Finest Servant

Chapter 504 Farewell

"Someone, come quickly!" He hurriedly put on his clothes, fumbling about. Light footsteps echoed from downstairs. A young maidservant lifted the curtain and stepped in. "Brother San, did you call for me—Ah! You... why aren't you dressed?"

The maid let out a shriek, her pretty face flushing crimson. Quickly covering her cheeks, she retreated with a whine.

"What are you screaming for? Can't you see I'm still wearing shorts and socks?!" He was both annoyed and amused. "Huan'er, what are you doing here?"

Huan'er hid her face behind the curtain, lowering her head, not daring to look at him. "Brother San, could you please put on your clothes first?"

At those words, Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes. ‘If I could dress myself, why would I have called you?’

Huan'er also realized her mistake. Brother San was seriously injured; asking him to dress himself was indeed unreasonable.

"Brother San, how about I... I close my eyes and help you dress?" Huan'er whispered, her cheeks already red as cherries. It was improper for her, a maid serving the young misses and the lady of the house, to attend to a man.

‘Fine, I'll do it myself then!’ In complete despair, Lin Wanrong grumbled for a while and finally managed to put on his shirt. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. Huan'er couldn't bear to watch and said softly, "Brother San, I'll help you dress. Just don't take advantage of me."

"Huan'er, are you also mocking me?" Lin Wanrong grimaced, "Look at me, a cripple. It would be a wonder if you aren't the one taking advantage of me, let alone the other way around."

A soft chuckle escaped Huan'er, as she set aside her shyness and carefully helped him put on his inner garment and robe. She then smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothing. "Brother San, the princess and the other young misses left early this morning for urgent business. Eldest Miss sent me here to make sure you have someone you're comfortable with."

"Everyone left? Did they go to see off the Madam?" Lin Wanrong said calmly.

"You... how did you know?" Huan'er was a bit startled, quickly glanced at him, then lowered her head. "Brother San, don't be angry. The Madam instructed us not to tell you, and the young misses couldn't persuade her otherwise."

"That's just great," Lin Wanrong's face flushed with anger, "Even such matters are kept from me! Have I become an outsider to the Xiao family?"

Seeing Brother San's face turn black as coal, Huan'er was frightened and kept her head down, looking quite wronged.

"Huan'er, I'm sorry," noticing the tear forming in her eyes, Lin Wanrong quickly apologized with a smile. "I wasn't directing that at you. How long have they been gone?"

Huan'er softly hummed, wiping away her tears. She looked up at the sky and softly said, "Almost half an hour."

"Half an hour?" Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed. "Call Gao Qiu to come see me as fast as possible, and have a carriage prepared for me as well!"

Huan'er hastily left the room, and within a short span of time, Gao Qiu rushed in. "Brother Lin, you were looking for me?"

"Brother Gao, I need to go to the south of the city—" Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder, his expression a mix of speechlessness and a bitter smile. "—Madam Xiao is leaving!" 𝖗Α

The sky was not yet fully lit. The shops lining the long street remained closed, and the common folk were still in their dreams. The crisp clip-clop of hooves shattered the morning's tranquility. A spacious horse-drawn carriage sped down the street, making its way straight for the southern gate.

Once out of the city, the chill in the air seemed to intensify. Early spring dew covered the carriage shaft, and the warm breath exhaled from the galloping horses' muzzles instantly condensed into mist, leaving a long trail in the air.

Lin Wanrong sat in the carriage with a gloomy face, not cracking a single smile. Gao Qiu cautiously asked, "Brother Lin, what's the matter? This sullenness doesn't suit you."

"Brother Gao, I just can't figure it out," Lin Wanrong said, distressed. "Do you think Madam Xiao is displeased with me? Why is she leaving without saying a word? What angers me the most is that all of my wives kept this from me!"

"Why would she be displeased with you? Think about it, both of the Miss Xiaos have become Mrs. Lin, haven't they? Perhaps Madam Xiao saw that you were injured and didn't want to disturb you early in the morning," Gao Qiu comforted, patting him on the shoulder.

