Finest Servant

Chapter 508 Three Agreements

"What, you already know?!" Lord Lin almost jumped up in astonishment. "That's impossible. I've been very careful about keeping this a secret. How could anyone know except for me and Gao Qiu—"

Suddenly, Lord Lin slapped his forehead in regret. It must have been that young girl on the mountain who snitched. No wonder she willingly returned the musket; she had planned this all along.

"What's wrong with you?" Seeing his regretful demeanor, the Second Miss touched his forehead to check his temperature. Finding it normal, she said in confusion, "So what if you went to Fairy Hall and Thousand-Forsake Peak? What's the big deal that you had to hide it from us?"

Not a big deal? Second Miss actually saw it that way? Seeing her smiling with no sign of anger, Lin Wanrong grabbed her small hand and chuckled. "Actually, I never intended to hide it from you. I was just worried you'd be concerned. Second Miss, how did you find out?"

Xiao Yushuang blushed slightly. "This morning, when we said goodbye to Mother and you left us, my sisters speculated that you must be sneaking off to meet a young lady."

‘What?! They guessed it just like that? Then what hope did I have for my future endeavors, considering I still had many young women expecting my help in their liberation?’ Lord Lin sighed in anguish, his face filled with despair.

"—But I don't think you're that frivolous," Second Miss declared firmly. "I told my sisters that you must have important business to attend to, and that's why you left in haste."

Lin Wanrong tightly clasped her hand, grateful tears in his eyes. "Thank you, Second Miss. It's said that one has many acquaintances in the world but only one true confidant. Only today do I realize that the person who understands me best in this world is none other than you."

Xiao Yushuang gently patted his hand, offering some comfort. She continued, "Since you left without a word, and we had just said goodbye to Mother, everyone's spirits were low. To cheer everyone up, my Eldest Sister suggested we go to Fairy Hall, mentioning that a new school had been established there with you as the Head Scholar. Students from all around have enrolled, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere. The Fairy Hall Academy will be the cornerstone of our country's revitalization, and you, as the Head Scholar, will be celebrated as the foremost educator in the land."

Lord Lin nodded, a bit embarrassed. "So you all went to Fairy Hall?"

"Of course we did," Second Miss pouted her red lips. "The Fairy Hall Academy is where you will enlighten the world. The great scholars of the future will emerge from there. Naturally, we're very proud of you and excited about it. Even Sister Xian’er was clamoring to go see for herself."

Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, realizing he had failed miserably at keeping his activities secret. "Yushuang, when did you all climb the mountain? How did I not notice?"

"We didn't go up the mountain," Second Miss sighed slightly, shaking her head in a bit of disappointment. "By the time we reached the base, we saw your carriage. Sister Ning was very excited, saying you must have taken a fancy to some female student at the academy. Now, she said, she could also become a teacher."

She could be a teacher? Lord Lin was dumbfounded. What could Miss Luo possibly teach?

"And what happened next? Why didn't you go up the mountain?"

Yushuang shook her head and said, "Something unexpected occurred midway. The princess said she wasn't feeling well and felt dizzy. We became anxious at once. What's in her belly is the Lin family's heir. What would happen if there were any complications? So, we stopped at the foot of the mountain and hurried back to consult a doctor."

"Qingxuan is unwell?" Lord Lin's face turned pale. "What exactly is wrong with her? I must go see her immediately."

Seeing his flustered state, Xiao Yushuang quickly steadied his wheelchair and reassured him, "There's no need to worry. The Emperor has already sent the royal physicians for consultation. The princess is healthy, and the baby is growing strong without any abnormalities. Her morning discomfort was probably due to getting up too early and the exertion from the journey. A couple of days' rest will put her right."

Only then did Lin Wanrong heave a sigh of relief, rushing upstairs to find Miss Xiao. Entering the room, he found it brilliantly lit, with hanging palace lanterns and tall, red candlesticks casting their glow everywhere, turning the night as bright as day. The half-open window let in a light drizzle that danced on the windowsill, accompanied by a fresh, damp breeze. However, the room was empty; there was no sign of Miss Xiao.

"Qingxuan, Qingxuan—" Lin Wanrong called out anxiously, but there was no reply.

