Finest Servant

The King of Goryeo personally introduced General Lin to the multitude of officials within the court, their titles ranging from Chief Political Advisor to various bureau heads, with names both peculiar and complex. This proved to be a headache even for the astute General Lin.

Amidst the crowd, General Lin's gaze fell upon a familiar face – it was none other than Prince Yi Seung-Jae, who once sought to marry Princess Nishang of Great Hua. Recalling their past encounters and the times he had teased the prince, General Lin couldn't help but smile subtly in his direction.

Prince Yi, feeling somewhat embarrassed, remembered his previous bravado in Great Hua, which had completely reversed in just over half a year. Now, as General Lin visited Goryeo, not only was he greeted with cheers from the masses, but even Prince Yi's father, the King, followed General Lin with utmost attentiveness and respect, a stark contrast to their past.

The King of Goryeo, noticing General Lin's contemplative gaze on Prince Yi, hastened to introduce him. "General Lin, this is young Prince Seung-jae. Please look after him!"

"I remember him well," General Lin replied with a smile. "We've crossed paths in the capital before. Prince, you've grown more handsome and dashing in these few months, almost catching up to me!"

Prince Yi, flustered, bowed deeply without daring to meet General Lin's eyes.

General Lin chuckled, his thoughts drifting to the Goryeo palace maid who had accompanied Prince Yi on his quest for marriage in Great Hua. He realized now that Goryeo's promise to send her as his maid was nothing but a ruse.

With a few laughs, General Lin reluctantly ascended the resplendent carriage at the King's insistent invitation. The King himself held onto General Lin's sleeve, accompanying him into the city with great care.

The royal palace of Goryeo, located in the eastern part of Hanseong, was beautiful but paled in comparison to the magnificence and scale of the Great Hua Imperial Palace.

Once inside the main hall, guests and hosts took their seats. Palace maids served steaming ginseng tea for the guests to savor. The King of Goryeo personally narrated the heroic tales of resisting Dongyin invasion and the current state of the peninsula, glorifying the valor of Goryeo warriors and acknowledging Great Hua's military contributions.

General Lin listened with amusement but chose not to contradict the King, deeming these false honors unimportant. He knew that with Great Hua's troops stationed in Goryeo, control was firmly in their hands.

After the King concluded his presentation, General Lin addressed the court, stating his visit was to comfort Great Hua's troops and to meet a legendary figure, much to the relief of the Goryeo officials who feared additional demands.

The ensuing banquet was a grand affair, with Goryeo sparing no effort to impress. Alongside traditional cold dishes, many exquisite Great Hua delicacies were prepared, making for a lavish feast. Beautiful maids swayed gracefully as they danced for the guests, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The King of Goryeo and his officials frequently raised their glasses in a hearty welcome to General Lin. Their warmth and earnestness were unmistakable. The local liquor, though mild in strength, left many Goryeo officials flushed and lively, while Lin Wanrong remained clear-headed even after several drinks.

As the final dish was presented, the previously inebriated Goryeo officials sobered up instantly, their faces lighting up with joy. The King of Goryeo stood and approached Lin Wanrong, proudly unveiling a covered dish. "General, behold! This is Goryeo's finest dish, a delicacy unknown in Great Hua, called 'medicinal cuisine'. It is meticulously prepared with rare ingredients like ginkgo nuts, Korean ginseng, sea cucumbers, and bear paws, designed to calm the mind, brighten the eyes, and moisten the lungs. It's a precious dish indeed, savored by no more than a hundred people across Goryeo."

The small bowl contained a clear soup, emanating a faint, enticing aroma. The Eldest Miss who accompanied Lin Wanrong tasted it and was immediately delighted, nodding in approval.

Lin Wanrong couldn't help but chuckle at the King's knowledgeable exposition on the medicinal cuisine, which seemed well-researched. He tasted a few spoonfuls, finding the broth deliciously fresh, with a subtle herbal fragrance, proving the King's claims were no exaggeration.

Seeing Lin Wanrong nodding slightly, the King eagerly asked, "General, how do you find the taste?"

"Truly exceptional!" Lin Wanrong replied with a smile, his interest piqued. "May I inquire, Your Majesty, who is the chef behind this exquisite dish? Might I meet her?"

The King's expression turned hesitant, and after a pause, he replied, "This dish was prepared by a pharmacist under the supervision of the Royal Medical Officer. Unfortunately, she had urgent matters to attend to and has left the palace. It might be difficult to find her at the moment."

Lin Wanrong sensed the King's evasive tone, indicating a hidden story. He replied, half-jokingly and half-serious, "Is that so? I've traveled far to meet this culinary master, and yet it's so difficult. Alas, it must be my misfortune, causing trouble for Your Majesty."

The King, clearly understanding Lin Wanrong's sarcasm, gave a wry smile and shook his head. "Speaking with someone as astute as you, General, there's no need for pretense. You've probably guessed who made this dish. But indeed, after its preparation, she left the palace, and this is the truth."

"Why would she leave the palace? What's the reason?" Lin Wanrong asked urgently.

The King sighed, lowering his voice, "Well, since it's come to this, I won't hide it from you. This pharmacist didn't want to meet you. I had to persuade her several times to make this medicinal cuisine for you. She agreed on the condition that she would leave immediately after, without staying a moment longer in the palace, and I consented."

Lin Wanrong felt a twinge of annoyance. "Why wouldn't she meet me? What does this mean? Besides, you are her relative—doesn't she even give you that much face?"

