Finest Servant

Chapter 363 Comfort

As he wandered through the rear hills, he couldn’t locate the place where Xian'er had built a hut to watch over her mother’s grave. Doubts crept in, making him wonder if the old Emperor had deceived him. But then, from a distance on the hillside, a wisp of green smoke rose with the wind, clearly visible. A surge of joy filled his heart, and he quickened his pace, heading straight for the source of the smoke.

As he approached, about several dozen yards away, a vast bamboo grove came into view, lush and verdant. Young bamboo shoots were just beginning to sprout, displaying their vigor. Within the bamboo grove stood a small house made entirely of hollow bamboo – simple, yet cleverly constructed. He was reminded of a scene outside Hangzhou in Longquan village. Xian'er’s mother had a fondness for green bamboo; he was certain Xian'er was here.

Taking two steps forward, he softly called, “Xian'er, Xian'er...” The bamboo forest echoed his voice, silent and devoid of response.

Reaching the bamboo house, he gently pushed the bamboo door. It creaked softly, revealing an interior with a table, two chairs, and an embroidered bed. Beyond that, there was nothing else. The room was immaculately clean, free from any dust, and the air was infused with the rich scent of premium sandalwood. This elegant place, he thought, must have been specially prepared by Xian'er in memory of her mother. Lin Wanrong nodded in approval and looked around the room, but there was no sign of Xian'er.

The lingering scent in the room indicated someone lived here, but where had she gone? Exiting the house, he ventured deeper into the woods. After a short while, the delicate sound of flowing water reached his ears. Before him lay a clear, shallow stream, originating from higher up the mountain.

Following the stream uphill, the first thing to catch his eye was a green tomb covered in moss, nestled beside the stream and the bamboo grove. A woman, dressed entirely in white, knelt with her back to him. Her shoulders trembled lightly, as if she were crying. Beside her were the remnants of recently burned joss paper, still warm.

"Xian'er..." he called softly. The kneeling woman trembled at the sound and quickly turned to face him. A beautiful, serene face met his gaze: delicate eyebrows, clear eyes, and quivering lips. Tear tracks glistened on her cheeks. If it wasn't Xian'er, who else could it be?

"Husband..." Xian'er's voice, filled with anguish, called out and she threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"Cry, let it all out," Lin Wanrong whispered, patting her back with deep affection. "It’s okay to cry."

Xian'er lay in his embrace, her body shaking with sobs, her tears soaking the front of his shirt.

Holding her close, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply. Here was a woman of incredible beauty and high status, the Princess of Great Hua, who had witnessed tragic family strife, becoming estranged from her own father. She had endured hardships and loneliness for so many years outside her homeland. How she managed to persevere through all the pain and heartache was beyond him. Poor girl. In many ways, the experiences of Sister An and Xian'er were strikingly similar, both wandering the world and finding home wherever they went. It was no wonder the bond between the master and disciple was so close, even rivaling his own relationship with them.

"Eh? Why is there another stream?" Lin Wanrong whispered into Xian'er's ear, a note of surprise evident in his tone.

Qin Xian'er looked around, her beautiful eyes swollen from crying. "Husband, what are you talking about? What stream?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, brushing the tears off her rosy cheeks. "If you keep crying like this, not just a stream, but even the Yangtze and Yellow River would overflow."

Blushing, Xian'er huffed and pulled away from his embrace. She pouted and turned her head, murmuring, "Why did you come here? Why aren't you with your Qingxuan?"

‘This girl still remembers that day?’ He marveled at her memory. Grasping her hand, Lin Wanrong smiled, "Today, I only wish to be with my dear Xian'er. Just a few days apart, and you've become even more beautiful. Those clear eyes, those rosy lips... in a few days, you'll be the world's most beautiful woman. And I'll be the world's luckiest husband."

Xian'er, being a clever and astute girl, wouldn’t have entertained flattery from anyone else. But Lin Wanrong wasn't just anyone; he was her chosen partner. His words warmed her heart and made her face flush with heat. But she retorted stubbornly, "With all these sweet words, did you face rejection from Qingxuan and come to me for comfort? If I'm the most beautiful, where does she stand?"

The tinge of jealousy made Lin Wanrong laugh heartily. "Of course, you're first... and she's right alongside you. Xian'er, it's been days since we last met. I've missed you so much. Don't be upset. Come, let me see if you've grown taller or shorter, or if you've gained or lost weight."

