Finest Servant

Chapter 263 The Surprise Kiss from a Maiden

Upon the Qinhuai River, the after-competition atmosphere of the poetry competition was in full swing among the participating scholars. Freed from the constraints of rank and wealth, they appeared exceptionally carefree. Amid the cycle of cups and goblets, the atmosphere was incredibly heated.

With a smile, Luo Min said to Cheng De and Zhao Kangning, "Young Prince, Commander Cheng, this poetry competition has been held several times, and this year's is by far the most lively. Not only have we attracted many scholars, but even the Young Prince has graced us with his presence. Truly, it is an honor for Jinling."

Zhao Kangning snorted, "I think the most exciting part is that you, Governor Luo, have managed to attract a good son-in-law!"

"Is that so?" Luo Min laughed heartily, "Nothing is decided yet, and I cannot make promises. As for the young ones, let them sort things out themselves."

Cheng De said, "Having been on military campaigns for many years, I am not much of a poetry person. I came here today merely to show my support for the Young Prince and Governor Luo."

Gao Shou, standing outside the cabin, gave Luo Min a slight nod. A glint of joy passed through Luo Min's eyes, and he turned to Cheng De with a smile, "Speaking of military campaigns, Commander Cheng, reminds me. News came yesterday from the Capital that Marshal Xu Wei led tens of thousands of troops against the White Lotus sect, eliminating all the bandits lurking in Jining, Shandong. Marshal Xu has captured the leaders of the White Lotus bandits, Lu Kanli and his son, and executed the Holy Mother of the White Lotus. The White Lotus sect has been entirely wiped out. The bandit problem that has plagued us for years was exterminated overnight, truly a cause for joy. It is said that the Emperor was greatly pleased and ordered this news to be sent to all provincial officials. I suppose, the imperial edict to celebrate this great victory will soon reach Jiangsu..."

Cheng De and Zhao Kangning exchanged glances, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in their eyes. Cheng De nodded, "Indeed, the White Lotus has been a menace for years and it deserved its fate. It's a pity though, given Jiangsu's proximity to Shandong, our cavalry and infantry from Jiangsu made no contribution to the campaign. It is somewhat regrettable."

Shaking his head with a laugh, Luo Min replied, "Commander Cheng, there's no need for modesty. Everyone contributed to the eradication of the White Lotus. If it weren't for your men guarding the borders of Shandong and Jiangsu, wouldn't the White Lotus bandits have slipped into Jiangsu? In this respect, your contribution is far from minor."

The words between them carried underlying messages, which others failed to understand. Sitting in the center, Zhao Kangning chuckled, "Both of you need not be modest. This was a collective effort by all provinces. When it comes to credit, neither of you can be excluded. Let's just wait for the Emperor's decree. I believe everyone will be rewarded."

The three men burst into hearty laughter. Each had his own thoughts, understood only by themselves.

"Governor, the Emperor's jubilant news of the victory over the White Lotus sect has arrived," a messenger hurried in, reporting to Luo Min.

"Oh, speak of the devil! Today's poetry competition is full of surprises indeed!" exclaimed Luo Min, delighted. Turning to Cheng De, he added, "Commander Cheng, let's go receive this good news together."

Cheng De gave a slight nod, and they both left the cabin. As Young Prince Ning wasn't involved in the political arena of Jiangsu, he didn't need to personally greet the news. Watching Luo Min's retreating figure, a cold glint flashed in Zhao Kangning's eyes.

Luo Min led Cheng De into a side room, which was entirely empty. Where was the sight of the imperial envoy who had supposedly brought the good news? Cheng De, puzzled, asked, "Governor Luo, where is the envoy?"

"The envoy? Oh, he'll be here soon," Luo Min laughed, no longer able to hide the murderous intent in his eyes.

Cheng De sensed that something was amiss. He demanded loudly, "Governor Luo, where is the envoy? Why have you led me here? What are you trying to do?"

