Chapter 681 Brother San's Return

Tao Wanying's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, murmuring softly, "Then you must keep your word and not laugh at me when the time comes!"

"Of course!" Seeing her vacillation, Lin Wanrong hastily agreed.

To have such a flower-like beauty reconsider leaving the secular world filled him with joy. With a triumphant step, he was about to leave when Miss Tao softly spoke, "Lin San, I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" he quickly turned back.

Gazing at him with deep emotion, Tao Wanying's face was a shade of shy red. She smiled gently, "I want to tell you, the incident you deceived me with, I've never once held it against you!"

"What? You, you—" Lin Wanrong's heart raced, his face turning pale with shock, his feet rooted to the spot. "How did you know?!"

He knew well what Miss Tao was referring to. He had thought Tao Wanying was unaware, yet this girl had known all along.

"No trickery can match a woman's intuition. Besides, this concerns my reputation—" Miss Tao's face lightly reddened as she looked at him softly, her voice tender, "Since then, I've known you're a bad person with a good heart."

A bad person with a good heart? An unusual label. He shook his head, smiling wryly. Seeing Tao Wanying's calm demeanor, he was at a loss for words.

Leaving the dilapidated hut, the Xiao family's carriage was already waiting at the foot of the mountain. The Eldest Miss and the Madam were there, awaiting him.

"So, you've seen her?" Yuruo took his hand gently, asking softly.

"Yes." Lin Wanrong nodded, sighing deeply. "I never expected Miss Tao to be such a steadfast person, living here alone. Isolated and alone, she must have suffered greatly."

The Tao family's misfortune was somewhat related to the Xiao family. The Eldest Miss shook her head with a sigh, "When I was close with Wanying, I only saw her lively and cheerful, never imagining she had such strength of character. When I last returned to Jinling, I repeatedly offered to refurbish her hut and provide supplies, but she refused every time. In these harsh and bitter conditions, as a woman alone in a leaking hut with only a Buddha statue for company, has she truly severed her ties with the mundane world?"

The Eldest Miss, once close with Tao Wanying, was pained to see her in such a state, her eyes reddening.

Lin Wanrong quickly patted her shoulder, reassuring softly, "Miss Tao's resolve to leave the secular world isn't firm. I've spoken with her and invited her to the capital as a guest. When the time comes, you can persuade her. I believe there won't be any issues."

"Oh?" The Eldest Miss looked at him meaningfully, somewhat helplessly adding, "I invited Wanying to the capital before, but she staunchly refused. I didn't expect that with just a few words from you today, she readily agreed. This is indeed strange! If she encounters any difficulties in the future, we'll have to ask you to speak on our behalf!"

"Is that so?" Lin Wanrong chuckled nervously, "I'm not that persuasive. Maybe it's because I'm a bit rough around the edges and speak too loudly, which might have intimidated her. Haha!"

"I've never seen anyone as shameless as you!" the Eldest Miss laughed and rolled her eyes at him, helplessly saying, "Keep pretending! Let's see what you'll do when she actually arrives in the capital!"

He wasn't concerned about the future; dealing with the matters at hand was his priority.

"We must depart early for our journey to Goryeo," Lin Wanrong firmly grasped Xiao Yuruo's hand. "Sailing the seas is treacherous, with high winds and rough waves. Any delay might prevent us from returning for the New Year, and that would be a great regret."

The Eldest Miss immediately became anxious. "Then why haven't you discussed this with Mother yet?"

‘Why should I be the one to say it?’ He was momentarily puzzled but, seeing the shy joy on Yuruo's face, he understood. They had the blessing of their parents and had officially exchanged wedding vows; the two Miss Xiaos were now part of the Lin family. Such a significant journey obviously required him, the head of the household, to take charge.

"The wind is cold outside; come in quickly!" Madam Xiao opened the carriage curtain and called out with a smile.

