Finest Servant

Chapter 445 What Is That?

"How could we allow this?" Luo Ning was startled and quickly grasped her sister's hand. "Sister, you're pregnant; how could you travel around like this? Let me go instead. I've been friends with Zhiqing for a long time; she would certainly do me this favor."

"It's not a matter of personal favors," Xiao Qingxuan gently shook her head and sighed. "Ning'er, do you know why I secretly stopped My Dear from meeting Miss Xu a few days ago?"

"Ah, you wanted to keep a tighter rein on big brother, didn't you?" Luo Ning cautiously ventured. She had known Xu Zhiqing since childhood and was naturally inclined to speak in her favor.

Xiao Qingxuan smiled and shook her head. "Restraining him is only a pretext—just to keep him in check. You know his personality; even gods descending from the heavens would find it hard to control him. I've only met this Miss Xu a few times. She is indeed flawless in character and appearance, but one thing left a deep impression on me—her personality. You don’t know, Ning'er, when My Dear and I were reunited at the Fairy Hall, it was a moment of both joy and sorrow. Anyone else would have slipped away, leaving us some private time. But this Miss Xu was different; she not only stayed by My Dear's side but also openly flirted with him in front of me. Her intention was clear: she wanted to outdo me."

Luo Ning was stunned. She could only imagine what it felt like for her sister to be emotionally stirred upon reuniting with her brother, only to have another woman make advances on him in her presence. No wonder Xiao Qingxuan had been so indifferent towards Xu Zhiqing.

Xiao Qingxuan gave a bitter smile. "I'm not a vindictive person, and I rarely hold grudges. But this incident reveals Miss Xu's nature—she's independent and assertive, unwilling to concede to others. Perhaps she is waiting for me to come and beg her now."

Luo Ning didn't know what to say and sighed quietly. "Zhiqing's personality is tied to her past experiences. She lost her fiancé even before their wedding night and later took up arms herself. If she weren’t strong and independent, how could she have persevered until now? Big brother will inevitably have dealings with her if he's going to the northern frontlines—"

Xiao Qingxuan walked a few steps and pondered for a moment before finally saying, "This is exactly what I’m worried about. Miss Xu's personality can be described as strong, but being too strong can lead to stubbornness. If My Dear were to go to the battlefield with her someday, who knows what might happen."

Luo Ning was speechless; her sister had a point. Experience shaped personality, and she knew Xu Zhiqing's temperament all too well.

"Sister, will you still ask Zhiqing to save big brother?"

"Ask? Of course, I'll ask," Xiao Qingxuan affirmed, her expression resolute. "Nothing is more important than My Dear. Even if I have to serve tea and water, I'll still ask Miss Xu to make the trip. Ning'er, you stay here and take good care of My Dear." She paused, hesitated for a moment, and then handed a telescope to Luo Ning. "You keep this for now. Remember, only use it if something happens to My Dear. Don't use it for any other reason."

"Why?" Luo Ning looked at her quizzically.

Miss Xiao bit her lip, her cheeks flushed. She lowered her head and spoke softly, "I've heard that the telescope made by Westerners has a restriction; it can only be used three times a day. If you use up those opportunities, it will be much more difficult for us to save My Dear."

Startled, Luo Ning quickly waved her hands, "Then I won't look for now. I'll just talk to big brother here, and I’ll take a good look at him when he comes back."

The cruel deceiver. Tears welled up in Miss Xiao's eyes, causing her heart to ache. She hurriedly turned her head away, gave a hum, and climbed into her sedan chair. The chair set off at once, hastily descending the mountain. Hu Bugui, who was keenly observant, already knew that Princess Chuyun had considerable influence over General Lin. He immediately arranged for a team of cavalry to escort her, led by Xu Zhen, as they followed the general's wife.

The sun was brilliant, the spring scenery splendid. Despite the bustling streets, Miss Xiao had no heart to enjoy it. Urging the sedan chair forward, they had just reached the gates of the Lin Mansion when they heard a guard shout, "Who dares obstruct the Princess's path?"

A voice tinged with both urgency and trembling came forth, "Is Princess Chuyun in this sedan chair?" The woman's voice was crisp, and she sounded young. Miss Xiao lifted the curtain to find a small troop of soldiers, their weapons gleaming, blocking a young girl.

The girl looked to be about sixteen or seventeen, dressed in a pink shirt. Her lips were red and her teeth white; despite her pallor, her natural beauty remained. She exuded an inexplicable charm, like a flower that had bloomed in the morning—given time, she would surely become a great beauty.

Who was this girl, and why did she look so familiar? Confused, Miss Xiao couldn’t recall where she'd seen her before.

Desperately clutching the soldiers' weapons, the girl was on the brink of tears. "Princess, I need to see the Princess!" she cried out.

