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Finest Servant Chapter 622
🕑 Added 2023-11-04 09:30:17 +0000 UTCChapter 622 Passionate Fire
A young and beautiful Turkic palace maid emerged from behind the carriage, walking towards him with her arms crossed over her chest in a respectful salute, "I pay my respects to Mr. Mute!"
Mr. Mute? Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback. Such a distinctive title indeed!
The Turkic girl's Great Hua language was a bit stiff. He scrutinized her carefully and then exclaimed in surprise, "Eh, is it you?!"
Xu Zhiqing, annoyed, stamped lightly on the top of his foot, "Be honest, how many women have you come to know in the Turkic lands?!"
"Miss Xu has misunderstood!" He laughed heartily, "I recognize this young lady because, on that day in the Turkic royal palace, she served me by washing—oh, washing my hands! She even complimented me, 'Brave warrior, you are truly courageous.' I was very pleased! Isn't that right, young lady?"
With Miss Xu by his side, he dared not admit that the maid had served him by bathing him! This girl was one of the two leading palace maids in the harem of Golden Blade Khan. They were ordered to receive the 'Mute' into the palace that day and had personally attended to his bath and dressing, which was indeed very intimate. Unexpectedly, Yujia had also brought them along; this was truly a reunion with old acquaintances!
The cheeks of the little Turkic palace maid blushed a delicate pink as she shyly lowered her head, "Does Mr. Mute still remember us?! At that time, since you didn't speak to us, we thought you were truly a mute!"
"Oh, my 'mute' ailment has been cured, and I've become even braver!" Lin Wanrong chuckled mischievously, glancing back and forth from the front to the rear of the carriage. He only saw four or five little palace maids approaching, led by the speaking maid, all saluting him in unison, without a single man in sight.
He blinked in surprise, "Young lady, what brings you to seek me out?"
The Turkic girl answered with utmost respect, "I am here by the Great Khan's command, to deliver a fragrant bath soup for Mr. Mute!"
Bath soup? Bathwater? Lin Wanrong was astounded!
The girl clapped her hands lightly, and the palace maids lowered the railing around the carriage, revealing several huge wooden tubs half the height of a man. Wisps of steam slowly rose, and countless rose petals were scattered within, gently floating on the surface of the water, fiery red and exuding a fragrant aroma.
In the desert, water was a precious commodity, reserved only for the esteemed Golden Blade Khan to bathe in the great wilderness. Compared to the golden tents, bright lights, and the ground covered with palace maids and servants where Yujia resided, the people of Great Hua seemed much poorer, having almost nothing to show when they went out except for war horses, tents, and dry rations. Such was the difference between an emperor and the common folk!
Lin Wanrong hummed, waving his hand in annoyance, "I don't like to bathe. You'd better take it back!"
"Sir!" The girl turned pale with fright, falling to her knees before him, prostrating herself fully on the ground, not daring to lift her head any longer, while the maids behind her were even more sincerely frightened, bowing their heads in fear.
"Get up, all of you, what is this all about?!" Lin Wanrong was startled and hurriedly reached out to help her.
The girl raised her head, trembling with fear, "Mr. Mute, please, you must accept this fragrant soup! The Great Khan has said that if we do not personally deliver this bath soup into your hands, we shall never return!"
The tyrant, a complete tyrant! Lin Wanrong gnashed his teeth with a few grunts of frustration. Reluctantly helping the group of young ladies to their feet, he glanced at Xu Zhiqing and chuckled, "This fragrant bath should really be reserved for the strategist! My skin is rough; I'm not afraid of anything! Miss Xu is so beautiful that after bathing and changing, she would outshine the moon and put flowers to shame. I really like that!"
Xu Zhiqing huffed in embarrassed annoyance, pouting as she said, "The fragrant bath was meant for you; I don't want it!"
The leading Turkic palace maid covered her mouth and giggled, "May I ask if this is Miss Xu? Our Great Khan has also prepared a fragrant bath for you!"
"For me?!" Xu Zhiqing exclaimed with an uncontrollable glimmer of joy in her eyes.
The intelligence of Yujia was unquestionable, and for a woman like Xu Zhiqing who loved beauty and cleanliness, the prospect of bathing and changing clothes in the sand-strewn desert was an unparalleled temptation.
