Finest Servant

Chapter 421 The Standing Copper Coin

The name “Princess Chuyun” sounded familiar. Upon careful reflection, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that Xu Wei had once mentioned it when introducing the Great Hua royal family. The current Emperor had three princesses. The eldest princess was of age and had been married off to the South in Yunnan, and hadn't returned home for years. The second princess held the title of “Chuyun,” and little was known about her since childhood. The youngest princess was Nishang, who later turned out to be Qin Xian'er. Could Xiao Qingxuan really be the legendary Princess Chuyun? If so, wouldn’t she and Xian'er be real sisters?

Xiao Qingxuan’s long sleeves brushed lightly as she spoke calmly, “Which palace's servant are you? How do you recognize me?”

Miss Xiao's words were tantamount to admitting her identity. Gao Ping was so excited that he hurriedly kowtowed, “You truly are Princess Chuyun, Princess, I'm Gao Ping! Don't you remember me?”

“Gao Ping?” Xiao Qingxuan murmured, her brows slightly furrowed, as if trying to recall when she had heard that name.

Gao Ping kowtowed on the ground like pounding garlic, his voice trembling with excitement, “I, Gao Ping, have served the Emperor since he was in the Qian Mansion. I was there with Chief Wei when you, little princess, were just a month old, and I even held you in my arms.”

Lin Wanrong felt dizzy listening. ‘You old eunuch, my wife saw you when she was still in swaddling clothes; how could she recognize you now, especially when she’s grown into a fairy?’

Hearing that this eunuch was an old servant in the palace, Xiao Qingxuan’s eyes filled with tears as she nodded, “So you're an old acquaintance of my father and mother. You may rise and speak.”

Gao Ping kowtowed again, respectfully got up, and carefully examined Xiao Qingxuan, exclaiming, “The Empress was benevolent and virtuous, respected by all. She was especially kind to me. Princess, you resemble her exactly. I knew at once that you must be the Emperor's Princess Chuyun.”

“My mother has been gone for many years; it’s touching that you still remember her,” Xiao Qingxuan said, a tear glinting in her eye, her heart filled with sorrow. Gao Ping was also moved and wiped away a few tears.

So Qingxuan was the princess borne by the Empress herself. No wonder she had the Empress's waist token. Thinking back to Qingxuan's appearance and behavior when they first met in Jinling, Lin Wanrong suddenly understood why she cared so much about the northern nomads and state affairs. This was her family's business! Lin Wanrong was struck with realization, overjoyed, thinking that he now had two out of the Emperor's three princesses. How could he not prosper now?

“Sister, are you really a princess?” Qiaoqiao excitedly grabbed Xiao Qingxuan's arm and asked.

Luo Ning, coming from a prominent family and knowing the etiquette, quickly curtsied and said softly, “Commoner Luo Ning pays respects to the Princess!”

Xiao Qingxuan took both their hands and smiled, “We're all sisters here; there's no need for such formality. Ning'er, don't be so ceremonious. I've been out of the royal family for years, now just an ordinary woman. You mustn't be so restrained.”

“Yes, yes, don't be so formal,” Lin Wanrong chuckled, “We're all family here; let's not speak like strangers.”

Gao Ping pulled him aside and whispered, “Mr. Lin, when the Emperor sent me to reward you this morning, I thought it was a bit strange. Seeing Princess Chuyun now, I understand. I suppose you also know the Emperor's intentions, don't you?”

Lin Wanrong nodded and thought to himself, ‘I assumed the old Emperor was worried about his son-in-law, but it turns out he was concerned for his daughter. All the gifts of gold and silver, and the attentive care of sending a wet nurse; he truly served her more considerately than anyone else.’

"Sir, you must take good care of Princess Chuyun," the old servant warned. "If I may be so bold to say, among the three princesses of Great Hua, the Emperor dotes on this one the most. You must be very, very careful not to make a mistake."

A princess was considered royal, and according to Great Hua's customs, even after marriage, the prince consort must still observe the ceremonies of a subject, bowing to the princess morning and evening. Lin Wanrong sneered at this tradition. Kneel to his wife every day? Was that something a man would do? Fortunately, his beloved Chuyun was gentle and unassuming, not at all like those superficial princesses.

Lin Wanrong nodded and laughed, "Eunuch Gao, rest assured, how could I not cherish my own wife? Go back and tell the Emperor that Lin San thanks him for his grace. From now on, Chuyun will eat well, drink well, play well, and be happy in our home. I guarantee she won't suffer any grievances."

Gao Ping knew the character of this Lord Lin, and these few words were enough for him. After placing the gold and silver down and giving detailed instructions to the maid and wet nurse, he hurried back to fulfill his duty, not daring to slacken in the slightest.

Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning had never dreamed that their big brother's heartthrob was the most honorable princess of Great Hua. Seeing that they were now sisters with the princess, their joy was beyond words. The three women's laughter rang through the mansion.

During their conversation, Xiao Qingxuan glanced at Lin Wanrong, noticing his expression of vague amusement, and wondered what he was thinking. She took his hand and asked softly, "My Husband Lin, are you upset that I hid my true identity from you?"

Considering Chuyun's demeanor, Lord Lin had long suspected her of being rich or noble but never imagined she was the Emperor's beloved Princess Chuyun. Lin Wanrong felt a moment of puzzlement but then smiled and sighed, "I don't blame you. Everyone has their reasons for doing things. Since you hid your identity, you must have had your difficulties. Why would I blame you?"

Zhao Chuyun hummed in acknowledgment, a tear falling as she sighed, "My lord understands me. Many things in this world are done out of necessity. Although I was born into the royal family, my fate is pitiable, even worse than that of common women." She held Lin Wanrong's hand tightly, smiling through her tears, "Now that I belong to you, I will hide nothing. My family name is Zhao, and my given name is Qingxuan. I am the second daughter of the current Emperor of Great Hua, bestowed with the title Chuyun."

Zhao Qingxuan, Xiao Qingxuan; Lin Wanrong suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Why didn't I think of this before? Your name 'Xiao' is taken from the half part of the character 'Zhao.' Such a simple association, and it baffled me for a long time."

Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and smiled, "It's not just that. My mother's maiden name was Xiao Feng'er, and taking 'Xiao' as a surname also serves to remember her. Moreover, these years wandering the world, I have been called Xiao Qingxuan and have grown accustomed to it."

It turned out that his mother-in-law's surname was Xiao, and Qingxuan was indeed filled with filial piety. Whether she was Xiao Qingxuan or Zhao Qingxuan, she was always his dear wife, without a doubt. Seeing Qingxuan's pretty face as radiant as a flower, and recalling her charm in bed that morning, Lin Wanrong's heart was itching with excitement. What did it matter if she was a princess? Wasn't she still the same, needing a man's affection? Stealthily pinching her palm, he chuckled to himself.

Miss Xiao seemed to understand his thoughts, and seeing his lecherous smile, she knew what was on his mind. Thinking of the ridiculous things that had happened that morning, her face turned red, and she pinched his mischievous hand hard, lowering her head in embarrassment.

Luo Ning didn't realize the secret exchange between the two and asked doubtfully, "Sister, since you are such a noble princess of our great Great Hua Empire, how did you end up in the Jade Virtue Immortal Hall as the successor of that place? Didn't they know your true identity?"

Xiao Qingxuan looked downcast and shook her head with a faint sigh, "Being part of the royal family means one does not control one's own destiny. Though I was born noble, I was less free and happy than ordinary women. My fate was determined at birth."

Seeing her looking so downcast, Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao quickly and obediently held her hands. Xiao Qingxuan gave a grateful smile, gently stroked her hair, and said calmly, "Since you two sisters are married to My Dear Lin, you're no longer outsiders. Our Lin family is united and loving, and we keep no secrets from each other. I will tell you everything, but I trust you two to keep it confidential and not share it with others."

Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning quickly nodded. Lin Wanrong, having had many interactions with the old Emperor, understood some of the secrets involved. Seeing Qingxuan's expression, he knew it had something to do with his father-in-law.

"Surely you two sisters know something about the dispute between my father and Prince Cheng for the throne," Xiao Qingxuan sighed slightly, expressing her feelings. As a princess, she had an elegant manner. Even speaking of something usually taboo, she did so sincerely, without evoking any displeasure, earning Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning's admiration.

The struggle between the two princes was known to everyone in Great Hua, and Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, both well-educated women, were no strangers to it. Seeing them nod, Xiao Qingxuan whispered, "I must tell you, sisters, that our late Emperor actually favored Prince Cheng more. At that time, Prince Cheng controlled the Ministry of Personnel, and no one could surpass his influence. Taking the throne seemed a foregone conclusion. However, he was suspicious by nature, and despite his advantage, he never felt secure. He repeatedly plotted against my father and even had my two older brothers assassinated. My mother died from grief and exhaustion three years after I was born. I was not even three, and never got to see what my mother looked like."

Miss Xiao's face turned pale, tears flowing down. Her two brothers and mother had died because of Prince Cheng. Such a family tragedy, happening to the ethereal princess of Great Hua, was truly heartbreaking.

Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao were shocked by the tale of fratricide, a thing highly tabooed in every dynasty. Coming from Princess Chuyun, there was no doubting its truth. No wonder their sister had entrusted them with keeping the secret. The two hurriedly took Xiao Qingxuan's hands, offering words of comfort and reassurance.

