Master Lin stroked his beard and said, “Wife, I’m truly delighted in my heart. Just thinking that Xiang’er doesn’t have to jump into that abyss makes me so happy. Truth be told, it was my failure as a father that initially I couldn’t think of any solution. If not for this unexpected turn of events, I would have had to watch helplessly as my own daughter lived in such a wretched situation. I’m really ashamed.” Master Lin showed a hint of remorse.
Over a month ago, Chen Guifei from the palace had sent people to explicitly and implicitly inform him about Lin Zixiang’s marriage prospects – to betroth her to the Third Prince Ye You. Everyone in the Dajinzhou dynasty knew what kind of person Ye You was. If Lin Zixiang married him, her entire life would be ruined. However, Chen Guifei threatened the whole Lin family. She had always enjoyed favor before the emperor. If she spoke up then about the Minister of Jingzhao’s daughter disdaining the position of a prince’s consort, it would inevitably incur the emperor’s great wrath.
With no way out, whenever Master Lin saw Lin Zixiang’s innocent face, his heart twisted like a knife. Yet he could not find any way to avoid this fate. Those days, he was utterly dejected. The perceptive Lin Zixiang noticed his low spirits and frequently asked what was wrong.
As the dreaded day loomed closer, Master Lin had been driven to desperation when the Jiang Li wedding incident unexpectedly occurred. The next day, Ye You met a grisly end. It was like a lifeline amidst hopelessness. If Master Lin knew who had killed Ye You, he would personally go thank them.
Now that Lin Zixiang no longer had to marry into the Third Prince’s manor and bury the rest of her life in that abyss, Master Lin felt lingering trepidation whenever recalling this matter. He also felt ashamed and regretful as a father for failing to help with his daughter’s marriage prospects. These past few days, he had been desperately making it up to Lin Zixiang, unknowingly puzzling her with his strange behavior.
Seeing Master Lin dwell on these matters again, Madam Lin sighed and consoled him, “How could you blame yourself? It must be heavenly will. The heavens are helping our Xiang’er avoid marrying into those sordid places, proving she has blessings.”
Master Lin nodded. “Yes, Xiang’er is truly blessed.”
Inside the Jinying Prince’s manor, after reading the letter in his hands, Xiao Shao casually tossed the paper into the nearby oil lamp flame, burning it to ashes. He summoned Jin Yi and Jin Er, saying, “There have been no unusual movements in the capital recently. Stay vigilant for news from the Eastern Yi nation. Those people cannot remain restrained for long, there is likely deception afoot.”
Jin Yi and Jin Er acknowledged with bowed heads. After a pause, Xiao Shao asked, “Has the Chen Liangzhi matter been handled?”
“It has been taken care of,” Jin Er replied with relish. “Enough to give that old fox quite the headache.”
“The Commander’s manor had the same idea as our master,” Jin Yi stated calmly. “This subordinate acted before them.”
Jin Er blinked. “Master, should we not inform the…Princess? If Princess Jiang thinks it was Zhao Guang’s doing, won’t others take the credit again?”
“No need,” Xiao Shao stated firmly.
An expected answer, but Jin Er deflated like a punctured ball, looking disinterestedly at Xiao Shao before withdrawing with Jin Yi. After they left, Jin San entered, reporting the tasks Xiao Shao had assigned. Seeing Xiao Shao focused on official matters, Jin San smirked and remarked deliberately, “This subordinate encountered Tian Zhu today. The Princess has been rather troubled within the palace these past few days.”
Xiao Shao did not look up. “What happened?”
“Counsellor Liu sought her out again.” Jin San stifled a laugh, maintaining a solemn facade.
Xiao Shao’s movements paused before he finally raised his head, an unusual glint flashing in his ink-black eyes, seemingly displeased. “For what purpose?”
“Counsellor Liu deeply concerned himself with the Princess’s situation today and even inquired about her relationship with our master,” Jin San said seriously. “Counsellor Liu wishes the Princess to distance herself from our master.”
Xiao Shao set down the scroll in his hands, his handsome face seemingly coated in ice as he said coldly, “He pries rather widely.”
A light remark, yet a clear indication of the current displeasure of this lord. Jin San’s brow twitched before he quickly explained, “Indeed, the Princess said as much too. But that unreasonable Counsellor Liu stubbornly persisted about our master. The Princess ended up quarreling fiercely with him until the infuriated Counsellor Liu stormed off.”
As Jin San spoke while observing Xiao Shao’s expression, indeed, after hearing him out, Xiao Shao’s countenance softened, no longer as chillingly aloof as before. As an attentive subordinate who understood his master’s thoughts, Jin San added, “It’s evident the Princess still regards our master with utmost importance. Their relationship cannot be disrupted by just anyone.”
He silently apologized, “Pardon me, Counsellor, though you have an excellent reputation in court, the little princess belongs to our master. Our master is clueless about romantic affairs – without a little provocation, he may never awaken to it in this lifetime.”
Jin San’s words greatly pleased Xiao Shao. His previously displeased look softened as if recalling something, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes, enhancing his already exquisite and handsome appearance to extreme beauty.
Jin San averted his gaze, long aware of his master’s striking looks. With the little princess’s affection, he appeared even more exceptionally elegant.
Xiao Shao said indifferently, “I understand.”
“Master, why don’t you visit the palace yourself?” Emboldened by Xiao Shao’s improved mood, Jin San boldly suggested, “You haven’t seen the Princess for several days. As the saying goes, ‘One day apart feels like three autumns.’ Relationships need constant nurturing. Moreover, women are softhearted. If Counsellor Liu apologizes to the Princess in a few days and she forgives him, renewing their relationship, how will our master handle that?” The Imperial Bodyguards privately considered their master’s marriage the most important matter. After Xiao Shao’s long celibacy, having finally found a decent young lady, they naturally wanted to help seize the initiative and assess the situation.
Xiao Shao frowned, recalling Liu Min’s previous insistence on clinging to Jiang Ruan, feeling vexed. Though aware Jiang Ruan was not the “softhearted” type Jin San described, she had previously helped Liu Min, undoubtedly sharing some connection. The thought of an unfamiliar person taking his place made Xiao Shao’s annoyance swell.
Seeing his goal achieved, Jin San said quietly, “Master, this subordinate will take his leave. Just one final word – if Counsellor Liu’s relationship with the Princess improves, then whatever our master can do for the Princess, Counsellor Liu could do as well.” Not waiting for Xiao Shao’s reaction, he swiftly withdrew.
Xiao Shao stood dazed. The things he did with Jiang Ruan, Liu Min could do too?
Suddenly, the image of a certain someone in the throes of the Spring Crossing Trance flashed before him – her forcefully pulling him close, the soft fragrant sensation on his lips, that momentary pounding of his heart and the intoxicating scent of a young lady. She had burrowed fiercely into his embrace, fumbling with his waistband, rubbing wantonly against him as he stood helpless and utterly flustered.
(End of chapter)
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