Finest Servant

Chapter 587

Chapter 587 Punishment?

Fairy Ning smiled confidently. Lin Wanrong blinked in astonishment and hesitated, "Sister, are you planning to use the legendary face-changing technique to transform into Yujia? That won't do. Touching her and touching you are two entirely different experiences."

Ning Yuxi chuckled, replying with a hint of exasperation, "What nonsense are you talking about? There's no such thing as a face-changing technique in this world. Those are just tricks used by charlatans to deceive people. Yujia's appearance and identity are nothing like mine. Why would I pretend to be her?"

Lin Wanrong scrutinized her for a moment and nodded gravely, "Indeed, you can't impersonate her. You two are too different. By my estimation, Yueya’er would need another ten years of growth to even come close to half of your... stature, and that's only after she wears a bra. Ah, the gap between people can be so... vast."

"What do you mean by 'stature' and 'bra'?" Ning Yuxi was puzzled until she noticed his gaze fixed intently on her ample bosom without even blinking. Realizing his implication, she turned away, her face flushed with embarrassment. "You rascal! You can't even hold a serious conversation for a moment!"

"I promise to be serious," Lin Wanrong sighed and held her hand, looking aggrieved. "But please understand, I'm an honest man. Your figure is indeed a hundred times better than Yujia's. Should I lie and say it's only ten times better? That would be insincere. I'm really not good at lying."

Even though Ning Yuxi was as ethereal as a fairy, she couldn't help but feel her heart race when this shameless man showered her with such sweet words. "Nonsense. Yujia's figure is also excellent, and the difference between us is only slight," she retorted, her face reddening. She then brandished a shining object.

"Don't, don't attack!" Lin Wanrong, noticing the flash of silver in Fairy Ning's hand, instinctively covered his rear and jumped back.

"That's for your impudence!" Ning Yuxi glared at him, her cheeks glowing. "Junior Sister An was right. With rogues like you, one must first be firm, then gentle. Only then can you be tamed."

Seeing him laugh so heartily, Fairy Ning felt that this rascal must have some trick up his sleeve. But the thought of treating him like Junior Sister An did made her feel reluctant.

"You," Ning Yuxi held his hand, her eyes filled with tenderness and her face tinged with a rosy hue. "You have a way of turning serious matters into jests and jests into serious matters. Only you in this world possess such a skill. This must be heaven's punishment for my lack of resolve, making me reincarnate life after life, tormented by you. Is there any greater suffering in this world?"

Her head lowered demurely, her cheeks flushed like the embers of a fire, but her eyes were clear and impossibly tender, like water. Lin Wanrong felt his heart melt; the soft approach of his Fairy Sister was even more effective and ingenious than any hard coercion. Between the two sisters, one hard and one soft, they were driving him to his wit's end.

"Thief, do you know what I like most about you?" The Fairy lowered her head, her voice as gentle as a whisper. As she uttered the word "like," her face bloomed like the dawn, and her eyes sparkled with a blend of joy and shyness.

‘What does she like about me?’ Lin Wanrong blinked and hastily looked himself up and down, scanning from top to toe and back again. His eyes blurred from the intense scrutiny. If there was anything exceptional about him, it must be that one thing! But how could she be aware of such a unique feature?

"Sister, regarding this matter, I'm rather embarrassed to speak up," he said bashfully, lowering his head.

"Then let me say it for you," Ning Yuxi nodded gently. "What I love most about you is your authenticity."

Ah, so it was that! Lin Wanrong lowered his head in both surprise and a sense of unworthiness. The Fairy opened her red lips lightly and spoke: "Ever since I met you, I've always thought you were the most genuine man in the world. Though you may be deceitful, cunning, greedy, and lustful, and not exactly handsome—"

"Sister, why do you always phrase things backward? Now, you’ve laid bare all my strengths," Lin Wanrong chuckled.

Ning Yuxi felt her heart warm even further. This thief might not be the most straightforward person in the world, but he had a way of making the heaviest matters feel light. Even when criticized, he could interpret it as a compliment. With this mentality, he was every woman's weakness.

She tenderly caressed his cheek, her eyes filled with warmth: "These traits, which the mundane world looks down upon, are precious in you. Because you are genuine. What's the matter with being deceitful and lustful? Isn't everyone like that to some extent? You wear no disguises; you cry when you feel like crying, laugh when you feel like laughing. Your love and your hatred are both fervently genuine. How many in this world possess such a spirit?"

‘So, I actually have all these virtues? I really underestimated myself. From now on, I must actively cultivate these traits.’ Lin Wanrong laughed out loud and lowered his head shyly.

"Sister, I'm not as good as you make me out to be—in fact, humility is also one of my traits, and I left that out!"