Though this matter was already known, hearing it from Xiao Qingxuan's lips lent it a greater emotional impact. Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh, his heart aching for Qingxuan. At the same time, he found a new level of respect for his imperial father-in-law. The loss of a wife and child, a shattered family – these were burdens too great for most to bear. Yet the Emperor had endured them, showing a strength Lin Wanrong knew he himself lacked. Had it been him, Prince Cheng would have been destroyed hundreds of times over.

Comforted by the two young women, Xiao Qingxuan's grief lessened considerably. Wiping her tears, she continued, “My father was resolute and patient, but the pain was more than he could bear. Prince Cheng was so aggressive and domineering that my father, with his limited power, had no choice but to seek an alternative plan. At that time, the highly reputable Jade Virtue Immortal Hall happened to be selecting its next heir, specifying a noble-born female infant. And my mother had just given birth to me—"

Xiao Qingxuan tightly grasped Lin Wanrong's hand, tears falling like broken pearls. Lin Wanrong felt his heart ache and quickly embraced her, wiping the tears from her face and softly saying, “It's alright, I'm here, no one can bully you.”

"So, the Emperor sent you to the Jade Virtue Immortal Hall to become the heir? This has ruined your life; how could he do such a thing?" Qiaoqiao, innocent and pure, felt her sister's pain as if it were her own, tears streaming down her face as she cried out in distress.

Her words were a grave taboo. Luo Ning, shocked, hurriedly pulled her aside and said, “Don't speak nonsense. The Emperor is her biological father; how could he not love her?”

“You two must not misunderstand,” Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, determination in her eyes. “Concerning this matter, I have never blamed my father. On the contrary, I am grateful to him.”

Grateful? Not only Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, but even Lin Wanrong found this strange. You were still in swaddling clothes, and your father gave you away; how could you be grateful? What kind of logic was this?

Xiao Qingxuan smiled gently and said softly, “My Dear, if I had to choose between you and our child, I would definitely choose you.”

Moved beyond words, Luo Ning's tears began to flow as she said, “Sister, I understand what you mean. A child is a piece of your flesh, but for the sake of big brother, you would willingly give up your child. Your love for big brother surpasses everything.”

Xiao Qingxuan nodded slightly, sighing, “Only after becoming a mother did I truly understand my father's feelings back then. Sending one person away to gain absolute power, to protect my mother, and to keep the family safe—my father had no other choice. There's not a parent in the world who doesn't love their child, but my father's decision not only forced him to endure the pain of separation but also to bear a thousand curses. His pain is beyond the understanding of ordinary people. He took all the curses upon himself, protecting my mother and my family. If he hadn't made that difficult decision, who knows what persecution my mother and father might have faced? Though this choice forced me to endure loneliness and pain, it also allowed me to honor my parents and family with filial piety. Tell me, should I hate him or respect him?”

Several people listened, dumbfounded. Xiao Qingxuan was indeed a phoenix among humans, and her way of thinking, though vastly contrary to common logic, was on point in every word and sentence. The old Emperor was human too, possessing all the feelings and desires, but he had a determination and means unlike ordinary people. He sent Xiao Qingxuan, who was still in swaddling clothes, to the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall to become a successor, sacrificing her entire life. It was indeed unfair to Qingxuan, but it was fair to other family members.

"So how did you learn about your origin later on?" Luo Ning asked concernedly. "When the people of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall found out you were a princess, did they dare to make things difficult for you?"

"The situation is not as unbearable as you imagine. To avoid attention, my identity within the sacred hall was kept a strict secret, known only to the master of the hall and my Master." Xiao Qingxuan smiled gracefully, "My father is not a heartless person. When he sent me away, he made an agreement with the sacred hall. Until I reached the age of twenty and inherited the sacred hall, I could visit my parents every year to perform filial duties. I would stay in the palace for a month every year, reuniting with my parents, and the Emperor would have the best scholars teach me. If it weren’t for this condition, my mother could not have survived until I was three. I fear she would have died of grief the moment I was sent away. Unfortunately, she passed away due to lingering illness when I was three, which remains my lifelong regret."

Hearing this, Lin Wanrong understood. The old Emperor had employed a delaying tactic, using Qingxuan to stabilize the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall while keeping her close to the royal family. With twenty years’ time, he could find a solution. No wonder the mention of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall turned the old Emperor's face so sour; he had been planning to eliminate it, not only for the sake of the Empire but also for Qingxuan's sake. Such patience, such tactics were truly profound and pitiable.

Qiaoqiao wiped her tears and smiled brightly, "Now everything is fine. Without the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, sister has reunited with big brother and has a little baby. From now on, our family will live happily together, and no one can separate us."

