Finest Servant

Chapter 455 A Beautiful Misunderstanding

Before they even reached the entrance to the Xiao family residence, the joyful voice of Xiao Yushuang echoed in the distance, "Sister, sister—"

Eldest Miss lifted the curtain of the palanquin, only to see Xiao Yushuang, with her little hand holding up her long skirt and a face glowing with joy, sprinting towards her. Xiao Yuruo stepped out of the palanquin just in time to catch Yushuang, who threw herself into her arms, tears of joy in her eyes, "Sister, you're finally back. Mother and I have been so worried."

Gazing at her sister's beautiful face and the deep concern in her eyes, Eldest Miss felt her own eyes moisten. She softly spoke, "Silly girl, I was just in the palace discussing some matters with the female officers of the Weaving Bureau. What's there to worry about? How is Mother's health?"

Xiao Yushuang responded with a slight hum, "A few days ago, when you and Lin San both disappeared, Mother fell seriously ill. Her condition only improved a little yesterday when Lin San returned. She's busy in the back right now, and I haven't yet told her you're back. Just wait until she sees you; she'll be so overjoyed."

As Yushuang spoke softly with a lovable face, Xiao Yuruo affectionately pinched her little nose, feeling extremely happy.

"Ah, who are you?" The curtain was lifted again, and a stunningly beautiful woman emerged, her cheeks flushed and her eyes tender, breathtakingly beautiful.

Remembering the intimate moments they had shared inside the palanquin, Eldest Miss felt her cheeks flush, unsure how to introduce this young lady.

Qin Xian'er was no stranger to Xiao Yushuang. The day when the White Lotus sect attacked the Xiao family, it was Yushuang who had thrown herself in front of Lin Wanrong, something Qin Xian'er remembered vividly. Thinking about the past, her heart felt a little sour, but she bore no ill will toward this faithful girl. She took a step forward and took Yushuang’s hand, giggling, "Little sister, although you don't know me, I’ve admired you for a long time. Back in Jinling, I heard of your name, so beautiful and gentle, so kind and compassionate; you’ve captivated my husband."

Xiao Yushuang quickly hid behind Eldest Miss, blushing, "Don't speak nonsense, sister. I've never met your husband, so how could I have done anything disgraceful. Besides, I also have, have—" She was, after all, only seventeen, and there were things she couldn't articulate, so she hid behind her sister, her face flushed.

"Do you mean, a sweetheart?" Remembering how she almost had killed this little girl in a fit of jealousy, Qin Xian'er felt a bit guilty. She laughed, "So if you have a sweetheart, you can't tempt my husband? Little sister, let me tell you a secret: my husband would be more than happy to be tempted by you."

"You, you're talking nonsense." In terms of audacity, Xiao Yushuang was no match for Qin Xian'er. Hearing her "slander," Yushuang’s eyes welled up, and she cried out, "I have only ever liked the scoundrel from our family; I won't give a glance to anyone else."

Hearing this, Qin Xian'er giggled, but felt a twinge of emotion. What man could bear to harm such a straightforward and lovable girl?

"Yushuang, stop being silly," said Eldest Miss, holding her sister's hand. She softly introduced, "You haven’t met this young lady yet. She's well-known throughout Jinling, her surname is Qin, first name Xian'er—"

"Qin Xian'er? You're the Qin Xian'er from Miaoyu Pavilion?" Xiao Yushuang was taken aback, her eyes widening as she looked Qin Xian'er up and down. After a long pause, she sighed, "You are indeed as stunning as they say. No wonder that scoundrel visits you so often. Sister, how did you come to be with Miss Qin?"

Eldest Miss bowed her head in embarrassed silence, unsure how to respond. Qin Xian'er took her hand and gave a slight smile, "Sister Yushuang, from now on, Eldest Miss is not just your sister; she is mine as well. Right, sister Xiao?"

