Finest Servant

Chapter 435 The Fairy Reappears

"Not a single one shall be left out!" Lin Wanrong's heart blossomed with joy, and he embraced her delicate body, gently caressing her back. "Second Miss, your words are wonderful. I will certainly adhere to your instructions without faltering, holding fast to the principles of fairness, justice, and openness. I'll make sure you and Eldest Miss live a happy and contented life."

Yushuang gave a soft acknowledgment and shyly said, "You've taken all the advantages. You must not fail me and my sister. Otherwise, I will die before your eyes."

"How could that be? Am I that kind of person?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily twice, looking around mysteriously and saying, "In fact, Madam has made an improper request of me, but I cannot do it alone; I need your cooperation and that of Eldest Miss."

Second Miss was intrigued and anxiously asked, "What request did Mother make? Is it difficult to accomplish? You always leave your words hanging and make me worry."

Lin San whispered a few words into her ear. Yushuang blushed with embarrassment, lightly spat, and covered her burning cheeks. "How shameful! Why would Mother mention this here? If you want to have a child with my sister, I won't care about you."

The young girl's face was tender, and Lin Wanrong could not help but laugh, yet he sighed. "Yushuang, I am telling you this out of concern for you. Just think, once you, as my wife, have given birth to a child and added to our Lin family's bloodline, who would dare to bully you in our home? Wouldn't everyone dote on you and love you?"

Second Miss thought for a moment, feeling that his words were reasonable, and shyly lowered her small hand. She hesitantly asked, "Are you really telling the truth? But I have never been a mother, and I don't know how to have a baby. Lin San, you must teach me!"

"Teach? Of course, I will teach." Lin San said with a mischievous smile, "I have a colorful illustrated educational book here on how to have a baby. It's full of various positions, very vivid and lively. Let's study it together tonight."

"Whatever you say," Second Miss, unaware of his wicked intentions, snuggled into his arms and softly said, "Lin San, don't move out. How joyful the old days were, listening to your jokes and stories, and feeling happy in my heart. Now, if I don't see you for a day, I feel uneasy. This place is my home, but it's also your home. You can't abandon us."

Second Miss spoke warmly and sweetly, and Lin Wanrong was also moved. The grand mansion bestowed by the Emperor, with Qingxuan, Ning'er, and Qiaoqiao, gave a feeling of warmth and joy. In the Xiao family, with Madam and Eldest Miss taking care of everything, life was carefree and joyful. Both flavors were appealing, but he couldn't quite articulate which one he preferred more.

"I know you don't want to give up those little ones you're raising outside." Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Second Miss pouted and hummed, her face full of grievance. "What's so good about them? Do my sister and I combined not compare to those little foxes you keep outside?"

He had quite a few wives, both young and old. Considering age, knowledge, or even cup size, it was hard to tell who was the youngest. Lin Wanrong laughed dryly, "What are you talking about, Second Miss? There's no big or small. We're all family. Even if she's small, I can make her big. Besides, you should have heard of these sisters. You've seen Miss Luo from Jinling Prefecture, right? She's a famous talent, but once you're married to me, you'll discover her other side. You also know Qiaoqiao, gentle and kind, and neither Madam nor Eldest Miss dislikes her. Then there's Qingxuan, who's rarely matched in beauty and virtue. When Eldest Miss and I were captured by the White Lotus Cult, she saved us on Mount Dangtu. I bet you'll like her the moment you meet her."

Second Miss hummed annoyedly, pouting her little mouth high: "You really live up to the name Lin San, keeping three little ones. I don't care; since you proposed marriage to my mother today, this is your home now. How can you abandon it and mess around outside? I've cleaned up your room for you. If those little foxes give you a hard time, tell them to come to me. The general of Zhenyuan has already prepared everything, and they'll see the power of Second Miss Xiao, hmph!"

Xiao Yushuang's face was stern, and her expression stubborn. The light green lotus-lined gown highlighted her newly developed body, making her look quite adorable.