"Cheng De, are you aware of your crimes?" a stern voice echoed. From behind the curtain, a man emerged. His hair was white as snow, and he radiated an imposing aura. It was none other than Xu Wei, the great commander who led the crackdown on bandits in Shandong.

"Minister Xu? You... you... why are you here?" Cheng De was shocked. He backed away quickly, his voice trembling. His hand instinctively reached for the saber at his waist.

Behind him, the figures of Gao Qiu and several armed guards appeared, effectively trapping Cheng De.

Driven by shock and fear, Cheng De's hand pressed onto his saber. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Minister Xu, what are you doing? What crime have I committed?"

"You've been corrupt, using troops arbitrarily, colluding with the White Lotus, and plotting rebellion. Are these crimes not enough?" Xu Wei responded with a cold laugh.

"Nonsense! I've led troops for many years. My loyalty to the court is as clear as day and night. How could I possibly rebel? You should not slander me!" Cheng De defended himself. "You are just trying to pin a crime on me. I will report this to the military department, to Prince Cheng, and to the Emperor himself!"

"Enough with your excuses!" Xu Wei shouted, "Your deeds have been thoroughly investigated by Governor Luo. The evidence is undeniable, and it's all in my possession. You've been colluding with the White Lotus bandits, and your eldest son, Cheng Ruinian, was sent by you to deliver messages to Lu Kanli of the White Lotus. He's now in my custody, and we've found a letter bearing your personal signature. Cheng Ruinian has confessed, and he said it was you who sent him to inform you about our military movements. Do you still dare to deny it? What's more, an hour ago, I personally led soldiers to search your mansion. You've hidden a golden knife and a jade seal in your back garden. Cheng De, are you planning a rebellion?"

"That's impossible!" Cheng De yelled, "You are framing me. I did not hide any golden knife or jade seal. That letter wasn't written by me, it was…" He paused, remembering something, and dared not continue.

"Who wrote it, then?" Xu Wei gave a cold smile, "We have ironclad evidence. Are you still trying to deny it? Bring in Cheng Ruinian!"

Two soldiers pushed Cheng Ruinian out from the inner cabin. His hands were tied behind his back, his body covered in bruises, his face deathly pale. It was evident that he had been tortured. A cloth was stuffed in his mouth, and upon seeing Cheng De, he began to wail, struggling desperately.

"Cheng De, now that we have both the material evidence and the witness, what else do you have to say?" Xu Wei's voice was stern, his demeanor imposing and inviolable.

In agony, Cheng De screamed, "Luo Min, you... you and Xu Wei conspired against me. I will report you to the Emperor, I will accuse you!"

Luo Min scoffed, "Cheng De, you have committed countless atrocities alongside your master over the years, and you are well aware of them. Did you truly believe that you are untouchable? As for today's matter, even your master won't be able to save you."

Xu Wei pulled out an imperial edict from his sleeve and read, "The Commander-in-Chief of Jiangsu, Cheng De, has been found guilty of corruption, collusion with traitors, and plotting rebellion. He is to be executed immediately, by the Emperor's decree!"

"No, this can't be. This is a forged edict. You're committing treason. I'll report you, Prince Cheng--" Cheng De screamed madly, drawing his sword and waving it frantically, his face a mask of despair.

Xu Wei gave a signal to Gao Qiu. Holding a steel blade, Gao Qiu slowly advanced.

Fear was etched on Cheng De's face as he let out a scream and charged forward. He was the Commander-in-Chief of Jiangsu and a veteran soldier; his sword strike was strong. However, it was nowhere near enough against Gao Qiu.

Gao Qiu deflected his attack easily and pushed back, positioning his steel blade on Cheng De's neck, about to finish him off, when a loud shout from outside the cabin interrupted, "Fire, we've got a fire—"

—---

Lin Wanrong stared blankly at the firecracker soaring into the sky, the whistling, bright light, burning out, and falling, a vague unease creeping in his heart.

