Chapter 25: A Smooth Road or a Stormy Journey?
This question goes straight to the heart of the matter, and is even overly sensitive.
Su Xiaoyu's heart skipped a beat, and she instantly snapped out of her indignant state.
[This is a life-or-death question! How could I dare to say anything carelessly! Taking sides isn't something you can just casually discuss; it could cost you your head! And I can't reveal the plot details I know either!]
Su Xiaoyu thought and thought, but couldn't find a suitable reason.
Finally, after hesitating for a long time, she said, "Your Highness is too kind to me. How can a mere ignorant woman like me comment on such a matter concerning the future of the Marquis's mansion? I am ignorant and my words just now were just... nonsense. Please don't take it to heart, Your Highness."
After saying that, she shrank back into the corner of the carriage, becoming fully defensive.
Xiao Jingheng felt both annoyed and amused when he saw her instantly switch to "pretending to be stupid".
She clearly knew something, but she chose to remain silent.
However, he has already obtained enough information today.
This at least confirmed the Third Prince's ambition and potential danger.
Most importantly, what became of the crown prince?
While resting with his eyes closed, Xiao Jingheng was rapidly calculating in his mind how to proceed in order to prevent any unforeseen problems.
——
On the other side, Lin Wan'er arrived in a carriage, which finally stopped in front of a mansion with a high lintel but a somewhat desolate appearance. The words "Lin Mansion" were personally inscribed by the emperor on the lintel. Even in the dimming light, it still exuded its former elegance and majesty.
Lin Wan'er stopped and looked up at her own front gate. The once vermilion gate and high walls, with servants standing in rows, now looked desolate.
The paint on the stone lions in front of the door is already peeling, and although the plaque on the lintel has been wiped clean, the old wood is still visible.
She couldn't help but recall Chu Yan's words from earlier.
The Lin family, a renowned family of upright officials, was famous throughout the capital for its grandfather's integrity and erudition. The family was frequented by scholars and literati, and the fragrance of books and ink could be smelled from three streets away.
However, ever since his grandfather retired from officialdom, the men of the Lin family either devoted themselves to scholarship and did not care about worldly affairs, or were of mediocre talent and unable to shoulder heavy responsibilities, and there was no one in the court who could uphold the family's honor.
The Lin family is no longer what it used to be.
This is why her grandfather and father attached such importance to her marriage. This marriage was not only about her personal destiny, but also a crucial step in maintaining the Lin family's reputation for integrity and even seeking external help to prevent the family from completely collapsing.
As soon as Lin Wan'er returned to her Zhilan Courtyard, a servant from her grandfather's side came to report: "Miss, the old master has instructed that you go to the study immediately after returning to the mansion."
Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er's eyes flickered slightly.
The fact that her grandfather was calling her at this moment was most likely related to his marriage.
She remained expressionless, simply replying, "I understand, I'll be right there."
She did not change her clothes, but only tidied her dress and hair slightly in front of the mirror to ensure that she was still dignified and proper, before heading to the study of the old tutor Lin with her maid.
Lin Chengzong's study was located in the western part of the mansion, surrounded by lush bamboo, creating a tranquil environment. Inside the study, the display cabinet did not contain antiques or jade artifacts, but rather various inkstones, pine soot ink, and rubbings of inscriptions carefully stored in brocade boxes.
The air was filled with the unique aroma of aged ink sticks and Xuan paper.
Lin Chengzong was standing behind a rosewood desk, wielding a pen with his wrist suspended.
He was over sixty years old, with white hair and beard, and a thin figure, but his back was still straight, and one could still vaguely see the spirit of his youth.
Lin Wan'er entered silently, holding her breath, and only after confirming that her grandfather had written the last character did she gracefully bow.
"Granddaughter greets grandfather."
Lin Chengzong slowly put down his brush, shifting his gaze from the rice paper to his granddaughter.
He didn't speak immediately, but instead examined the words he had written, seemingly satisfied, yet also sighing.
He then looked up, his eyes gentle yet scrutinizing.
"You're back? Today is the Shangsi Festival, the fireworks outside are in full swing, did you go out for a walk and find something worthwhile?"
Lin Wan'er lowered her eyes and said respectfully, "Grandfather, the streets are very lively. I was thinking that since I heard that Li Yu, the heir of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, is fond of elegance, he might go out to enjoy himself. So I kept an eye out, but unfortunately... I didn't run into him."
After listening, Lin Chengzong's wrinkled face showed no emotion, but he suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze as deep as an ancient well.
"Oh? You didn't run into anyone else?"
Lin Wan'er's heart tightened, and her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched slightly.
She thought she was being discreet, but she never expected that her grandfather already knew.
"Grandfather, you are wise. Your granddaughter did indeed meet the Third Prince at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. She only exchanged greetings briefly and did not say much."
Lin Chengzong glanced at her, but didn't press her about why she had concealed it. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the calligraphy scroll and said meaningfully:
“Wan’er, you are insightful and should know the situation of my Lin family. Your father, brothers and younger brothers are all mediocre and not capable of shouldering great responsibilities. Marriage is the only way out.”
"But one wrong step can lead to total defeat. The Duke of Dingguo's mansion is on a smooth and easy path, while the Marquis of Yongning's mansion is forging ahead against the current..."
Lin Chengzong paused, glancing at his granddaughter out of the corner of his eye, "As for matters of the imperial family, the waters are deep and turbulent, and we must be especially careful. It's best not to wade into some muddy waters."
He didn't say it explicitly, but Lin Wan'er already understood.
Her grandfather was warning her not to get too close to the third prince, lest she be drawn into the struggle for the throne.
That would be too risky for the Lin family right now.
"Granddaughter will remember Grandfather's teachings, keep her distance from the Third Prince, and never get involved in trouble," Lin Wan'er replied respectfully, bowing her head.
Looking at his granddaughter, who had grown into a graceful young woman with a budding beauty, Lin Chengzong's aged eyes flashed with a complex emotion.
He waved his hand, gesturing for Lin Wan'er to sit down on the chair next to him.
"Your marriage concerns the future of the Lin family, so your father and I will naturally consider it carefully for you. Li Yu, the heir of the Duke of Dingguo, is gentle and kind, and comes from a distinguished and respectable family. He is a rare and good match."
"Xiao Jingheng, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Yongning, possesses exceptional abilities and enjoys the Emperor's favor; his future is limitless..."
As he spoke, his gaze fell on Lin Wan'er's face: "Grandfather wants to know, what are your thoughts on this matter?"
Lin Wan'er's fingertips curled slightly, but her face remained calm and expressionless:
"Granddaughter...I leave it to my grandfather and father to decide."
Lin Chengzong shook his head, his tone revealing a detached indifference that suggested he had seen through everything.
“You have been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, with a deep and thoughtful mind, unlike ordinary young ladies. On such an important matter, your grandfather would like to hear your true thoughts.”
"It's just the two of us here, grandmother and granddaughter, so please feel free to speak."
The study was silent for a moment, with only the crackling of the candlelight.
After a long while, Lin Wan'er raised her eyes and met her grandfather's penetrating gaze. She took a deep breath.
"Grandfather is wise. If it is only for your own safety, then Crown Prince Li is indeed the best choice."
She paused, then said, "But considering the future of the Lin family, I believe... the heir of the Marquis of Yongning might be worth a shot. Perhaps one day he can help the Lin family... regain its former glory!"
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