Finest Servant

Chapter 477 The Swaying Palanquin

"Killing is so enjoyable," Qin Xian'er said, clapping her small hands with a smile, showing no sign of fear on her face. "It's been a while since I've killed anyone. I've missed it. Husband, who would you like me to kill? I'll do it for you."

My goodness, Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply. ‘My wife really doesn't have any qualms, treating killing as if it's child's play.’ But then again, Xian'er was originally a witch from the White Lotus Sect; she feared neither heaven nor earth. What was the big deal in killing a few people? He gently caressed Xian'er's silky hair and chuckled coldly, "Whoever dares to harm me, I will kill them."

A few days ago, Lin Wanrong had been injured, and Qin Xian'er was too anxious to think about who might be plotting against him in the shadows. Seeing that he was now out of danger, her mind started to become active again. She quickly nodded, "Husband, you're still injured. Let me handle this matter. Rest assured, I won't let the person who harmed you get away with it."

Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly, "This is not something that can be done alone. We all need to go together. I love a good group fight." Just as he was speaking, a soft rustling noise came from the courtyard below the embroidered building, followed by the sound of footsteps.

"Big Brother, are you asleep?" A tender voice called out from outside the door.

"No, no," Lin Wanrong hurriedly called out. "Little darling, come in quickly."

Dong Qiaoqiao's face flushed at hearing this, but her heart swelled with sweetness. Lifting the curtain, she entered and saw Qin Xian'er half-dressed, her body pressed tightly against Lin Wanrong's arm. Qin Xian'er's figure was voluptuous and curvy, her long hair cascading like a waterfall over her smooth, delicate shoulders. Her face flushed, she revealed two enchanting dimples. Truly, she was more enchanting than a flower.

"Darling, you're so naughty!" Though Qin Xian'er was bold and unrestrained, this was the first time she had been seen in such an intimate state with her husband by another woman. She couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Fortunately, the person was Dong Qiaoqiao, an old acquaintance from Jinling. She had always appreciated this young girl's gentle and obedient nature.

Seeing Qiaoqiao's red face and her eyes constantly scanning both her and Lin Wanrong, Miss Qin smiled gracefully, "Qiaoqiao, come closer. I'll make room for you so that my husband can pamper you."

As she spoke, she lightly tapped the pillow with her tender wrist. Her laughter rippled through the room. The swaying corner of the blanket caught the light, dazzling Lin Wanrong's eyes.

Though Qiaoqiao had served Lin Wanrong alongside Miss Luo, she remained extremely shy. Witnessing such a sensuous scene, she lowered her head and said softly, "Sister Xian'er, I didn't see anything—but Big Brother did."

Though they were like sisters behind closed doors, and seeing each other was no big deal, being teased by Qiaoqiao made Qin Xian'er blush. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she let out a small whimper and dived under the blanket, feeling both shy and delighted.

Lin Wanrong sneaked a touch on Xian'er's ample bosom and burst into hearty laughter. Grabbing Qiaoqiao's delicate hand, he said, "Little darling, why are you still awake so late? Did you miss me? It's been a long time since I've had the lotus seed porridge you make; I've been thinking about it a lot."

Qiaoqiao hummed in agreement and sat down beside him. "Madam is still busy," she said softly. "She's preparing another pot of ginseng and bird's nest soup for you to eat tomorrow morning. I've been assisting her. Big Brother, would you like some lotus seed porridge? I can make it for you now."

She rose to leave, but Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed her arm. Seeing the bloodshot whites of her eyes, evidence of days and nights without adequate rest, he felt a sudden pang of concern. "Silly girl, you need to take care of yourself. Big Brother loves your lotus seed porridge and wants to eat it for the rest of his life."

"Of course! I will always serve Big Brother!" Qiaoqiao's face lit up with joy, her small hands tightly gripping his. Had it not been for the presence of Qin Xian'er beside them, she would have already thrown herself into his embrace.

Among the women Lin Wanrong knew, Qiaoqiao had the most common background, yet her life experiences were the closest to his own. Compared to all the other young ladies, she was the most reliable and had been by his side the longest, always silently watching over him, causing his heart to ache for her.

A soft warmth filled Lin Wanrong's eyes as he whispered, "My little darling, once my injuries are healed, Big Brother will cook something delicious just for you. And no one is allowed to snatch it from you!"