Seeing his strange demeanor, Qin Xian'er asked anxiously, "Husband, what did you say? What's happening?"

An Biru gave him a meaningful glance and said, "With the destruction of my White Lotus, Xu Wei's next step would be to clean up the Jiangsu bureaucracy. I fear today is Cheng De's death anniversary."

Lin Wanrong was taken aback. This Sister An was really not simple, guessing the attack on Cheng De with a single sentence, he absolutely couldn't underestimate her. He couldn't help but look at An Biru more carefully. He had only seen the coquettish side of Sister An before, never witnessing such insightful analysis from her. Thinking back to the fall of Jining City, if not for the White Lotus King Lu Kanli's refusal to heed her advice, how could Jining have been conquered so easily? This Sister An, although seemingly flirtatious, was in fact extremely wise. Her insights far surpassed many men.

"Why are you staring at me? What are you plotting?" An Biru smiled, caressing her hair subtly, her charms were evident. She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Little brother, do you want to hold me? Wait till Xian'er is away, and I'll let you hold me. He he, I wonder what it feels like to be in a man's embrace. I really want to know."

This enchantress knew men all too well, tantalizingly out of reach, making him yearn for her, despite his frustration. Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, acting as if he hadn't noticed her seduction. He sighed slightly, "Sister, I've only just realized how incredibly lucky I was to capture Jining that easily. If the entire White Lotus Army had followed your advice, the battle would have been tough."

An Biru, thinking of the past, gave a bitter smile, "What's the use of saying that now? I spent twenty years on a task, only to fail at the last hurdle. However, you weren't bad yourself, besieging without attacking, feigning reality, and then striking when our morale was low, turning the false into real. You're really cunning. You little rascal, you ruined my plan, I hate you, he he—"

Lin Wanrong shivered, this fox was mocking him by talking like Eldest Miss Xiao, wasn't she?

Xian'er snuggled against him and said, "Husband, you and Master met under adversarial circumstances, yet now we three are together, and isn't it quite nice? Master and I will leave it to you to take care of us for a lifetime."

Sweating, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, 'This little imp Xian'er is intentionally tempting me, doesn't she know that I and her master are both desirous of each other? A little slip could lead to something beyond friendship. By then, when your Husband becomes your Master, you'll be too late to cry.'

"Even a tiger caught napping is still a tiger. Little brother, from the looks of it, your plans must be foolproof," An Biru said with a laugh.

Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered that Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning were still on the ship. His face changed, he sprang up and rushed toward the deck.

"Husband, what are you doing?" Xian'er exclaimed in surprise.

"I need to go to the Qinhuai River. Xian'er, you and Master Sister wait for me on the boat," Lin Wanrong hastily replied without looking back.

Thankfully, the swift horse left behind by Hu Bugui was still tied up on the shore. Lin Wanrong untied the reins, and as he was about to mount the horse, he felt a soft body lightly float onto the horse, her arms tightly wrapping around his waist, her full chest rubbing against his back.

"Husband, I will accompany you, I want to protect you," Qin Xian'er said with deep affection, pressing her cheek against his broad back.

This girl, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but smile, fondling her buttock. In his anxiety, he didn't bother to stop her and spurred the horse into a gallop.

An Biru watched as the young couple rode away, shaking her head and sighing softly. Her gaze lightly fell on the water surface, her thoughts inscrutable.

When they arrived at the Qinhuai River, the place was already sealed off by Xu Wei's soldiers, permitting entry but no exit. These soldiers, mostly elite troops drawn from the right-wing army that Lin Wanrong once commanded, recognized him instantly. Seeing Lin Wanrong, they shouted, "General Lin, General Lin has returned!"

From the camp, a young officer rushed over excitedly, "General Lin, General Lin, so you're really alive—"

Lin Wanrong and Qin Xian'er dismounted. He patted the young officer's shoulder and said, "Xu Zhen, you've done well. It's been only a few days and you're already an officer. I see you and Brother Hu are on the fast track to becoming top commanders."

