Finest Servant

Chapter 446 Flying Ropes

"Aiming the cannons at us? Is something amiss?" Lin Wanrong took out his telescope and scanned the area. These few cannons were huge in size, with long and thick barrels, clearly of a modified design, not to be underestimated. He put down the telescope and grasped Fairy Ning's small hand, "Sister, promise me one thing. No matter what happens, you must not leave me."

Ning Yuxi lowered her head and softly said, "Why are you bringing this up again? Is something unusual happening?"

Lin Wanrong held her hand tightly, his expression complicated, "If I'm not mistaken, this should be Qingxuan's doing. She must have invited Xu Zhiqing. Only Miss Xu, who is skilled at mechanisms and calculations, could come up with such an idea."

He spoke simply, but Ning Yuxi tensed, sensing something, "Are you saying that Qingxuan and her group have already found a way?" Her eyes grew vacant as she fell silent.

Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, unconcerned, "Even if they have found a way, I will never let you leave me. Otherwise, I'd rather not descend this mountain."

Fairy Sister looked at him softly, a mist forming in her eyes, "Don't talk like a child. If they really have found a way, then it must be fate. I'd lose willingly. The northern nomads are invading, and Qingxuan is pregnant. There are many tasks waiting for you, don't delay because of me."

People are indeed fickle. Thinking back to when she had been determined to trap him on an isolated peak, she now worried that he might fail to realize his ambitions. The taste of this change was something only she could understand. Ning Yuxi sighed softly, her expression growing more resolute.

—---

"Miss Xu, do you really have a way to rescue General Lin?" Staring at the distant Thousand-Forsake Peak shrouded in mist, he couldn't see where Lin Wanrong was. Hu Bugui looked at Xu Zhiqing standing on the cliff edge, filled with concern.

Xu Zhiqing's eyes were slightly closed. Neither shaking her head nor nodding, she finally opened her eyes after a long moment, "General Hu, have all the items I requested been prepared?"

"They're ready, all ready," Hu Bugui nodded hurriedly, "Cannons, ropes, chains. My men and I have worked together since early morning to carry them up the mountain. We didn't miss a thing. Miss Xu, these items are custom-made and couldn't be prepared in less than two days. General Lin is fortunate to have such a confidant like you—"

"Do not misunderstand," Xu Zhiqing's expression was cold, "I don't know any General Lin, nor have I prepared anything specially. These are regular supplies for the Divine Machine Unit and have nothing to do with the man on the opposite mountain. Whether he lives or dies is not my concern."

Considering how sweet Xu Zhiqing and General Lin had been in Shandong, why had things turned out this way? Hu Bugui discreetly stuck out his tongue and nodded respectfully, "I understand. Miss Xu came to this peak to watch the sunrise, and it has nothing to do with General Lin."

Xu Zhiqing's brow furrowed, wanting to clarify, but not knowing what to say, she remained silent.

A sedan chair was rapidly ascending from the base of the mountain. Hu Bugui noticed and exclaimed joyfully, "The general's wife has returned. Miss Xu, you should consult with her quickly—Miss Xu, Miss Xu—"

Xu Zhiqing's steps were hurried and her clothes were fluttering. As if she didn't hear his words, she hurriedly went to the distance without turning her head. Hu Bugui looked back and forth between the sedan chair that had just arrived and Xu Zhiqing, seemingly understanding what was happening. He felt bad for Lin Wanrong. ‘If I were him, I'd rather stay on the peak. It's safer that way.’

Before the chair had even settled, Xiao Qingxuan burst out, followed by Qiaoqiao and a young, pretty girl. "Brother Hu, what is going on? Why are there so many cannons?" Qiaoqiao asked impatiently.

Xiao Qingxuan looked toward the forest of cannons in the distance. In the middle of it all, a slender figure in blue was busily moving around, followed closely by Luo Ning. "Let's not trouble Brother Hu further," she said, smiling. "I'll go find Miss Xu myself."

The young girl trailing behind Xiao Qingxuan glanced into the distance and timidly asked, "Big Sister, where is that bad man from our home? Why can't I see him?"

"Don’t worry, Second Miss," Qiaoqiao grabbed Xiao Yushuang's hand softly. "Big brother is on the opposite peak. He will come down soon; we can wait here."

Xiao Yushuang looked up at the towering peak, as sharp as a knife's blade, stretching into the sky. "Qiaoqiao, how could that bad man climb so high? He doesn’t have that ability."

"He’s more capable than you think," said Xiao Qingxuan, a bitter smile on her face. She paused for a moment and then walked toward Xu Zhiqing.