With a playful yelp, Xian'er was suddenly swept off her feet as Lin Wanrong twirled her around. Though she had been upset with him for days, restraining herself from seeking him out, seeing him now brought both shock and elation. She let out a soft whimper and buried her face into his chest, letting him carry on with his antics.

After setting her down, Lin Wanrong buried his face into her fragrant hair, taking a deep breath. He sighed, "You smell even better now. But, little darling, why do some parts of you seem plumper while others appear thinner?"

"Where have I gained weight?" Xian'er huffed, wrinkling her nose, "Every day I think of you. But when I finally saw you, you mentioned the name of the woman I despise the most. How could I possibly gain weight?"

"It was a misunderstanding, definitely a misunderstanding," Lin Wanrong laughed awkwardly, shamelessly adding, "How about this? Whenever I see her, I'll call out your name. Then we're even."

"You wish! I don't want you seeing her at all," Xian'er pouted, pressing on, "Tell me, where have I gained weight?"

"Of course you have," Lin Wanrong replied cheekily, his eyes lingering on her full chest. He gulped, "Right here... it's grown! My little darling is maturing so perfectly."

Qin Xian'er softly huffed, her jade-like face flushing red with embarrassment. Her heart throbbed with shyness, yet a sense of pride surged through her as she arched her chest forward, challenging him to take a longer look.

Lin Wanrong, mischief evident in his eyes, was about to make a teasing gesture when he saw tears forming in Qin Xian'er's eyes, slowly trickling down her cheeks.

"What's wrong, Xian'er?" he asked hurriedly, changing his playful demeanor. Grasping her delicate hand, he asked, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Looking into his eyes, Qin Xian'er suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around him, her tears flowing freely. "Husband, have you forgotten about me?"

"How could that be possible? Xian'er, you must not misunderstand. Even if I forgot the sky, the earth, even the very air I breathe, I could never forget my beloved Xian'er," Lin Wanrong declared with utmost sincerity, as if swearing to the heavens.

"But you knew I was waiting for you in the palace. Why didn't you come to see me?" Qin Xian'er lamented, "I know, with the two temptresses from the Xiao family by your side, you must have forgotten about me."

Lin Wanrong responded without missing a beat, "Ah, Xian'er, you know I can't just waltz into the palace. The Emperor and I aren't exactly close. If he knew I was pursuing you, wouldn't he do everything to keep me away? These past days, you've been on my mind, day and night. Finally, when the Emperor summoned me today, I found an opportunity to learn of your whereabouts and hurried here," he spoke smoothly, silently apologizing to his father-in-law in his heart.

"He dare?!" Qin Xian'er's voice was fiery. "He promised me that if I returned to the palace, he would grant you—" She abruptly stopped, seeming to remember something.

"Grant me? Grant me what?" Lin Wanrong's curiosity piqued, "Xian'er, there's something I've always wanted to ask you."

"I know what you're thinking. You want to know why I suddenly returned to the palace, right?" She glanced at him cautiously before lowering her gaze and murmured, "Husband, please don't be upset. I didn't intentionally keep it from you. When my master urgently summoned me to the capital, I had no idea what her intentions were. She told me that someone with your talents shouldn't be wasted among the common folk. She wanted to help you rise in status, so she instructed me to return to the palace. On one hand, it was to get closer to a certain individual to further your interests, but on the other hand, it was to assassinate him—"

"Assassinate?!" Lin Wanrong gasped in surprise, finding it hard to believe that her master could concoct such a scheme - to have her own disciple assassinate her own father. Considering An Biru's cunning nature, he deduced her true intentions: she wanted him to capture the Emperor's attention, thereby getting closer to Ning Yuxi. Damn that cunning woman, keeping so much from him. Fortunately, she had a knack for evading trouble, or he'd have given her a good thrashing.

"Xian'er, did you really try to assassinate the Emperor? Could today's event be your doing?" Lin Wanrong's eyes widened in shock as he carefully inquired, his mind racing with thoughts of the dire consequences.

"Don't interrupt! Just listen to me," Qin Xian'er shot him a fleeting glare, her voice softening. Her eyes shimmered with tenderness, making her look irresistibly charming.

"Alright, alright, go on." Lin Wanrong collected himself, listening intently to Qin Xian'er continue her tale.

