Seeing this, Lin Jingchu’s expression turned cold. The corners of her lips curved faintly.
“Although our dynasty values civil officials over military men, scholars can take the imperial examinations and soldiers can join the army. If he truly wants to be with you, then he should choose a path and work for it. I believe the head and madam of the Cui family are not unreasonable. You are still young—if he achieves success and then comes to propose marriage, wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”
“If your love is so pure and unmaterialistic, then surely you wouldn’t expect to rely on your family’s support,” Lin Jingchu continued, driving the point home.
Cui Wanwan widened her eyes. “Of course not!”
“Then go ahead. Tell him to work hard and earn your hand himself.”
Cui Wanwan seemed to regain some vitality. She folded her arms, swept a defiant glance over the group, and said, “Just you wait!” Then she ran off in a huff, finally showing some life in her movements.
Zhang Yunhe’s furrowed brows finally relaxed slightly.
After she left, Lin Jingchu turned to Zhang Yunhe. “Does the Cui family own any mountains or farmland?”
Zhang Yunhe didn’t understand her intention but still nodded. “Of course they do.”
“Find a poor household and let your cousin experience living there for a month. Then she’ll understand.”
“That simple?” Zhang Muyao raised a skeptical eyebrow.
Lin Jingchu picked up a second piece of peach blossom pastry. “Try it and see.”
In ancient times, daily necessities were far less convenient than in modern life. She had lived in a rural area as a child and knew that rural pit latrines were not something most people could endure. In summer, they were even worse filled with maggots and unbearable stench. A noble young lady raised in luxury, someone who even had servants wipe for her, could not possibly imagine such living conditions.
Zhang Yunhe’s eyes lit up. “Good idea! It’s better to travel a thousand miles than to sit and talk endlessly—you truly are clever.”
Their aunt had asked them to persuade her cousin, yet they had only spoken about how much hardship she would suffer if she stayed with that servant, without ever letting her experience it herself.
After finishing her pastry, Lin Jingchu wiped her hands. “Also, don’t give her servants any food supplies. In this season, there are plenty of wild vegetables in the mountains. She won’t starve.”
In this world, aside from Wang Baochuan, she had never seen anyone who lived like that and didn’t regret it.
“Elder Sister Lin, could it be that you once used this method yourself to come to your senses?” Zhang Muyao asked curiously.
Zhang Yunhe immediately elbowed to her. “Shut up, don’t be rude.”
Zhang Muyao lowered her head, pouting.
Lin Shuyi glanced at the sky. “The banquet at the main hall should end soon. We should head back. Earlier, Cousin Cui left in such a hurry—I hope nothing has happened.”
Zhang Yunhe smiled. “Don’t worry, the servants are following her. I know my cousin—she won’t come to harm from that temper tantrum.”
Lin Shuyi was more worried about Zhao Jin. That man was unpredictable and ruthless; it was hard to guarantee nothing would go wrong.
Lin Jingchu stood up, her lowered eyes hiding a faint indifference.
“Mother is probably worried as well. Let’s go back.”
Given her personality, she would never waste words on people she wasn’t familiar with. These Zhang sisters seemed friendly enough on the surface, but there was an underlying sense of superiority.
If not for Lin Shuyi being caught in the middle, she wouldn’t have bothered intervening at all.
Now that the matter was settled, there was no need to continue this polite exchange.
At the southern side of the garden, Zhao Jin followed a small path and spotted the pavilion in the distance where the group was gathered. His gaze fixed tightly on Lin Shuyi.
He stepped forward, when suddenly someone appeared in front of him.
“Your Highness, so you’ve come here. The place to change your clothes is over there.”
Zhang Chuxiao pointed toward the opposite side of the path.
Zhao Jin looked at him coldly, his tone indifferent. “Thank you.”
Zhang Chuxiao smiled smoothly. Though he stood in a lower position, there was no trace of flattery in his demeanor—his presence remained composed and natural.
“Regarding the incident a few days ago, I did not intend to offend Your Highness. The elders in my family and the Lin family are considering strengthening their ties through marriage. If the two young ladies were improper in any way, I hope Your Highness will show some leniency.”