"With your own mouth? Admit it?"
Lin Jiangnian was stunned. "Ms. Zhao, when did you admit it yourself?"
He couldn't help but doubt it...Will Zhao Xi admit this to her in person?
How is that possible?
Seeing Lin Jiangnian's suspicious expression, Li Piaomiao remained calm and said, "Last night."
"last night?"
Lin Jiangnian then realized something. Did the eldest princess meet Zhao Xi last night?
And Zhao Xi admitted to her...this?
Lin Jiangnian's eyes became more suspicious... Would Zhao Xi really admit this to her?
Like him?
Although he was confused, Lin Jiangnian did not continue to ask.
Firstly, it was not appropriate to discuss his relationship with Zhao Xi in front of the eldest princess. Secondly, Lin Jiangnian did not really believe what the eldest princess said.
Doubtful.
"So, what did the princess want to tell me?"
Lin Jiangnian paused and asked again.
Li Piaomiao glanced at him, then looked away and looked towards the bamboo forest in the backyard in front.
The bamboo forest is dense and fresh and green. The cool wind blows, and the bamboo leaves rustle.
Very green!
"You, when did you become so close to her?"
Li Piaomiao spoke coldly.
Lin Jiangnian fell into deep thought.
What exactly does she want to test?
Did he already know something... or was he just asking questions?
Lin Jiangnian's heart was slightly tense. Although he didn't know the purpose of the eldest princess, he was very cautious.
"Princess, you must have misunderstood. Miss Zhao and I aren't that close!"
"Um?"
Lin Jiangnian spoke cautiously, "Miss Zhao and I have only met a few more times and are a bit more familiar with each other... As for the closeness the princess mentioned, it's probably not that close."
Physical contact is considered intimate, but the relationship communication is indeed not close!
"Really?"
Li Piaomiao glanced sideways and stared at him quietly.
Lin Jiangnian looked calm. He had long been able to remain unmoved in this regard, so he was naturally not worried about her noticing anything.
After a moment, Li Piaomiao spoke again: "What about you?"
"I?"
"You treat her..."
Li Piaomiao raised her eyes slightly and asked, "Are you interested in her?"
This...
The question is very straightforward!
Lin Jiangnian became more and more confused... What exactly is this princess up to?
Are you a pimp?
Want to match your fiancé with your best friend?
Listening to what she said now, it seems that this is what she really meant?!
Lin Jiangnian felt increasingly uneasy...something was wrong!
Something is wrong!
How could any normal person do such a thing?
But when I think about the character of the eldest princess in front of me...it doesn't seem impossible?
But the eldest princess's sudden and unusual move was most likely a trick.
Lin Jiangnian didn't answer the question, but instead met Li Piaomiao's gaze. Their eyes met, and he looked at the beautiful, delicate face before him, devoid of any emotion, yet extremely pleasing to the eye.
It makes people want to take it home and put it at the door as an admiration item...
"Your Highness, why do you have to beat around the bush?"
Lin Jiang sighed. "Princess, please speak directly to me about what you want to say. It's not like you to try to find out by beating around the bush, is it?"
Li Piaomiao's expression remained unchanged.
"Just curious!"
"curious?"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head, unconvinced. "This doesn't seem like something Her Royal Highness would be interested in... The Princess called me here today, so there must be something else, right?"
Li Piaomiao did not deny it and nodded: "Yes."
"What is it?"
Li Piaomiao was silent for a while, as if hesitating about something.
It was rare to see such a conflicted look on her face, and Lin Jiangnian was increasingly surprised... What could have caused this unsmiling princess to be so conflicted?
After a while, Li Piaomiao raised her eyes slightly, and there was still no emotion in her cold eyes.
The tone was casual and understated.
"Will you marry me?"
Lin Jiangnian: “?”
“???”
“???”
“…”
Li Piaomiao spoke in a nonchalant tone, as if he was talking about something extremely ordinary.
But, is this common?
Lin Jiangnian froze in place, his eyes briefly glazed over...
Some are also shocked and unbelievable!
His expression froze as he stared at the eldest princess in front of him for a long time, wondering if he had heard it wrong.
Did I really hear it wrong?
What kind of nonsense is she talking about?!
Lin Jiangnian stared at her suspiciously, but saw that the princess's beautiful face did not show much emotion.