"Alright, I'll stay." Lin Wanrong waved his hand generously, smiling, but he was thinking, 'Living in the Xiao family is fine, but there's no one to keep the bed warm. The back yard is full of women, Eldest Miss isn't around, Second Miss is still a blooming flower, unable to withstand my cannon's assault, and Madam Xiao can't help either. It seems I'll have to trouble Ning'er. But with this special environment to stimulate, maybe this little fox spirit will be more than happy.'

Second Miss, although grown up, still had a little girl's temperament. Seeing Lin San agree to come back, her joy was beyond words. She was busy preparing new quilts and clothes for him, carefully cleaning the doghouse he hadn't stayed in for two days, looking very focused.

Two days without returning, and with Eldest Miss not home and Madam falling ill, there was indeed much accumulated work in the Xiao family. The Tao family in Suzhou, being heavily hit, gradually declined, allowing the Xiao family to reclaim the top spot in the cloth business. They expanded by absorbing many of the Tao family's shops, becoming even more powerful than before. All the cloth shops across the country had to act according to the Xiao family's wishes. It was no wonder that Prince Cheng had to buy fake canvases from them.

Perfume and soap were already popular in Jinling and the capital, leading the trends of the great nation. The storm stirred up by the Xiao family was spreading to other provinces. Xiao's perfume and soap monopolized over half of the rouge and powder market. If they could lower the prices, capturing eighty percent wouldn't be impossible. Fubo from Jinling also brought good news; the newly cultivated gardens were flourishing, ensuring a supply of petals, greatly alleviating the demand for perfume and soap. With the emerging perfume business and reclaimed cloth trade, the Xiao family was making money hand over fist, drawing envy from peers in various industries.

Never having lost in a battle with anyone, dealing in business was, for Lin Wanrong, as simple as could be, especially since it was his old trade. He had lived two lifetimes, witnessed three thousand people, wooed women, fought wars, killed men, played cunning games, and swindled. Whether it was something he should do or not, nothing was left undone. With his experience, what could possibly baffle him?

After reading the news reported from various regions and Jinling, he approved what needed approval and rewarded what needed rewarding. His handling of matters was clear-cut and orderly, even surpassing the Eldest Miss.

The young maid Huan'er watched with great astonishment and said, "This is Brother San's true skill. Once he returned to his old trade, our Xiao family was blessed. Second Miss, Huan'er offers you her congratulations."

Second Miss pouted, "You little girl, just a moment ago, you didn't even ask what was right or wrong and scolded him so badly. Luckily, he's good-natured. If it were me, I would have spanked your little bottom to bits."

Huan'er stuck out her tongue, ‘When Brother San wasn't here, weren't you the one complaining the most, Second Miss? How did you change so quickly after hearing a few kind words from him?’

"Yes, yes, I wronged Brother San," Huan'er chuckled, "I was just looking out for the two young misses! Second Miss, when should I prepare the wedding clothes and red robes for you? Brother San is quite impatient; I'm afraid he might not be able to wait."

Xiao Yuruo's little face turned bright red as she spat lightly, "Silly girl, it seems you're the one who's anxious. When you were scolding him earlier, it looked like he had let you down. If you can't wait, you can go warm his bed first. When it comes to sharing his affection, you won't be left out."

The mistress and servant teased each other, but their joy was evident. Seeing Lin San work hard, Second Miss tenderly served him tea and water herself. Si De, who was assisting Brother San, watched with envy, thinking, ‘A servant doing the master's work, and the young miss serving tea – when will such good fortune fall upon me?’

Because the Eldest Miss was invited by the Emperor, Madam fell ill, and Brother San disappeared, the Xiao family was left without a head, and Second Miss had to be called back reluctantly. Having spent a long time at the academy, Xiao Yushuang had matured and become sensible. Upon hearing of her family's misfortunes, although her heart was filled with grief, she persevered and managed things quite well.

Lin Wanrong, seeing the small abacus on the counter and recalling Yushuang's vow, smiled and asked, "Second Miss, you've been in the academy for a long time. How have you been learning the art of calculation?"

