Finest Servant

Chapter 431

Chapter 431 The Princess Returns to the Palace

Qiaoqiao was puzzled, "Big Brother, what seeds have you lost? Is it important?"

Luo Ning and Qingxuan's faces turned red as they both spat lightly in disgust. Ning'er whispered something into Qiaoqiao's ear, causing her to let out a startled cry. Her little face flushed as red as fire, and she shyly exclaimed, "Big Brother is so naughty!"

Miss Xiao grabbed his arm and twisted it hard, sighing slightly, "You always act so strangely, even when negotiating with others you get caught in their trap. Fortunately, it was Seo Jang Geum this time; if it had been someone else, what would have happened?"

"Yes, yes, it would have been terrible—but how do you know it was Seo Jang Geum?" Lin Wanrong sat up straight, his face full of astonishment.

Ning'er snorted, her face full of grievance, "Don't even mention it. Yesterday, when we turned around, we saw you enter Seo Jang Geum's tavern, with lanterns and red candles everywhere. Even a ghost would know what she was up to. In my opinion, we should have charged in and made that Goryeo woman regret her actions. But my elder sister stopped me, saying that if you were meeting Seo Jang Geum for business, and if we truly loved you, we shouldn't restrict you. We waited here all night for you to come back. My sister even refused to rest, insisting on waiting for you."

Lin Wanrong's eyes filled with tears of emotion as he grabbed Qingxuan's little hand, urgently saying, "Silly girl, why are you so foolish? I was ambushed yesterday and couldn't return. You're carrying our baby; how could you stay up all night? Lie down, lie down quickly; you're breaking my heart."

Struggling to rise, he lifted Xiao Qingxuan's delicate body and gently laid her on the bed.

Miss Xiao's face flushed, and she gently nestled in his arms, saying softly, "I'm trained in martial arts, so a sleepless night won't bother me. But you must not be so careless in the future."

Lin Wanrong hastily agreed, thinking to himself that besides Seo Jang Geum, there was likely no one else who would dare to drug him.

"My Dear," Miss Xiao pressed her cheek to his chest, softly saying, "Do you blame me for secretly following you, monitoring you like that?"

"How could I?" Lin Wanrong stroked her hair like a cloud, chuckling, "Having a fierce wife is a blessing in life. I can hardly contain my joy!"

"You're annoying." Miss Xiao blushed and playfully punched his chest, "I'm not a fierce wife." She sighed wistfully, "I grew up in the Sacred Hall, learning to live a life of purity and detachment. I thought I would live that way my whole life, but then I met you, the source of my troubles, and you ruined my years of quiet cultivation. Since becoming your wife, I've become more greedy and irritable, worrying about whether you are warm and well-fed, and even more worried about you attracting other young ladies, creating unmanageable trouble. I don't know what happened, but after meeting you, I'm no longer the person I was."

Miss Xiao lowered her head, gently shaking it, her eyes wandering, seemingly unable to understand her own behavior.

Lin Wanrong was all smiles, embracing her and kissing her stunning cheek, laughing, "This is jealousy, a sign of love to the utmost degree. As they say, hitting is affection, scolding is love, and kicking with the foot is love at its peak! Qingxuan, you are a celestial being who has taken a fancy to the mortal world, naturally experiencing all human emotions and desires. Ah, what virtue or ability do I have to be favored by a celestial being?"

Xiao Qingxuan chuckled and shot him a coquettish glance, "What celestial's favor? You're just that charming. Jealousy is one of the seven emotions, if I become a jealous and shrewish wife, wouldn’t you have to avoid me?”

"How could I?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. "We've overcome so many obstacles, even dismantled that Hall, to finally reunite as a family. These good days have not come easily, and I must cherish them."

Thinking about how he had attacked the fairy hall for her, unafraid of confronting all the scholars in the world, Miss Xiao felt a warm sensation in her heart, her eyes moistened, as she snuggled into his arms, "My lord, I am a woman, and jealousy is natural for me, but I understand the bigger picture. Your character seems naughty but is indeed sincere and passionate, and this makes you greatly attractive to us women. Just look at all the misses who have had contact with you, which one doesn’t harbor some thoughts about you?"