The young lady hummed affirmatively and gently clapped her hands. The maids then lifted another huge wooden tub, identical to the one given to Lin Wanrong, with rose petals gently undulating on the surface, amidst the steam and endless fragrance that tantalized the senses!
"What a charming Yueya'er!" Miss Xu silently sighed, feeling a twinge of remorse as she recalled the slap she had delivered earlier that day.
"The Great Khan says she is overjoyed to have such a beautiful and intelligent person as Miss Xu to care for and protect Mr. Mute from being bullied. She is forever grateful for Miss Xu's kindness!"
What kind of sentiment was this?! I slap you, and you thank me! Yujia's heart was as clear and translucent as ice, the emotions so evident that even Miss Xu couldn't help but feel a sting in her nose. She pinched Lin Wanrong's waist hard, choking up, "How could you treat her like that? You heartless man!"
Lin Wanrong shook his head with a sigh, his eyes moist, staying silent.
Gao Qiu, with a sneaky demeanor, had been circling the carriage for a while and approached a Turkic palace maid standing quietly to one side. He asked with a cheeky grin, "Excuse me, miss, has anyone prepared a fragrant bath for me?"
The Turkic palace maid looked at him and asked in her stiff Great Hua language, "Who are you?"
"I'm Gao Qiu. Your Great Khan definitely knows me! The marriage between her and Brother Lin—oh, between her and Mr. Mute—was facilitated by me!"
"Gao Qiu?" The young maid frowned and slowly shook her head, "Never heard of you! With such an ugly face, what do you need a fragrant bath for? Wouldn't a sand bath suit you better?"
Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui were momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter together.
Yujia's generous offer couldn't be refused, and the leading Turkic young lady directed her companions to move the fragrant bath into the tent. Lin Wanrong turned his head and saw Gao Qiu jumping around a young girl by the carriage. He couldn't help but snicker, "Old Gao is at it again, not even sparing a Turkic girl?"
As Miss Xu hastened her steps towards the tent, excited by the rising steam, she couldn't resist teasing, "As if you've ever spared anyone. You have the nerve to talk about others!"
Lin Wanrong grinned sheepishly, deciding it was best to keep silent.
Xu Zhiqing reached the entrance of the tent and suddenly turned around, her face flushed as she warned, "I'm warning you, no peeking!"
"I suspect you're reminding me to be on the lookout!" Lin Wanrong laughed mischievously, "But really, why would I engage in such a lowly act of peeking? I can watch openly! Next time, we should tell Yueya'er that it's sufficient for her to send just one tub of water for the two of us. No need to waste!"
With a soft snicker, the Turkic girl leading behind the two couldn’t help but laugh quietly. Miss Xu, flushed with embarrassment, shot him a reproachful look before turning and entering her tent with a fluster. She then furiously tied the curtains shut!
He entered his own tent to find it filled with the mist of water and the scent of flowers. Stretching languidly, he looked back, only to jump in fright, "Miss, what are you doing?"
The girl’s clothes were undone, revealing her pale, soft bosom and thighs. She shyly lowered her head, "The Great Khan instructed me to attend to Mr. Mute's bathing and dressing."
"No, no, that's not necessary," Lin Wanrong exclaimed, a sense of panic taking over as he thought of the jealous one next door. He quickly held her hand, his gaze accidentally falling upon her chest, "I’ll wash myself. Rest assured, I'll be very clean, even whiter than this! Miss, please, step outside for now. I am quite bashful, you see!"
"Why? Did we not serve you in the palace last time—"
Lin Wanrong hastily covered her mouth, whispering with wide eyes, "Times have changed, do not speak carelessly. If someone were to overhear, my reputation would be ruined! I am as shy as you, understand?"
"So you are afraid of Miss Xu!" The Turkic girl blushed with a coy laugh, slowly bowing her head, "Well then, I shall wait by the door!"
She modestly fixed her clothes and retreated to the tent's entrance, kneeling down behind the lowered curtain. Lin Wanrong patted his chest, feeling a wave of relief.