Yuruo playfully moved the beads on the abacus, making a rattling sound, and charmingly complained, "Do you even need to ask? Except for that Cheng Dawei, I'm the best student. Even Mr. Xu praised me for being clever and quick-witted. Look, three down five except two, four down five go one…"

Second Miss's face was full of smiles, her fingers nimble as she demonstrated her skill. Indeed, she was an excellent candidate for an accountant. Thinking of the young man named Cheng Dawei, Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded. Calculation was the foundation of natural science; teaching this young man the essentials of bead arithmetic so that he could carry it forward was, perhaps, a small contribution he could make to Great Hua.

"Lin San, I have a question for you." Second Miss remembered something and suddenly stopped moving the abacus beads. "That Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, was it really destroyed by your hand?"

Even the Second Miss had asked about this matter, revealing the extraordinary influence of the sacred institution. Lin Wanrong nodded, "I suppose so, but to be precise, it was destroyed by their own hands. Second Miss, why do you ask about this?"

"You,” Xiao Yushuang, looked at him helplessly, her face filled with warmth, "You are truly capable of anything. The academy was turned upside down over this matter. Everyone divided into two factions, those attacking you and those supporting you, arguing to the point of almost coming to blows."

"Is that so? Second Miss, please tell me, what were they supporting, and what were they opposing?" Lin Wanrong became quite interested upon hearing this. The Capital Academy was the grand school of the land, filled with the elite of the elite. The fact that they argued so fiercely was indeed a great pleasure to him.

Seeing his delighted expression, Yushuang scolded, "You can still laugh about it? When I heard about it that day, I was nearly worried to death. Just by hearing the name, I knew it was you. There's no one else in the world as daring as Lin San. You bombarded that sacred institution, and the teachers and students of the academy instantly divided into two factions. One side accused you of reckless arrogance, daring to insult the sacred place in the hearts of scholars everywhere. They even talked about petitioning the Emperor together to punish you severely. These were venerable and respected scholars teaching political theory, history, poetry, and prose, and their fame was known throughout the land."

Lin Wanrong smiled dismissively, "What about the other side?"

"The other side consists of us, the students learning all kinds of extraordinary techniques. Those studying mathematics, agriculture, metallurgy, and also military strategy." Second Miss shook her head, laughing, "What we learn is considered unworthy of public display, incompatible with others studying poetry, history, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and without status in the school. Hearing that you bombarded the sacred institution and planned to transform it into a school to teach all these various arts, offering great prizes to reward talented artisans and thinkers, everyone was thrilled and overjoyed, spontaneously forming a faction to support you, fighting against the other side."

"But they couldn't beat us," Second Miss giggled, covering her lips, "Our people are proficient in mechanical calculations, all clever and skillful, while all they could do was reason with us, quoting classics and giving long speeches that would make one's ears grow calluses, yet without making any clear point. Why, when we are all people of the land, should they be considered above us?"

Lin Wanrong burst into hearty laughter, proud of the influence he'd had, "Second Miss, you hit the nail on the head. This world belongs to the people, not the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. The so-called sacred institution is only representative of those great scholars and aristocrats. It's quite normal for the students in the Capital Academy, who study these extraordinary skills and are mostly from humble backgrounds, to be indifferent to the sacred institution."

After resting for a moment, listening to Second Miss's sweet voice narrate interesting stories from the school, everything felt relaxed and pleasant. Suddenly, her expression tightened, and she firmly grabbed his hand, "Lin San, you told Si De earlier that you are going to the front line to fight the nomads. Is it true or false?"

Lin Wanrong sighed, his expression incredibly serious as he spoke, "Second Miss, I have a question for you. If there was a man, somewhat clever and somewhat lucky, having accomplished many things, and everyone looked up to him, hoping he could contribute to the country. But he himself knew that his true abilities fell far short. If he hastily accepted the task, he might jeopardize national affairs. If you were him, what would you do?"

Yushuang pondered for a moment and shook her head, saying, "I am not well-versed in military and national affairs. However, since everyone praises him, and he has done many good deeds, it's impossible to say that he has only small cleverness and no great wisdom. If he is concerned about causing harm to the country because of himself, he is not a foolish person. With this motivation, how could he jeopardize the country? In my view, he is quite intelligent and capable of significant responsibility."

Lin Wanrong's face broke into a smile upon hearing this, playfully teasing the young girl, "So, if I go to the front lines, do you want me to go?"

