Третий учёный династии Сун

Глава 4

The dilapidated temple was deserted; the cobwebs on the beams and the thick layer of dust everywhere indicated that no one had been there for a long time. Only the pool of burnt candle wax on the offering table proved that someone had been there the night before. Lin Suyang searched everywhere but couldn't find any trace of Qin Yu. He then ran into the street and searched for a long time, but found not a single clue.

"My mother said she lost something very important at Baixun Tower, and I want to help her find it." A sentence Qin Yu had said before flashed through Lin Suyang's mind. He immediately rushed home, mounted his horse Yi, and sped towards Xiangkong Mountain.

A heavy rain had fallen last night, and the rugged path was covered in mud. The fast horse galloped along, splashing high into the mud.

By the time they reached the summit of Chuyan Peak, it was already dark. Lin Suyang saw Qin Yu's thin figure kneeling on the ground from afar. He felt a pang of heartache and ran over to her, grabbing her hand and shaking it vigorously: "Are you crazy? Why did you come all the way here alone?"

Qin Yu forcefully shook off his hand, saying weakly, "What are you doing here? Go away, I told you I never want to see you again." Lin Suyang then noticed that Qin Yu was soaking wet, her cheeks flushed an unnatural red. "Are you sick?" Lin Suyang reached out to touch her forehead. "None of your business." Qin Yu tried to slap his hand away again but lacked the strength. Suddenly, everything went black, and she fainted.

Lin Suyang was certain that Qin Yu had caught a fever from being caught in the rain last night. He looked around but couldn't find a place to stay, so he had no choice but to carry Qin Yu down the mountain step by step and find the cave they had stayed in that day and crawl inside.

Lin Suyang took off her own clothes and changed into Qin Yu's wet ones. Then she found some water and used her hands to pat Qin Yu's forehead to cool her down. Qin Yu's temperature was rising higher and higher, and she was delirious with fever, calling out in a hoarse voice, "Lin Suyang, Lin Suyang..." Lin Suyang quickly looked up and saw that she still had her eyes closed. She held her hand tightly and gently said, "I'm here." Perhaps Lin Suyang's voice made Qin Yu feel a little at ease, because she gradually calmed down, and her temperature slowly dropped. Lin Suyang felt exhausted, but she didn't dare to fall asleep, afraid that Qin Yu's temperature would rise again. So she forced her eyes open and looked at the restless Qin Yu. "Why are you doing this?" Lin Suyang said blankly.

Outside the cave, insects chirped loudly, but inside, there was a profound silence. Lin Suyang couldn't help but recall his past life, a life filled with loneliness and solitude. He had never imagined that someone would grieve for him to this extent, even though this "him" was not the real him.

He recalled Qin Yu's words: Are women truly destined to be heartbroken and devastated by men from birth? Su Qingwan, to attract Lin Cheng's attention, went so far as to have her daughter change her gender and dress as a boy from a young age; Qin Yu's mother, too, died tragically because of the emperor. Let alone this era, even in his previous life, how many women didn't exhaust their entire lives for men only to be met with their disdain? Should they be blamed for their foolishness or pitied for their misery? Sometimes, Lin Suyang truly wished he were a man, so he could wholeheartedly love a woman.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Eleven: I Will Marry No One But You (Part Two)

As soon as Qin Yu opened her eyes, she saw Lin Suyang's stunningly beautiful face looking at her with concern. She closed her eyes briefly, then suddenly lunged forward and hugged Lin Suyang's neck.

"What should I do? I've really fallen in love with you." She cried, "Reason tells me I can't, I can't, you're a woman. I want to follow my mother's example and leave my heart here, but I can't. I can't forget your gentleness, I can't forget the kindness you showed me, I can't forget the freedom you taught me. What should I do? I can't forget!" Her sobs grew louder and louder. Lin Suyang let her tears soak his shirt.

