Chapter Thirteen: Reflections at the Lin Residence

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“Father, I do not wish to marry.”

“Nian’er, I am the governor of Qingyang City. Once spoken, my words are like water spilled—impossible to retrieve.”

“Father, truly, I wonder: are you marrying off your daughter or selling her?”

“Nian’er, what do you mean by that? Would I ever harm you? The young man I have chosen for you excels in both appearance and martial arts.”

“I do not wish to marry. If anyone must marry, let it be you.” With these words, a young woman pushed open the door and ran out. Lin Youzhi chased after her, standing at the doorway, watching her retreating figure. He sighed, “Ah, I was too hasty. I should never have arranged this martial arts contest for a son-in-law without first asking Nian’er’s opinion. I have already announced to so many people that Ye Sansi is to be my family’s son-in-law. If I go back on my word now, how will I show my face?”

The sun blazed overhead—it was midday. From the Lin residence’s kitchen, the aroma of freshly cooked food drifted into the guest rooms. Ye Sansi smelled it, slowly opened his eyes, climbed out of bed, sat at its edge, his head still somewhat dizzy. He stretched and muttered, “It smells so good, it’s making me hungry.”

“Achoo~” Liu Lingshuang, wrapped in a quilt, curled up nearby. Ye Sansi noticed her and said, “Lingshuang, you’re here too. Where are we now?”

“Achoo... In the Lin... achoo... in the Lin residence... achoo...”

“Lingshuang, what’s wrong? Why so many sneezes?”

“You... you dare ask... achoo... achoo... it’s all because of you...”

“Me? What did I do?” Ye Sansi tapped his head and suddenly recalled, “I remember now, I saw Taiyi get hurt and wanted to avenge him. After that, my memory’s hazy. Oh, I do recall you carrying me.”

Liu Lingshuang waved her hand, turned her head, and said, “You... you must... achoo... must be mistaken. Who... achoo... who carried you?”

Ye Sansi scratched his head. “Maybe I am mistaken.” Liu Lingshuang smiled softly, murmuring, “Silly boy.”

Lingshuang continued, “It seems you were possessed by the Wrath of Heaven, which made you lose control... achoo... Taiyi probably knows what happened. When he wakes up, we’ll ask him. But next time, it’s too dangerous... achoo...”

Ye Sansi nodded. “By the way, where is Taiyi? Is he alright?” Liu Lingshuang pinched her nose. “The doctor said he’s fine. No serious injuries, and Taiyi has the protection of immortal arts. With some medicinal soup and a few days’ rest, he’ll recover.”

Ye Sansi smiled. “That’s good. I’m starving. Lingshuang, let’s find something to eat.”

“I won’t go. I’m freezing. I’ll stay here and rest. You go alone, but remember—this is the governor’s mansion. Don’t cause trouble.” “Haha, I won’t,” Ye Sansi patted his chest in promise.

Before Ye Sansi could leave, there came a knocking from outside. A voice called, “May I come in?” Lingshuang replied, “Please, enter.”

The door opened, and an elderly man stepped inside. “Miss, young master, I am the steward of the Lin residence. Lunch has arrived.” He waved his hand, and several maids entered, carrying dishes and placing them on the table. Once the food was set, the maids withdrew. The steward said, “Miss, young master, please enjoy your meal,” then left, closing the door.

Ye Sansi walked to the window, opening it as he said, “Lingshuang, aren’t you cold? Let’s let the sunlight in—it’ll warm us up.” He then moved to the table, gazing at the dishes with delight. “Look, Lingshuang, so much delicious food! Come and eat.”

Liu Lingshuang seemed to feel better, shed her quilt, walked over to Sansi, and said, somewhat annoyed, “Eat, eat, eat—that’s all you think about. Did you hear how the steward addressed you?”

“Something like ‘young master’ or so?” Ye Sansi scratched his head and grinned. “Maybe it’s just a term, like ‘miss.’ Is there a problem?”