Before Miss Xiao could respond, a figure burst forth from inside the Lin Mansion, grabbing the girl’s sleeve, "Second Miss, don’t disturb the Princess. She’s back now and will surely inform you of Mr. Lin's whereabouts."

The man who rushed out would certainly excite Lin Wanrong if he saw him. It was Gao Qiu, the leader of the guards assigned to protect the Lin Mansion by royal decree. He had accompanied Lin Wanrong and Xiao Yuruo all the way back from Hangzhou and was very familiar with Lin Wanrong.

Second Miss? Miss Xiao nodded slightly. The young girl bore some resemblance to her sister, which explained her sense of familiarity. It was this Second Miss who had introduced Lin Wanrong to the Xiao family and had even shielded him from the swords of the White Lotus Sect. Lin San’s rise to prominence had started with her, and even Xiao Qingxuan's own marriage to Lin Wanrong could be partially credited to this young girl. Grateful and delighted to see how bright and attractive the young girl had grown, Miss Xiao waved her hand, signaling the guards to lower their weapons.

"You're calling for me, little sister?" A clear, composed voice with an indescribable air of grace resonated beside Xiao Yushuang.

Second Miss lifted her gaze for a moment, and instantly found herself stunned. A woman gracefully stepped out from the palanquin. She wore a satin yellow gown, her figure alluring, her eyebrows reminiscent of distant mountains, and her eyes like autumn water. She radiated an ethereal air that set her apart, utterly entrancing everyone around her.

"You, you are—" As her eyes met Xiao Qingxuan's stunning face, Xiao Yushuang seemed to lose her train of thought and murmured, "Sister, you are incredibly beautiful."

The word "sister" filled Xiao Qingxuan's heart with joy. She quickly took Yushuang's small hand and offered a slight smile. "Dear sister, you are truly charming. Were you waiting for me here?"

Meanwhile, Gao Qiu bowed deeply, then said, "Princess, you've finally returned. Ever since Miss Qiaoqiao and Miss Luo left, Second Miss has been standing outside the mansion, waiting for news of you. This is already the fourth day. I've not seen her rest for even a moment."

Xiao Yushuang looked haggard. Upon seeing Miss Xiao's unparalleled beauty, her eyes dimmed as she lowered her head and softly said, "Sister, are you the princess? You truly are a fairy. I hate that bad guy for telling me this—I didn't believe him and even dared to compare myself with you. How ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"

Her tears flowed freely, her body swaying as if she would fall. Xiao Qingxuan was shocked and quickly embraced her. "Dear sister, what are you talking about? In My Dear's eyes, you are a little fairy. I am also grateful to you."

Second Miss's tears streamed down, her red lips broken and slowly oozing blood. She stubbornly turned her head away, refusing to let anyone see her tears, her voice trembling, "Sister Princess, how is that scoundrel from our house? Has anyone hurt him?"

Seeing Second Miss's stubborn demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan felt a surge of pity rise in her heart. She embraced her and said, "Don't worry, your scoundrel is safe and sound, currently enjoying himself."

Xiao Yushuang nodded, tears spilling over. "Sister Princess, may I, may I see him? Please don't misunderstand, I have no other intention, I just want to see him."

Second Miss choked silently, her small hand covering her cheek tightly, "That scoundrel is not here, our house is in total disarray. Mother is sick, sister is gone, and I—I can't hold on anymore. I miss him—no, I don’t miss him—I—"

She had met Xiao Qingxuan, and upon seeing Miss Xiao's angelic beauty, her emotions were shattered. Muttering incoherently, she could no longer contain her sorrow and suddenly burst into loud sobs.

Xiao Qingxuan was deeply moved, her eyes wet as she patted her on the shoulder, "Yushuang, don't worry. Once I'm done with my tasks here, I'll take you to see him."

Xiao Yushuang could hardly believe her ears. She abruptly looked up, her face still streaked with tears. "Sister, are you serious?" Seeing Xiao Qingxuan nodding affirmatively, Xiao Yushuang stood in a daze for a moment, and then suddenly threw herself into her arms, sobbing loudly, "Sister, thank you. I miss that scoundrel, I miss him so much—"

Having waited in front of Lin's mansion for four days and nights without sleep, Xiao Yushuang finally had her wish fulfilled. Relieved, her body went limp, like a rigid stone, falling backward.

Xiao Qingxuan acted swiftly, reaching out to catch her. Xiao Yushuang's body softened, and she nestled in Miss Xiao's arms, her eyes slightly closed, finally falling into a gentle slumber.