Xiao Yushuang glanced at the blushing Eldest Miss and then at the smiling, enchanting Qin Xian'er. Seeming to understand, her face turned equally red. She softly said, "It must be the doing of that scoundrel. Where could he have gone off to now?"

"Are you talking about me?" Lin Wanrong emerged from the sedan, yawning. He stretched comfortably and chuckled, "It's been a while since I've felt this relaxed. Eldest Miss, have you finished discussing your matters? Shall we go inside?"

This guy was the most carefree and unbothered of them all. Eldest Miss shot him a disdainful look and spat, "Dream on. What would we have to discuss with you? Xian'er, Yushuang, let's go inside. Leave this rascal out here to entertain himself."

Relationships sure developed quickly; in the blink of an eye, Xian'er had become a 'sister.' Lin Wanrong chuckled lecherously. However, he watched as the three women held hands and walked away, not sparing him a second glance. Even the usually sweet and gentle Xian'er ignored him, following the other two inside.

"Si De, close the door," Eldest Miss instructed as she stepped inside the shop.

"What about Brother San? He's still outside," Si De cautiously asked.

Eldest Miss huffed dismissively without looking back, "This scoundrel is resourceful enough. Let him climb over the wall if he has to. Now close the door."

Si De stuck his tongue out at Brother San, and with a loud bang, shut the door, nearly smashing Lin Wanrong's nose in the process.

‘This girl, was she angry just because I touched Xian'er a bit during the ride? If I wanted to touch you, and you act coy, can you blame me?’ Lin Wanrong touched his sore nose, thought about knocking but hesitated and lowered his hand.

The door was shut tight, and no sound could be heard from inside. He wondered what those three women were up to. It seems that 'too many cooks spoil the broth.' Is this the price for trying to have the best of both worlds? Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and hesitated outside the door, unable to think of a good solution.

"Brother Lin, are you alright?" Gao Qiu suddenly appeared like a shadow, patting Lin Wanrong on the shoulder and startling him.

"Brother Gao, could you please make some noise next time you appear? I'm not that brave; can't take too many shocks," Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, patting his chest, still shaken.

Gao Qiu laughed heartily, "Brother Lin, you jest. Given your exploits, who in the world would dare say Lin San lacks courage? I'd say that person is asking for trouble."

"Hmm, that makes sense." Flattered by Gao Qiu's compliment, Lin Wanrong beamed from ear to ear.

Gao Qiu glanced cautiously around him before speaking. "Brother Lin, did the princess give you any trouble just now? I wanted to help, but she is the Emperor's favored Princess Nishang. I can't afford to cross her."

‘Damn it, some help you are.’ If Miss Qin had severed the red thread earlier, Eldest Miss would never be happy for the rest of her life.

"Do you not know of my capabilities? I can handle even a princess," Lin Wanrong chuckled, patting Gao Qiu on the shoulder and glancing at the courtyard wall. "Brother Gao, with your skills, climbing over this wall should be a piece of cake, right?"

Gao Qiu nodded proudly. "Of course. With my skills, scaling tall buildings is as easy as walking on flat ground. Even if this wall were ten times higher, I could still scale it."

Elated, Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed his sleeve. "That's perfect, then. Brother Gao, get me over there quickly. My wives are all waiting for me inside to consummate our marriage."

Gao Qiu furrowed his brows, looking troubled. "Brother Lin, it's not that I don't want to help. There are laws in the country and rules in our line of work. We martial artists have our own small circles, and we can't use our strength to bully the common folk. I could easily vault over this wall, but as a man of honor, how could I trespass into a civilian’s home?"

Listening, Lin Wanrong blinked rapidly. So much ceremony and pride over just hopping a wall—my skin must really be too thin.

"But—" Gao Qiu suddenly shifted his tone—"if someone else helps you, then that’s not my business. Wait here a moment."

Gao Qiu clapped his hands twice, and from a dark corner, two men ran over, carrying a long ladder between them.