"Why did you come? Why did you make me even more hopeless?" Qin Yu sobbed uncontrollably. Lin Suyang paused, his hand patting her back. "Because I was worried about you." "I don't want your worry, I don't want your pity... How can I, the dignified Princess Jingyang, have fallen in love with a woman, and so deeply? How can you expect me to accept this?" Qin Yu pushed Lin Suyang away and stumbled to her feet. She said to him, "If you don't leave, I will. From now on, my life or death is none of your concern."

Lin Suyang grabbed her arm: "I'll marry you." Qin Yu was stunned, staring at him in disbelief: "What did you say?" "I'll marry you," Lin Suyang said earnestly, gently pulling her closer: "Since you can't forget, then don't forget. Rather than letting you suffer like your mother for a real man your whole life, it's better for you to stay by my side. From now on, it will only be the two of us, and we'll never be apart." That way, you won't follow in your mother's footsteps, and that way, you can break free from the constraints of the palace and be free.

"Wait patiently for me. Once I pass the imperial examination with top honors, I will welcome you, Princess Jingyang, into the Lin family in grand style." Lin Suyang gently wiped away Qin Yu's tears, and Qin Yu slowly leaned against him, holding him tightly.

“In the past, whenever my mother sat quietly under the withered tree playing the zither, I could always feel a kind of lonely sorrow in her music. At that time, I didn’t understand why my mother, who was the emperor’s concubine, had no worries about food or clothing and held a noble status, was so unhappy. Later, I realized what she really needed. So I thought, would my fate be like my mother’s, like those women in the palace, spending my life in a secluded mansion without a sky, because I am a princess and destined to have no freedom?” Qin Yu lay down next to Lin Suyang and said with her eyes closed, “So I took to wandering around. Although my brother was not my mother’s biological son, he treated me very well. He was often scolded by the emperor for taking the blame for me. The emperor couldn’t bear to hit him because his mother was the emperor’s most beloved empress, Jin. When empress Jin passed away, the whole country mourned. That day was the day I was born.”

A single tear rolled down Qin Yu's cheek. "After my mother died, I thought that no one would ever treat me well again except my brother. The palace is a place full of intrigue and danger. Until I met you. When you told me you were a woman, I felt utterly heartbroken, as if the sky had fallen. I didn't grieve for a man like my mother did, but I wanted to throw myself off a cliff for a woman." Lin Suyang held Qin Yu's hand tightly, a wave of fear washing over her.

"Then I thought, if I love someone, I love them. So what if she's a woman? At least I don't have to worry about her cheating on me. So when you told me you were going to marry me, do you know how happy I was?" Qin Yu smiled, opening his eyes to look at Lin Suyang.

Lin Suyang looked back at her and answered firmly, "I will make you happy for the rest of your life."

Lin Suyang and Qin Yu returned to the Lin residence the following afternoon. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that Qin Yu had been found. Lin Suyang said to Qin Hao, "Quickly take her back to see the imperial physician. She had a fever last night; I wonder if she's better." He then glanced at Qin Yu. He then said to Feng Hanyu, "Hanyu, you should go back too. Everyone's tired." Feng Hanyu looked at his weary appearance and nodded.

After everyone had left, Lin Suyang said to Lin Cheng, "Father, I have something to tell you."

This was the first time Lin Suyang had voluntarily entered the study. Previously, she was either forced to come to study or summoned by Lin Cheng for questioning.

Lin Suyang stood still in the room. Lin Cheng sat in a chair, waiting for him to speak.

"I want to marry Princess Jingyang," Lin Suyang said slowly. "I guessed that," Lin Cheng tapped the table lightly. "But son, do you know what makes you so special?"

“I know,” Lin Suyang replied. “I will definitely win first place in the scientific expedition.”...

From that day on, Lin Suyang stayed in his study, engrossed in his studies, never leaving the house. The imperial examinations of the Great Central Kingdom were scheduled for early June. Fortunately, he had read many books here in his spare time; otherwise, how could he possibly finish in just over a month? Lin Cheng was secretly gratified. After so many years, his unfilial son had finally taken things seriously for once. Even if it was for a woman, it was better than doing nothing all day.