Xu Zhiqing wore a light blue dress and a simple piece of cloth to hold back her hair. Her body was slim and elegant, like a blossoming rose, as she peered toward the opposite peak. Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly at the sight of the mature and stubborn Xu Zhiqing.

"Sister, you're back," Luo Ning turned around and saw Xiao Qingxuan, her face lighting up in joy. "Miss Xu is here; she has a plan to bring big b—"

"Ning’er—" Xu Zhiqing hurriedly cut her off, bowed deeply toward Xiao Qingxuan, and knelt down. "Commoner Xu Zhiqing pays her respects to Princess Chuyun."

"Why do you act so distant, Sister Xu?" Xiao Qingxuan said with a smile, helping her up. "You're not a stranger to us. Remember when you and My Dear came up the mountain together? The three of us faced many challenges together."

Xu Zhiqing's eyelids drooped, avoiding Xiao Qingxuan's gaze. "There are distinctions between rank and status, and we must uphold decorum. Please, Princess, do not bring up the past. I am no longer the person I was back then; I've forgotten many things."

Ning'er, hiding behind Miss Xu, sneaked a playful tongue stick-out towards Xiao Qingxuan and subtly shook her head. Xiao Qingxuan laughed, "Sister Xu, you truly have a carefree spirit. I admire and look up to you so much. I wonder where you learned the art of forgetting. Could you teach me? So that I might forget about my annoying husband."

Xu Zhiqing clenched her teeth, "Your Highness jokes. You and your husband are deeply in love, envied by all. How could you ever wish to forget him? If you truly want to forget, I do have a foolish method. Write his name on a piece of paper, and each day pierce it with a needle ten thousand times. When your heart is thoroughly wounded, you won't think of him, won't suffer, and will naturally forget."

"What a unique method," Xiao Qingxuan commented wistfully. "If I had your guidance when I first met My Dear, I might not have the troubles I have today."

Both Miss Xu and Miss Xiao were talented women—Xu Zhiqing possessed exceptional intelligence and innate pride, while Xiao Qingxuan had the elegance and poise that could govern a nation. Their conversation was filled with subtle barbs, each refusing to yield an inch.

Listening to the two sisters spar, Ning'er blinked in confusion, uncertain whom to side with. She quickly took both their hands and laughed, "What's this about forgetting? If everyone were like you two, my big brother and I would have lost our fate long ago. If you love someone, don't let go. If you let go, you never truly loved them. So, Sister Zhiqing, tell us how to save my big brother; you two are so close—"

Xu Zhiqing cut her off, her tone indifferent, "You may be mistaken, Ning'er. My acquaintance with the man across the way is merely superficial; I wouldn't call it close. I came today at the behest of General Li to assist the Princess, nothing more."

Ning'er glanced at Xiao Qingxuan, who could only offer a resigned smile. Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "So that's the case. I'm grateful for your help, Sister. But do you have any plans to rescue my husband successfully?"

Xiao Qingxuan was of high standing, and her questions demanded answers. Xu Zhiqing sighed softly, "You don't need to ask me, Your Highness. The man across the cliff is far smarter than me. If you shout over to him, he will tell you himself."

Xiao Qingxuan chuckled bitterly, shaking her head, "You know his temperament as well as I do. If he doesn't want to do something, not even a knife to his throat would compel him. By the looks of it, he'd rather stay on that Thousand-Forsake Peak for a while longer. That rascal infuriates me."

Xiao Qingxuan's words carried an unspoken weight. Xu Zhiqing merely responded, "If that's the case, I'll give it a try, but I can't guarantee success, especially if he's unwilling—"

"He should be willing," tears suddenly welled up in Xiao Qingxuan's eyes as she tightly gripped Ning'er's hand. As she spoke, she herself wasn't sure.

"Very well," Xu Zhiqing clenched her teeth, "Let's begin now."

"Now?" Both Ning'er and Xiao Qingxuan were surprised by Xu Zhiqing's urgency. They glanced around and soon understood. Tools and chains of various shapes and sizes were scattered about the cliff, many custom-made. Clearly, Xu Zhiqing had prepared for this for a long time.

Feeling the eyes of Ning'er and Xiao Qingxuan on her, Xu Zhiqing quickly turned her head away, her voice trembling, "Please guide us, Your Highness."

"My Dear, My Dear—" From the bamboo tube across the cliff came a tender voice calling. Lin Wanrong was leaning against a delicate figure, his large hand caressing her slender waist, half-asleep.

"Wake up," Ning Yuxi gently pushed him on the waist, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Someone is calling you."

