This question struck at the heart of the matter, even bordering on being overly sensitive.
Su Xiaoyu’s heart skipped a beat, and she instantly snapped out of her earlier state of righteous indignation.
【A fatal question! How dare I speak carelessly? Choosing sides isn’t something to be discussed lightly—it could cost me my head! And I can’t reveal the plot I know either!】
Su Xiaoyu racked her brains but couldn’t come up with a suitable excuse.
After a long silence, she finally said, “Young Marquis, you flatter this humble maid. How could an ignorant woman like me dare to comment recklessly on such a matter concerning the future of Hou Manor? My insights are shallow, and what I said earlier was nothing but… thoughtless chatter. I beg you, Young Marquis, please do not take it to heart.”
Having said this, she retreated back into the corner of the carriage, her entire body bristling with defensiveness.
Xiao Jingheng watched as she instantly switched into her ‘feigning ignorance’ mode, feeling both exasperated and amused.
She clearly knew something but deliberately kept her mouth shut.
Nevertheless, he had already gathered enough information today.
At the very least, he had confirmed the Third Prince’s ambitions and potential dangers.
Most importantly, he had learned about the Crown Prince’s fate.
Closing his eyes to rest, Xiao Jingheng quickly calculated his next moves in his mind, planning how to take preventive measures.
Meanwhile, Lin Wan’er’s carriage came to a stop in front of a mansion with a lofty gate that nonetheless seemed somewhat desolate. Above the gate, the words “Lin Residence” were inscribed in the emperor’s own handwriting. Under the dimming sky, the characters still exuded an air of past elegance and authority.
Lin Wan’er paused and looked up at the entrance of her home. Once adorned with vermilion gates, towering walls, and bustling servants, it now bore an undeniable air of neglect.
The paint on the stone lions at the entrance had peeled and faded, and although the plaque above the gate was meticulously clean, the aged wood was unmistakable.
She couldn’t help but recall Chu Yan’s words from earlier.
Once praised by all as a distinguished family of scholars, the Lin Residence had been renowned throughout the capital for her grandfather’s integrity and erudition. The estate was frequented by literati and scholars, its scent of books and ink wafting through the streets.
But ever since her grandfather retired from office, the men of the Lin family had either immersed themselves in scholarly pursuits, detached from worldly affairs, or lacked the talent to shoulder significant responsibilities. There was no one left in the court capable of upholding the family’s prestige.
The Lin family was no longer what it once was.
This was precisely why her grandfather and father placed such importance on her marriage. For this union was not merely about her personal future—it was a crucial step to preserve the Lin family’s scholarly reputation and seek external support to prevent the family from sinking into obscurity.
No sooner had Lin Wan’er returned to her Zhilan Courtyard than her grandfather’s attendant came to inform her, “Young Miss, the Old Master has instructed that you go to his study as soon as you return.”
Hearing this, a flicker of understanding passed through Lin Wan’er’s eyes.
Her grandfather’s summons at this hour was likely related to her marriage.
Her expression remained composed as she replied calmly, “Understood. I will go at once.”
Without changing her clothes, she merely adjusted her dress and hair in the mirror, ensuring she still appeared dignified and proper. Then, accompanied by her maid, she made her way to Grand Tutor Lin’s study.
Lin Chengzhong’s study was located in the western part of the residence, surrounded by lush bamboo groves that created a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Inside, the display shelves were not filled with antiques or jade artifacts but with an array of inkstones, soot ink, and meticulously preserved rubbing collections stored in brocade boxes.
The air was filled with the distinctive scent of aged ink sticks and rice paper.
Lin Chengzhong stood behind a rosewood desk, his wrist poised as he practiced his calligraphy.
He was already past sixty, his hair and beard completely white, his figure lean, yet his spine remained ramrod straight, still bearing traces of the noble bearing of his youth.
Lin Wan'er entered silently, holding her breath and focusing her mind. Only after confirming that her grandfather had finished writing the final character did she gracefully kneel in greeting:
"Your granddaughter pays respects to Grandfather."