When Feng Hanyu entered Lin Suyang's room with a gloomy expression, he saw Lin Suyang sitting there lazily reading a book. "Are you really working so hard to pass the imperial examinations just to marry Qin Yu?" Feng Hanyu asked dangerously as he approached Lin Suyang. He placed his hands on the armrests of the chair, effectively encircling Lin Suyang. His eyes held an undisguised turbulent undercurrent of desire.

"Don't do that, Hanyu," Lin Suyang said calmly, "otherwise, I'll think you have homosexual tendencies." He felt Feng Hanyu stiffen all over, and then slowly straighten up.

"Yes, I must pass the imperial examinations and achieve official rank, and I will marry no one but her." Lin Suyang stared intently at him. Feng Hanyu felt a pang of pain in his heart and left the Lin residence expressionlessly.

Since returning that day, both Lin Suyang and Qin Yu have changed a lot. Lin Suyang has become more nonchalant, spending all her time reading. Qin Yu, on the other hand, has become quieter and more obedient, often sitting by the window lost in thought and smiling to herself. Qin Hao doesn't know what happened between her and Lin Suyang; Qin Yu hasn't mentioned a word about it since she returned, not even the name Lin Suyang.

Finally, one day, Qin Hao couldn't help but ask, "Yu'er, tell your brother what happened?" Qin Yu turned her head, looked at him and smiled, "Brother, don't worry, just prepare my dowry properly."

"Dowry?" Qin Hao asked, puzzled. "Su Yang is working hard to prepare for the imperial examination so he can marry me. I believe he will succeed," Qin Yu continued, her face beaming with happiness.

What? Qin Hao's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't Lin Suyang a woman? Why would he want to marry Yu'er? But seeing that Qin Yu didn't seem to be lying, Qin Hao began to doubt his initial guess. Could it be that he really was a man? No, maybe he was just saying that to reassure Yu'er. Qin Hao felt a strange mix of emotions, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.

The imperial examination system of the Great Yang Kingdom was similar to that of the Tang Dynasty, with examination subjects divided into regular and special categories. Lin Suyang was to participate in the regular examination, which was held every three years. The regular examination only had two subjects: Jinshi (进士) and Xiucai (秀才), with the Jinshi subject being particularly valued at the time. Many officials in the court were Jinshi graduates. Regular examination candidates came from two sources: students and candidates from the provincial examinations. Those who came from the schools of Yundu and the prefectures and counties and were sent to the Ministry of Personnel to take the examination were called students, so Lin Suyang's situation would be considered that of a student; those who did not come from schools but first took the examinations in the prefectures and counties and were sent to the Ministry of Personnel to take the examination were called candidates from the provincial examinations.

The Jinshi degree was highly valued for its poetry and prose, which was precisely Lin Suyang's forte. The regular imperial examinations were presided over by the Assistant Minister of Personnel, and passing the Jinshi examination was called "ascending the dragon gate." The top scholar was called Zhuangyuan, followed by Bangyan and Tanhua. After passing the regular examinations, candidates still had to undergo an examination by the Ministry of Personnel, called the Selection Examination. Only those who passed could be granted official positions. Otherwise, they could only serve as assistant officials under local military governors.

A few days before the imperial examination, Lin Ziyan finally passed the test and became the commander of the Imperial City Guard, under the command of Prince Yin, Qin Ke. Lin Suyang was wondering why he hadn't heard from Qin Ke recently. It turned out that he, like Lin Ziyan, had gone to the military camp in the suburbs, but this time as an examiner.

When Lin Ziyan heard that Lin Suyang was preparing diligently for the imperial examination, he was delighted and said that the whole family could serve as officials in the same court. He did not know that Lin Suyang was only involved in officialdom for Qin Yu's sake.