Beautiful petals floated gently on the surface of the water, sticking softly to his chest and back. The dim fragrance wafted into his nostrils. The fiery red hues half-dyed the tent in their color.
The warmth of the hot water penetrated every pore, the sensation was as comforting as a spring breeze, bringing warmth throughout his body. He lay lazily in the wooden tub, leaning against its solid walls, lightly slapping the water’s surface, causing sparkling droplets to dance about, landing on his hair, face, and neck. Yet, his mind was unsettled, his gaze wandering aimlessly.
What was Yueya'er doing? Did she still harbor resentment towards him? If she resented him, why would she send him fragrant bathwater? If she didn't resent him—though that possibility seemed rather slim!
His thoughts were a tangled mess when he suddenly spoke out, "Miss, I’ve seen you so many times, yet I still don't know your name."
The girl outside whispered back, "My name is Xiangxue. The sister who served with me washing your hands is called Nalan. We've both been serving the Great Khan since we were young."
"Nalan, Xiangxue, Yujia, all such beautiful names," Lin Wanrong mused with a nod of approval.
Xiangxue giggled behind her lips, "Mr. Mute has a fine name as well, ‘Wo Lao Gong’, ‘Wo Lao Gong’—"
"That," he chuckled awkwardly, "is a name only certain people may call me! Miss Xiangxue, how did you come to know my name?"
"I saw your spirit—oh, I mean, I guessed!" the Turkic girl hastily lowered her head again.
Lin Wanrong sighed, "You saw my spirit tablet, right? It doesn’t matter. After all, I am someone who has died once before! By the way, miss, why did the Great Khan send me bathwater?"
"Why send fragrant bathwater? The Great Khan never mentioned a reason!" Xiangxue frowned slightly, her response came naturally and with a certain cheerfulness, showing no sign of deceit.
He really asked a foolish question, didn't he? Wondering about needing so many reasons just to send over some bathwater. Shaking his head, he gave a self-deprecating smile. "Then, when you left, what was the Great Khan doing?"
The young girl chuckled lightly. "The same as you! Only she was a few hours ahead of you!"
The same as me? Was she also taking a bath? What was meant to be a negotiation conference had now turned into a bath conference!
He chatted with Xiangxue for a bit but couldn't coax much out of her, leaving him somewhat disappointed. With a splash, he stood up. The Turkic girl, hearing the water, hurriedly said, "Mr. Mute, are you finished washing? I'll bring your clothes in right away!"
Lin Wanrong grunted an acknowledgment, and Xiangxue cautiously lifted the curtain and entered, her arms cradling several pieces of golden silk garments, her face flushed red, her head bowed, "Mr. Mute, these clothes were made for you by the Great Khan!"
Clothes made for him by Yujia? A Turkic woman knows how to make clothes? He was taken aback, absentmindedly accepting the garments.
The variety of clothing was extensive, complete from underwear to outerwear, and the faint scent of freshness wafted through the air. The stitchwork was clear to see, all hand-sewn, dense and meticulous, yet neatly ordered. What drew the eye most was the outer robe, golden throughout, exuding a chilling nobility yet soft and smooth to the touch, almost imperceptible, like the thin wings of a cicada.
Lin Wanrong caressed the golden robe, unable to let go, yet he couldn't help but exclaim, "This... this is too flashy! But the material is quite good."
"This was specially made for you by the Great Khan, it used to cover your spirit tablet!" Xiangxue looked up, her gaze inadvertently falling on his bare chest, and she gasped, frozen.
"Don't be afraid. This is the proof of my survival!" Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder.
"Mr. Mute, do you hate the Great Khan a lot?"
Hate? He gave a bitter smile, nodding emphatically.
"Mr. Mute, please don't hate her," Xiangxue cried out in alarm, "Have you ever seen someone who can only sleep while holding a spirit tablet every night? When you died, the Great Khan died with you!"
"I hate that her arrow was too lightly drawn! If I had really died, then all worries would have vanished!"
The bitterness and acidity of his words affected even the Turkic maidservant on the outside, making her unable to hold back her sorrow.
Yueya'er's skills were indeed unmatched in this world! Though she made the garments based on the shadow in her memory, they fit him as if they were tailored. Any more would be too long, any less would be too short. They were precise, not a thread out of place. No wonder she could shoot those peerless triple arrows in succession!