His tone was firm, not caring that Qin Xian'er was beside them, displaying his deep affection for Qiaoqiao. "Big Brother—" her voice quivered as she burst into tears of joy, unable to restrain herself any longer as she threw herself into his arms. Being able to have a man like Big Brother cook for her made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world, and it made all her hardships worthwhile.

As Qin Xian'er listened to Lin Wanrong speak so affectionately to Qiaoqiao, she didn't feel jealous. She too loved the charming girl, and so how could she blame her husband who was naturally affectionate? Seeing Lin Wanrong's resolute look, a sense of inexplicable emotion welled up within her. She joined Qiaoqiao in his arms and whispered, "Husband, I will also serve you forever."

Despite the pain from his injuries, Lin Wanrong endured it; such blissful moments were rare.

"Oh, Big Brother—" Qiaoqiao suddenly let out a soft exclamation, her body trembling slightly, her face flushed.

Qin Xian'er, who knew her husband well, chuckled softly. "Husband, now is not the time to pamper Qiaoqiao. Wait until you've recovered, then you can do as you please."

"Sister Xian'er, you're so naughty!" Qiaoqiao blushed to her ears, stealing a quick glance at Big Brother before lowering her head in embarrassment.

Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and reluctantly pulled his hand away from inside Qiaoqiao's blouse. The lingering scent remained on his fingers, but he could only yearn without acting upon it.

"Qiaoqiao, coming to find your big brother so late, did something happen?" After some light banter among the three, Qin Xian'er asked.

Qiaoqiao nodded repeatedly, blushing slightly. She had been so engrossed in talking to Big Brother that she'd nearly forgotten the main issue. "Big Brother, Officer Gao is here. He's waiting for you downstairs." ŕá𐌽𝙤BËS̩

Qin Xian'er glanced at Lin Wanrong, who nodded thoughtfully without showing any signs of surprise. She instantly understood, "Husband, are you sending Officer Gao on a mission?"

"Don't send him!" Lin Wanrong shook his head emphatically and snorted. "I will go myself."

"No!" Xian'er and Qiaoqiao cried out in unison.

"Husband, you're still recovering from severe injuries. How can you take such risks? Let me go in your stead," Xian'er pleaded.

Qiaoqiao nodded fervently, "Exactly, Big Brother. How can you even think of leaving in your condition? Just tell me what needs to be done, and I'll handle it."

Observing their anxious expressions, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply and shook his head solemnly. "This matter is of great importance. If done correctly, I can journey north without any worries, and you both can live peacefully in the capital. But if things go awry, not only will our family be endangered, but the entire Empire will face calamity. I must go personally to ensure its success."

His tone was so serious that both Xian'er and Qiaoqiao wanted to argue further but were silenced by a stern look from him. Everyone knew Lin Wanrong's character: He was up for all sorts of mischief, but once he made a decision, it was final. The two women exchanged worried glances, uncertain how to convince him otherwise.

"Don't worry," Lin Wanrong said, sensing he had been too stern. "It's not as dangerous as it sounds. I just need to oversee things; I won't be taking direct action. Besides, look at me—do you think I could even if I wanted to?"

Seeing his resolve, Xian'er spoke firmly, "Husband, I will go with you." She felt guilty about the mishap that had happened under her watch; if not for his great luck, he might have lost his life. She was determined not to leave his side.

"It's good that you'll be with me. With your skills, there aren't many who could pose a threat," Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly. At that, Xian'er smiled, her face radiating a captivating charm.

Resigned, Qiaoqiao sighed softly. "Big Brother, should I inform Sister about this?"

Lin Wanrong shook his head. "Qingxuan has been extremely busy these days, and she's pregnant. Let her rest. I'll tell her when everything is sorted."

Qiaoqiao hummed in agreement and, along with Xian'er, assisted him in getting dressed. His most severe injury was to his thigh. Although Xian'er and Xiao Qingxuan had both administered their best treatments, recovery wasn't easy. His leg was braced with thick plaster, making it hard and uncomfortable to move. Fortunately, his other injuries were only superficial.