Luo Ning began counting on her fingers, excluding the three of them, there were Eldest Miss Xiao, Qin Xian'er, Xu Zhiqing, and even the young palace maid who had spent the spring night with him. Truly, every one of them had been in some way involved with him.

Lin Wanrong broke into a sweat and laughed dryly, "Qingxuan, you know, I was completely passive, just waiting for an attack. If there's anyone to blame, it's that my charm is too great."

"Shameless!" Xiao Qingxuan laughed and lightly hit his chest, "Though you're not proactive, your nature is the natural nemesis to us women. Anyone who meets you cannot help but be moved, I've suffered this misfortune since meeting you."

She giggled shyly and thought back to their first meeting in Jinling, such a warm scene, her heart felt as warm as the bright sun.

Recalling their leisurely evenings in his little nest in Jinling's Xiao family, talking with Qingxuan, how free and easy they were, Lin Wanrong was deeply touched. He whispered into her ear, "When we have time, let's go back to Jinling and live in that little house for a night, fulfilling our previous wishes. What do you think?"

Xiao Qingxuan looked at him with shy joy, her face flushed, and she gently nodded. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, filled with triumph.

"My Dear, though I may be jealous, I'm not a shrew," Miss Xiao sighed and continued, "If there's a woman who truly and sincerely likes you, and you both share mutual affection, not only will I not object, I'll even personally prepare the betrothal gifts and go to her door, seeking her hand in marriage for you, bringing her into the Lin family's threshold."

Qingxuan was truly virtuous. Lin Wanrong was deeply moved and took her hand, "Wife, you are so good to me."

Xiao Qingxuan's tone shifted, "But governing a nation might be easy, managing a family is hard. You work hard outside, and the management of the household depends entirely on us sisters, as your support. If the sisters are united, our Lin family will naturally prosper, advancing rapidly. But on the other hand, if an impure-hearted woman enters the family, leading to discord and petty strife, it could create misunderstandings and ruin your important matters, which would be a grave mistake. I love you, My Dear, and I love everything you love. The women you fancy, Qingxuan will regard as sisters. There is just one thing, Qingxuan asks My Dear to promise."

Miss Xiao was sensible and sincere in her words, Lin Wanrong nodded continuously, "Qingxuan, whatever you want, just say it!"

Xiao Qingxuan gently caressed his cheek, her voice tender, "Any woman you fancy, you must first tell us sisters. We sisters will personally investigate her, and if she is virtuous and beautiful, without you saying, I will seek her out for you. But if she's unvirtuous, stirring up trouble, even if you scold me, I will never let her enter the door, never allow her to ruin the customs of our Lin family."

Xiao Qingxuan's expression was serious, her words genuine. With her elegant and noble temperament, calm and uncontentious character, if any woman could not get along with Miss Xiao, then that woman was certainly not worth befriending.

Lin Wanrong nodded, ‘The girls I know, which one of them isn't virtuous and beautiful? To discard the dross and select the essence has always been my principle. Without Qingxuan saying, I would do so anyway.’ Lin Wanrong nodded and laughed, "Of course, you must trust your husband's judgment. Qiaoqiao, Ning'er, and my little fairy Qingxuan, aren't they all top-class girls?"

Luo Ning snorted, "What about that Goryeo palace maid? She used drugs on my husband. Is she a good girl too? I think she's a villainess. Though, I must admit, the eye shadow and mascara she sent me are quite good!"

Lin Wanrong grimaced, baring his teeth at Luo Ning, who was unafraid of him. She poked him in the waist with her little finger, leaned into his ear, and giggled, "Judging by the skin of this Seo Jang Geum, she must feel soft as jade, and her figure isn't bad either. Too bad, my lord, you missed the opportunity."

Seeing Ning'er teasing with Her Dear, Miss Xiao shook her head with a smile, "Ning'er, don't spoil him like this. When the day comes that he goes to propose to another lady, you will be too late to cry."

