Finest Servant Chapter 625 (Patreon)

Chapter 625 The Return

That night, he slept in a restless haze, haunted by the constant flicker of Yueya'er's sorrowful yet beautiful face before his eyes, stirring a sense of panic within him. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly until, suddenly, he opened his eyes to the cold moonlight and the stars scattered across the sky. It was past the fourth watch, nearing the fifth.

The sounds of neighing war horses, the cheerful laughter of soldiers, and the distant rumble of carts laden with supplies filled his ears. The camp was brightly lit; everyone was bustling and joyful in anticipation, as the time had finally come for the grand army to return to the capital amidst the expectations of countless loved ones.

He carefully stored away the brocaded robe and the golden saber, symbols of the Khan's authority, given by Yujia, and looked at the straw figure she had crafted with such care, unable to suppress a heartfelt smile. The trivialities of days past, even the playful banter and wit, had now become fond memories.

"General!" Seeing him stride towards them, Hu Bugui and the others hurriedly clasped their fists in greeting, their voices choked with emotion.

Du Xiuyuan, Xu Zhen, and Hu Bugui were to command the army stationed at Helan Mountain, ensuring deterrence against the nomadic tribes. Entrusting this responsibility to them was a promotion for his old comrades, and also because Yujia was familiar with them, which would prevent much resistance.

As the moment of parting with his brothers-in-arms loomed, their sorrow was unspeakable. Old Hu, with tears in his eyes, said, "Please rest assured, General. We will take care of everything you have entrusted to us!"

Du Xiuyuan also sighed softly, "These mountains are high and the roads long; who knows when we will see the General again?"

Each face before him was part of Lin Wanrong's foundation from his early days in Shandong. Seeing them grow into renowned generals of the empire filled him with joy and sentiment, leaving him at a loss for words for a long time.

Gao Qiu winked mysteriously and chuckled, "When will we meet again? I think it'll be sooner than you expect! Don't forget, Helan Mountains are the essential passage to the Turkic royal court! Every day, there is someone at Kyzil waiting for Brother Lin. Do you think he could pass by without us knowing?!"

The old face of Lin Wanrong reddened, and Old Hu and the others burst into laughter, dissipating much of their melancholy.

As dawn approached, the vanguard of the grand army had already set out. Miss Xu walked over at a leisurely pace and said softly, "The hour is late; it's time to depart."

Lin Wanrong acknowledged with a soft hum, then turned and clasped his fists slowly toward his companions. In a silent farewell, he looked back, his view obscured by the swirling sand that blinded his eyes to the blue sky and the grasslands. Yet, through the hazy blur, he seemed to see a clear and gentle figure looking tenderly back at him...

...

"Salmu, how old are you this year?"

"Trying to coax information out of me? My sister said to keep the secrets of the grassland, to remain tight-lipped!"

"Mm, I quite agree with your principle! So, when did you celebrate your fifth birthday?"

"Last year!"

...

"What color of clothes does the Great Khan prefer?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"Then, what color does she detest?"

"Besides red and yellow, she dislikes all the others!"

...

"Was the candied haw you had yesterday tasty?"

"Delicious!"

"Then recite two ancient poems for me today, and I'll give you another skewer!"

"No way! Yesterday it was one poem for a skewer! You can't just raise the price!"

…

Gao Qiu had followed the whole way, listening to how Brother Lin managed to lure the child with his endlessly inventive methods, never repeating the same trick twice. One couldn't help but wonder how he came up with such ideas.

But Brother Lin had the patience of saints, spending each day with Salmu, teaching him to read and recite poetry. Sometimes, they would ride horses and practice archery together, having the time of their lives. Over ten days, the Young Khan grew increasingly fond of them.

Everyone in the army was eager to return home, spurring their horses on at a gallop, rushing along the way. As they drew closer to the capital, Lin Wanrong felt a mix of joy and panic. Five months had passed since he left — seasons changed from spring to autumn. What had become of his home in the meantime? What were Eldest Miss, Ning'er, and Qiaoqiao doing? He counted the days; Qingxuan was due to give birth soon. Surely, they must be bustling with preparations, with only his presence as the father missing.

