Finest Servant

A solemn sigh escaped Lin Wanrong's lips. "Well," he lamented, "an occasional visit isn't too much to ask for, is it? A bit of fun! But at the very least, you should let me be awake for it! Is it better to enjoy alone or to share the joy with others?"

His words, profound and startling, even echoed the sayings of the sages. The young palace maid, her eyes wide in astonishment, gazed at him. Suddenly, with a gasp, her cheeks flushed crimson, and she covered her face, too embarrassed to speak further.

Seeing her shy demeanor, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but wonder how such a timid girl could have taken such a bold step in the first place. He smiled helplessly and gently took her hand, his eyes resting on her noticeably swollen belly. "Is the baby moving a lot?" he asked softly. "Is it a girl or a boy?"

"I... I don't know," Seo Jang Geum replied, her body trembling slightly as he held her hand. Tears suddenly filled her eyes, bringing a warmth to her heart. She spoke softly, "This little one often kicks a few times, but usually, it's very quiet, not like you, sir."

She gripped his hand tighter, too shy to look at him. Her neck blushed a delicate pink, contrasting with her pale, jade-like skin, adding a unique charm to her appearance.

"So, it might be a daughter?" Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly, his hand gently caressing her rounded belly. The maid's skin was soft and smooth, like the finest satin.

The maid trembled, her face flushed like the dawn sky, her eyes watery as she looked up at him. "Sir, do you not wish for a daughter?" she asked, fear evident in her voice.

At this, her complexion turned deathly pale, and she gasped for breath, her fragrance as sweet as orchids. Her long eyelashes, wet with tears, quivered. She looked pitifully beautiful.

"Are you really speaking the truth?" Seo Jang Geum asked, her face glowing red, biting her lip, her white hand clenched tightly. She looked at him earnestly, "You're not deceiving me?"

Lin Wanrong replied seriously, "Why would I deceive you? I would be happy with either. Everyone in the Lin family knows this."

Seeing his sincere demeanor, Jang Geum nestled quietly into his arms, her tears flowing like the spring rain of March. "Sir, thank you!"

He sighed silently, patting her shoulder softly. "Don't cry! Remember what I told you before? When no one else is there to pity you, you must learn to pity yourself."

"It's not that, Sir," the maid replied, her tears of joy streaming down. "I know you care for me. Jang Geum is content even in death."

Lin Wanrong coughed awkwardly. "Don't think nonsense. That wasn't me!"

The maid smiled shyly, gently wiping away her tears, a hint of red touching her ears. She looked down, her voice barely audible, "Sir, could you hold Jang Geum?"

This request was too much! Lin Wanrong sighed in resignation, his gaze falling on her loosely draped dress, revealing a glimpse of her bright red undergarments. The sight of her soft, white curves, rising high and forming a deep valley, was dizzyingly beautiful.

"Heavens, that's not very proper!" he swallowed hard, his eyes seemingly unable to move away, and with a feigned grunt, he said, "I am not a man of casual manners!"

Seo Jang Geum's face turned beet red upon hearing his teasing tone, instantly recalling the wild passion of that night, her cheeks burning like fire.

"Alright, alright," he sighed resignedly upon seeing the stubborn look in the palace maid's eyes. "Helping others is the source of joy, and who am I to deny my soft heart?"

He opened his arms, but before he could embrace her, Seo Jang Geum darted into his hold like a swallow returning to its nest, her body trembling as she clung tightly to him, refusing to budge.

A faint scent of powder emanated from her, and her thin Goryeo dress felt like a sheer veil between them. Her skin was smooth and luminous like jade, her soft bosom silently pressing against his arm, voluptuous and silky. Her hips were round and perky, and her legs were slender and graceful, a feast for the eyes.

Lin Wanrong's heart itched with desire as he held her warm, tender body, his hands beginning to wander.

Feeling his hand stealthily moving under her clothes, reaching for her bosom, Seo Jang Geum exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, Sir—"

Her face flushed a deep red as she raised her head from his embrace, casting shy glances at him before lowering her eyes again.

"It's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding," Lin Wanrong chuckled unabashedly, patting her fragrant shoulder. "I just felt something unusual about your body and wanted to check personally."

Such shameless behavior from the Sir! The maid bowed her head in silence, her cheeks brightly colored as she softly said, "Sir, it's not your fault. It's just that Jang Geum is still adjusting."