What a tragedy! Staring at the sweet smile on Xiao Yushuang's sleeping face, her eyelashes still wet with unshed tears, Xiao Qingxuan silently shook her head. "Such a young girl already evokes my pity; what then of my naturally passionate husband?"

Having settled Xiao Yushuang in the fragrant chamber of her carriage, Xiao Qingxuan turned to ask the tall guard, "Officer Gao, have you seen Qiaoqiao?"

"Miss Qiaoqiao is back?" Officer Gao shook his head in surprise. "I have not seen her."

The girl must still be at the Xu mansion. Miss Xiao nodded slightly and, without entering her own home, headed toward the adjacent Xu estate. Being of high standing, several servants were already kneeling at the Xu entrance to greet her. A quick scan revealed only stewards and servants; neither Xu Wei nor Xu Zhiqing were present.

It was the time of the morning court, so Xu Wei's absence was not surprising. However, not seeing Xu Zhiqing made her heart skip a beat.

"Sister, you've come," Qiaoqiao said, her eyes red. She stepped out from the Xu mansion and took her hand, her voice choked. "The servants and maids in the mansion said that Sister Zhiqing left for a trip a few days ago and has not returned. I didn't believe them, so I waited in her room all night, but she never appeared. My brother can't afford any delay. What should we do if Sister Xu is not home?"

"Not home? What a coincidence." Xiao Qingxuan was slightly taken aback. "When did she leave?"

"The servants said she left the day before yesterday," Qiaoqiao replied.

"The day before yesterday?" Xiao Qingxuan suddenly smiled, taking Qiaoqiao's hand and softly saying, "Then there's no need to worry."

"How can we not worry? My brother is on that perilous peak, underfed, cold, and on guard against your master. Each day's delay increases the danger," Qiaoqiao fretted.

"Danger? He probably doesn't know how happy and comfortable he is," Xiao Qingxuan said, biting back her own worries. "Silly little sister, do you really think Miss Xu has left?"

"She hasn't?" Qiaoqiao exclaimed, delighted.

Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "General Li Tai's army is set to march northward soon. Miss Xu, as a military strategist, wouldn't leave at this time. I suspect she's deliberately avoiding us."

"Avoiding us? That shouldn't be the case. We all know how fond Sister Xu is of my brother—" Qiaoqiao paused, looking like she wanted to say something but stopped.

Miss Xiao's eyes were cool as she scanned the Xu family's servants. Her gaze landed on a pretty young maid. She smiled slightly, "If I remember correctly, you're named Yuzhu, Miss Xu's personal maid, aren't you? Yuzhu, I suspect your mistress left a letter, didn't she?"

Yuzhu hastily knelt and offered a formal salute, raising a letter high in her hands, "Please forgive my deceit, Princess. My mistress gave instructions before she left: If the Princess inquires, present this letter; if not, burn it on the spot."

Burn it on the spot? Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and chuckled softly. ‘Miss Xu is indeed stubborn, already matching wits with me.’ Qiaoqiao quickly took the letter from her, and Miss Xiao opened the envelope. A quick glance revealed that the letter was brief and to the point. Only four concise characters (five words) were elegantly penned— "Return to the mountain immediately!"

—---

"What are you doing?" Fairy Ning leaned quietly against him, watching as he carefully ground down the bamboo joint to fashion it into a tube. One eye was aimed into the tube as he looked around.

"Making a simple telescope—to peek at sister taking a bath!" Lin Wanrong giggled and planted a kiss on her crystal-clear cheek.

"You annoying thief!" Fairy Ning’s face flushed a vivid red. She remembered the night he had spied on her during her bath, her cheeks growing hotter. She pinched his arm and warned, "No more peeking from now on!"

"I don’t need to peek; I am a decent man," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. "Now I can look openly."

When it came to shameless matters, he always became more animated. Ning Yuxi muttered a soft 'tsk,' her face as beautiful as a blooming flower, but her heart relished the warmth.

Seeing that the bamboo joint was nearly ready, Lin Wanrong took out a small glass bottle from his pocket. The bottle contained a light blue liquid, only a little left. He held the bottle up to the sunlight, squinting at it, apparently focused on something.

"Is this perfume?" Fairy Ning scrutinized the small glass bottle and whispered.

Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. "This is called Orchid Perfume, perfectly suited for a lady of your delicate, orchid-like nature." He poured a drop onto Fairy Ning’s arm. Ning Yuxi took a gentle sniff—subtly fragrant, delicate and not greasy. The perfume lived up to its name.

Women loved beauty, and Fairy Ning was no exception. Delighted by the unique scent, Ning Yuxi took a deeper sniff. Just as she was smiling, her expression changed abruptly. She stared at the small bottle in her hand and sighed softly, "So, the perfume Qingxuan uses is this Orchid Perfume. Thief, did you give it to her?"

