Finest Servant

Chapter 95 Who's Crueler?

Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Miss, you mustn't lose heart. These four couplets have been passed down in my hometown for a thousand years. Through the heat of summer and the chill of winter, through dynastic changes, they have stumped countless talented individuals, yet only a few have been able to complete them accurately. Today, I'm curious to see if our Great Hua's talents can break this peculiar cycle."

Sister Ning shook her head and sighed, "Under the heavens, the number of talents who can answer such a challenge is as sparse as the morning stars. It's a rare chance to encounter one. Today, big brother has shown me that there are always higher skies. I used to think that after learning some poetry and prose, no one in the world could surpass me. Only today did I realize how shallow I am. I thank big brother for enlightening me. I'm truly grateful."

With that, she actually stood up and gave a light curtsy to Lin Wanrong, expressing deep respect.

Lin Wanrong hurriedly said, "Qiaoqiao, please help your friend to her feet. Miss, you mustn't say such things. The couplets aren't my creation; I merely relayed them. There's no 'enlightenment' here. You're truly too modest."

Dong Qiaoqiao, holding her hand, laughed, "Big brother knows so much that even if he spoke for three days and three nights, he wouldn't finish. Sister Ning, there's no need for formalities here. If you have any questions, just ask."

Sister Ning nodded and sighed, "If I have the time, I certainly want to learn more from Big brother."

Lin Wanrong silently felt goosebumps, thinking, ‘If I have to discuss poetry and prose with you, I'd rather go home and mix perfumes - that's much more comfortable.’

He quickly changed the topic, lifting his wine cup, "Today is a rare occasion for joy, so let's raise our glasses and drink heartily." Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan were both open-minded people. Hearing Lin Wanrong's words, they were delighted. This brother was not only talented but also daring and audacious - a true character.

The three drained their cups and enjoyed the drinking. Even Dong Qiaoqiao had several sips, her smiling face blooming like a flower as she leaned on her brother.

On the other hand, Sister Ning maintained a slight smile, abstaining from the alcohol, and just quietly watched them converse, ever so serene.

Lin Wanrong silently sighed, wondering how this girl developed such a character, tranquil as water, uncompetitive, and somewhat hermit-like.

"Since we're in high spirits today, Qingshan, Luo Yuan, I'll teach you a drinking game," Lin Wanrong, ignoring Sister Ning, engaged Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, "In the world of martial arts, who can avoid getting slashed? A slash kills you, a slash kills me—"

Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, those two young fellows, were intrigued by the drinking game. They shadowboxed a few punches and couldn't stop laughing. Dong Qiaoqiao watched Lin Wanrong, her heart full of admiration, thinking that everything about her brother was unique.

Even Sister Ning gave Lin Wanrong an extra glance, a faint smile on her face, but her eyes remained calm and unflustered.

After finishing the feast, Lin Wanrong had a discussion with Qiaoqiao and Qingshan about the details of the restaurant's opening in the following days, making sure they were all on the same page. Luo Yuan and Sister Ning seemed quite familiar with each other, and the two of them were engaged in conversation.

Seeing Qiaoqiao clearing the table and heading downstairs, Lin Wanrong quickly followed and caught her hand, saying, "Qiaoqiao, let me do it."

"Big brother," Qiaoqiao hurriedly protested, "this is a woman's job. You shouldn't be doing such menial tasks."

Without a word, Lin Wanrong took the dishes from her and placed them on a nearby table, saying, "Qiaoqiao, there's no such thing as women's work or men's work. I love you, and I can do anything for you."

Moved beyond words, Qiaoqiao couldn't help but throw herself into his arms, shyly saying, "Big brother, I love you and respect you. For you, I am willing to do anything."

Lin Wanrong's heart pounded in his chest, thinking he was smitten by this young girl. Gently lifting Qiaoqiao's chin, she blushed and trembled slightly, but didn't resist his touch. She closed her eyes, anticipating the thrilling moment to come.

With a soft whimper, Qiaoqiao felt as if a layer of fire ignited on her body. Lin Wanrong held her petite body tightly, exploring her tender lips endlessly.

She smelled so sweet, thought Lin Wanrong, holding her slender, boneless waist, gently caressing and enjoying the intoxicating sensation of her soft skin.

