Finest Servant

Chapter 483 Miss Xu's Visit

Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling as he said, "I can't be certain, but according to my guess, they haven't escaped yet. The army is densely deployed outside the city, making escape nearly impossible. They'll only have a chance once we divert the troops."

"I see," Qin Xian'er clapped her hands and spoke in a sweet voice, "Husband, you're using their strategy against them. You're deliberately ordering Xu Wei to deploy troops and search vigorously outside the city. By making a lot of noise, you're creating an illusion, making them think you've been fooled and that our formation is broken—providing them a perfect opportunity."

"You've truly learned well, my darling," Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up, praising both her and himself. "You've picked up so much of my cleverness after being with me for so long."

"Shameless," giggled Miss Qin, her face a mix of allure and annoyance. She then frowned slightly, "However, Prince Cheng is not to be underestimated. If he is determined to hide, how can we find him? What if he comes out to create chaos after our army heads north? Wouldn't that be disastrous?"

"Don't worry, he can't escape from my grasp," Lin Wanrong confidently patted his chest, his smile rather mysterious.

Seeing his expression, Qin Xian'er knew he had a plan. However, no matter how much she pestered him, Lin Wanrong only responded with a smile, not revealing anything. Frustrated, she pinched his arm until it turned blue, regretting it immediately when she saw the bruise.

Time flew by amidst their chatter, and dawn began to break. Lin Wanrong, having not slept all night and still recovering from serious injuries, started to yawn incessantly, overwhelmed by fatigue. Just as Qin Xian'er was about to take him home for some rest, the distant sound of galloping hooves reached their ears. A few moments later, several horses arrived at the entrance of the mansion. Leading them was an aged Xu Wei, his hair and beard both white.

"Little brother," Xu Wei quickly dismounted and walked up to Lin Wanrong, bowing with a fist and a look of shame on his face, "I'm sorry, I've messed up your plans."

Seeing the old man—worn and bloodshot-eyed from traveling through the night—Lin Wanrong couldn't muster any blame. He waved it off and said, "Mr. Xu, it's not your fault. Our enemy is just too cunning. So, any results from the search outside the city?"

"You're teasing me," Xu Wei shook his head with a bitter smile, "The search was merely a show for others to see; what results could there be?"

‘Ah, so old Xu had the same idea as me,’ Lin Wanrong thought, suddenly filled with renewed confidence. He chuckled, "The more it's a show for others, the more convincing it must be. Think of it as putting on a monkey show."

Miss Qin couldn't help but smile. Whenever something passed through her husband's lips, it took on a different flavor. Xu Wei laughed heartily and said, "Little brother, you do have a way of seeing the lighter side of things. I truly find it hard to reconcile with the fact that the real culprit got away right under my nose, but fortunately, there's still room for redemption."

"How will you redeem it?" Qin Xian'er was eager to glean some information from Xu Wei. However, before she could, he exchanged a glance with Lin Wanrong and both burst into laughter, their understanding mutual and unspoken.

"Little brother, have you captured that Gu Bingyan?" After laughing for a while, Xu Wei suddenly seemed to remember something. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he quietly asked.

Lin Wanrong, who had apprehended the man, had nothing to hide from Old Xu and nodded, "Yes, I have. Why? Is this Gu Bingyan so formidable that Mr. Xu had to specially mention him?"

Xu Wei nodded and sighed, "You must already have some understanding of Gu Bingyan's identity. Since his youth, he has been reading alongside the Emperor. He was personally appointed by the late Emperor, who was extremely fond of him. I heard he even granted him an 'Imperial Pardon Token.'"

"An Imperial Pardon Token?" Lin Wanrong was stunned. "Good heavens, that's not trivial! It's a talisman that can save one's life! No wonder Gu Bingyan was so arrogant. Even when I found the imperial robe, golden crown, and jade seal in the garden, he didn't seem scared; he was actually planning to retaliate against me."

Qin Xian'er frowned slightly, "Mr. Xu, does he really have an Imperial Pardon Token bestowed by the late Emperor? Wouldn't that mean even my father, the current Emperor, can't do anything to him?"

"Hmm," Xu Wei grunted. "When the late Emperor was alive, I hadn't yet entered court. I can't verify whether this rumor is true or not. However, the late Emperor was very close friends with Mr. Gu Shunzhang, and held Gu Bingyan in high regard. I've even heard he wanted to adopt him as a godson. So granting him an Imperial Pardon Token wouldn't be out of the question."

Lin Wanrong felt like spitting blood upon hearing this. "Why didn't my father-in-law tell me about such a significant matter? If Gu Bingyan really is the godson whom Xian'er's grandfather wanted to adopt, wouldn't that make him another prince? My father-in-law is really insincere, keeping even this from me."

Xian'er shook her head, "That can't be trusted. If my grandfather had indeed adopted him, there would be records in the imperial annals. He would certainly have been granted a title already, and wouldn't have been so easily captured by you today."

