Finest Servant

Chapter 507 Everyone Found Out

The ethereal music reverberated, as if coming from some celestial plane. Lin Wanrong couldn't contain his joy and murmured, "It's Fairy Sister, it's her. She heard me speaking."

"What Fairy Sister?" Gao Qiu didn't know who Lin Wanrong was talking about. But seeing his excitement, he knew that this person was of great importance to him. Gao Qiu chuckled, "Whose daughter is singing such good lyrics? Even a crude person like me can't help but be moved. Brother Lin, your lover is a true catch!"

Gao Qiu's words amused Lin Wanrong. Listening to this melody made the entire day's wait worthwhile.

The voice was crisp and elusive, swirling around the mountains, echoing in his ears. It felt like a gentle breeze brushing past his cheeks, though he couldn't tell where it originated. Looking up at the cloud-shrouded Thousand-Forsake Peak, he didn't care whether Ning Yuxi could see him or not. In a burst of excitement, Lin Wanrong waved vigorously, "Fairy Sister, I miss you, I miss you—"

His words were echoed back by the mountains, carrying his voice far and wide. Even the thin drizzle couldn't dampen his ardor. Time seemed to stand still, and gradually the song subsided. Its lingering notes faded away, and the ethereal voice he yearned for did not sound again.

'I am leaving for war soon. I wonder if the Fairy Sister knows. When will she come down from the mountain?' Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, his gaze lingering on the opposing peak. The night was shrouded in a fine misty rain, the top of the peak was tranquil, and there was no sign of Ning Yuxi. Was it she who was singing and dancing on Thousand-Forsake Peak earlier?

"Brother Lin, it's getting late," seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought, his clothes soaked by the rain, Gao Qiu whispered cautiously, "We need to set out early tomorrow."

Lin Wanrong gave a hum of acknowledgment, feeling lonely. This journey to the northern border, he didn't know when he could return, let alone if he would return alive. This melancholy weighed heavy on his heart. Earlier, he had the opportunity to hear the ethereal voice of his 'Fairy Sister,' but the feeling of being worlds apart only deepened his loneliness.

Earlier in the day, he bid farewell to Madam Xiao, and later he would have to part with Fairy Ning. Tomorrow he himself would leave; Eldest Miss, Qiaoqiao, Xian'er, and Qingxuan would all be worlds apart, like ships lost in a vast ocean. The unspoken sorrow was too much to bear even for someone as cheerful as he was.

"Let's go." Raindrops formed and trickled down his cheeks. Lin Wanrong wiped them away and took a final, lingering look at Thousand-Forsake Peak, then turned around resolutely.

Gao Qiu acknowledged and turned his wheelchair, pushing him toward the mountain's base. They had only taken a few steps when they saw a young girl holding a gun, standing coldly in front of them.

"Brother Lin, what should we do? Your sister-in-law—"

Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, "Who cares what she wants. Let's just go around her."

Gao Qiu nodded obediently, following Lin Wanrong's guidance. Just as they were about to detour, Li Xiangjun suddenly reappeared, blocking their way, "Trying to avoid me? Not so easy!"

Lin Wanrong's face darkened, "Little sister, I'm not in a good mood today and I don't have time to play games with you. If you provoke me, I'll make sure you behave before I explain to Qingxuan!"

Upon hearing his threats, Li Xiangjun laughed out loud. "You want to hit me? With your maimed arms and legs? I am not my senior sister; I won't let you bully me. Hey, do you still want this firearm?" She playfully shook the firearm in her hand and hummed triumphantly.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "You can keep it. I have plenty of these at home. So many that I could use a new one every day and still not run out. Have fun with it."

"Scoff," Li Xiangjun snorted. "Why would I, who has no relation to you, want anything from a broken man like you? Without this firearm, you'd probably be knocked off your horse in one round on the battlefield." She pouted and shoved the firearm back into his hands. "Take it back; I don't want your junk."

Gao Qiu let out a few sounds of acknowledgment and, with a sly smile, leaned close to Lin Wanrong's ear. "See, Brother Lin, didn't I tell you? Your little sister-in-law actually cares about you. Look, she's even returned the firearm to you, concerned for your safety!"

"What 'little sister-in-law'? Old Gao, your language is truly outrageous," Lin Wanrong muttered, somewhere between laughter and tears. He took back the firearm and smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Little Sister Xiangjun. Rest assured, when I go into battle, I'll kill plenty of nomads and won't let you down."

"Who said I was concerned about you?" Li Xiangjun's face flushed. "I'm just afraid that if something happens to you, it'll break my senior sister's heart. As for whether a thick-skinned person like you lives or dies, what does it have to do with me?"

Knowing her temper, Lin Wanrong wouldn't argue. He chuckled and was about to leave when Li Xiangjun spoke again, "Tell my senior sister that I'll come down from the mountain tomorrow to join her."

"Tomorrow?" Lin Wanrong sighed. "Little junior sister, why not come down with me now? We could look out for each other. If you wait until tomorrow, I'll be gone early, and you'll miss me. Wouldn't that be a pity?"

