Ju Hua Building
"Young Master Murong, I heard you invited Miss Lin yesterday. Did she agree to attend the poetry competition today?"
Those familiar with Murong Bo, knowing he had stopped Miss Lin, the Prefect's daughter, by her carriage yesterday, couldn't help but ask.
Murong Bo glanced at the inquirer and cupped his hands in greeting, "Miss Lin did agree to attend the poetry competition."
As soon as he spoke, countless scholars and literati cheered. Miss Lin was the object of affection for all these scholars and literati.
First in talent, first in beauty—it was a great fortune to have the chance to meet such a woman. If one were fortunate enough to be favored by Miss Lin, it would be an even greater blessing.
"Such a woman is far better than the current Empress. A woman like this is truly worthy of the equally stunning His Majesty, Yun Huang."
From somewhere within the crowd, someone uttered these words. Although not everyone wished to admit it, they felt it made sense.
"Prefect Lin arrives!" someone announced from outside.
The scholars and literati present quickly parted to the sides. Prefect Lin walked in slowly, surveyed the assembly, and took his seat in the main position. He said, "Everyone, please be at ease. Do not mind my presence."
Although Prefect Lin said this, the scholars and literati dared not be too presumptuous. Someone began reciting a poem, and the others started to compete with their verses.
Prefect Lin scanned the crowd and did not see the young Master Yan. He summoned a servant, "Go and see if young Master Yan has arrived."
Yan Residence
"Young Master, Prefect Lin sent someone to invite you to Ju Hua Building today for the poetry competition."
Yan Jin Chao did not look up, and said coldly, "I will not go."
Xue Feng scratched his head, "Young Master, you won't go even when the Prefect invites you?"
Yan Jin Chao glanced at Xue Feng, who chuckled sheepishly, "Young Master..."
"Did you take money?" Yan Jin Chao asked indifferently.
Xue Feng dropped his smile, awkwardly saying, "Young Master, how can you think of your subordinate like that? How could I..."
"Show me the jade pendant you have tucked in your waist," Yan Jin Chao's gaze fell upon Xue Feng's waist.
Xue Feng was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, "Young Master, can you not be so sharp?"
Reluctantly, he produced a jade pendant. Yan Jin Chao glanced at it and said, "The quality is not bad, but I have many such items. In the future, do not accept things from others."
"Young Master, am I not saving up money to marry a wife?" Xue Feng said sheepishly.
"Why the sudden thought?" Yan Jin Chao asked.
Xue Feng replied, "It's all because Xue Song said that in his dreams he already has a wife and talks about it every day, and about them being together. I... I'm a little envious."
He also wished to start a family.
"I have plenty of jade pendants and money here. If you fancy any young lady, feel free to use them."
Upon hearing this, Xue Feng quickly shook his head, "How can I take Young Master's money? No, no."
"In the future, do not accept things from others," Yan Jin Chao said indifferently.
Xue Feng gave an awkward smile, "Subordinate understands. Subordinate will return the items now."
Just as he was about to leave, Yan Jin Chao's voice came from behind, "Since you've already accepted it, there's no need to return it. Come with me to Ju Hua Building."
Xue Feng was stunned, then reacted, "Young Master is going to the poetry competition?"
"Is there any reason why not?" Yan Jin Chao countered.
Xue Feng quickly shook his head, "Yes, yes. With you appearing, all those scholars and literati will have to step aside."
When Yan Jin Chao arrived, the poetry competition had reached a fever pitch.
He ascended to the second floor and saw the many scholars and literati gathered there. He had Xue Feng find a corner to sit down.
Someone shouted, "Miss Lin has arrived."
All the scholars and literati abandoned their previous arguments, and all eyes turned towards the entrance.
A slender figure appeared there, clad in white that accentuated her pure, flawless beauty. She wore a veiled hat, and though her face was obscured, one could guess she was exceptionally stunning.
"Miss... Miss Lin..." a scholar couldn't help but exclaim.
Murong Bo suppressed his inner excitement and stepped forward, cupping his hands, "Thank you for coming as promised, Miss Lin."
Lin Shishu nodded slightly and said, "Everyone, please be at ease."
With that, she walked to Prefect Lin's side, and Cui Hua moved a chair for her.
Prefect Lin whispered, "I thought Shu'er wouldn't come."
"Last night, I thought about Father's words for a long time. I am deeply moved by everything Father has done for me. I truly do not wish to marry my cousin. I wish to find a suitable partner myself."
Hearing Lin Shishu say this, Prefect Lin sighed and said, "It is good that Shu'er understands my intentions. However, it should not take too long. After all, your aunt is not one to stand idly by. If she manages to solidify the marriage before then, Shu'er, your father will be powerless to help."
Lin Shishu was slightly taken aback, and looked at Prefect Lin, asking, "Father, what more will Aunt do to solidify it?"
Prefect Lin looked at her and then said softly, "I will request the Emperor to grant a marriage decree."
Lin Shishu trembled, "Aunt... she... she can do that?"
Prefect Lin nodded, "Yes. Do not forget that your aunt's sister is the wife of Minister Shi, the Minister of Justice."
Lin Shishu frowned, "Father, everyone says the Empress is not someone who forces people. Can she..."
"Shu'er, you are truly too kind. Does the Empress know who you are? And will she then refrain from protecting her subjects for your sake?"
Hearing this, Lin Shishu frowned, "If that is truly the case, then I can only go to the capital to break off the engagement."
"Shu'er, it has not reached that point yet. With so many people here now, can you not find someone you fancy?"
Lin Shishu scanned the surroundings, about to say that there was no one she desired here, but when her gaze fell upon a corner, she was stunned.
"Shu'er, do you see someone?" Prefect Lin asked.
Lin Shishu nodded, "Yes."
Prefect Lin was overjoyed and asked, "Who?"
Lin Shishu pointed to the person in the corner and said, "It is him."
"Young Master, Prefect Lin's people have invited you over," Xue Feng whispered.
Yan Jin Chao frowned, and after a moment, stood up and walked over.
Prefect Lin looked at the approaching person and felt a sense of awe. No wonder Shu'er fancied him. His appearance was outstanding among all these scholars and literati, and his demeanor was utterly incomparable.
He felt he had never seen anyone with more presence than this young master. He seemed as vast and imposing as distant mountains, and such a person, he felt, was destined for great things.
Such a person should not be confined to this place.
"Greetings, Prefect Lin," Yan Jin Chao said faintly, cupping his hands.
Even when meeting him, he was neither humble nor obsequious, possessing an extraordinary demeanor.
Prefect Lin was also satisfied, saying, "Young Master Yan, please sit."
Yan Jin Chao sat down and asked, "May I ask what Prefect Lin requires of me?"
Prefect Lin said, "Does Young Master Yan have any interest in participating in the imperial examinations?"
Yan Jin Chao was slightly taken aback and said, "I have no such intention."
Prefect Lin paused, feeling a little regretful, but did not pursue the topic further. Instead, he asked something else, "May I ask if Young Master Yan is married?"