"You are absolutely right, Princess," Xu Wei nodded. "These are all folk rumors; no one knows if they're true or false. But since you have captured Gu Bingyan, these things must be considered. Also, there's Mr. Gu Shunzhang; the prestige of that old man—"

"Hold on, hold on—" Lin Wanrong felt his head throbbing and interrupted him, "Mr. Xu, let's clarify one thing first. Is this Mr. Gu Shunzhang you're talking about still alive or not?"

"What kind of question is that?" Xu Wei trembled with fright, looked around, and seeing that no one was nearby, lowered his voice cautiously. "Little brother Lin, we cannot be reckless with our words. Mr. Gu is a venerable teacher of our great empire, highly respected and esteemed. His demeanor and character are admired across the four seas. Even those who haven’t read a book have heard of his reputation. At seventy-two, he remains physically robust and mentally sharp, still commanding respect. Even the current Emperor has to address him respectfully. You mustn’t offend the public."

Lin Wanrong sensed that things were going awry. ‘I've captured Gu Bingyan. Doesn't that mean I've offended this Gu Shunzhang? And offending Gu Shunzhang is like committing a public offense? Goodness, why didn't anyone notify me beforehand?!’

He glanced at Xu Wei with a sardonic smile, "Mr. Xu, you've truly done me a favor. Knowing full well that Gu Bingyan is blocking my way, you didn't even give me a heads-up. Are you waiting to see me make a fool of myself?"

"Far from it!" Xu Wei quickly responded, bowing with his fists clasped. Seeing that they were alone, he lowered his voice, "Someone prevented me from telling you. Besides, I thought you had already investigated everything about the royal mansion."

Official Lin felt like spitting blood. ‘Is this old man setting a trap for me? What is he really up to by hiding such crucial information?’

Reading the displeasure on his face, Xu Wei sensed his thoughts and felt a twinge of guilt. He whispered, "Little brother, there are things I would never dare say under normal circumstances. But we have been through thick and thin; it would do no harm to entrust you with my life. His Majesty ordered me not to inform you about Gu Bingyan. He said these are obstacles you will face in the future. Knowing about them in advance might help you this time, but what about next time? You'll encounter more situations like this, and it's an opportunity for you to grow."

‘An opportunity? I'd rather not have this kind of opportunity.’ Lin Wanrong felt a headache coming on, but there was nothing he could do.

Qin Xian'er, noticing his predicament, couldn't help but hum, "Husband, don't be afraid. What can that imperial tutor, Gu Shunzhang, do? You have solid evidence against Gu Bingyan that everyone witnessed. Besides, you're also a royal son-in-law, and not just an ordinary one. Who in Great Hua could match your prestige? My father has no heirs and cherishes both me and that Xiao girl. You are our husband. Frankly, even if you wanted the throne, my father would give it to you. What's there to fear?"

Qin Xian'er was bold and forthright, causing Xu Wei to secretly marvel. This Princess Nishang, raised in the White Lotus Sect, dared to speak such blasphemous words.

"Don't spout nonsense. If Mr. Xu hears and reports to the Emperor, then I'm finished," Lin Wanrong chuckled.

Xu Wei quickly waved his hands, "I heard nothing, absolutely nothing! Princess, Prince Consort, I have official duties outside the city. I must take my leave." Sensing the situation turning awkward, he didn't dare to linger. Mounting his horse, he galloped away.

‘You sure know how to run.’ Watching Xu Wei's retreating figure, Official Lin snorted in resentment.

"Husband, do you want to be the Emperor? If you're willing, I'll talk to my father, and the throne could be yours in the future!" Miss Qin was now excited, her face flushed and her long eyelashes trembling. She clung to his arm, chirping melodiously.

‘This girl really loves to stir the pot,’ Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Xian'er, don't say such treasonous things in the future. Besides, if that day ever comes, I'd have a harem of wives and concubines. Would you be able to accept that?"

"Absolutely not!" That point seemed to catch her off guard, and her face twisted in jealousy. "You're not even content with my sister and other wives? Even including my master—hmph, if you bring in so many women, I will kill them all. Every single one!"

Her temperament was unlikely to change in a hundred years. But if she were to change, he feared she would no longer be the jealous little woman he loved. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself and tightly held her small hand.

"In that case," Miss Qin's voice softened as she leaned her head against his shoulder, murmuring with a touch of regret, "Husband, perhaps you shouldn't become the Emperor. Isn't it enough to have all of us by your side, keeping you company? What a shame to miss such an opportunity!"

Looking at her face, a mixture of contradiction and discontent, Lin Wanrong could only respond with a wistful smile.

When they returned to the mansion, the sky was already bright. After a night of turmoil, Lin Wanrong was genuinely exhausted. He collapsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep. After an uncertain amount of time, he vaguely heard a woman's voice from outside the window, speaking in a low tone, "Is he awake yet?"

