al_squad
patreon
Finest Servant Chapter 449
🕑 Added 2023-09-08 10:14:13 +0000 UTCChapter 449 Entrustment
"If that's the case, Madam, please rest well. I'll come to visit you again tomorrow," Lin Wanrong said gravely, his voice strong. Madam Xiao merely hummed softly in response, saying nothing more.
Seeing her mother silent, Second Miss pulled him towards the opposite room. Pushing the door open, they found the room exactly as it had been the day he was kidnapped, spotlessly clean.
Lin Wanrong sank into a chair, his thoughts drifting to Fairy Ning from that night. A sense of longing surged in his heart. ‘I wonder if the Fairy Sister is accustomed to living alone on the cliff without me.’
Xiao Yushuang ordered a maid to bring in hot water. Looking at the large wooden tub filled with floating, fragrant petals, Lin Wanrong said, "This is such a large tub; I probably won't be able to use it all. It's a waste, Second Miss. How about we each take half? Don't worry, I won't peek. We can have Huan'er put up a curtain in the middle to keep watch—"
Huan'er stifled a laugh and turned her face away. Second Miss's cheeks flushed. "You're incorrigible. Who wants to share a bath with you? My mother was startled earlier; I need to go talk to her. I'll come back to keep you company after you've finished bathing."
"Ah, Madam was startled? That is a serious matter. Second Miss, you should stay with her," Lin Wanrong reassured Yushuang. Misunderstanding the tone in his voice, she felt grateful and nodded lightly, taking Huan'er with her as she left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Lin Wanrong quickly undressed and plunged into the wooden tub. The moist, hot steam enveloped him, his whole body tingling in comfort. Even his pores seemed to sigh in relief. His thoughts drifted to the scene where he'd spied on Ning Yuxi bathing in a hot spring atop a remote peak. His heart filled with both warmth and anticipation.
On the table lay a set of new undergarments, emitting a faint, pleasing scent. He flicked through the silk clothing and found that it was hand-stitched with exquisite craftsmanship. Embroidered at the hem were a pair of butterflies, their wings unfurled as if in flight. Off to the side, embroidered in red thread, was a small character—Lin. The last stroke was incomplete, trailing a few strands of thread.
‘Hmm? Was this specifically prepared for me?’ Lin Wanrong thought, flipping the garment over a few times. He noticed the faint scent and realized it was made by a woman. Given that the Xiao family had risen to prominence through the textile business, the craftsmanship was unsurprising. The question was, who had made it?
Slipping into the new clothing, he felt its soft, smooth texture against his skin; it was incredibly comfortable. Lying in bed, he tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. The moonlight streamed through the window, peaceful and soothing. He wondered what the Fairy Sister was doing right now, where the Eldest Miss was, and whether Xian'er had found Sister An.
Lost in thought, he suddenly heard the soft sound of a wooden latch. The door opened quietly, and a slender figure slipped in.
"Who's there?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise. ‘Could it be that Sister An has come to kill me? Even if she had wings, she couldn't be this fast.’
"It's me, you rascal," came the shy, trembling voice of the woman. Through the dim light of night, he faintly made out her elegant silhouette. It was Second Miss. She removed her outer garment, revealing a pink dress underneath. Her voluptuous figure slightly arched forward.
"Yushuang, weren't you speaking with the madam?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise. Just as he was about to reach out to her, Second Miss raised her head, her face flushed. Suddenly, with a determined bite of her lip, her trembling hand lifted his quilt, and she delicately slid under the silk covers.
Her body was soft and smooth, her recently matured figure reminiscent of a budding flower, perfectly contoured and crystal clear. She carried the fresh scent of a bath, like a newly bloomed lily, pure and lovely.
Such a tempting beauty voluntarily climbing into bed made Lin Wanrong's heart race. He quickly swallowed, pulling her close, "Second Miss, please refrain. I've only just come of age."