It was as if the person who spoke just now was not her?
How did she stay so calm and composed?
besides……
Is this considered 'forcing marriage'?
Or 'proposal'?
Lin Jiangnian was confused, and felt a little at a loss.
"Will you marry me?"
These words echoed in Lin Jiangnian's ears like an aftertaste.
"Princess, what do you mean by this?"
After a long silence, Lin Jiangnian finally came to his senses and spoke tentatively.
Li Piaomiao looked at Lin Jiangnian quietly and said calmly, "Don't you understand?"
"I really don't understand..."
Lin Jiangnian was full of confusion at this time, wondering why the eldest princess suddenly went crazy!
Are you willing to marry her?
Didn’t you say that last time?!
Li Piaomiao seemed to see through Lin Jiangnian's thoughts. His eyes remained calm as he slowly said, "The day before yesterday, my father summoned me."
Hearing this, Lin Jiangnian's eyes suddenly focused: "Your Majesty, have you come out of seclusion?"
"No."
Li Piaomiao shook his head slightly.
Lin Jiangnian's heart gradually became heavy.
Did she meet the emperor the day before yesterday?
That means... the emperor is still alive?
My previous speculation about the Emperor's death was probably wrong, but...
Since the emperor is still alive, why doesn't he come out?
Even if he just shows up, it will be enough to suppress the current chaotic situation in the court. Why should we rely on the prince to hold on?
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes, looking thoughtful, waiting for Li Piaomiao's next words.
Li Piaomiao is obviously not a qualified storyteller, and her words are always concise and to the point.
"Father mentioned our marriage!"
"He hopes that our engagement can go ahead as planned..."
“…”
Lin Jiangnian was not surprised to hear this.
He came to the capital this time just for this matter, and when the emperor learned that he had come to the capital, he would definitely mention this matter.
but……
Wasn't this already discussed in advance?
Lin Jiangnian had previously reached an agreement with the eldest princess in front of him. Both of them disagreed with this marriage and decided to work together to find a way to cancel the engagement and live in peace.
According to the previously agreed plan, when the emperor mentioned the engagement, Li Piaomiao, as the eldest princess, had to find a way to delay the engagement, and Lin Jiangnian would also find a way to cooperate and try his best to delay the marriage.
If you delay, there will definitely be a way to solve it.
But now, from the princess's tone, it seems that something has gone wrong with the plan?
“Princess, you…”
Lin Jiangnian's eyelids twitched slightly, and he had an inexplicable sense of foreboding: "You are not going to, promise His Majesty?"
Facing Lin Jiangnian's increasingly solemn and uneasy suspicious gaze, Li Piaomiao remained calm and said, "I didn't agree!"
"That's good!"
Hearing this, Lin Jiangnian felt relieved and suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.
"I didn't refuse!"
Li Piaomiao added another sentence.
“…”
Lin Jiangnian slowly typed out another: "?"
"Didn't refuse?!"
Lin Jiangnian became anxious.
His eyes were suspicious and questioning: "You, didn't act according to the plan we agreed on?"
Li Piaomiao was silent.
"Do you really regret it?"
Lin Jiangnian stared at her, trying to read something from her face.
Li Piaomiao remained silent.
"You don't really want to marry this prince, do you?!"
Lin Jiangnian was extremely anxious!
Why didn't this woman follow the routine... to catch him off guard, right?
Li Piaomiao remained calm. She looked at Lin Jiangnian, who seemed to be a little 'furious', and asked calmly, "Are you angry?"
"What do you think?" Lin Jiangnian felt that he had been greatly deceived.
"You won't marry me?"
"Of course not!"
Lin Jiangnian said unhappily, "Nonsense, who are you willing to marry instead of going through all the trouble with her?"
Would marrying her be a good thing?
Apart from anything else, he had also promised to marry Zhiyuan when he returned to Linzhou. If he married her, what would happen to Zhiyuan?
Lin Jiangnian couldn't bear to let Zhiyuan be his mistress.
Unless this princess doesn't mind being a concubine...
But think about it, it’s impossible!
"So, when you said you wanted to marry me, you were lying to me?"
Li Piaomiao seemed to remember something and stared at Lin Jiangnian with cold eyes.