Xiangxue carefully helped him dress, gently wiping down the golden robe. She whispered softly, "Sir, the Great Khan instructed me to tell you, even if the clothes don't fit, you're not allowed to throw them away!"
What a domineering girl! Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "They fit. They fit very well! The only flaw, hmm, is that the underwear is a bit small! Didn't you tell the Great Khan that I am a very brave man?"
The Turkic girl's cheeks turned pink, and she giggled softly.
Seeing him emerging from the tent, Du Xiuyuan and his companions' eyes suddenly widened. They quickly gathered around, inspecting Lin Wanrong from head to toe, clucking in amazement. Wearing gold and yellow was a taboo reserved for royalty, but among these brothers-in-arms, with Lin Wanrong's status apparent, who could criticize?
"Wow. Brother Lin truly embodies that old saying, 'Clothes make the man as a saddle makes the horse.' To look good, one must seek Lin San!" Old Gao shook his head in admiration, "Where did you buy these clothes? I want to buy ten sets!"
Old Hu slapped him on the back, laughing, "You? Better be reborn in your next life!"
Xu Zhiqing had already finished her bath. Her wet hair loosely draped, her lips glistening red, her cheeks beautiful, she was indescribably charming under the cold moonlight.
Watching this extraordinary Lin San, her eyes filled with tenderness, she suddenly covered her mouth with a giggle and scolded softly, "Even coated in gold, you’re no Buddha—just the same rascal!"
Lin Wanrong chuckled, stealthily slipping his hand around her soft waist, "This rascal intends to climb to your phoenix heights! Ha ha—"
He laughed wickedly, about to sweep her into his embrace when suddenly, "ding, ding," a gentle tinkling sound, like a delightful wind chime or a sprite's song in the breeze, drifted over.
From afar, a large golden palanquin shrouded in layers of pink gauze, somewhat hidden and somewhat visible, approached slowly. Carried by youthful and beautiful Turkic palace maids, they moved with an unhurried grace, their pink gauze rising and falling with the wind, fluttering like exquisite clouds. Through the veils, one could barely discern the soft cushions and golden blankets inside the palanquin, as a faint, elusive fragrance wafted over.
Xu Zhiqing's eyes widened in surprise, "What are they doing?"
"Could it be they're coming to escort General Lin to the palace?" Hu Bugui chuckled. Anyone who had been through the Battle of Kyzil was familiar with this dragon palanquin; on that day, Yujia had used this very litter to bring the mute warrior into the palace. Only today, the dragon palanquin seemed even wider and more luxurious, the carriers all comely Turkic girls, leaving everyone wondering what Yujia intended.
Accompanying the palanquin was a Turkic palace maid called Nalan. She approached, hands folded respectfully across her chest, "The Golden Blade Khan of the Turks invites the esteemed Master Lin of Great Hua for an important consultation!"
Night had fallen, and Yujia was seeking him out—what could she want to discuss?
Lin Wanrong grunted, puzzled, "Miss Nalan, may I ask where the Khan is and what matters she wishes to discuss with me? I must tell you, I've just bathed and changed clothes, only fit for sleep, not for travel!"
Such a flimsy excuse could only come from General Lin, prompting Du Xiuyuan and the others to stifle their laughter.
Miss Nalan spoke softly, "It's about a matter of great importance concerning the future of the Turks and Great Hua. The Khan said that once Master Lin sees her, he will understand! She also said that it's up to you to go or not. If you are unwilling, she won't insist. But if you regret it later, do not blame her for not warning you!"
‘What so-called voluntary participation, this is nothing but blatant extortion. Once such a heavy accusation is leveled, could I possibly refuse to go?’ Lin Wanrong scratched his head in vexation. Xu Zhiqing quickly grabbed him, whispering urgently, "Be wary of deceit!"
"The Great Khan also mentioned, if Master Lin does not trust her, then there is no need to attend!" Yujia had apparently anticipated this response, and with her light words, left everyone speechless.
Hu Bugui voiced his anxiety, "What to do? Should we go or not?!"
