Finest Servant

Chapter 434 If She's Well, Then So Am I

"What is all this mess?" Madam Xiao's face blushed as she glanced at the mysterious pages of the erotic book, and she turned her head away, lightly spitting, "What are you doing with these? Put them away quickly."

"Does Madam perhaps find this dowry too modest?" Lin San shook his head, his face serious, "Madam, these items are ranked alongside my life and chastity as the three treasures of the Lin family, and are by no means a mere hollow reputation. Take this knockout drug, for instance; it's an essential medicine for anyone who walks the Jianghu, and it has saved me from danger several times. Then there's this musket, incredibly powerful, saving my life countless times on the battlefield. As for the thirty-six loose pages of the Dongxuanzi, which Madam has also seen, it's my master's treasure, its importance goes without saying. What's even more precious is that this is a colorful handwritten version. These are more important than gold, silver, pearls, or agates, and show my sincerity."

Madam Xiao nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face, "You indeed seem sincere. However, as I mentioned last time, although the Xiao family is few in number, we cannot let people gossip. Yushuang and Yuruo, you can only marry one."

Lin Wanrong did not argue with her, instead, stuffing all the dowry into her arms, "Madam, please put away these treasures, lest any thieves lay eyes on them and become envious. Keep the loose pages close; it would be terrible if they fall into the wrong hands."

"This knockout drug, musket, and those embarrassing pictures, what should a lady like me do with them?" Madam Xiao hurriedly pushed them away, her face flushed, "You keep them. You may need them someday. If you are serious, please hire a matchmaker and prepare cakes and red silk, and come to propose directly. Keep these treasures of your family."

She quickly stepped back, her face red and transparent, as if what Lin San was holding were fearsome wild beasts.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Madam is indeed benevolent and kind, a model for us all. In that case, Madam, let's settle this matter. Once I've handled my affairs, I will pick an auspicious day to marry the young lady, and our two families will become one, intimately close."

Madam Xiao hummed in agreement but then looked up, "Wait, Lin San, after all this talking, are you going to marry Yushuang or Yuruo?"

"I'll decide later," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, looking troubled, "Whether it's Eldest Miss or Second Miss, whoever is in the better mood can enter the bridal palanquin. I can't make it difficult for you, Madam! It's settled then. I'm going to work now."

"What are you talking about?" Madam Xiao hurriedly blocked his way, her eyebrows frowning, angrily saying, "Carrying the bridal palanquin to the doorstep without knowing who the bride is? Where is such a thing heard of? How could either Yushuang or Yuruo be in a good mood? No, you must settle this matter today, or I won't let you off!" Her face was angry, her cheeks flushed, and a faint blush spread across her white face, giving her a charming demeanor, making her look like a young woman in her twenties.

"Madam, if I could decide, I wouldn't be so troubled." Lin Wanrong spread his hands with a distressed smile, "I know Eldest Miss well, and I'm in love with Second Miss. My feelings for them are equal. How can you ask me to choose one? Can you bear to make me choose? Either way, one will be heartbroken. No matter whom I choose, it's the same, so you might as well decide for me."

He pulled the door bolt and was about to step outside, his movements resolute. Madam Xiao was infuriated by Lin San's cunning, pushing all these matters onto her. Both sides were like flesh to her, and she was unsure how to decide.

She hesitated for a moment, and seeing Lin San about to leave the room, she quickly gritted her teeth and shouted, "Lin San, come back here."

This was the response Lin Wanrong was waiting for. He turned around with a joyful smile, "Madam, did you call me?"

Madam Xiao glared at him, annoyed, and humphed, "Don't think I don't know what's on your mind. If you want to marry both Yushuang and Yuruo, just say so outright. Where did you learn this nonsense?"

"Madam, your insight is profound. You saw right through what I was thinking. Truly, you're a hero among women, and you do not concede to men." Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up in praise.

Madam Xiao sighed, shaking her head with a bitter smile, "Lin San, it's not that I want to make things difficult for you. But we of the Xiao family are widowed mother and daughters, already conspicuous. Those who gossip behind our backs and wait to mock us are countless. We must be cautious not to give them any reason to talk. Yuruo and Yushuang are renowned beauties in Jinling, and many suitors have worn out our doorstep. If I promise both to you, even if they don't mind, what will the world think? How will I explain to our family? Wouldn't the rumors fly?"

Madam Xiao, widowed for many years, was known for her loyalty and chastity in Jinling, respected by all. This, Lin Wanrong was aware of. He snorted, "Madam, why should you care about these things? Eldest Miss, Second Miss, and I are in a relationship of our own free will. Who dares gossip about us?"

"You are a man; of course, you can disregard it." Madam Xiao glared at him, her expression both shy and angry, "But a woman's reputation is hard-won and easily lost. If Yuruo and Yushuang both marry you, wouldn't Jinling erupt into chaos? People's hearts are hidden behind their bellies; any malicious rumors could arise. I'm afraid even I would be implicated—" Madam Xiao angrily humphed, her pretty face tinged with a faint blush, unable to continue.