Her actions that night had been bold to the extreme, almost forsaking all dignity of a woman, a release of pent-up emotions. Since then, she had returned alone to Goryeo, expecting never to see him again. Accustomed to loneliness in her austere life, the sudden appearance of this man brought a mix of shock and warmth, joy and sorrow, naturally leaving her feeling timid.

'Why torment yourself so?' he thought, feeling her silent tremors. Remembering her daring actions that night, Lin Wanrong shook his head silently and gently pulled her closer, holding her tightly.

His embrace was warm and encompassing, magically comforting. Seo Jang Geum's body suddenly stiffened, and she buried her head in his chest, her body quivering intensely. Hot tears quickly soaked his chest, but she bravely suppressed her sobs.

"Life is short, why be so hard on yourself?" Lin Wanrong stroked her soft, glossy black hair, sighing softly. "Cry, it's not a sin."

His voice was gentle, almost indescribably tender. Seo Jang Geum, nestled in his arms, found what seemed like the strongest support. Overwhelmed by grievances, her feigned calm and strength collapsed. She could no longer hold back, suddenly gripping his waist tightly, her fingers digging into his flesh. Her shoulders shook violently, and with a loud "waah," she burst into tears, her cries echoing powerfully, causing even the Eldest Miss waiting outside to secretly shudder with alarm.

Lin Wanrong found himself lost in an indescribable emotion, silently embracing her. Time seemed to stand still before he finally sighed softly, gently wiping away the tears on her face. In a tender voice, he said, "Don't cry anymore, or you'll scare our little treasure!"

This plea worked wonders. Jang Geum quickly stopped crying, shyly glancing at him with tear-filled eyes before lowering her head again, silently caressing her protruding belly, a gentle maternal glow on her face.

Her dress was already loosely disheveled. Looking down the neckline, her neck shone like polished jade, bright as if brushed with rouge. Her full, lofty chest was partially exposed. Her long, jade-like legs trembled slightly, their stunning whiteness shimmering enticingly, flawless as if washed in milk.

Her curvaceous, exquisitely formed body was like a flawless piece of art, too precious to touch. Yet, the faint tear stains on her cheeks added a vulnerable charm to her radiant beauty.

In terms of looks, this Goryeo woman might not be the most beautiful, but her innate, absolute gentleness and respect were unparalleled. Even Lin Wanrong, a man well-accustomed to beauty, found himself transfixed, his heart itching with an indescribable longing.

After a while, with no response from him, Jang Geum timidly raised her head, only to find his gaze fixed intently upon her, peering down her neckline.

Blushing deeply like a dew-laden peach blossom, she quietly reached for his hand, guiding it inside her dress.

"What are you doing?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise, visibly startled.

Jang Geum, overwhelmed with shyness, didn't dare to look up, instead slowly moving his hand over her soft chest. The moment he touched her, her cheeks burned like fire, and she let out a soft moan, her body trembling.

The incredibly soft sensation made Lin Wanrong's heart flutter, and he breathed heavily, saying, "Jang Geum, let me be clear again, I am truly not a frivolous man!"

Yet his actions contradicted his words, as his hand continued to caress her fervently.

Her cheeks burning, the maid leaned weakly into his embrace, tenderly saying, "Sir, do you realize? The scent on my body is the gift you've given me!"

Lin Wanrong felt a warmth in his heart, recalling that passionate night, wondering what expressions the shy maid might have had then. This question, however, would have to wait for another time to explore with Jang Geum.

Her skin was as smooth as egg whites, and he fondly caressed her, reveling in the sensation.

Jang Geum, her cheeks flushed like blood, nestled in his embrace. Feeling the pulse of the unborn child in her womb and looking up at his dark complexion, her heart overflowed with warmth and adoration, holding onto his waist tightly, unwilling to let go.

After an unknown period, she suddenly remembered something urgent and asked, "Sir, how did you know to find me here?"

Lin Wanrong blinked, "I asked around!"

Jang Geum looked at him, shaking her head softly, murmuring, "I understand now, it was the King who told you!"

Lin Wanrong merely smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying her statement.

Jang Geum gazed at him longingly, hesitating for a moment before lowering her head in silence, "Sir, have you ever wondered why the King would let you find me?"

The King of Goryeo's subtle machinations could hardly escape his discerning eyes. Lin Wanrong nodded calmly, a smile playing on his lips, "Some things are better left unsaid, just like how I will never ask why you did what you did back then."