‘Women are indeed sensitive,’ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling as he grasped her hand. "This perfume has countless nuances and moods. No two are the same. When I plant a garden full of orchids, I'll create a perfume just for you—one of a kind in all the world."

Ning Yuxi responded with a soft "mm-hmm," lowering her head, lost in thought. Lin Wanrong gently tapped the bottle against a stone, shattering it. The perfume spilled onto the ground. He picked up two larger shards of glass and smiled at Fairy Ning, "Sister, let me show you a magic trick."

"What magic? Be careful not to cut your hand," Ning Yuxi sat on a rock, lazily and carefreely crossing her legs, looking like a teenage girl. Her clothes were already torn, revealing flashes of her smooth, jade-like skin. Even from a few steps away, Lin Wanrong could sense the luster and vitality of her legs.

"Thief," Ning Yuxi’s face flushed a beautiful shade of red as she looked at him and smiled gently. The sunlight cascaded on her face, casting a colorful glow.

Lin Wanrong hurriedly swallowed a mouthful of water, carefully placed a few dried leaves on the ground, and held a lens in his hand. He repeatedly adjusted the angle to capture the sunlight just right.

Ning Yuxi had no idea what he was doing. She watched as he crouched on the ground, completely absorbed in his task. He would occasionally glance at the leaves and then look up at the sun, sweating profusely in his anxiety. The sunlight glinted off the glass lens, almost blinding. As Ning Yuxi stared at him, a feeling of happiness she had never experienced before filled her heart.

"It's burning, it's burning!" Lin Wanrong suddenly shouted excitedly. Ning Yuxi looked down to see a small, bright white spot focused on one of the leaves. Wisps of smoke began to rise, and the leaf had indeed caught fire.

Still exuberant, Lin Wanrong waited for Ning Yuxi's reaction. When none came, he looked up to see her turned away, her shoulders shaking, her cheeks wet with tears.

"Sister, what's wrong?" Lin Wanrong quickly leapt to embrace her trembling shoulders.

Frustrated, Ning Yuxi pounded on his chest. Biting her lip, tears streamed down her face, "So, it seems I was just fooling myself. You can start a fire even without my fire starter. What use is it for me to keep it then?"

She pulled out the fire starter from her pocket and was about to throw it away when Lin Wanrong swiftly grabbed it from her hand. Annoyed, Ning Yuxi huffed and kicked a small stone into the abyss below.

Lin Wanrong stared at her tear-streaked face for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"What are you laughing at?" Ning Yuxi looked at him, both embarrassed and irritated.

Holding her tightly, Lin Wanrong gazed into her eyes and said softly, "Sister, you're becoming more and more like a woman, a real woman!"

"Have I really changed?" Ning Yuxi paused, her tears silently falling as she nestled further into his arms.

Lin Wanrong polished two pieces of lens and fitted them into a bamboo tube. Raising the makeshift telescope to his eyes, he could finally see figures on the opposite cliff. Although the faces were blurry, Lin Wanrong was elated, "Sister, come take a look. This is a telescope I made myself; I am a genius."

Taking the telescope, Ning Yuxi looked through it and then shook her head, laughing, "You are certainly full of tall tales. This telescope makes me dizzy and the view is unclear. I can see much further without it."

Given Ning Yuxi's extraordinary skills, her claim was not an exaggeration. Lin Wanrong uttered a disappointed, "Oh," and his spirits drooped. Feeling a softening in her heart, Ning Yuxi took his hand and said gently, "Among millions, only one might possess my abilities. Yet your telescope can give millions my gift of sight; you are truly the most amazing."

Seeing that Lin Wanrong was still downcast, she hesitated for a moment, then quickly pecked him on the cheek, her face flushed as she said, "You strange little thief, be content!"

Lin Wanrong felt as if his scheme had succeeded. Grinning, he started to play with the telescope again, looking in all directions. The smile on his face was so radiant, it simply couldn't be concealed.

"That little thief!" Ning Yuxi exclaimed with a mix of annoyance and affection, choosing not to say anything more.

The sky was clear, without a cloud in sight. Ning Yuxi looked ahead, her gaze settling on the cliff on the opposite side. At first, nothing seemed amiss, but gradually her expression changed. Suddenly, she grabbed Lin Wanrong's hand, her voice trembling as she said, "Little thief, what—what is that?"

"What are you talking about?" Lin Wanrong adjusted the angle of his telescope and saw a dark mass on the opposite cliff, though he couldn't make out the details.

Sensing something was off, he quickly closed his eyes to center himself. When he opened them again, this time he saw clearly: dozens of dark, sturdy cannon barrels aimed directly at them from across the cliff.

Lin Wanrong was terrified, "Cannons—"

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