Not long after Lin Ziyan returned home, someone from the Prince Yin's residence sent a message inviting the young master Lin to come over. Lin Suyang had already guessed that Qin Ke wouldn't let him off the hook, so after making preparations, he leisurely boarded the carriage sent by them.

"Are you serious?" Qin Ke asked as soon as he entered Qin Ke's study, standing in front of him.

"Hmm." Lin Suyang remained indifferent. Qin Ke looked deeply at the person in front of him who had stirred up so much emotion within him, and then said softly, "As long as you're happy."

Lin Suyang didn't understand and looked at him in confusion, but Qin Ke turned around and said, "I'm waiting for your good results."

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Twelve: Hearing the Imperial Decree Before the Palace

The number of candidates for the imperial examination in the 41st year of the Shunli reign was the largest. Lin Suyang was calm and composed in the examination hall and performed with ease. After several days of examinations, he was still refreshed and full of energy.

The day before the results were announced, Lin Cheng excitedly returned to the Lin residence and told Lin Suyang, "Today I asked Vice Minister Li of the Ministry of Personnel to check, and he said you came out on top." His voice was filled with undisguised excitement. He had originally thought that it would be good if he could make it into the top twenty, but who would have thought that he would come out on top? Lin Cheng was so happy that he could hardly stop smiling.

Lin Suyang didn't care. It was expected anyway. Was his memory from two lifetimes useless? He also learned that this year's second and third place winners were Ouyang Yufeng and Liu Ming, whom he had heard about at the Peach Blossom Banquet.

On the day the results were announced, an imperial edict arrived, stating that Lin Suyang was exempt from the Ministry of Personnel's selection examination and would be directly examined by the Emperor in the Jinhe Hall three days later. Such situations were common in the Great Yang Kingdom; being exempted from the Ministry of Personnel's selection examination and directly undergoing the Emperor's review meant that if the review was passed, it was equivalent to becoming a disciple of the Emperor, and the official rank would be one level higher than those who passed the selection examination. No wonder Lin Cheng's excitement upon receiving the imperial edict was even more exaggerated than when he learned that Lin Suyang had topped the list.

Since Lin Suyang had not yet been granted an official title, he could only meet the emperor in a dark-patterned brocade robe. He was astonished to find that the overall layout of the Jinhe Hall was remarkably similar to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City: sixteen golden pillars stood at the front, and a three-tiered, five-tiered platform led to the hall. The entire hall was ornately decorated and magnificent. In the center of the hall was a platform about two meters high, upon which rested a nanmu throne carved with golden dragons. Behind it was a gilded screen, in front was an imperial desk, and to the left and right were symmetrical auspicious beasts and incense burners. The floor was paved with golden bricks, smooth as a mirror, as if covered with a layer of water, emitting a dim light.

Upon reaching the center of the main hall, Lin Suyang, Liu Ming, Ouyang Yufeng, and others immediately performed the grand ceremony of emperor and subject.

"Rise." A majestic yet aged voice came from ahead. Lin Suyang rose and looked up, only to see Emperor Shun, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sitting upright on the dragon throne. His eyes, though sharp, could not conceal the vicissitudes of time. His face, somewhat similar to Qin Hao's, still faintly revealed the handsome and dashing appearance of his youth.

Since Emperor Shun ascended the throne at the age of seventeen, for a full forty-one years, the Great Yang Kingdom has enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests, and the country has prospered. Not only the people of the Great Yang Kingdom, but even powerful enemies from neighboring countries all call him a wise emperor. It is just a pity that people will eventually grow old. Emperor Shun is gradually becoming less and less capable of handling state affairs. Now, he has even allowed Crown Prince Yide to attend court sessions and has entrusted many state affairs to the Crown Prince to handle alone. It seems that the day he abdicates is not far away.

"I have read your articles. They are insightful and well-written. I am very pleased that our Great Central Plains is full of talented people," Emperor Shun said. "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty," Lin Suyang and the others replied with a bow.