"No, Sir!" Seo Jang Geum suddenly stood up, her eyes brimming with tears, "It's not what you think! Today, the King sent you to find me to bind you with me and the child in my womb, so that you can no longer act freely towards Goryeo! But my actions back then were never for these reasons!"

The young palace maid's pretty face turned crimson with a mix of clarity and anger in her eyes. Lin Wanrong watched, amused, and slowly shook his head, "You needn't explain these reasons to me."

Seo Jang Geum, stubborn, grasped his hand, looking at him earnestly, "I must say it! Perhaps in your eyes, Jang Geum is a shameless woman, willing to go to any lengths to persuade you to send troops to aid Goryeo. But I am a woman of integrity, no matter how lowly my status. I would never use my body to blackmail a man I admire, let alone have the right to blackmail you."

Her words were full of sorrow, her gaze steadfast yet brimming with tears. Her body trembled, on the verge of fainting.

Lin Wanrong quickly supported her, soothing her softly, "Enough, let's not talk about this. I understand."

Jang Geum leaned weakly in his arms, gazing at him tenderly, "You can't understand! Sir, please forgive Jang Geum, for I cannot help but love you!"

Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, at a loss for words.

"I know you well, Sir. You may seem carefree, but you are the wisest man in the world. You would never jest about your nation or people. The day you had me sign the promissory note about the Great Hua civilization, I understood. But I am a woman, torn between the man I love and my entire nation. After the King signed the 'one country, two systems' treaty with you, my mission was complete, and there was no need for further schemes. Yet, I feel like a traitor to my people, wishing to spend my life in Goryeo, praying for my people. I thought I would never see you again!"

"So you—" Lin Wanrong looked at her, astounded.

The palace maid glanced at him, her eyes dull, then lowered her head, "You must know about my background. My mother and the King loved each other but had no happy ending. As her daughter, I fell for the most outstanding man from a foreign land. I guess my fate is like my mother's, never to be with the man I love. If so, why shouldn't I offer the best of me, my purity, to the man I adore? Even if just for one night, it would be enough for me!"

"You silly girl," Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Even so, you shouldn't have drugged me, making it a one-sided affair. How uninteresting that is!"

The young palace maid's cheeks flushed like blood as she spoke softly, "I had no choice! Before the treaty between our nations was signed, I thought of using such base methods to tempt you, but ultimately failed. You must remember, right? Sir, you disdained me, and amidst the imminent war with the Dongyin, I had to return to my country urgently, so I was forced to—"

Tears welled in her eyes as she bowed deeply, "Sir, I am truly sorry!"

'Here we go again! Is it so hard to offer oneself? It seems I still have some principles.' Lin Wanrong sighed and helped her up, embracing her gently, "True, I have always regarded beauty as trivial, but Jang Geum's sincere heart makes an exception acceptable! Why adhere so rigidly to the old ways?"

"I thought of parting ways with you forever, never to meet again. But you, Sir, are so remarkable. Not long after I returned, I lost my appetite, felt dizzy and nauseous. Upon careful consideration, I realized I was pregnant!" She lowered her head, too ashamed to meet his gaze.

Lin Wanrong stroked her soft waist, smiling broadly, "Indeed, I am remarkable, it's natural and beyond my control! So, you wrote to me because you were pregnant?"

Seo Jang Geum quickly looked up, "No! Although I was happy about the pregnancy, I had no intention of telling you!"

"You weren't going to tell me?" Lin Wanrong widened his eyes, puzzled, "Then the letter you sent through Mr. Gu Shunzhang—"

The palace maid slowly shook her head, resignedly, "That was my master's doing. She forced me to write it when Mr. Gu came to consult her—"

"Your master?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise, "So, the sage known for her foresight, whom Mr. Gu spoke of, is your master? The one who makes eyeshadow and mascara?"

Jang Geum nodded, her eyes sparkling with admiration, "Of course! Even Mr. Gu and the King hold her in high esteem. She knew about my pregnancy and scolded you fiercely, saying you don't know who truly cares for you. She called you a heartless, treacherous man and forced me to write that letter—"

"Wait, wait, heartless and treacherous?" Lin Wanrong quickly interrupted, annoyed, "Jang Geum, is your master a man or a woman? How old is she?"

"My master is certainly a woman," the palace maid chuckled lightly, "As for her age, she's probably two or three years older than me!"

Two or three years older? That's just a girl! Lin Wanrong was astonished, "Only a few years older than you, and she's your master?"

"Sir, you don't understand. Though young, my master is exceptionally intelligent and knowledgeable, almost like you!"