The possibility was significant, let alone the issues with Eldest Miss and Second Miss, and that quirky Xian'er. He didn't know how Qingxuan would react once she found out Xian'er was her half-sister. However, the rules set by Miss Xiao were far more lenient than Lin Wanrong had anticipated, a thousand times more relaxed. He sighed with emotion, gently kissed her cloud-like hair, and asked, "Qingxuan, if I truly were to marry another lady, would you be upset?"

Miss Xiao's pretty face pressed against his chest, feeling a sourness in her heart, softly said, "A little!" After saying it, she felt unsatisfied, her eyes misty, and she lightly pounded his chest with her fist, "Yes, a little, you villain!"

Lin Wanrong heard her with joy, yet felt a twinge of heartache, and hugged her supple body, chuckling, "Don't worry, from now on I'll rest in your room whenever I can—"

Xiao Qingxuan startled, her heart sweet and her face blushing, "How can that be? How can you favor me over the others? It will make it hard for me among the sisters."

Lin Wanrong laughed playfully, "Don't panic, I haven't finished yet. I'll call Qiaoqiao, Ning'er, and the others, and we'll all rest together, sharing one big quilt, spreading the affection evenly, isn't that a solution?"

"Naughty!" Miss Xiao's body felt as if it was on fire, her delicate finger pointing at his forehead, "You never take things seriously, always teasing us women."

"This is no mere jest!" Master Lin said with utmost seriousness, "This matter concerns the unity and great cause of the Lin family, and we must not take it lightly!"

Xiao Qingxuan, being the chief wife of the Lin family and always considering the unity of the household as her duty, listened to his solemn words and hastily asked, "How does it concern unity?"

Slowly caressing her flawless little belly, the silky, jade-like touch was intoxicating, "My little fairy, think about it. We are all one family. Besides you being my dear big wife, the others are my dear little wives, all of them taking pride in serving their husband well. What's there to be shy about? First, we share a bed, then we share our hearts. This is the best way to achieve unity!"

Miss Xiao's face turned bright red, and she spat lightly, "You scoundrel, you are merely scheming to tease us, but you speak so grandly. I won't listen to your instigation. Qiaoqiao, Ning'er, come here—"

Luo Ning tossed her embroidered shoe and crawled onto the bed. Leaning against her sister and sitting by the bedside, Qiaoqiao sat down, and the three women huddled close together. Xiao Qingxuan reached out her small hands, grabbed Qiaoqiao with her right and Luo Ning with her left, and smiled sweetly at Lin Wanrong, "My husband, we are one family, intimate and united, and we must not be suspicious of each other. Let's not become a laughingstock."

She leaned forward, her cheeks slightly flushed, and pecked My Dear's lips. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao followed suit, each kissing him to express their determination.

Thinking of Miss Xiao's identity, yet treating him with such genuine affection, and then seeing the three flower-like faces before him, a warm and charming atmosphere welled up in his heart. This was the feeling of home. Lin Wanrong was moved, opened his broad arms, and embraced all three, "My wives, you treat me too well. I must strive to bring more women back for you to review—"

"Eh?!" The three women looked up together.

"Oh, I mean to fetch water and pour tea! Just buying a few maids, my wives, please don't misunderstand." Lin Wanrong wiped his cold sweat!

"You and your tricks!" Miss Xiao gave him a glance, "We've already set the rules. My sisters and I are not jealous. As long as she's a virtuous girl, marrying into the Lin family, you'll have your advantage!"

Master Lin was all smiles, "Oh, not at all, I've never been good at taking advantage. Qingxuan, you know me."

The three wives simply filtered his words, and Xiao Qingxuan suddenly sighed, "Everything else is fine, but this Goryeo palace maid has some schemes. I'm afraid she'll be hard to deal with."

Luo Ning raised her eyebrows and snorted, "She dares to use foul means against my husband; for this alone, she must not enter the Lin family's threshold."

This Seo Jang Geum had incurred everyone's wrath, and Lin Wanrong couldn't get a word in. Miss Xiao shook her head, "What I'm worried about is not whether or not she can enter the Lin family's door, but what she was trying to achieve last night. My Dear, you have had deep interactions with this palace maid. In your view, what was her intent last night?"

Lin Wanrong spread his hands, his face distressed, "Wife, I'm the victim. How can I judge the perpetrator's thoughts? She must have seen your husband's purity and goodness, and his handsome appearance, and harbored evil intentions."