Xiao Qingxuan nodded, her pretty face full of tenderness, looking at Lin Wanrong and murmuring to herself, "Since the day I understood the world, I knew that happiness was forever estranged from me. Yet, during the trip to Jinling, I met My Dear, the inscrutable enigma of my life, unfathomable and indecipherable. In life after life, I’m lost within it. Once I left my master, I became a mere mortal woman, not seeking to become an immortal or a Buddha, only wishing to grow old with My Dear, to be the joyous, carefree pair of mandarin ducks in this world, inseparable—even in death."

Though these words were spoken casually by Miss Xiao, they were deeply heartfelt and touching. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, being sincere and passionate, were moved to tears. They wondered what kind of fortune their big brother had accumulated to have met such a fairy-like figure as Sister Xiao.

Lin Wanrong was overwhelmingly moved, fiercely wiping his eyes, thinking, ‘Goodness, if this continues, I'll be completely conquered by Qingxuan. This is not a good sign; a man losing himself becomes infatuated.'

"Hahaha," he laughed hastily three times, "Let's not talk about these unhappy things anymore. Since my imperial father-in-law misses his daughter so much, Qingxuan, I think you should pick a time to return to the palace and visit him. While you're at it, see if there are any unused gold and silver treasures at your father's house. Bring them back with you; it will earn some milk money for our baby. Ah, today's as good a day as any, the outside is bright and sunny, and the peach blossoms are blooming; it's the perfect time to visit."

The three women, caught up in the emotion of the moment, had their mood completely spoiled by his vulgar interruption. Luo Ning and Qingxuan both gave him a disdainful look. Qiaoqiao laughed and said, "What nonsense is big brother talking about? The rain has been falling since yesterday and hasn't stopped yet. Where's the spring sunshine?"

Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and said, "Though there's no spring light outside, I fear his heart is already filled with spring. My Dear, Mr. Xu Wei admires you, treats you kindly, and takes good care of you. I'm going to visit him later; will you come?"

Lin Wanrong was startled and waved his hands quickly, "No, no, absolutely not."

Luo Ning giggled, looked at him coquettishly, and said, "Big brother, what are you afraid of? If you go with Sister, can someone really eat you?"

"I don't know who wants to eat me, but I'll definitely eat you, you little vixen." Lin Wanrong slapped Luo Ning's hip, which was plump and firm, and then whispered threateningly in her ear.

Luo Ning let out a sound, her cheeks blushing, and she quickly hid behind Miss Xiao. Her lips slightly parted, and her eyes instantly filled with endless affection.

"If you won't go, then I will," Xiao Qingxuan said with a slight smile. "Today I'll visit the Xu family, and tomorrow I'll go to the Xiao family to see Eldest Miss Xiao, Second Miss Xiao, and the Madam. When I was in Jinling, I heard they took good care of you. I must thank them for their kindness."

Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Qingxuan's calm expression and felt like a mouse being stepped on. He let out a laugh and hastily escaped.

Luo Ning was both annoyed and amused, "Sister, did he go to the Xiao family to tip them off? When you go tomorrow, you definitely won't see Xiao Yuruo. Eldest Miss Xiao's treatment of big brother has always been quite arrogant."

"Even better if I don't see her," Xiao Qingxuan replied, beautiful as a flower and unperturbed. "As long as she doesn't come to my Lin family's doorstep, it doesn't matter to me whether I see her or not."

Lin Wanrong went out and looked around. On the left, Xu Wei's residence was eerily quiet. However, the main door was slightly ajar, leaving a small gap, seemingly left on purpose for someone.

‘That old Xu, really, what's he doing moving next to my house? Even a rabbit doesn't eat grass beside its burrow; isn't this making it difficult for Miss Xu?’ He looked around, noticing no one was paying attention, and felt a sudden itch in his heart. ‘Rabbits don't eat grass beside their burrows, but I'm not a rabbit. Miss Xu kindly invited me to her house. Although she had some improper intentions, it's not that severe. If I don't go, wouldn't it be rude? I've always been a very polite person.’

He was in extreme difficulty, torn between conflicting emotions. On one hand, he felt guilty about Xiao Qingxuan, thinking that meeting with another woman right under her nose was the act of a beast. On the other hand, he thought of Miss Xu, who had a tough life; the only way to help her move beyond her humble existence was for him to lend a hand.

After thinking for a long time and unable to make up his mind, he gritted his teeth and pulled out a copper coin from his bosom. He chuckled and said, "This toss will decide the outcome. If it lands heads, I'll walk to Xu's residence. If it lands tails, I'll take a sedan chair to Xu's residence. If the coin stands upright—damn, if that happens, I'll strip naked and run ten laps around the street."

Leaving his fate to the copper coin, everything was the decision of the heavens, and he had nothing to do with it. Shifting all responsibility, he felt his mind at ease. With a flick of his thumb, the copper coin jingled and clanged, rolling around on the ground for several circles, running far away before it gradually came to a stop. Astonishingly, it had—stood upright!

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