Lin Chengzhong slowly set down his brush, his gaze shifting from the rice paper to rest upon his granddaughter.
He did not speak immediately, first examining the characters he had just completed, seeming both satisfied and wistful.
Only then did he lift his head, his eyes gentle yet carrying a hint of scrutiny.
"You've returned? Today is the Shangsi Festival, with splendid fireworks outside. Did you gain anything from your stroll?"
Lin Wan'er lowered her gaze, her tone respectful: "Reporting to Grandfather, the streets were quite lively. Your granddaughter thought that since Young Marquis Li Yu of Duke Dingguo's Mansion is known for his love of elegance, he might go out to enjoy the festivities, so I kept an eye out. Unfortunately… we did not happen to meet."
After listening, Lin Chengzhong's wrinkled face showed no emotion, but he suddenly looked up, his gaze deep as an ancient well.
"Oh? Didn't you encounter anyone else?"
Lin Wan'er's heart tightened, her hands hidden in her sleeves clenching slightly.
She thought she had acted discreetly, never expecting her grandfather already knew.
"Grandfather sees all. Your granddaughter… did indeed encounter the Third Prince at the Drunken Immortal Inn, but we merely exchanged brief greetings and did not speak further."
Lin Chengzhong glanced at her but didn't press about why she had concealed this. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the calligraphy, saying meaningfully:
"Wan'er, you're clever enough to understand our Lin family's situation. Your father, brothers, and younger siblings are all of ordinary talent, unable to shoulder great responsibilities. A marriage alliance is therefore necessary."
"But one misstep could lead to complete failure. Duke Dingguo's Mansion represents a stable path, while Marquis of Yongning's Mansion means advancing through turbulent waters…"
Lin Chengzhong paused, his peripheral glance sweeping over his granddaughter, "As for matters concerning the imperial family, the waters run deep and the waves are fierce, requiring particular caution. Some muddy waters are better left undisturbed."
He didn't state it explicitly, but Lin Wan'er understood perfectly.
Her grandfather was warning her not to get too close to the Third Prince, lest she be drawn into the whirlpool of succession struggles.
For the current Lin family, the risk was too great.
"Your granddaughter will remember Grandfather's instruction, maintaining distance from the Third Prince and avoiding any involvement in such matters." Lin Wan'er bowed her head in response, her posture respectful.
Looking at his granddaughter who had blossomed into elegance, with the first hints of remarkable beauty appearing between her brows, a complex emotion flashed in the old man's aged eyes.
He waved his hand, indicating for Lin Wan'er to sit in the chair beside him.
"Your marriage concerns the Lin family's future. Your father and I must naturally consider it carefully. Young Marquis Li Yu of Duke Dingguo's Mansion, with his gentle temperament and illustrious, unsullied family background, is a rare good match."
"Young Marquis Xiao Jingheng of Marquis of Yongning's Mansion possesses exceptional ability and currently enjoys imperial favor, with limitless prospects ahead…"
As he spoke, his gaze settled on Lin Wan'er's face: "Grandfather would like to know, regarding this matter, what are your thoughts?"
Lin Wan'er's fingertips curled slightly, though her expression remained calm and unreadable:
"Your granddaughter… will abide by whatever Grandfather and Father decide."
But Lin Chengzhong shook his head, his tone conveying the detachment of one who sees through everything.
"You've been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, with depth and ambition uncommon among ordinary women. For such an important matter, Grandfather would like to hear your true thoughts."
"Here it's just the two of us, grandfather and granddaughter. Speak freely."
Silence fell in the study, broken only by the crackling of the candle flame.
After a long while, Lin Wan'er raised her eyes to meet her grandfather's penetrating gaze. She took a deep breath.
"Grandfather's insight is clear. If it were only for personal security, Young Marquis Li would indeed be the best choice."
She paused, then continued: "But when considering the Lin family's future, your granddaughter believes… the Yongning Hou's heir might be worth striving for. Perhaps one day he could help the Lin family… restore its former glory!"