When Lin Wanrong was harmed by Tong Cheng, his subordinates plotted revenge for him. It was Xu Zhen who Hu Bugui had assigned to assassinate Tong Cheng, so naturally, Lin Wanrong wanted to thank him.

Xu Zhen gratefully said, "General Lin, you were the one who saw my potential and promoted me. All that I have today, I owe to you. I'm ready to risk my life at your command."

Back when Lin Wanrong was the commander of the Chuzhou army, Xu Zhen was still somewhat immature. Now, with a few days' passage and the experience of war, the boy had shed his youthful naivety and grown into a true soldier.

Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "Let's save that for later. Xu Zhen, quickly arrange a boat for me to get to the large ship in the middle of the river."

Xu Zhen urgently said, "General Lin, today Marshal Xu has ordered that passage through this river is only allowed inwards, not outwards. There seems to be serious trouble brewing. The area ahead is very dangerous, you must not risk your personal safety."

"You're regressing, lad, having fought so many battles yet still speaking of taking risks," Lin Wanrong laughed, "Hurry and prepare a small boat, I worry that a mishap may occur if we delay."

Somewhat embarrassed, Xu Zhen quickly smiled and made arrangements. Qin Xian'er stood close to him, her face lighting up in a sweet smile, "Husband, your soldiers are very loyal to you."

Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed. This loyalty was won with life and death battles; how could they not be faithful?

Xu Zhen was in charge of sealing off the waterway, and thus he had numerous fast boats at his disposal. He found a sturdy wooden boat for Lin Wanrong, and personally rowed it, ferrying Lin Wanrong and his wife towards the flower boat of Luo Ning.

They had covered just over half the distance when Xu Zhen suddenly exclaimed, "General, look, it's on fire!"

"What?" Lin Wanrong was startled. Looking ahead, he saw thick smoke billowing out from Luo Ning's flower boat and the two adjacent scholar's leisure boats. All three had caught fire simultaneously. Someone had intentionally started the fires. This night was destined to be anything but peaceful.

Lin Wanrong yelled, "Go, we must hurry."

—---

"Where's the fire?" Xu Wei, who commanded an army of tens of thousands, heard of the fire. He felt a jolt of surprise but maintained his composure and shouted outwards.

"Reporting to Marshal Xu and Governor Luo, the adjacent two boats and the upper room of this boat have caught fire. The people are panicked, and the situation is chaotic. We need your decision," came the reply.

Luo Min sneered, "Cheng De, so you had prepared for this."

Cheng De laughed heartily, "Governor Luo, I've been a cautious man ever since I was in the army. While your extravagant courtship on behalf of your beloved daughter may be due to deep affection, it cannot but arouse suspicions. My preparation was necessary. If I'm not mistaken, this fire probably started in Miss Luo's boudoir."

Before Luo Min could respond, a crashing sound was heard as two agile shadows burst through the window. Their steel blades gleamed as they lunged toward Luo Min and Xu Wei.

"Protect the two masters—" Gao Qiu, the head of the palace guards, reacted calmly. He held the blade to Cheng De's throat and shouted. His guards hurriedly formed a human shield around the two masters. The two assassins made a feint before they both attacked Gao Qiu. Their target, naturally, was to rescue Cheng De.

"Behead Cheng De—" Luo Min shouted.

"Behead Cheng De—" Gao Qiu bellowed, bringing his steel blade down. Cheng De's head separated from his body instantly, with blood spurting out several feet high from his neck.

The two assassins did not expect that in such a dangerous situation, Luo Min would disregard his own safety and overstep his authority by ordering Cheng De's execution without a second thought. Seeing Cheng De's body fall apart, the two assassins paused momentarily. Gao Qiu, with blood on his blade and a murderous aura surrounding him, pounced forward and killed one of the assassins. The guards rushed forward and surrounded the remaining assassin.

