Finest Servant - Chapter 221

Chapter 221 Dethroned

Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected that the letter had indeed been written by this young girl. [TL: From chapter 208]

Tao Wanying, with a delicate cry, sprung into action like a swift swallow, leading the charge. The Xiao family’s servants, following behind Brother Lin, charged ahead with a cacophony of drums and gongs.

The Black Dragon Association and Hung Hing were locked in a fierce battle when suddenly, a thunderous wave of gongs and drums echoed in the air. The forge’s iron gate was flung open and the Xiao family’s servants charged out, brandishing their weapons and chanting a resounding slogan: “Overthrow the Black Dragon Association, Down with the Black Dragon Association—”

Wu Zhenghu and his underlings were taken aback. They were already stretched thin dealing with Hung Hing and were on the brink of defeat. The unexpected intervention of the Xiao family’s servants, who had astonishingly launched an offensive, left the Black Dragon Association defenseless and on the verge of disintegration.

Lin Wanrong, leading the charge, effortlessly took down several of the Black Dragon Association’s minions. Tao Wanying stayed close to him, her martial arts might not have been as proficient as Lin Wanrong’s, but they were more than enough to handle the thugs of the Black Dragon Association.

“I am a public servant of the Jinling Prefecture,” Tao Wanying declared after knocking down two members of the Black Dragon Association. Her voice was firm and authoritative, her demeanor commanding. Yet she never strayed from Lin Wanrong’s side, resolutely protecting him.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking how naive this young girl was. If a few shouts could solve their problems, the underworld was truly disappointing.

Seeing Tao Wanying, Wu Zhenghu hesitated for a moment, but seeing the fierce momentum of the Xiao family and the relentless onslaught of Hung Hing, he knew he had lost this battle. With a grimace, he yelled, “Retreat, quickly retreat—”

With that, he turned and fled, his movements quick and agile. The remaining Black Dragon Association members, seeing their leader fleeing, promptly followed his lead and began their hasty escape.

Tonight was an excellent opportunity to obliterate the Black Dragon Association. Dong Qingshan wouldn’t miss such a chance and promptly shouted: “Overthrow the Black Dragon Association, take down Wu Zhenghu, Brothers, charge—”

The morale of Hung Hing was high, and this rallying cry fueled their fervor. Hundreds chased after Wu Zhenghu. Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou led the way, relentlessly pursuing Wu Zhenghu, refusing to let him escape easily.

The Black Dragon Association had completely lost tonight’s battle. Hung Hing wouldn’t give them another chance to rise. Cheng De’s arm had been permanently disabled. In retrospect, this was a great gift that Cheng De had unwittingly delivered. His mistake was underestimating the strength of the Xiao family and Lin Wanrong’s power. The defeat of the Black Dragon Association might just be the first step to Cheng De’s downfall.

Seeing Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou cornering Wu Zhenghu, Lin Wanrong realized they had him on the ropes. But Wu Zhenghu was formidable, single-handedly fighting off two opponents without showing any signs of defeat. If they didn’t take down Wu Zhenghu soon, it would be difficult to get rid of him once Cheng De arrived to turn the tide.

Lin Wanrong was anxious. He wanted to rush over and assist Qingshan, but saw Tao Wanying stubbornly sticking to his side, not moving an inch.

With a bitter smile, Lin Wanrong said, “Miss Tao, you’re a public servant. There should be more important tasks for you to perform. Why are you always following me?”

Tao Wanying responded earnestly, “Right now, the scene is chaotic and dangerous everywhere. If I stay by your side, you can have an extra layer of protection.”

‘Protect me?’ Lin Wanrong could not help but laugh. “Miss Tao,” he said, “you’ve fought with me before. Let’s be frank, even ten of you combined couldn’t defeat me. Now you say you want to protect me, isn’t that a bit exaggerated? You don’t have any ulterior motives, do you? I am a decent man.”

Both embarrassed and annoyed, Tao Wanying retorted, “Who would have any designs on you? I’m repaying a favor. If it weren’t for you telling me the truth that day, I might not be alive right now. You were so kind to me, and I remember it well. Even though I’m just a woman, I can’t just not return a favor. Despite your excellent martial arts, you can’t possibly defend against treachery everywhere. With me by your side, we’ll have a better chance. Regardless of how you see me, I won’t be able to rest easy if I don’t repay this favor.”

‘Great,’ he thought, ‘she’s like a piece of bubblegum, I can’t get rid of her. Do I need to knock her out again?’ Lin Wanrong said helplessly, “Miss Tao, I appreciate your kindness, but what you call a favor is just a trivial matter to me. I enjoy helping others and don’t expect anything in return, let alone needing your protection. You’d better go and talk to the Eldest Miss.”

Tao Wanying was stubborn. She turned her head to the side as if she hadn’t heard him and didn’t move an inch.

What was he supposed to do now? He’d heard of hard selling, but not hard buying. Did he have to resort to his killer move again? He was afraid that if he did it one more time, she might actually lose her life. Lin Wanrong asked, “Miss Tao, how long do you plan to guard me?”

Tao Wanying was taken aback. After pondering for a long time, she shook her head, “I haven’t thought about it yet!”

