Chapter 140

Chapter 140 The Wolf of the West ChamberPeering through the partially ajar door, he saw a woman sitting in a half-human-high wooden barrel, her nudity partially concealed by the wooden pillars, revealing only her bare waist and back.

Amid the rising steam, her hair was pinned up high, her neck was as white as jade, and her skin smooth and soft. She was gently massaging her shoulders, exposing her sleek and beautiful back. Several maids were constantly moving in and out, pouring freshly heated water into the barrel.

Lin Wanrong tried hard to tear his gaze away, grumbling internally about his misfortune. He had mistakenly intruded upon Lady Xiao's bathing. It was his bad luck, but he couldn't deny that her skin was well-maintained. He wondered what her secret was.

‘Don't look. Don't look,’ he chanted silently to himself, but his gaze was stubbornly fixed on the scene. After a great internal struggle, Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead, collected his scattered thoughts, and quietly shifted towards the west wing of the mansion.

Madam Xiao resided in the east, so the west must belong to the Second Miss Xiao.

Upon reaching the west wing, Lin Wanrong noted the scarcity of maids and the quiet ambiance. He knew then that this must be where the Second Miss Xiao lived.

Lin Wanrong smirked, thinking to himself that this night might play out like a scene from "Romance of the West Chamber". Although there was no go-between like in the story, he thought, wasn't there still Yingying? He was determined to be the wolf of the West Chamber.

[TL: 莺莺 (Yingying) refers to a character from the Chinese historical novel/play《西厢记》 (Romance of the West Chamber). This is one of the most famous love stories in Chinese literature.]

The chamber was eerily quiet. He could not hear a sound, nor could he tell if the Second Miss Xiao was inside.

Learning from his previous indiscretion, Lin Wanrong first peered through the small gaps by the window. There, under the flickering candlelight, was a petite and slender figure, dressed in plain clothes, sitting in front of a shrine, holding a piece of paper. A slight smile played on her face, and he immediately recognized her as the Second Miss Xiao.

Seeing no one around, Lin Wanrong gently pulled on the door. It swung open easily. He reasoned that it was not surprising for the door to be unlocked as only maids frequented this part of the mansion. With this in mind, he quietly closed the door behind him.

Upon entering, he noticed that the Second Miss Xiao was completely engrossed in something, a faint smile on her face. Lin Wanrong tiptoed closer and found that she was holding a portrait. The man depicted in the portrait was somewhat handsome, wearing simple clothes, a crooked hat, and an odd grin on his face, clearly not a respectable figure.

‘Damn it, who drew this? They made me look like a fool. Is this how I'm supposed to present myself?’ The thought of this unflattering image falling into the hands of Yushuang was unacceptable, as it undermined his handsome image.

Annoyed, Lin Wanrong chuckled and asked, "Second Miss, what are you looking at?"

Startled by the sudden voice, she hurriedly put away the portrait and stammered, "No... nothing."

When she realized that the voice belonged to a man and a familiar one at that, she was even more surprised. She lifted her gaze, only to see the man from the painting standing right in front of her.

Xiao Yushuang was both shy and joyful as she spoke softly, "Lin San, how did you get here?"

"I came to see you," Lin Wanrong grinned, catching her small hand, "What were you just looking at?"

Blushing, Xiao Yushuang struggled to free her hand from his grasp. Her eyes lowered, a rosy hue spread across her cheeks. "Nothing, I wasn't looking at your portrait."

Lin Wanrong could hardly contain his laughter at her adorable reaction. However, he noticed her reluctance to let him hold her hand. He felt slightly surprised. Why had she grown distant in just two days?

"Lin San, how did you get in?" Yushuang asked in a hushed voice. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"I missed you, so I came," Lin Wanrong said, reaching out to hold her hand again.

Predicting his intentions, Xiao Yushuang lowered her head shyly and said, "My sister said that we, as ladies, must be reserved and maintain distance from men. She said you can't just hold my hand or do whatever you please. She warned that women like us would be at a disadvantage."

Lin Wanrong was utterly baffled. Of all the things Xiao Yuruo could have taught her sister, she chose to share this advice, tarnishing his image. Was he such an undisciplined man? Now the once passionate girl had become reserved, which saddened him deeply.

Ignoring her hesitation, Lin Wanrong firmly held her hand. "Your sister's words are right but apply to strangers, not me. We've been through life and death together, so why the formality?"

Yushuang hummed in acknowledgment, a slight blush flickering on her face. "I told my sister the same, but she said that her advice was specifically to guard against you."

Astonished and hurt, Lin Wanrong was left speechless. He had just been appreciating her elder sister and hadn't expected this. He wasn't a wolf. Why the need for such precautions?

Holding Yushuang's hand, he coaxed her gently, "So, do you like it when I hold your hand?"

Her face flushed crimson as she lowered her head and hummed in agreement. However, she withdrew her hand again, "My sister said that a man and woman can only hold hands after marriage. We're not yet—" Her cheeks reddened, and she couldn't finish her sentence.

A wave of despair washed over Lin Wanrong. The Eldest Miss's brainwashing skills were truly admirable. Within a few days, she had turned the lively Yushuang into a model of traditional feminine decorum. She would have been wasted not being a political teacher.