It was surprising how comforting Gao Qiu, a seemingly coarse man, could be. Lin Wanrong laughed, "Brother Gao, your way with words has improved tremendously. How many ladies have you charmed into becoming your wives?"

"What wives? What do I need them for?" Gao Qiu scornfully spat. "I, Old Gao, cherish my freedom. Why would I want a woman to tie me down? There are plenty of women out there. If I, Old Gao, wish it, all the women in the brothels could be considered your sister-in-laws. I could have a new one every day, without any repetition!"

"Hahaha—" Lin Wanrong burst into hearty laughter, finding Gao Qiu's reasoning extraordinarily amusing.

After the carriage had been galloping for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Gao Qiu pulled back the curtain for a glance and suddenly exclaimed, "Brother Lin, look. Isn't that the Princess and Eldest Miss over there—"

The sky was beginning to brighten. Far away stood a small pavilion, and through the morning light, the silhouettes of several beautiful women appeared. Xian'er and Qiaoqiao held hands, Qingxuan and Ning'er supported each other, and Yushuang and Xiao Yuruo clung together. Some looked contemplative, some were softly crying, all gazing silently toward the south.

A finely crafted carriage gradually moved farther away, leaving behind a swirling trail of mist on the official road, slowly disappearing from everyone's sight.

"Go—" Seeing the carriage receding into the distance, Gao Qiu grew anxious. He quickly stepped onto the carriage shaft and with a flick of the reins, both horses let out long neighs and galloped courageously forward.

Qin Xian'er turned around and saw the scene of Gao Qiu spurring his horses. She was immediately startled, "Is that Gao Qiu? Why is he here?!"

Xiao Qingxuan slowly shook her head, "I'm afraid it's not Commander Gao who's come, but our husband. I knew we couldn't keep this a secret from him!"

"Quick, look." Gao Qiu drove his carriage, leaping out like a flying arrow on the official road. He was tens of feet away from them but didn't stop; he just kept going straight ahead. Qiaoqiao was puzzled, "Isn't he going to talk with us?"

"He's deliberately showing us his displeasure." Xiao Yuruo's tone was melancholic, tears clearly visible in her eyes. "This annoying troublemaker. My mother didn't allow us to tell him, yet he's blaming us!"

"No, that can't be it." The Second Miss had just parted from her mother and was wiping her tearful eyes, hidden in her sister’s arms. Upon hearing them criticize Lin San, she urgently raised her head to defend him. "The bad person wouldn't be so petty! He's rushing to send off our mother. He'll be back in a moment."

The sisters each had their own posture. Ning’er chuckled at the sight of them, "Complaining here is pointless, sisters. If you're really upset, just lock big brother out of the room tonight. Make him suffer a little and he'll behave."

"Well, that doesn't sound very good," Qiaoqiao whispered, "Big brother is still injured. If he catches a cold, wouldn't that make people worry to death?"

Xiao Yuruo laughed, "Qiaoqiao, it's because you pamper him that he becomes so arrogant. I think Ning’er’s suggestion is a good one. Make him suffer a few times, and he’ll learn his lesson."

Qin Xian’er chuckled, "Easier said than done, Sister Xiao. You haven’t even crossed the threshold with our husband yet. Are you planning to keep him out so you can sneak him into your chamber? We all know about your failed attempts!"

"What failed attempts! Nonsense! I haven't had any!" Xiao Yuruo blushed deeply. Qin Xian’er was outspoken and could say anything. Her words amused all the ladies present, who began to chuckle behind their hands.

"Why don’t you start, Ning'er?" Qin Xian'er said, her eyes twinkling, "If you can really keep him out, I’ll follow your lead."

"That can't be!" Talented Lady Luo's vivid red lips were incredibly alluring as she coquettishly giggled, "Big brother is my precious darling. You may be willing to, but I'm not!"

