Chapter 11. Chapter 11 is such a kind and polite little girl...
"Hello, beautiful lady, may I sit here?"
Lin Qingdai looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man standing not far away.
Bright and clean, even though his words weren't very proper, they didn't make Lin Qingdai feel uncomfortable.
The boy was none other than Ye Xiao, who had lost patience with studying and was wandering around.
Lin Qingdai smiled slightly at him, "Of course, this place was never originally mine."
Ye Xiao was delighted to hear this and sat down without hesitation.
"When did you start learning chess? Your skills are already so good."
As soon as Ye Xiao sat down, he started talking non-stop, as if he and Lin Qingdai were old friends who had been separated for a long time.
Lin Qingdai thought for a moment and said, "About four or five years old."
Ye Xiao: "..."
It doesn't cause much harm, but it's extremely humiliating.
"What’s wrong with you?"
Seeing the slight change in his expression, Lin Qingdai asked softly.
Ye Xiao smiled and answered truthfully, "When I was four or five years old, I was still playing in the mud in Lingdong. Every now and then I would cry and beg my cousin to take me to fight Dongshao Kingdom."
Lin Qingdai hesitated for a few moments before answering, "Is Dongshao Kingdom really as fierce as depicted in the stories?"
Ye Xiao asked curiously, "What does it say in the storybook?"
Lin Qingdai: "They say they are cunning and irritable, and any Xun soldiers who fall into their hands will suffer a terrible fate."
Ye Xiao: "These are facts."
"My brother, the one with the scar on his face."
Lin Qingdai nodded slightly, indicating that she knew. "What's wrong with him?"
Her heartbeat went erratically in the darkness she couldn't see, and suddenly, she couldn't control it.
“My brother had thought about joining the army to defend his country before, but he wasn’t really eager for it. He was just like any other young man with a sense of honor from an ordinary family. Until one time, the Dongshao Kingdom launched a surprise attack on Sanxi Town in Lingdong and massacred a large number of civilians. Among them was my brother’s classmate and good friend, Liao Haiping.”
“Lingdong is not like the capital; it is very poor, and very few people are willing to send their children to school to learn to read and write.”
The Liao family was one of these very few, and they placed high hopes on Liao Haiping.
But they didn't live to see Liao Haiping achieve success.
Not only that, the whole family didn't even have a complete corpse.
"sorry."
Lin Qingdai sincerely apologized, saying she didn't mean to reopen old wounds.
Ye Xiao snapped out of his reverie, then smiled at her, "You're not the one who caused the trouble, why are you so guilty?"
"In short, we in Lingdong and Dongshao have a blood feud. In the end, there is only one outcome: either they will all die, or we will be reduced to ashes."
Lin Qingdai: "Lingdong will surely win."
The girl spoke softly, but her bias was blatant.
Ye Xiao was amused, "Lingdong will surely win."
No sooner had they finished speaking than they heard a cough coming from the second floor. The volume wasn't loud, but Ye Xiao and Lin Qingdai both looked over immediately because they recognized Ji Yujing's voice.
"elder brother."
Ye Xiao grinned at him, revealing a set of big white teeth.
Ji Yujing's face was cold, and his tone was also low and cold, "Come up."
The pressure was intense, but Ye Xiao didn't take it too seriously.
He knew Ji Yujing all too well; after a trip to the battlefield, he would be "cold" for days. At times like these, never mess with Master Jing.
"Compliance" ensures safety.
"Okay, coming right away."
After saying that, he quickly stood up and bid farewell to Lin Qingdai: "I'm off. Make plenty of medicinal food, I can eat a lot."
Lin Qingdai was amused by him and said, "Okay."
Ye Xiao arrived at Ji Yujing's side as quickly as possible. At that time, he had returned to the room where he had taken a bath and was sitting by the small round table.
Ye Xiao sat down next to him, as loud and boisterous as ever: "Brother, I wanted to go out and help you earlier, but Grandpa wouldn't let me. He even threatened me. Shameless."
"Furthermore, I heard that..."
Ye Xiao tried his best to clear his name, but Ji Yujing didn't let him have his way and quickly intercepted him.
"What were you saying to Lin Qingdai down there just now?"
Ye Xiao: "I didn't reveal your identity."
Ji Yujing knew he wasn't lying. Although Ye Xiao seemed carefree, he was actually quite tactful.
He knows exactly what he should and shouldn't do.
However, Ji and Jing remained silent.
Seeing this, Ye Xiao couldn't help but feel a little anxious.
You don't believe me?
"I swear to God I was just tired of studying and went to chat with the pretty girl."
Ye Xiao's expression brightened when he mentioned the rather pleasant chat they had had earlier.
"This second daughter of the Lin family is very different from the noble ladies I remember. I told her about the deep-seated blood feud between Lingdong and Dongshao Kingdom, and guess what she did?"
"Um?"