"Yushuang, do you miss me?" Lin Wanrong decided to take a slow approach. He had initially planned a beautiful night, but it seemed the heavens had other plans.

"I do!" the young lady whispered. This time, when Lin Wanrong grasped her hand, he applied some force. The little lady struggled a bit, but finally let him hold her hand. Her face was a lovely shade of pink.

"Do you think of me when you read your scriptures during the day?"

"I do!"

"Do you think of me when you sleep at night?"

"I do!"

"Do you prefer listening to me or your sister?"

...

This question had the Second Miss stumped. She furrowed her brows, speaking softly, "Lin San, can I listen to both you and my sister?"

"What if I want to hold your hand, and she says I shouldn't? Whose advice would you take then?" Lin Wanrong revealed his cunning.

Even though the Eldest Miss had become more reserved, she hadn't lost her wits. She let out a gentle huff, "You're such a bad person. You've already held my hand, and now you're asking whom I should listen to? You're doing this just to tease me."

In her retort, the lively girl that he knew was back. Lin Wanrong's heart soared with joy, he chuckled, "I'm not teasing you. I just noticed you've changed under your sister's influence, and I wanted to correct it."

Xiao Yushuang pouted, "But I think what my sister said makes sense. You're terrible, always teasing me. I should indeed be cautious around you."

This was the vibrant and youthful Yushuang he knew, Lin Wanrong thought gratefully, nearly moved to tears. Holding her hand, he said, "Second Miss, you've finally returned to your old self."

"Don't talk nonsense, I'm me, and I've never changed." Yushuang boldly caught his large hand, her dimpled smile returning.

Lin Wanrong grinned, asking, "Did it get tiresome chanting scriptures in the temple every day?"

"Not tiresome, just that I couldn't see you." Xiao Yushuang's eyes welled up with tears. "When I returned today, I thought you would be at home. I looked for you all day, but there was no sign of you, you unfaithful man—"

He was stunned. When had the Second Miss learned to say such words? Had her sister taught her that as well?

Quickly trying to placate her, Lin Wanrong said, "I had no idea you were coming back today. You know I often have various matters to attend to, but no matter how chaotic things get, I'm always thinking of you."

The youthful Yushuang blushed at his shameless words. Her eyelids dropped low, her face flushed, and her heart pounded uncontrollably.

Comforting the young lady was something Lin Wanrong excelled at. He gently caressed her hand, asking, "Who taught you to say 'unfaithful man'? Your sister?"

Xiao Yushuang's face turned red, she hurriedly said, "No, my sister would never say such things to me. I learned it from books."

"Books? What books?" Lin Wanrong wondered. "Aren't you studying scriptures at Rosy Cloud Temple every day?"

The young lady giggled, "Who told you I study scriptures every day? That's silly. I only chant them during morning and evening prayers. I have time to read other books. Since you didn't visit, I had to find some other books to alleviate my boredom."

Lin Wanrong then understood. The books the young lady read in her spare time were probably love stories like "Romance of the West Chamber". The girl was over sixteen, a time of burgeoning feelings, and reading romance novels was understandable.

"Second Miss, when I have some free time, I'll write some books for you. They'll be much better than any other random books you're reading." Lin Wanrong boasted without shame. After all, the stories he told were all classics. Winning over young girls like Yushuang was easy for him.

The young lady's face lit up. "That's great, that's great, Lin San. You should write down the stories you've told me. I love them." But soon, as if remembering something, she changed her mind. "Actually, let's not. You can just narrate the stories and I will transcribe them."

She knew that Lin Wanrong's calligraphy was mediocre but didn't want to embarrass him by pointing it out. Instead, she offered to write herself. Lin Wanrong laughed heartily; he was thoroughly charmed by this thoughtful young lady.

"By the way, Second Miss, who was in the portrait you were looking at earlier? So handsome, so tall and straight... it looked a lot like me, didn't it? Did you draw it?" Lin Wanrong shamelessly asked.

Xiao Yushuang giggled and replied, "Humph, aren't you vain. That's not you at all. That's a bad man, the worst of all."

"Even a bad man can be so handsome? That's just not fair," Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise.

The Second Miss' face turned red as she gently hit him. "You're so annoying!"

She said he was annoying, but her tone implied affection. Lin Wanrong grabbed her small fist and planted a kiss on her cheek. He grinned, "Did you draw the portrait?"

With a startled yelp, she shyly retorted, "You bully, always teasing me. Yes, I drew it. So what?"

"Nothing at all," Lin Wanrong sighed. "I just think my real image should be a bit taller, more handsome, more upright."

Covering her mouth, the young lady chuckled shyly. "Humph, you think you look good? I like to draw you just as you are. It serves you right for not visiting me. I hate you so much."

Damn it. The more she behaved like this, the more enticing she became. He hadn't courted a woman in days and was losing his touch. Lin Wanrong regretted to himself.

Her expression softened considerably, her voice gentle. "Lin San, in my eyes, you're the bad guy who likes to tease people. Every day, I think about how you tease me, and I feel both annoyed and delighted. But once I see you, even if it costs my life to save yours, it's worth it."