Tears welled in Second Miss's eyes, and she nestled in his arms, clutching him tightly, "Of course I don't want you to go. In the battle at the front lines, swords and spears have no eyes. If you are harmed even slightly, I will not go on living."

Though she was young, her emotions were sincere. Lin Wanrong was moved, and as he was about to speak, Yushuang's delicate finger touched his lips, her tears glinting, "But a good man's ambition knows no bounds, and if you must go, I won't stop you. My sister and I will wait for you forever. If you live, I live; if you die, I die!"

The emotions in Lin Wanrong's heart were beyond words. He hugged her, comforting her earnestly. This little girl couldn't hide anything, and after hearing some jokes, her worries vanished. She served him cheerfully in his office, giving him sweet smiles now and then, dispelling Lin San's fatigue and filling him with energy.

Having dealt with all the major and minor affairs of the Xiao family, Lin Wanrong looked up to find that the day was drawing to a close. Shaking his sore wrist, he sighed, ‘Eldest Miss really has it tough. Handling all these matters alone for so many years, I don't know how she managed.’

Qingxuan would undoubtedly be staying in the palace that night, as father and daughter had much to discuss. He sent Si De to deliver messages to Qiaoqiao and Ning'er, each wife replying with a letter. Qiaoqiao's handwriting was elegant and neat, "At noon, the Emperor issued a decree, sending Gao Qiu to guard our home with palace guards. Big brother, please take good care of the two Young Misses and the Madam, and don't worry about us."

Gao Qiu has come? Lin Wanrong was delighted, ‘He's a familiar face. With him here, I'm reassured. I wonder if this is Qingxuan's arrangement or the Emperor intentionally trying to please me.’

Miss Luo's reply was much simpler, only a faint red kiss mark on the pure white paper, reminiscent of Ning'er's bright little mouth. It was indeed a letter that matched its sender. Lin Wanrong's heart fluttered. This little vixen didn't write a word; calling her to warm the bed tonight, would she be willing or not?

"What are you looking at? You haven't even lit the lamp?" A soft voice rang in the room, and the one who entered was Madam Xiao, whom he had seen at noon. Compared to earlier, she was now dressed much more modestly, her pale pink gown enhancing her elegant and graceful appearance. Her figure seemed more upright and full. She lit a match and ignited the oil lamp. In the dim lamp's glow, her face appeared as radiant as peach blossoms, revealing her charm.

"I didn't see anything." Lin Wanrong tucked the letter from the foxy Ning’er into his bosom and laughed, saying, "Madam, you've just recovered from a severe illness; you should be resting. Why are you up?"

"You remember that I've just recovered from a severe illness?" Madam Xiao looked at him helplessly, lightly coughed, and her face flushed with a hint of anger, "I see you're like a cat crying over a mouse. Who angered me with their words this noon?"

"Is Madam referring to me?" Lin Wanrong widened his eyes, feigning innocence, "What have I done? I've been dizzy from working all afternoon, and I don't remember anything I shouldn't."

Madam Xiao was well-acquainted with his shameless tactics, so she wasn't surprised by his words. She smiled faintly and said, "No need to boast in front of me. It's your duty to work in my house. Moreover, you've deceived and taken away my two daughters. What else do you want? Do you expect to be worshiped like a Bodhisattva?"

It seems like Madam bears some resentment towards him; her cold words have increased since he returned. But it was understandable, as he had stolen her two precious daughters. Sadness was inevitable.

"Ah, Madam, what's this?" Seeing Madam holding a porcelain cup and smelling a faint fragrance, Lin Wanrong asked in surprise.

"Nothing much, just a cup of bird's nest soup." Madam sighed slightly, "I've raised my daughter so well, and yet she turns against me. She prepared the bird's nest and then went to take care of your daily necessities, making me bring you food. Tell me, shouldn't I be annoyed?"

"Annoyed, of course you should be!" Lin Wanrong laughed, accepting the small cup, tasting it, and the light sweetness danced down his throat, intoxicating him, "But you see, I'm not a stranger. It's a waste to have such good things lying around unused at home. It's better to favor me. As the saying goes, 'the nourishing water should not be allowed to flow into others' fields.' That's exactly the point."