Lin Wanrong glanced at Xu Zhiqing. Miss Xu snorted and turned her head away, "Don't come asking me, if you wish to go then go. Save yourself from future regrets and blaming me for stopping you today!"
"Master Lin, please ascend the carriage!" A Turkic palace maid, seemingly under orders, was not willing to give him much time to think.
Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, and with sudden resolve, he stepped forward, ascending the golden carriage.
"I knew you would go!" Miss Xu sighed faintly, a voice so soft even she could barely hear it.
The Turkic maidens slowly turned around, the enormous canopy of the carriage lifted high, swaying slightly in the air as they proceeded towards the border of the two countries. Upon settling onto the soft couch, familiar fragrances enveloped him. The thick, soft gauze was as delicate as the smooth skin of a Yueya'er, tender enough to make one tremble. He slowly reclined on the bed, gazing at the dancing gauze and the trembling stars above, feeling his spirit float aimlessly, not knowing where it might fly off to.
The thick gauze blanket suddenly moved, and like a bolt of lightning, a graceful figure sprang out, clamping onto his neck like a nimble leopardess. A gentle yet chilling voice whispered in his ear, "Do you believe I would kill you?"
Under the moonlight, she was dressed only in a thin nightgown. Her damp hair fell like a cascading black waterfall, her skin translucent like the exquisite jade of Heavenly Pool, her eyes shining cold and bright. She looked at him coldly, her exquisite curves drawing beautiful undulations, her white chest shimmering, and her long, jade legs pressing down on him fiercely, like flaming fire.
Lin Wanrong coughed abruptly, looking at her, and softly said, "Next time you try to kill me, remember to bring a knife, okay?"
Yujia's icy eyes suddenly melted into rain, silent tears falling onto his cheek.
"Ah!" With a tender shout, she pressed down on him, raising her jade hand and pounding his shoulder and arm with punch after punch, each striking with solid thuds, resonating so clearly that even the huge carriage seemed to shake, leaving the maidens who carried the sedan wide-eyed and perplexed.
Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth, remaining silent.
Looking at the fresh red marks on his face, his lips bleeding from biting, Yujia's eyes were misty with a blend of love and pain that sparkled like starfire. As her punches continued, they grew weaker and almost inaudible.
"Why won't you hit back? I won't allow you to feel sorry for me, you must hit me, do it now!" She leaned weakly against his chest, her small feet kicking wildly, tears falling like rain, sobbing uncontrollably.
Lin Wanrong shook his head, sighing deeply, "You're mistaken, it's not that I feel sorry for you, I'm just not used to hitting women!"
Yujia's body shook violently, she fiercely threw off his arms, and amidst the scattering tears, she stretched out her fingers, quick and fierce, and thrust them towards her own eyes.
"What are you doing!" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in shocked anger, seizing her pristine wrist, only to find that the girl possessed strength so formidable he almost failed to hold her.
Yujia clutched his hand tightly, biting down hard on the back of it while crying and laughing: "I want to see you pained for me! In this world, if I can't have your concern, I'd rather live in darkness!"
"Madness, sheer madness!" he muttered to himself, tears swirling in his eyes.
"I'm not mad, it's you who's gone mad!" Yujia suddenly leaped up, spreading her fingers to claw at his face: "Why do you pretend, why do you treat me this way? Do you know how cruel you are?! I'll hit you, I'll beat you to death!"
Her hands moved like the wind, swift and reaching his cheek in the blink of an eye. Lin Wanrong sidestepped slightly, and her fingers ended up grabbing at his chest. In a burst of anger, she clawed, and the front of his garment was torn open with a ripping sound.
She trembled, then froze in place!
A scar as wide as a bowl, ferocious and ghastly, was carved into his chest, etched deep into his bones.
The earth-shattering pain of that arrow, a pain engraved into his very soul, was something he had never spoken of to anyone!
"Hit me, why don't you keep hitting me, go on!" Lin Wanrong roared like a furious lion, prying her hands apart and bellowing at her, while hot tears streamed down his cheeks.
Silently staring at that deep scar, Yujia covered her mouth, her body shaking violently, tears flooding like a dam burst, nearly choking on her sobs.