"So that's how it is," Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Madam, you worry too much. If everyone lived like you, looking forward and backward, never daring to express love or hate, what joy could be found in life?"

Madam Xiao sighed deeply, murmuring as she sat down, "This is my fate, and I've long grown accustomed to it. But Yushuang and Yuruo are different; they're still young, with many years ahead. If their lives were ruined by rumors, it would be my fault. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Her expression was desolate, tears glistening in her eyes, her face full of helplessness. Lin Wanrong laughed aloud, "Madam, I can understand your plight, but I cannot agree with your actions. As you said, we must not ruin the lives of Eldest Miss and the Second Miss because of rumors. Please think, Madam, what is love for them, and what is misleading them? Breaking up their love and denying them happiness for a lifetime, is that protecting them? Think about the sufferings of your own life, and then think of Eldest Miss and the Second Miss; you should understand what happiness is even more profoundly than I do."

His words abruptly ended there. Madam Xiao's brow furrowed as she pondered deeply, the room falling into an extreme silence, with only the sound of her gentle and urgent breathing.

She was wearing only a thin nightgown that clung to her body, accentuating her full breasts, slender waist, and curvy hips. Her full and rounded figure was highlighted by her fair, jade-like complexion, giving her a unique, mature charm. Madam Xiao had been a beauty without parallel in her youth; even the current Emperor had once lost sleep over her. Now, although her daughters had grown up, her beauty remained unchanged, enhanced by a touch of wistful elegance that was truly admirable.

Lin Wanrong's eyes were dazzled by her. He wondered how she managed to maintain herself so well, appearing like a young maiden despite being in her mid-thirties. If his other loves had this ability, he would be the most fortunate man in the world.

"What a sharp tongue you have." He was enjoying the view when he noticed the color in her face, a hint of pink. She softly spoke. Lin Wanrong quickly composed himself and leaned in to listen.

Madam Xiao sighed slightly, "Perhaps you are right. Nothing is more important than the lifelong happiness of Yushuang and Yuruo. Lin San, I agree—"

"Really?!" Lin Wanrong jumped up, grabbing her small hand, "Madam, thank you so much!"

"Don't be too happy too soon," Madam Xiao calmly withdrew her hand, glaring at him, "I have a few conditions that you must agree to. Then I can promise you."

"What conditions?" Lin Wanrong, in his excitement, could not contain himself.

"First, although the Xiao family is not a prominent and wealthy household, we are not obscure either. Yuruo and Yushuang's marriage to your family must be honorable and public, with Xu Wei as the matchmaker, announced to the world. We must not disgrace my daughters."

"Of course, of course." Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, "I played matchmaker for Xu Wei in Hangzhou; now it's time for him to return the favor."

"Secondly, Yushuang and Yuruo are virtuous daughters and will never be concubines. Though you have married a princess, if she forces my daughters to be concubines, forget it."

This condition wasn't an issue, for in Lin Wanrong's mind, there was no distinction between wives and concubines. All were his wives, and he would treat them equally. "Madam, rest assured, Qingxuan is virtuous and will surely get along well with Eldest Miss and the Second Miss. I guarantee it."

Madam Xiao said coldly, "Virtue is not something that is merely spoken of; keep your head for my daughters. Thirdly, I want you to—"

She paused, and Lin Wanrong stepped back in alarm, exclaiming, "Madam, what are you saying? You want me? Don't go too far! I'm not a frivolous person!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" the Madam exclaimed in anger and embarrassment, wishing she could run up and kick him with her delicate foot. "I want you to marry into my Xiao family!"

"Oh, forget it then," Master Lin shook his head in disappointment, but he was startled by the Madam's next words. "Marry into the family? Are you marrying off a daughter or taking a son-in-law? My old Lin family has been passed down through nine generations, and I would rather die than marry into another family. Give up on that idea."

The Madam shook her head, helplessly saying, "I know this is unfair to you, but I am giving both my daughters from the Xiao family to you. There has to be some explanation to the clan and relatives. If you don't want to marry into the family, there might be an alternative way, but I don't know if you would agree."

"Let's hear it." Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Lin Wanrong was trembling with fear. "Marrying into your Xiao family, Madam, you truly are extraordinarily courageous."

"This matter is quite difficult to explain," Madam Xiao said softly. "My Xiao family is thin in numbers, and with a vast estate, only two daughters to inherit it. Once they marry you, more than half of the Xiao family's wealth will belong to you, making it hard to explain to the clan. But there's a way to silence them, although I fear you may not agree."

"You almost had me marrying into the family, so what else could I possibly refuse?" Lin Wanrong generously waved his hand, signaling her to continue.

"After Yuruo and Yushuang marry you, if they bear sons, would you allow one to take the surname Xiao?" the Madam whispered, her face showing some embarrassment. "In this way, the Xiao family will have descendants, and the clan will have nothing to complain about. What do you think?"

