mean?

"Miss Tao, I have made it clear, unequivocally and distinctly. After you fell into a stupor, the young lady, fearing the awkwardness upon your awakening, ordered someone to place you in a certain woodland, and then we departed ahead. I am utterly unaware of any other details. Honestly, individuals as virtuous as our young lady, who complain with virtue, are truly rare. I admire her wholeheartedly. Meeting her is considered a stroke of great fortune for you."

Observing the changing expressions on Tao Wanying's face, Lin Wanrong inwardly chuckled. Villains have their own ways of torment, and you, little lady, have finally learned what it feels like to be bullied.

When they left the valley, they heard a scream from Tao Wanying waking up. Lin Wanrong personally arranged this matter, well aware of its intricacies. Naturally, he wouldn't voluntarily disclose it. He pretended to be curious and said, "Miss Tao, you repeatedly claim to have been defiled. Could it be that something later on made it reasonable and justifiable?"

Trembling all over, Tao Wanying, tears streaming down her face, wondered if what Lin San said was true. After they left her behind, did they abandon her, leaving her to be violated by passing bandits? Her face turned deathly pale, and she dared not think any further. If that were the case, she would prefer the insult to come from Lin San.

Unaware of the strange thoughts in the girl's mind, Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "By the way, Miss Tao, after we left, I wonder how your brother fared on the roadside. Do you know what happened to him?"

Tao Wanying, already somewhat believing his words, suppressed her grief and said, "After waking up in the woods, I didn't know what had happened. In fear and panic, I retraced my steps and found my brother lying unconscious by the roadside. Later, our family's rescuers arrived, saying that my brother had been poisoned and would take a day or two to wake up. They took him back for care during this time."

Lin Wanrong sighed. That day, he had drugged Tao Dongcheng with half a packet of sleeping powder. If that guy didn't fall into a stupor, it would be strange. Coupled with the special techniques of the high chief, Tao Dongcheng's future was doomed. It was a fitting retribution for his misdeeds.

"Lin San, when I woke up in the woods, my clothes were torn, and I was bruised all over. It seems..." Unable to hold back any longer, Tao Wanying cried out, "It seems I was defiled."

Tao Wanying, originally strong-willed and protective of those close to her, had lost much of her fierceness through the unspeakable torment. Moreover, this matter couldn't be made known, and it had been buried in her heart. Today, encountering Lin San, who was privy to the information, she seemed to have forgotten the previous grudges against him and burst into tears.

Torn clothes? Bruises all over? Well, what might terrify you the most is the few drops of blood beneath you. Ah, the importance of spreading knowledge about feminine hygiene.

"Oh, oh, about that," Lin Wanrong restrained his laughter and said, "how could that be possible? When we left, there was no one nearby."

He paused for a moment, muttering to himself, "Could it be the woodcutter nearby? The savages in the mountains? Or perhaps, a passing snake?"

Unable to endure any longer, Tao Wanying slowly crouched down, covering her face, and began to cry bitterly.

Am I being too despicable? Seeing this girl crying in deep sorrow, Lin Wanrong reflected for a moment. Then he continued, thinking, this girl has tried to kill me several times. I only pretended to kill her once. Does that also count as despicable? Well, in the world, there's no one more kind and benevolent than me.

"Miss Tao, don't cry for now. Let me ask you a few questions," Lin Wanrong said with a smiling face.

Under the successive changes, Tao Wanying had become somewhat close to this servant whom she had always found disagreeable. Choking back her tears, she said, "Ask away."

Nodding, Lin Wanrong smiled, "Miss Tao, how did you determine that you were defiled? Is it because of torn clothes and bruises all over? Oh, on that day, to avoid suspicion, the young lady sent a few maids to take care of you. They placed you in the woods and then came down. As you know, your actions that day were quite wicked. Although the young lady didn't want to hold it against you, these maids are extremely loyal. They won't think the same way. Death may be forgiven, but living crimes are hard to absolve. A few pinches and slaps resulting in torn clothes and injuries on you would be understandable, wouldn't it?"

After careful consideration, Tao Wanying, realizing that on that day she had tormented them like a madwoman, found it understandable if those maids retaliated. Choking back her sobs, she said, "Not only that, after I woke up, I found..."

"Found what?" Lin Wanrong couldn't hold back his laughter. Rarely did this wild and fierce girl act so obediently. He couldn't miss the opportunity to tease her. "Found something—"

Unable to endure further, Tao Wanying, blushing and embarrassed, bit her lip and confessed, "Found bloodstains below."

This girl is truly naive. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but burst into laughter. "So, bloodstains prove what? Could it not be the blood of cats or dogs? Miss Tao, based on my extensive experience with women, the young lady's physique appears natural, seemingly untouched. Are you perhaps suffering from baseless suspicions?"