He had thought Jang Geum was the most intelligent woman in Goryeo, but to his surprise, she had a master, who was also a young lady in her twenties. No wonder Mr. Gu never met her in person!

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Perfect, I came to Goryeo intending to meet this extraordinary person! Jang Geum, where is your master? Can you introduce me to her?"

The young palace maid hummed joyfully, pointing behind her and whispering, "My master resides in the courtyard just beyond here! But if you wish to meet her, you must be careful!"

"Why?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.

Jang Geum lowered her head shyly, "My master and I are close. She said you bullied me and would certainly deal with you if she met you!"

Hearing this, Lin Wanrong bristled with indignation. Deal with me? What sort of master is this, so audacious? He scoffed and stood up, "Very well. I shall visit your master now and see what kind of immortal she is!"

His fierce demeanor startled Seo Jang Geum, who quickly grasped his hand.

Lin Wanrong looked at her pale face and comforted her softly, "Don't worry, I won't harm your master, just scare her a bit! By the way, since you wrote me that letter, why didn't you meet me when I arrived in Goryeo?"

Jang Geum's face fell, and she said quietly, "Writing that letter was never my intention. Hearing of your arrival filled me with both joy and fear. Fearing I might trouble you, I dared not meet you. But the King insisted, promising it would just be a medicinal meal and that he wouldn't reveal my whereabouts. But who knew—"

Despite Jang Geum's intelligence, she was no match for the cunning and deep-plotted King of Goryeo. Her sincerity was touching. Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, stroking her soft hair, "I disdain his methods, but from political and familial standpoints, his actions are understandable."

"Sir—" Jang Geum looked up at him, her eyes brimming with profound surprise and admiration.

With the Loyal and Brave army stationed, Goryeo's situation was secure. Even if the King wished to change the status quo, it was beyond his power. These petty schemes were merely laughable.

Lin Wanrong, musing, noticed Jang Geum's pronounced belly and remembered the hardships she endured, smiling gently, "Jang Geum, do you remember how you used to address me?"

The palace maid paused, then blushed deeply, looking at him, her lips quivering. Finally, she bravely called out, "Wanrong, Oppa—"

As the words left her mouth, she collapsed weakly into his arms, tears streaming down her face, crying with joy.

Jang Geum was innocent! Wanrong sighed silently, inhaling the scent of her hair. His hand gently caressed her smooth belly with utmost tenderness.

The palace maid, sobbing in his arms, was overwhelmed with happiness. As his touch shifted from her waist down to her slender, delicate legs and hips, her cheeks flushed crimson, recalling their passionate night. Her heart raced, her small mouth emitting soft moans, as she nestled helplessly against his chest, too shy to lift her head.

"My Dear, Sister Jang Geum—" At this heated moment, the voice of the Eldest Miss calling from outside interrupted them.

The palace maid, as if awakening from a dream, hastily held his hand, her head bowed in shy silence.

Ashamed, deeply ashamed! Lin Wanrong's face flushed with a lingering desire as he caressed the slender, jade-like legs of the young palace maid a few times before taking her hand and walking out.

Seeing the maid, her cheeks flushed with a subtle hint of spring desire, the Eldest Miss knew what her husband had been up to. She humphed softly and, seizing an opportunity when he wasn't looking, stamped hard on his foot. With a sly smile, she asked, "Are you done talking? Sister Jang Geum, did this scoundrel bother you?"

"We're done, all done," Lin Wanrong, well aware of the Eldest Miss's jealous nature, endured the pain in his foot and, holding her hand, said with a flattering smile, "The remarkable person I planned to visit turns out to be Jang Geum's master. We've agreed to meet this extraordinary person now. My treasure, shall we go together?"

Seo Jang Geum's cheeks were tinged with color. She felt a deep gratitude towards Xiao Yuruo and, seeing Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss speaking to each other with a smile, she cleverly took the Eldest Miss's hand from the other side, softly saying, "Jang Geum will always remember your kindness."

Xiao Yuruo, taken in by his sweet talk and seeing how obedient and pitiable the young maid was towards her husband, realized that the uncooked rice had already turned into cooked rice – there was no turning back!

Seeing the Eldest Miss smile and remain silent, Jang Geum's heart leaped with joy, her face blushing with happiness. She hurriedly said, "The Sir wishes to meet my master. Sister Xiao, let us go together!"