Lin Wanrong felt his plan to win her over tonight had utterly failed. The young lady was innocent and lovely, yet her words had a strong impact. He had not succeeded in charming her; rather, he was the one charmed.

She nestled against him, whispering, "Lin San, will you always treat me this way? My sister says a man's promises can't be trusted."

Damn it, he was in a quandary. If he didn't make a promise, she would surely be upset. If he did make a promise, her sister's words would negate it.

As a smart man, Lin Wanrong knew what to choose. Even the wiliest woman likes to hear sweet nothings, and what he would say was the truth.

"Yushuang, I will always love and protect you—"

"Yushuang—" Lin Wanrong's words were cut off by a soft call from outside. The voice was unmistakably that of the Eldest Miss Xiao.

The Second Miss' face paled, and she said anxiously, "Oh no, I forgot! My sister is supposed to sleep with me tonight. Lin San, what should we do—"

This commotion was utterly irritating to Lin Wanrong. Why did this girl always disrupt his plans? But this time it was different; he was intruding into Madam Xiao's inner courtyard. If he were discovered, the consequences would be dire.

In a panic, the Second Miss suggested, "Perhaps you could hide under the bed."

Could that work? Hiding under a woman's bed seemed to have ominous implications. Lin Wanrong shook his head adamantly. "No."

The Second Miss agreed that it seemed inappropriate. Suddenly, she noticed a wardrobe behind the screen used to hang clothes. She quickly pulled Lin San into it, urging anxiously, "Stay hidden here for a while, and don't make a sound."

Lin Wanrong was concealed by a multitude of vibrant clothes. He couldn't help but pull off his servant's cap in lament. A servant trying to seduce the young lady and getting trapped in her room – what a predicament! As the proverbial wolf of the West Chamber, he was faring poorly.

The Second Miss opened the door, and there stood Xiao Yuruo, puzzled. "Yushuang, what are you doing? Have you gone to sleep yet?"

The Second Miss' face flushed slightly. She whispered, "No, I was just reciting some Buddhist scriptures and got a bit lost in thought."

The Eldest Miss took her hand, gently advising, "You silly girl, if you're tired, you should rest early."

Yushuang replied coyly, "But sister, you hadn't arrived yet. How could I fall asleep?"

"You naughty girl." Xiao Yuruo affectionately pinched her cheek and after a pause, asked, "Yushuang, has Lin San been to see you?"

At her sister's words, the Second Miss blushed, hastily replying, "No, no, absolutely not."

The Eldest Miss gave her a dubious look. "Really?"

Yushuang nodded vigorously. The Eldest Miss nodded approvingly. "Good. While Lin San is indeed capable, he is ostentatious and his sweet talk can easily win over a woman's heart. You're young, I worry you may be fooled and suffer."

Was this how she truly perceived him? From behind the screen, Lin Wanrong cried foul. That was not fair at all.

"Yushuang, do you still carry the small knife I gave you?" the Eldest Miss asked.

"Mm-hmm." The Second Miss retrieved a sharp little knife sheathed in a scabbard from her bosom. Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this. Damn it, this courtship was perilously fraught, he'd almost ended up with a knife in him.

"If anyone dares to bully you, use this knife to stab them. Our chastity as women is of utmost importance. Even if we die, we must not let a villain have his way," the Eldest Miss said solemnly.

The Second Miss murmured an affirmative, then hesitantly asked, "Sister, if it's Lin San, should... should I stab him too?"

"Dare he?" The Eldest Miss said angrily. After a moment, she added softly, "Although his mouth gets him into trouble, he's not too bad in other respects. You can just intimidate him, but don't actually stab him. Otherwise, I —" She paused, then changed her words, "Otherwise, we'll have to pay for his medical expenses. You know how he likes to inflate his demands for no reason."

The Second Miss chuckled. "You're right, sister. That scoundrel enjoys making outrageous demands. It's laughable." Her voice was loud, intentionally so for Lin Wanrong to overhear.

The Eldest Miss gently grasped the Second Miss's hand. "Yushuang, I'm leaving for Hangzhou with Lin San tomorrow. Let's have a long talk tonight. We'll be gone for several days."

The Second Miss sounded disappointed. "Sister, you're both going?"

The Eldest Miss nodded. "Yes. I can't trust him alone at home. Who knows, he might bully you again. So, I'll keep him close and discipline him well."

Yushuang bit her lower lip to hide her disappointment. ‘That scoundrel! He doesn't come to see me when I'm away, and now that I'm back, he's leaving again. Such a heartless man.’

The Second Miss sighed. "Sister, be careful on your journey with Lin San. You mustn't let others bully you, and you certainly shouldn't let Lin San do so."

The Eldest Miss laughed lightly. "Bully me? I doubt he'd dare." As she said this, her own face flushed slightly. After all, hadn't he once taken advantage of her?

After a while of chatting, the Eldest Miss stretched languidly. "Let me change my clothes, then we'll continue talking."

As she spoke, she had already reached the screen. Unfastening her robe, she was about to step behind it.

The Second Miss was too late to stop her. Alarmed and anxious, she stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.

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