Finest Servant

Chapter 634 Brother-in-law, You're So Foolish

After a heart-to-heart night conversation with Qingxuan, all the difficult problems had been resolved, and the satisfaction he felt was beyond words. He drank two bowls of thin porridge and finished all of the pastries made by Qiaoqiao, leaving not a single one behind. After playing with his two sons for a while, he took advantage of the fine weather and sauntered out of the house with a swagger.

The streets were bustling with people, a tide of humanity with incessant shouting and hawking that filled the air, porters and errand boys bustling about, a myriad of street performers dazzled the eyes. Lin Wanrong was in high spirits, humming a tune as he wandered here and there, casually spending his pocket change on all sorts of snacks and treats, looking every bit the image of someone out for a leisurely stroll.

Si De followed behind him, gnawing on a duck neck with relish, his words muffled, "Brother San, where are we headed to today?!"

"Shh!" Lin Wanrong turned around and whispered conspiratorially, "The place we're going to today, you must keep it a secret for me, not a word to anyone!"

Si De's eyes lit up, "A brothel?!"

Brother San gave him an annoyed kick, reproaching, "At my level, do I need to visit a brothel? It’s more like the brothels would come visiting me!"

Si De nodded in admiration, indeed, who in the capital's maid and mistress circles didn’t know Brother San's name? If it were rumored that he planned to visit a brothel, wouldn't they all line up waiting for him? Who would be visiting whom and who would be spending the money was an unpredictable affair!

The two left the city gates and headed straight to the northern suburbs. In less than half an hour, they arrived in front of the Jade Buddha Temple.

Above the holy peak, clouds and mist enshrouded the scene, with ethereal mists swirling around. Pavilions and terraces with flying eaves were scattered about, resembling a celestial realm amidst the clouds. Lin Wanrong made a round of inspection, reminiscing about his experiences with Qingxuan and Fairy Ning, feeling as if it had just happened yesterday, and his heart was filled with warmth.

As he ascended the stairs, surrounded by ancient pines, cypresses, and scattered fresh flowers, he gazed at the jade towers standing at the peak, serene and beautiful as if they were palaces in heaven. With thoughts of Fairy Sister in his heart, he quickened his pace towards the summit. As he neared the top, laughter drifted along with the wind.

The place was a vibrant orchard of peach and plum trees, with petals scattered like a colorful rain, brilliant and dazzling. More than twenty young men and women were frolicking and enjoying the blossoms at the edge of the garden, their laughter continuous and joyous.

The once holy ground had been transformed into an Academy where various disciplines were taught. It was normal for these young scholars to come here for leisure. Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile, about to continue upwards, when he heard a clear voice say, "Xiangjun, do you find these flowers pleasing?"

The speaker was a young noble, around seventeen or eighteen, holding a folding fan with a smile on his face, tall and standing with an air of casual grace. He was handsome and suave, and the surrounding young women blushed, bashful, with most eyes drawn towards him.

However handsome the young man was, Lin Wanrong had no interest in him. It was that appellation "Xiangjun" that caused a frown to form.

Then, a voice rang out, laden with boundless surprise, "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law—what brings you here too?!"

"Brother-in-law?" wondered who the girl was calling. Lin Wanrong was inwardly puzzled.

Si De blinked and whispered, "Brother San, it seems that the young lady is calling you!"

Him? He turned hastily, only to see Hou Fangyu, the young master, climbing a tree picking peach blossoms, while Li Xiangjun stood on the edge of the garden, jumping up, waving at him with a sweet, irresistible smile.

"This girl has sharp eyes. To recognize me from such a distance," he chuckled to himself as he approached her, nodding. "Ah, it’s my Junior Sister! It’s been a while. You’ve grown up so much, I almost didn’t recognize you!"

Li Xiangjun huffed with dissatisfaction, "You did it on purpose, didn’t you? A few days ago, my Senior Sister had a baby, and I went to visit. You were wandering all around the courtyard, yet you claim you didn't see me!"

‘And you saw me. Why didn’t you greet me?’ He replied with a laugh, "That was because there were many guests, and I failed to notice you. Rest assured, next time there’s a banquet, I’ll be sure to remember you!"

"Xiangjun, who is this gentleman?" asked Hou Fangyu, who had somehow climbed the tree and picked two branches of vibrant peach blossoms, which he diligently offered to the Junior Sister. The holy place was eternally spring-like; while peach blossoms elsewhere had long since faded, only here were they lush and dazzlingly beautiful!