Miss Xiao sighed, "If it was a sudden impulse, that would be one thing. I'm afraid she had plotted it all along, thinking of taking My Dear's essence to bear offspring—"

"No way?!" Lin Wanrong jumped up, "You're worried she's carrying my child? Just once, how could this be possible?!"

What was impossible about that? Miss Xiao's face turned bright red, and she glared at him, clearly annoyed.

Lin Wanrong quickly closed his mouth, knowing that his fiery energy was capable of anything. The very presence of Qingxuan was proof.

"If that really is the case, then it would be quite troublesome. The bloodline of my Lin family falling into a foreign land, and if it were to be abused..." Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and sighed, unable to finish her sentence.

The consequences were that serious? Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. It was just a one-night affair; hadn't the little palace girl taken any precautions?

"Don't worry too much. These are just my speculations," Xiao Qingxuan gently comforted him. "Perhaps she truly fell for you, and merely sought pleasure for one night before leaving."

Hopefully that was the case, Lin Wanrong thought, half crying and half laughing. If they really had created a child, that would be the century's biggest joke.

Qiaoqiao, listening with endless longing, blushed and mustered the courage to whisper in his ear, "Big brother, I also want to have a baby."

Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder, smiling gently, "My little darling, my seeds were stolen today. Let me replenish overnight, and tomorrow we'll sow the spring fields together."

They chatted for a while, and the sky gradually brightened. Xiao Qingxuan had not slept all night. Lin Wanrong, feeling sorry for his wife and child, insisted that she lie down, but Luo Ning shook her head, "Big brother, I'm afraid we don't have time. The palanquin from the palace will be arriving soon."

"The palanquin from the palace?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled, "What are they coming for?"

Xiao Qingxuan took his hand, tears in her eyes, "My Dear, the Emperor has issued a decree to summon me back to the palace to reunite and inter my mother's remains in the imperial tomb. As a daughter, how can I not fulfill my filial duty?"

Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the Emperor's decree from yesterday. As a child, it was natural to show filial piety to parents. He hurriedly reassured, "I will accompany you to the palace. It just so happens that the terms I discussed with Seo Jang Geum yesterday need to be presented to the Emperor."

With her husband accompanying her, Xiao Qingxuan felt greatly relieved. Lin Wanrong took out the terms they had agreed upon the day before and enjoyed them with his wives. Xiao Qingxuan, a phoenix among humans, glanced at the document and nodded with emotion, "My father has been on the throne for over twenty years, but due to various reasons, he never expanded the territory. This is his biggest regret. I never expected that, in his later years, you would present him with such a grand gift, my husband. Our great nation has been founded for hundreds of years, and my father has become the first emperor to expand the territory. My love, on behalf of my father, thank you."

"Why be so formal? We are all family!" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, tossing the imperial edict commanding him to seduce women into the corner. Qingxuan was so understanding that this plaything was useless now.

When the palanquin from the palace arrived, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. The procession was massive, with red-robed eunuchs and colorful palace maids closely following. There were thousands of them, each respectfully holding fine silk, gold plates, and jade utensils. Fifty phoenix sedans and over a hundred carriages lined up from the gate of the Lin mansion, extending all the way to West Straight Street.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have a daughter, named Chuyun, who has been wandering outside the palace for over twenty years. Loyal and righteous, she has fulfilled her duties, maintaining the stability and well-being of the great nation of Great Hua. Now that all is settled, I hereby grant fifty phoenix carriages and a hundred horse-drawn carriages to welcome the princess back to the palace! All people along the way shall kneel and worship! Be it so!"

After announcing the imperial edict, Gao Ping was the first to kneel on the ground, lifting the yellow silk edict above his head, and loudly chanting, "Welcome Princess Chuyun!"

"Welcome Princess Chuyun!" Thousands of eunuchs and palace maidens knelt to the ground, chanting in unison.

Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao had already assisted Miss Xiao, known as Xiao Qingxuan, in dressing properly. Dressed in a phoenix crown and adorned in yellow silk, her face was as lovely as a lotus, her body as graceful as a willow. Lin Wanrong was delighted, thinking, ‘My wife indeed is the epitome of heavenly beauty.’