"What nourishing water not flowing into others' fields? You're quite shameless," Madam chuckled, glancing over the letters from various places on the table, surprised to find key points marked with circles. The replies were concise and powerful—Read! Send to Madam!

"You've already approved them. Do you need me to go through them again?" Madam shook her head, smiling, becoming more amazed as she continued, "Lin San, where did you learn these business tactics?"

"This is called 'marking points,'" Lin Wanrong shamelessly declared, "I only leave the decisions to Madam that I agree with; the others, I reject. As for business skills—natural talent!"

Madam had no time to respond, busily going through the documents on the table. The papers Lin San had agreed to were one thing, but what was strange were those he had rejected. With just a few words, he often pointed out a new path, inexplicable but possible to explore. It truly opened one's eyes and astonished.

Madam's expression was focused, graceful, her delicate face as translucent as crystal. Her eyebrows tightened and relaxed at times, her face now worried, now smiling, various emotions intermingling. Seeing her silence, Lin Wanrong was content with the peace, savoring the bird's nest soup, but thinking about when to cut a piece of the ginseng sent by Dae Jang Geum and add it to the bird's nest to see the effect.

"Sometimes, I must thank Yushuang, that girl." Madam closed the letter and sighed with a smile, "If not for her foresight in bringing you into my Xiao family, I would have missed out on such a great talent, and the Xiao family wouldn't have flourished as it is today. Although, the price was high, costing me my two daughters, and allowing them to fall into your clutches."

"Pain brings pleasure," Lin Wanrong said with a roguish smile. "It's called a win-win situation; no one loses."

What more could be said at this point? Madam shook her head and started to walk out. When she reached the door, she turned back suddenly, "Lin San, Yushuang tells me you're thinking of moving back to the Xiao residence?"

"I haven't decided—"

"Come back sooner," Madam sighed lightly. "It's rare for the Xiao family to find a reliable man like you. Inside and outside the residence, everyone has become accustomed to having you around. These past few days when you were out, the house seemed lifeless."

These words would have meant little coming from someone else, but from Madam's mouth, it was a genuine compliment, "Thank you for the praise, Madam. I will strive harder to achieve even greater glory—Oh, Madam, why are you leaving so quickly?"

Before he could finish expressing his loyalty, Madam Xiao had already walked far away, seemingly unwilling to listen to his nonsense. He helplessly tasted the bird's nest soup again. It was delicious!

After working at the Xiao residence, he felt a bit fatigued, but his mind was exceptionally clear. Yushuang was right; he was not a man without talent. He wasn't afraid to go to battle; avoiding it only made him seem less of a man. He had mostly taken care of the matters in the capital, found Qingxuan, and settled the marriage issues for Eldest Miss and Second Miss. Once he resolved the quarrels between Xian'er and Qingxuan, the home front would be unified and stable. When the time came, he could ask the Emperor for a hundred or so skilled guards to stand by his side on the battlefield. Even if they lost a battle, the guards would hold off the enemy, and he could escape back home to his wives with ease.

Going to war was not like other matters; a retreat plan was essential. He considered his strategies well laid out, ensuring his safety, and this made him feel more at ease about leading troops into battle.

Regarding Lu Dongzan, though he was still outraged, he gradually calmed down. What was done was done, and complaining was useless. If he could catch him once, he could catch him again. He feared nothing.

However, the situation with Eldest Miss was difficult, and thinking of the Emperor's three-day deadline made his head ache. That old man was as stubborn as him. It was truly vexing, even Qingxuan didn't care about him taking more wives! Madam and Yushuang both looked forward to Eldest Miss's return, and he knew he had to think of more ways to handle it.

After dinner, he couldn't find Second Miss anywhere. He asked Huan'er and Si De, and both were unaware of her whereabouts. This was strange; the residence was not that large, and where could Yushuang have flown to?

With a deep sense of bewilderment, he entered his room and was immediately taken aback. The room was cleaned and neat, spotless, with a pink silk curtain dividing it in the middle, gently swaying, its tassels making a soft sound, adding warmth. Looking beyond the curtain, the small bed he usually slept in had been replaced by a sturdy rosewood bed, spacious and strong, suitable for any activity. The bed was adorned with yellow and pink curtains, adding an element of allure.