"Then, who among you can answer me, what is the meaning of being a subject?"

Upon hearing Emperor Shun's question, Liu Ming immediately stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, a subject must be loyal to the emperor and love the country, placing the emperor above all else, and assisting him with all his heart and strength. Everything I do is in accordance with the emperor's orders and actions, which is my lifelong principle." Liu Ming's undisguised flattery in his words lowered Lin Suyang's impression of him to its lowest point.

Emperor Shun frowned slightly upon hearing Liu Mingdi's answer. Seeing Lin Suyang and Ouyang Yufeng standing silently to the side, he looked at them and asked, "What are your thoughts on the top two scholars?"

Ouyang Yufeng pondered for a moment, then stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that a subject should be loyal to the emperor and love the people. The people are like water, and the emperor is like a boat. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. A subject's duty is to assist the emperor in governing diligently, and also to care for the people and their livelihood to ensure the stability of the people's waters and the peace and well-being of our nation.” Lin Suyang saw that Ouyang Yufeng's answer was neither humble nor arrogant, and his uprightness was awe-inspiring. He could tell that Ouyang Yufeng would surely become an upright official in the future.

Emperor Shun smiled and nodded. Then he looked at Lin Suyang. Lin Suyang's lips curled slightly. He stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, please allow me to answer this question first: What is a ruler? A ruler, with the countenance of an emperor, surveys the world with disdain. His power lies in traversing the four corners of the land, and his spirit in uniting the people within the seas. This is the heart of an emperor. If an emperor wishes to conquer the borders, he must have the support of the inner court. If he wishes for a prosperous country and a peaceful people, he must have diligent ministers. Therefore, if the ruler is upright, the ministers can be upright; if the ruler is strong, the ministers can be at peace. As for a minister, the first priority is to treat the virtuous with respect and to cherish the people. With the wisdom and talent of the capable people of the world as a pen, and the hearts of the people as paper, one can paint our beautiful land forever. The minister is the one who gathers the pen and the paper."

Lin Suyang didn't directly state how a subject should behave. Instead, he talked about how a ruler should behave. He indirectly made it clear that the subjects would behave the way the ruler did, shifting all responsibility to the emperor while simultaneously agreeing with Ouyang Yufeng's view that the power of the people was paramount.

Emperor Shun was taken aback by Lin Suyang's cryptic reply. He then burst into laughter: "Excellent, excellent. As expected of the number one talent in Yundu. Not only is your eloquence superb, but your discourse on the relationship between ruler and subject is also very eloquent. I will wait and see what kind of subject you will be. The top three scholars of this imperial examination, the first, second, and third place, shall be appointed."

Lin Suyang and the other two immediately knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

"I hereby appoint Liu Ming, the third-ranked scholar, as the magistrate of Chenggao County; Ouyang Yufeng, the second-ranked scholar, as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy; and Lin Suyang, the top-ranked scholar, as a scholar in the Hanlin Academy and concurrently the head of the Imperial Household Department. They are hereby ordered to take office immediately."

"Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness."

Liu Ming was seething with resentment. The three of them had entered the palace, yet he had been assigned to the remote Chenggao County, while the other two enjoyed honors and sat comfortably in the capital. Especially Lin Suyang, who had even become a fourth-rank Hanlin Academy scholar—it was like heaven and earth compared to him. At this moment, Liu Ming looked at the two with eyes full of jealousy and envy. Meanwhile, the person in question was still troubled: how could a fourth-rank Hanlin Academy scholar, concurrently holding a minor official position, possibly marry Princess Jingyang?

Qin Yu heard from the palace servants that Lin Suyang had passed the imperial examination with top honors and been appointed as a scholar of the Hanlin Academy. Her bright, watery eyes filled with joy. She lifted her skirt and ran towards Mingchen Palace, the Crown Prince's sleeping quarters.

