Chapter 23 Oh my god, the main villain in the book!

Her gaze lingered for a moment on Su Xiaoyu's round and endearing face, a fleeting hint of coldness flashing across her eyes.

But he still maintained that calm and composed expression.

"Your Highness is joking."

Lin Wan'er withdrew her gaze, her tone calm and even: "Young Master Xiao has his reasons for acting. Perhaps he is trying to understand the people's plight, or perhaps he is disciplining the servants in his household. It has nothing to do with Wan'er. If Your Highness has nothing else to say, Wan'er will take her leave now."

"Miss Lin, what's the rush?"

Seeing that she was about to leave, Chu Yan suddenly changed the subject: "I have heard that Grand Tutor Lin is currently choosing a husband for Miss Lin. There are many families in the capital with young men of marriageable age who want to get married to Miss Lin."

Lin Wan'er paused, her cool eyes narrowing: "What does the Third Prince want to say?"

Chu Yan opened his folding fan, his tone somewhat nonchalant: "Grand Tutor Lin is a veteran of two dynasties, a pillar of the upright officials. Although he has retired, his influence remains. Miss Lin is also exceptionally talented and beautiful, and her name is renowned throughout the capital. Naturally, the Lin family is extremely cautious in choosing a son-in-law."

"The future son-in-law must not only be a good match in terms of social status, but also be outstanding in talent and able to uphold the reputation of the Lin family. Speaking of which, Xiao Jingheng, the heir of the Marquis of Yongning, is young and promising, and has the Emperor's deep trust. Isn't he the best choice?"

His words implied the current predicament of the Lin family: despite their good reputation, they lacked a successor and urgently needed to find a powerful ally through marriage.

This also placed Xiao Jingheng in a prominent position as Lin Wan'er's potential marriage partner.

Lin Wan'er sneered, her gaze calmly fixed on Chu Yan, her tone indifferent yet carrying a subtle sharpness:

"Your Highness, if Wan'er remembers correctly, the Xiao family of the Yongning Marquis's Mansion has always been a pillar of the Crown Prince's household, with a clear stance. Yet you are now praising the Young Master Xiao to Wan'er. Could it be that you hope to see the Lin family become more closely aligned with the Crown Prince's power?"

"This does not seem to be of any benefit to Your Highness's great cause."

She gently adjusted her cuffs, her tone carrying the composure and confidence of a daughter of a prominent family:

"As for whether Young Master Xiao has anyone by his side, and who they are, it's a trivial matter. If the Lin family and the Xiao family are truly interested in a marriage alliance, a favored maid is nothing more than a small courtyard in the mansion if the young master likes her."

"As long as she knows her limits and doesn't break the rules, why should we care?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Chu Yan's eyes. It quickly turned into a deeper sense of amusement.

"Miss Lin indeed has exceptional vision; I, the prince, have been narrow-minded."

"It's good that Miss Lin is tolerant, but we should also be careful not to raise a tiger that will turn out to be a threat. After all, although the title is set, people's hearts are hard to fathom. If that 'Spark' really becomes her favorite, it will probably bring a lot of trouble in the future."

The faint chill in Lin Wan'er's eyes deepened further. Her expression remained calm and composed.

"Your Highness is too kind. In the end, the Lin family's choice of a son-in-law is decided by my grandfather and father. Wan'er only hopes to marry a person of good character who can share the burden of the Lin family. As for who that person is, Wan'er has no particular thoughts."

It means that this matter is still in its infancy, and you're worrying about it too early.

Chu Yan smiled but remained silent.

He knew he wouldn't get anything out of her today. Although Lin Wan'er was a woman, she was shrewd and calculating, and certainly not someone to be underestimated.

"In that case, Miss Lin, please go ahead. However, if I may add a word, although there are many fine young men in the capital, it is rare to find one like Xiao Jingheng, who is both powerful and knows how to 'care for people'. Of course, if Miss Lin does not fancy him, I am also lacking a well-educated and reasonable concubine. If Miss Lin is interested, you may ask Grand Tutor Lin to go to the palace and mention it to my mother."