Had he mistakenly entered the wrong room? The surprise in his heart was evident. As he was about to take a step, he suddenly heard a hurried breath from behind the curtain.

"Where has the Second Miss gone?" He whispered to himself with a slight smile, "It feels like ages since I last saw her. I miss her so much it hurts."

The breathing grew more rapid, as if one could hear the pounding of a heart. Lin Wanrong sighed sorrowfully, "Second Miss, where are you? I miss you so much I can't sleep."

A soft chuckle came from behind the curtain. Xiao Yushuang couldn't hold back any longer, her face flushed as she teased, "You fool, what nonsense are you spouting? When did you ever miss me so much that you couldn't sleep?"

"Ah, Second Miss, why are you hiding here?" Master Lin looked as if he'd seen a ghost, taking two steps back, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh no, you heard everything I said. How will I ever face anyone now?"

"Annoying!" The Second Miss, her face glowing, playfully threw a small pillow at him. Lin Wanrong caught it with a laugh. The pillowcase was brand new, embroidered on the front with a pair of mandarin ducks. Turning it over, he burst into laughter, for the other side had an embroidered lazy bear.

"Second Miss, you truly are imaginative," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, giving Yushuang a meaningful glance. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she lunged at him, trying to tickle him. "That's for laughing at me!"

He finally took a moment to admire her. The Second Miss wore a pink dress, her eyebrows delicate, her eyes bright, her nose pert, and her lips as red as cherries. She exuded joy from every pore. Her chest was proudly raised, her waist slender, and her curvaceous hips hinted at maturity. Her long legs accentuated her graceful figure, reminiscent of a newly bloomed lotus floating in clear water.

Lin Wanrong was utterly entranced. ‘She's only seventeen and already so enchanting. When she reaches her mother's age, she'll be absolutely irresistible.’

Noticing Lin San's gaze lingering on her, especially on her chest and hips, the Second Miss blushed deeply. Yet, she unconsciously puffed out her chest, allowing him to admire her. With rosy cheeks and misty eyes, she whispered, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Indeed, why was he just staring? It was time to act. Sensing the signals from the Second Miss, Lin Wanrong embraced her tightly, his hand gently caressing her back. "Yushuang, you look stunning. You've completely captivated me. I won't be able to sleep tonight. It's better not to meet than to be tormented like this after seeing you."

His sweet words came naturally, and at her tender age, the Second Miss was completely taken in. She blushed even more but listened intently, hanging on to every word. Feeling his hand slide down her waist, she felt a warmth throughout her body but let him take the advantage.

"Second Miss, when did you sneak in here? I searched for you all night and couldn't find you. I almost went to the Madam to ask for you." His flattery came effortlessly, unfairly implicating Madam Xiao.

“After preparing the room for you, I felt a bit tired, so I took a nap on the bed. Don't misunderstand, I, I didn't come looking for you on purpose," said the Second Miss, her face as red as rouge, even her ears were flushed through.

This was a clear case of the guilty party protesting his innocence. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "I understand, I understand. Second Miss surely didn't come on purpose; she must have walked into the wrong room. Second Miss, where is your room? I might walk into the wrong one tomorrow. What, you sleep in the same room as Madam? Never mind then."

As he spoke, his hands were not idle, caressing her small buttocks, as smooth as milk. He buried his head in her chest, feeling the soft protrusion, the fine warmth, and suddenly laughed, "Yushuang, you've really grown up. At least two sizes bigger. Eh, the left one seems a little bigger than the right one, could there be some development issues? Let me examine it closely."

As he spoke, his hand slyly reached for her chest. Second Miss blushed feverishly, quickly covering her chest with both hands, and gave him an annoyed glance, "You little thief, you're completely wicked. Mother says I can't let you take advantage until we're married."

"Is that so?" Lin Wanrong sighed, "Then I'll wait until I return from the battlefield. It won't take too long, just a year or so."

Second Miss, shocked, tightly grabbed his hand, "You, you are really going?"

Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "If something is destined for me to do, I will not shirk. Life is like being r*p*d; if you can't resist, you might as well enjoy the pleasure."

Tears welled in Second Miss's eyes, and she grasped his big hand, pressing it to her chest, a fiery sensation turning her face red, "Wicked man, I promised myself to you, forever waiting for you. If you want to touch, touch to your heart's content, I won't tell Mother."

‘I'm a beast, I'm worse than a beast,’ Lin San thought, as he stroked her chest twice, his face full of shame. He withdrew his hand and chuckled twice, "Just joking with you, I'm not that kind of person."

The young girl nodded, suddenly pressing herself into his hand, hugged him tightly, then quickly stepped back, blushing all over, "How do you like the room I prepared for you? It took me several days to do it, I started organizing it yesterday."

"Good, very good," Lin San laughed, flipping over the mandarin duck pillow, "I love this teddy bear the most."

"Really?" Second Miss's eyes lit up with joy, "I embroidered this bear myself, and my elder sister embroidered the mandarin ducks. So you mean you like me more? That won't do, you must be fair. She's my own sister."

Another twist? Lin Wanrong was taken aback.

Second Miss's face was flushed, and she plucked up the courage to whisper in his ear, "The dress I'm wearing has a little bear embroidered on it too. When you come back from the war, I'll wear it for you."

Your dress? Lin Wanrong looked up and down; there were no bears, only flowers and grass.

"Dummy!" Second Miss punched him, her face as bright as the morning glow. She rushed out the door with a flash, casting a glance back at him, a mix of coyness, shyness, and resentment.

Oh dear, what a failure! Lin Wanrong slapped his hands together in annoyance. ‘How have I become so inept?’ he thought. ‘I've regressed so noticeably, wasting all of Second Miss's efforts. You really can't underestimate the courage of these girls.’

He had spoken with Second Miss for a while, and although he had mostly taken advantage of the situation, there were moments of warmth and emotion. Lying in bed, he couldn't help but daydream. "If one day I go to the battlefield, I'm afraid I'll never find such touching moments again. Where is Ning'er? Why hasn't she come yet?"

Tossing and turning in bed, he drifted into a haze, not knowing what time he fell asleep. Suddenly, he felt a chill around his neck, but thought nothing of it. Turning over, he reached out to embrace the figure, saying, "Ning'er, you foxy temptress, why are you still wearing so many clothes?"

His hand had only reached halfway when he felt the chill tighten around his neck, a slight pain emerging. His drowsiness vanished, and his eyes snapped open to see a faintly pretty face before him.

The woman was dressed in white, her face without makeup, her brows like distant mountains, and her eyes like autumn waters. Her cherry-red lips were set in a pale face that was touched with vulnerability. Her expression was indifferent, and in her hand, she held a sword of autumn water, pressing it firmly against Lin Wanrong's throat, the tip almost piercing into his skin.

Lin Wanrong was stunned, his eyes widening in shock and joy. Suddenly, he yelled, "Fairy Sister, where have you been? I've missed you to death!"

As he spoke, his throat moved, and the sword's tip broke his skin. Although it was a shallow wound, it drew blood. Ning Yuxi's expression remained calm, showing no intention of withdrawing.

The piercing pain in his throat jolted Lin Wanrong awake. ‘I haven't seen blood in a long time. I never thought that Fairy Ning would come to kill me today,’ he thought with a look of despair, waving his hand in resignation. "Fairy Sister, you saved my life once. If you want to kill me now, just do it. If I even frown, I'm not Qingxuan's husband."

Fairy Ning's expression did not change. She coldly stared at him, the sword's tip inching further in. Sweat beads rolled down Lin Wanrong's forehead, and he could almost taste the approach of death. ‘Damn it, I don't have to die on the battlefield now. That relieves many of my worries.’

He had faced life-and-death situations before, but none as perplexing and difficult as today. If Ning Yuxi had spoken, he would have had a fifty percent chance of saving himself. But Fairy Ning was like a person turned to stone, silent and emotionless. He had no choice but to lament.

"Big Brother—" a trembling voice called from outside the door. It was Luo Ning's voice. Fairy Ning's sword stopped abruptly, just a fingertip's distance from his most vital artery.