At this thought, his longing surged like a tidal wave, and he wished he could sprout wings and fly back to their side.

He could no longer stay put. Apologizing to Li Tai and entrusting Xu Zhiqing with Salmu's care, he and Gao Qiu whipped their horses into a frenzy, rushing towards the capital day and night.

The journey across the mountains was long. Under the stars and the moon, on the morning of the fourth day, the thick walls of the city finally came into sight. The fluttering banners, shining armor, and vermilion gates seemed to have appeared before them overnight.

Gao Qiu reined in his panting steed and sighed as he looked at the crowd moving in and out of the city gates, his voice trembling, "Brother Lin, we're home!"

Indeed, they were home. The hand that held the reins trembled slightly, and a mist gathered in his eyes.

Now that they were actually close, they were in no hurry. They trotted their horses slowly, observing the various pedestrians on the road, listening to the endless hawking of goods. They looked around with wide eyes, like watching a monkey show, marveling at even the hundred-times-seen trinkets, which now seemed surprisingly novel.

The vivid life and bustle marked a stark contrast to their recent brush with death; the overwhelming joy was something one could hardly understand without experiencing it firsthand.

As they approached the city, they found the usually open main gates were closed, guarded by soldiers stationed on both sides, with all passersby directed through a smaller side entrance.

"This gate seems to have been refurbished!" They led their horses into the city, staring at the thick, vermilion doors that seemed to bear fresh marks. Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise and reached out to touch them.

The soldiers, not recognizing who he was, shouted angrily, "How dare you! This Victorius Gate is not for the likes of commoners to touch!"

Lin Wanrong was taken aback, chuckling, "Victorius Gate? It's only been a few months since I left the capital. When did they change the name? And why is this gate closed, not allowing us passage?"

One of the soldiers spat in disdain, "A foreigner, huh? You don't even know about the Victorius Gate? It was renamed after our army's successive victories against the Turks. The Emperor decreed their new name and had the most famous craftsmen in the capital refurbish them. They open only for the brave soldiers returning from the north to repel the Turks, and the Emperor himself will welcome them! You want to walk through here? In your next life, maybe!"

The soldiers looked upon him with his travel-worn appearance, unkempt and dirt-covered. Presuming he was no one of importance, they burst into laughter in unison.

So this was the famed Victorious Gate! Lin Wanrong exchanged glances with Gao Qiu, and they both burst into hearty laughter. "Good, good! This Victorious Gate is meaningful, a lucky omen indeed. From now on, our great nation will triumph daily! Excellent, excellent!"

As they conversed, the sound of a carriage wheel turning approached. A carriage came to a halt beside them, and a head popped out from behind the curtain, scrutinizing his silhouette with hesitation. "Lin San... is it really you, Lin San?!"

That voice sounded so familiar, yet he couldn't immediately recall who it belonged to. He hurriedly turned his head and with just one glance, his eyes reddened with joy, "Young Master!!"

The young master was equally overwhelmed, quickly clambering down from the carriage. In his haste, he nearly stumbled to the ground. "Lin San, is it truly you?! Lin San, how I've missed you!"

"Young Master, I've missed you too!" The two embraced each other tightly, with Lin San almost bursting into tears. Despite all his calculations, he never anticipated that the first person he would encounter upon his return to the capital would be none other than Guo Wuchang, the young master. He fondly remembered their past collaborations and mischief-making – those were indeed happy and carefree days. Was this not the joy of meeting an old friend in a foreign land?

The young master's eyes turned red as he was reminded of the same memories, "Lin San, ever since you and the cousins came to the capital, I've never had a day of happiness! Every time I visit the Miaoyu Pavilion, I can't help but think of you."

"Me too!" Lin San nodded vigorously with joy. "Whenever I see someone being rewarded with silver, I remember how generous you always were!"

Guo Wuchang shyly pulled out a silver ingot from his chest and handed it to him, "Now, I'm afraid I can't reward you as I used to. This mere ten taels of silver, please accept it with a smile!"

"Even after months apart, the young master remains as humble as ever!" Lin San's face beamed with delight, and he skillfully tucked the silver into his sleeve.

