Finest Servant

Chapter 474 Temptation

"Little brother, in your opinion, when should we take action?" Xu Wei broke into a smile before asking.

Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly, "The sooner, the better. Of course, it also depends on when you, Mr. Xu, can have everything prepared. In my view, it would be best to catch them off guard. This lesson is learned from my own experience—look, I got hit by an explosive without any warning at all. The effect was, ah, exceptionally good." He clenched his teeth, stretched his arms, and shook his legs, a torrent of resentment bubbling within him, without an outlet.

Seeing Lin San's laughter "etched in his bones," Old Xu understood his intentions. Provoking Lin San meant that even if Prince Cheng had three heads and six arms, he would still be doomed. The two men meticulously plotted their plans. Xu Wei took on the responsibility of preparing everything. Lin Wanrong felt quite assured with the older man's competence.

"There's one more thing," Xu Wei blinked mysteriously at the end, "Little brother, will you inform Zhiqing about your injury?"

"What? Miss Xu doesn't know about my situation?" Lin Wanrong was somewhat surprised. The Xu family lived next door; how could they not know when there had been such a commotion here?

Xu Wei shook his head and gave a wry smile, "General Li Tai's army is set to move soon. Zhiqing entered the military camp the evening before last to discuss strategies with the commanding general and hasn't returned since. When I sent someone to summon Li Tai earlier, I specifically instructed them not to inform Zhiqing about you. The girl has suffered for many years, and finally, she has someone she favors. I fear she won't be able to handle it if something suddenly happens—Ah, little brother Lin, are your eyes uncomfortable? You're blinking so fast!"

‘You old man, can't you understand my hints? Don't you know there's a little jar of jealousy right next to me? You're going to ruin everything!’ He coughed hastily a couple of times but before he could speak, Qin Xian'er preemptively huffed and said, "Mr. Xu, what about your precious daughter? What do you mean by 'someone she favors' and 'can't handle it'? Does it concern my husband?"

"Ah, well—well—" Xu Wei stammered, his old face turning red. However thick-skinned he was, he didn't dare to make a match for his daughter in front of Princess Nishang.

"Don't misunderstand, please don't misunderstand," seeing the little jar of jealousy changing her complexion, Lin Wanrong hastily smiled, "Xian'er, you've heard of Miss Xu, haven't you? She's knowledgeable in physics and skilled in strategy, acting as the think tank for the anti-nomad forces. Your husband also has a minor reputation for intelligence. She invited me to join the army and fight the nomads in the North. That's why Mr. Xu said she takes a liking to me; it's all about her recognizing my skills. Just think, if someone as promising as me were to encounter trouble, it would indeed be a significant loss. So, she would find it hard to handle it. Mr. Xu, isn't that what you mean?"

"Ah, yes, yes!" Old Xu nodded rapidly this time, giving Lin San a covert thumbs-up.

"Where did I misunderstand?" Qin Xian'er's face bloomed with a radiant smile. She playfully said, "I was just asking casually. Who knew you would hasten to explain for so long? If an unrelated person heard it, they might think you and Miss Xu have some sort of secret affair."

"We shouldn't be making such remarks," Lin Wanrong quickly put on a serious face and said earnestly, "It doesn't matter if you talk about me, but Miss Xu is a virtuous young lady. Spreading such talk could ruin her reputation. Mr. Xu, Xian'er was just joking; don't take it to heart."

Frustrated by Lin Wanrong's shamelessness, Old Xu could only heave a sigh. He thought to himself, 'Such bad luck meeting people like this.'

After a bit of small talk, Xu Wei saw that Lin Wanrong was unharmed and had important matters to attend to. He stood up to take his leave. No sooner had he left than Luo Ning rushed in, breathless, "Big Brother, the Emperor is here!"

"The Emperor, my father, is here?" Qin Xian'er was ecstatic. Clutching Lin Wanrong's hand tightly, she said, "Husband, with my father backing us, there's nothing to be afraid of. Whoever harmed you, I swear they'll pay a hundredfold."