Weak and powerless, Qiaoqiao slumped in his arms, letting his tongue explore her mouth. His touch made her shiver with a tingling sensation, as if electricity was coursing through her body.

"Big brother..." Feeling a hot object pressing against her lower abdomen, Qiaoqiao, having had intimate contact with Lin Wanrong before, knew what it was. Her heart pounded wildly as she buried her head in his chest, too shy to look at him.

Lin Wanrong slipped his hand inside her clothes, lightly stroking her smooth skin. Heat spread through Qiaoqiao's body, and she felt as if she was falling into a whirlpool, a great pull that was terrifying yet filled with fiery desire.

"Ah!" Qiaoqiao shrieked, feeling a sudden coolness on her chest. Lin Wanrong's hands had moved upwards, holding her delicate breasts. 

Feeling as if her life was being seized, she could only breathe heatedly. Her face was as red as fire, and she timidly nestled against Lin Wanrong, not daring to look at him.

While kneading the two tender, red peaks, Lin Wanrong's arousal pressed insistently against Qiaoqiao. Experiencing the exquisite pressure between her smooth belly and his heat, he whispered in her ear like a sly wolf, "Qiaoqiao, let's... do some research tonight."

"What kind of research?" Qiaoqiao asked tremblingly.

"Some physical research," Lin Wanrong shamelessly replied.

"Ah!" Qiaoqiao exclaimed, her face flushed with blood. Summoning a strength she didn't know she had, she quickly pushed him away and ran downstairs. Her voice, delicate as a mosquito's hum, echoed through the air, "Big brother, I'm yours, I'll always wait for you."

At the Meiwei Restaurant, Lin Wanrong was contemplating whether or not to spend the evening with the young girl. But then he saw a figure rushing from afar; it was Young Master Guo.

Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Young Master Guo rushed over like he'd found his savior, urgently saying, "Lin San, quick, quick. Cousin Yuruo has been looking for you all afternoon, she said she has something to discuss with you."

‘Oh, you can't hold back anymore, can you?’ Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Young Master, I'm obeying the madam's orders. I'm currently accompanying Young Master Luo and don't have the time to discuss anything with the young lady."

Young Master Guo had finally found an opportunity to please the Eldest Miss, he couldn't let it slip away. He hurriedly grabbed Lin Wanrong's sleeve and said, "Lin San, I see that my cousin is quite anxious. Please go quickly. Her temper isn't very good, you know. If she gets upset, who knows what will happen."

‘Her temper isn't very good? My temper is like a storm!’ Seeing Guo Wuchang run off sweating, Lin Wanrong felt somewhat sorry for him. Being so manipulated by a woman, he didn't know whether to be happy or feel pity for him.

After sending off a dejected Guo Wuchang, it was already quite late. Lin Wanrong glanced at Qiaoqiao. Remembering his words from the afternoon, Qiaoqiao's heart pounded, thinking, ‘Could big brother really want to...? I'm so embarrassed.’

Just as she was deep in thought, Sister Ning walked over and said, "Big brother, I want to have a heart-to-heart with Qiaoqiao tonight. I hope you don't mind."

Lin Wanrong thought, ‘It really isn't a good day today.’ He simply smiled and didn't respond to Sister Ning's words. Instead, he took Qiaoqiao's hand and said, "Qiaoqiao, you've worked hard these past few days. Once I have some free time in a few days, I'll come see you again. By then, you can't run away." Dong Qiaoqiao was both shy and reluctant. She gently nodded, her face as red as if she had applied rouge.

Dong Qingshan saw off Luo Yuan and Lin Wanrong. They hadn't gone far when they saw a group of people coming from the opposite direction. One tall man dressed in black stood out in the crowd.

Dong Qingshan quickly pulled Lin Wanrong's sleeve and said, "Big brother, that's Wu Zhenghu, the leader of the Black Dragon Association."

Lin Wanrong merely responded with an "Oh," his gaze not falling on Wu Zhenghu, but rather lingering on the young master next to him in contemplation.

Luo Yuan snorted, "As I suspected, this Mr. Cheng is backing them." The young man next to Wu Zhenghu was Cheng Ruinian, whom they had previously met at Miaoyu Pavilion.

Lin Wanrong seriously said to Luo Yuan, "Brother Luo, there's something I want to ask you. I need you to tell me the truth."

Luo Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Big brother, what are you talking about? I have nothing to hide from you."

Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Your conflict with Cheng Ruinian isn't just about the rivalry, is it?"

Luo Yuan nodded, "Big brother, I won't hide it from you. This actually has to do with the situation within the court. My father and Cheng De both hold official positions in the court, and they should have had a collegial relationship. However, Cheng De is corrupt and forms factions for personal gain. He's a key member of Prince Cheng's faction. My father disapproves of him and has reported him several times to the Ministry of War, but he was always protected by Prince Cheng. This led to some animosity between him and Cheng De, so I naturally don't get along with Cheng Ruinian."

Lin Wanrong nodded. These political faction matters seemed simple, but they were the most complex and hardest to figure out. Once Governor Luo Min of Jiangsu and Cheng De became enemies, it wasn't something that could be easily resolved; their two families naturally became mortal enemies.

Only then did Lin Wanrong feel relieved. If Luo Yuan wasn't determined to fight with Cheng Ruinian, Lin Wanrong would naturally have to reconsider the relationship between Hung Hing and the Black Dragon Association and adjust his strategy.

"Who is this Prince Cheng?" Lin Wanrong was not very familiar with the political arena of Great Hua. Now that he had met Luo Yuan, who was well-versed in these matters, he naturally wanted to learn more.

"Great Hua's late Emperor had three sons. The eldest died young, leaving only the current Emperor and Prince Cheng. Before the Emperor ascended the throne, Prince Cheng controlled the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Personnel, while the Emperor controlled the Ministry of Household and the Imperial Guard. The late Emperor hesitated for a long time on the matter of succession. Prince Cheng, known as the Virtuous Prince, respected talents and had countless capable people under him. He was originally the most likely candidate, but for some reason, the late Emperor passed the throne to the current Emperor."

While Luo Yuan was being circumspect, Lin Wanrong already knew that there must have been a lot of things that happened. The matter of princes fighting for the throne has been present since ancient times, and it must have been the case between Prince Cheng and the current Emperor.

"Does this Prince Cheng have a lot of power?" Lin Wanrong asked with a frown.

Luo Yuan sighed, "Prince Cheng controlled the Ministry of Personnel for many years. His disciples are all over the world, and a third of the high-ranking officials in various provinces come from his school. Do you think his power is great?"

Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "The greater his power, the greater the danger. He who sleeps beside the bed cannot allow others to sleep soundly. The current Emperor must be extremely wary of him, and in the end, I'm afraid it will cause an uncontrollable situation."

Luo Yuan looked at Lin Wanrong, deeply admiring his insight. Seeing his straightforwardness and lack of reservation, he felt grateful, clasped his fists, and laughed, "Big brother, I'm truly grateful for your understanding."

Lin Wanrong said to Dong Qingshan, "Qingshan, it's not suitable for you to meet them now. Go back first. Brother Luo and I will handle this." Dong Qingshan nodded and left.

Cheng Ruinian also spotted Luo Yuan and Lin Wanrong. He said something to Wu Zhenghu next to him, and their group started walking towards them.

"Brother Ruinian, what a coincidence to meet you here," Lin Wanrong gave a signal. Luo Yuan nodded and, with a hearty laugh, took the initiative to meet them.

Cheng Ruinian flashed a sinister smile, saying, "Brother Luo Yuan, I didn't expect you to be in such high spirits. Why, didn't you go to Miaoyu Pavilion today for some wine?"

Luo Yuan laughed heartily, replying, "Not today, Brother Ruinian. Going to those pleasure quarters without you seems to lack some fun. I wonder when you will be free to join me in these escapades?"

Lin Wanrong listened to Luo Yuan and Cheng Ruinian's banter on the side, silently laughing to himself. He hadn't expected that Luo Yuan could bluster so well.

Cheng Ruinian, noticing Lin Wanrong standing by Luo Yuan, shot him a ferocious glance. But with Luo Yuan present, he dared not cross the line. Instead, he said to Wu Zhenghu next to him, "Some lowly people have quite the nerve, forgetting their status and daring to harass Miss Qin Xian'er. If I see him doing that again, I will surely break his dog legs."

‘Damn you,’ thought Lin Wanrong, but he managed a fake smile, saying, "What Young Master Cheng said is right. If anyone dares to harass Miss Qin again, let her break his dog legs."