Hou Fangyu, indeed, had a fair and handsome appearance. Lin Wanrong appraised him with a few glances and said with a smile, "This must be Young Master Hou? My name is—"

"He’s named Shu," Li Xiangjun interrupted with a smile, cutting off his words, "with a given name of Shuhao!"

"Shu Shuhao?!" Young Master Hou echoed, his face a picture of confusion.

Si De could not help but laugh, and Lin Wanrong grinned as well. This was the name he had used to deceive Li Xiangjun during the bombardment of the Fairy Hall. He did not expect that the Junior Sister would remember.

The male and female scholars around them had been listening to their conversation, and at these words, laughter erupted, with many casting curious glances at Mr. Shu.

Young Master Hou also came to the realization that Li Xiangjun was making fun of him! He could not be cross with Xiangjun, so he turned to Lin Wanrong with a snort, "I am Hou Fangyu, from Shangqiu. Recommended by the former National Academy’s Libationer, I came here to study at the Holy Hall! But I do not know how to address you, Sir?"

Hou Fangyu did show some pride, and Lin Wanrong replied with a smile, "Young Master Hou, don't mind it, Xiangjun is just teasing you. I'm known as San Lin, that’s what my brothers on the road call me."

"San Lin?" This name was quite unusual, and Hou Fangyu hummed, his mood somewhat eased.

"You mustn’t underestimate this San Lin!" Li Xiangjun giggled, standing silently next to Lin Wanrong, "He is my brother-in-law!"

"Brother-in-law?" Hou Fangyu’s eyes widened in surprise. The surrounding scholars were equally astonished, and one of the young ladies looked at Lin Wanrong with a light laugh, "Xiangjun, you have a sister? Why haven’t you mentioned her before? Your brother-in-law, though, is quite distinct from the ordinary dandy, quite the character!"

Her reference to the "ordinary dandy" was clearly aimed at Hou Fangyu, and the young men and women scholars broke into a subdued laughter, with Lin Wanrong joining in, laughing even more joyously than they.

Li Xiangjun, lifting a peach branch close to her cheek, asked with a smile, "Brother-in-law, this is the flower Young Master Hou gave me. Do you like it?"

Hou Fangyu, pleased, eagerly fixed his gaze on Lin Wanrong, awaiting his response.

Although young, Li Xiangjun already possessed a charm that seemed to captivate all around her. Lin Wanrong nodded earnestly, "Indeed, quite lovely!"

"What's lovely?!" Xiangjun's reaction was one of considerable annoyance. "How can these lifeless branches compare to the peach blossom rain you and my Senior Sister experienced? They're worlds apart. How can you find them lovely? You're really not sincere at all!"

How could one equate the two, they were not the same thing at all? Although Xiangjun was young, her moods were unpredictable, startling Lin Wanrong. He responded with an embarrassed chuckle, "You can't compare the two, you'll understand in time! Junior Sister, I have matters to attend to today, let's talk another time."

"What matters could you have that are so urgent if not to see my Master?" The Junior Sister suddenly smiled. "Has Senior Sister agreed? Even if she has, you'll have to plead with me! Without my consent, you'll never reach the Thousand-Forsake Peak. Do you believe me?"

Lin Wanrong's eyes widened in disbelief. How could the Junior Sister know of the Fairy's words to him?

Seeing his astonished expression, Li Xiangjun laughed triumphantly, "Young Master Hou, the peach blossom you gave me, my brother-in-law declared to be utterly ugly! Do you have any other novelties?"

From where had this brother-in-law sprung up, seemingly commanding Xiangjun's complete obedience? Hou Fangyu was furious, raising his voice, "If it's just the branches, then naturally they can't be considered top-notch! Hou has no great skills, save for twenty years of reading poetry. I will now dare to compose a piece about peach blossoms to offer along with the blooms to the virtuous Miss Xiangjun. I hope you will accept it!"

"Great!" Li Xiangjun clapped and laughed. "Young Master Hou's poetry is famous far and wide; I love listening to it!"

With the compliment, Hou Fangyu's joy was evident. He took a few slow steps and began to recite softly,

"In the garden, I admire the jade trees,

the shadows in my cup grow long.

Ten thousand miles of blooming red,

every place feels like my home."

