23
Do You Have Any Opinions?
Xiao Jin remained composed, completely disregarding Mu Feng’s gaze as he stood firmly in place.
Seeing this, Mu Feng had no choice but to speak up.
“Your Highness, aren’t you going to the main hall to prepare for the banquet? Or are you waiting here for Miss Lin and the Little County Princess to go together?” Mu Feng asked deliberately.
“This prince prefers to stay here. Do you have an opinion? Besides, why would I wait for those two dawdling women? Mind your own business.” Xiao Jin snorted coldly.
Despite Xiao Jin’s attitude of challenging everything and everyone, Lin Qingran didn’t dislike him at all. He seemed like a rebellious troublemaker.
[The seventh prince has an interesting personality—free and unrestrained. It’s quite enviable how he says whatever he wants. He doesn’t have any other flaws; he’s just too blunt with his words. He’s merely a rebellious troublemaker who needs some gentle handling.]
[But Young Marquis asked the wrong question. Getting rebuked right away—I wonder how he feels inside.]
[Hahaha, the seventh prince only shows respect to that scoundrel. Even if Young Marquis and that scoundrel are close, he isn’t someone the seventh prince needs to consider. I feel embarrassed for him.]
Not only did Lin Qingran feel embarrassed for him, but Mu Feng also felt embarrassed for himself.
Although he was usually accustomed to the seventh prince’s temperament, being rebuked in front of Lin Qingran and Yao Qin made him belatedly realize that he felt somewhat humiliated.
“Ahem, in that case, I’ll leave you all here and head to the main hall to prepare for the banquet.” Mu Feng decisively took his leave.
Unexpectedly, all three of them nodded without any intention of stopping him, so Mu Feng could only leave quietly.
Most young ladies attending the birthday banquet today did not bring their maids. Many likely planned to leave after the meal without staying longer, and everyone knew that Liang Peng’s residence was relatively small.
In the capital, there was an unwritten rule: unless attending a banquet hosted by a third-rank official or higher, one would not bring their maids or servants.
Generally, only the families of third-rank officials would specifically prepare seating for maids and servants. Otherwise, it would be awkward if there weren’t enough seats.
It was true that Liang Peng worked at the Dali Temple, but he had just taken up his post and had not formed many close relationships with officials. Thus, he expected that not many people would stay for dinner after lunch, so he hadn’t made such preparations.
Now, only three people remained in the garden. Lin Qingran felt it was best to express her gratitude to Xiao Jin.
“Seventh Prince, thank you so much today. If you hadn’t served as a witness when Miss Zhang falsely accused us, we wouldn’t have been able to clear our names.” Lin Qingran spoke earnestly.
As for accidentally noticing someone on the roof—that was something she would never mention.
Xiao Jin glanced at Lin Qingran. “No need to thank this prince. I simply found her unpleasant to look at. It wasn’t about helping you.”
After saying this, Xiao Jin turned away and walked in the direction Mu Feng had taken.
Lin Qingran smiled. “Qin Qin, don’t you think the seventh prince is quite interesting? He’s a contradictory fellow. Deep down, he’s probably a kind person.”
“Oh heavens, you actually think he’s quite decent? He’s a notorious troublemaker who shows no respect to anyone.” Yao Qin stared wide-eyed at Lin Qingran, seemingly unable to comprehend why she would hold such a ‘terrifying’ opinion.
“Alright, alright, let’s head over now. Otherwise, my mother will come looking for us soon. We didn’t bring any maids today, so better not make her search everywhere.” Lin Qingran chuckled helplessly.
It appeared Xiao Jin was indeed viewed as quite intimidating by everyone—otherwise, someone of Yao Qin’s temperament wouldn’t be so cautious and reserved.
The birthday banquet at the Liang residence followed the customary separation of men and women, so Lin Qingran naturally made her way to the women’s seating area.
Winter had begun to set in, bringing a chill to the air. Although the capital cooled slowly, prolonged sitting would still leave one feeling cold, so the dishes were served quickly—likely to prevent guests from getting too chilly.
Unable to see what was happening at the men’s seating area, Lin Qingran figured there wouldn’t be much gossip to witness and soon joined the others in eating.
The women’s section was relatively quiet; whether married ladies or young maidens, no one made any noise during the meal.
The men’s and women’s seating areas were separated by a wall. Minor commotions weren’t very noticeable, but louder disturbances—such as jokes and conversations from the men’s side—could still be heard.
After several rounds of drinks, some ministers began to reveal hints of probing intentions.
“I haven’t had the chance to congratulate Lord Liang on his recent appointment to the Dali Temple. Everyone knows it’s a prestigious position, significant for any noble figure,” one minister remarked.
The “noble figures” referred, of course, to members of the imperial court—specifically, the princes aside from the emperor.
Xiao Jin paid no mind to matters concerning the Dali Temple. With no interest in the throne, he preferred a carefree and unrestrained life, unwilling to trouble himself with trivial worries. Thus, even upon hearing such remarks, he feigned ignorance.
It wasn’t that he didn’t understand—he simply had no desire to dwell on such matters.
Though inwardly swelling with pride, Liang Peng maintained a composed facade. He raised his glass and toasted the one who had spoken.
“Thank you, Minister Zhong, for your high regard. However, I’m afraid you may be overestimating me. I merely stumbled into this position by chance and will rely on your guidance in the future.” After speaking, Liang Peng drained his cup in one go.
Just as Mu Feng was about to take a sip, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.
At the same time, Xiao Che, who had just arrived at the courtyard entrance, also heard that familiar, lively voice.
[Who would have thought Liang Peng was like this beneath the surface? He seemed like a decent man, but secretly, he’s the type of official who dotes on his concubine and neglects his wife—exactly what the big pig trotter despises most.]
[He’s putting on quite an act. First, he stole Minister Lu’s childhood sweetheart and fiancée, who shared mutual affection, then failed to treat her properly. He even let his concubine cause the loss of their child, yet he still dotes on that concubine. Poor Madam Liang—her entire life ruined by such a scoundrel. How can someone like Liang Peng, who can’t even manage his own household, handle court affairs, let alone serve in the Dali Temple?]
[Since the Young Marquis still wants to recruit him under that dog man’s banner, it seems the Young Marquis himself doesn’t have great judgment.]
[Tsk, tsk. So, the dog man is destined to fail. I don’t even know how to help anymore, even though I wanted the dog man to owe the Lin family a favor. The main issue is we’re separated into two groups. Maybe I should just cause a scene on the women’s side and expose his true nature?]
Xiao Che’s mind was in disarray. He had recognized the speaker as Lin Qingran, but hadn’t expected that Liang Peng, who seemed perfectly normal, would be involved with someone like Minister Lu.
Favoring concubines over wives had been forbidden in Tian Yuan Country since its founding.
Mu Feng also tensed up. Their investigations into Liang Peng from other avenues had yielded little, yet unexpectedly, they found answers through Lin Qingran.
Just then, Xiao Che reached the courtyard entrance, and everyone noticed him.
“The Third Prince has arrived! Please, come inside quickly.”
Liang Peng rose to greet him, his expression growing increasingly smug.