“There’s a big problem. They called you ‘young master’—it means they intend to recruit you as their son-in-law!” Liu Lingshuang stamped her foot.

“What’s a son-in-law? Is it something impressive?”

“It means you’re to marry Miss Lin. Do you understand? Marriage! You’d have to stay in Qingyang City for life. Understand?”

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Ye Sansi shook his head rapidly, anxiety in his voice. “That won’t do. I still need to cultivate immortality, I need to return to Buyun Mountain, and I have to search for clues about my father. I cannot stay here.”

Liu Lingshuang sat beside Ye Sansi. “You won the contest for a bride. Now the whole city knows you’re the governor’s ideal son-in-law. We still have a journey ahead. What are we to do?”

Ye Sansi stood and shouted, “I don’t want to stay. Can they bind me? Lingshuang, once Taiyi recovers, we’ll leave. I doubt they can stop me.”

Liu Lingshuang tugged at Sansi. “Keep your voice down! Aren’t you afraid they’ll hear? The others are easy to deal with, but this is the governor—a government official. If you provoke him, what if he arrests us all and has us executed? We need another plan.”

Ye Sansi laughed. “Ah, whatever happens, let’s think about it after eating. Lingshuang, eat first—when you’re full, you have strength to think.”

“You really are carefree.” Lingshuang smiled, taking the chopsticks he handed her. After a few bites, she teased, “Sansi, the food here is wonderful. Why don’t you just stay? Imagine feasting every day—wouldn’t that be lovely?”

Ye Sansi shook his head as he ate. “It’s delicious, but I won’t stay. I have things to do. First, I must take you home, as I promised. Second, I must pursue immortality, as I promised Uncle Shu.”

Liu Lingshuang was secretly pleased and hummed, “At least you have a conscience. Haha.”

After their meal, another knock came at the door. Lingshuang opened it.

The steward stood outside, smiling. “Miss, our master requests the young master in the front hall for a discussion.”

Liu Lingshuang grumbled, “Requests Ye Sansi, not me?”

The steward bowed slightly and spoke softly, “Our master did not instruct so. Please rest in the room, miss. I’ll have the servants bring some fruit and pastries.”

Lingshuang waved her hand. “No need, I just ate. If possible, may I walk about the residence?”

The steward nodded, “Miss, as a friend of the young master, of course you may. Our master and the young master are in the front hall, and wish not to be disturbed. I’ll instruct the staff—you may visit anywhere except the front hall.”

Lingshuang nodded and gestured inward, “Sansi, he’s calling you. Go with him.”

Sansi approached the steward. “I don’t want to go.” Liu Lingshuang covered her mouth, laughing. The steward was taken aback, but Lingshuang patted Ye Sansi’s shoulder. “Just go with him. Say whatever you wish to the governor—it’s fine.” (Sansi speaks plainly; perhaps he’ll anger the governor, and then I can persuade him. If he’s angry but has no grounds to make trouble, he’ll have to find a way to send us off. This is ‘openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the warehouse.’ Haha, I am truly clever!)

Ye Sansi pouted, “Alright then.” The steward bowed to Lingshuang in thanks, then led Ye Sansi to the front hall.

In the front hall, Lin Youzhi sat alone before the dais, sipping tea. The steward announced, “Master, the young master is here.”

“Very well, you may leave.”

“Yes.”

As soon as the steward closed the door, Sansi found a seat, stretched leisurely. Lin Youzhi watched and thought, This young man is indeed extraordinary—utterly at ease. Lin Youzhi asked, “Is your name Ye Sansi?” Ye Sansi nodded.

He continued, “Sansi, who are you?” Ye Sansi took a sip of tea. “I lived on an unnamed peak in Buyun Mountain, but now I’ve come down to seek the path to immortality.” Lin Youzhi smiled, “I saw early on you are no ordinary person. And the young woman traveling with you?”

“Oh, you mean Lingshuang? She is my friend.”

“How long have you known each other?”

“It’s been three days now.”