"You wanted to see me, didn't you? You forced me to the negotiating table, didn't you? When I stood before you, did you ever consider our ending?! I love you, so I can't offer you a future without an ending! Do you understand what I'm saying? Do you get it?!" His voice was hoarse with rage, as he raised his sleeve to wipe away his tears, only to soak his clothes through.
"Wo Lao Gong!" Yueya'er looked at him, her delight reaching its peak. She suddenly smiled gently, tears adorning her cheeks like the most beautiful pear blossoms.
"Don't call me that!" His heart trembled in turmoil, and with a furious flick of his sleeve.
"You're even more foolish than I am!" she laughed until she cried and cried until she laughed, unsure which was the true reflection of her heart.
Seeing Yueya'er's mottled but beautiful face so close, her temples as white as snow, his heart was thrown into disarray, and he couldn't turn his head away any longer.
Yujia slowly reached out, trembling as she caressed his cheek with the gentlest part of her palm, melting away the trails of his tears bit by bit. She suddenly burst into a shy and joyous smile: "Wo Lao Gong, I want to bite you again!"
"No, it's too painful. I've been tricked too many times!" His refusal was adamant.
"Don't worry. This time I'll be very gentle—I'll bite you to death!" Yujia giggled.
In her anger, she pounced forward, her bare arms wrapping tightly around his neck like white serpents, ferociously biting his forehead, the corners of his eyes, his nose, his lips...
Her trembling body was the best catalyst, instantly provoking thunderous passions. The boundless blaze of desire ignited like dry wood in an explosion, fiercely burning, rolling over deserts and grasslands like the wind.
"Ah!" All the suppressed emotions erupted at that moment. Lin Wanrong, like a frenzied warrior, swept her into his arms with a reverse grip, pressing her fiercely beneath him, almost crushing her delicate waist. His fervent mouth planted kisses on her like raindrops, on her lips, her neck, her chest.
Beneath the smooth gown lay nothing, her naked, delicate body glowing with a cold brilliance under the sorrowful moonlight. Her figure resembled an exquisitely carved statue of ice and jade, with curves undulating like mountains, lustrous and translucent.
Tears rolled down in torrents as the Yueya'er frantically clung to him, coiling around him like a snake, not allowing him to lift his head or to breathe, intent on submerging him entirely in her embrace.
With a gentle whimper, reminiscent of a chant bidding farewell to girlhood, her body trembled, her mind went blank, her eyes brimming with tears. Suddenly, she raised her hand and slapped his face hard, "Told you to bully me!" But as her hand touched his cheek, the bright red imprint of her fingers starkly visible, her gaze softened, and she could not bring herself to strike again. In silence, she cradled his cheek, tears streaming as she softly pleaded, "Wo Lao Gong, be harsher to me, even harsher! Wo Lao Gong, I want your love, your ruthless love!"
She suddenly embraced him, her smooth and voluptuous chest, like white jade, pressed tightly against his, madly biting him—his neck, chest, scars—leaving behind a string of crescent marks.
Unbeknownst to them, the imperial carriage had quietly stopped at the national border, shaking violently. Behind the thin silk, endless allure was hidden. The young bearers, each with flushed cheeks and trembling gazes, longed to look yet dared not.
The palace maids hastily drew pink gauze curtains, rising like puffs of pink smoke, encasing the massive carriage. Nalan and Xiangxue, the leaders, blushed deeply, leading the other young maids to kneel slowly before the carriage, hearts fluttering, legs shaking, yet none dared to raise their heads.
Watching the trembling carriage from afar, Gao Qiu hastily shielded Xu Zhiqing, exclaiming, "Oh! It seems like an earthquake!"
"It's not just an earthquake, it's a powerful one, strong enough to shake off clothes!" Old Hu, standing beside Old Gao, spoke with a heavy voice, his expression utterly solemn.
"The most intense part is its persistence!" Du Xiuyuan stood shoulder to shoulder with them. The three men, faces stern, without a smile, silently formed a wall, blocking Xu Zhiqing's view.
Miss Xu's face alternated between green, red, and white as she watched the fluttering pink gauze. She moved to rush forward several times, struggling with the impulse. After a long hesitation, she stomped her foot in frustration and turned to leave.