"My master persuaded me for several days. I had you on my mind, as well as the thought of avenging my mother. Finally, I agreed. Master told me that my mother was buried behind Grand Prime Minister Temple in the bamboo forest. That man visited her grave every spring, so I waited for him there. As you know, I bear a striking resemblance to my mother. The moment he saw me, he recognized me. Overwhelmed with joy, he wanted to take me back to the palace." Qin Xian'er glanced around, seemingly reliving that day. The 'man' she referred to was evidently the reigning Emperor of Great Hua, but their father-daughter relationship seemed to remain estranged.

Lin Wanrong sighed internally. Sister An had clearly underestimated the Emperor. She thought he was unaware of Xian'er's existence. However, the Emperor had known everything about Xian'er, even going so far as to secretly ensure her protection. If not for the fear of Xian'er being used against him by Prince Cheng, he would have brought her into the palace much earlier.

"So you made him promote me in exchange for your return to the palace?" Lin Wanrong asked with a wry smile. No wonder the Emperor's attitude changed so rapidly. It was all because of Xian'er. However, considering the Emperor's cunning, promoting him alone wouldn't warrant such lavish gifts. He reassured himself, thinking his true talents must have played a part.

Noticing his dejected expression, Qin Xian'er hurriedly said, "Husband, I just wanted to help you. By your own abilities, you are infinitely superior to those corrupt and inept officials. Becoming a prince or a minister was just a matter of time."

But it wasn't as simple as she made it out to be, Lin Wanrong thought, forcing a smile. He gently caressed Xian'er's hair, "What happened next? Did you try to assassinate him?"

Xian'er nodded slowly, lowering her head. "After I returned to the palace, I lived in the residence once occupied by my mother. I had planned to strike when the opportunity presented itself. Everything was set, but one day, while sorting through my mother's belongings, I unexpectedly found a letter penned by her. It revealed that she had..."

She glanced at the green tombstone, too choked up to continue. Lin Wanrong sighed softly. He knew that Xian'er's discovery was no accident. It was the Emperor's doing. He had carefully orchestrated it to prevent a tragic confrontation between father and daughter. This allowed Xian'er to discover the truth on her own, preserving her dignity while mending their relationship—a masterful double play.

"Do you still harbor resentment towards your father?" Lin Wanrong embraced her tightly, whispering the question.

Burrowing into his embrace like a kitten, Qin Xian'er clung to his broad shoulders, her voice quivering, "Hate him? Of course I do! If he hadn't wanted to be the Emperor, who would have tried to assassinate him? And if no one wanted him dead, why would my mother willingly sacrifice herself to save him? How could I have been displaced, waiting for years to mourn my mother? I despise him. Husband, he's not my father. I detest him!"

Qin Xian'er became emotional, embracing him as she cried uncontrollably. Her deep sorrow was so palpable that it tugged at the heartstrings of anyone who saw her.

Lin Wanrong gently patted her delicate shoulders, at a loss for words. The complicated history between the Emperor and his daughter was convoluted. Though the Emperor's pursuit of the throne wasn't inherently wrong, he likely never expected that his ambition would become a reason for his own daughter to resent him. Life was truly unpredictable.

After a while, Qin Xian'er gradually composed herself. Resting in his embrace, she softly said, "Husband, only a handful of people know my mother is buried here. Was it he who told you to find me here?"

"We'll talk about that later," Lin Wanrong replied, gently stroking her silky hair. He sighed and asked, "You mentioned earlier that the Emperor visits Grand Prime Minister Temple's back mountain every year. What does he come here for? Did he build this bamboo house?"

Qin Xian'er snorted, "My mother is already gone. Even if he visited for a hundred years, building a hundred houses, what good would it do? Can it atone for his sins?"

Lin Wanrong smiled and shook his head, kissing her gently on the cheek, "Silly girl, if love is a sin, then we are deeply guilty."

Qin Xian'er looked taken aback, shaking her head in disbelief, "Husband, are you suggesting he had feelings for my mother? Back in Jiangnan, he merely treated her as a plaything. I don't believe he would have missed her."

"People have emotions; they aren't emotionless like plants," Lin Wanrong said, holding her hand. "The Emperor is human too. He spent countless days and nights with your mother and fathered you, a bond that can never be severed. To say he had no feelings for her, I would never believe that. But being the supreme ruler, he hides his feelings well, and seldom shows them. It's the price he pays for being an Emperor."

Lost in thought, Qin Xian'er stared intently, processing his words.