Cheng Ruinian muttered an acknowledgment but was left speechless. He had tried to visit Qin Xian'er multiple times, only to be turned away each time. Yet, a mere servant was invited by Miss Qin herself. It was clear who was actually harassing her. Cheng Ruinian swallowed the bitter pill silently, feeling indignant. He shot Wu Zhenghu a look, who stared back at Lin Wanrong without uttering a word.

As Cheng Ruinian walked away, Luo Yuan asked, "Big Brother, what should we do now?"

A ruthless glint flashed in Lin Wanrong's eyes as he said, "We've already crossed swords with him, there's no turning back now. Brother Luo, if you trust me, follow my advice."

"Please, tell me, Big Brother," Luo Yuan urged.

"If Cheng Ruinian doesn't bother us, then fine. But if he dares to lay a hand on us, we must not show mercy. In fact, we should strike first if necessary. Brother Luo, in these gang fights, being soft-hearted is the worst mistake. If we wait until he hurts our loved ones, it will be too late for regrets," Lin Wanrong stated coldly.

Being a smart man, Luo Yuan nodded in agreement. "Big brother, you're absolutely right. We can't just sit and wait for death. Perhaps taking the initiative will yield unexpected results." His eyes flickered as he gritted his teeth and added, "There's an old saying: 'To shoot the man first, shoot his horse. To catch a thief, catch his king.' If this fool Cheng Ruinian dares to stir up trouble, we should directly—" He made a slicing gesture across his throat, a fierce light flashing in his eyes.

Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. Damn, this Luo Yuan was ruthless!

In truth, Lin Wanrong himself didn't particularly have any conflicts with Cheng Ruinian. It was just that their Hung Hing gang had clashed with the Black Dragon Association, and the latter had Cheng Ruinian supporting them from behind. Moreover, Luo Yuan had become his own brother now. Since Luo Yuan had issues with Cheng Ruinian, Lin Wanrong naturally had to help his brother, hence he began plotting against Cheng Ruinian. In fact, Cheng Ruinian probably didn't know at this point that the servant from the Xiao family he looked down on had such audacity, daring to plan on how to oppose him.

This young Brother Luo, who usually seemed harmless to both humans and animals, surprised Lin Wanrong when he became fierce. He was as merciless as Lin Wanrong himself, who admired this secretly.

Cheng De, the Commander-in-Chief, held a rank equivalent to that of a military district commander, while Luo Yuan's father, Luo Min, was the Governor of Jiangsu, the head of a province. If these two sides were to fight, it would indeed be quite a spectacle. This also indirectly indicated that the conflict between Luo Min and Cheng De had completely escalated.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, neither confirming nor denying, and said, "I didn't hear anything. I heard nothing." His tone shifted, "You should let Qingshan know tomorrow to keep an eye on their movements. Once they bully us, we mustn't be careless."

Luo Yuan nodded, "Big brother, don't worry, I know what to do."

Born into an official's family, Luo Yuan may not seem very impressive usually, but when it came to plotting and scheming, he was remarkably capable.

Lin Wanrong thought to himself, 'What kind of person is Luo Min to have raised such a son?' However, with Luo Yuan's help, Lin Wanrong felt more at ease. Not to mention his intelligence, his background alone made Hung Hing unbeatable. Of course, the premise was that Luo Min didn't fall from power. As for Luo Yuan's loyalty to him and to Hung Hing, Lin Wanrong wasn't worried at all. He trusted his judgment. This Luo Yuan would surely be a great asset in the future.

As they walked for a while, Luo Yuan suddenly chuckled, "Big brother, I almost forgot something. On the fifteenth of this month, it's my grandmother's sixtieth birthday. My father will hold a large banquet for her. Please be sure to honor us with your presence. I will introduce you to my father and we can have a family chat."

Lin Wanrong, taken aback, laughed, "Brother Luo, don't forget my current status. I'm just a servant of the Xiao family. How could I be qualified to attend your grandmother's birthday?"

Luo Yuan laughed, "Big brother, you're too modest. In fact, I have already invited Young Master Guo, Eldest Miss Xiao, and specifically mentioned you. Even if you don't want to come, you have no choice."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "So you had it all figured out. Well, if that's the case, I will gladly obey."

By the time he got back to his courtyard, it was already dusk. He had drunk a bit too much today, and wanted to go back to rest early. As he approached the gate, he saw a woman sitting in front of his room.