These words were quite humiliating, but Lin Wan'er's expression remained unchanged. Only her bowing movements were slightly stiff.

"I appreciate Your Highness's kindness. However, I have already stated that my marriage is entirely up to my family, and I dare not overstep my bounds in the slightest. Farewell."

After saying that, she turned around and quickly walked out of the private room, no longer wanting to get entangled with Chu Yan.

But the coldness in her eyes could no longer be concealed.

She never expected the Third Prince to test her with a marriage proposal. She also never expected Xiao Jingheng to care so much about a mere maid.

If she wasn't mistaken, the girl just now was the one who had disguised herself as a servant at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion last time.

Behind him, Chu Yan's smile gradually faded, and his eyes grew increasingly deep.

Then, he turned his gaze back to the street market downstairs.

Xiao Jingheng and the little maid have already disappeared from Zuixianlou; they must have gone inside.

Chu Yan stroked the jade thumb ring on his hand, his mind racing with thoughts.

The Lin family's attitude is wavering, but Xiao Jingheng, that variable, is someone we can make good use of.

If he could use this opportunity to plant a thorn between Xiao Jingheng and the Lin family, or even to let that 'spark' burn brighter and muddy the waters of Yongning Marquis's affairs, it would be beneficial and harmless to him.

...

Meanwhile, after strolling through a street with Su Xiaoyu, Xiao Jingheng also entered Zuixianlou.

Just as they stepped through the door, a figure in black emerged from the private room, followed by two attendants. Who else could it be but Chu Yan?

"Young Master Xiao? What a coincidence! You're also dining at Zuixianlou?"

Xiao Jingheng cupped his hands in greeting, his tone calm: "Third Prince."

Su Xiaoyu followed behind Xiao Jingheng, curiously looking up at him.

The newcomer was dressed in a black brocade robe, with a handsome face and a touch of effeminacy. He had a smile on his lips, but it seemed that the smile did not reach his eyes.

[The Third Prince? Chu Yan? Oh my god!]

[Is this the villain from the book who fought the Crown Prince to the death and ultimately plotted to cripple him after he fell from his horse? My god! The real one definitely doesn't look like a good guy!]

Su Xiaoyu mentally ranted and groaned behind Xiao Jingheng.

As they were talking, Chu Yan had already invited Xiao Jingheng to come upstairs for a drink.

Xiao Jingheng was about to refuse, but he was stunned when he heard Su Xiaoyu's earth-shattering words!

The Crown Prince fell from his horse?

Disability?

Each of these words was enough to cause an uproar in the imperial court, and even to overthrow the country.

This matter is of great importance, concerning the very foundation of the nation.

In less than a second, Xiao Jingheng made a quick decision.

We have to eat this meal today!

So he politely cupped his hands towards Chu Yan and said, "Since Your Highness has invited me, I am more than happy to accept."

So, the group moved to the private room that Xiao Jingheng had reserved.

Su Xiaoyu lowered her head, trying to minimize her presence, but her heart was in turmoil.

[Oh no, oh no! Dinner with the main villain, will it shorten my lifespan? Why did the prince suddenly agree?]

Are they plotting something? Should I stay away? They say knowing too much makes you die young, but I don't want to die young, sob sob...

Xiao Jingheng listened to these chaotic thoughts, his face remaining cold and stern, but his mind was already racing.

Upon reaching the entrance of the private room, Chu Yan saw that Xiao Jingheng did not intend to make Su Xiaoyu leave, but instead had her follow him into the private room with the snacks.

A look of surprise and amusement flashed in his eyes.

"Jingheng, who is this...?"

"It might be inconvenient for a maid to accompany us while we talk here, wouldn't it?"

His words also had a testing connotation.

I want to see just how much this girl means to Xiao Jingheng.