Qiaoqiao placed a soft cushion under him, and with assistance from both women, he managed to sit up—his leg erupting in sharp pain. Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth and broke into a cold sweat but managed not to cry out. Seeing this, Xian'er gently wiped the sweat from his forehead, her eyes misty. "Husband, if it hurts, don't hold back your cries. There's no one else here."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I've stared death in the face several times and lived through horrors you can't imagine. What's a little pain in comparison? But if you give me ten kisses, I assure you, the pain will lessen considerably."

Qin Xian'er didn't understand the meaning behind his words, thinking he was speaking nonsense as he usually did. While she found it amusing, she was also touched by his enduring spirit. This stoicism was a stark contrast to his usual jovial demeanor, deepening her affection for him even more.

Gao Qiu had been waiting downstairs for some time. He sent Qiaoqiao to call him up. When he entered the hall and saw Lin San, who was sitting in a large chair wrapped in layers of gauze, Gao Qiu hesitated for a moment. Then, rushing forward, he grabbed Lin San's arm, his voice tinged with excitement: "Brother Lin, are you... are you all right?"

"I'm fine, I'm doing very well," Lin Wanrong answered with a faint smile. "Apart from a broken leg and a few cracked ribs, everything else is pretty minor."

Gao Qiu suddenly knelt down, his voice trembling with emotion, "Brother Lin, I've wronged you—"

"Brother Gao, what are you doing?" Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly reached out to help him up. However, the sudden movement aggravated his wounds, causing him great pain.

Gao Qiu lowered his head in shame, gripping Lin San's arm even tighter, his eyes moistening. "It's my failure that you were injured so severely, nearly losing your life. I owe you an apology. Brother, please hit me. It's the only way I'll feel better—" He swiftly unsheathed his dagger and offered it to Lin Wanrong.

The glinting dagger startled Qiaoqiao, who let out a small cry but said nothing.

Holding Gao Qiu's arm firmly, Lin Wanrong spoke coldly, "Brother Gao, do you look down on me, Lin San? Have you forgotten our time in Shandong, in Jining? If it weren't for you guarding me, I'd be nothing but bones by now. I might be known as cunning and deceitful, but I remember who's been good to me. I never mentioned the life-saving favor you did for me in Shandong, because I felt it was unnecessary. We are brothers who've exchanged lives on the battlefield; what need is there for all this talk? If you truly respect me, if you really consider me your brother, then stand up straight! Damn it, you're squeezing my arm so hard it hurts—"

Jolted by Lin Wanrong's words, Gao Qiu chuckled awkwardly and finally stood up. "Brother, I was wrong. Let me apologize."

"Forget about the apology. Put the knife away. You know I'd never raise my hand against a brother," Lin Wanrong said, laughing as he pushed the dagger back into its sheath. "Brother Gao, it's been just two days, and I see you've learned many tricks. You've made quite the progress!"

Gao Qiu chuckled, somewhat embarrassed, "Being around you, how could I not pick up a thing or two? Otherwise, wouldn't I be the laughingstock of the world?"

‘Is he praising me or insulting me?’ Lin Wanrong thought, lifting his foot to give the old fellow a kick. But a sharp pain in his leg made him wince and change his expression.

At first, Qiaoqiao had been touched by their brotherly affection. But as she witnessed their playful banter, a smile crept onto her face.

Seeing Lin Wanrong wrapped in thick bandages, Gao Qiu's face turned serious. He whispered, "Brother Lin, since you're injured, let me handle that matter. Don't worry, if I mess it up, I won't have the face to see you again. I'll just slit my throat right at their doorstep."

Eager to redeem his past wrongs, Lin Wanrong smiled nonchalantly, "Brother Gao, you're being too formal. If it were a good deed, I wouldn't compete with you. But for a nefarious task? Without me, Lin San, how could you do it without becoming the laughingstock of the world?"

Gao Qiu burst into hearty laughter, fully aware that Lin San was beyond persuasion. After all, when it came to villainy, who could outdo Lin San? He would indeed feel uneasy without Lin San by his side during such endeavors.

"Brother Gao, have you prepared everything I requested?" Lin Wanrong asked seriously, after they both shared a laugh.

"Everything is ready," Gao Qiu hurriedly nodded, pulling out a large, bulging package from behind him, its contents unknown.

"Good," Lin Wanrong's eyes sparkled as he chuckled. Seeing that it was getting late, he hummed, "The moon is dark and the wind is high; it's a night fit for murder. Let’s set off!"