Frustrated, Lin Wanrong retorted, “Miss Tao, I need to go to the toilet, are you coming?”

Tao Wanying’s face turned red. She glanced at him, clenched her teeth, and said, “If you go, I go—”

‘Damn,’ he thought, ‘I am defeated.’ Lin Wanrong covered his head and shouted in frustration, “Please, Miss Tao, let me go. I can’t stand your torture. I don’t need your protection, go protect someone else. Right, don’t you like Young Master Hou Yuebai? Go protect him. He’s weak and can satisfy your compassionate heart. You’re a match made in heaven.”

Tao Wanying’s face turned redder, and she quickly refuted, “What nonsense are you talking about? Who said I like Young Master Hou?”

“Everyone knows it.” Lin Wanrong grinned, “If you don’t believe me, ask Miss Luo and the Eldest Miss. See if I’m lying to you.”

With a soft sigh, Tao Wanying said, “You confuse me. My sisters say that when you like someone, you can’t stop thinking about him. Although I occasionally think about Young Master Hou and have spoken up for him, I wouldn’t say that I miss him; it’s quite indifferent. How can Sister Yuruo conclude that I like Young Master Hou?”

Lin Wanrong, seeing that time was running out, made a quick decision. ‘Little girl, you forced me to do this. If I have to knock you out this time, I’ll just leave you by the side of the road for someone else to pick up.’

Tao Wanying gave him a glance and suddenly smiled, “Lin San, sometimes you’re quite detestable, but at other times, you don’t seem all that bad. If you’re so insistent, I won’t force my assistance on you. Once today’s events are over, I won’t mention protection again. Does that sound okay?”

“Stop Wu Zhenghu—!” A furious shout from Qingshan cut through the air. Lin Wanrong looked in the direction of the cry, just in time to see Wu Zhenghu, his arms marred by numerous injuries, displaying intense ferocity. His eyes were bloodshot as he struggled desperately to break free from the encircling Hung Hing members and flee. Wu Zhenghu, leading the Black Dragon Society of over a thousand people, indeed had some skills. His bravery, driven by ferocity, injured several Hung Hing brothers and seemed poised to escape the encirclement.

He didn’t have time to banter with this girl any longer. Lin Wanrong dashed forward, positioning himself in front of Wu Zhenghu. He sneered, “What’s this? You rob the Xiao family and think you can just leave?”

Wu Zhenghu looked at him, his eyes red, and said, “Are you Lin San?”

Lin Wanrong laughed, “Your eyes are sharp indeed, but unfortunately, you’ve chosen the wrong target.”

In the meantime, Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou had encircled him, and Tao Wanying stood by Lin Wanrong’s side. Wu Zhenghu bellowed angrily, “Is it honorable to gang up on one person like this?”

“You want to play the hero? Fine by me,” Lin Wanrong laughed. “I have the utmost respect for heroes. But don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. Do you prefer a mob fight or a duel?”

“What’s a mob fight?” Wu Zhenghu asked hurriedly.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, “A mob fight is when all of us take on just you.”

“You—” Wu Zhenghu fumed, “Then what’s a duel?”

“A duel? That’s you against all of us,” Lin Wanrong said casually. The spectators, both the Xiao family servants and the Hung Hing brothers, erupted into laughter. Even Tao Wanying couldn’t help but grin.

A glint flashed in Wu Zhenghu’s eyes. Seizing the moment when everyone was unprepared, he thrust his sharp knife toward Lin Wanrong.

Lin Wanrong sneered, ready to react, when a sudden scream sounded. Wu Zhenghu was kicked down by someone, and his knife clattered onto the ground.

Tao Wanying’s face was icy as she scolded, “Wu Zhenghu, you dare attempt to commit a violent act in my presence?”

Wu Zhenghu was exhausted from the fight, his strength depleted. He had hoped to sneak an attack, but Tao Wanying was on guard. The moment he moved, she landed a heavy kick on his leg. Wu Zhenghu, already severely injured and weakened, was taken down by the force of her blow. He gasped heavily for breath, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

“Not bad at all,” Lin Wanrong chuckled and cupped his fist in salute. “Thank you, Miss Tao, for saving my life. Now we’re even.”

Wu Zhenghu was drained of his energy. This was a golden opportunity to beat a dog when it’s down, one that was hard to come by. Si De, who had accompanied the others, could no longer restrain himself at the sight of the main culprit. He yelled, “Brothers, this is the man who bullied our Xiao family. Let’s get him—!”

A mob fight was what everyone excelled at. They swarmed Wu Zhenghu, punching and kicking, their shouts of outrage echoing in the air.

This was the way it should be. What use was a solo fight? Individual heroism could be deadly. Mob fighting was the kingly way. Lin Wanrong chuckled and called out, “Everyone, stop! It’s not good to kill. By the way, no one dies from a butt-kicking, but faces and waists are a bit more fragile—”

“Hit his face and waist—!” Someone in the crowd echoed, and everyone suddenly grasped the meaning behind Brother San’s words. Their blows were directed at these two spots. Lin Wanrong shivered; this kid Wu Zhenghu was done for.

The man who had been making a racket gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up. Lin Wanrong gave him a disdainful glance. “Qingshan, you beast, you just love causing trouble. But — I like it.”