"Quickly, extinguish the fire, ensure Miss Luo's safety, and keep an eye on the Young Prince--" Xu Wei urgently commanded.

Luo Min smiled, "Mr. Xu, I wouldn't worry too much about my daughter. With Gao Shou there, nothing will go wrong."

Xu Wei nodded, "This arson, I fear, isn't the work of Cheng De. Today, you seized the opportunity amid chaos to kill Cheng De, indeed removing a future threat, but explaining this to the Ministry of War might not be so easy."

—---

Lin Wanrong anxiously glanced at Luo Ning's burning ship. The fire seemed to have originated from the main cabin. He suddenly remembered Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao were in the cabin, his heart pounded with fear. "Row faster--" he shouted.

Seeing his urgency, Xian'er took his hand, "Husband, don't worry, let me help you."

Qin Xian'er stood at the bow of the boat, exerting force from her feet. Her energy turned sharply, and the boat shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

"My God, why didn't I think of this before? That sister An always used this trick to row, and I can do it too." His heart filled with urgency, Lin Wanrong moved forward and grabbed Xian'er's small hand, "Wife, I'll help you."

Qin Xian'er smiled sweetly, holding her husband's large hand. Both of them together exerted their energy. Lin Wanrong's power was exceptional; with the combined efforts of husband and wife, the boat instantly sped up even more. Xu Zhen and several soldiers watched in awe as the general and his wife rowed without oars, truly miraculous.

Du Xiuyuan had long led several thousand soldiers on small boats. Holding high torches, they illuminated the water surface like daylight, and surrounded the three large ships. The two boats carrying the scholars had already plunged into chaos. The soldiers rapidly approached the large boats, bailing water and fighting the fire.

On the boat carrying Luo Ning, which was full of influential figures and officials from Jinling City, the sight of the weapons and open flames caused widespread panic. Zhao Kangning sat among the crowd, completely calm. A smirk played on the corner of his mouth as he periodically glanced upstairs at Luo Ning's boudoir.

Just as Lin Wanrong's small boat neared the painted boat, he was about to step aboard when Qin Xian'er suddenly pulled him back, "Husband, wait--"

Lin Wanrong turned back, confused. Xian'er took a handkerchief from her clothing, covered her face, and shyly said, "In the past, when I was at Miaoyu Pavilion, I had to deal with various people for the sect's greater cause. Many in Jinling might recognize me. Now that I'm married to you, if they were to recognize me, it would surely bring trouble for you."

Such thoughtful consideration. Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, watched as she concealed her face, then took her hand and stepped aboard.

Lin Wanrong, anxious for Qiaoqiao's safety, had rushed here. He scanned the crowd, chaos and noise everywhere. After several sweeps, he could not spot Luo Ning or Qiaoqiao.

"Husband, look!" Xian'er pointed, her voice urgent.

Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that the flames in the upper cabin were raging. The paper windows had all caught fire, popping and crackling. Two shadowy figures were sneaking along the edge of the cabin, so well hidden that, if not for Xian'er's keen eyes, they would have been hard to spot.

"Dammit, there's foul play indeed," Lin Wanrong yelled, leading Xian'er upstairs in a rush. With a rustling sound, a burning piece of wood fell before them, nearly igniting his clothes.

Seeing her husband risking himself like this, Xian'er hastily shielded him. Lin Wanrong looked up to see two shadowy figures being intercepted by a burly man. The three stood together, allowing Lin Wanrong to recognize the man who had stopped the two thieves - it was Gao Shou, the expert fighter.

"Big brother, big brother—" a sweet call came from the room.

Lin Wanrong spun around to see Qiaoqiao at an intact window, waving her hand animatedly, shouting towards him with excitement.

"Qiaoqiao, wait for me—" Lin Wanrong shouted back, leaping to his feet. Only when he saw Qiaoqiao safe did he feel relief in his heart.