"Why would I want to see you?" Li Xiangjun huffed in embarrassment and anger. "I'm waiting for you to leave so I can come down. The less I see of you, the better for my peace of mind."

"Very well," Lin Wanrong resigned. "Then stay here and spend more time with your Master. If you see her, tell her I've gone north to fight. It won't be long, just eight or ten years. After the war, I'll come back to see her."

Li Xiangjun wanted to laugh but dared not. She muttered softly, "As if you'd need to finish the war... idiot."

Lin Wanrong looked at her curiously. "Little junior sister, what are you saying?"

Realizing her thoughts were almost heard, Li Xiangjun flushed with both shyness and irritation. "I said, you idiot, get lost! The more I talk to you, the angrier I get."

This girl was clearly not the docile type. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, waved at her, and headed down the mountain with Gao Qiu.

On their journey, a light spring rain sprinkled down, tapping against the carriage's curtain, making a rustling sound. The roadside lamps flickered dimly in the rainy mist, their light blurry and indistinct. Lin Wanrong was silent, his thoughts flying to places unknown.

"Brother Lin, Eunuch Gao from the palace is here." Just as they reached the entrance to the Lin Mansion, the carriage slowly came to a halt. Gao Qiu leaned his head in and whispered the news.

‘Gao Ping? What could he want at this hour? Could it be that His Majesty wants to see me again?’ Lin Wanrong's scattered thoughts were immediately gathered as he lifted the curtain. He saw Gao Ping wearing a raincoat, accompanied by two young eunuchs, all dressed as ordinary people.

"Eunuch Gao, what brings you here?" After Gao Qiu parked the carriage, Lin Wanrong alighted, expressing his surprise, "Why didn't you enter the mansion?"

Bowing deeply, Gao Ping lowered his voice, "Master Lin, His Majesty has sent me to convey an oral command."

Sensing the message was confidential, Gao Qiu discreetly stepped away. Lin Wanrong nodded, "Eunuch Gao, please go ahead and say what you have to say."

Gao Ping began, "His Majesty has two messages for you. Firstly, Prince Cheng's lands have been confiscated and his title revoked. Early this morning, he was escorted northward. His Majesty personally saw him off and chastised him for his crimes, but also granted him a sum of money for his retirement. This has been publicly announced, so His Majesty has fulfilled his duties of benevolence and justice."

He left today? Lin Wanrong was stunned. His Majesty acted swiftly. Yet, why did he send Gao Ping to inform me? What could be the meaning behind this? Lin Wanrong pondered but couldn't discern the Emperor's intentions. With His Majesty's inscrutable ways, it was rare for anyone to fathom his thoughts.

"The second matter is an exceedingly good piece of news," Gao Ping continued, smiling obsequiously. "Master Lin, do you remember the recent retirement of the Minister of Personnel?"

How could he forget, Lin Wanrong had played a role in that. He laughed, "Why would His Majesty discuss the personnel changes in court with me?"

"You'll know once you hear it," Gao Ping smiled, "Master Lin, what is your relationship with the former Governor of Jiangsu, Luo Min?"

"He's my father-in-law!" Lin Wanrong exclaimed, "Eunuch Gao, could it be that His Majesty—"

Gao Ping nodded with a smile, "His Majesty personally drafted the decree. Early this morning, it was sent on an urgent eight-hundred-mile journey—Former Governor of Jiangsu Luo Min, is a clear and outstanding official. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to quelling the White Lotus rebellion. It is confirmed that Cheng De conspired with Prince Cheng, harboring rebellious intentions. Luo Min's execution of Cheng De, though perhaps mistaken, does not overshadow his merits. Luo Min was demoted to Jining but continued to govern diligently, benefiting the people of Jining. His reputation among the people of Shandong and Jiangsu provinces is excellent. In consideration of his high merit and humble nature, His Majesty orders him to appear in the capital immediately and take charge of the Ministry of Personnel. Master Lin, if I don't congratulate you, then whom should I?"

Luo Min is coming to the capital? Truly, this was momentous good news. Lin Wanrong laughed, cupping his fist in thanks, "Thank you for your good words, Eunuch Gao. I have no way to repay you now, but when I return from the north, I'll surely thank you with fine wine."

"Hardly dare, hardly dare," Gao Ping hastily bowed, cautiously saying, "When you return from the north, you will undoubtedly be the most esteemed person in the court. This old servant looks forward to your continued favor."

The most esteemed person in court? Gao Ping wasn't someone to make such a claim lightly. After pondering a moment, Lin Wanrong realized the Emperor's intentions. The Ministry of Revenue was under Xu Wei's charge, and now Luo Min would head the Ministry of Personnel. Both had close relations with him. In essence, they were like family. Lin Wanrong himself was no small figure; this expedition he was embarking on was against the northern nomads. As long as he showed a modicum of wit, his reputation in the military would surely soar. General Li was aging, and upon his return, Lin Wanrong would naturally assume military command, especially given his ceremonial title as Commander of the Loyal and Brave Army. With military power and a million strong troops in hand, the Ministry of War would be mere ornamentation.