"You deliberately spread rumors in the capital before, and prepared some betrothal gifts at the Jiang Mansion... It was all intentional, right?"
Faced with the eldest princess's sudden questioning, Lin Jiangnian remembered that in order to take the initiative and force the eldest princess to admit defeat, Lin Jiangnian did deliberately create an appearance that he was very willing to marry her, and even went so far as to build momentum in the capital, just to force her to sit still.
However, now that he was exposed by Li Piaomiao, Lin Jiangnian did not feel embarrassed.
"I guess so."
Lin Jiangnian admitted it straightforwardly: "If I hadn't done this, why would you lose your temper so quickly?"
Li Piaomiao stared at him quietly, and for the first time, there was a slight change of emotion in her cold eyes.
It seems to be even colder.
"I hate it when people lie to me!"
"Aren't you the same?"
Lin Jiangnian was not afraid at all and asked, "We had agreed on this, what do you mean by suddenly backstabbing me?"
"You say you don't want to marry, but you're plotting against me behind my back?"
Li Piaomiao's eyes were cold: "I didn't say I wanted to get married!"
"Then why don't you refuse?!"
Lin Jiangnian questioned.
Li Piaomiao was silent.
She couldn't explain this.
It is even more impossible to tell Lin Jiangnian about his father's current condition.
After a while, she slowly lowered her eyes and said, "This is the will of my father...I cannot refuse."
"Why can't you refuse?"
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes and stared at her.
He didn't believe that with the ability of the eldest princess in front of him, she would not be able to refuse the order of the secluded emperor... Even if she couldn't refuse, there must be a way to delay it.
Li Piaomiao lowered her beautiful eyes slightly: "The emperor has issued an order."
"Um?"
"You can't leave the capital before our marriage is completed!"
"What?!"
Lin Jiangnian's expression changed slightly, as if he realized something, and his eyes turned cold: "Your Majesty, he wants to put this prince under house arrest?"
Naturally, he was not worried about being placed under house arrest. With Lin Jiangnian's current influence in Beijing, it would not be difficult for him to leave the palace.
The emperor's house arrest posed no threat to him.
But the important thing is, why did the emperor put him under house arrest?
Why force him to marry the eldest princess?
What is his purpose?!
Lin Jiangnian stared at her: "This is why you asked me to come here today... Are you planning to change your mind?"
Li Piaomiao shook her head slightly, expressionless, and said, "I won't be the one to steal someone else's love."
Stealing someone’s love?
Lin Jiangnian was stunned for a moment before something suddenly occurred to him. She had suddenly mentioned Zhao Xi...
Could it be that this woman suspected that he and Zhao Xi had a mutual understanding?
So that's why I kept asking?
Are you worried that if she mentions the engagement, it will break up Lin Jiangnian and Zhao Xi?
…
Lin Jiangnian realized this and stared at her: "So what's the purpose of calling me here today?"
"If you don't want to marry, I won't force you."
Li Piaomiao said coldly, "As for Father, I will find a way to resolve it..."
She seemed to be thinking about something, her brows slightly furrowed, as if shrouded in a haze. Her already fair face seemed to have become even paler.
Lin Jiangnian stared at her for a while, then realized something: "You, are injured?"
Lin Jiangnian keenly noticed that the eldest princess in front of him seemed to be injured?
This reminded Lin Jiangnian of Li Piaomiao's unstable aura on New Year's Eve, and the mysterious master who broke into the palace...
Could it be that the two of them had fought each other?
Li Piaomiao, is injured?
Li Piaomiao had a cold expression and did not answer Lin Jiangnian's question. Instead, he stared at Lin Jiangnian quietly for a long time.
"However, you have to agree to one condition of mine!"
After hearing this, Lin Jiangnian finally realized that this might be the real purpose of the eldest princess looking for him today.
"What are the princess's conditions?"
Lin Jiangnian said, "Tell me about it?"
Li Piaomiao said expressionlessly, "I want to go to Ruyi Tower!"
Coming for Ruyi Tower?
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at the eldest princess quietly, without speaking immediately.
As if sensing Lin Jiangnian's worry, Li Piaomiao said calmly, "I only want one thing from Ruyi Tower!"
"What?"
"have no idea."