Just as he was about to push open a door on the side, he heard a soft giggle. The door swung open, revealing a graceful figure. The woman was dressed in a red satin robe; her brows gently curved, and her lips slightly upturned. Her enchanting face, framed by the red robe and candlelight, was as beautiful as a peach blossom in March. A hint of determination occasionally crossed her eyes, adding an irresistible allure.

Even the well-read Lord Lin found himself entranced, almost drooling. Realizing she was the focus of his intense gaze, the woman coyly covered her cheeks and chided, "Fool, what are you looking at?"

"Eldest Miss, you, you look stunning," Lin Wanrong stammered.

Xiao Yuruo flushed, bit her cherry lips, and lowered her head, "You rascal, you only know how to say pretty words. Where am I beautiful—"

"The clothes are beautiful—"

Eldest Miss raised an eyebrow, only for the rascal to continue, "But you are even more beautiful than the clothes!"

"Flatterer—I fell for it all my life," Xiao Yuruo sighed softly, her long eyelashes trembling. Suddenly, tears cascaded down her face, each droplet gleaming as it rolled down her white cheeks. ř

Lin Wanrong quickly grasped her hand, "Yuruo, what's the matter? You're dressed so beautifully; why are you crying?"

"It's all because of you!" A crisp voice came from outside the room as Miss Xiao entered. She shot him a glare, then quickly pulled Eldest Miss aside, soothing her softly, "Sister, don't cry. He's just a blockhead who doesn't understand emotions or gratitude. You'll have to teach him a good lesson in the future."

Eldest Miss wiped her tears and softly sobbed, "How dare I teach him anything? When he was in our household, I was the young lady, and he was just a servant. I would glance at him, and he would glare back at me a hundredfold. The entire city of Jinling says that I am Xiao One, my sister is Xiao Two, and he is Xiao Three plus Lin San. Combined, my sister and I are no match for him. I've grown accustomed to being bullied by him."

Xiao One, Xiao Two, Xiao Three? Lin Wanrong stifled a laugh. Who was spreading such nonsense? Was he really that terrible? Gazing at the two extraordinarily charming women before him, he blinked, momentarily confused. He wondered what act Qingxuan and Eldest Miss were putting on.

"Sister, you're right; he's just a fool." Seeing her husband lost in thought, Miss Xiao shook her head and chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll go and enlighten this fool."

Xiao Yuruo hurriedly grabbed Miss Xiao's sleeve, tears streaming down her face, "Please don't, sister. If this rascal isn't willing to change, what can I do to make him?"

Eldest Miss looked solemn and forlorn, her face betraying no words. Lin Wanrong reached out to hold her hand, but she humphed and turned her head away, showing her capricious temperament. Lin Wanrong grinned, "Who says I'm not willing to change, Eldest Miss? Look, what's this?"

From nowhere, he had produced a small booklet, its red pages glowing faintly in the candlelight that filled the hall.

"How would I know what that is?" Eldest Miss exclaimed, quickly lowering her head, her cheeks redder than the candles.

"Let me have a look." Miss Luo, who had appeared out of nowhere, snatched the small booklet from Lin Wanrong's hand and giggled, "Hmm, these two characters are weird. I don't recognize them. Sister Qingxuan, will you teach me?"

Miss Xiao smiled and shook her head, "As Eldest Miss said, these characters must be read by him alone for it to be sincere. We can't do anything about it."

All eyes turned back to Lin Wanrong. Lord Lin cleared his throat awkwardly and read aloud from the booklet, "Marriage Contract! Eldest daughter of the Xiao family, in the prime of her life, unparalleled in beauty. Noble son of the Lin family, of upright character, universally praised… The gentleman wishes to marry, the lady is yet unmarried, universally acclaimed, a match made in heaven. Ah! Ah! A pair of lovebirds sharing wings, standing together like two plum blossoms!"

This marriage contract was filled with hundreds of words, and even Lin Wanrong felt a little dizzy after reading it all in one breath. Yet Luo Ning and Miss Xiao seemed to enjoy every word.