Upon hearing that the Emperor himself had come, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. 'What an honorable father-in-law, visiting his son-in-law twice in three days. His affection for me is almost as good as my biological father.'

"Quick, let him in—wait," he hastily gestured, then corrected himself, "No, no, help me up to receive him."

Seeing his excitement, Luo Ning hesitated for a moment before carefully saying, "Big Brother, don't be too eager. The Emperor's palanquin has already arrived at the door."

'If the palanquin is at the door, why shouldn't I be eager? When someone gives you face, you should return the courtesy.'

"Big Brother, please hold on," Luo Ning pressed him back gently, seeing that even Qin Xian'er was getting impatient. "The Emperor did come, but listen, you mustn't get angry."

"Angry? Why would I be angry if the Emperor came to see me?" Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile.

After hesitating a moment, Luo Ning softly said, "The Emperor has sent hemp and white gauze, three thousand lengths of it. His palanquin stopped outside because... he has come to pay his condolences to you."

"Condolences? What an odd term! I'm not dead, why such a grand gesture with all this gauze and hemp?"

"What is my father doing?" Qin Xian'er huffed angrily, "My husband is perfectly fine; there's no need for condolences. He must have been misled by some cunning people. I'll go find him right now."

'Cunning people? My father-in-law is the most cunning of all,' Lin Wanrong thought, grabbing Xian'er's hand and smiling, "No need to look for him. Whether I'm alive or dead, I bet the old man knows better than I do."

Qin Xian'er paused and thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed, "I get it, Husband! My father is just like you, putting on a show. How annoying, he's as cunning as you!"

Embarrassed, Lin Wanrong thought, 'When it comes to cunning, I can't hold a candle to him.'

A subdued laugh echoed from outside the hall, "Xian'er, how could you speak ill of your father behind his back?"

Two figures slowly entered from outside, both in plain green robes and sandals, appearing like ordinary folks. The older man in front had a strong nose and thick eyebrows. His pale cheeks bore a slight flush of illness, but his eyes shone with brilliance. Despite his slow steps, he carried a natural air of authority, commanding respect without needing to express anger.

"Father!" Qin Xian'er's face was a mix of astonishment and joy as she ran toward him like a fledgling returning to its nest. She began to kneel, but Eunuch Gao, the eunuch following the Emperor, quickly helped her up.

The old Emperor took her hand and scrutinized her from head to toe with his piercing eyes. Noticing the telltale signs of her becoming a married woman, he grunted, "Nishang, my daughter, has anyone mistreated you? Speak, and let me deal with them!"

Even the fearless and rebellious Qin Xian'er was startled by the Emperor's commanding aura. She hurriedly waved her hands, "No, nobody has mistreated me. My husband treats me very well; he's never been unfair to me."

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Lin Wanrong was touched by how Qin Xian'er defended him.

"Is that so?" The Emperor's tiger-like eyes briefly scanned the figure lying on the bed. Lin Wanrong quickly waved his hand and loudly proclaimed, "Commoner Lin San greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Your Majesty, you look a bit off today. You should rest and avoid staying up late."

The Emperor snorted coldly, "Your bow lacks sincerity. Never mind such formalities. Moreover, you lie there while I stand; the master-servant etiquette seems rather lacking."

The Emperor's tone was icy and full of authority. Luo Ning, standing to the side, looked afraid. Lin Wanrong subtly took her hand and said, "Your Majesty, it's not that I lack manners, but by the rules, it is you who should be standing this time."

Eunuch Gao secretly stuck out his tongue behind the Emperor. Only someone like Lin Wanrong would dare to be so audacious. Anyone else would have been subjected to severe punishment.

"Why should I be the one standing?" the Emperor asked languidly.

"Your Majesty, you're here to offer your condolences to me," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "If I were to sit up, no one would believe it. So, it makes sense for you to stand while I lie here."