"Lin San, what you said, is it true?" Tao Wanying looked up in surprise and doubt. "This talk about experience with hundreds of women, is it real? How could you tell, even I can't—"

Her face turned crimson, unable to continue. She just stared at Lin Wanrong with a hint of expectation. Lin San's words had given a glimmer of hope to her already shattered heart.

Demanding fervently to establish a women's school, personally teaching and specializing in gynecological knowledge, Lin Wanrong sighed with emotion. Regrettably, he shook his head and said with a smile, "Miss Tao, don't bother about how I could tell. In fact, this matter is extremely simple. After you go back, find some elderly women, secretly consult with them, and everything will be clear. Why scare yourself unnecessarily here?"

After waking up, Tao Wanying believed she had been defiled. Afraid to consult elderly women, upon hearing his reasoning, she suddenly found it quite logical. Her mind became more active, and she looked at him sorrowfully, saying, "Lin San, do you truly have assurance that I have not been insulted?"

Nonsense, I personally handled the matter; do you think I am unaware? Lin Wanrong smirked and said, "Don't bother asking. Check for yourself when you return; I guarantee the restoration of your pure and untarnished maidenhood."

Tao Wanying bit her cherry lips, tears streaming down, and said, "Lin San, thank you. This time I truly misunderstood you. It's rare for you to be so magnanimous. I, I'm deeply grateful." After speaking, she turned and swiftly disappeared into the night.

Lin Wanrong gazed at the broken half of the sword on the ground, sighed, and thought, this girl is indeed somewhat pitiful. Hopefully, this time it will completely change her temperament.

Distracted by Tao Wanying's interruption, when Lin Wanrong arrived at Luo Mansion, it was already late. Upon inquiry, he found out that Luo Min was unexpectedly not at home. Lin Wanrong figured that Old Xu Wei had taken this old fox to discuss matters.

Just as he was about to return disappointed, he saw a woman walking towards the entrance. Looking at him with surprise, she exclaimed, "Brother Lin, why are you here?"

Lin Wanrong noticed a pendant hanging from her snowy neck, and the small diamond sparkled under the light. Smiling, Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Luo indeed has a unique taste. This pendant, adorned with a diamond, is exceptionally charming."

Blushing, Luo Ning shyly smiled and said, "This wasn't my idea. Sister Liu Yue'e from the antique shop in the city suggested it. Her craftsmanship is truly remarkable."

Lin Wanrong had some impression of Liu Yue'e from when she helped the Xiao family in Hangzhou. Since she had such skill, could I provide diamonds and ask her to set them in necklace pendants, bringing them to the capital after the New Year? Wouldn't that stir up another storm?

Seeing him lost in thought, Luo Ning asked softly, "Brother Lin, what are you thinking?"

Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Oh, it's nothing. Originally, I wanted to discuss some matters with Lord Luo, but he's not at home. It's quite late now; why isn't Miss Luo resting?"

Excitedly, Luo Ning said, "Brother Lin, I've been preparing for the poetry competition these days. Just received news from Governor Xu that this year's competition has attracted not only talents from Jiangsu and Zhejiang but also many from the north. It's expected to be extremely lively."

Lin Wanrong wasn't interested in such symposiums. His concern was only for his advertisement. He responded with a casual "oh" and fell silent. Knowing his temperament, Luo Ning covered her mouth and smiled, "Brother Lin, don't worry. I've prepared all the promotional phrases you arranged. I guarantee that your thousand taels of silver won't be spent in vain."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily and said, "That's good. Miss Luo truly understands my intentions."

Luo Ning smiled and suddenly asked, "Brother Lin, I heard from Qiao Qiao that you'll be going to the capital after the New Year, is that true?"

Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Indeed, I'm going to find someone."

Luo Ning lowered her head and asked softly, "Brother Lin, is the person you're looking for a woman? Is she beautiful?"

Lin Wanrong recalled Xiao Qingxuan's appearance, their first meeting by Xuanwu Lake, the lonely courtyard night talks, the rescue in the bandits' den, the intimate moments in the cave at midnight. Although they had been apart for a long time, the memories were still vivid. He sighed and said softly, "Incomparably beautiful."

Biting her delicate lip, Luo Ning asked, "So, Brother Lin, will you come back?"

Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Miss Luo, did that silly girl Qiao Qiao ask you to inquire about this? Qiao Qiao is my betrothed, and she's still here. Why wouldn't I come back?"

Luo Ning sighed lightly and said, "Brother Lin, although the capital is bustling and magnificent, with countless scenes, there are still many people here who miss you. You must come back."