As the unrivaled delicate beauty of Great Hua, Xiao Qingxuan naturally possessed an air of elegance and nobility. She took the imperial edict and smiled gently, saying in a melodious voice, "You may all rise."

"Thank you, Princess!" The crowd bowed again before rising.

"Your servant, following the Emperor's wishes, has come to escort the Princess back to the palace. The carriages are prepared; I respectfully ask the Princess to board," Gao Ping sang in a high-pitched voice, bowing deeply.

Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "Thank you, Eunuch Gao, I will board now." She turned and took Lin Wanrong's hand, whispering, "My Dear, let us go back to the palace together."

Although Lin Wanrong had shared many intimate moments with Princess Chuyun, according to Great Hua's customs, since the Emperor had not yet officially granted them marriage, he was not yet entitled to be called a prince consort. Seeing the princess speaking, Gao Ping saluted him, "Please, Lord Lin, accompany the Princess."

Lin Wanrong had no intention of being polite; he pulled Xiao Qingxuan into the carriage, drew the curtains, and amidst the sound of gongs and drums, the phoenix carriage set off, slowly moving toward the East Straight Street. The return of Princess Chuyun, the last bloodline of the Empress, the undisputed most delicate beauty of the world, caused an uproar that one could easily imagine. The procession specifically started from East Straight Street, weaving through streets and lanes, moving along the main road of the capital, celebrating with the people.

"Princess Chuyun, Princess Chuyun—" The sides of the road were packed tightly; as the phoenix carriage passed, everyone knelt in fearful reverence. Xiao Qingxuan lifted the curtain, smiling and waving to the crowd. Seeing her celestial beauty, the crowd surged like a tidal wave, the shouts resounding continuously, reaching a peak of enthusiasm.

Lin Wanrong lay lazily on the couch, taking her little hand and smiling, "My dear wife, you are now with child, do not tire yourself too much. Come rest in my arms, let me massage you."

Miss Xiao was filled with emotion, shaking her head and sighing, "These are the ordinary people of my Great Hua, hardworking and simple. If not for the invasion of foreign enemies, they could have lived a wealthy and peaceful life. It's the wild ambitions of the nomads, coveting our rich land, attacking our borders, that have plunged our people into suffering, truly detestable."

"Though the nomads are hateful," Lin Wanrong laughed, "as the saying goes, flies do not land on a seamless egg. Our Great Hua, prosperous for many years, full of peace and neglectful of defense, gave the nomads an opportunity. Frankly speaking, we have abandoned our martial spirit; the Emperor himself should reflect on this." Lin Wanrong chuckled.

"You dare to suggest my Imperial Father should reflect on himself?! Speaking such irresponsible words." Miss Xiao, her face flushed, huffed and pounced into his arms, lightly beating his chest. Outside, the cheers of ten thousand people filled the air, but inside the carriage, only the laughter of the husband and wife resounded, creating an atmosphere that was both extraordinary and intimate.

"My Dear, you, you are so naughty!" After the two of them had frolicked for a while, Xiao Qingxuan felt something hard pressing against her, and her cheeks instantly turned a shade of red, pretending to strike him.

"This, I really didn't mean for it to happen." Lin Wanrong wore a face of worry and complained, "My wife is as beautiful as a fairy. If I didn't react in some way, wouldn't I become a eunuch?"

"You rascal!" Miss Xiao's face turned bright red, feeling both sweet and embarrassed, glaring at him with annoyance, her captivating charm almost tearing Lin Wanrong's heart out.

"Wife, this carriage of yours is quite spacious, haha." Lin Wanrong grinned, taking Xiao Qingxuan's small hand, lightly scratching it a few times. There was a subtle, unspoken lustful undertone in his voice.

Although Xiao Qingxuan usually possessed a calm and fairy-like temperament, being pregnant for five months was a time when a woman's desires could easily be aroused. Having her hand held and lightly scratched by her husband, she felt her body weaken, her heart pounding, "My Lord, what are you going to do?"

Lin Wanrong blinked and chuckled, "My love, your question is good. Here and now, there are only the two of us. You play the princess, so naturally, I must play the prince consort."