Qin Xian'er burst into laughter, recognizing her husband's way of undermining the Emperor's intent to pay his respects. Rare were the individuals who dared to turn the tables on the Emperor like that.

The old Emperor also couldn't help but smile. Whenever he encountered this young man, he always managed to come up with an unassailable rationale. The Emperor grunted and said to Qin Xian'er, "Fine, then lie down. Nishang, my daughter, come back to the palace with me. I've selected a prince consort for you; we'll set a date for the wedding—"

"What?!" Qin Xian'er's face changed dramatically. She hurriedly stepped back and clung to Lin Wanrong, "Father, I won't marry! My marriage to my husband has already been arranged, and I, Qin Xian'er, am forever his!"

"Are you sure you won't marry?" The Emperor grinned slyly, "Don't regret it. The prince consort I've chosen for you is—"

"Marry, let's marry!" Lin Wanrong, lying on the bed, hastily raised his hand.

"Darling (Big Brother)—" Qin Xian'er and Luo Ning both yelled out, as Qin Xian'er's eyes filled with tears and her body trembled with anger.

"How can we not marry?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The Emperor is right. Finding another young, promising man like me would indeed be difficult. Princess, you'll just have to settle."

"What?!" Catching sight of the Emperor's enigmatic smile, Qin Xian'er suddenly understood. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink as she lightly scolded, "Father, you're so naughty, even making jokes about your daughter."

The Emperor nodded and smiled, "Nishang, come to your father."

Qin Xian'er hummed in agreement, her steps light as she moved to stand beside the Emperor. The old Emperor's eyes were gentle as he lightly stroked her hair. "Life is but a fleeting moment, much like a white steed passing a crack in the wall. As I age and reach the twilight of my life, there are many regrets that weigh on me. Your mother perished saving me, and you, my own flesh and blood, were lost in the world for over twenty years. Nishang, the deepest regrets of my life concern you and your mother."

The Emperor's voice wavered with emotion. Qin Xian'er's tears flowed freely as she hugged him tightly, "Father, I don't blame you. It wasn't until today that I understood why my mother did what she did. For the man I love, I am willing to sacrifice myself."

"Foolish girl," the Emperor grunted, "You are a princess of our great empire, the most precious of our lineage. Who is worth such a sacrifice from you? Is it him?" He pointed at Lin Wanrong, and Qin Xian'er nodded shyly, her eyes filled with emotion.

"Why would you choose him?" The Emperor sighed, "He's neither handsome nor particularly learned. He knows nothing of governing a country. Other than being quick-witted, I find no merits in him."

‘The old man is just trying to bring me down, no matter, I'll just interpret it the other way around,’ Lin Wanrong consoled himself.

Seeing her father belittling her chosen man, Qin Xian'er grew anxious, "Father, how can you say he has no merits? Who in the world could compare to his handsomeness? Who could match his wisdom and talent? As for governing a nation, how would you know he's incapable when he hasn't even tried? In my opinion, he has the talent to rule. When it comes to understanding people's hearts and employing strategy, who in the world can compare to him? Apart from being a bit frivolous, he's perfect in every way!"

Lin Wanrong felt quite pleased by her praise, until the last sentence made him laugh and cry at the same time. Has Xian'er been raised in a vinegar jar since she was young?

The Emperor chuckled, "You naturally think highly of your own choice. His looks and wisdom are subjective matters, but as for governance— I don't think he even has the guts for it."

"Who says he doesn't?" Qin Xian'er was about to retort when Lin Wanrong suddenly cried out, "Ouch, it hurts!"

"Big brother, where does it hurt?" Luo Ning exclaimed.

"Everywhere hurts," Lin Wanrong said, grimacing.