Among the Five Ministries, Lin Wanrong practically controlled three of the most influential ones. Whether it was money, troops, or personnel, he had it all. What did the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works matter? Who would dare obstruct whatever Lin Wanrong wanted to do?

The more he thought about it, the more apparent the Emperor's elaborate plans became. In silence, the Emperor had ousted Prince Cheng and reorganized the Five Ministries, effectively smoothing all roads ahead for him. No wonder even the cunning Gao Ping couldn't help but try to ingratiate himself with Lin Wanrong.

Damn, such fortune came too suddenly; he was hardly prepared for it. Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and told Gao Ping, "Don't worry. As long as you serve the Emperor well, he won't treat you poorly."

Gao Ping thanked him and hastily returned to the palace.

Light rain drizzled down, and beautiful flowers in the garden bloomed vibrantly. The scent of earth in spring mingled with the chilly breeze, sending shivers down his spine.

"Wet blossoms in the apricot rain, a wind that chills not from the willows," Lin Wanrong mused, sighing at the sight of the blooming garden. "Such beautiful poetry, really damn beautiful."

A stifled giggle sounded behind him; a pair of warm, soft hands gently covered his eyes. "Guess who I am, and be warned, you have only three chances!"

"Lanlan?"

A sharp pain in his arm, the woman hummed, "Guess again!"

"Yuanyuan?"

"Who the hell is Yuanyuan?!"

Lin Wanrong exclaimed, "Could it be Furong? Oh, let me die!"

"Irritating, so irritating. You can't even recognize my voice; I'm so mad I could die." The woman seemed on the verge of tears. Lin Wanrong quickly turned around to hug her, laughing, "This must be my dearest Second Miss. How could I not recognize you? The moment you approached, I felt a spring breeze against my face and heard your soft heartbeat. I didn't have to guess to know it was you. Yushuang, I swear, this kind of incredible mental resonance is only between you and me."

Hearing his sweet words, the Second Miss was no match for him. Her face flushed and her heart pounded as she was embraced by him. Between embarrassment and delight, she couldn't help but pinch his arm forcefully, "Who are Lanlan, Yuanyuan, and Furong? When did you get to know so many women?"

This young lady was certainly jealous, Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Those young women are all outstanding. They bravely reveal their aspirations to save all men in the world. But rest assured, I have no relationship with them whatsoever."

Second Miss pouted, "You make it sound so nice. The way you called their names seemed so familiar; how many times have you spied on them?"

‘What a misunderstanding! I've never spied on them,’ Lin Wanrong thought, sweat trickling down his back. He gently stroked Yushuang's little ear and said, "Second Miss, what brings you here? Were you waiting specifically for me?"

Yushuang softly hummed in agreement, shyly saying, "You've been busy with important matters these days and I haven't seen you; I've missed you a lot. This morning when Mother left, I started crying and thought of you. Hold me, you rascal!" Her slender body snuggled into his arms, tightly hugging his waist, tears and raindrops falling together. She looked so pitiable and lovely in her tearful state.

Lin Wanrong hastily complied with her wishes, pulling her even closer into his arms. "I've missed you too. These past days while I've been busy, I've constantly thought of you, wondering why you weren't by my side. If you had been, I would have managed everything even better. Alas, it's all my fault."

This line might have fooled Second Miss, and indeed Yushuang was delighted to hear it. She lifted her face and said in a tender voice, "Really, you rascal? Swear it!"

"Ah, well, men shouldn't make promises lightly. I will always love my little Yushuang; there's no faking that." Lin Wanrong grinned, smoothly sidestepping the issue.

Second Miss only remembered his last two sentences. Her face flushed, she gently said, "You rascal, I'll always love you too; I swear it!"

Lin Wanrong nodded, somewhat ashamed. Xiao Yushuang pulled an envelope from her bosom and handed it to him, "This is from my mother."

From Madam? Lin Wanrong hastily opened it. The writing was graceful and gentle, accompanied by a faint fragrance—just like Madam Xiao herself: "Treat my daughter well; deceive her not. The journey is long; take care."

The letter contained only a few short phrases. Lin Wanrong laughed, "Madam Xiao is too polite. Why write so many words? It must have taken quite some time. The most important thing is the waste of paper and ink!"

Second Miss shot him a glance, "Mother said you're injured and didn't want to disturb your rest, which is why we didn't tell you. She worries for you, and you complain?"

"Indeed, indeed," Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly.

Seeing his dejected face, Second Miss laughed and began to push his wheelchair forward, casually asking, "Where did you go today? We've been looking for you for quite a while."

Lin Wanrong replied, "Ah, we're departing tomorrow, so Gao Qiu and I had to take care of some important matters. If you don't believe me, you can ask him."

Xiao Yushuang giggled, "Why would I ask him? What's there not to believe?—Weren't you just at the Fairy Hall and Thousand-Forsake Peak? Everyone knows!"

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