"Eldest Miss," Lin Wanrong took Xiao Yuruo's hand and shoved the red booklet into her palm, "Every word in this paper is from the depths of my heart! I don't know what you're thinking—do you accept? Accept? Or do you accept?"

Hearing his words, Xiao Yuruo let out a small yelp, hurriedly covering her flushed cheeks before darting out of the room.

Quick as lightning, Miss Xiao grabbed her and took the marriage contract from Lin Wanrong's hand, smiling, "Dear sister, I will propose on behalf of my husband. If you accept, call me 'sister.' If you do not, well, there's nothing that can be done—you can just call him 'My Dear!'"

Ning'er listened and covered her lips with a soft laugh. After following her husband, it seemed even her sister had learned these sly tricks.

Eldest Miss let out a small sound of complaint and blushed as she nestled into Xiao Qingxuan's embrace. "Sister, even you've come to tease me."

"My dear sister, he really is fortunate," Miss Xiao chuckled as she pulled Eldest Miss back to her side.

Excellent. Master Lin's face broke into a broad grin, and he gave Ning'er a surreptitious wink. Miss Luo whispered in his ear, "Big Brother, when did you write such an impassioned marriage letter? How come I didn’t know?"

‘Embarrassed, truly embarrassed. If it weren't for Qingxuan slipping this little booklet into my hand, I would've almost missed out on Eldest Miss's deep affections.’ Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, gazing at Yuruo, who was dressed in a bright red bridal gown. His heart was unspeakably moved. Eldest Miss had specially chosen the eve of his departure for battle to set their lifelong fate. Such profound love would even melt a stone.

Lin Wanrong took hold of Yuruo's hand and lowered his voice, whispering furtively, "Eldest Miss, come over here for a moment!"

At a time like this, this was the most bashful moment for a girl. Even if Eldest Miss was willing in her heart, how could she express it? She turned away, her eyes and brows flushed, pretending not to hear him, but involuntarily moved closer to him.

"Touch my leg," Master Lin leaned into Xiao Yuruo's ear, speaking in a mysterious manner.

"I won't—" Eldest Miss obstinately made a sound but couldn’t help extending her soft, delicate hand. After feeling around a little, she said with embarrassment, "What is this, it's so hard."

Master Lin snorted, "Don’t let your mind wander; it's plaster. How could it not be hard? A little lower, go a little lower."

This scoundrel! Eldest Miss felt unbearably embarrassed. Just as she was about to slap him, she saw a faint red string appear at his ankle.

Eldest Miss paused, her small hand touching the soft red string, memories of the past flooding back like a beautiful dream. She smiled slightly, lifting her long gown to reveal a translucent ankle, bound tightly by a bright red string that was identical to the one on Lin San’s foot.

"Thankfully, this one can’t be severed," Master Lin thought about those thrilling yet somewhat sweet past events and cautiously glanced outside, speaking as if still shocked.

"Idiot!" Xiao Yuruo playfully scolded him and then could no longer hold back. She threw herself into his arms, and somehow, tears began to flow.

The time they had spent together was filled with both quarrels and laughter, but also mutual dependency. The taste of it, only they themselves knew. Under the lamplight, Xiao Yuruo’s beautifully made-up face was more enchanting than flowers, and her crystal-like teardrops shone like pearls. Even Miss Xiao was overshadowed in that moment.

Seeing her own beloved in the embrace of another woman, although Miss Xiao was generous, she felt somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, Miss Xiao knew that Eldest Miss was not an outsider. She chuckled and said, "Sister, don’t cry anymore. Today is a joyful day; those tears should turn into wine."

Eldest Miss quickly rose from his arms, her face flushed like burning embers, and shot him a reproachful glance. "It's all your fault, using all sorts of tricks and making my sister laugh at me."

Master Lin chuckled heartily a few times, but then suddenly recalled something and exclaimed, "Oh my! What about Yushuang? How could I have forgotten about this?"

"By the time you remember, the moment has passed," Luo Ning giggled. "Early this morning when the Madam left, my sister had already promised Second Miss on your behalf. However, Xiao Yuruo has a rather strong character and insists on hearing it from you. Otherwise, do you really think Madam Xiao would be comfortable letting her two precious daughters stay in our home without any formal commitments?"