The old Emperor's gaze was piercing. He saw through Lin Wanrong's act but could do nothing about it. He nodded slightly, his voice grave, "Nishang, if you've chosen him as your husband, I won't oppose. But let me be clear— my daughter is the epitome of grace and beauty, and she must not suffer any grievances." He slowly moved toward Lin Wanrong, fixing his gaze on Miss Luo and asked ominously, "You're Luo Min's daughter?"

Luo Ning didn't dare to meet his eyes and quickly knelt down, "I am Luo Ning, daughter of Luo Min. I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

The Emperor gave her a cold look, "You're not without talent, but you've chosen the wrong place. The Lin family is not your home. I will select a suitable family for you in the court and marry you off."

"Your Majesty—" Luo Ning gasped in horror, her whole body shaking as she clung to Lin Wanrong's hand, tears rolling down her cheeks.

‘Again?’ Lin Wanrong was irate. This old man had targeted his weak spot. His expression suddenly turned cold. "Your Majesty, are you planning on going back on your word? I remember very clearly what you told me that day."

"Going back on my word?" The Emperor sneered. "You've accomplished the matter in Goryeo, and even Princess Chuyun pleaded with me on your behalf. I've already pardoned the Eldest Miss Xiao. How have I broken my word? I granted you my daughters with the expectation that you'll treat them well, but you disregard my words. On the peak, you acted ambiguously with Ning Yuxi, and now you're getting too close to the young lady from the Xu family. Do you think I'm easy to bully? Take Luo Ning away and choose a day for her to be married off—"

"Big Brother—" Luo Ning cried out in despair.

Lin Wanrong's eyes narrowed in fury. In his anger, he sat upright despite a piercing pain shooting through his leg. "Who dares?"

"Husband—" Qin Xian'er cried out as she threw herself at him, her tears falling like rain.

Lin Wanrong's face was stern, a man who had been to battle, who feared neither life nor death. He stared directly into the Emperor's eyes without backing down, his imposing aura making even the guards outside hesitate to act.

"Father, please do not blame him," Qin Xian’er suddenly knelt and pleaded tearfully. "I have not been mistreated. I am very happy with Sister Luo Ning."

Luo Ning was moved. Despite her initial animosity towards Qin Xian'er, seeing her willing to endure so much for Lin Wanrong, she clenched her teeth and softly said, "Thank you, Sister Xian'er."

Qin Xian'er stubbornly nodded, "Don't thank me. I'm doing this for him."

Understanding her hard-headed but soft-hearted nature, Luo Ning smiled through her tears, holding onto her hand and not letting go.

"Lin San, are you defying me?" The Emperor seemed to have ignored Qin Xian'er's plea, his eyes falling on Lin Wanrong. Seeing the young man's fearless demeanor, he spoke calmly.

‘So this is why this old man came to pay his respects. If the explosion didn't kill me, he would.’ Lin Wanrong snorted and calmly said, "Your Majesty, Qingxuan, Xian'er, and Ning'er and I are truly in love. What's wrong with that? Why are you so insistent on breaking us apart? Just because Qingxuan and Xian'er are princesses, they must be put above everyone else, unable to mingle with common folk? Is this your idea of authority?"

"Authority?" The Emperor laughed. "At least you know this word. This Empire is mine, my word is law. Who dares to defy me? Now do you see the benefit of power? It elevates you above the masses, earns you respect, allows you to do as you please. Who dares to oppose you, even if you break every moral law? Millions desire such power; why don't you? You despise power? Fine, let me show you how it feels to be oppressed. Yes, this is my authority. What will you do about it?"

The old Emperor stood tall, his expression brimming with haughty pride. His piercing gaze bore down on Lin Wanrong, the corner of his mouth lifted in a mocking smile.

It was undeniable. Although this old man was domineering, his words hit the mark. He wielded the power over life and death, enough to drive anyone mad with desire. Before Lin Wanrong could even speak, the old man chuckled, "Think about it carefully! With such power, whoever you like, whoever you want to marry, who could stop you—"

The words seemed infinitely tempting. Lin Wanrong's heart suddenly began to pound, throbbing like a drum!

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