Seeing Lin San accept his silver, the young master's spirits soared. This acceptance meant that Lin San acknowledged their camaraderie. After all, they had shared the bond of brotherhood in their past escapades. This friendship was taller than the sky, deeper than the ocean!

His spirits lifted, the young master scrutinized him from head to toe, marveling, "I heard you went to fight in the North, even capturing the Khan of the Turks? Although those Turks were indeed a bit slack, you've done something remarkable! You probably don't know, but the storytellers in the capital are all telling your tale now! Just the other day, I went to the Eight Great Alleys, and when the girls learned that you work for my family, they even gave me a twenty percent discount on their overnight rates!"

Old Gao chuckled to himself; this young fellow was a true sheep. Without mentioning Lin San's name, he could have demanded half the price! Mentioning the name of the famous Brother Lin meant they saw you as someone to be fleeced. After all, with the illustrious Lin San working in your household, who else would they charge if not you?

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "It's been more than half a year, and your hobbies remain as diverse as ever! The battles were all but a fluke for me. Don't you know me by now? By the way, what brings you here? How is the Madam?"

Guo Wuchang sighed and said, "Ever since the house in the capital burned down at the beginning of the year, my aunt went back to Jinling in distress, and she has become much more haggard. She was worried that my cousin did not have enough help around her, so she specially sent me along with Xiao Feng and a few others to assist them in rebuilding. Over the past six months, my cousin has managed the business with great dedication, and our trade has grown increasingly. Just today, I returned from negotiating business in Hebei and happened to run into you!"

Seeing Guo Wuchang made him think of the simple, happy days in Jinling; it was a deep familiarity that touched his very bones.

"By the way, young master, has the house in the capital that burned been repaired? I haven't had the chance to enter the city yet and don't know anything," he inquired with eagerness.

"It's been fixed up for some time now. These past few days, we have been moving furniture back in. I've put in a lot of effort!" Guo Wuchang replied excitedly. "But cousin Yuruo has had it tougher. Once you see her, you'll realize how worn she has become. She said she wants to wait for your return, so the family can be complete before we hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the house."

The thought of his Eldest Miss brought a bittersweet joy to his heart: "Good, good! The family should be together for the ribbon-cutting! Let's hurry to the city, young master."

He took Guo Wuchang by the arm and headed toward a side gate. Guo Wuchang protested, "No, that's not right, Lin San. You are returning victorious; you should enter through the Victorious Gate! You earned this with your life; you shouldn't be shortchanged! Wait here; I'll go and call for the gate to be opened."

Lin Wanrong felt a pang of sorrow and shook his head slightly. Gao Qiu understood his sentiments and quickly said, "Young master, Brother Lin does not wish for fanfare. Let the glory of the Victorious Gate be reserved for the brothers who follow. Let's enter the city quietly."

"Lin San, you're still as humble as ever," praised Guo Wuchang, raising his thumb in admiration.

Entering the city with Guo Wuchang, Lin Wanrong was filled with an indescribable joy upon seeing the bustling crowds and the endless hawking of wares.

The Xiao residence was on their way home, where amidst the rubble of the past now stood a brand new courtyard. With its verdant pines against the red bricks and green tiles, it was unspeakably serene.

This was where he first settled after arriving in the capital, where he and the Eldest Miss shared their joys and sorrows. Memories of those days surged in Lin Wanrong's heart, and his steps became somewhat erratic with emotion.

"Put the table here! The armchair goes in the middle!"

"San De, hang up the signboard first!"

"Xiao Feng, check the study, and hang up the pencil that Qiaoqiao has prepared for the bad guy; he likes to use it!"

Even before he got close, a crisp voice carried over to him, striking a deep chord of familiarity within Lin Wanrong.

Approaching, he saw a charming young woman standing in the middle of the hall, hands on her hips, efficiently directing the moving of furniture. She already had a hint of a matron's authority.

The girl had indeed grown in the months they had been apart. He chuckled quietly, tiptoed forward, and covered her eyes with his hands, lowering his voice to tease, "Guess who?"