Miss Xiao cried out in surprise, her face suddenly turning a bright red. Though she had long known her husband to be lawless and unruly, she never thought he would dare make such a request, wanting to act as the prince consort on this carriage in full view of the public. This scoundrel!

Lin Wanrong grabbed her small hand, blew a breath by her sparkling ear, and Xiao Qingxuan's body went limp, unable to struggle. She hurriedly closed her eyes, her long eyelashes quivering slightly, flustered in her heart, "My Dear, you, you wicked thing—"

Miss Xiao's hesitant demeanor only excited Lin Wanrong further. Making love with one's wife was a natural right. He reached into Xiao Qingxuan's dress, giving her perky jade breasts a gentle flick. Miss Xiao cried out, her breath sweet, "My Dear, no, it's not right! You, you smell like someone else!"

Impossible, at this moment she was still concerned about this? Lin Wanrong immediately wilted. Seeing his downcast face, Miss Xiao chuckled, covering her lips, "That's what you get for enjoying yourself so much last night."

"Where was I enjoying myself last night? That was a night of humiliation for me. From my body to my soul, I was in utter agony," he said with a crying face.

Miss Xiao glanced at him, shyly lowering her head, "If it were Ning'er or Qiaoqiao, and you were to indulge with them before seeking my affection, I wouldn't mind. Sisters from the same family, sharing even in wild indulgence. But that Goryeo palace maid is not of our Lin family, and after a night of passion with her, you reek of her scent. If you seek my love afterward, I won't pick up her discarded crumbs. If you don't wash yourself clean, don't touch me."

‘Qingxuan has this obsession with cleanliness?’ Lin Wanrong's heart ached with an agony he could not voice. Turning his head and pondering Miss Xiao's words, he found them to be profoundly insightful. She was concerned that Seo Jang Geum was not officially his wife, but seemed not to mind Qiaoqiao and Ning'er. Did this mean—Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Though today's plan had failed, there was great hope for the future!

Seeing her husband deep in thought and assuming he was upset, Miss Xiao felt a little nervous and timidly grabbed his hand, saying, "My Dear, don't be angry. After you wash up, I'll let you do whatever you want, even in this carriage—oh, I'm so embarrassed, you naughty man!" Miss Xiao was so ashamed that she covered her cheeks and buried her face in his chest, not daring to speak.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, embracing her soft and boneless body, and chuckled lewdly, "Qingxuan, you underestimate your husband. Do you think I'm driven by my lower half? You're utterly wrong. I'll tell you the truth: my upper half is for thinking, while my lower half is for supporting that thinking!"

Hearing his lewd laughter, Miss Xiao knew she'd been tricked and whimpered twice in his arms, not letting him off. The couple playfully cuddled together, with Lin Wanrong telling tales about monks beating drums and parrots drinking water. Miss Xiao was shy and coy, feeling that years of refinement had been undone by her time with her husband, as if she was falling step by step from heaven to hell. They exchanged sweet nothings and odd little affections, overturning Miss Xiao's traditional thinking, and she was momentarily enthralled and unable to pull away.

The grand procession traveled through the streets, and it was nearly noon before entering the Forbidden City, the entire path covered in red carpet, very festive. As soon as they entered the palace gates, little yellow-clad eunuchs constantly sang praises, reporting the princess's position. Beyond the middle gate, they saw a hundred officials lined up before the Hall of Central Harmony, the Emperor's dragon throne hanging high, the Emperor was welcoming the princess personally!

"Stop, stop quickly!" Xiao Qingxuan urgently commanded, stepping down from the phoenix carriage with Lin Wanrong. The couple teased each other, Miss Xiao's blush still lingering. As they walked, they were graceful and full of charm. She hurriedly took two steps and saw the Emperor on the dragon throne smiling at her. Tears welled in Miss Xiao's eyes, and she knelt on the ground, "Your daughter, appearing from the clouds, greets Father Emperor."

Lin Wanrong felt heartbroken, ‘My wife is five months pregnant, how can she kneel? Don't you know to help her, Father-in-law?’ The old Emperor naturally knew, and Miss Xiao was held up as she was about to bend down. "My child, rise."