Lin Wanrong hurriedly led the Eldest Miss into the carriage. Inside, the soft and fragrant quilts and Madam Xiao, kneeling at the table, were bathed in the soft glow of the lamp, highlighting her immaculately beautiful, jade-like face.

Madam Xiao held a cup of freshly picked autumn tea. The tea rolled and bubbled in the bowl, emitting a strong, fragrant aroma.

"Try it," she said, offering the cup to Lin Wanrong. "This freshly picked Yuhua autumn tea is delicate and not something you can find in the capital."

Lin Wanrong quickly took a sip. The hot liquid filled his mouth, leaving a fragrant aftertaste. He couldn't help but praise, "Excellent tea, truly exceptional! Madam Xiao's skill is indeed extraordinary."

"It's just tea brewing; it's hardly a skill," Madam Xiao said with a humble smile. Outside, the autumn night was silent, and inside, the warmth of the light contrasted with the chill of the air, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.

"Madam, there's something I need to discuss," he began cautiously. "I wish to travel to Goryeo with the Eldest Miss."

"Yuruo has already mentioned it to me," Madam Xiao replied as she refilled his cup. "Expanding business in Goryeo is a good opportunity. When do you plan to leave?"

"Tomorrow!"

Madam Xiao's hand trembled slightly as she poured the tea, spilling some hot water on the table.

"Tomorrow?" Her beautiful brows furrowed slightly. "Why so suddenly?"

The Eldest Miss quickly explained, "He's worried about the sea storms. If the weather causes a delay, we won't be able to return for the New Year!"

After a moment of contemplation, Madam Xiao said slowly, "That makes sense. It's better to leave early to return early. Then, you should depart soon."

She set down the teapot and sighed silently, causing the Eldest Miss's eyes to instantly redden as she called out, "Mother—"

"Foolish girl," Madam Xiao tenderly brushed her daughter's hair. "Go with him. If he dares to neglect you, I'll hold him accountable."

"Mother!" Unable to hold back any longer, the Eldest Miss threw herself into her arms, sobbing loudly.

Madam Xiao's eyes reddened, and tears shimmered in them, but she held them back. "Lin San, you must treat Yushuang and Yuruo well. They are all I have left in this world!"

Lin Wanrong felt a pang in his heart and hurriedly responded, "Please rest assured, Madam. If I ever fail them, I won't wait for your retribution; I'll punish myself severely!"

Madam Xiao couldn't help but chuckle, chiding him playfully, "How can you still speak so shamelessly? If you 'ruin' yourself, what will become of my two daughters?"

‘So, Madam still cares about me!’ Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. This diversion lightened the melancholy of parting considerably. Mother and daughter shared intimate words in each other's embrace, while he listened attentively, feeling an indescribable sense of ease.

By the time they returned home, night had fully descended. It had been a long time since his last return, and as he gazed at the Xiao family's gilded plaque hanging high on the gate, he sighed deeply. Memories of the days when the Xiao family recruited servants, including the small picture album, Qiaoqiao, the mighty general, and the Second Miss, seemed like they had happened just yesterday.

"Brother San is back! Brother San is back!" As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, two servants at the gate, rubbing their eyes in disbelief, shouted excitedly.

Hearing this call, the household erupted into chaos, with a flurry of footsteps. Over a hundred maids and servants rushed out, craning their necks to see.

"Greetings to all my brothers and sisters!" he greeted everyone with a cheerful bow, his demeanor utterly relaxed.

Seeing the familiar smile on his dark face, the people of the Xiao family snapped out of their daze. Servants and maids excitedly crowded around the carriage.

"Brother San, you're finally back—"

"Brother San, you've become even more handsome—"

"Brother San, Sister Cuicui says she missed you so much—"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, greeting everyone with bows in all directions, creating an incredibly warm atmosphere.

"Lin San, Lin San—" An old man pushed through the crowd, shakily making his way to the front.

Startled, Lin Wanrong quickly jumped down from the carriage to support him, excitedly saying, "Uncle Fu, it's been so long! You seem stronger than ever. None of these young fellows can match you, haha!"