"Stop it, you rogue," Second Miss's face burned like fire. She let out a soft cry, wrapping her arms, as white as lotus roots, tightly around him. Her smooth cheek pressed against his chest, and Lin Wanrong could hear her heart pounding.
"Kiss me," in the darkness, Second Miss seemed to muster more courage. Her hands circled his neck, her rosy lips slightly parted, her eyes filled with tenderness. She bravely looked up at him.
"I'm not very good at this," Lin Wanrong said, caressing her soft curves, grinning shamelessly.
"Stop, mmm," Second Miss moaned softly. Before she could finish speaking, he covered her lips with his. His strong body held her close, their bodies pressed so closely together. Yushuang felt as if she had been struck by lightning, lying weakly in his arms, letting him savor the sweet nectar of her lips, almost forgetting to breathe.
After what felt like an eternity, Yushuang felt as if she was about to suffocate. Reluctantly, she pulled away, her breathing ragged, her eyes filled with fiery passion. "Rogue, you always tease me."
Lin Wanrong blinked, smiling, "How did I tease you? I only did as you asked."
"Don't speak," Second Miss's face turned even redder, her hand covering his mouth. "You've been teasing me since the moment you laid eyes on me." A sweet, shy smile appeared on her face. Pressing her cheek firmly against Lin Wanrong's chest, she whispered, "I want you to tease me for all eternity."
Such a request was hard to refuse. Lin Wanrong wrapped his arms around her delicate body, feeling a sense of peace. "Yushuang, has the Madam gone to sleep?"
Second Miss, her face flushed, slowly shook her head. Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Really? How is that possible? Is she planning to catch us in the act?"
"Catch you? Nonsense," Second Miss playfully hit him, her movements gentle, her gaze soft. She hesitated for a moment, then softly said, "Rogue, I have a question for you, and you must answer me honestly."
Lin Wanrong quickly nodded. Second Miss huffed, "Earlier, when my mother opened the door, did you see clearly..." She paused, not finishing her sentence.
"See what clearly?" Lin Wanrong asked in confusion. "Huh, Madam opened the door? I wasn't aware."
"But mother said she saw you," Second Miss stared into his eyes, trying to discern if he was telling the truth or lying.
Lin Wanrong blinked and sighed, "Did Madam really see me? Alas, it seems my eyesight has sharply deteriorated from overuse lately. I should find a doctor to have it properly examined. Don't worry, Second Miss, next time I'll make sure to see Madam more clearly so as not to disappoint you."
"What do you mean 'see more clearly'? It's better if you can't see clearly!" Second Miss scoffed, her face flushing with embarrassment. She looked at Lin Wanrong from head to toe, finding his expression as composed as ever, utterly inscrutable. Reluctantly, she nodded and softly said, "Fine, I'll believe you. Scoundrel, it’s enough that you torment me; you better not torment my mother."
‘Well said,’ Lin Wanrong thought, taking her small hand and letting out a few dry laughs. "Do I look like the kind of person who would do that?"
"Probably not," tears suddenly brimmed in Second Miss’s eyes as she lowered her head and whispered, "Scoundrel, do you hate my family?"
"Hate? What are you talking about?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback.
Xiao Yushuang spoke solemnly, "You've faced danger several times, all happening within the Xiao family's estate. This time you almost lost your life. Even my mother feels guilty. Don’t you harbor any resentment?"
"What is there to resent?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. "Fate governs life and death; fortune is in the hands of Heaven. I've faced death more than once or twice—"
"Don't talk nonsense," Second Miss hurriedly covered his mouth, "You'll be fine."
Lin Wanrong kissed her delicate white palm and smiled, "So, how did you convince Madam to come here?"
A faint blush spread across Xiao Yushuang's face, her expression tender and dignified, "I told my mother that from now on, I'll protect you, always, ensuring you won’t suffer the slightest harm."
"Protect me?" Lin Wanrong paused.
