Finest Servant

Chapter 426 A Flower for You, Two Cuckoos in Shu

"Yes, yes, it's him!" Two guards exclaimed hurriedly. "Mr. Bond, do you know the Young Prince too?"

"Oh, yes, of course, I know him. I often walk inside and outside the palace; how could I not know the Young Prince? He and my family's Wangcai (TL: A popular dog’s name) have even sworn brotherhood and burned yellow paper together." Lin Wanrong chuckled twice. "Do you know where the Young Prince and Lady Seo have gone sightseeing?"

"I'm not quite sure about that, but I saw their carriage heading towards the North Gate. They might be seeing the spring scenery," one of the guards replied.

‘Seeing the spring? Damn it, I think it's more like 'enjoying' spring.’ He had the imperial decree to flirt with girls, yet Seo Jang Geum had gone on a date with the Young Prince. Although the young palace lady had no immediate ties with him, the displeasure was certain.

"Brothers," Lin Wanrong said, nodding solemnly, his expression grave, "According to the regulations set by the emperor himself in Chapter Nine, Section One Hundred and Eight, Subsection Ten, Clause Five of our secret spy work code, I have inquired information from you today. To ensure that state secrets are not leaked, you must—" Lin Wanrong's face turned vicious, and he drew his hand menacingly across his neck, sneering coldly, "I assume you've both heard of the ways we secret spies operate. Dismemberment, sky lanterns, human-skin drums; which one do you prefer?"

The two guards shrank back, their faces pale and limp as mud. "Mercy, sir, mercy!"

Lin Wanrong steadied them, his face showing compassion. "However, since we met today, we must have fate. I won't do those ugly things. But if anyone leaks the news of my coming, well, I won't do something as cruel as the sky lanterns, but making a human-skin drum is quite interesting—"

He gave a dry laugh, and the two guards, cold sweat dripping, nodded their heads like pecking chickens. "Rest assured, sir, rest assured. We would rather die than leak a word."

Through deception and intimidation, Lin Wanrong had them well under control. He then rose and headed towards the North Gate. The imperial decree was warm in his pocket, but the girl he was supposed to flirt with had slipped away, a definite inauspicious start.

He thought of the Eldest Miss still "visiting" the old Emperor and that if the matter with Seo Jang Geum wasn't handled well, it would be even more difficult to deal with the old Emperor. He snorted and had a bowl of soy milk and two fried dough sticks at a tea stall under the North Gate. He even had a haircut before leaving the city.

Outside the city, the scenery was startling. Late second month in early spring, a gentle breeze and wildflowers everywhere. Shimmering waves on the water, birds singing, bright colors everywhere, and many people enjoying the spring. The roadside and mountains were filled with bright pink flowers, named and nameless, red, yellow, blue, all charming and fragrant after the spring rain, a beautiful sight to behold.

Young ladies and gentlemen by the roadside were happily picking wildflowers. Some bolder ones had cast aside the barriers between genders, pairing up to challenge each other with poetry and share harmless jokes. Laughter and merry voices were unending, and the atmosphere was lively.

Indeed, spring had arrived; those in heat were in heat, those feeling frisky were feeling frisky. Sadly, the wildflowers by the road couldn't be picked. Lin Wanrong sighed and slowly chanted, "In spring sleep, a slumber so deep, dreaming of garments so few! Night comes with rain and wind, while sons and daughters rejoice and have fun! Good poetry, oh, good poetry!"

"Vulgar!" His voice had barely fallen when a clear and somewhat mocking and gloating male voice sounded from beside him.

Lin Wanrong looked up to see a group of well-dressed men and women not far away. It seemed that everyone had heard the risqué verse he had just recited, the women's faces flushed, and the men stifling laughter.

Among them was a familiar face, and Lin Wanrong joyfully exclaimed, "Oh, isn't this the Young Prince? I haven't seen you in a few days, and you've grown even more handsome, almost catching up to me! What's this, leading so many people out to enjoy the spring?"

