"Miss, I am just a household servant, not daring to harbor aspirations of grandeur," Lin Wanrong said with a wry face.
Xiao Yuruo remained silent, while Young Master Tao sneered a few times, saying, "At least you have some self-awareness."
Lin Wanrong had no concerns about Young Master Tao. Seeing him sarcastically taunting, Lin Wanrong responded without mercy, "Young Master Tao, isn't it a bit premature for you to intervene in the affairs of our Xiao family?"
His words were sharp, as he discerned that Young Master Tao was pursuing Xiao Yuruo. With both of them returning together, it was evident they had a certain level of acquaintance, prompting him to make deliberate remarks.
As expected, Young Master Tao's face changed, and he retorted, "You servant, spouting nonsense?"
"Young Master Tao, I am a servant of the Xiao family, not your lackey. In the presence of my young lady, who gave you the right to dictate?" Lin Wanrong mocked. He had noticed the relationship between Xiao Yuruo and Young Master Tao, surmising it hadn't reached a certain level, hence his unreserved comments.
Young Master Tao, a renowned figure in Jinling City, had never encountered such hostility, especially from a mere household servant. Despite his cultivated demeanor, the insult left him pale with anger. Showing restraint, he refrained from an immediate outburst, further increasing Lin Wanrong's wariness. A barking dog seldom bites, and a biting dog seldom barks—Lin Wanrong remembered this principle from his past experiences.
Xiao Yuruo, witnessing the insolent servant, felt a sense of disdain. She chose to ignore him, turning her attention to Guo Wuchang. "Cousin Guo, it's quite late. Where are you heading?"
Guo Wuchang, unable to escape the situation, lifted his head and said, "Cousin Yuruo, I heard you were coming back, so I brought Lin San here to wait for you."
Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. The young master brought me to the brothel, all right.
Despite the traces of lipstick still on Young Master's face, Xiao Yuruo, showing visible fatigue, chose to ignore it. She turned to Guo Wuchang, expressing gratitude, "Thank you, Cousin Guo. But this late-night gathering, where were you planning to go?"
Guo Wuchang, now a bit more sober, stammered, "Cousin, it's... I heard you were coming back, so I brought Lin San here to wait for you."
Xiao Yuruo, finding Guo Wuchang's behavior questionable, raised an eyebrow but decided not to delve further. She directed her attention to Lin Wanrong, who appeared unperturbed.
Observing the scene, Lin Wanrong realized that Xiao Yuruo had no intention of pursuing their transgressions.
Seeing Guo Wuchang attempting to escape, Xiao Yuruo stopped him, "Guo Cousin, where are you going?"
Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, recognizing that tonight had taken an unfavorable turn.
Guo Wuchang, unable to evade, reluctantly halted. "Cousin, it's you, finally returned. Aunt and Cousin Yusong are eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Xiao Yuruo, hearing the servant and cousin behaving suspiciously, remained silent for a moment before pronouncing a sentence that left Lin Wanrong stunned, "You, this servant, speaking frivolously. A punishment of twenty slaps on the face."
Lin Wanrong stared at Xiao Yuruo in disbelief. This young lady was quite ruthless. Despite her attractive appearance, she immediately resorted to such harsh measures. It was truly heartless.
Young Master Tao's face contorted, and he exclaimed, "You insolent servant, speaking nonsense!"
"Young Master Tao, I am a servant of the Xiao family, not your lackey. In the presence of my young lady, who gave you the right to dictate?" Lin Wanrong retorted sarcastically, perceiving Xiao Yuruo's strained relationship with Young Master Tao.
Young Master Tao, originally a charismatic figure in Jinling City, had never faced such scorn, especially from a mere household servant. Although he maintained composure, Lin Wanrong's audacity raised his inner turmoil.
Xiao Yuruo, witnessing the confrontation, decided to intervene. "Enough, both of you. Lin San, I don't appreciate frivolous words. Twenty slaps on the face as punishment."
Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. This lady was truly unyielding.
Young Master Tao, sneering, approached Lin Wanrong. "Insolent servant, I shall teach you a lesson on behalf of Miss Xiao."
Lin Wanrong mocked, "Miss Xiao, this servant's conduct is none of Young Master Tao's concern."
Miss Xiao, remaining composed, issued a stern command, "Enough. I have made my decision. Continue this dispute, and you both will face consequences."
As the confrontation unfolded, the curtain of a passing carriage lifted, revealing a woman in her twenties with picturesque features. This was none other than Miss Xiao, and her arrival marked an unexpected turn of events.
Guo Wuchang, realizing the situation, regretfully commented, "Cousin, it's you, finally returned. Aunt and Cousin Yusong are eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Xiao Yuruo, fatigued from the journey, maintained a graceful composure. Miss Xiao, recognizing her servant's audacious behavior, faced a challenging decision.
Lin Wanrong, sensing the complexity of the situation, inwardly sighed. "Abusing eloquence will not lead to greatness," Miss Xiao said with a cold smile.