someone might fall madly in love with me," Master Lin said carelessly.

"Sir, what are you talking about?" Seo Jang Geum said, shyly rebuking, "How could Jang Geum have such thoughts? I must confess, when I first met you, I thought you were truly shameless, disregarding all diplomatic etiquette and capable of anything, utterly detestable. But later—"

"Later, what?" Lin Wanrong asked with great interest.

Seo Jang Geum smiled softly, speaking tenderly, "Later, as I had more contact with you, I realized you were not as greedy and shameless as you appeared. You were merely expressing your feelings in a particularly covert way. This method is inconsistent with the Confucian teachings revered in Great Hua for a thousand years, making you stand out as unique and special. Even regarding your acceptance of bribes from the Turks and Goryeo, I once misunderstood you. It was only after one incident that I realized I was wrong."

"Oh? What incident? Alas, I've done too many good deeds; I can't remember them all at once," Lin Wanrong said, proudly.

Seo Jang Geum chuckled, shaking her head. Then, a touch of melancholy appeared on her face, her eyes reddening slightly, "Sir, do you remember the day when the Prince sought your help and offered you a condition?"

A condition? Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, then he remembered and smiled, "Are you talking about those luminous pearls? I took them, and you even reported me to the Emperor."

"You are always so modest, sir," Seo Jang Geum's face flushed slightly, "Jang Geum is talking about something else. That day, the Prince promised that if you spoke on behalf of Goryeo, he would give me to your household. Surprisingly, you refused without hesitation."

‘So it was about this matter,’ Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "A gentleman loves beauty, but he must have principles. I adhere to mine very strictly."

Seo Jang Geum lowered her head and spoke slowly, "Judging from the beautiful wives and concubines in your residence, Sir, it is clear that you are naturally flirtatious and fond of feminine charms. There's no doubt about it. Although Jang Geum's appearance is humble, I do not offend the eyes. Your outright refusal was indeed remarkable. What's even more commendable is that no matter how much Jang Geum tried to challenge you afterward, you never mentioned this matter in front of me, nor did you use it as leverage. You remained an unsung hero, leaving me with much dignity. Your noble character is clear to see, and I am infinitely grateful. I thank you for your kindness."

‘Flirtatious by nature, fond of feminine charms? Is this your assessment of me? Superficial, utterly superficial.’ Although Lady Jang Geum was praising him, Lin Wanrong was somewhat irritated. ‘Don't judge by appearance, yet what you see now as my fondness for beauty, my willingness to be an unsung hero—aren't these surface-level observations? I don't even care to correct you.’

Seo Jang Geum stood up and knelt before him, bowing deeply. Lin Wanrong hurriedly helped her up, saying, "Hey, hey, Jang Geum Dongsaeng, why this grand gesture? You should know that your 'Wanrong Oppa' always stands firm on his principles."

"Sir, your adherence to principles shows me what sets you apart. Beneath your dissolute appearance, there indeed lies a fervent heart that cares for the country and the people. It's as if amidst the frivolous melodies, a noble tune plays, something I greatly admire," Seo Jang Geum softly said.

"In truth, I'm not as good as you say." Listening to Seo Jang Geum praising him, Lin Wanrong's eyes sparkled with joy, and he modestly said, "Apart from being slightly handsome, a bit skilled in martial arts, a little more learned, a touch more capable, and slightly more compassionate, I really have no virtues. Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you're over-praising me."

Seo Jang Geum sighed softly and lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes. She choked up, saying, "Sir, you are so noble and upright; I have a request to make of you. You must agree to it."

After all the flattery, now came the real matter. Seeing "Jang Geum Dongsaeng" in such a pitiful state, "Wanrong Oppa" felt distressed and nodded, "Tell me, as long as it doesn't harm the interests of our great nation, or the interests of the Xiao family, and as long as I don't have to run errands, spend money, or expend mental energy, I'll agree to anything. Ah, I truly have a heart of compassion. I can't stand to see a girl cry. Jang Geum Dongsaeng, don't cry anymore; Wanrong Oppa cares for you."

Jang Geum was irritated by his response. With all those conditions, what could he possibly agree to? She fell to her knees with a thump, tears falling as she said, "Sir, we received intelligence yesterday that the Dongyin armies are set to embark tomorrow. Thousands of ships are heading directly for our Goryeo. Goryeo is in imminent danger. I beg you to persuade the Emperor to send troops to aid Goryeo. The people of Goryeo will remember the kindness of our great nation for generations to come."

"The Dongyin are mobilizing their troops, so quickly?" Master Lin exclaimed with a sigh, "Miss Seo, the matter of waging war is not so simple. We must not act rashly; careful consideration is required."

"But tens of thousands of our Goryeo people are in imminent danger. If they fall into the hands of those Dongyin beasts, their lives will be worse than death." Seo Jang Geum looked up at him, her beautiful eyes filled with sparkling tears.

"It's difficult, very difficult!" Master Lin sighed, his face filled with concern.

"Sir—" A voice, filled with allure and tinged with a quiver, rang in his ears.

"Huh?" Lin Wanrong looked up and was instantly dumbfounded.

Seo Jang Geum's pretty face was wet with tears, her cheeks tinged with two beautiful shades of red. She gave him a gentle glance, bit her silver teeth, and her delicate little hands quickly undid her sash. With a soft rustling sound, her long robe fell to the ground, revealing a wondrously delicate and beautiful body.

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