“…”
Li Piaomiao looked at him and said, "We'll know when we get to Ruyi Tower..."
"Don't worry, I only want one thing!"
Listening to Li Piaomiao's conditions, Lin Jiangnian seemed to be thinking about something and did not speak immediately.
He was guessing the eldest princess's purpose in wanting to enter Ruyi Tower!
It wasn't difficult to let outsiders into Ruyi Tower, but the person before him was the eldest princess of the Daning Dynasty. This made Lin Jiangnian cautiously suspicious, wondering if she had other motives.
After pondering for a long time, he still couldn't figure out what the princess wanted to get from Ruyi Tower. However, Lin Jiangnian had an idea in his mind.
There are indeed many rare treasures collected in Ruyi Tower, but except for the Xuanyang Heart Sutra left by Lin Hengzhong on the top floor, the rest of the things seem rare, but they cannot be said to be indispensable.
Not to mention one or two pieces, even if he gave her more than ten pieces, it would not be a big deal. If Li Piaomiao could really withstand the pressure from the emperor, it would be a very cost-effective deal for Lin Jiangnian!
However, Lin Jiangnian did not agree readily.
"Princess, when would you like to go to Ruyi Tower?"
"The sooner the better."
The sooner the better?
Lin Jiangnian was thinking in his mind.
So urgent?
What could be inside Ruyi Tower that makes her so anxious and eager to get it?
and……
"Didn't the princess say that His Majesty wouldn't let me leave the palace until our marriage issue was resolved?" Lin Jiangnian asked back.
The eldest princess looked at him expressionlessly: "Father can't stop you."
You are really good at judging people!
Lin Jiangnian did not refute. It seemed that the princess knew some things very well, so he did not waste any more words.
"Princess, if you want to go to Ruyi Tower, it's not impossible. However, I do have one small condition!"
Li Piaomiao frowned slightly: "What conditions?"
"This prince came to the capital this time to meet His Majesty and discuss the marriage with the eldest princess. However, due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, His Majesty was in seclusion, and this prince was unable to fulfill his wish..."
Lin Jiangnian looked at the princess in front of him quietly and chuckled: "Since I have come all this way, I can't just go back like this..."
"No matter what, this prince must also meet His Majesty to show my Lin family's respect?"
Li Piaomiao was silent.
She realized Lin Jiangnian's purpose... He wanted to see the emperor!
Or perhaps, he is doubting something?
Li Piaomiao remained silent and did not speak.
Lin Jiangnian wasn't in a hurry either. He quietly admired and studied the delicate features of the eldest princess before him. Her slightly serious expression, in particular, revealed a different kind of coolness.
Li Piaomiao was silent for a moment.
"This matter is beyond my control!"
Li Piaomiao glanced at her and said in a deep voice, "I need to go to the palace to ask my father for permission!"
"It's okay, I can wait!"
Lin Jiangnian was not in a hurry and spoke with a chuckle.
His face was filled with a harmless smile.
"Then, I will wait for news from Her Royal Highness the Princess."
Li Piaomiao remained silent and nodded.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave!"
The serious business had been discussed and there was nothing more to say to the princess, so Lin Jiangnian stood up and said goodbye.
The eldest princess did not stop him. She saw Lin Jiangnian stand up quickly, pat his butt, and leave with a swagger.
She was left standing there, staring quietly at Lin Jiangnian's back, her expression slightly solemn.
Although Lin Jiangnian didn't say it explicitly, she could hear some meaning from his tone.
He wants to see his father!
He probably won't leave the capital until he sees his father.
When Lin Hengzhong sent him to Beijing, he must have intended to let him understand the situation in the capital.
Especially since my father has been in seclusion for such a long time, even if an imperial edict is issued, it will be difficult to completely dispel other people's suspicions.
Unless...
I can see my father in person!
but……
How can my father, in his current state, be presentable to others?
If he really saw it, everything would be exposed!
By then...
Thinking of this, Li Piaomiao's eyes were fixed, and he stood there stiffly like a cold sculpture.
For a long time, he remained motionless.
…
While the eldest princess was still thinking about her next plan, Lin Jiangnian had already swaggered out of the backyard and came to the front yard.
I called Jinxiu twice, but she didn't show up. It seemed that Lin Jiangnian's previous behavior had frightened her, and now she was hiding.