Since he was mobility-impaired, Gao Qiu had already prepared a litter. Lin Wanrong was slowly carried downstairs. The chilly winds of early spring howled, stinging his cheeks. A crescent moon hung in the night sky, its dim light casting an eerie glow, rendering the garden unusually desolate.

Once comfortably seated in the litter, Qin Xian'er snuggled up next to him. Just as he was about to give the order to proceed, he heard Gao Qiu's subdued voice outside, "I, Gao Qiu, pay my respects to the Princess!"

A gentle voice softly replied, "Thank you, Commander Gao. Please rise."

"Qingxuan?!" Lin Wanrong was startled. He hastily lifted the curtain of the litter to see Xiao Qingxuan standing nearby, smiling tenderly at him. Bathed in moonlight, her skin was translucent; her eyes, clear as lake water; her cheeks, lightly flushed. She looked radiant, ethereal, as if a celestial being had descended to earth. Beside her stood Miss Luo, voluptuous and seductive, casting flirtatious glances at Lin Wanrong.

"Why are you here?" Lin Wanrong extended his hand out of the window and grasped her soft, slender palm as Qingxuan gracefully walked over.

Miss Xiao smiled gently, "You’re embarking on such an important mission, how could I not come?"

"You knew?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed.

Luo Ning laughed, "Big Brother, I think Sister knows you best. She suspected that something major was afoot when Mr. Xu came to visit you. We’ve been waiting for you here for as long as it takes to brew a pot of tea."

Lin Wanrong gazed at Qingxuan, whose face was filled with a serene, otherworldly smile. He felt both joy and sorrow. Happy that Qingxuan understood him so well, he thought, ‘I’ve married the right woman.’ But he also felt sad because she could read him so easily—what about his secrets concerning Fairy Sister and Sister An?

"What are you pondering so deeply?" Miss Xiao seemed to see through him. Her delicate finger traced a line in his palm as she gently laughed, "What I should know, I will know. What I shouldn’t, I won’t ask. You needn't worry."

Although her words were laden with deeper meaning, Lin Wanrong, intelligent as he was, couldn't quite grasp it. He hurriedly said, "My good wife Qingxuan, I didn’t intentionally keep tonight’s matters from you. You've been so exhausted lately; I just wanted you to get some rest tonight."

"My Dear, you're so considerate," Miss Xiao said with a sweet smile. "Go ahead and do what you need to do. We sisters all support you. Just make sure to think of us and not act recklessly."

Lin Wanrong sighed a few times in response. Miss Xiao gently smiled, took off her cloak, and draped it over him. Turning to Qin Xian'er next to her, she said, "Sister, I'm leaving My Dear in your care."

Qin Xian'er hummed, "You needn't worry, he's also my husband—Gao Qiu, let's get going!"

‘This girl is just stubbornly soft-hearted,’ Miss Xiao thought, giving Lin Wanrong's hand a tight squeeze before letting go. However, that warm feeling lingered in his heart.

"Husband, who do you like more, me or her?" A few steps after the sedan started moving, Miss Qin cuddled close to him and asked, with a bit of a competitive edge.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to evade the question, but Qin Xian'er's small hand covered his lips and she hummed, "You're not allowed to say you like both. You must say who you like more!"

‘This girl really is domineering,’ thought Lin Wanrong, scratching his head. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "When I'm with you, I like you more!"

He was notorious for his slickness, mumbling the first part of his sentence, making it unclear. However, the latter half was clear and concise, even a stone could understand.

Though Qin Xian'er might be fearless and quite the femme fatale, she wasn't as cunning as he was. Overwhelmed by sweet shyness, she only heard the latter half of the first sentence. Her heart filled with sweetness, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to deliver a passionate kiss.

"Uh, why is the sedan swaying? Brother Lin, Princess, are you both alright?" Gao Qiu found it odd and quickly inquired.

"It's fine, it's fine." Seeing that Qin Xian'er's cheeks were flushed and her clothing partially disheveled, Lin Wanrong lightly touched her ivory skin, making her tremble with a whimper. Her smooth arms wrapped around his neck like a snake.

"All is well, then. We're about to leave the estate," Gao Qiu finally breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that no mishap had occurred. If anything happened to Brother Lin again, he'd have to take drastic measures against himself.