"Don't you believe me?" Anxiety flashed in Xiao Yushuang's eyes. Swiftly, she drew a shining dagger from behind her waist, "With this, if anyone dares to touch you, I’ll fight them to the death—"
Lin Wanrong quickly snatched the dagger from her hand and threw it far away, "Foolish girl, I’m fine. Don’t do anything rash. Si De is too careless—why hasn’t this dagger been melted down? What if you hurt yourself?"
Xiao Yushuang nestled in his arms and murmured softly, "Better that I die than you. I don’t want anything to happen to you."
Gazing at the young girl's earnest expression, Lin Wanrong wanted to laugh but found himself unable. A gentle sweetness and emotion swelled in his heart. He held her tightly, without uttering a word.
Sensing his thoughts, Second Miss smiled sweetly at him and kissed his cheek, "Scoundrel, thank you. You’re the best scoundrel there is."
The best scoundrel? Lin Wanrong burst into hearty laughter. Embracing Xiao Yushuang’s tender, flower-like body that night, he felt an unprecedented sense of calm. Aside from occasional playful touches, not a single inappropriate thought crossed his mind—a remarkable achievement, to be sure.
The next morning he awoke to find the lingering fragrance beside him, Xiao Yushuang was already gone. As he stepped out of the inner courtyard, Si De was busy moving potted plants into the garden. Seeing him, Si De exclaimed with excitement, "Brother San, when did you get back?"
"Ah, probably between morning and evening. Huh, where did these flowers and plants come from?"
Si De whispered, "The Madam had them brought over from Jinling. They're all new varieties planted by Fubo. The Madam said that when Brother San was in Jinling, he was most fond of flowers. So, she told us to plant a large garden, just like the one in Jinling. When Brother San has time in the future, he can go flower-picking with the young misses, to relive the past."
Si De's words flowed like a river, leaving Lin Wanrong dazed. Picking flowers with the young misses to relive old feelings, truly, not just anyone could pull that off. The Madam certainly had the sentiment.
After making a full circle without finding the Second Miss, he was about to head back to the inner room when he saw a mature, graceful figure walking towards him. She moved quickly, her demeanor elegant.
"Hey, Madam, you're out for a stroll this early? Oh, isn't this General Zhenyuan? Long time no see, how are you—Hey, young man, I warn you, don't even think about it. I can bite harder than you—"
General Zhenyuan, being led by the Madam, began to bark wildly and grow restless the moment he saw Lin Wanrong. Startled, Lin Wanrong jumped and quickly covered his rear.
The Madam found it amusing and covered her small mouth with a light laugh. "Lin San, I heard from Yushuang that you could kill a tiger with a single punch. General Zhenyuan is familiar to you, why would you be afraid?"
‘The Second Miss really cares for me. It took hundreds of punches to kill a wild dog, and now in her mouth, it had turned into me killing a tiger with a single punch.’
"Madam, you're so gentle, beautiful, pure, and kind, why would you keep such a ferocious dog?" Seeing the red tongue that General Zhenyuan stuck out, Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. This was an old enemy from Jinling; he couldn't afford to be careless.
The Madam didn't answer his question, but instead looked him up and down. Her voice was soft, "Lin San, have you been well these days?"
"Thank you for your concern, Madam." Seeing the menacing dog, Lin Wanrong unconsciously stepped back, laughing, "I'm doing very well, walking tall and seeing far, entirely carefree."
"Walking tall, seeing far?" The Madam muttered to herself. Her face suddenly turned crimson, a mix of embarrassment and anger. She shot him an annoyed look and quickly turned her head away.
Oops, a slip of the tongue. Lin Wanrong stood stunned. Seeing the Madam's blushing face and her alluring figure, his heart skipped a beat. He quickly waved his hands, "Madam, you're mistaken. You were dressed so modestly yesterday; I couldn't see anything."