"Crude! Can spring be bought?" Before Zhao Kangning could speak, a man beside him interjected. Lin Wanrong glanced at him, noticing a man around forty, with a clean-shaven face and an arrogant look.

"I would gladly spend a million coins, to buy a branch as a symbol of spring," Lin Wanrong laughed, "I'm just such a vulgar person. Brother, do you have an opinion?"

"Don't be angry, Mr. Gu," Zhao Kangning smiled, "This is the famed Lin San, Mr. Lin."

"You are Lin San?" Mr. Gu was astonished, "The one who bombarded the sacred hall?!"

The news of the bombardment had spread throughout the capital in just a day and was making its way through several provinces. Lin Wanrong wasn't surprised and smiled slightly, "Indeed, it is I."

"Sir, what are you doing here?" A gentle female voice sounded, tinged with pleasant surprise. Lin Wanrong glanced over, and standing next to Zhao Kangning was the young palace maid, Seo Jang Geum. Dressed in a light purple robe, her crystal-clear skin gave her a unique charm.

"Oh, Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you're here too." Lin Wanrong waved at her, his face unchanging, "I'm also out to enjoy the spring."

Seo Jang Geum bowed to him respectfully, "I would gladly spend a million coins, to buy a branch as a symbol of spring. Sir, your way of enjoying spring is indeed quite unique."

Lin Wanrong studied her expression, calm and unruffled. Everything seemed normal, and he wondered if he'd guessed wrong.

The Young Prince glanced at him and smirked, "More than just enjoying spring. Lin San's little poem about spring sleep is quite amusing too, unforgettable to the ear." At these words, the men behind him burst into laughter, and the women blushed, including Seo Jang Geum, who lowered her head.

"Oh, I never expected the Young Prince to have such a remarkable memory, even remembering the little poem I just recited. What's so interesting about my little poem?"

Zhao Kangning recited with a smile, "In spring sleep, a slumber so deep, dreaming of garments so few! Night comes with rain and wind, while sons and daughters rejoice and have fun! I never thought our world-famous scholar Master Lin, Vice Minister Lin, would have such refined taste. It seems I must promote you properly!"

Lin Wanrong was shocked and pointed at Zhao Kangning's nose, exclaiming, "What are you reciting, Young Prince? How could you, a royal noble and a descendant of the Founding Emperor, publicly chant such lascivious and licentious words in public? Where is the dignity of the holy ancestor, and the honor of the royal family?"

"What's the matter? Won't you admit it?" Zhao Kangning said coldly with a smile. "The lewd poem was your creation just now, and I heard it with my own ears. Could there be a mistake?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Young Prince, you must have misheard. What I recited earlier was, 'Spring sleep, unaware of the dawn, everywhere I hear chirping birds; during the night, the sound of wind and rain, how many flowers have fallen?' Such a fine poem, how did it turn into a licentious verse in your ears? They say speech reflects the heart. Young Prince, I suggest you spend less time looking at erotic paintings and more time studying the Buddhist scriptures. This will promote the growth of your body and mind."

Everyone was taken aback. They had clearly heard him recite an erotic poem, yet now it had become so refined and appropriate? Whether it was a lewd poem or an exquisite one, Lin San indeed had genuine talent. [The two poems sounded similar]

"What a cunning tongue!" Having been bested by Lord Lin before, Zhao Kangning had learned his lesson. He scoffed, "Young Prince will not argue with you about such useless matters. Today, I am here to enjoy the spring with Miss Seo, and I don't have time to accompany you. Miss Seo, let's go ahead and take a look, please!"

With a gracious gesture, the Palace Lady Seo, nodded her head, walked to Lin Wanrong's side, and suddenly bowed to him, "Sir, would you like to join us?"

Lin Wanrong smiled slightly and shook his head, "I prefer to be alone, so I won't mingle with you. But Miss Jang Geum, when appreciating spring and admiring flowers, one must be in the right mood. I see you're somewhat restless. I'm afraid you're wasting this beautiful scenery."

A strange glimmer flashed in Miss Seo's eyes, and she quickly lowered her head, "Thank you, Sir, for your wise words. Jang Geum will remember them."

