Her gaze lingered for a moment on Su Xiaoyu's plump, pleasant face, a faint trace of coldness swiftly flashing in her eyes.
Yet her expression remained as composed and unruffled as ever.
"Your Highness jests."
Lin Wan'er withdrew her gaze, her tone calm and even: "Young Marquis Xiao's actions have their own reasoning. Whether he is observing the common people's conditions or disciplining the servants in his manor, it has nothing to do with Wan'er. If Your Highness has no other matters, Wan'er will take her leave now."
"Miss Lin, why the hurry?"
Seeing her about to leave, Chu Yan suddenly shifted the topic: "This prince has heard that Grand Tutor Lin has recently been selecting a husband for Miss Lin. Many families in Jingcheng with suitable young men are eager to secure this marriage alliance with you."
Lin Wan'er paused, her cool eyes narrowing slightly: "What does the Third Prince mean to say?"
Chu Yan opened his folding fan, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalance: "Grand Tutor Lin served two dynasties as a veteran official, a pillar of the virtuous faction. Although he has retired honorably, his influence remains. Miss Lin herself is both talented and beautiful, renowned throughout Jingcheng. Naturally, the Lin family must be extremely cautious in selecting a son-in-law."
"The future son-in-law entering the Lin family must not only be of equal social status but also exceptionally talented, capable of upholding the Lin family's reputation. Speaking of which, Young Marquis Xiao Jingheng of Yongning Hou Manor is young and promising, deeply trusted by His Majesty. Wouldn't he be the perfect choice?"
His words, both explicit and implicit, highlighted the Lin family's current situation—while enjoying a reputation for integrity, they lacked strong successors and urgently needed to find powerful support through marriage.
He also placed Xiao Jingheng in a prominent position as Lin Wan'er's potential marriage candidate.
Lin Wan'er let out a cold laugh, her gaze steady as she looked at Chu Yan. Her tone was calm but carried a barely perceptible sharpness:
"Your Highness, if Wan'er recalls correctly, the Xiao family of Yongning Hou Manor has always been the backbone of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, with clear allegiances. Yet now you strongly recommend Young Marquis Xiao to me. Could it be that you wish to see the Lin family form closer ties with the Eastern Palace's faction?"
"This doesn't seem beneficial to Your Highness's own ambitions."
She gently adjusted her sleeve, her tone carrying the composure and certainty of a daughter from an aristocratic family:
"As for whether Young Marquis Xiao has someone by his side, or who that person might be—these are trivial matters. If the Lin and Xiao families truly intend to form a marriage alliance, a favored maid is nothing. If the Young Marquis likes her, he can simply allocate a small courtyard in the manor for her in the future."
"As long as she understands her place and doesn't break the rules, why should it matter?"
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise passed through Chu Yan's eyes, soon replaced by deeper amusement.
"Miss Lin indeed has extraordinary vision. This prince has been narrow-minded."
"However, while Miss Lin's magnanimity is commendable, you should still be cautious of nurturing a snake in your bosom. After all, while status can be determined, human hearts are unpredictable. If that 'spark' truly becomes a beloved favorite, it might bring many troubles in the future."
The faint coldness in Lin Wan'er's eyes deepened slightly. Her expression remained unruffled:
"Your Highness jests. Ultimately, the selection of a son-in-law for the Lin family is decided by my grandfather and father. Wan'er only hopes to marry someone of upright character who can share the Lin family's burdens. As for who it specifically might be, Wan'er has no particular preferences."
Meaning: This matter hasn't even begun to take shape yet; you're worrying too early.
Chu Yan smiled without responding.
He knew he wouldn't be able to probe any further today. Although Lin Wan'er was a woman, her meticulous thinking showed she was no ordinary person.
"In that case, Miss Lin may take your leave. However, this prince cannot help but add that while there are many fine young men in the capital, few possess both the authority and the… attentiveness of Xiao Jingheng. Of course, if Miss Lin finds him unworthy, this prince still lacks a cultivated and sensible secondary consort. Should you be interested, you might have Grand Tutor Lin approach my mother in the palace to propose it."