"Your mother might have died because of him, but it wasn't something he wished for. His consistent visits here over the decades are proof of his profound feelings for her. He might be the ruler of all, but he was also a husband, a father. You lost a mother and father in one night. But think about it, didn't he lose a wife and a child too? He feels the same pain as you, but while you can cry out loud, he can't express his grief. Xian'er, unless one becomes a parent, one won't understand the depth of a parent's feelings. As an Emperor, he might have made mistakes, but as a father, he hasn't wronged you," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, his thoughts drifting to his own parents whom he'd never see again, feeling a surge of sorrow.

"Husband, Husband," after what felt like an eternity, Qin Xian'er nudged him, her voice gentle by his ear. Wiping the corner of his eye, Lin Wanrong smiled, "What is it? Was I wrong?"

She shook her head, gazing at him with tender, shimmering eyes, "Husband, did you cry?"

"Was I crying? No, it was just the wind," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, then gently advised, "Xian'er, taking a step back, have you ever considered why your mother left a letter to guide you? She didn't want you to harbor resentment towards your father because of this matter. If she were still alive, do you think she'd be happy seeing the strained relationship between you two?"

"Husband, give me a moment to think. My mind is in turmoil," Qin Xian'er whispered, "Hold me tight, and don’t let go."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I can hold you tight, but since we are in front of your mother's grave, I should pay my respects, shouldn't I?"

A blush tinged Qin Xian'er's face, a mixture of shyness and delight. She quickly sat upright from his embrace. Lin Wanrong knelt before Qin Xianling's grave, showing deep reverence. Following him, Qin Xian'er also knelt down, tears streaming down her face as she said, "Mother, Xian'er and Husband are here to pay our respects."

A faint sigh echoed from a distance. An elderly man in elaborate robes, his face bearing the signs of illness, stood unnoticed in a secluded corner. He watched the two kneeling figures, a mistiness forming in his eyes.

"Master, it's getting late. We should return," the blind old Wei whispered, supporting the elderly man.

"Consort Qin, Nishang..." the old Emperor murmured, his voice so soft that even old Wei, standing close by, couldn't make out his words.

"Master, with Lin San guiding Princess Nishang, there shouldn't be any problems. It would be best if you returned and rested," Old Wei respectfully said.

"Let me stand here a little longer, to be with Consort Qin, to be with Nishang," the old Emperor sighed, his gaze fixed on the happy Princess Nishang nestled in Lin San's embrace, his eyes full of love and tenderness. After a moment, he asked, "Little Wei, what do you think Lin San cherishes most?"

"What does he cherish?" Old Wei hesitated. Whether it was money or beautiful women, Lin San seemed to have it all. "This servant does not know," he bowed as he replied.

"What he cherishes most is freedom, the ability to roam unhindered," the old Emperor said with a smile on his face. "Then I will grant him that freedom. The north, with its vast deserts and grasslands, should be spacious enough for his adventures."

"Your Majesty, are you referring to the nomads?! Are you suggesting he lead an army?" Old Wei exclaimed in shock.

...

After their tribute at the grave, Xian'er felt content. She had paid respects to her master and now to her mother. She and her Husband had honored them both. Lin Wanrong found some tools to maintain Qini Xianling's tomb. Although Qin Xian'er was dressed simply, being by Husband's side filled her with joy, and she wore a much brighter smile.

By the time they had finished their tasks, the sun was setting. Lin Wanrong recalled the task he had entrusted to Ning Yuxi and wondered how it had gone. Had the girl possibly run off?

Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought, Qin Xian'er curiously asked, "Husband, what's bothering you?"

With a tense expression, Lin Wanrong grasped her hand, "Xian'er, there's something I need to tell you. Please, don't panic."

Qin Xian'er hummed in acknowledgment and nodded, "Husband, please speak. I promise not to panic."

Lin Wanrong stared intently at Xian'er's beautiful face, speaking slowly, "This morning, the Emperor was attacked!"

Xian'er's expression shifted dramatically, alternating between shock and anger. Her delicate hand turned icy cold. Closing her beautiful eyes, two tears slipped out, "Husband, is he gravely injured?"

Recalling what he had witnessed that day, Lin Wanrong felt it wouldn't be right to withhold the truth from Xian'er. He nodded solemnly, "From what I saw, his injuries seemed severe. I fear—"

Abruptly, Qin Xian'er stood up, wiping away her tears, her voice soft yet determined, "Husband, we must go!"

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