"How could you forget?" Lin Wanrong suddenly laughed, "You should call me Wanrong Oppa!"

Seo Jang Geum's face turned red, and she turned her head away, unable to speak. Seeing that the situation was not right, Zhao Kangning hurriedly intervened, "Master Lin, how can you be so presumptuous? Miss Seo is a diplomat from Goryeo and an honored guest of our Great Hua. If you try to bully her, I will certainly report you to the Emperor!"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "This is indeed strange. I spoke only a few words with Jang Geum Dongsaeng, and the Young Prince wants to report me? Young Prince, with this time, I suggest you do more meaningful things, such as maintaining world peace, upholding justice, and purifying social customs. These tasks are very suitable for you."

Seo Jang Geum burst into a chuckle, then quickly covered her mouth, realizing it was inappropriate. Zhao Kangning was annoyed but knew that Lin San was not easy to provoke. He had to swallow his anger. Seeing the blood-red flowers covering the mountainside, the spring blossoms brilliant, the Young Prince smiled warmly at Seo Jang Geum, gracefully waved his hand, and pointed to the blooming azaleas, "Miss Seo, do you think these flowers are beautiful? How about I pick some for you?"

Seo Jang Geum hurriedly shook her head, "I wouldn't dare trouble the Young Prince with such a task." But Zhao Kangning paid no heed to her words, laughed loudly, and hurried towards the flowers, "Miss Seo, please wait for me. I'll be back soon."

This boy was indeed skilled at picking flowers. Lin Wanrong chuckled lewdly twice, then glanced at Seo Jang Geum. In just two days, how had Seo Jang Geum and this Zhao Kangning boy connected? Something about this was strange.

"Sir, did you truly come out today to enjoy the spring scenery?" Seo Jang Geum looked up at Lin Wanrong and then lowered her head, asking softly. "Why did none of your wives accompany you?"

"I came to court you, believe it or not?" Lin Wanrong laughed. "Speaking of enjoying the spring, that is true. To be precise, I came to pick flowers. Alas, I haven't picked flowers in several years; I wonder if my skills have become rusty?"

The young palace maid looked up at him, smiling charmingly. "Sir, you're really joking. What skill does one need to pick flowers? Besides, why would you be interested in the wildflowers and weeds by the roadside?"

"As the saying goes, homegrown flowers do not have the fragrance of wildflowers. I like these wildflowers and weeds the most," Lin Wanrong said, looking around and noticing the children of the officials who had come with Zhao Kangning were glancing their way. He grinned mysteriously and leaned close to Seo Jang Geum's ear, whispering, "Jang Geum, the art of picking flowers is vast. Just speaking of the positions, there are many types, such as picking from behind, picking from above, picking from below, and even three people picking together. It's absolutely exciting. We can exchange views sometime."

"Three people picking together?" Seo Jang Geum blinked in surprise, covering her lips with a smile. "Sir, you jest with me. Does picking flowers require two or three people? I think one person is enough!"

"One person is enough?" Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, then nodded seriously. "Jang Geum, you are indeed well-versed and talented. Solo play does indeed have a unique taste. Jang Geum, forgive my boldness in asking, but when you eat bananas, do you hold them with your left hand or your right hand?"

Seo Jang Geum looked at him in confusion and asked curiously, "Sir, what does solo play mean? And what does it have to do with eating bananas? When I eat bananas, I like to hold them with both hands—"

Lin Wanrong's face showed shock as he retreated two steps. "Both hands together? My goodness, such a thick banana! It must take you several bites to eat it! Goryeo truly produces talent. Jang Geum, you must come to my house to eat bananas sometime. I have a big one."

Seo Jang Geum's expression darkened, and a faint sorrow appeared in her eyes. "Jang Geum wishes to visit your home, Sir, and interact more with you and your wives. But Goryeo's situation is dire, facing imminent destruction. I don't know if I'll have this blessing."

Lin Wanrong responded with a casual "Oh," and chuckled. "Goryeo is in danger, so you've set your sights on Prince Cheng, hoping that he and his friend might be able to help you, right?"