"Indeed, very humble," Ning Yuxi nodded, giving him an amused glance.

Lin Wanrong hummed in agreement, then suddenly seemed puzzled. "Wait a minute, Fairy Sister, why are you talking to me about all this out of the blue? Could it be—a trick?"

"What trick?" Ning Yuxi feigned annoyance. "I'm reminding you not to make a mistake concerning the matter of Yujia."

"Mistake?" Lin Wanrong widened his eyes, puzzled. "I don't think I've made any. I consider myself quite clever!"

Ning Yuxi let out a soft huff, "Clever? You're merely deceiving yourself. You think that your actions against Yujia are just tit-for-tat, and you're rather pleased with yourself. But you must understand that by injuring your enemy, you also harm yourself. In this grand scheme, everyone is a pawn. If Yujia is ensnared, do you think you can remain untainted?"

Fairy Ning was indeed perceptive, hitting the nail on the head with just a sentence. Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly, forcing himself to say, "Well, there's only one way to find out!"

Ning Yuxi glanced at him, "Do we even need to try? It's only today that I've come to understand Junior Sister An's thoughtful intentions. In terms of discernment and insight, no one surpasses her."

Lin Wanrong was puzzled, "What does this have to do with Sister An again? Fairy Sister could you be more clear? I'm not following."

Fairy Ning shook her head gently, "What's so hard to understand? No matter how Yujia struggles, her fate is already sealed. Even if you release her now, there's nothing to worry about. In a few months, she'll still meet her doom. Having her appear at the Sheep Snatching Festival is not out of the question; it's just a matter of approach."

"What approach?" Lin Wanrong inquired, shocked.

"Don't ask just yet," Ning Yuxi sighed softly, "I'm telling you all this to ease your worries. Yujia's life is no longer in her own hands. What better outcome could there be? Why should you restrict your own actions out of fear for her?"

Fairy Ning had made herself clear. From any perspective, Yujia was already in a passive situation. Considering Tursun's infatuation with this Turkic girl, if Yujia appeared at the Sheep Snatching Festival, Tursun would undoubtedly be there. With the participation of Right Prince, and the most beautiful girl on the plains present, the Turkic Khan was highly likely to attend. This was a golden opportunity that was hard to come by.

Lin Wanrong paused briefly, then clenched his fists, "Alright, I'll go check out the Sheep Snatching Festival."

Fairy Ning gave a faint nod, her face flashing a weary smile.

Considering Fairy Ning's capabilities, this was indeed unusual. Lin Wanrong was alarmed and quickly grabbed her delicate hand, "Fairy Sister, what's wrong?"

Ning Yuxi leaned her beautiful face gently against his shoulder and whispered, "Since childhood, I've been disciplined in my cultivation and despise such cunning and deceit. Going north this time, I've broken many rules and am planning to use methods against Yujia. I fear the heavens may punish me."

"No, they won't," Lin Wanrong tightened his grip around her, pulling her closer, "If anyone is to be punished, it should be me. I'm the truly wicked one here, not you."

"You always portray yourself as worse than you are," Ning Yuxi snuggled into his embrace and chuckled softly, "In truth, you're the most loyal and righteous person I know. Thief, I suddenly miss the wedding dress in the Tianshan ice caves."

What exactly was happening to the Fairy? Lin Wanrong suddenly felt an ominous premonition, "Alright, alright. After the war, we'll go back and take a look. I also have to return to the Xiao family to make one for you personally."

Ning Yuxi beamed, a flush spreading across her face, "I know. If that day ever comes, can you dress me yourself? I have to confess, I've never worn such beautiful attire."

"Of course, of course," Lin Wanrong replied. "As you know, dressing you is something I most enjoy."

"You cheeky man!" Fairy Ning giggled, pressing her warm cheeks tightly against his chest, "Thief, let me share something from the heart, and promise not to laugh at me."

"Speak, tell me," Lin Wanrong grasped her hand, feeling the delicate pulse under his fingers. A wave of warmth surged through his heart.

Ning Yuxi closed her eyes, her voice gentle but firm. "Even if being with you means breaking Heaven's laws, I accept it."

"Sister—" Lin Wanrong looked at her, her face as exquisite as snow, and choked on his words, unable to say anything.

"Don't be afraid; I'm here." The Fairy wiped away the tear at the corner of his eye and nestled softly into his arms. "No meditation tonight. Hold me, and don't let go."

"Alright, I'll hold you for the rest of my life." Tenderness welled up in his heart like water. He embraced her delicate form tightly, as if wanting to blend her into his very bones. Heaven wants to punish her? Then I shall defy Heaven itself.

