Inside the study, General Xie walked behind the desk before looking at Xie Lingqin and asking, "The Zong government was attacked last night. Were you frightened?"
"Father, you've worried me. I slept so soundly yesterday that I knew nothing about it and wasn't frightened at all. In fact, I heard from my grandfather this morning that most of those people were heading towards my cousin."
"That's good." General Xie tapped the table, then walked out from behind, his hands behind his back, as if he were thinking about something.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Xie Lingqin felt that General Xie was acting strangely today. As a general who had commanded thousands of troops, General Xie was not usually such a hesitant person, even though he was always suspicious and selfish.
However, Xie Lingqin was not in a hurry and simply stood there calmly.
“You turned sixteen last year, and after the New Year this year, you’ll be sixteen.” After a long silence, General Xie finally spoke, his gaze falling on Xie Lingqin with a fatherly kindness.
Xie Lingqin was somewhat surprised, but she kept all her emotions hidden and nodded gently, "Yes, Father."
"Originally, because of your mother's past friendship with Consort Lan, the mother of Prince Xian, a marriage was arranged for you. However, things are unpredictable... Now that Prince Xian has broken off the engagement, the matter cannot be undone, so there is no need for you to feel sorry for yourself."
Xie Lingqin's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but her expression remained respectful. "Father, rest assured, this matter has been over for several days, and I have composed myself."
"Yes, and in recent days, it's almost common knowledge that the Prince Xian has feelings for Lingyu, as you know," General Xie added, then sighed as he met Xie Lingqin's clear eyes, which were like a lake at dawn. "You are the eldest daughter, and your father cannot forget you."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lingqin's heart stirred.
Could it be...?
"The Minister of Works' eldest son is handsome and talented, skilled in both literature and martial arts. What do you think?"
Is that alright?
Xie Lingqin looked up and met General Xie's gaze.
The eldest son of the Minister of Works is handsome and talented, skilled in both literature and martial arts. Doesn't his father feel ashamed to say such a thing?
A handsome and talented man, he frequented the flower-lined alley.
He was skilled in both literature and martial arts, but carried the weight of human lives on his shoulders.
Not only that, I heard she also had venereal disease.
Although these were cryptic messages, she had naturally heard about them when she was learning about the world and Bei Rong a few days ago. Moreover, the original owner of this body had also overheard her second aunt talking about them with someone.
Xie Lingqin didn't believe this father; she didn't know him.
General Xie sighed again and looked at Xie Lingqin, "Your second aunt did something wrong before, so I put her under house arrest. But in the end, considering how much she has worked for the General's Mansion over the years, I lifted her house arrest order."
"Second Aunt has indeed worked hard, and Father's actions are understandable."
Xie Lingqin chuckled inwardly, trying to guess General Xie's thoughts, and replied accordingly.
Sure enough, seeing that she had no objections, General Xie's scrutiny lessened a bit, and he looked at Xie Lingqin, "You should be grateful to your second aunt. She has worried herself sick over your marriage."
"So, Father, have you made up your mind?" Xie Lingqin looked at General Xie, her eyebrows slightly lowered, her demeanor neither humble nor arrogant, displaying just the right amount of gentleness.
She didn't exhibit the shyness one would expect from a young woman, but rather spoke frankly and openly.
"If you have no objections, the Ministry of Works will naturally have no objections either, after all, you are the legitimate daughter of my General's Mansion."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lingqin sneered inwardly. Indeed, the Ministry of Works was trying to climb the social ladder.
However, this general's mansion has been a mere shell of a mansion for many years, holding only a title without any real power. Who would be willing to marry her? The Ministry of Works would probably only agree if it were a risk, for the sake of the secret she possesses.
After a moment's hesitation, Xie Lingqin's eyes flashed, and she suddenly said softly, "Father, I've always heard that Mother once commanded 50,000 soldiers to repel the barbarians and defend the Northern Rong Mountains and Rivers. Do you know where those 50,000 soldiers are?"
"Why are you suddenly asking this?" General Xie's expression darkened noticeably.
Xie Lingqin was somewhat surprised by General Xie's strong reaction, but she remained calm. Instead, her voice softened, tinged with confusion, "No, it's just that I had a dream last night. I suddenly dreamt of my mother, and then I thought about some things I heard when I went to Xiaofahua Temple..."
"You dreamed of your mother. Did she say anything to you?" General Xie's voice was much calmer, and there was a hint of expectation on his face.
Xie Lingqin, seemingly oblivious, shook her head, "It's all blurry, I don't remember anything."
"Oh." Upon hearing this, General Xie seemed to be relieved or disappointed. He then said, "You were young when your mother passed away, so you didn't know anything. As for the rumors outside, you don't need to take them to heart. They are just hearsay and not to be believed."
“Father is right.”
Xie Lingqin gave a slight bow, but secretly took in the dark and complicated emotions in General Xie's eyes out of the corner of her eye. Then, she said softly, "I'm sorry to trouble Father with Lingqin's marriage. If Father has nothing else, then I will take my leave."
“…Alright.” General Xie was clearly surprised, as if he hadn’t expected Xie Lingqin to say that.
However, as Xie Lingqin reached the door, a cold glint flashed in her eyes.
If you want me to marry you, and I object, I'm afraid I wouldn't even be able to leave this room today.
However, if you are ruthless, don't blame me for being unjust.
The door opened, and Xie Lingqin saw not Zihe, but a guard from General Xie's side. "Reporting to Miss, the old woman from Consort Wan's side came by just now and asked Zihe to fetch something, but she hasn't returned yet."
The guard reported with his head bowed.
Xie Lingqin glanced at the guard, her gaze turning slightly cold. She had a bad feeling and was about to speak when a middle-aged woman rushed in from outside the courtyard. "General... Miss, something bad has happened!"
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