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Lin Youzhi laughed heartily. “Good, very good! Only three days, and Sansi, your martial skills and immortal arts—I have witnessed them—are remarkable. My daughter’s gentle virtue suits you perfectly.” Sansi suddenly stood and exclaimed, “Suited to me? I never agreed to marry your daughter!”

Lingshuang had already slipped into the front hall, listening at the wall. Hearing this, she stamped her foot, thinking: I hoped Sansi would say something irreverent to anger the governor, but he’s so blunt and decisive—this is disastrous.

Lin Youzhi was enraged. He slammed the table, the teacup trembled and crashed to the floor, shattering. He shouted, “How dare you! By stepping onto the stage, you agreed to marry my daughter. Now you renege—do you take my words before so many as mere child's play? Are you mocking me?”

Sensing trouble, Lingshuang burst in, quickly blocking Lin Youzhi. “Governor, please calm yourself. My friend has lived in seclusion until just three days ago. He doesn’t understand many things. Because someone injured our companion, Sansi couldn't help but ascend the stage. It’s not entirely his fault.”

“If that’s truly the case, I understand. But as governor, I made a promise to the people. If I break it, I’ll be branded untrustworthy.” Lin Youzhi cooled, shaking his head, brows furrowed, and sat down.

Liu Lingshuang pulled Sansi, signaling him to sit.

“Father.” At the sound, someone entered. Lingshuang looked—she saw a young woman, eyes clear as spring water, hands soft as tender shoots, skin like creamy jade, neck graceful, teeth like jade, a fair brow, truly beautiful.

“Nian’er, you—”

“Father, I heard everything. Since Young Master Ye does not wish to marry, and I do not wish to wed, why not let us both be?”

Lingshuang thought: Such sense in this girl, and as beautiful as a goddess. Were I a man, I would vie to marry her. If Sansi did not wish to cultivate, to stay in the Lin residence would be fortune from three lifetimes. This Lin girl must have cultivation; otherwise, how did I fail to notice her presence?

“Nian’er, you—ah, let it be, let it be.” Lin Youzhi sighed deeply. “But all Qingyang City knows my residence has taken a son-in-law. If we conceal the truth, what of your future prospects?”

“Father, though marriages are traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers, I wish to decide for myself.”

Lin Youzhi nodded helplessly. “As you wish, as you wish. I have spoiled you since childhood.”

Lin Nian’er laughed, hugging Lin Youzhi and acting coquettishly. “Thank you, father. You're the best.”

Liu Lingshuang, seeing Lin Nian’er’s good nature, thought for a moment and said, “Governor, how about letting Miss Lin join our journey? If along the way she meets someone worthy, it would ease your concerns.”

Lin Youzhi pondered. “This—” Before he could finish, Lin Nian’er interjected, “I agree. Father, I’ve never left Qingyang City in my fifteen years, rarely even left the residence. A journey would broaden my horizons.”

“But—Nian’er, I’m worried for your safety.”

“Ye Sansi won the contest as your son-in-law, so his martial arts are surely exceptional. With him accompanying me, father, you needn't worry.”

“But—”

Liu Lingshuang quickly added, “Exactly! You’ve seen Sansi’s martial arts, governor, and mine are not lacking. Protecting Miss Lin will be no trouble, so rest assured.”

“But—”

Ye Sansi chimed in, “If she joins us, it’ll be even more fun.”

Lin Nian’er covered her mouth, laughing. “Father, let me go, I’ll be careful.”

Lin Youzhi had only this daughter; his wife passed away after giving birth to Nian’er. He had spoiled her from childhood, always indulging her wishes. But now she wished to embark on a distant journey—it was like cutting a piece from his heart. Yet, upon reflection, Lingshuang’s proposal was sound; to detain her might forfeit her happiness.

Lin Youzhi’s brows knotted as he struggled—he could not bear to keep Nian’er from leaving, nor could he bear to let her go.

Such is the heart of all parents.