Lin Wanrong grunted in response and absentmindedly lifted the curtain to glance outside, suddenly becoming lost in thought.

"Husband, what's the matter?" Qin Xian'er, who was close to him, suddenly sensed that his movements had stopped. In the close quarters of the sedan, though they couldn't fully indulge in their desires, the atmosphere was hot and spicy. When she noticed his pause, she mewed like a kitten, her hot breath evident as she spoke.

Lin Wanrong sighed and didn't say anything, which made Qin Xian'er quickly follow his gaze through the curtain.

Not far from the embroidered tower, there was a secluded cottage where a dim yellow light still seeped out despite the late hour. A mature and graceful woman moved in front of the window. Her figure was enchanting, ineffable, with a full bust and a slender waist. She wore a pale pink silk shirt and her hair was neatly pinned up. Only the silhouette of her profile was visible, showing her long eyelashes and almond-shaped eyes. The faint yellow light illuminated her cheeks, making her skin appear as lustrous and flawless as jade, like a radiant peony flower.

Inside the cottage, a wisp of smoke rose as a faint aroma wafted into the air. The woman bent down repeatedly and then stood up after a short while. In her hand, she held a small, crystal-clear spoon which she occasionally brought to her lips for a taste. Her eyebrows furrowed and she shook her head, bending down again.

"Is that the Madam?" Xian'er exclaimed in surprise. "It’s so late. Why hasn't she gone to bed? What is she doing in the kitchen?"

Recalling what Qiaoqiao had told her, Xian'er chuckled knowingly. "Husband, the Madam really cares for you. She's making ginseng and bird’s nest soup for you at this hour. Even the young misses of the Xiao family never had such a treat."

"Really?" The sedan chair stopped quietly at that moment, unnoticed by Madam Xiao. Lin Wanrong looked at her bustling around in the kitchen and gave a faint smile.

Xian'er nodded, "Husband, has Madam always been so attentive to you?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled at the memory. "When I first came to the Xiao family, Madam was busy plotting against me, scheming to exploit my worth for her family’s benefit. I would have been satisfied even with a cup of hot water, let alone ginseng and bird’s nest."

"That’s because the circumstances were different," Xian'er, having spent a considerable time with the Madam, naturally defended her. "You saved her life this time and she is immediately reciprocating. You may not know, but even when Master Xiao was alive, the Madam rarely cooked. These past few days, she's been extremely busy just for you. She really cares."

Lin Wanrong smiled dismissively. "She’s just grateful that I saved her life. It will go back to normal soon."

Xian'er sighed softly and shook her head, "There’s no need to wait for that. Madam is leaving for Jinling soon. If you wish to enjoy this delicious ginseng and bird’s nest again, no one can make it as well as she can. Husband, don't you want to talk to her?"

Talk to her? About what? Lin Wanrong shook his head and bitterly smiled. "I've been awake all day, and everyone has visited me except for the Madam. She even mentioned going back to Jinling at this time. Clearly, she doesn’t want to see me. I really can’t understand her thinking. Her savior seems to have turned into her enemy."

The more he thought about it, the more dejected he felt. "Let's forget it. It’s not appropriate to visit her at this late hour. We'll talk another day. Let’s go, Brother Gao."

Maintaining secrecy on his journey, the sedan chair arrived quickly and left just as quickly, vanishing into the night. When it was far away, Madam Xiao lifted her head, casting a glance towards the departing sedan. Her expression was somber.

…

Leaving the estate, the small sedan chair dashed towards the north. Gao Qiu had already sent men to sweep the area clean, ensuring that no one was around before daring to proceed. Having experienced an accident before, Gao Qiu was naturally much more cautious, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

Upon reaching a small alley, another sedan chair had already been waiting. Xu Wei lifted the curtain and stepped out, quickly walking over, "Little brother Lin, you've finally arrived!"

Xian'er lifted the curtain, and Lin Wanrong smiled and gave a slight bow, "I apologize for my tardiness!"

Seeing that Lin Wanrong was still bandaged and injured, Xu Wei was moved but also relieved, "You're not late; now is exactly the right time." He took a small package from his robe and handed it to Lin Wanrong, lowering his voice, "Little brother, this is an imperial decree for your inspection mission. The Emperor said to act according to the situation and not to stick to formalities. You have the power to execute and then report."