"Who is it?" Lin Wanrong yawned, nudged his head against her soft belly, reluctantly opened his eyes, and heard Qingxuan's voice carried by the wind: "Master, My Dear, you both should take refuge in the cave for now; I'll come to bring you down the mountain shortly."

"The cave?" Lin Wanrong and Ning Yuxi exchanged puzzled glances. Could Qingxuan somehow see long distances? How did she know there was a cave on Thousand-Forsake Peak?

"What does Qingxuan want us to do in the cave?" Ning Yuxi softly said.

Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand and started walking, smiling, "Who cares, Qingxuan wouldn’t harm us anyway. What’s wrong with having another ‘wedding night’ in the cave?"

"Stop talking nonsense." Ning Yuxi hit him lightly, her face blushing. Just as they stood at the mouth of the cave, they heard a tremendous roar from across the peak. A thin wisp of smoke arose, and a huge iron ball, screeching as it spun, traced a beautiful arc in the air and came hurtling toward Thousand-Forsake Peak.

Ning Yuxi was greatly shocked, her face turning pale. "What is Qingxuan doing?"

"She’s trying to shoot Cupid's arrows!" Lin Wanrong laughed, embracing Ning Yuxi’s delicate figure, showing no signs of panic.

The iron ball flew for a moment but eventually ran out of force several meters from the peak. It scraped against the rocky cliff and fell, prompting a collective sigh from the tens of thousands of watching soldiers below.

Sweat covered Qingxuan’s palms as she looked at Xu Zhiqing, who was operating the cannon. She carefully asked, "Sister Xu, are you sure about this? We mustn’t hurt My Dear."

Xu Zhiqing wiped the sweat from her brow, her red lips tightly pressed. "Princess, don't worry; he won’t be harmed. Again!"

She hurriedly moved to the second cannon, directing the soldiers to adjust the position and calibrate the angle, calculating the distances.

"No wonder Sister Zhiqing insisted on bringing up ten cannons. They were all spares," Ning'er realized, gripping Qiaoqiao's little hand tightly.

Xiao Yushuang quietly wiped away her tears and tugged at Qingxuan’s sleeve, timidly saying, "Princess, will this scare that scoundrel? He’s never experienced this kind of thing before."

"Don't worry," Qingxuan reassured. "Lin Wanrong is a seasoned warrior. A few cannon shots won't scare him."

"Boom!" Another deafening sound. The iron ball whizzed out again, everyone holding their breath in anticipation. The iron ball traced an arc, but it fell from the furthest side of Thousand-Forsake Peak.

Ning Yuxi turned pale, clutching tightly at Lin Wanrong's sleeves as she nestled against him. "Rascal, they really found a way. I, I—"

Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder softly and comforted, "Don't worry. Even if they set up a rope, we will descend the mountain together."

Before the words had fallen, the third cannon blast sounded. This time, the iron ball seemed to have eyes, whistling through the air and landing precisely on Thousand-Forsake Peak. The mountain trembled slightly, and the ball stopped several yards away from the cliff's edge.

"We've hit the target, we've hit the target!" The soldiers on the opposite mountain erupted in unison, cheering triumphantly.

"My Dear, quickly pull up the rope on that iron ball!" Miss Xiao's voice carried enormous delight.

Gazing at the iron ball embedded in the ground, Lin Wanrong was speechless. Both joy and sorrow surged in his heart, and he hesitated, unsure of what to do.

Ning Yuxi leaned against him, her long eyelashes quivering, tears streaming down. Suddenly, she sprang from his arms and darted toward the mouth of the cave. Lin Wanrong couldn't catch her in time.

In a few leaps, Ning Yuxi reached the iron ball. There was a small hole in it, tightly bound with a glistening silk thread as thick as a little finger and faintly shimmering in white light. She hesitated for a moment, then clenched her teeth. Her trembling hands slowly untied the silk thread and gently began to pull. The silk was incredibly thin but incredibly strong. Slowly she pulled, and the rope on the opposite mountain began to inch closer, hand over hand.

"Sister, why are you so foolish?" Lin Wanrong's heart ached as he hugged her. Ning Yuxi's tears fell silently. She muttered, "I've lost, little thief, I’ve lost."

"So what if you've lost? So what if you've won?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed, "Is there anyone in this world who could separate us? Today, we will go down the mountain together. Let's see who dares to stop us!"

Ning Yuxi was silent. Her small hand swiftly pulled, the rope quickly moving closer.

Lin Wanrong, agitated, pressed her hand firmly. "If you promise to go down the mountain with me, we'll use this rope. If you don't agree, I'll throw this rope away."