Seo Jang Geum's face changed slightly, tears welling in her eyes. She cried out sadly, "No, Sir, please don't misunderstand. I—"

Lin Wanrong waved his hand, smiling. "Let's not talk about state affairs. I came today to pick flowers, and speaking of these matters would ruin the mood. Once the situation in Goryeo is resolved, I'll invite you to my house to play."

Over there, Zhao Kangning had picked a large bunch of dew-kissed azaleas, his eyebrows dancing with excitement as he gleefully dashed down, his movements utterly suave. After descending a few steps, he saw Lin San and Seo Jang Geum whispering to each other. Lady Seo's expression was both coy and aggrieved, utterly charming. Zhao Kangning's face darkened, and he gritted his teeth, humming softly. He sprinted a few steps to position himself between the two, handing the azaleas he had picked to Seo Jang Geum's hand. "Miss Seo, do you find these flowers beautiful? I picked them myself as a token of my feelings. I hope you like them."

Seo Jang Geum stole a glance at Lord Lin, noticing his indifferent expression, his hands busily picking flowers, seemingly unaware of the Young Prince's words. The young palace lady bowed her head sadly, forcing a smile: "Thank you, Young Prince. Such beautiful fresh flowers, I am truly unworthy!"

Zhao Kangning earnestly said, "Miss Seo is too modest. You are the pearl of Goryeo, a hundred times more beautiful than these flowers. To be able to offer you this blooming bouquet is an honor in my three lives! Please accept it quickly!"

‘This young lad has quite the thick skin. With such meager skills in wooing women, he dares to show off in front of me?’ Lin Wanrong found it amusing, plucking a fiery red azalea to sniff, its subtle fragrance refreshing and invigorating.

The Young Prince's earnestness was overwhelming. If Seo Jang Geum refused the flower, it would be a slight to his face. She wore a distressed expression and lowered her head in silence.

Seeing everyone's eyes on her, Zhao Kangning grew annoyed, raising his voice: "Miss Seo, I genuinely want to be friends with you. Surely you won't refuse even this small gesture. Our Great Hua and Goryeo have been friendly neighbors for generations."

He emphasized the words "friendly neighbors for generations" heavily. Seo Jang Geum's expression darkened. Just as she was about to reach out, she heard laughter nearby: "Young Prince, your way of expressing yourself is quite unique. What does being friendly neighbors for generations have to do with offering flowers to a young lady?"

Upon hearing this voice, Seo Jang Geum felt a sudden relief, exhaling a long breath. She glanced gratefully at Lin Wanrong, only to find him casually swinging a bright red flower, its petals reflecting his smile, appearing completely relaxed and at ease.

Frustrated that his good intentions were disrupted, Zhao Kangning's anger surfaced: "Lin San, what do you mean by this? I sincerely offer flowers to Miss Seo. What business is it of yours?"

‘No business with me? What a joke! I'm here by imperial command to woo her, and you obstruct me. I've spared you a beating by the imperial guards, and that's already a favor!’ Lin Wanrong stepped forward, shaking the flower branch with a grin: "How can it have nothing to do with me? Miss Seo is my 'Jang Geum Dongsaeng,' after all!"

Seo Jang Geum's face turned red with embarrassment, and she lowered her head, not daring to speak. Zhao Kangning snapped, "What Jang Geum Dongsaeng? How could Miss Seo associate with you, a shameless scoundrel trying to take advantage?"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily: "The one trying to take advantage should be you, Young Prince. As the saying goes, 'When you see injustice on the road, everyone should trample it.' I just couldn't stand it and spoke up for my Jang Geum Dongsaeng."

"Lin San, how dare you slander me!" Zhao Kangning was furious. "I treat Eldest Miss Seo with the utmost sincerity. What about this do you find unacceptable? Don't think that just because you can speak a few words in front of the Emperor, I can't do anything to you. This land of Great Hua bears the Zhao family name!"