Lin Wanrong took the imperial decree, his palms sweaty. The old man's meaning was clear: kill whomever he wanted to kill and report afterward. It was almost like being the Emperor himself.

"Mr. Xu, have our enemies shown any unusual behavior?" Lin Wanrong asked as he tucked the decree into his robe.

"So far, no. He has been praying in the Grand Prime Minister Temple all day, showing no abnormal behavior," Xu Wei nodded. "However, today news spread that the Emperor personally visited your residence to pay condolences. He heard it and stayed in his room for two hours, which made me quite anxious."

Two hours? Lin Wanrong was startled, "Did anyone enter his chamber during that time?"

"No," Xu Wei shook his head firmly, "He was bathing and observing rituals to worship his ancestors. Nobody could enter his chamber. Moreover, according to my investigation, nobody went in to talk with him today."

Two hours could be long enough to do many things. Was it possible that he just stayed in the room contemplating by himself? What about his entourage?

Finding it all strange and unable to figure it out, Lin Wanrong decided to ignore it for now. "Mr. Xu, according to you, most of our forces are concentrated around the Grand Prime Minister Temple, right?"

Xu Wei nodded solemnly, "The main objective is in the Grand Prime Minister Temple; naturally, this is where our main guard is. Although there are troops at the royal residence, they are comparatively weaker."

"Do you think our enemy knows that we've deployed the majority of our forces around the Temple?" Lin Wanrong asked, his eyebrows furrowed in thought.

"With his keen intelligence and sense, how could he not know?" Xu Wei suddenly looked startled, "Little brother, have you discovered something?"

Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "Mr. Xu, look at me. Wounded and broken, what could I have possibly discovered? I just find it odd that our enemy is too calm, unnaturally calm. Could he really be innocent?"

Innocent? Xu Wei burst into laughter and shook his head, "I've served with this man in the court for over twenty years; how could I not know his nature? Let's not talk about other things; just the fact that he's been secretly cultivating the White Lotus sect to disturb the peace of the Empire makes him an absolute villain. Not to mention colluding with foreign invaders and betraying his ancestors!"

Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow decisively. "No matter what, we must handle this situation well. Mr. Xu, the Grand Prime Minister Temple is certainly important, but we can't slack off on the royal mansion either. The manpower we deploy there must be no weaker than here!"

Xu Wei sensed something. "Little brother Lin, are you suggesting—"

Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth. "Ever heard of the saying, 'a clever hare has three burrows,' Mr. Xu? His tranquility within the Grand Prime Minister Temple may just be a diversion."

"Thank you for the reminder, little brother Lin!" Realization dawned on Xu Wei. "I'll go back and arrange it right away!"

"Hold on!" Lin Wanrong stopped him and chuckled, "Mr. Xu, tonight is crucial. You must trap him in the Grand Prime Minister Temple at all costs; he cannot slip away halfway. Once things are set on my end, I'll signal with fireworks. You can then move in to apprehend him; execute on the spot if there’s any resistance."

His smile turned cold immediately, the tone icy enough to send a chill down Xu Wei's spine. Hurriedly, Xu Wei nodded, confirming the signal for their respective actions, before turning to depart in his sedan chair.

Seeing everything arranged, Lin Wanrong felt somewhat reassured, but a strange intuition told him that tonight's events would not go as smoothly as expected.

"Husband, what’s the matter with you?" Qin Xian'er nudged him gently, seeing him lost in thought.

Lin Wanrong caressed her face and smiled, "Xian'er, do you know who we are dealing with tonight?"

"Mm," Qin Xian'er nodded, aware of Prince Cheng's collusion with the White Lotus sect, having once helped Zhao Kangning fight the government troops on her Master's orders.

"Finally, an end is in sight," Lin Wanrong sighed, "Considering Prince Cheng is your royal uncle, Xian'er, will you be able to go through with it?"

"Husband, you underestimate me," Miss Qin pouted, "Even my father wants him dealt with; what reservations could I have?"

Fair point, she had never felt a sense of belonging to the royal family. Even when there had been misunderstandings, she had once plotted to assassinate her own father. Dealing with such an unreliable royal uncle was naturally of little concern to her.