Lin Jiangnian was not annoyed. Compared to the cold eldest princess, Jinxiu's personality was more interesting.
She was a bit lively and outgoing, yet had a mature and elegant temperament, but her identity was also a maidservant beside the eldest princess. All these characteristics combined made Jinxiu extremely contrasting in Lin Jiangnian's eyes.
Lin Jiangnian likes the contrasting little maid the most!
Seeing Jinxiu hiding and unwilling to come out, Lin Jiangnian did not stay any longer and walked out of the inner courtyard. After coming here twice, Lin Jiangnian had almost memorized the route inside the princess's mansion.
However, although he didn't see Jinxiu, Lin Jiangnian, who had just left the inner courtyard, saw his cold-looking sister not far away on the other side of the path...
Not far away, willows hang low beside a small lake.
The little maid named An Ning was holding a sword in her arms, standing on a small stone by the lake, staring at the lake in a daze.
The girl’s cold and dazed face was reflected on the emerald green lake surface.
Silly.
Until he seemed to sense footsteps approaching.
An Ning turned around suddenly!
When An Ning saw Lin Jiangnian appear not far behind her, a hint of panic suddenly appeared in her originally dull eyes.
As if a little frightened, a trace of vigilance appeared on his face, and he subconsciously took a step back.
"careful!"
Lin Jiangnian spoke.
There is a lake behind this little maid, how dare she retreat?
An Ning obviously realized this, but by the time she reacted, it was too late.
That cautious step back caused her to miss a step. Her face turned pale with fear. She frantically used her Qing Gong to steady herself. But the missed step caused her entire body to plummet downwards. Her body suddenly slipped, and she was caught off guard...
“Plop!”
In Lin Jiangnian's sight, he watched the little maid with a cold expression and a dazed gaze, and she scared herself so much that she fell into the water!
The scene was extremely... quiet for a while!
Lin Jiangnian was also caught off guard... had she really become a fallen girl?!
An Ning, who fell into the lake unexpectedly, turned pale and struggled in panic.
The freezing cold lake water completely soaked her frail body. Her eyes were filled with fear, and she struggled frantically, waving her hands and feet.
Lin Jiangnian was originally standing by and watching the fun. He heard Jinxiu say that although her sister was a little introverted and her brain wasn't very good, her martial arts skills were not weak and she was very powerful!
Falling into the lake was no big deal for her, all she had to do was climb out!
But soon, Lin Jiangnian discovered something wrong!
This little maid doesn't seem to be able to swim?
The way he was waving his hands around in the water looked like someone who couldn't swim.
Good job!
Is this what you call an expert?
Which expert can’t even swim?
Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but suspect that Jinxiu's words might be a bit of flattery, but there was no time to think about it at the moment.
Seeing that the little maid was almost completely submerged in the lake, Lin Jiangnian approached the lakeside, grabbed An Ning, who was still struggling in the lake, and pulled her out.
The water near the lake was not very deep, and the little maid was not heavy either, so Lin Jiangnian easily "rescued" her.
Of course, the action was a bit rough.
The little maid who was pulled out of the lake lay on the grass by the shore, curled up into a ball, her wet hair stuck to her cheeks, revealing a pale face, and she was shivering with cold.
Pale and frightened, his eyes were filled with fear and uneasiness.
Although the weather has warmed up a bit, it snowed not long ago and the temperature is still cold. The water in the lake is especially cold, which is biting.
I just fell into the lake and was soaked all over. Now I’m being blown by the cold wind on the shore... It feels so biting and chilling.
"Are you okay?"
Lin Jiangnian squatted on the shore, looked at the little maid who was indeed a little bit not very smart, and asked.
An Ning didn't say anything. She curled up into a ball and trembled with fear. The biting coldness enveloped her and fear spread across her pale little face.
Close your eyes tightly and purse your lips.
Like he was extremely scared!
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian didn't ignore it.
No matter what, he was also responsible for the little maid falling into the lake. He had never expected that the little maid would be so timid that she would be scared into the lake by his appearance.
Seeing that she was so cold, Lin Jiangnian simply reached out and grabbed her little hand.
An Ning's delicate body trembled even more violently, and a look of fear appeared on her pale little face.