Qin Hao gently stroked the moonlit painting. The person had said they would come to collect it, but so much time had passed and they still hadn't come. Perhaps they had forgotten. Qin Hao sighed. It was probably for the best; at least it gave him something to look forward to. However, he was still somewhat happy. From now on, they would be in the same court and could see each other every day.

As soon as Qin Yu entered the hall, she saw her usually serious elder brother staring blankly at the calligraphy and paintings on the table. She walked over and gently called out, "Brother?"

Qin Hao snapped out of his reverie and smiled faintly at Qin Yu: "Yu'er, what brings you here so early?" Qin Yu looked at Qin Hao with a puzzled expression, then remembered the purpose of her visit. She stretched out her hand and said, "Royal brother, give me your token. I want to leave the palace." "Leave the palace? What for?" Qin Hao raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Lin Suyang has been appointed as a Hanlin Academy scholar by my father, and I want to go see him." Qin Yu stared at Qin Hao, his outstretched hand never lowering.

"No." Qin Hao said immediately, seemingly realizing that his words were somewhat inappropriate, and added, "Lin Suyang is currently under the public eye and is also an official of the court. If she is seen by others, how can the dignified Princess Jingyang not only show her face in public but also secretly meet with men?" In fact, only he himself knew that he felt a pang of displeasure knowing that Qin Yu was going to see Lin Suyang.

Qin Yu was surprised that her brother, who usually doted on her and was indifferent to external affairs, would refuse her today. She stubbornly held out her hand: "No, I will prepare very carefully." "I said no, and that's final," Qin Hao interrupted her irritably. After a pause, he added, "I'm a little tired. Yu'er, you should go back to the palace if you have nothing else to do." With that, he turned and walked towards the inner palace.

Qin Yu couldn't help but worry. Had her brother discovered something? She gritted her teeth and decided to take a risk.

Outside Chaoyang Gate, a young eunuch in blue robes was walking hurriedly with his head down, occasionally glancing back furtively, being extremely cautious. Once he was sure no one was following, he breathed a sigh of relief and strode towards the Minister's residence.

Lin Suyang has been extremely busy these past few days. Many people have come to offer their congratulations, and he also has to prepare for his upcoming appointment. The Emperor bestowed upon him a scholar's residence, but since it's still under renovation, he's currently living at home. Lin Cheng is all smiles, seeing his two sons so accomplished, he feels he has no regrets in this life. Lin Ziyan hasn't returned home for several days since celebrating Lin Suyang's official appointment. He's heard that the imperial guards are all very busy, especially the commander; it seems Lin Ziyan won't have many days of freedom.

Lin Suyang tidied the books in her room, considering whether to move them all to the new house. Just then, a servant came and said, "Young Master, there's a letter for you." A letter? Lin Suyang took it, opened it, and read: "Meet at the City God Temple, immediately." Unsigned. But who else but her would suggest meeting there? Lin Suyang changed into a moon-white long robe, put on a Dongpo scarf, and went out.

As soon as he stepped into the temple, he saw a person who looked like a little eunuch standing in front of him. Who else could it be but Qin Yu with such a bright and pretty face?

"Yu'er? Why are you dressed like this?" Lin Suyang tugged at Qin Yu's clothes and looked her over. Qin Yu hugged Lin Suyang tightly and said in a low voice, "Lin Suyang, I missed you." Lin Suyang didn't say anything more, but simply hugged Qin Yu back gently.

“My brother wouldn’t give me a token, so this is the only way I can see you.” Qin Yu buried her head in Lin Suyang’s neck, inhaling his faint fragrance. “My brother has changed a lot lately. He seems to be against us being together. Does he… know…” Lin Suyang frowned, then comforted her, “Don’t overthink it. Maybe the Emperor has given him too many things to handle, so it’s understandable that he’s in a bad mood.” Qin Yu nodded, “That’s true. Judging from Father’s expression, he must have wanted to hand the country over to my brother for a long time.” Saying this, Qin Yu raised her small face to look at Lin Suyang, “What should we do about our situation?”