The children of Eldest Miss and Second Miss should bear the Lin surname after marrying Lin San. That was the ancestral rule. Taking a foreign surname was a great taboo for the Lin family, hence Madam Xiao's caution.

"I see," Lin Wanrong said, his face full of difficulty. "Madam, a child is the flesh of my body. To have him not bear the Lin name and instead take the surname Xiao is simply bullying."

"No, no," Madam Xiao quickly explained. "Only one child will bear the mother's surname. He's still flesh of your flesh, raised and taught by you, no different from your other children. He will just inherit the Xiao family's estate, establishing a new branch."

Changing a child's surname was a great taboo in that era, but to Lin Wanrong, it was nothing serious. He pretended to ponder for a while, finally speaking, "Madam, you are carving the flesh from my heart. But fine, since I am deeply devoted to the two young misses, let one child bear the surname Xiao. However, whether or not children are born isn't up to me alone. The process is troublesome; you must prepare Eldest Miss and Second Miss mentally so that they cooperate fully."

The Madam gave a light 'tsk,' her face showing joy and surprise. "So you agree? Lin San, I never expected you to be so open-minded. I have underestimated you. Today should be a joyful day, but Yuruo... We still don't know where she has been taken."

Her face turned bleak, but Lin Wanrong shook his head, saying, "Madam, rest assured, Eldest Miss will be fine. I guarantee that in a few days, she will appear before you, safe and sound."

Lin San was boastful in small matters but never careless in serious affairs. Madam listened with delight, "That's good, Lin San. Hurry and find Xu Wei to be the matchmaker, lest there be any further complications. Humph, no matter the imperial decree, my daughter will surpass that princess!"

Seeing the smile in Madam Xiao's eyes, Lin Wanrong had a faint feeling of being deceived. After all the fuss, it turned out that Madam was setting a trap for him. He had thought himself smart, but damn, her acting skills were simply divine.

Lin Wanrong turned to leave but then suddenly turned back, smiling, "Madam, you just mentioned having a child with the surname Xiao. Was that true or false?"

"Of course it's true," Madam Xiao smiled, "Why, are you thinking of going back on your word?"

"I'm not reneging," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I just suddenly thought of something very important. Madam, you are still young, you could have a child on your own. Why would you need me?"

"You're asking for it!" With a light snap, Madam Xiao, in her anger, picked up her embroidered shoe and threw it hard. It hit the door frame. Lin Wanrong dodged and laughed gleefully. Teasing her a little was a way to regain face.

Upon reaching the front shop, he saw the Second Miss hiding behind the door, peeping into the yard. Her face was bright with anticipation yet shy and reserved, radiating an indescribable charm.

Seeing Lin San approaching, the girl named Yushuang was both ashamed and delighted. She wanted to walk away but couldn't move. She lowered her head and whispered, "Wicked man, what did you tell my mother?"

Lin Wanrong grabbed her little hand, laughing, "I didn't say anything much, just had a casual chat, and then I came out."

The Second Miss's expression tightened, "Then, our...our matter—"

"What matter?" Lin Wanrong grinned, "I've forgotten!"

Yushuang's face turned pale, tears welling in her eyes, "So, you didn't mention it to mother? You coward, I hate you!"

"I'm not a coward," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, spinning her delicate body around, "You better prepare your bridal gown and red veil, and wait for the grand bridal sedan to arrive."

The Second Miss felt a momentary dizziness, her face flushed like autumn leaves, her joy mixed with tears. "I'll teach you to tease me," she struck him twice on the chest, then gently rubbed the spot, her face radiant with a smile. Afraid he might see her, she buried her head in his chest with a whimper.

Lin Wanrong was filled with mixed emotions and gave her a soft kiss on the ear. The Second Miss whispered, "Lin San, did you mention your matter with my sister to mother?"

Lin Wanrong hadn't answered when Yushuang spoke again, "If you didn't, I will ignore you forever."

Such a threat? Lin Wanrong laughed, "Of course I mentioned it. It's just Madam's attitude—"

"What's mother's attitude?" Yushuang became tense, "Did she not agree? You, useless person, usually so eloquent, yet unable to persuade even mother. If my sister doesn't marry, I won't marry either."

"Second Miss, honestly, aren't you jealous?" Lin Wanrong asked with utmost seriousness.

Xiao Yushuang's face was wet with tears, and she bit his chest fiercely, "You wicked thing, who's jealous—I'll bite you to death! It's not enough to bully me, you have to bully my sister too."

Lin Wanrong gently patted her shoulder twice, and the Second Miss loosened her bite, sighing softly, "She's my sister; I shouldn't be jealous of her. You scoundrel, if you dare to bully my sister, I won't forgive you."

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "So, would you prefer me to dote on Eldest Miss more, or dote on you more?"

The little girl pondered for a moment, pouting her small mouth and giving him a look, then huffed indignantly, "Be good to my sister, and be even better to me. If she's good, I must be good too, not one less!"

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