“Ning'er,” Lin Wanrong said, tears filling his eyes. ‘Good girl, your call came at just the right moment. If your husband survives this catastrophe, I'll spoil you three times a day.’

"Tell her to leave!" Fairy Ning finally spoke, her voice cold as iron, but to Lin Wanrong, it was heavenly music. ‘As long as you speak, I have a fifty percent chance of surviving.’

"Lin San, are you asleep?" Madame Xiao's voice sounded outside the door. "Miss Luo says she has urgent business with you. She also said that if she doesn't find you, you'll be unable to sleep all night."

‘This little vixen, still trying to seduce me at this time?’ Lin Wanrong was torn between laughter and tears, wondering why Ning'er was so late. Then he remembered that she knew no martial arts, and besides entering through the main door, she had no other way. Her courage to rush here to warm his bed was already commendable, let alone saving his life temporarily.

He glanced at Ning Yuxi, noticing that her expression remained unchanged, but her sword was once again pressing closer.

"Ning'er, I'm alright." Under someone's roof, one must bow one's head, Lin Wanrong called out, "Under my bed, there's a cucumber with my name carved on it. You can use it for now and tell Qingxuan to instruct the kitchen chef not to kill the cucumber. Go back quickly."

"What cucumber? What nonsense?" Madam frowned and laughed at his words.

Miss Luo was also puzzled about her husband's intention with the cucumber. That her lecherous big brother stayed in his room and didn't come out was strange enough, let alone his random calling for cucumbers and Qingxuan.

"If that's the case, I'll go find my sister." Although Luo Ning didn't understand his intentions, she knew her big brother well enough to know this was no ordinary matter. Since he insisted on finding her sister, she mustn't delay. Being decisive, she turned and walked away.

Once their footsteps had faded, and everyone had gone, Ning Yuxi snorted without expression, "You think Qingxuan can save you?"

‘Only a fool would think that way; I'm saving myself.’ With just one word from the fairy, his chances of escape increased. Lin Wanrong was no ordinary man, his expression unchanged, he sighed, "My heart is dead; no one can save me. Fairy sister, I've died once at Qingxuan's hands and once at Sister An's hands. Now it's your turn. In truth, even if I die a hundred more times, I won't be frightened. Kill me; I've already become numb and have nothing to care about."

He closed his eyes, silent, his face wearing a strange expression, neither crying nor laughing, as if he had truly seen through the mortal world, his expression extremely calm.

"You think you can play games with me?" Ning Yuxi slightly raised her wrist, a sword light accompanied by a whooshing sound aimed directly at his neck. Lin Wanrong felt a chill to the bone, suddenly opened his eyes, "Fairy Sister—"

His eyes sparkled like lightning, Ning Yuxi was taken aback, her hand unconsciously slowed, "I'll never let you go. If you have any last words, get it over with; I'll give you a quick death."

"It's not really a last word." Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, his expression filled with reminiscence and bitterness, "Life is like a dream. The process of knowing you, Sister, is even more mysterious like a dreamland. Initially, a misunderstanding made us enemies, but gradually, after you saved me several times, we got to know each other. During the trip to Shandong, you, the fairy, accompanied me all the way, even risking your life to save mine. I once swore that, in my lifetime, I would never be against you again. But the fate of life is not in our control, as if heaven is playing with us. My acquaintance with Fairy Sister began with killing and ends with killing. It's like drawing a circle, starting and ending in the same place. Even if you kill me, I will not resent. Dead, dead, dying once ends it all. Sister, please act quickly to avoid Qingxuan's arrival and spoil your mood."

He spoke with determination, his demeanor full of masculine fortitude. Fairy Ning faced him with cold brows, as though she hadn't heard his words at all. Her icy sword stirred a chilling wind as it whooshed past, striking beside his neck with a swish.

With a loud "boom," the sword grazed his neck, and Lin Wanrong felt a surge of hot blood, his body as light and soaring as a swallow.

Dead, he was dead, his soul had left his body. His whole body broke into a cold sweat, wanting to scream but unable to utter a sound. Struggling to look down, he was instantly overcome with wild joy.

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