…

Separated by only some six miles from the Right Prince of the Turks, they spent a nerve-wracking night. Early the next morning, a scout brought back news. Tursun and Zhao Kangning had left at first light. Lin Wanrong stood by the lakeside of their camp, watching hoof prints disappear into the distance. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

Heading north from Uvs Lake, the grasslands became increasingly expansive and lush, like a carpet stretching to the horizon. Perhaps because the newly assembled hundred-thousand-strong Turkic cavalry was about to set off for Helan Mountain, shepherds were scarce on the plains, let alone the white felt tents.

"The Turks are mobilizing," Hu Bugui noted, pointing at the grass beneath their feet. "You can see the marks where tents were pitched. A Turkic tribe must have lived here until recently. Their disappearance is undoubtedly the result of Lu Dongzan's call to arms."

Lin Wanrong nodded. From what he could gather, there was activity around Helan Mountain, and it seemed to be in Great Hua's favor. Otherwise, Lu Dongzan wouldn't have been so eager to assemble the hundred thousand cavalry from Kyzil. The only pity was their deep location in the grasslands, making them unaware of what was happening on Xu Zhiqing's end.

"Brother Hu, any news from Little Xu and the others?" Lin Wanrong rubbed his eyes, speaking with fatigue. Despite the romantic night spent holding his beloved, concerns had robbed him of sleep.

Xu Zhen and two scout teams had set out the previous night. Until definite news was reported, any rash action was out of the question—everyone agreed on this. They had only traveled about fifteen miles that day, almost inconceivable for these swift riders. Even so, they were only sixty miles away from Kyzil. The nomadic people could sniff out Great Hua's cavalry at any moment, and danger was creeping closer.

"No news yet," Hu Bugui shook his head helplessly. A mere few dozen men tracking a hundred-thousand-strong army in the Turks' stronghold was akin to dancing on the edge of a blade.

Lin Wanrong took a few slow steps. In this stalemate, patience was key. Impatience would do no good. Once Lu Dongzan's large army moved one hundred and fifty to one hundred and sixty miles away, his five thousand cavalrymen could dance in the very heart of the Turkic lands.

A rider dashed up and whispered a few words into Hu Bugui's ear. Old Hu nodded, "General, I have news about the sheep-snatching competition you wanted me to look into."

"Ah?" Lin Wanrong responded indifferently. His conversation with the Fairy last night had left him inexplicably hostile towards the competition. However, Gao Qiu immediately perked up, "Old Hu, quick, tell us, what's the news?"

Hu Bugui chuckled, "This year's sheep-snatching competition is set to be held three days from now, just outside Kyzil. The news is already widely known across the grasslands. Various nomadic tribes have sent their finest warriors and most beautiful young women. They are all making their way to Kyzil as we speak, traveling night and day. There'll be quite the spectacle when the time comes."

"The finest warriors?" Gao Qiu widened his eyes, puzzled, "They've got hundreds of thousands of men fighting us at the front lines. What finest warriors are left?"

Old Hu patted Gao Qiu on the shoulder and shook his head, "Ah, Brother Gao, you've misunderstood. The Turkic sheep-snatching event isn't just a simple contest for marriage proposals; it's also a grand gathering for the Turkic tribes to vie for honor and make alliances. For these tribes, the competition might even be more crucial than fighting at the front lines."

"Really?" Not only was Gao Qiu confused, even Lin Wanrong found it intriguing.

"The various Turkic tribes differ in size and strength. To survive and thrive, they must expand through alliances and marriages. If war symbolizes the power of the Turkic state, then this sheep-snatching competition represents the strength of individual tribes. The tribe that wins will become highly sought after for alliances. Consider the rise of the Tursun and Batur tribes; they grew strong through such victories. So, Gao Qiu, think about it. If you were the leader of a tribe, where would you send your best warriors?"

"Obviously, to the sheep-snatching competition," Gao Qiu answered without hesitation. "If we lose at the front lines, it's everyone's fault, and we'll muddle through. But if my tribe loses, that's on me. There are plenty of warriors on the front lines; they won't miss one or two from me."

Hu Bugui nodded, smiling, "Exactly. Likewise, the Turkic women chosen to seek husbands are the most beautiful in their tribes, as they bear the responsibility of forming alliances with powerful tribes. The women are more beautiful, the warriors more courageous. Fights break out between tribes every year over this event. So, Gao Qiu, you needn't worry about the competition being uninteresting. I'm afraid you might even find it overwhelming."

‘So that's what it is,’ Lin Wanrong realized, enlightened. ‘It's essentially a grand social event.’

As they were talking, the distant sound of hoofbeats rang out. Gao Qiu squinted, then joyfully exclaimed, "News from the front lines! Finally, we're about to make our way into the Turkic Royal Court!"

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