So that was the case. No wonder Yushuang was eagerly waiting at the door for him. Her life's most important matter had already been settled, and he, the very person involved, was kept in the dark. The silly girl. With this thought, his affection for the Second Miss increased a few notches.

Miss Xiao smiled faintly, "Xian'er, Ning'er, Qiaoqiao, and I have already gone through the formalities of becoming your wives. But it's different for the two young ladies from the Xiao family. They have a large extended family in Jinling. This was also Madam Xiao's wish before returning to Jinling. To finalize the relationship, so that we can proceed when you return from the North."

"Yes, yes, it must be well-arranged and grandly carried out," Lin Wanrong looked at his wives apologetically. "I've been overly busy lately, not even having time for the weddings. My apologies to you all."

Qiaoqiao peeked her beautiful face in from outside the door and giggled, "Is everyone here? Big brother, Xian'er is getting impatient. We're ready to start the feast!"

Start the feast? Seeing everyone waiting for his word, Lin Wanrong hastily nodded, "Let's start, let's start, a family reunion for us all! Goodness, it's not easy to gather the whole family around a table for a meal before heading off to battle."

Though it should have been a moment for joy, his voice carried a hint of sadness. Busy as he was, rushing about all day and hardly ever at home, he wondered what it was all for.

Both Ning'er and Miss Xiao softly called out to him. Eldest Miss also tightly held his hand, their eyes teary as they gazed at him, empathizing deeply with his state of mind.

The preparation for the meal was so grand that even Xian'er was helping Qiaoqiao in the kitchen. This first family gathering of the Lin household was in fact a farewell dinner for him, which made the occasion somewhat ironic.

To his left sat Qiaoqiao, Xian'er, and Luo Ning; to his right were Xiao Qingxuan and the two Xiao sisters. Master Lin sat at the head of the table, looking at his wives and wife-to-be. Each was more delicate and beautiful than the next. He suddenly broke into a broad smile, "Very good, very good! Add two more, and we can have two tables for playing Mahjong."

Second Miss, dressed in a brand-new red robe, sat next to her sister with her head lowered in shyness. "You bad man, I don't know how to play Mahjong. You have to teach me."

This young lady, once so outgoing, had now become so shy. Lin Wanrong laughed, "Mahjong? I used to play solo, but now with you all, it's different. Solo play is too basic. From now on, I'm only going for the win! Ah, Second Miss, why is your face so red? This is just the beginning; there are even more embarrassing things to come. Be more open; look at how open I am!"

"Who can compare with you? Just a slight contempt from the ladies here," the Eldest Miss huffed. "Don't speak nonsense. Yushuang is still a child. You should be teaching her better ways." The Second Miss winked slyly at him and chuckled behind her hand.

Miss Xiao smiled softly, "Sister, don't blame him. Today, he's gained the favor of two new beauties. And he'll soon play the groom again. Can you blame him for feeling elated?"

The laughter of Qiaoqiao and the other maidens rang through the air, and the Eldest Miss's cheeks flushed instantly.

"As for playing the groom, I am quite eager," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply. "But could the wedding night be postponed by a few days? Ah, don't look at me like that. I must clarify that it's not that I can't handle it; I'm quite capable. It's just that Qingxuan won't allow—"

"Can't you just shut your mouth?" Miss Xiao said, both embarrassed and annoyed, as she stuffed a spoonful of hot soup into his mouth. Qiaoqiao and the other ladies laughed heartily, already familiar with such scenes, while the Eldest Miss kicked him hard under the table, her cheeks still red.

Lin Wanrong suddenly turned serious, "Actually, going to war is not that big of a deal. I was born with a restless fate; I won't die so easily—"

"Don't talk nonsense!" several of the ladies shouted in unison. Even the Second Miss wore a stern expression.

Lin Wanrong quickly nodded with a smile, "Yes, yes. What I mean to say is, I'm not worried about going to war; I'm worried about all of you."

Miss Xiao gripped his hand softly, "The sisters here are willing to live and die with you, sharing weal and woe. What have you to worry about?"