Indeed, Young Master Hou's scholarship was not in vain. A poem praising peach blossoms was composed in an instant, and everyone around praised it highly. He bowed to them one by one, his pride clear for all to see.

The Junior Sister, excited, grabbed Lin Wanrong's arm, "Brother-in-law, you must compose one too, and it must surpass his!"

Lin Wanrong shook his head lightly, "I cannot compose poetry."

"I don't believe that!" Li Xiangjun looked at him, softly reciting,

"The late dawn of spring,

known before all the flowers.

Year after year peach trees are planted,

flowering when the heart is rent asunder.”

“What is this, then?" She added

The female students nearby were both shocked and envious, "Xiangjun, did you compose this poem? It feels familiar!"

The Junior Sister smiled and shook her head proudly, gripping Lin Wanrong's arm, "It was written by my brother-in-law for my sister! 'Year after year peach trees are planted, flowering when the heart is rent asunder.' This is the most beautiful peach blossom poem I have ever heard in my life!"

‘You're so young, and this is the most beautiful already?’ Lin Wanrong couldn't help but smile silently.

Was this poem created by San Lin? The crowd looked at him in surprise, filled with admiration.

Hou Fangyu, his limelight stolen and seeing the adoration Li Xiangjun held for her brother-in-law, felt a great sense of loss. Annoyed, he scoffed, "What does it matter if one can only compose poetry, that's just playing with words. A true man should have a strong and proud spirit, serve his country, and fight enemies on the battlefield! Hou has always practiced both literature and martial arts, made many friends, and wrote his will years ago, waiting only for a call from the court. He would rush to the front without hesitation! Even if it means dying on the battlefield, it's a hundred times better than those cowards who spend their lives hiding in the rear!"

He spoke with fervor, but Lin Wanrong found himself caught between laughter and tears. The young man's slogans rang out clear and loud; how many years had he penned those so-called last words, yet still he hung back from the front, never truly managing any practical matters? This Hou Fangyu really was somewhat unreliable!

Li Xiangjun's gaze flickered, her intentions unclear as she chuckled lightly. "Young Master Hou, you truly are an exceptional person!"

Hou Fangyu was overjoyed, replying continuously, "Virtuous sister, rest assured, I will do as I say, and be a man of my word!"

"Ah, it has come to me!" A female student amidst the crowd, after deep contemplation, suddenly sprang up, pointing at Lin Wanrong with a trembling excitement. "The Peach Blossom Poem. From 'The Lin San Poetry Collection'! San Lin, are you Lin San?! My heavens, you're Lin San?!"

Once the name Lin San was uttered, the crowd was instantly agog!

"Yes, he is Lin San! He's my brother-in-law!" Li Xiangjun declared proudly.

"Ah!" A chorus of shrieks rang out. The male students retained some composure, but the young ladies surged forward like boiling water. "Young Master Lin, Young Master Lin—"

Si De struggled valiantly to hold back the tide, exhausting himself as he bellowed, "Brother San, I'll cover the rear, you go first!"

The Junior Sister giggled, seizing his hand. "Brother-in-law, let's make a quick escape!"

She tugged him along, dashing toward the peak, with the crowd in hot pursuit. After covering who knows how far and rounding several bends, Li Xiangjun finally came to a stop, patting her heaving chest and gasped, "Mother of mercy, that scared me to death! Why are these people chasing you? You're not an immortal!"

"Indeed, that's what I was thinking," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, giving her a glance before his tone became earnest. "Junior Sister, may I ask you something?"

"Mm?"

Lin Wanrong lowered his voice, speaking cautiously, "Do you... like this Young Master Hou?"

"What?!" The Junior Sister's eyes widened as she stared at him.

"I'm asking if you have feelings for this surnamed Hou," he persisted.

After a few repetitions, an annoyed Li Xiangjun retorted, "You guess!"

Having encountered Hou Fangyu in both her lives, there must be some connection, Lin Wanrong thought, nodding, "I can't guess, but logically, you should like him!"

Li Xiangjun scoffed at him, "If you say I like him, then let's just say I do!"

Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, "Though you are young, I must regard you as a mature girl because of the name Li Xiangjun. Believe it or not, I have but one piece of advice. This Young Master Hou isn't worth your affection!"

