"Master, Yan'er initially favored the Qiao family. We both thought they were a good match at the time, so why did you—"
Madam Lin then voiced her doubts.
"The tens of thousands of elite cavalrymen of the Qiao family were trained with the Emperor's permission and have been living peacefully and dutifully in their fiefdoms. These elite cavalrymen not only protect the people but also guard the noble gates. With them stationed outside, forming a strong barrier, I feel even more secure."
If it were before, upon hearing such a statement, Master Lin would have clung to his prejudices. But now, moved by the sentiment, he lowered his guard against the Qiao family and felt that what the lady said made a lot of sense.
"Madam, someone came to me and advised me to be careful."
"Could it be someone from the Ouyang family? I heard that Master Ouyang has come here several times." Madam Lin snorted. "I also heard a secret, but I don't know if it's true."
"oh?"
“That Ouyang Yi seems to have some feelings for Miss Zhizhi. I suspect that the Ouyang family wants to compete with our Lin family for her, so they are stirring up trouble. If they really want to be wary of the Qiao family, why don’t they also want to be wary of the Ouyang family?”
Master Lin's expression shifted slightly: "This is hearsay and shouldn't be taken seriously."
He and Master Ouyang had been friends for many years, often enjoying tea and playing chess together. How could the Ouyang family possibly try to manipulate him with such thoughts?
“At the New Year’s banquet at Prince Heng’s mansion last time, someone saw Ouyang Yi observing Miss Zhizhi and trying to get close to her.”
Master Lin fell silent. He had always believed that what Master Ouyang had said to him was from the perspective of the Lin family and for the benefit of the Lin family. If he had other ideas, or even shady ideas, then he was being deceived and manipulated, which he absolutely could not tolerate.
“Our Lin family and the Qiao family have reached an agreement, so we will release the news. Just as you said, the Ouyang family will definitely take action.”
Within just two days, the news of the marriage alliance between the Lin and Qiao families spread throughout all the prominent families in the capital.
Those who were mocking Lin Songyan for his physical ailment were all surprised. It seemed that Lin Songyan would never be able to marry a decent girl. Who would have thought that the Qiao family would agree so quickly?
The Qiao family is a newly rich family, but they have already established a firm foothold in the capital. Qiao Zhizhi's fame has soared in the past year. Her artistic achievements are destined to be recorded in history. There are even rumors that she might become a county princess one day. How many daughters like her can be found?
For a time, discussions were rampant. Some said that Lin Songyan was ultimately lucky, some said that Qiao Zhizhi was foolish, and some said that the Qiao family was just looking at the Lin family's rich background and wanted to take this opportunity to climb the social ladder. As for whether their daughter had any descendants, it was no longer important.
Ouyang Yi hurriedly found Master Ouyang: "Father, have you heard the news? All your well-intentioned advice was in vain. The Lin family didn't take it to heart at all. It seems that Master Lin doesn't care much about you, his old friend."
"Everyone knows, how could I not know?" Master Ouyang's face was grim.
Originally, Master Lin had already decided not to arrange a marriage with the Qiao family, but unexpectedly, Lin Songyan was suddenly diagnosed with this illness.
He even wondered if it was true.
If Lin Songyan was willing to ruin his reputation just to get rid of the marriage with the Sun family, then he was being too ruthless to himself.
"No, we can't let this happen. We have to find a way to stop it before the two families get married. Otherwise, if these things get out, the Ouyang family will be finished."
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