He, what is he going to do? !
Could it be...?
The moment she felt her hand being held, An Ning's delicate body became even more frightened.
On weekdays, I always hear Jinxiu talk about the Prince of Lin, saying that he is a filthy bastard, a hooligan and a pervert, and he can't walk when he sees a beautiful girl...
He, he couldn't be trying to take advantage of someone's misfortune...
An Ning's head was dizzy and a biting cold wind blew. The clothes that were soaked by the lake water and stuck to her body seemed to have turned into ice, making her teeth chatter with cold.
But she couldn't care less about these things, all her attention was focused on the hand held by Prince Lin.
However, the imagined scene did not happen!
The scene Jinxiu had described, where the Prince of Lin would take advantage of someone's misfortune, pin a decent woman to the ground, strip her clothes, and humiliate her, did not occur...
Instead...
The moment her hand was held, a stream of scorching warmth surged from the other person's palm. It entered her body at lightning speed and quickly spread all over her body.
The biting cold that had soaked the clothes was completely dispelled in an instant.
The scorching heat of the winter sun enveloped and enveloped her entire body.
Very comfortable!
It was so comfortable that she almost couldn't hold it back...
At this time, An Ning finally realized something... This Prince Lin was helping her?
Just as An Ning's eyes were dazed and her mind was still confused, Lin Jiangnian let her go.
The next second, the hot feeling that made her feel extremely comfortable and even reluctant to leave suddenly disappeared.
However, the warmth that had just surged into her body had not yet completely dissipated, spreading through her body like residual heat...
"Okay, go back and take a hot shower and change your clothes. Be careful not to catch a cold!"
An Ning, who was curled up on the ground, slowly raised her head, revealing a pale yet delicate face.
Very beautiful, and very fragile.
Although she looks exactly like Jinxiu, she has a pitiful aura that makes people feel pity for her.
An Ning raised his eyes slightly and met a pair of familiar eyes, looking at him quietly. Although the eyes were gentle, An Ning was still startled and subconsciously avoided them in panic.
I dared not look up again.
Lin Jiangnian saw that his sister Jinxiu was indeed very timid, so he didn't say anything more. Seeing that her face was still pale and the cold wind was whistling by the lake, Lin Jiangnian simply took off his coat and put it on her.
"Hurry back, I'm leaving first... Don't tell your sister later that I scared you into the lake."
After giving his instructions, Lin Jiangnian left.
It was not until the footsteps faded away that An Ning finally mustered up the courage and slowly raised her head.
She stared blankly at the direction where Lin Jiangnian left not far away, her eyes staring blankly for a long time.
It wasn't until the cold wind blew and her wet clothes began to become icy cold again that she came to her senses.
Then, she glanced around in panic and soon saw the sword that had fallen by the lake not far away. She stepped forward and held the sword tightly in her hand, as if she had found some sense of security.
Then, when he was about to get up, he realized that he was wearing a coat.
A pale white long coat, the fabric looked extremely valuable. A trace of residual heat still lingered on it, mixed with a hint of... a man's scent?
An Ning stared blankly for a while before she seemed to realize something. Her originally fair and cold little face suddenly turned red.
…
In the side yard where the cold wind was blowing gently, Jinxiu hummed a little tune and walked back to the side yard with cheerful steps.
She had just returned from the princess's place, and Prince Lin had already left!
Before leaving, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince called her a few times. Jinxiu heard it, but did not go out... She was not stupid.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince called her, he must be trying to take advantage of her again...either verbally or physically.
She wouldn't be so stupid as to give it to him!
Thinking that His Royal Highness might have been furious and disappointed when he couldn't see her just now, Jinxiu felt inexplicably good.
As if this could be a small revenge on him!
Jinxiu, in a good mood, returned to the yard and took a look around, but did not see An Ning.
"Where did that damn girl go?"
Jinxiu looked puzzled and muttered to herself, "Where have you been daydreaming again?"
At this moment, footsteps were heard outside the courtyard. Jinxiu turned around and saw An Ning walking in from outside.
"Where have you been..."
Jinxiu was about to speak when she saw An Ning, who was soaked from head to toe, and was immediately startled: "You, what's going on?!"
An Ning lowered her head and said, "It fell into the lake!"