The Madam bit her red lips, her face flushed. She slightly loosened her grip on General Zhenyuan's leash. The dog lunged forward a few steps, barking loudly. Lin Wanrong was scared out of his wits, turned, and ran, bumping into a soft body. The Second Miss's voice rang out, "What are you doing, you rascal?"
As if he had encountered a savior, Lin Wanrong hurriedly hugged the delicate figure of Yushuang. "Second Miss, your timing is perfect. Please protect me; this ferocious dog is about to bite."
Seeing Lin San, usually as tough as a rock, scared of a dog made the Madam laugh. Just as she was about to call General Zhenyuan back, she caught Lin San sneaking a glance at her. Her pretty face turned red, and she quickly put on a cold expression.
"Put me down quickly; my mother is still here," Second Miss spoke in a soft and hurried tone, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Upon seeing Xiao Yushuang, the ferocious dog, General Zhenyuan, immediately calmed down, wagging its tail. Lin Wanrong finally let out a long sigh of relief. Xiao Yushuang extricated herself from his embrace and asked, "What were you discussing with my mother? Why did General Zhenyuan try to bite you?"
"Well," Lin Wanrong glanced at Madam Xiao and began, "it's not much really. I was just discussing matters of taste with Madam. She was complimenting my good eye when General Zhenyuan became jealous and wanted to bite me—"
This man is full of nonsense. How could General Zhenyuan be jealous of him? Madam Xiao felt both embarrassed and annoyed but held her tongue.
Second Miss looked at her mother, then back at Lin San, laughing, "I don't believe you. You must have upset my mother. Be careful not to wrong her. She is more afraid of dogs than you are. Ever since you had that incident, she's felt guilty, and bravely decided to adopt General Zhenyuan to guard the house."
"I see," Lin Wanrong sighed seriously, "please rest assured, Madam. After this northern expedition, if I manage to come back alive, I will treat the Xiao family as my own, work diligently, and strive to repay your kindness."
One moment he was acting suspicious, and the next he was so earnest; it was hard to know when he was being truthful. Madam Xiao sighed helplessly, "What do you mean treat the Xiao family as your own? I've already promised you both my daughters. Is the Xiao family going to be left for outsiders? You really know how to vex me."
Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and remained silent. Seeing his eyes fixed on her, Madam Xiao felt slightly uncomfortable and quickly changed the topic, "Are you truly going to lead troops into battle?"
"Yes," Lin Wanrong nodded gravely, "since there are things I'm destined to do, I won’t shy away from them. This morning, I’ll help you manage some business affairs. After lunch, I'll go meet Li Tai to discuss some work. War is ruthless; once I leave, I have no idea when I'll be able to return."
Seeing his solemn face, Madam Xiao didn't know what to say. Conversing with Lin San was a roller coaster of emotions; she couldn't keep up with his changing moods.
"Lin San, come here," Madam Xiao beckoned softly. Lin Wanrong hurriedly approached.
Madam Xiao took Xiao Yushuang’s hand and gently placed it in his. She softly sighed, "From this moment on, I entrust Yushuang to you. I hope you'll treat her well and never let her suffer."
"Mother—" Second Miss burst into a mix of joy and embarrassment, her eyes welling with tears as she hugged her mother.
"Foolish child," Madam Xiao tenderly stroked her hair, her own eyes moistening.
"Um, Madam, what about the Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong asked, slightly embarrassed.
Madam Xiao's eyes welled up with tears, and she was lost in her emotions when Lin Wanrong interrupted her. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at him, "You really do have a thick skin. Once I've promised you both my daughters, where else could you possibly go?"
Seeing Xiao Yushuang tightly holding Lin San's large hand, her face a mix of shyness and joy, Madam Xiao let out a long sigh, "Fine, fine. Although Yuruo is not here, I will make the decision for both of them and give you my daughters—"
Xiao Yushuang spoke shyly, "Since my sister is not here, I request that you, Mother, act as the matchmaker. I'm entrusting my sister to you." Second Miss took her mother's hand and deliberately placed it into Lin Wanrong's.