Xiao Qingxuan raised her head to see wrinkles across her father's face, increasingly old, the frost at his temples blooming, no longer his youthful self. She could no longer bear it and wept, throwing herself into the Emperor's arms, "Father Emperor, your daughter has returned."

The old Emperor gently patted Xiao Qingxuan's shoulder, tears streaming down uncontrollably, "Chuyun, you have returned, good, very good! I am very pleased, very pleased!" He released his grip and proudly said to the officials behind him, "My ministers, this is my Princess Chuyun, you have all seen her."

"We, your humble servants, greet Princess Chuyun!" All the officials bowed in unison. Only Prince Cheng gave a slight bow, his face very unhappy.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please, no need for such ceremony," Xiao Qingxuan wiped her tears, graciously speaking, "You all are the backbone of my great nation, supporting my father the Emperor for years, and achieving extraordinary accomplishments for our country. Princess Chuyun thanks you all." The crowd hurriedly responded with humble denials. The atmosphere was lively for a moment.

The old Emperor was in high spirits, leading Princess Chuyun through the ranks of officials, introducing her to the pillars of the court. The Emperor had no sons, only three daughters, and among them, Chuyun, who had been relegated and yet remained graceful and dignified, was undoubtedly his favorite. The ministers all had their thoughts, and they hurriedly paid their respects and good wishes to the princess, hoping to leave a good impression in her presence.

"This is your Uncle, Prince Cheng," the Emperor said to Xiao Qingxuan with a smile. "He is the left arm and right leg of our great nation, holding up half of the country."

Prince Cheng quickly bowed, "Your Majesty exaggerates, I don't deserve such praise. The princess's return has resolved a major concern for you; I extend my congratulations to Your Majesty."

"Mutual joy, mutual joy," the Emperor laughed twice. Xiao Qingxuan knew Prince Cheng's true nature and merely nodded without speaking.

Seeing that the Emperor was busy chatting with Qingxuan and the others, and not paying attention to himself, Lin Wanrong, who had nothing to do, was ignored by everyone. Although his alighting from the princess's carriage was not in accordance with etiquette, since the Emperor had not questioned it, the officials pretended not to see it.

"Congratulations, little brother! I offer my felicitations!" The voice of Xu Wei sounded in Lin Wanrong's ear, his face full of mysterious smiles.

"Mr. Xu, don't joke around. What do I have to celebrate?" Lin Wanrong smiled, thinking of Xu Zhiqing, and how she had claimed she no longer recognized Lin San. He wondered whether it was said in anger or sincerity.

Xu Wei looked around and lowered his voice mysteriously, "So the Miss Qingxuan you've been seeking is indeed our great nation's Princess Chuyun. In a few days, this old man will have to call you the prince consort. Isn't this a joyous matter?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking to himself that as long as he agreed, Xu would likely have to call him a son-in-law instead.

"Mr. Xu, have you seen Miss Zhiqing today? Was there anything unusual about her?" Lin Wanrong thought for a long time before cautiously phrasing his question.

"I saw her, nothing unusual. I even saw her laughing with her aunt at breakfast," Old Xu was surprised, "What's wrong, did something happen to Zhiqing?"

No abnormalities? Lord Lin thought, that itself was the biggest abnormality. He whispered, "Mr. Xu, think carefully, has Miss Xu said or done anything strange recently?"

"Strange words or actions?" Old Xu frowned, thought for a while, and slowly shook his head, "I haven't seen anything different, except..."

"Except what?" Lin Wanrong asked.

Xu Wei smiled, "Recently, I don't know why, but Zhiqing has raised two big dogs, training them to run and fetch all day. She even named them. Her aunt said, it seems like the names are something like..." He looked at Lin Wanrong and chuckled a few times, abruptly stopping himself.

Lin Wanrong naturally knew what Miss Xu's dogs were named and laughed heartily, saying, "So Miss Xu enjoys playing with pets; that's quite interesting. Tomorrow I might keep some wolves for fun; perhaps they could even become kin with your family's dogs and produce some wolf-dogs!"