Lin Suyang smiled faintly: "Don't worry, there will always be a way."

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Thirteen: Who is the Most Affectionate?

After the new Hanlin Academy was renovated, Lin Cheng sent more than ten carts of various sizes to the academy. As the father, he naturally had to show his appreciation for his son's move to a new home.

The scholar's residence wasn't large, but its layout was exquisite and orderly, with symmetrical east and west courtyards connected by a main courtyard. For a newly appointed official, receiving such a residence was truly rare, and Lin Suyang began to wonder what Emperor Shun's purpose was in bestowing such good treatment upon him. The residence was less than a hundred paces from the Prince Yin's residence, their gates facing each other. This discovery greatly annoyed Lin Suyang; why hadn't he come to check earlier? He could have easily turned down the offer. Listening to the old man's nagging at the Lin residence would have been far better than being neighbors with Qin Ke.

When he had finally settled in and had some free time, he suddenly realized that this place wasn't far from Willow Lane, and it seemed like it had been a long time since he'd been there. He wondered how Feng Hanyu was doing. Ever since Feng Hanyu learned that Lin Suyang had taken the imperial examination for Qin Yu, they hadn't seen each other again, and Lin Suyang, being busy, hadn't gone to see Feng Hanyu either.

The passage of time made Feng Hanyu believe he could forget that stunningly beautiful and aloof person, but he overestimated himself. Whether reading or playing the piano, the image of that person kept flashing in his eyes, and he could almost feel his unique aura when he closed his eyes. Feng Hanyu shook his head, realizing he was probably bewitched. This was a crucial time, and he couldn't let a moment of infatuation ruin his years-long plan.

Lin Suyang stood in his study, looking at the person in front of him, his heart filled with doubt. After thinking for a moment, he still spoke, "I wonder what brings Your Highness Prince Yin to visit so late at night?" He deliberately emphasized the word "late at night".

Qin Ke smiled and said, "I didn't expect Grand Scholar Lin to be so cautious. Is it because you don't welcome me, or... are you afraid?" Lin Suyang was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Not at all. It is an honor for this humble subject to have Your Highness come in person. I just don't know if Your Highness is so busy during the day that you can only meet with this humble subject at this time."

Qin Ke sensed the dissatisfaction in Lin Suyang's tone, but didn't dwell on it. He walked up to Lin Suyang, stared into his bright eyes, and slowly said, "I can help you." "What?" Lin Suyang was startled, but looked puzzled.

Qin Ke leaned closer, closer and closer, until they were almost nose to nose before stopping. "What are you thinking?" Lin Suyang felt a little awkward in this intimate position, so he shifted slightly to the side, avoiding Qin Ke's meaningful gaze, and said, "Would Your Highness know what I'm thinking?" Qin Ke noticed Lin Suyang's awkwardness, a slight smile playing on his lips, and slowly said, "Don't you want to marry Jingyang anymore?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Suyang looked at him sharply, asking warily, "What exactly does Your Highness want to say?" His tone was solemn and serious. Qin Ke lightly raised his hand, smoothing his disheveled hair at his temples, the movement incredibly natural and elegant. He turned and sat down in the chair behind Lin Suyang: "I can help you speak to the Emperor and arrange for Jingyang to be betrothed to you."

Everyone in the Great Central Plains knows that the current Emperor Qin Zi and his half-brother, the Ninth Prince Qin Ke, have an extraordinary relationship, with brotherly affection that is unparalleled. Based on this relationship, Lin Suyang might actually be able to get what he wants. However, the problem is why this Prince Yin would help someone who is completely unrelated to him, especially since this person is just a newly promoted fourth-rank official who wouldn't gain any benefit from it. Lin Suyang suddenly felt that this person was unusually difficult to understand.