"Qiaoqiao is busy running the tavern, Ning’er is passionate about charity, and the Eldest and Second Misses are rebuilding the Xiao family. Everyone has something to do, so naturally, I'm not worried," Lin Wanrong sighed, "Actually, the ones I worry about the most are you and Xian’er."

"Dear husband—" Xian Er bit her red lips, her eyes misty with tears.

"Xian Er, blood is thicker than water," Lin Wanrong gently patted Miss Qin's hand and continued, "You and Qingxuan are biological sisters; this is an unalterable fact. The strife between Sister An and Fairy Ning is temporary. Must this enmity continue forever? Think about it, Qingxuan will bear children, and you will too. Should the Lin family have two sons who fight each other? Why disregard this invaluable blood bond over some ephemeral hatred?"

Qin Xian’er hesitated, her eyes filled with contemplation. She and Miss Xiao were both married to the same man; would their future children also fight like they had? The thought was troubling.

Seeing Xian’er wavering, Lin Wanrong took her hand and coaxed, "As the saying goes, 'take a step back and the sea becomes boundless.' You and Qingxuan don't share a deep-rooted enmity. In fact, you have a bond that cannot be severed. Now you are even closer than real sisters. What grudges can't be resolved?"

Miss Qin hesitated for a long time before cautiously huffing, "Only if she promises never to bully me again!"

Qingxuan quickly grabbed her hand, passionately saying, "Sister, we share the same blood. If I ever bully you, may I suffer a fate worse than death!"

Qin Xian'er swiftly covered her sister's mouth and turned her head aside. "Don't go making rash oaths. It makes me uncomfortable. I'm only acknowledging you because of my husband, so you are my—"

She hesitated, her cheeks flushed, and finally whispered "sister," her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum.

"My Dear—" Miss Xiao was overcome with joy, clutching Lin Wanrong's arm tightly and bursting into tears. Her outburst prompted the two other young ladies to shed tears as well, even Qin Xian'er's eyes were moistened.

"What's going on here?" Lin Wanrong suddenly sterned his face, "Enough, stop crying."

The authority of the head of the family had an immediate effect. The ladies instantly ceased their crying. Lin Wanrong looked solemn, "While I'm off to war, everyone must love and take care of one another, and don't make me worry. Also, eat more meat and fish. I want to see everyone chubby and healthy when I come back, ready to bear sons."

The ladies blushed, and the atmosphere became lively. Miss Xiao wiped her tears and said, "Don't just instruct us. Before you go north for the expedition, we have some conditions for you as well."

Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded, "I'm all ears."

"First, battles are unpredictable. For the sake of all of us, you must take good care of yourself and avoid any harm. Can you do that?"

Miss Xiao was extremely serious. Lin Wanrong quickly nodded, "Of course, that's also my wish. Don't worry. In battles, if I can win, I'll fight; if not, I'll run. No one can outdo me in that."

"Second, at least every fortnight you must send a letter home," Miss Xiao's eyes were reddening. "So we'll know where you are, whether you're eating well or keeping warm. No omissions or deceits. Remember, you have a family and dependents now..."

Was this even a condition? Lin Wanrong sighed but nodded in agreement.

"As for the third point, it's something Ning'er specifically added, and it's the collective sentiment of all of us," Miss Xiao huffed before saying seriously, "Go off to war, but don't get distracted. Don't bring back a nomad woman!"

"How could that happen?" Lin Wanrong quickly responded with a smile, "I'm going to war, not on a vacation. How could I get involved with a nomad woman? Qingxuan, Ning'er, you're overthinking this."

"It's not overthinking," Ning'er adjusted his clothes and solemnly said, "Big brother, look at us. Any of us could be something you didn't expect. Those nomads have never seen a fine gentleman like you. If you were to take a wife there, we—we would rather die."

The ladies all looked gravely serious; it seemed they had reached a unanimous agreement on this matter. Left with no other choice, Lin Wanrong reluctantly agreed to their terms.

Family conversations continued until midnight. Qingxuan didn't even bring up the events of the day, leaving him to ponder deeply before finally drifting off to sleep. Early the next morning, while he was still in a daze, he heard Gao Qiu's coarse voice shouting from downstairs, "Brother Lin, it's time!"

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