Just as he and Xian'er were about to continue upstairs, Luo Min and Xu Wei emerged from a room, swiftly walking towards them, saying, "Little brother, don't be anxious. I have already sent guards to protect the young ladies. They will not be in danger. You must not risk yourself; just wait calmly."

‘Not anxious? Damn, that's my wife. Of course, you wouldn't worry.’ He felt contempt for the two old foxes; a good plot to catch a turtle in a jar turned into a messy porridge by them, yet they had the nerve to tell him not to worry. His gaze swept over to Zhao Kangning, who sat leisurely with a cup of tea in his hand, his face displaying a self-satisfied, sardonic smile.

‘Son of a bitch, he's even showing off now.’ Lin Wanrong whispered something into Xian'er's ear. She gave a light smile, broke a bamboo chopstick in half, and with a flick of her slender finger, a light 'pop' was heard. Zhao Kangning's chair disintegrated beneath him, and he landed flat on his butt, the scalding tea spilling all over him. Zhao Kangning let out a pained yell, silencing the chaotic crowd in the cabin.

With a smug grin, Lin Wanrong hurried upstairs with Xian'er amidst the confusion. They found Gao Shou and a dozen guards surrounding four assassins. Damn, there were two more hidden. Luckily Luo Min and his men were prepared, otherwise today's matter wouldn't have ended well. These assassins were skilled and fought stubbornly, even though they were surrounded. A single glance was enough to tell that they were loyal to the death.

Lin Wanrong laughed loudly, "You ignorant fools, your master has already been captured, yet you still resist in the corner."

Although the assassins were well trained, human instinct made their gaze involuntarily drift toward Zhao Kangning.

‘As expected, it's this bastard.’ Anger flared within Lin Wanrong. Should he let Xian'er use a divine needle to kill this bastard while he was unprepared? This reckless thought gave him a start. He couldn't deny, it was a tempting idea. But if he did that, Xu Wei and Luo Min would be in trouble.

He suppressed the idea with resentment, but on the other hand, Xian'er wasn't idle on the side. With a flick of her fingers, the four assassins inexplicably froze, giving Gao Shou the opportunity to capture them all at once.

"Qiaoqiao, Qiaoqiao—" Lin Wanrong rushed into Luo Ning's boudoir, Qiaoqiao, her eyes teary but a smile on her face, hurled herself into his arms and sobbed, "Big brother, big brother, you've finally come!"

"My little treasure, you're the apple of my eye, of course I had to come," Lin Wanrong said softly in her ear, while sneakily glancing at Xian'er. He saw his usually jealous sweetheart smiling at Qiaoqiao, surprisingly tranquil. The often vinegar-eating Xian'er being this peaceful with Qiaoqiao was indeed a twist of fate.

"Qiaoqiao, this building is on fire, it's so dangerous, why didn't you come downstairs?" Lin Wanrong asked.

"It's not that I didn't want to, but Sister Ning..." Qiaoqiao paused here, surreptitiously glancing toward the bed. "She said she would only come downstairs when you arrived—"

Lin Wanrong followed her gaze, only to see Luo Ning sitting on the bed, traces of tears still visible on her face. However, she showed no emotion, staring at him blankly without uttering a word.

Feeling a bit creeped out by her gaze, Lin Wanrong thought, 'What's gotten into this girl? She's not looking for a fight, is she? I did have an urgent matter, didn't I just rush back?' Feeling a little guilty, he suppressed his unease, walked over, squatted in front of her, and asked softly, "Miss Luo, are you... are you alright?"

Suddenly, a warm, fragrant softness threw itself into his arms. Luo Ning's voluptuous, fiery body pressed tightly against his chest, her hands circled around his waist. Her soft, hot lips forcefully covered his, a scent like orchids and musk filled his nostrils, leaving him a little dazed and dizzy.

Caught in a state of surprise and confusion, Lin Wanrong's mind buzzed. 'Holy crap, did this girl just kiss me?'

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