He seized the silk thread, ready to throw it, but Ning Yuxi acted quickly, holding his hand tightly, tears pouring like rain. She choked, "Are you trying to kill me?"

Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "If I leave you here alone, that would kill me."

Ning Yuxi was speechless, mist rising in her eyes. Suddenly she looked at him with a sorrowful smile, "Better my life than yours. Let's go down the mountain together. Let the world laugh at me, curse me, slander me, vex me, annoy me—I'll be the most shameless woman in the world."

"Really?" Lin Wanrong jumped up in an instant.

Ning Yuxi's face paled, her long eyelashes trembled and tears cascaded down. "Since I've known you, when have I ever lied to you? Mm—"

His hot mouth covered her cherry lips, and the wet heat made her tremble. She held Lin Wanrong tightly, her body melting into his arms, pulling his large hand into her soft waist. Tears covered her cheeks as she passionately responded.

Upon seeing that the rope had stopped moving, Luo Ning anxiously inquired, "Big brother, what's happening? Why did you stop pulling the rope?"

Xiao Qingxuan put away her telescope, her face flushed with a blend of shyness and annoyance. "He has more important things to do, that scoundrel—"

"Aren't you going to pull the rope?" Ning Yuxi finally managed to free herself from his passionate kiss. Her breathing quickened, a faint blush appearing between her brows. Her face was so flushed it seemed like it could drip water. She shot him a look, both annoyed and coy, bewitchingly charming.

Lin Wanrong laughed twice. The two of them gripped the silken rope, and the rope on the other end began moving at an exponentially faster speed. In a short while, they had reached Thousand-Forsake Peak.

The rope, as thick as an arm, was securely tied by Lin Wanrong to a tree. Ning Yuxi frowned and said, "No matter how thick this hemp rope is, it won't be able to hold your weight. It's not reliable."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Don't worry, don't worry, there's more to come."

As they were speaking, they noticed that the other end of the rope began to rise. Upon inspecting through a telescope, they saw that a long, thick log had been set up on the peak opposite them. About a quarter of the log was lodged firmly into the ground by a high pillar, forming an unequal seesaw. A pulley was placed at the front end of the log, from which the rope extended. On the other end, dozens of soldiers pushed down on the lever, raising the pulley high up, making the rope higher on one end and lower on the other.

"Xu Zhiqing really knows quite a bit, even using the principle of a lever," Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled.

"Big brother, catch this," Ning Er's voice echoed again. Sliding down the rope came two specially made wooden chairs and a large winch with a handle. Xu Zhiqing commanded the soldiers to slowly press the lever, adjusting the speed of the chairs, neither too fast nor too slow.

When the chairs arrived, Lin Wanrong looked them over. Needless to say, they were sturdy. The chairs were tightly wound with silken threads, forming a very secure ring, hooked onto the rope—evidently for sliding purposes.

He lifted the winch into the air to lock it in place, tied the thick rope to it, and slowly turned the handle. The end of the thick rope on the other side was connected to a large iron chain, which hundreds of soldiers began to pull.

Ning Yuxi had a sudden realization. Using silk threads to lead the thick rope, and then using the thick rope to pull the iron chain—it was truly a clever idea. Even the winch had a significant function. Because the distance between the two peaks was several hundred feet, the iron chain would naturally sag when pulled across, requiring immense strength to hold it. This winch was specifically designed to save effort.

"Who came up with this idea?" Ning Yuxi exclaimed in silent admiration. "Every detail fits perfectly; it's utterly ingenious. Scoundrel, did you say once that 'you will go back the way you came'? Is this what you meant?"

"More or less," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "But Miss Xu has outdone even my imagination. I underestimated her before. Hopefully, she'll bring these ingenious ideas to the battlefield someday."

"Do you really intend to go north to fight against the nomads? When will you leave?" Ning Yuxi asked softly.

"Counting the days, it shouldn't be long now," Lin Wanrong mused. "Life is truly extraordinary. I could never have dreamt that one day I would voluntarily request to go to the battlefield."

Ning Yuxi nodded slightly, her smile remaining but her words absent. The wheel slowly turned, and a long iron rope stretched between the two peaks, as if it was a passage between insurmountable chasms.

Gazing at the faintly trembling iron rope, Lin Wanrong chuckled, recalling the journey that had brought him here. "Life is like a cycle, from the end to the beginning. I can hardly tell which is heaven and which is earth."

"Which is heaven and which is earth?" Ning Yuxi murmured to herself, her eyelashes quivering. Two glistening teardrops silently fell...

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