Hearing Lin Wanrong's words, the King awkwardly chuckled. "Don't blame her. She's usually smart, beautiful, and kind-hearted, loved by everyone in Goryeo. But since hearing of your arrival in Gwangju, she's become silent and somewhat disoriented. In her free moments, she oscillates between crying and laughing, and I don't understand why."

Noticing the subtle change in expression at the mention of crying and laughing, Lin Wanrong quietly contemplated for a moment. He sighed deeply and said, "Well then, if she does not wish to see me, I shall go to see her. Some matters need to be clarified; one can't remain in the dark forever. Don't you agree, Your Majesty?"

Though he didn't explicitly state it, both men understood each other well. This exchange brought Lin Wanrong and the King of Goryeo closer in their relationship.

The King nodded, speaking with a hint of resignation, "I did promise her not to reveal her whereabouts, and I intend to keep my word..."

Seeing Lin Wanrong's anxious expression, the King quickly added with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, let me finish. As the King of Goryeo, I must keep my promises. How else could I face my subjects? But just because I can't tell you doesn't mean others are sworn to secrecy. Why not have a guard draw you a map?"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily at the King's cunning suggestion.

After settling this matter, Lin Wanrong lost his appetite for the medicinal banquet, and the King, understanding his state of mind, concluded the lunch early.

Upon leaving the royal palace, Xiao Yuruo teased him, "What secretive matters were you and the King of Goryeo discussing? Were you acknowledging relatives?"

Caught off guard, Lin Wanrong impulsively kissed her smooth cheek, playfully responding, "Had you not mentioned it, I wouldn't have remembered! Indeed, there seems to be some familial connection between me and the King of Goryeo, how embarrassing!"

"What embarrassment? It's selective amnesia!" Xiao Yuruo playfully scolded him, laughing softly. She found her husband's character both infuriating and endearing.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Hanseong, the capital of Goryeo, the market had already sprung back to life despite the recent end of warfare. The streets were lively with vendors and passersby.

Xiao Yuruo, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, tugged at Lin Wanrong's sleeve and whispered, "My Dear—"

"Yes?" Lin Lang, his heart light with joy, responded eagerly.

"How curious," Xiao Yuruo remarked, leaning close to him and observing the passersby with a lowered voice, "the people of Goryeo, they all seem to look alike—"

Lin Wanrong blinked and whispered in her ear, "You noticed such a covert matter? My dear Eldest Miss, you're almost as clever as your husband!"

Blushing with a mixture of embarrassment and joy, Xiao Yuruo pinched his arm hard, then burst into laughter, her heart filled with indescribable happiness. Being with her husband, she always found immense joy, no matter the circumstance.

The couple continued their walk, engaging in sweet whispers and endearments.

As they reached the heart of the market, where the crowd thickened, Lin Wanrong looked around and said seriously, "We seem to be lost! It's time to consult the guide."

He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, a map drawn by someone at the King's behest before they left the palace. The map, with its intertwining streets, left him frowning in confusion.

Seeing Lin Wanrong's hesitant expression, Xiao Yuruo couldn't help but laugh. "What guide? Hanseong only has a few streets. How could you get lost? You never lost your way on the vast grasslands!"

"Traveling abroad always has its challenges," Lin Wanrong replied lightheartedly, pretending not to notice her slight jealousy. He pointed at the paper and asked, "Eldest Miss, with your wide knowledge and learning, can you tell me how to read these characters?"

Xiao Yuruo, surprised at the famously literate Lin San's apparent inability to read, glanced at the paper and immediately became angry, punching him on the arm. "You scoundrel, you're teasing me! This is obviously in Goryeo script, how would I recognize it?"

Lin Wanrong, chuckling, planted a kiss on her cheek. "It's alright if you don't know. We can just ask someone."

He quickly approached a Goryeo local, blocking his path. "Hi, sir, hello! Excuse me for disturbing you, but can you understand what I'm saying? If not, please shake your head."

True to form, the Goryeo man obediently shook his head, prompting Xiao Yuruo to burst into giggles.

Lin Wanrong, eyes widened in feigned shock, pointed at the Goryeo script on the paper. "Sir, could you tell me what these characters mean?"

"Turn left," the Goryeo man replied in halting Great Hua language.

"Turn left? So, the other phrase must mean turn right?" Lin Wanrong muttered, slapping the map in frustration. Where did the King of Goryeo find such a guard to draw this map? Couldn't they have just drawn arrows instead of writing?

Xiao Yuruo, however, was amazed. "You speak Great Hua language?"

"The Loyal and Brave Army is stationed in Goryeo, and with rumors of their Commander visiting, everyone in Hanseong was ordered by the King to learn some Great Hua language," the man explained.

"Thank you, thank you!" Lin Wanrong replied, hands clasped in gratitude.

Following the simplistic left and right directions, the pair meandered through Hanseong's streets. After an unknown distance, they suddenly came upon an open area filled with Goryeo residences. In the midst of these homes stood a small, serene, and elegant building with a little pot hanging by the door – a symbol of delicacy.

A long queue had formed in front of the building, mostly comprising patients in varying degrees of illness. They looked expectantly at the curtained doorway, yet no one dared to make noise. The silence from within the building made it impossible to guess who was inside.

The hanging pot and the queued crowd outside indicated this was a medical clinic. But which renowned healer could be treating here, drawing such a crowd of hopeful patients?

"This is what they call 'hanging the pot to help the world'," Xiao Yuruo remarked with a sigh, looking at Lin Wanrong. "It seems, My Dear, that only this master can treat the ailment in your heart!"

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