After ensuring the ladder was securely propped against the wall, Gao Qiu nodded with satisfaction. "Use this. It's safe and convenient, far better than showing off martial arts, and it doesn't break any rules. Even if you're committing burglary, it has nothing to do with me. Please—"

Lin Wanrong was flabbergasted. ‘What is shamelessness? Compared to Brother Gao, I am downright virtuous.’

"Brother Gao is indeed a man of honor and righteousness. I am impressed," Lin Wanrong saluted before climbing up the ladder and over the wall. He found himself in the back garden of the Xiao family home, a garden full of blooming flowers under the soft moonlight. The delicate scent filled the air, a sight and smell to lift anyone's spirits. Gao Qiu and his men had already removed the ladder, disappearing silently into the night.

Choosing a spot where the wall was slightly lower, Lin Wanrong scanned his surroundings and found no one in sight. Pleased, he leapt down into the flowerbed.

‘So I'm in. Now to sneak into Eldest Miss's room and see what she can do about it.’ Lin Wanrong chuckled lecherously, pleased with his plan. Just as he was about to move, a woman's voice suddenly rang out behind him, "Thief! Someone come quick—"

Amidst a shriek, a wooden stick whooshed through the air, aimed at Lin Wanrong's back. In the distance, the wailing barks of a dog filled the air.

The sudden noise was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, causing Lin Wanrong's hair to stand on end. Caught off guard, the stick squarely hit his back. Even though the force from the attacking woman was weak, it still stung painfully.

Angry, Lin Wanrong swiftly turned around. Without even taking a good look at the woman's face, he roughly pushed her against the wall. One hand was on her soft chest, the other over her mouth, and his knee pushed apart her delicate, silky legs. "What are you screaming about? Look, look who I am!"

The moonlight was dim; at first glance, he couldn't see her face clearly. What he did feel under his hand was soft and supple, as comforting as touching milk yet incredibly elastic. The woman's legs were silky smooth, like the finest silk. Pressing against her felt like touching luxurious satin, which could slip away at any moment. "When did the Xiao family get someone with such a good figure? How did I not know?" Lin Wanrong was confused but still caressed her chest gently.

"Mmm, mmm—" The woman seemed to recognize his face. Struggling even more frantically, her legs kicked out at him.

"What are you—" Lin Wanrong was already annoyed by the pain on his back. He looked up to shout, but the moment he saw her face, his jaw dropped.

"What are you doing, you shameless thief—" Seeing him stunned, the woman, flushed with both shame and anger, had already thrown etiquette to the wind. Her open palm reached for his cheek.

Startled by the pain, Lin Wanrong yelped and quickly jumped back. "Don't hit, don't hit! It's a misunderstanding, a pure misunderstanding! I didn't see clearly!"

"You asked for it!" The woman didn't care for his explanations. Her tears flowed like rain as she lunged at him, punching and kicking in a fit of madness.

"God, what a mess. I really am down on my luck," Lin Wanrong muttered to himself. Dodging left and right, he didn't dare to fight back. Just then, a fearsome dog, as imposing as a warrior, lunged at him.

"General Zhenyuan, bite him! Kill him!" The woman cried softly, her eyes aflame with fury.

Lin Wanrong leapt back, shouting, "Don't bite! Anyone who bites me is asking for trouble!"

As if the dog named General Zhenyuan would listen to him. Eyes reddening upon seeing his enemy, the dog let out a growl, its fangs bared, and sprang at him.

Gardens, a ferocious dog, Lin San; how similar the situation was to the one with the Second Miss. Lin Wanrong's mind momentarily drifted. It was only when he saw those gaping jaws near his face that he snapped back to reality. With a high-pitched scream, he dodged out of the way.

His speed and strength had improved enormously since then; dodging was incredibly swift. Unable to catch him, General Zhenyuan grew even more agitated, barking and howling as he gave chase. The spectacle of a man and a dog running and chasing in the garden was indeed a sight to behold.