Xu Wei, unaware of the relationship between Lin Wanrong and Xu Zhiqing, assumed Lord Lin was joking with him, and chuckled a few times before his expression became serious: "Enough about Zhiqing. Little brother, there's something I need to tell you, but please don't get angry."

"What could possibly make me angry?" Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile.

Xu Wei sighed softly, "The Emperor has released Lu Dongzan and Ashile!"

"Who, who did you say?" Lin Wanrong's eyes widened.

Xu Wei smiled bitterly with a sense of helplessness, "The Turkic Khaganate National Advisor Lu Dongzan and the envoy Ashile. The Emperor issued a decree yesterday proclaiming their crimes to the world, and at the same time sent them back. They have already left for their land overnight."

"Foolish!" Lin Wanrong slapped his thigh, visibly annoyed, "These two were not easy to capture, how could they be released so easily? Especially that National Advisor Lu Dongzan, he is a very difficult person to deal with; I almost fell into his trap last time."

His voice was loud, and people around were turning to look. Xu Wei, scared, quickly pulled him back, "Little brother Lin, please keep your voice down. You are the Emperor's son-in-law, not fearing the loss of your head, but this old man still wants to live for a few more years."

Lin Wanrong suppressed his irritation and snorted, "Why did the old man release them? Doesn't he know this is like letting the tiger return to the mountain? Lu Dongzan is the National Advisor of Turkic Khaganate, with a single thought he could send tens of thousands of our brothers to their death. How could he be released so easily?"

"The Emperor is certainly aware of all this," Xu Wei explained. "But as the old saying goes, 'When two countries go to war, do not cut off their envoys.' Even without considering how dangerous Lu Dongzan is, the mere act of capturing the Turkic delegation could become a point of criticism. If they want to steal our cannons and take them back, we can catch them, but what will outsiders think? People can be fearful. They will only believe that we deliberately framed them, turning a white cat into a black cat. Our interactions with other countries would become passive, as no one would trust us. They would see us as treacherous, for capturing the special envoy sent by the Turks. The Emperor found himself in a difficult situation, and after consulting with the cabinet ministers, he decided to issue a reprimand and send them back. Because diplomatic matters are complex, I did not oppose it."

"Diplomatic matters are complex?" Lin Wanrong flicked his sleeve, seething with anger, "My dear Mr. Xu, you are confused. Diplomacy is the simplest thing; it boils down to two words: strength! Strength determines everything! Why are you all so concerned about how other countries view our great nation? Is the opinion of other countries more important than the safety of our land and our people? When we easily conquered Goryeo, did Goryeo have any diplomacy to speak of? Though alliances and strategies matter, strength is what really counts. A weak country has no diplomacy. If our nation is strong, we don't need diplomacy, and all nations will come to pay tribute. If our nation is weak, you can shout about diplomacy a thousand times, and you will only be met with scorn."

He wore a dark expression with cold eyebrows, and his imposing demeanor was intimidating. Even Xu Wei, who was accustomed to grand scenes, was taken aback. He weakly opened his mouth and said in a soft voice, "Does the strength or weakness of our country mean that we should disregard even diplomatic etiquette?"

"Diplomatic etiquette?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed, laughing uproariously, "Mr. Xu, you saw with your own eyes how the Turkic Khaganate special envoy Ashile behaved like a ruffian in our great imperial golden hall. Did he ever talk to you about etiquette? When he dismantled our cannons and secretly transported them back, did he talk to you about etiquette then? Why is it that when it comes to our great nation, you want to speak to him about etiquette? This code of conduct you speak of is a product of the moderate path our great nation has adhered to for many years. We, the people of our great nation, can play by those rules, but the Turks are not our people; they don't follow the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, they don't speak of moderation. These etiquettes you value are worthless in their eyes. How can you impose your own standards on others? How many young lives must our great nation sacrifice, how many beautiful families must be torn apart, all for the sake of this so-called diplomatic etiquette? My dear Mr. Xu, I don't know what to say to you!"

Lin Wanrong's heart ached with fury. Gathering all his strength, he kicked heavily at the small sedan chair beside him. With a crash, the chair wobbled a few times and then collapsed with a thunderous noise.

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