"I need an intermediary. I wonder who would be willing to help?" Lan Jin spoke plainly: "The intermediary will not bear any responsibility. Tomorrow, Zhi Yue will go to the authorities to amend the deed. Once the matter is settled, Zhi Yue will surely offer generous thanks."
Yu Zhi Yue followed her words with a curtsy.
Everyone looked at each other, hesitant. Stepping forward now would clearly offend Marquis Chengen. Although they weren’t afraid of him, there was no need to do so for someone whose background was unknown.
Seeing no one respond, Lan Jin’s eyes filled with regret: "I never thought people in the capital would be so timid."
Yu Qing’s heart swelled with a sense of triumph, about to speak, when someone at the door said: "How about I act as this intermediary?"
Seeing the newcomer, everyone was stunned. Would this person really meddle in such trivial matters? Wait, could this bold woman’s backing be him?
Marquis Chengen Yu Qing’s heart raced. He wouldn’t dare send an invitation to Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Lin Xihe’s residence. Why was he here? Everyone in the capital knew that when Lord Lin paid a visit, it never boded well—either he was there to arrest someone or preparing to do so.
Lan Jin was also looking at him.
In her years of traveling, she had met many outstanding men. Having seen so many, mere good looks rarely caught her attention.
Yet, this man made her think he was handsome at first glance—not in a pretty way, but in the elegance of his brows and eyes.
She couldn’t describe the shape of his brows or the form of his eyes, but the first thought that came to her mind was: handsome.
As he drew closer, Lan Jin realized he was very tall. She had to tilt her head slightly to continue studying his features.
In that moment, she suddenly felt a sense of empathy with those who were captivated by beauty.
Lin Xihe had arrived early and had watched the entire commotion unfold from start to finish. Naturally, he knew this woman named Lan Jin was bold, single-handedly forcing Marquis Chengen to retreat step by step. He hadn’t expected her to be equally fearless in his presence.
Could it be she truly didn’t recognize him?
Lan Jin—the last embers of a candle.
What kind of parents would give their child such a name? Unless, it wasn’t given by parents or elders.
Unaware that her background had been partially discerned in this brief encounter, Lan Jin also recognized him.
In the capital, the only person young, highly positioned, exceptionally handsome, and capable of intimidating so many distinguished guests was Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs Lin Xihe.
But why did he seem somewhat familiar? She was certain she had never met him before.
Lan Jin searched her mind for the source of this familiarity. A flash of insight struck her, and she casually walked over to Zhao Tang’s side, catching a glimpse of the man’s back.
Sure enough, it was the same person who had briefly appeared at the corner earlier.
Back then, he had been wearing a guard uniform, but now he had changed clothes. Clearly, his presence in this Marquis Mansion was not entirely aboveboard. Was he stepping forward now because his objective had been achieved?
"Lord Lin, what brings you here!" Marquis Chengen trembled as he stepped forward to bow. Despite being a marquis, he was nothing in the presence of Lord Lin, who enjoyed the emperor’s favor and wielded great power.
"I just returned to the capital and heard there was some excitement at Marquis Chengen’s residence, so I came to take a look." Lin Xihe glanced around. "I’ve been away from the capital for half a month and seem to have missed quite a bit of commotion."
"No, no, no." Marquis Chengen hurriedly denied. Lord Lin's methods of arresting and imprisoning people were unpredictable, so sending them away was the best strategy. He quickly added, "It's just a minor matter, not worth troubling you, my lord. You must be exhausted after just returning to the capital. Once you've rested, I will host a banquet in your honor."
Lan Jin confirmed the identity of the visitor from the address "Lord Lin" and couldn't let such a useful status slip away. She was most adept at leveraging authority for her own benefit. After leading Zhi Yue in a bow, she seized the opportunity.
"If Lord Lin is willing to help, it is our Zhi Yue's good fortune."
"Can't let the young lady think everyone in the capital is timid," Lin Xihe said, turning to Marquis Chengen. "Prepare the writing tools."
Marquis Chengen dared not refuse and hastily ordered the steward to bring ink and paper. At this point, he sought nothing else but to quickly send these two troublemakers away.
After signing and pressing their seals, Lin Xihe took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands when he heard the young woman say, "I wonder if it would be convenient for Lord Lin to also serve as a witness."
To dare make such a request of Lord Lin—this woman must have an extraordinary relationship with him!
Everyone in the courtyard affirmed their suspicions in their hearts, their gazes shifting between the two, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Lin Xihe hadn't expected the commotion to turn toward him. Judging from Lan Jin's attitude, she likely didn't recognize him, for given his reputation in the capital, no one would dare speak to him so casually.
It was rare to encounter someone who could speak to him normally, and Lin Xihe was in a good mood. He leisurely wiped the ink from his fingers and asked, "Is the young lady aware that she can't find anyone else to act as a witness, so she won't let go of the one willing to help?"
"You are most perceptive, my lord. Though it may be presumptuous, that is indeed the case. With you as the witness, the weight of your name will surely make Marquis Chengen think twice before breaking his word. Zhi Yue is young and currently has no family to rely on. If she could gain even a little of your protection, her future days would be much smoother."
Lan Jin spoke eloquently and acted openly, making her intention to borrow influence perfectly clear.
She knew Lin Xihe's reputation in the capital and understood his ruthless methods. Yet, since he was willing to step forward as the intermediary and even pressed his seal without setting any preconditions, it might be because he had learned the truth of the matter and felt pity for the young girl Zhi Yue. Alternatively, he might have accomplished whatever business brought him to Chengenhou Manor and was in a good mood, or perhaps Marquis Chengen had done something to earn his disdain, prompting him to lend a hand.
Whatever the reason, seizing the opportunity for tangible benefit was what mattered most.
With such a witness, Zhi Yue would have an extra layer of protection. In the future, Chengenhou Manor would at least not dare to openly target her again.
In the father-daughter relationship, Zhi Yue was disadvantaged by the concept of filial piety. But as long as her father could not openly exercise his paternal rights, it would all be meaningless.
Lin Xihe clearly understood what she was scheming. Considering how their commotion today had conveniently facilitated his own task, allowing them to smoothly obtain evidence, he decided to help as a way of repaying the favor.
"Agreed."
Zhao Tang, without needing instructions from her mistress, promptly presented the Divorce Agreement and Severance of Kinship Document.
Lin Xihe signed his name on both papers.
Zhao Tang took them back for her mistress to see.
Lan Jin looked at the bold, flowing characters of "Lin Xihe" as if only now realizing who stood before her. She hurriedly led Zhi Yue in another bow. "I did not realize it was Lord Lin. This humble woman is deeply fearful."
It seems she had heard of his reputation but did not know what he looked like, which is why she hadn’t recognized him earlier.
At least, that was the impression she gave.
If it were true, it meant she was new to the capital. If it were an act, then she was audacious and harbored grand ambitions.
Lin Xihe accepted the gesture calmly. His name was not easily invoked, but it was effective. With him as a witness, as long as he lived, Marquis Chengen would not dare to touch Yu Zhi Yue.
Lin Xihe tucked away the soiled handkerchief, glanced at her once more, and addressed the others, "There is no need to see me off."
"Take care, Lord Lin."