Seeing that Ji Yujing finally gave some response, Ye Xiao became even more excited.
"She first apologized to me, and then said that Lingdong would definitely win."
"What a kind-hearted and polite little beauty."
Ji Yujing: "Why are you telling her these things for no reason?"
Ye Xiao: "..."
He can't remember?
Did our conversation end here?
But you can't say this to your cousin, it would make him seem really stupid.
After a moment's thought, he decided to use a feigned retreat: "Then why did you take your little beauty to watch a murder? What were you thinking?"
Ji Yujing: "..."
Seeing that the situation was not good, Ye Xiao quickly got up and retreated towards the door. His lightness skill was really good, and it only took him a moment to reach the door.
"Young Master Lin and his friend should be back soon, right? I'll go see if there's anything I can do to help."
"Little beauty, no, it must be very tiring for your sister-in-law to prepare medicinal meals all by herself."
After saying that, he left the room without looking back.
After leaving, he thoughtfully closed the door for Ji Yujing.
Ji Yujing looked at this absurd situation and laughed in anger.
A moment later, the soft silk pouch returned to his palm.
Place your fingers on it and gently rub it.
The sweet, fruity aroma wafted out again; the smell he disliked, yet strangely comforting.
...
"Girl, we've arrived."
"Um."
After many twists and turns, Lin Qingwu finally arrived at Huaxi Temple.
Just as Nian Santong had said, this place was sparsely populated and extremely quiet.
But it's not like there's no one at all.
As soon as Lin Qingwu got off the carriage, she saw a magnificent and exquisite carriage parked in front of Huaxi Temple, which at a glance belonged to a wealthy family.
At first, Lin Qingwu didn't think much of it.
She knows this place, and others will know it too; it's nothing unusual.
Although Huaxi Temple is secluded, it covers a vast area and its architecture is quite exquisite.
It is untouched by the filth and clamor of the world, and walking through it is a truly refreshing experience.
Lin Qingwu arrived at the main hall without any problems.
At that moment, the master was interpreting fortune sticks for a young man dressed in a white brocade robe.
The two chatted and laughed across a long table, creating a very peaceful atmosphere.
With just one glance, Lin Qingwu was certain that the white-robed young man was the Second Prince, Song Yunlan.
Why is he here?
Was it a coincidence, or did he come here specifically to wait for her?
In the blink of an eye, Lin Qingwu had thought of many things.
By the time the master and the second prince looked over, her surprise and doubt had completely disappeared.
"What a coincidence?"
She spoke first, and at the same time, stepped into the main hall.
With each step, the light gauze fluttered, creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Song Yunlan smiled and said, "It is indeed a coincidence."
He acted very naturally, as if today's meeting was really just a coincidence.
"Is Sister Qingwu here to draw a marriage fortune slip too?"
Lin Qingwu: "Yes."
"How did the Second Prince draw?"
The old host then spoke, "A favorable draw."
"How so?"
"There may be ups and downs, but in the end, happiness and fulfillment will be achieved."
Lin Qingwu smiled politely: "Then congratulations, Your Highness."
Song Yunlan accepted the blessing with a smile, then left the main hall, a departure so decisive that Lin Qingwu could hardly believe it.
But she showed no sign of it on her face, and respectfully curtsied, saying, "Qingwu sees Your Highness off."
After he walked away, Lin Qingwu explained her purpose to the master and successfully drew a fortune stick.
It turned out to be a lucky draw.
The master looked at Lin Qingwu and said, "What you gave up may be a unique honor in this world. Do you not regret it?"
Lin Qingwu stood there stunned. After a long while, she finally found her voice, gentle yet firm.
No regrets.
The wife of the King of Lingdong was naturally of unparalleled nobility in the world.
But she didn't like Ji Yujing.
Having witnessed her parents' pure and sweet love, she couldn't tolerate settling for less.
Furthermore, this prestige has not been lost.
It still belongs to the Lin family.
It belongs to her sister.
Dai Dai, who was clearly sick and weak, still had the delusion of protecting her.
"As long as you have no regrets, you will be happy. This is the best possible fortune."
"I also want to get one for my sister."
The master smiled and said, "No need. One sign indicates two marriages. If you don't regret it, she will be at peace."
"Go."
Lin Qingwu left a considerable amount of money as incense money with the guards, and then left with the divination slips.
She carefully tucked it into her bosom, and the anxiety she had been carrying finally subsided.
She will be happy.
Dai Dai can do that too.
That's great, that's really great.
After Lin Qingwu walked away, the master, who had been sitting calmly with gentle eyes, suddenly sighed deeply.
The young monk inside the hall asked him, "Master, why are you sighing?"
The master remained silent for a moment before replying, "It will change."
The second prince is the most popular candidate to become the future crown prince.
His fortune slip was extremely ominous.
He had a wife but no children, and did not die a peaceful death.