Li Xiangjun bristled instantly, "Who I like is none of your business! You once told my Senior Sister to keep away from those with the surname Hou, but what right do you have to make such predictions? Why should I listen to you? Can't I discern for myself what's good or bad? You clearly look down on me!"

‘How am I looking down on you? If it weren't for the name Li Xiangjun, I wouldn't bother with you at all!’ Seeing her angry demeanor, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "Alright, let's pretend I said nothing. It's like a dog trying to catch mice."

The Junior Sister couldn't help but burst into laughter, "If you're the dog, then I'm certainly not the mouse! Do you understand now whether I actually like that Hou or not?"

With an exasperated roll of his eyes, Lin Wanrong declared hotly, "How should I know?!"

"That's right!" His Junior Sister giggled triumphantly, "You spout nonsense about things you don't understand at all! If I were to fancy someone, I would never say it out loud! In my opinion, you're not only meddlesome but also incredibly dense! It baffles me how my Senior Sister and Master could ever take a liking to a fool like you!"

Li Xiangjun's beautiful eyes widened in pure innocence, yet Lin Wanrong knew that this seemingly naive girl was more devilish than any demon!

"By the way, that Young Master Hou called you a coward!" The Junior Sister laughed heartily, unable to contain her amusement as she clung to his arm, "Brother-in-law, you timid soul, could you tell me about the war at the front? I heard you even captured their Khan, making you the most remarkable man in all of Great Hua!"

Lin Wanrong, somewhat frightened by this girl's teasing, coldly rejected her: "I'm sorry, but that's a state secret. I cannot divulge such information."

"Stingy!" Li Xiangjun didn't seem to care much; she sighed suddenly, "Brother-in-law, I want to go to the West!"

"What, what do you mean?" Lin Wanrong was startled.

With a snort, the Junior Sister said, "Are you playing dumb? I heard you're selecting thirty people to go study in the West. Military Advisor Xu went up the mountain last night, and by dawn, the selection had already started. So many people want to go!"

Miss Xu is indeed an impatient one! Lin Wanrong smiled and shook his head, "Studying in the West is no simple matter! Being strangers in a strange land, it's all too easy to be bullied. Moreover, as a beautiful young girl, you would face many inconveniences!"

"So you're underestimating me again? I know martial arts; who would dare bully me? Anything others can do, I can do just as well!" Li Xiangjun straightened her face, then suddenly giggled again, "Besides, if I go to the West, you'll no longer have to worry about any Mr. Monkey, Mr. Cat, or Mr. Dog getting close to me! Wouldn't that save you a lot of trouble?"

[TL: Hou in Hou Fangyu sounds similar to Hou (Monkey)]

Her thoughts were as free as a wild horse in the sky, and even Lin Wanrong found it hard to keep up. He quickly straightened his face, "Junior sister, tell me honestly, why do you really want to go to the West?"

"Do you really need to know?" Li Xiangjun looked at him, a mute laughter in her eyes, "There's only one reason for me to go to the West—to learn something great, so that you'll look up to me!"

Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment, then suddenly bent forward and then back, bursting into loud laughter.

Seeing him laugh with such disregard, Li Xiangjun's eyes moistened without her notice, and she shouted angrily, "What's so funny? You're not allowed to laugh!"

Lin Wanrong was utterly confounded by what was going through the girl's head. With a sense of resignation, he said, "You want me to admire you? First, ask yourself, do you admire me?"

Li Xiangjun stared intently at him, her teeth clenched in silent determination as she let out a barely audible hum.

Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback, but the Junior Sister already burst into giggles. "Me, admire you? You believe that? Brother-in-law, you really are so naive!"

‘Damn it, this little girl has really bamboozled me,’ he thought, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Junior Sister, your ambition is grand, but achieving this dream might be a tall order in this lifetime!"

"How would you know without me trying?" she responded softly. "My life's goal is to make you admire me! Just like I admire you, hehe!"

Such a perplexing statement! Seeing Li Xiangjun's resolute intention, Lin Wanrong sighed silently, knowing her will was unstoppable. "You have grand aspirations, and I can't deter you. But as for convincing Qingxuan and Fairy Sister to allow you to go, that's up to you!"

Li Xiangjun smirked slyly, "I'll just tell them you agreed. Would they dare to object?"

"You—" Lin Wanrong began, his anger rising.

The Junior Sister looked at him, her laughter bringing tears to her eyes. "Brother-in-law, you're so foolish!"

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