"It does bear the name Zhao," Lin Wanrong sneered. "But one Zhao is not necessarily the same as another, Young Prince. You claim to treat 'Jang Geum Dongsaeng' with utter sincerity, even presenting her with beautiful flowers. Let me ask you then, do you even know the name of the flower in your hand?"

What is the name of this flower? Zhao Kangning was taken aback. Born with a golden spoon in his mouth, he had never had to know the difference between the five grains and had always been idle. He had picked this wildflower from the mountainside on a whim, seeing how beautifully it bloomed, intending to give it to Seo Jang Geum. How could he recognize the name of this wildflower?

Seeing Seo Jang Geum looking at him, the Young Prince's heart raced. He hastily signaled to his companions behind him.

"Chrysanthemum—"

"Peony—"

"Cockscomb—"

"Foxtail grass—"

Guesses rang out from all around, each one offered by the sons of wealthy officials. They could name all manner of expensive flowers but none recognized this wild mountain blossom.

Seo Jang Geum couldn't help but chuckle and sneak a glance at Lin Wanrong before quickly lowering her head.

"I've been careless, careless!" Zhao Kangning lamented, his face turning red with anger. He glared at Lin San, who was smirking. "So, you know it, do you? If you're so clever, tell me what it's called."

Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded, lightly smelling the flower before slowly pacing a few steps. "Naming this flower isn't anything extraordinary. In Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, it's called Gesang; in Goryeo, it's called Jindallae!"

Hearing this, Seo Jang Geum became ecstatic, grabbing his hand, tears shimmering in her eyes. "That's right, it's called Jindallae, the flower of my homeland. Every spring, Mount Geumgang is covered in these red and purple Jindallae. It's beautiful. Wanrong Oppa, how do you know about Jindallae? You must have been to our Goryeo."

Hearing Seo Jang Geum call Lin Wanrong "Wanrong Oppa," Zhao Kangning turned pale with anger and snapped, "I asked for its name in Great Hua language. What's all this about Tibetan or Goryeo?"

"Don't be impatient, let me explain slowly," Lin Wanrong said with a leisurely smile. "This beautiful little flower, in our Great Hua language, is called the Azalea, also known as Rhododendron. There's a legend from the ancient Shu kingdom about an Emperor named Du Yu, who loved his empress dearly. After he was tragically murdered, his soul became a cuckoo, crying daily in the Empress's garden. Its tears were drops of red blood, staining the beautiful flowers there, thus people named it Azalea."

[TL: The characters for Cuckoo bird and Azalea flowers/Rhododendron are exactly the same]

"The Empress, hearing the cuckoo's mournful cries and seeing the crimson blood, realized it was her husband's soul. Grieving, she wailed 'Come back, come back,' day and night until she passed away in sorrow. Her soul turned into fiery red azaleas that covered the mountains, living together with the cuckoo. So, this Azalea is also called Rhododendron, and this is the story of ‘the cuckoo cries tears of blood, its offspring mournfully cry upon return.’ 'Once heard in Shu, the cry of the cuckoo, still seen in Xuancheng, the Azalea flower,' this tale of undying love between bird and flower is an immortal legend in our world. Young Prince, do you understand now?"

Unexpectedly, this little wildflower had such a tragic and beautiful origin. It was laughable that after giving Miss Seo the flower, he couldn't even call its name, let alone narrate such an enticing story. Zhao Kangning's face turned red and pale, looking extremely unsightly.

"The cuckoo cries tears of blood, its offspring mournfully cry upon return," Seo Jang Geum listened with a misty chill in her eyes, tears welling up: "So this Jindallae has such a beautiful story. Sir, thank you for your teaching. Is there really such devotion, such unyielding emotion in the world?"

"In spring's blush fades, yet autumn's hue returns,

From a vanished realm, to Chu's palace it yearns.

Surely it's Shu's grievances that never cease to cry,

Relying on its colors to lament to the western sky.

Emotion is the essence of humanity, the love that grows stronger with age; there are countless examples in the human world. Miss Seo, you must have faith in others, as well as in yourself," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile, flicking the flower stem in his hand and slowly handing it to Seo Jang Geum: "One flower for you, two cuckoos in Shu!"

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