The Cui family was a lineage of even higher prestige than the Zhang family. As a legitimate daughter, even marrying a commoner would bring shame upon the clan—let alone marrying a servant.
After living in this era for a few months, Lin Jingchu realized that this world had branched off from the Tang Dynasty around the time of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Huang Chao had failed in his uprising; less than half of the capital noble families were slaughtered before the rebellion was suppressed by a coalition of aristocratic clans, leaving the great families’ foundations largely intact. As a result, the concept of “no intermarriage between nobles and commoners” remained deeply rooted.
However, the imperial examination system was still preserved. The civil service exams offered some commoners a path to change their fate. Even so, the old aristocratic clans still carried an innate arrogance in their bones.
Thinking of this, Lin Jingchu gave the Zhang sisters a calm look, signaling them not to rush, before speaking slowly:
“Cui sister, as a noble-born daughter of a prestigious family, I assume your vision and judgment are quite refined. I have a few questions I would like to ask. Would you be willing to answer them?”
Lin Jingchu’s voice was cool and detached. Contrary to her strikingly beautiful appearance, it carried an inexplicable sense of authority. Coupled with the fact that she had just spoken up for Cui Wanwan, it lent her words even more credibility.
Cui Wanwan, too, had gained a bit of goodwill toward her, and replied, “If you’re planning to persuade me, then you can save your breath.”
Her voice was hoarse, weak, and lacking energy.
Zhang Yunhe and Zhang Muyao exchanged a glance and sat back down.
The Cui family had already discovered Cui Wanwan’s intentions and had beaten the servant half to death. Upon hearing this, she had gone on a three-day hunger strike, refusing all food and drink. Today was the first time she spoke in three days.
Lin Jingchu picked up a piece of peach blossom pastry and took a small bite, washing it down with tea as if completely unhurried.
“Why would I persuade you? Your love is so moving it shakes heaven and earth. I, too, have been through it—of course I wouldn’t interfere.”
“Then… can you help me persuade my father and mother?” Cui Wanwan’s dull eyes suddenly lit up with life.
“Yes—but you must answer a few of my questions.”
“Ask away!”
Zhang Muyao tried to speak, but Zhang Yunhe pressed her hand under the table and shook her head slightly.
“As a legitimate daughter of the Cui family, and connected by marriage to the Zhang family, you must have seen many outstanding young men. If you were to name three qualities of that servant, what would they be?”
After speaking, Lin Jingchu continued eating her pastry. It was somewhat like modern walnut pastry, but smaller and shaped like a peach blossom—sweet and filling.
Cui Wanwan looked momentarily confused. Three qualities?
Lin Jingchu kindly reminded her, “I mean the three traits that attracted you to him. Since you chose him out of so many, there must be something special about him.”
Cui Wanwan thought for a long time. “He is skilled in martial arts, upright and kind in character, and last winter when I fell into the water, he was the one who saved me.”
Lin Jingchu gave a soft “oh.” “That’s it?”
Cui Wanwan tried hard to search for her memories. “Whenever I went to pay respect to my mother, he would wait on the road to speak with me a few words. I like him, and he likes me too.”
“And if your parents agreed to let you marry him—but only on the condition that you give up your identity as a Cui daughter, and you cannot take a single cent of the Cui family’s wealth or power with you—would you still be willing?”
“I…”
“I know that’s difficult. Let me ask something simpler.” Lin Jingchu smoothly changed the question. “If you truly want to marry him, then the only path is to sever ties with your family. Have you ever been to his home? Where would your food, clothing, and daily necessities come from after marriage?”
Zhang Muyao shot Cui Wanwan with a sidelong glance. “That servant doesn’t even have a proper home. He relies entirely on my uncle’s household for food and shelter. He’s nothing but someone trying to climb the social ladder.”
“You’re too materialistic!” Cui Wanwan snapped angrily. “I know what you mean. Xingnu and I truly love each other. He loves me for who I am, not for my wealth or status.”
She slammed the table—but because she had not eaten for days, she stood up and immediately felt dizzy, swaying her feet.
Lin Shuyi quickly supported her. “Sister, be careful.”
But Cui Wanwan pushed her away. “You’re all in it together! You just want to break me and Xingnu apart. I hate you all.”