These words bordered on insult, yet Lin Wan'er's expression remained unchanged. Only the slight stiffness in her curtsy betrayed her composure.
"Your Highness's favor is deeply appreciated. However, as I have stated before, my marriage arrangements rest entirely with my family. I dare not overstep my bounds. I take my leave."
With that, she turned and swiftly exited the private room, refusing to engage further with Chu Yan.
But the chill in her eyes could no longer be concealed.
She hadn't expected the Third Prince to test her through marriage prospects. Nor had she anticipated Xiao Jingheng's unusual attentiveness toward a mere maid.
If her eyes did not deceive her, that young woman was the same one who had disguised herself as a servant at the Drunken Immortal Inn last time.
Behind her, Chu Yan's smile gradually faded, his gaze deepening into thoughtfulness.
He then redirected his attention to the streets below.
Xiao Jingheng and the young maid had already disappeared from view, likely having entered the Drunken Immortal Inn.
Chu Yan rubbed the jade thumb ring on his finger, his mind racing with schemes.
The Lin family's stance remained ambiguous, but Xiao Jingheng—that unpredictable variable—could prove useful.
If he could plant discord between Xiao Jingheng and the Lin family, or perhaps fan the flames of conflict to muddy the waters around Yongning Hou, it would only benefit his cause.
…
Meanwhile, after strolling through a street with Su Xiaoyu, Xiao Jingheng also entered the Drunken Immortal Inn.
Just as they stepped through the entrance, a figure in dark robes emerged from a private room, followed by two attendants. It was none other than Chu Yan.
"Young Marquis Xiao? What a coincidence! Have you also come to dine at the Drunken Immortal Inn?"
Xiao Jingheng cupped his hands in a polite salute, his tone neutral. "Your Highness."
Su Xiaoyu, trailing behind Xiao Jingheng, glanced up curiously.
The man before her wore dark brocade robes, his features handsome yet tinged with a delicate sharpness. A smile played on his lips, but it failed to reach his eyes.
[The Third Prince? Chu Yan? Oh my god!]
[This is the major villain from the book who fought tooth and nail with the Crown Prince and eventually schemed to make him fall from his horse and become disabled? Good heavens! He's alive, and he really doesn't look like a good person!]
Su Xiaoyu internally screamed with disbelief and instinctively shrank further behind Xiao Jingheng.
As they spoke, Chu Yan extended an invitation to Xiao Jingheng, suggesting they share a drink upstairs.
Xiao Jingheng was about to decline when Su Xiaoyu's earth-shattering inner monologue struck him like lightning.
The Crown Prince falling from his horse?
Disabled?
Each word alone could ignite turmoil in the imperial court, even threaten the stability of the realm.
This matter was grave, touching upon the very foundation of the state.
In less than a second, Xiao Jingheng made a swift decision.
This meal must be accepted!
He courteously clasped his hands toward Chu Yan. "Since Your Highness invites, I would be delighted."
Thus, the group moved to the private room Xiao Jingheng had reserved.
Su Xiaoyu kept her head lowered, striving to minimize her presence, but her mind was in turmoil.
[This is bad, this is bad! Sharing a meal with the major villain—will it shorten my lifespan? Why did the Young Marquis agree so suddenly?]
【Are they planning some conspiracy? Should I excuse myself then? They say knowing too much leads to an early death, but I don’t want to die young, wuwu…】
Xiao Jingheng listened to these chaotic inner thoughts, his expression remaining cold and stern, but his mind was already racing.
When they reached the door of the private room, Chu Yan noticed that Xiao Jingheng had no intention of dismissing Su Xiaoyu. Instead, he let her follow into the private room, still holding the snacks.
A flicker of surprise and amusement passed through his eyes.
"Jingheng, who is this…?"
"If we’re going to talk here, having a maid follow us might be… a bit inconvenient, don’t you think?"
His words also carried a hint of probing.
He wanted to see just how much weight this girl carried in Xiao Jingheng’s heart.