"Tsk, you little vixen!" The ladies laughed and teased in unison. The Second Miss held Ning'er's hand and sighed, "Sister Ning, now I truly understand what marital compatibility means. If you say you and that scoundrel aren't a match, I won't believe it even if I’m beaten to death."

The sisters burst into giggles and laughter, dispersing much of the gloom that had been hanging in the air.

After driving his carriage frantically for a while, Gao Qiu didn’t know how far he had gone when they climbed a steep hill. "Whoa," he yelled and pulled hard on the reins. The two spirited horses stopped at once, rearing and neighing loudly. The carriage came to a steady halt.

Gao Qiu quickly jumped down and moved Lin Wanrong's wheelchair. Pointing forward, he said, "Brother Lin, look—"

Fields of rhododendrons covered the mountain, as stunning as a burning hillside. Between the two slopes, a narrow and quiet official road wound ahead, stretching as far as the eye could see. A delicate carriage was speeding smoothly along the road. The sound of hooves was distant yet tranquil. The curtains of the carriage were tightly closed, obscuring any view of the occupants. However, the drooping curtain bore a conspicuous "Xiao" emblem.

The dew of early spring struck Lin Wanrong's cheeks, sending a cool sensation through him. He took a deep breath, his gaze lingering on the carriage slowly making its way down the mountain. With a vigorous wave, he called out, "Madam, Madam—"

The valley was quiet. His shouts, reverberating like thunder in the peaceful surroundings, startled a flock of early-rising sparrows. Flapping their wings, the birds soared up from the azalea bushes, scattering in all directions. The valley buzzed with the echo of their flight.

The gentle jingling of bells from the carriage masked the shouts. The spirited horses pressed on, showing no signs of stopping.

"It seems they didn't hear us," Gao Qiu muttered, cupping his hands around his mouth. Gathering energy from his core, he bellowed, "Madam Xiao, Madam Xiao, we've come to see you off—"

Being a martial artist, Gao Qiu's voice was extraordinarily loud. The buzz echoed in Lin Wanrong's ears, filled only with Gao Qiu's howls. Yet the carriage wobbled on, showing no intention of halting.

"Could they be asleep?" Gao Qiu wondered. Lin Wanrong sighed, "Perhaps—"

"Ah, it's slowing down," Gao Qiu suddenly exclaimed with delight. Lin Wanrong squinted to see the carriage finally coming to a gradual halt. The curtain lifted slowly to reveal a face of refined beauty.

"Take care, Officer Gao!" Madam Xiao waved with a smile.

"Thank you, Madam. You take care as well!" Gao Qiu responded loudly, his fists clasped in respect. Madam Xiao nodded lightly, her smile extraordinarily sweet.

"Brother Lin, why are you silent?" Gao Qiu waited but didn't hear Lin Wanrong’s voice, which struck him as odd. Turning back, he found Lin Wanrong had wheeled himself slightly back, out of sight from the carriage.

"No need for further words," Lin Wanrong waved, smiling. "A simple send-off to express our sentiments is enough. There's no need to stick to formalities. Moreover, I'll be returning to Jinling."

"That's true," Gao Qiu nodded. "The intention is enough. Farewell, Madam Xiao—"

A gentle hand delicately held up the curtain of the carriage, lingering for a moment. A breeze caused the curtain to sway lightly as if moved by an unseen hand. Just when even Gao Qiu began to wonder how long the moment would last, the curtain finally fell, and the carriage moved quietly on. The soft clip-clop of hooves seemed to strike at the heart.

The carriage vanished from their sight, its departure leaving a touch of melancholy, even for Gao Qiu. "Madam Xiao has left; we must head north. Whether it's life or death ahead, no one knows. Brother Lin, what exactly are we seeking in this life?"

"Your questions always make people ponder," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Perhaps we're all just seeking happiness. My happiest times were in Jinling, and one day I will return."

Gao Qiu chuckled at the depth of the sentiment, "Brother Lin, where shall we go now? Back to the residence? Your wives are still waiting."

Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Not for now. I have a very important place to go to, as vital to me as life itself."

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