"Fell into the lake?!"
Hearing this, Jinxiu's eyes became particularly strange, and she gradually couldn't help laughing...
This silly girl actually fell into the lake in the middle of winter?
this……
Isn’t this too stupid?
Isn't this a bit too funny?!
Jinxiu couldn't help but want to laugh!
It's so uncomfortable to hold it in.
It was obviously a very sad and pitiful thing, but Jinxiu couldn't help but want to laugh.
"Haha...you're so stupid. Why did you fall into the lake for no reason?"
Jinxiu finally couldn't help herself, a smile appeared on her face, and she covered her stomach: "You didn't think you were going to jump in to calm down, did you? What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and change your clothes... Hey, why do these clothes on you look a little familiar?"
When Jinxiu was smiling happily, she suddenly noticed that An Ning was wearing a coat.
Why does it look like men's clothing?
Why does it look a little familiar?
Jinxiu was stunned, staring at An Ning's coat, and finally recognized it... Isn't this the clothes that Prince Lin was wearing just now? !
How could it be on An Ning? !
"Wait, why are you wearing the clothes of the Prince of Lin?"
Jinxiu realized this and the smile on her face gradually disappeared.
She stared at An Ning's clothes, and saw how wet and disheveled she looked. Although An Ning lowered her head, she could still catch a glimpse of a blush on her cheek that had not completely faded.
The smile on Jinxiu's face completely froze and disappeared, and her eyes suddenly became extremely sharp.
"Were you... with Prince Lin just now?"
"Did he make you like this?!"
"You guys, what did you do?!!"
“…”
Jiang Mansion.
The carriage slowly stopped at the back door of Jiang Mansion, and Lin Qingqing, who was guarding outside the door, hurried forward to greet it.
"Your Highness."
Lin Jiangnian got off the carriage, and Lin Qingqing quickly noticed something: "Your Highness, where are your clothes?"
How come Your Highness went out and lost his clothes?
"It's dirty and lost!"
Lin Jiangnian made up an excuse and waved his hand: "Did anything happen in the capital while I was away today?"
"No."
Lin Qingqing shook her head.
After the morning court session today, a lot of things did happen in the capital, but they were all related to the aftermath of the Third Prince's rebellion. Many ministers and officials involved in the Third Prince's rebellion were arrested one after another. However, none of this had much to do with the Lin Prince's Mansion!
"By the way, Your Highness..."
Lin Qingqing seemed to remember something: "Someone from the Gao family was here today!"
"Gao family?"
"Yes, the Gao family, the Minister of Personnel, sent someone here..."
Lin Qingqing said, "The Gao family is anxious to see you, Your Highness!"
"The Gao family..."
Lin Jiangnian seemed to be thinking about something, his mind as clear as a mirror, and he smiled: "It seems that the Gao family can't sit still anymore!"
Lin Jiangnian knew the Gao family’s current situation without having to guess!
In the battle that erupted when Lin Jiangnian arrived in the capital, the Gao family resolutely placed their bets on the Third Prince. Even for the sake of profit, the Minister of Personnel even sacrificed his own son, murdering his own son to protect the Gao family and to show his loyalty to the Third Prince.
You know what, Gao Boyan is also a big shot!
By eating the blood of his own son, he gained the trust and acceptance of the Third Prince, and successfully gained many benefits for the Gao family, which made the Gao family reach a higher level!
But at the same time, it also means that the Gao family is completely tied to the Third Prince! If the Third Prince wins this battle for the throne, the Gao family will naturally be unstoppable and soar to the sky, and will rise to prominence from then on!
But unfortunately, there is no if!
The Third Prince's rebellion was defeated, and his bid for the throne was lost! The Gao family's greatest supporter collapsed.
The most serious thing was that Gao Wenyang's death had made it clear to everyone in the capital that the Gao family had sided with the Third Prince. Now that the Third Prince had fallen, how could the Gao family, branded with the Third Prince's stigma, escape this fate?
Gao Boyan was indeed a seasoned veteran, having already prepared a plan. He specially invited Lin Jiangnian to visit his manor and treated him well. Not only did he give Lin Jiangnian a manor and a huge amount of gold and silver treasures, he also thoughtfully gifted him a pair of sisters!
Obviously, Gao Boyan had anticipated that such a day might come!