Lin Qingwu and her guards returned along the same route, feeling wonderful.
Unexpectedly, this wonderful moment did not last long. At the end of the narrow flower corridor, they encountered Song Yunlan again.
“Sister Qingwu, let’s talk alone.”
Lin Qingwu knew his personality; he was used to being domineering and couldn't tolerate dissent.
So she gave up arguing with him, and with a flick of her wrist, before the ripples of her sleeves had even stopped, the guards had already retreated.
She slowly walked to Song Yunlan's side and said softly, "Second Brother, I know you can't bear to part with Dai Dai, but you know in your heart that even if I marry into Lingdong, His Majesty..."
She would not marry Dai Dai to him.
If His Majesty wanted to, he would have already granted the marriage.
However, she couldn't bring herself to say it, because Song Yunlan said "Shut up."
This shout, carrying a chilling ferocity, startled Lin Qingwu.
For a moment, she was speechless.
Song Yunlan seemed to realize his loss of control; his fingers curled slightly, gradually calming his anger. When he spoke again, his expression and voice were much gentler.
"Sister Qingwu, it was your second brother's fault just now."
"Second brother is just resentful, do you understand?"
Lin Qingwu: "Second brother, I understand."
Lin Qingwu didn't dare say another harsh word; she still wanted to return safely to her sister's side to enjoy nourishing medicinal cuisine.
"Second brother, are you waiting for me here because you have something to say to me?"
Song Yunlan: "Yes."
Lin Qingwu: "Second Brother, please speak."
Song Yunlan immediately took out a jade pendant from his sleeve pocket. The side facing the light was engraved with a lotus flower.
The lotus leaves are green, but the lotus flowers are a soft pink.
A jade pendant with two colors, perfectly natural, is a rare find in the world.
And the lotus was Dai Dai's favorite flower.
"For Dai Dai?" Lin Qingwu asked, but she was actually quite certain in her heart.
Song Yunlan nodded. "This is a gift from Second Brother to Dai Dai for the Luhua Festival."
Lin Qingwu felt it was inappropriate: "Second Brother, it would be better if you handed it over to Dai Dai yourself?"
Song Yunlan smiled wryly: "Sister Qingwu, at such a sensitive time, it's as difficult as climbing to heaven for your second brother to see Daidai."
"You just need to take the jade pendant to Dai Dai. If she doesn't like it, she can bring it back to me on the night of the Luhua Festival."
That makes some sense.
Furthermore, Lin Qingwu really didn't want to spend any more time with Song Yunlan.
In her mind, of the emperor's four sons, the one she disliked the most was the one standing before her. Every time she met him, a chill ran down her spine, a feeling akin to being coiled by a long, spotted snake in a dark, gloomy cave.
Thank goodness His Majesty didn't grant her a marriage, otherwise her Dai Dai would have suffered terribly.
With a wave of thoughts, Lin Qingwu finally reached out and took the jade pendant into her palm.
"If there's nothing else, Qingwu will take her leave first."
Song Yunlan smiled and nodded.
When Lin Qingwu returned to the Tulou, Lin Qingyu and Song Yunyan had already returned.
In the bright, open space, sunlight streamed in, illuminating several handsome young men. They were sorting herbs, some picking the tips, others trimming the roots for later use.
"You're back just in time. Go help Dai Dai in the kitchen."
Why aren't you going?
"She thinks we're clumsy and an eyesore. Everyone says that our Dai Dai is the most beautiful flower in the capital, but they don't know that this flower has thorns that can prick people."
Upon seeing Lin Qingwu, Song Yunyan immediately started chatting with her. He claimed to be talking about his heartbreak, but in reality, it was all about his doting affection and favoritism towards Lin Qingdai.
Hearing this, Lin Qingyu couldn't help but chime in, "What's wrong with getting pricked? There are plenty of people who want to get pricked but don't even have the chance."
"Besides, Dai Dai isn't wrong. You are indeed clumsy, and that's well-known in the capital."
"Lin Qingyu, that's enough, isn't it? Don't think that just because Dai Dai and Qing Wu are protecting you, I won't dare to hit you."
Seeing the commotion getting out of hand, Lin Qingwu chuckled and shook her head, then headed towards the kitchen.
After she left, only Ji, Jing, and the other three remained.
Ye Xiao continued picking through the herbs, then looked up at Song Yunyan, "In the capital, there must be many young masters who like pretty girls."
Song Yunyan looked at him in the direction of the voice: "You mean Dai Dai?"
Ye Xiao: "Mm."
Song Yunyan: "Absolutely. If it weren't for the Lin family's high threshold, which makes them afraid, the Lin family would probably be bustling with visitors every day."
"Even my second brother... never mind, let's not talk about him."
Ye Xiao smiled, and the conversation ended there.
In a corner unnoticed by them, Ji Yujing's dark eyes were unfathomable, and no one knew what he was thinking.
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