In the past, Princess Jinyi had thought Xu Lin was a playboy, perhaps approaching her with ulterior motives. But after spending some time with him, she finally understood him. He was cheerful and thoughtful, sincere, and well-written. His only flaw was his lack of martial arts skills. Despite being from the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion, he wasn't particularly skilled in the art.
Because of Xu Wen, they gradually became friends. Despite their five-year age difference, they had no difficulty communicating. Once, while they were out, a woman from a fishing village mistook them for a couple. Upon learning they weren't, she remarked that they clearly looked like one. It was quite embarrassing, but neither of them took it seriously.
After the ship departed, it would take at least a month or two for it to return. Princess Jinyi did not leave Quanzhou, but instead collected imported goods from various countries. Empress Jing'an often said that the world is round, and there are countless countries in the world. Some countries may have technologies far superior to ours. We should never be complacent and should humbly learn.
Although Princess Jinyi didn't believe the world was round, nor did she understand the laws governing the Earth's motion, she knew her mother was right. Her trip to Quanzhou was the ultimate privilege granted by her mother. After a year, Princess Jinyi would return to the palace to meet her husband.
Empress Jing'an didn't interfere with Princess Jinyi's marriage, but there was another princess next to her. There was no precedent in the royal family for a younger sister marrying off before the older sister did. The emperor's father had already chosen several candidates and had consulted with the men's parents, waiting for Princess Jinyi to return to the palace to make her choice.
Sometimes, Princess Jinyi would stand at the dock where the boats were coming and going, thinking about jumping on one of them and sailing away. She had never thought about getting married, and Princess Jinyi always felt that only by traveling far could she find her own way.
Another person who was also being urged to get married was Xu Lin. He was about to turn twenty-one, and many people his age had their children starting school. His friends and classmates had all married. Previously, Xu Lin had used the excuse that he couldn't marry without pursuing a degree, but now he said he was busy with official duties and couldn't get the Marquis's approval.
The Marquis's wife wrote to Xu Lin almost every three or four days, sometimes enclosing a portrait for him to see. Even the Marquis of Yongyi, who never spoke, sent a letter urging him to get married.
During one of their conversations, Xu Lin accidentally mentioned the contents of the letter. Princess Jinyi couldn't help but sigh. It was then that the two of them realized that they actually shared the same suffering, and it was like they had accidentally added another topic of conversation.
Having just taken office, Xu Lin had no desire to marry. His days were filled with activity, and the only time he could relax was when he met Princess Jinyi. He now treated her like a close friend, but he knew his place and didn't dare overstep the bounds. Occasionally, as he gazed at the delicate features of Princess Jinyi, Xu Lin's heart stirred slightly. But as a man who had never been moved by emotion, he didn't understand her feelings, and he nearly missed out on such a great opportunity.
March later, on New Year's Eve, the capital was already blanketed in snow, a chilly wind blew through. Meanwhile, Quanzhou was still like late autumn, only slightly cool during the day, only occasionally chilled by a strong sea breeze.
"Princess, we're back, the boat is back!" The senior palace maid Zhuang Yun came running in to report the news.
Princess Jinyi, who was sitting at the table writing a letter, was stunned for a moment when she heard the news. She put down her wolf hair brush and smiled, "It's good to be back!" Then she ordered, "Quick, change my clothes, and send someone to wait in the flower hall."
Before leaving the house, Princess Jinyi glanced at the half-written letter on the table, then walked out of the inner room.
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