Right now, the Gao family is about to face a liquidation crisis, and Gao Boyan naturally thought of Lin Jiangnian.
Look, here he comes seeking asylum!
"Your Highness, how should we deal with the Gao family?"
Lin Qingqing looked at Lin Jiangnian with some concern, worried that His Highness would soften his heart. After all, His Highness had accepted the money before, and also accepted the Gao family sisters.
"How to deal with it, do you need me to tell you?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her.
Lin Qingqing immediately understood and breathed a sigh of relief, then her eyes turned grim: "I understand!"
It seems that His Highness had no intention of helping the Gao family from the beginning. The gold, silver and treasures that the Gao family had sent before were obviously a waste of money...
"However, the Gao family has given me so many gifts after all. It would be a bit unreasonable for me not to do something, right?"
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows thoughtfully, "If I remember correctly, Zhou Huiguang was killed by Gao Wenyang, right?"
Lin Qingqing was stunned for a moment, then realized His Highness's purpose: "Your Highness, you mean..."
"Of course, those who have grudges will take revenge, and those who have been wronged will get justice!"
Lin Jiangnian sneered.
When he first arrived in Beijing, he attended the Lu family wedding with his aunt. At the wedding, Gao Wenyang was instructed by the Third Prince to kill his companion Zhou Huiguang and put the blame on Lin Jiangnian.
Later, Lin Jiangnian found out the truth and caught the murderer Gao Wenyang. Gao Wenyang was imprisoned. In order to prevent him from confessing and betraying the third prince, Gao Boyan killed his own son... For Gao Boyan, he gave the third prince an explanation!
However, he did not give an explanation to the Zhou family!
The Zhou family wasn't a small clan either. Zhou Huiguang's father, Zhou Yao, was at least an official in one of the six ministries, though his rank was one level lower than Gao Boyan's. But how could he not be furious when his own son was murdered?
Can you really swallow this insult?
Gao Boyan had previously surrendered to the Third Prince, and with the Third Prince as his backer, Zhou Yao, no matter how angry or unwilling he was, could only swallow his anger for the time being.
But now, the situation is completely different...
"Master Zhou, I'm sure you've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, right?"
Lin Jiangnian said thoughtfully.
Losing a son in middle age, and having an old man send off his young son, this is a deep blood feud!
Lin Qingqing, who was standing by, immediately understood what he meant: "Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll do it right away!"
It was obvious that Lin Qingqing was a qualified subordinate with strong execution ability. After realizing Lin Jiangnian's intention, she immediately went to do it.
Lin Jiangnian returned to the courtyard, changed his clothes, and went to the next courtyard to find Zhiyuan. He told her about his visit to the princess today and also raised his suspicions.
"I suspect something may have happened to His Majesty..."
Lin Jiangnian looked serious and began to analyze.
From what the princess said today, although it was unclear whether she was lying or not, Lin Jiangnian could sense that something unexpected had happened.
The eldest princess's hesitation and silence today clearly showed that she was worried about something!
This further verified Lin Jiangnian's guess.
If nothing happened, Li Piaomiao would not come to him suddenly!
Zhiyuan listened quietly to Lin Jiangnian's narration, thought for a long time, and nodded gently: "Your suspicion is correct."
"Something must have happened in the palace... It's very likely related to His Majesty!"
"Otherwise, there's no need for her to ask you again if you want to marry her!"
As he spoke, Zhiyuan glanced at him and paused.
"Apparently, she seems to want to change her mind?"
Lin Jiangnian immediately raised his hands to prove his innocence: "I didn't change my mind... I rejected her without hesitation!"
Zhiyuan looked at him quietly and said, "You don't have to react so strongly. It makes you look guilty."
"Aren't I worried that you might misunderstand?"
Lin Jiang coughed young.
"How could I have misunderstood?"
Zhiyuan looked up at him and shook her head slightly: "Isn't she your fiancée?"
"I didn't admit she was!"
Lin Jiangnian held Zhiyuan in his arms, hugged her slender and soft waist, lowered his head and kissed her cold and stubborn face fiercely, saying, "You are the fiancée that this prince has chosen, and no one can change that!"
"As for that princess, just stand aside."
"This prince doesn't look down on me at all!"
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