Spring had passed and autumn returned; many days had gone by, and Uncle Fu had aged, his hair and beard turning white, yet his spirit remained vigorous.

"You sure know how to flatter," Uncle Fu chuckled, holding onto him and examining him closely before slowly nodding, "Not bad, not bad, you've grown much sturdier. I heard even the nomads couldn't stand against you. You've truly brought honor to our great nation. The Misses indeed have good judgment!"

With this, everyone burst into laughter. They were all well aware of Brother San's story: a mere servant who married two beautiful Misses and defeated the ferocious Turks on the battlefield. Brother San's tales could easily fill a picture book novel.

"Uncle Fu, how's the workshop been doing lately?" Standing among old acquaintances, his heart filled with joy and excitement, he eagerly asked, holding onto the old man's sleeve.

"Do I even need to say?" Uncle Fu said proudly, "Our perfume workshop has expanded several times over. Now we have over two hundred workers, and the soap workshop has a hundred. Everyone's working day and night, yet these products are still in high demand. Look at me, my hair and beard have turned white, but I still can't keep up. Lin San, you truly have a knack for this!"

Uncle Fu raised his thumb in praise, leaving Lin Wanrong smiling silently and patting the old man's shoulder, reminiscing about the early days of his business ventures.

Watching the crowd gather around him, chattering and laughing with unrestrained joy, as if they had forgotten about themselves, Madam Xiao shook her head and smiled, "This Lin San, wherever he goes, he stands out. No wonder everyone likes him. Yuruo, you must keep a close eye on him!"

The Eldest Miss shyly hummed in agreement. From within the crowd, she noticed Brother San laughing while sneakily winking at her, prompting a gentle smile and a blush on her cheeks.

The crowd, bubbling with excitement, escorted him inside. The familiar scenes of rock gardens, cloud pavilions, green trees, and red flowers greeted him; the Xiao residence remained unchanged, a testament to the passage of time.

Wandering through the estate, he found himself in the back garden without realizing it. The small houses in the corner, his humble dwellings in the Xiao family, came clearly into view.

Quickening his pace through the richly colored flower beds, he approached the small courtyard. Memories of days past surfaced, bringing a smile to his face, the joy in his heart indescribable.

Arriving at his former residence, he was somewhat surprised. Despite his prolonged absence, the room was still immaculately clean and tidy, with every item in its place as if he had never left.

"What's this about?" he asked in astonishment.

Uncle Fu, who had been following him, chuckled, "This is Madam Xiao's doing. She said that since you're in the capital alone, working hard for our Xiao family, she wanted to keep this place well-preserved for you. She personally tends to this room, never asking for servants' help, and often comes here to sit. A few days ago, when the Eldest Miss returned, she took over the upkeep. Some nights, instead of returning to her chamber, she would stay here!"

Lin Wanrong felt a warm surge in his heart, touched that both Madam Xiao and the Eldest Miss personally attended to what he jokingly called his 'doghouse'. It made all his efforts for the Xiao family feel worthwhile.

With a trip to Lianyungang and a ship journey awaiting the next day, there were many matters Madam Xiao and the Eldest Miss needed to attend to. Although Lin Wanrong longed for Yuruo, he knew it wasn't the time to disturb them and respectfully stayed in the modest yet cozy little house.

The bed was soft with quilts, faintly scented with the fragrance of rose perfume. A few long, beautiful hairs on the pillow, unmistakably belonging to the Eldest Miss, suggested her presence.

She had her own boudoir but chose to spend her nights in his humble abode; such longing was akin to a knife to his heart. Lin Wanrong chuckled softly, his eyes drifting to a small silk bag hidden in a dark corner of the table, curious about its contents.

Gently pressing the soft silk bag, he opened it to find it filled with charred soil and broken tiles, their origin a mystery.

He pondered for a moment, clutching the bag tightly, shaking his head silently with a smile.

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