Holding Xiao Yuruo's hand, they walked ahead, their light steps accompanied by soft laughter, leaving Lin Wanrong with only the enchanting view of their retreating figures.

The residence of the remarkable person was located next to the medical shop. Following the young maid, they soon entered a courtyard.

The courtyard was spacious and bright, filled with a variety of beautiful, fragrant flowers. Despite it being late autumn, the flowers showed no signs of wilting.

The Eldest Miss marveled, "Jang Geum, your master is indeed extraordinary. How are these flowers so vibrant and everlasting?"

"It's not difficult. Just build a greenhouse and control the moisture and temperature," Lin Wanrong replied with a smile.

Xiao Yuruo frowned slightly, not quite understanding, but the young maid looked at him with delight, "The master said the same, but the craftsmen never get it right. In another ten days or so, these flowers will wither."

"The master said the same? Really?" Lin Wanrong blinked in astonishment. "Is your master even more intelligent than me?"

Seeing him standing there, dazed and foolish, the Eldest Miss couldn't help but laugh and pull him along, "Silly, what are you daydreaming about? Let's go inside!"

Seo Jang Geum, also shyly holding his other hand, together they pulled him forward.

The garden was beautifully adorned with pavilions, bridges over streams, creating a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere. As Lin Wanrong walked through it, the beautiful scenery seemed oddly familiar, as if he had seen it all before.

After a brisk walk, they arrived at the living room. Seo Jang Geum led them in, but the room was empty.

Jang Geum quickly pulled a maid aside and asked in a soft voice, "Yinzhu, where is the master?"

"Miss Jang Geum, you're here?" Yinzhu greeted respectfully, her voice tinged with excitement, "The master is in the lab. She said she has something exciting to show you later!"

In the lab? Lin Wanrong uttered a hey, intrigued by the mention of this young female master with such confidence in her tone.

Seo Jang Geum nodded in affirmation and invited them to sit down, then personally served them fragrant tea, handing it to Lin Wanrong.

Lin Wanrong, alarmed, quickly stopped her, "Nonsense! With your condition," gesturing to her pregnant belly, "how can you do these things?"

The young maid's eyes reddened, looking at him with joy and softly said, "Wanrong Oppa, you're truly kind."

Lin Wanrong gave a mischievous smile, helped her to sit properly, and then stood up to look around the hall.

The hall, with its tables, chairs, tea, and fruits, was arranged simply and warmly. On the main wall hung a light ink painting of a mountain landscape. Lin Wanrong glanced at it and suddenly froze, grabbing Xiao Yuruo's hand beside him, "Yuruo, tell me, is this Mount Tai?"

As Jiangsu and Shandong were not far apart, the Eldest Miss had also visited Mount Tai. After a close inspection, she nodded, "It seems so! This is the steepest part of Mount Tai. My Dear, what's wrong?"

Lin Wanrong's face turned pale, shaking his head quickly, "Nothing, nothing, just spoke too much, feeling a bit out of breath!"

Jang Geum and the Eldest Miss supported him, sensing his quickened pulse and rapid heartbeat.

This wasn't illness, but shock! The young maid, skilled in medicine, quickly began to gently massage his chest.

Lin Wanrong took a few deep breaths and asked softly, "Jang Geum, who painted this?"

"My master," the young maid softly replied.

Could Jang Geum's master be such an extraordinary person, able to paint the very place of his cliff fall with such clarity?

He was deeply stirred, unable to calm his emotions. Seeing the fruits on the table, he absentmindedly grabbed one and bit into it fiercely.

The Eldest Miss, seeing her husband's hunger, felt a pang of sympathy and gently patted his back to ease his discomfort.

"Jang Geum, Jang Geum," suddenly, hurried footsteps and a familiar rich fragrance wafted into the hall, followed by an excited female voice, "Look, my black chocolate, I've finally succeeded!"

"Master—" Jang Geum exclaimed joyously, rushing over.

Lin Wanrong trembled, tugging at his ear as if unable to believe what he heard.

Turning around slowly, he saw Seo Jang Geum holding a box of freshly made black chocolate, its rich aroma filling the room. Beside her stood a slender, beautiful girl, her eyes brimming with tears, looking at Lin Wanrong with a gentle smile, "Long time no see, Imperial Consort Lin, General Lin, oh, and my Manager Lin—"

"Clatter," as if struck by a spell, Lin Wanrong stood there wide-eyed, mouth agape. The apple he had just bitten into fell silently to the ground, rolling gently to stop at her feet...

FIN

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