The consequence of overindulgence left Su Mei so embarrassed that she did not cling to Lin Third Master at all. She hugged her stomach and retreated to her room, lying on the bed with discomfort, groaning continuously.
She mewed like a small kitten while secretly comforting herself that Lin Third Master did not know the situation. At most, he would think she was having a stomachache.
Outside, the young master sitting upright understood perfectly. After all, her burp had been tremendous, carrying the scent of sesame. The memory alone made him chuckle.
Wu Zisen did not know that both of them, inside and outside, were thinking the same thing in their hearts. Seeing Lin Third Master’s smiling face annoyed him. He raised his eyebrows and asked coldly, “How does Lin Third Master plan to resolve this?”
Earlier he had called him a big-tailed wolf. Now he was willing to listen. Lin Third Master smiled kindly, “There are countless strategies, but I prefer to act calmly, turning a plan back on itself.”
Wu Zisen looked at him without understanding, “Explain it in detail.”
“If Young Grandson dares to gamble, it is because he relies on the Marquis’s love for his daughter. Third Miss’s reputation has been ruined. Even if she marries another, people will point and whisper about her for life. How could the Marquis allow his cherished daughter to be slandered? That is why the Marquis must agree to the original engagement, even if reluctantly, to protect her dignity in the future.”
His lips curved with a hint of mockery.
“If Third Miss wants dignity, Young Grandson must have it too. It is inevitable to stage a clarification, to suppress the rumors outside. This clarification requires both Third Miss and me to appear publicly. With the pressure from the Marquis and the Duke’s household, I, a powerless and illegitimate son, cannot refuse. I must cooperate fully, even soothe Third Miss and act alongside her to ensure safety. Once outsiders think it was a misunderstanding, Young Grandson will have the last laugh. By turning a plan back on itself, this clarification is key. It is better to let outsiders see a Third Miss as alert and composed as possible. Until then, her previous state remains unchanged.”
Wu Zisen pondered and soon understood. He slapped his thigh, “Lin Third Master truly surpasses Young Grandson in wisdom.”
His words were sarcastic yet complimentary. Lin Third Master sipped his tea lightly and replied with a smile, “Young Master is more familiar with military strategy, otherwise I would not have the chance to show off here.”
Wu Zisen’s mouth twitched. He knew he was being teased for his lack of scholarship.
Although he admired Lin Third Master’s quick mind, it did not stop him from disliking him more.
Wu Zisen, being straightforward, realized that forcing a withdrawal from the engagement had been exploited by Lin Henglǐ. Holding a mindset to make amends, he set aside his prejudice and discussed details seriously.
When the plan was nearly finalized, Wu Zisen sighed quietly, “Lin Third, I am a little relieved. Luckily, you are Lin Henglǐ’s uncle and an illegitimate son. Otherwise, after this is resolved, my cousin might think Third Master is a suitable match.”
His words were blunt and sharp but carried regret and sympathy.
At that moment, Wu Zisen understood Lin Third Master’s earlier statement, “I am different from Young Master.” In high society, marrying a daughter is not just about talent or character but matching status and family. Lin Third Master had known from the start that he could not marry Su Mei, which explained his words when troubled.
Lin Third Master was touched by this sympathy, smiling with satisfaction rather than shame, his phoenix eyes shining brightly. He said playfully, “Young Master worries too much.”
“Fine… Young Master and Third Master have truly met after this. Once this matter is resolved, the Duke’s household may give you trouble. If Third Master encounters difficulties, come to me.” Wu Zisen patted his thigh and said generously, “Today, I will borrow the Marquisate’s wine to toast Third Master.”
He turned to instruct the maids to prepare the table without regard for formalities.
Lin Third Master thought that perhaps Su Mei’s temperament came from her mother and the Wu family. Seeing Wu Zisen, she displayed the same optimism as the young lady, though he had an extra measure of recklessness.
His smile deepened, “Then I shall humbly accept.”
By noon, Lin Third Master allowed himself to remain at the Duke’s household and drank a few cups with Wu Zisen. Su Mei listened to the clinking of glasses outside and glanced at her plain rice porridge, feeling even more disheartened.
Her cousin was cunning, and her husband was handsome, undoubtedly charming when drinking. She imagined it, unconsciously noticing the Adam’s apple hidden under his collar.
Last night, she had glimpsed that strong yet refined curve in bed. Though every man had one, it was uniquely compelling on him, like a blank space in a landscape painting, inviting imagination.
She put down her bowl, licked her lips, and forgot the embarrassment. She joined the table, holding her face to admire the handsome man.
Her gaze was so intense that Lin Third Master could not ignore it. Wanting to tease her, he lightly tapped the wine with clean chopsticks, offering it to her lips.
“Craving this wine?”
He had drunk, his eyes tinged with red. She felt slightly tipsy and confessed, “Craving you.”
Lin Third Master dropped the chopsticks in shock and covered his face, his exposed ears flushed red.
Su Mei had fainted in the carriage from a rush of emotion, and Dr. Xu repeatedly instructed her to rest.
Learning her condition had not worsened, both Lin Third Master and Wu Zisen breathed easier. Su Mei’s spirits recovered, and she persisted in insisting on returning home.
“Do not worry, husband. I understand now. They saw your leg injured and valued my father’s power. That is why they staged such a vile plot to separate us. My father can distinguish right from wrong and will not be fooled.”
She resolved the matter herself, rendering some of Lin Third Master’s prepared words unnecessary.
He sighed quietly. She was firm today, and he wondered how steadfast she would be in future recollections.
“Good, we will return home. I will protect you.” He swallowed his bitterness and smiled warmly.
Wu Zisen watched, eyes spinning. He wondered why there was a sense of wife following husband yet no anger. Perhaps it was because Lin Third Master’s situation was pitiable. Helping his cousin be done, he would likely leave the Duke’s household as well.
Wu Zisen nodded in agreement and sighed.
Lin Henglǐ observed Su Mei and knew that Lin Third Master had gone to the Duke’s household. He suspected the person who sent the letter to force the withdrawal was involved.
Yet suspicion alone was insufficient. Lin Henglǐ underestimated this illegitimate uncle and trusted he lacked such capability. He kept it to himself.
After Su Mei’s setbacks, Lin Henglǐ restrained his youthful pride, preparing to endure until the Duke yielded.
He stationed someone at the gate, waiting for Lin Third Master to return with Su Mei.
During the street chaos, his men had not verified how Stone arrived at the scene. They saw Dr. Xu board the carriage, assumed Su Mei had an accident, and reported that Wu Zisen had no choice but to involve Lin Third Master.
The time gap obscured the details, and Lin Henglǐ believed his plan was flawless.
When Lin Third Master entered the household, Lin Henglǐ received the news and heard that they had entered from the west gate of Chaoxiao Street, the direction of Lin Third Master’s residence.
He wondered how Lin Third Master dared to bring someone directly to his home. Cursing him, he hurried over and arrived just as Su Mei was helped out of the carriage.
His dark expression softened, and he smiled slightly at her.
Su Mei froze briefly, then returned a smile, her delicate face radiant in sunlight, her clear almond eyes sparkling.
Lin Henglǐ’s heart skipped. He remembered the first time he saw her and how her smile had stirred him.
Yet Su Mei smiled sweetly, stabbing him with her charm, “My dutiful great-nephew comes so promptly to greet, aunt is gratified.” She waved like calling pets, lifted her chin arrogantly, and entered the courtyard.
Wu Zisen could not help but laugh and shouted after her, “My cousin is considerate.”