"Not yet. Big Brother is still recovering from a serious injury, and yet he went out again last night despite his condition. We were all worried sick. He has just now fallen asleep. Let him rest a bit more," another woman's voice softly replied.

"He's always been restless like this, sometimes enough to infuriate one," said the first woman with a melancholic tone. "It's mysterious how such a clever man fell victim to a plot. He must have been distracted for someone to catch him off guard. Ning'er, don't you think so?"

Luo Ning gave a grunt of agreement. "Sister Zhiqing, it's not entirely Big Brother's fault. Madam Xiao had gone to the temple with good intentions, unaware that she would fall into a trap. When we found Big Brother, he was shielding Madam Xiao with his body, drenched in blood, unmoving. At that sight, my heart broke—"

Luo Ning choked up and couldn't continue, her light sobs trailing off. Xu Zhiqing hastily comforted her, "Ning'er, don't worry. He's fine now, isn't he?"

Luo Ning softly hummed in agreement, sighing, "It's fortunate that Big Brother is alright. If anything happened to him, life would lose its meaning for me. Following him in death would be my only happiness."

‘Is she trying to move me on purpose?’ Lin Wanrong felt his eyes moisten. Xu Zhiqing sighed, her voice tinged with hesitance, "Ning'er, may I—may I—"

Confused, Luo Ning interjected, "Sister Zhiqing, whatever it is, just say it. Why are you being so polite with me?"

Miss Xu gave a small hum, her voice dropping significantly, "Can I go in and see him? Ah, don't misunderstand. I'm just worried that his severe injuries might delay his journey north."

Wiping away her tears, Luo Ning chuckled, "Sister Zhiqing, it turns out you and Big Brother share the same concerns. Even when he first woke up disoriented, he was still thinking about heading north. If one didn't know better, they would think you two have some sort of agreement."

Miss Xu gasped, hastily shaking her head, "No, no—so will you let me in or not?"

Luo Ning laughed heartily, "You snuck in through the back door and even asked me not to tell Sister Qingxuan. If I don't let you see him, wouldn't that be too heartless? Go on, and I promise I won't eavesdrop!"

"Talking nonsense," Xu Zhiqing muttered dismissively, spitting lightly. All was quiet outside the room. After a long pause, the curtain at the entrance lifted slightly. A woman held her breath and tiptoed inside. Her footsteps were so light they were almost inaudible. Yet, amidst the silence, Lin Wanrong seemed to hear the pounding of her heart.

The woman reached his side and sat down, her breathing growing noticeably rapid. She gazed at Lin San lying on the bed, his body wrapped up like a rice dumpling, his face pale and lips cracked, a far cry from his usual demeanor. She stood there for a moment, muttering under her breath, her voice quivering and tinged with a sob. "Serves you right. For being a womanizer, for bullying others, for always making me angry, for not visiting me—"

Upon hearing her first few words, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of guilt. But her last statement almost made him burst into laughter. Women's logic was truly unfathomable.

Just as he was about to chuckle, he felt a few faint droplets land on his cheek. Sneaking a glance, he saw Xu Zhiqing's lovely face hovering in front of him. Her shoulders trembled, and two streams of crystal-clear tears trickled down her beautiful cheeks. She wept silently, resembling a pear tree in bloom, nourished by spring's rain and dew.

What had happened? Lin Wanrong felt dryness in his mouth and struggled to speak, but no words came out.

Unaware that he was already awake, Xu Zhiqing sighed deeply, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I've never seen you this peaceful. Not bullying people now, are you? What is your relationship with Madam Xiao? For her, you're willing to risk your life? Do you want to infuriate me to death?"

Lin Wanrong was instantly drenched in sweat. What was all this? What had been a simple act of heroism had become so misconstrued. Weren't they concerned about damaging not just Madam Xiao's reputation but also his own?

Miss Xu sighed softly, murmuring to herself. "What relationship you have with her is none of my business—I am no one to you. I had to ask Ning'er to help me come see you, sneaking past the 'tigress' in your family. Is this how you treat me? I've been waiting at home, and nobody came. Is Miss Xiao so important that she can't endure the slightest grievance? Yet you think you can do whatever you want with me. What do you take me for? Huh?"

Xu Zhiqing stifled her sobs, her shoulders shaking as she wept silently. Lin Wanrong was taken aback; Miss Xu's resentment ran deep indeed. Being a smart man, he knew that now was not the time to "wake up."

Just as Miss Xu was about to wipe her tears, her gaze shifted slightly. She noticed the subtle movement of his little finger, the trembling of his eyelashes, and his peculiar facial expression.

"You...you weren't asleep?" She suddenly stood up, her eyebrows furrowing, and her voice unconsciously rising.

"It's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding," Lin Wanrong hurriedly gestured. "I really was asleep, so asleep that I couldn't wake up!"

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