The commotion in the back courtyard had long alerted the rooms at the front. Faint sounds of footsteps and voices could be heard. The woman hesitated for a moment, glancing at General Zhenyuan in hot pursuit and the scattering Lin San, then down at her disheveled clothing. With tears streaming down her face, she suddenly let out a sob and covered her face as she walked away.

As soon as the woman left, General Zhenyuan lost his fighting spirit. He squatted down, tongue hanging out, panting heavily.

"What's the matter, why did you stop chasing?" Lin Wanrong leaned against a pillar, feeling a surge of delight as he observed the pitiable state of the ferocious dog and heard his own pounding heart. This scene was a reenactment of the past, only the leading lady had changed.

There lay a hoe in the corner, covered with soil. Lin Wanrong had taken a hit from it just moments ago. Beside it was a bucket of fresh water and a few newly planted peonies standing upright in the garden, their planting interrupted midway. These flowers had been sent from Jinling by Fubo, and Lin Wanrong had personally overseen their transplantation. Their petals were beautiful and in full bloom.

Seeing General Zhenyuan still squatting in place without any movement, Lin Wanrong slowly walked to the wall and looked at the blooming peonies. He sighed softly, "Beautiful flowers they may be, but they too require regular watering, otherwise they'll wilt."

After straightening the flowers and filling the soil, he watered them with the bucket of fresh water. Only after inspecting them from all angles did Lin Wanrong nod satisfactorily, clapping the soil off his hands as he stood up.

The sound of hurried footsteps grew closer. A maid named Huan’er was carrying a lantern, illuminating Eldest Miss's charming face, soft and radiant as jade. Seeing Lin San grinning at her, Xiao Yuruo was taken aback, a mixture of shyness and delight crossing her face as she glanced at him, "What are you doing here?"

"How could I not be here?" Lin Wanrong sighed, "Someone wouldn't let me in, so I had to climb over the wall. I almost broke a leg doing it."

The maid Huan’er looked him up and down, and then burst into giggles, "Brother San, how did you become so foolish? The front gate was only closed, not locked. Even General Zhenyuan could have pushed it open easily. Why didn't you try? Our Eldest Miss cares so much for you, yet you don't understand her feelings."

So the door could have been pushed open? Seriously? Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. Ah, the pitfalls of empiricism!

"Chatty little maid," Eldest Miss's face turned red. She walked over to him, looking at him with a smile, her eyes full of tenderness. "You fool, what are you trying to prove, climbing your own home's wall? Even if you couldn't get in, a few soft words would have sufficed. Who would actually keep you out?"

"I see," Lin Wanrong smirked, "Then I'll stand outside your room tonight, saying a hundred soft words to see if you'll let me in."

"Shameless," Eldest Miss lightly huffed, her heart pounding, her face flushed to her ears.

In his memory, it seemed that a long time had passed since he last experienced such a tender moment with Eldest Miss. On this quiet night, with the moonlight veiled in mist, the two were alone and face to face, enveloped in a romantic warmth. Lin Wanrong held her small hand, gently rubbing it, forgetting even the pain on his back.

"Eh, what happened to your face?" Just as Eldest Miss was deeply absorbed in emotion, she noticed the vivid red finger marks on his face and was instantly shocked. "And what are these marks on your back? Who was so merciless to you? What happened earlier?"

Xiao Yuruo's expression turned anxious, her heart both rushed and pained. She pulled him into her embrace, her small hands gently massaging the wounds on his back, unable to hold back her tears.

Inhaling the captivating scent of Eldest Miss and feeling the pulse of her tenderness, Lin Wanrong nestled his head against her soft bosom, puffing a breath of air onto the curve there. "It's nothing, just a beautiful misunderstanding. Considering the severity of my injuries, Eldest Miss, may I make a not-so-improper request?"

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