The sedan chair wobbled its way towards the royal mansion. Commander Gao was extremely cautious, sending guards ahead to scout the way. Only after confirming there was no danger would they continue, a paranoia reminiscent of the saying, "Once bitten by a snake, one is scared of a rope for ten years."

Arriving at an alley opposite the royal mansion, they ducked into a spacious residence and the sedan chair came to a stop. Lin Wanrong noticed that they were in a two-story building quite far from the residence Prince Cheng had passed a few days ago. Xu Wei was indeed very cautious in his arrangements.

The guards at this location, familiar from a previous night, were visibly shocked to see Lin Wanrong's injuries. He waved it off, flashing a brilliant smile at them.

On the second floor, in an empty room, he had a bird's eye view through the window. The massive gates of Prince Cheng's mansion were visible, tightly shut. Two enormous red lanterns were hung high, emitting a faint red glow. Below them stood two ferocious stone lions, their forms menacing and intimidating. The sound of a watchman announcing the time rang out; it was late into the second watch of the night, and the third watch was drawing near.

The moonlight was veiled by dark clouds, and only a few morning stars twinkled faintly in the sky, their light flickering in and out of view. The earth was enveloped in darkness, eerily quiet on all sides. In the distance, lights from homes appeared dim and hazy, like candles floating on water, swaying gently and casting innumerable shadows that were difficult to make out.

Lin Wanrong sat quietly in his chair, the subtle pain in his legs keeping his mind sharply focused. Qin Xian'er placed a soft pillow she had slipped into the room behind him and nestled silently by his side, saying nothing.

"Brother Lin, when shall we make our move?" Seeing Lin Wanrong deep in thought, Gao Qiu had grown impatient and spoke in a hushed voice.

"Wait," Lin Wanrong uttered, resolute in his reply.

"Wait?" Gao Qiu didn't understand Lin's hidden intentions, but seeing him so composed, he knew it was not his place to intervene. Observing the couple in their sweet embrace, he realized he didn't belong here. He gave Lin Wanrong a knowing glance and went downstairs with a smile.

"It's too quiet," Lin Wanrong sighed after what seemed like an eternity.

"Is quiet bad?" Qin Xian'er nestled closer to him, whispering softly, her beautiful face full of tenderness. "Husband, wouldn't it be wonderful if it were just the two of us, forever so peaceful and quiet?"

‘Women are emotional creatures,’ Lin Wanrong thought; even in a tense moment like this, she was in the mood for romance. He couldn't help but chuckle. He playfully flicked her nose and said, "Behind tranquility often brews a storm, and it's usually the most violent kind. That's not necessarily a good thing."

"What storm? You're so naughty," Qin Xian'er playfully scolded, her cheeks flushing red.

Ah, he didn't mean that, but seeing her misinterpret, Lin Wanrong burst into hearty laughter, eliciting sweet complaints from Qin Xian'er. The moment was delightfully joyous.

"Brother Lin, did you call for me?" Gao Qiu, who was growing impatient downstairs, hurried upstairs as he heard the laughter.

"It's about time," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile. "Brother Gao, have you arranged everything?"

Noticing his expression, Gao Qiu instantly grew excited. "Everything is ready. Over a hundred brothers we can trust."

Lin Wanrong pointed at the bundle that Gao Qiu had brought. "Do you know what's inside?"

Gao Qiu shook his head, puzzled. "I have no idea. When Mr. Xu gave it to me, he warned that anyone who peeked inside would lose his head."

"Good," Lin Wanrong chuckled and slowly unwrapped the bundle. It contained several smaller parcels of varying shapes and weights, tightly bound.

Gao Qiu was amazed but kept his curiosity in check. Having served in the palace for many years, he knew better than to ask about matters that could cost him his head.

"Brother Gao, this is the most crucial and dangerous task tonight. It requires someone with the best martial arts skills and the sharpest mind. After considering all the options, it seems I must trouble you to undertake it personally," Lin Wanrong whispered into Gao Qiu's ear, grinning.

Flattered by the high praise, Gao Qiu couldn't contain his joy. He tucked the smaller parcels securely and said earnestly, "Rest assured, if I can't handle this, you won't even have to lift a finger; I'll cut off my own head."

Without waiting for further instructions from Lin Wanrong, he floated down the stairs like a wild goose, disappearing into the gathering twilight.

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