“Of course, there are conditions to my help,” Qin Ke said again. Lin Suyang’s heart skipped a beat; as expected, things didn’t come so easily. He remained calm and listened quietly as Qin Ke continued. “I want you to come to the Prince’s mansion to stay one day every month after you get married,” Qin Ke said with a smile, as if it were a casual, everyday occurrence.

"Ah?" Lin Suyang exclaimed in surprise. "Don't worry. It's just playing the zither and composing poetry. I admire the literary talent of the number one scholar in Yundu, so I want to learn more. Don't get the wrong idea, Lord Lin..." Qin Ke said casually. No one would believe that was just a reason. Lin Suyang inwardly scorned him. However, he really hadn't figured out how to marry Qin Yu yet. Besides, what could a prince like him do to a Hanlin scholar with little real power?

Qin Ke noticed his hesitation. Adding fuel to the fire, he said, "This won't do Lord Lin any harm. He'll even win the heart of a beauty. Why not?" Lin Suyang thought for a long time. Finally, he raised his head and said, "Alright. I agree." Qin Ke smiled again, a hint of cunning flashing across his deep black eyes.

After Qin Ke left, Lin Suyang remained standing in the empty room. He knew that his single sentence had further complicated the already intricate web of connections within the court, affecting not only Qin Yu and himself, but also the entire Lin family behind him. He hadn't wanted to get involved in this mess, but he had ultimately done so.

Soon after, a new topic began to circulate among the common people: Princess Jingyang, the current emperor's favorite, would soon marry the eldest son of the newly appointed Hanlin Academician, Minister Lin. This top scholar of Yundu was handsome and virtuous, not only having topped the imperial examinations and been appointed Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy by the emperor, but now also being betrothed to his beloved princess. Clearly, his future was bright.

In an instant, countless young women in Yundu lost their hearts. No one knew how many women had been captivated by Lin Suyang's alluring face and extraordinary literary talent, leading to the current envy and resentment throughout the city.

When Guo Qing told Feng Hanyu the news, Feng Hanyu's hand holding the teacup trembled. With a "crack," the white jade porcelain cup shattered into pieces. "What did you say?" Feng Hanyu asked Guo Qing, his face grim. Guo Qing had never seen his young master like this before. He involuntarily trembled and repeated in a low voice, "Young Master Lin is going to marry Princess Jingyang." Feng Hanyu clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his flesh without him even noticing.

"Get out," Feng Hanyu said. "Young Master...you..." Guo Qing was worried. "I told you to get out." His voice was filled with coldness. Helpless, Guo Qing lowered his head and retreated.

Feng Hanyu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly loosened his grip. "I still can't let go... Marriage? What if I don't allow it..." His handsome face was both alluring and cold.

Lin Ziyan returned from outside, looking travel-worn. As soon as she entered, she grabbed Lin Suyang, who was drinking tea, and asked, "Brother, tell me, is what they said true? You're going to marry Princess Jingyang?" Lin Suyang spilled his tea all over the floor. He sighed and said, "Yan'er, it's true. Didn't your father tell you? You're going to marry the princess in three days."

Lin Ziyan stared at him in disbelief. "No, how could this be? You said you'd take care of me for the rest of my life, and you're going to break your promise so soon?" His tone was more intense than ever before, completely unlike the composed and steady commander of the imperial city he usually was. When they were little, Lin Ziyan would always pester Lin Suyang to promise, "Brother, you must take care of me for the rest of my life." Lin Suyang would say yes. Still worried, he would add, "Brother, you must never leave me." Lin Suyang would say yes. Then he would grin happily. He never imagined that a single word Lin Suyang had said to appease him back then would make him so serious.

“Yan’er, you’re not a child anymore. Your brother will have his own home, and you will also settle down and start your own family. It’s only a matter of time. Besides, the Scholar’s Residence isn’t far from the palace. You can live there; it’s not like we’re leaving you,” Lin Suyang patiently explained.