The moment she fell into Lin Jiangnian's arms, Zhiyuan seemed to have touched a poisonous snake. Her body suddenly stiffened, and she struggled to her feet subconsciously, taking a few steps back.
Her breathing was rapid, her beautiful eyes staring at him, and her beautiful face was full of shame and anger.
Lin Jiangnian blinked. Why did she react so violently?
I lowered my head subconsciously...didn't I stand up?
When he looked up again, Zhiyuan was still ashamed and angry, her cold expression difficult to calm down, and her beautiful eyes stared at him with a bit of vigilance.
As if staring at some evil villain.
Lin Jiangnian seemed to realize something belatedly...
Could it be what happened that night a few days ago?
Thinking of this, Lin Jiang coughed and said, "Since you're here, don't leave yet. I have something else to tell you..."
His words did not dispel Zhiyuan's vigilance.
As if she was remembering what Lin Jiangnian did to her that night a few days ago, her already flushed cheeks became even redder, her breathing became more rapid, and the shame and anger in her beautiful eyes became more intense.
There is an indescribable complex emotion filling my chest at this moment, anger and aggrieved.
Lin Jiangnian wanted to stand up and move closer, but just as he made a move, he heard Zhiyuan's cold rejection: "No, you are not allowed to come over!"
The tone was cold, trembling slightly, and mixed with a hint of imperceptible fear.
Lin Jiangnian didn't move and looked at her.
Zhiyuan turned her gaze away, her face tilted to the side. Her expression was unclear, but she could sense she was trying to calm herself down. She took a few deep breaths, and her breathing gradually became steady.
Then, she said, "What's the matter?"
Her tone returned to its indifferent state, as if she had become the aloof maid again.
Lin Jiangnian didn't speak immediately. After staring at Zhiyuan for a while, he sighed softly: "Are you still angry with me?"
Silence, no answer.
"I was wrong about what happened last time, I..."
"I'm leaving!"
Before Lin Jiangnian could finish his words, Zhiyuan walked out the door with an expressionless face.
"Hey, wait... I won't say anymore..."
Lin Jiangnian shut up. Mentioning what happened a few days ago really irritated Zhiyuan, and she wanted to run away.
Zhiyuan stopped and looked at him expressionlessly.
"How about you come and sit here first?"
Lin Jiangnian made a suggestion, but Zhiyuan didn't speak or move.
Lin Jiangnian sighed secretly: "Why did you come to see me tonight?"
The lights in the room were bright, illuminating the silhouette of the kite falling to the ground. The shadow was stretched out very long and looked particularly cold.
She lowered her eyes and said nothing.
It seems that he has no intention of speaking actively.
This reaction was also within Lin Jiangnian's expectations. Based on his understanding of Zhiyuan, if he did not take the initiative to break the deadlock, this woman would remain silent for the rest of her life.
I really don't know how she could hold it in?
After secretly sighing, Lin Jiangnian said, "Do you already know what happened today?"
Zhiyuan still didn't speak, but Lin Jiangnian could tell from the reaction on her face that she was going to do something.
I guessed it!
He had already sensed something from the moment Zhiyuan came to visit him. Furthermore, what happened today had probably spread far and wide, so it wasn't surprising that Zhiyuan had heard some of it.
"Something did happen at the Lu family's wedding today..."
Zhiyuan remained silent, while Lin Jiangnian explained what had happened at the Lu family wedding. From his encounter with Xu Zhongshan, his conflicts with Zhou Huiguang and the others, Lu Fusheng's unusually generous invitation, and the frame-up...
Zhiyuan listened quietly from beginning to end, like a silent listener. Her calm face showed no significant reaction, except when she heard that Lin Jiangnian had been framed and had become the target of public criticism, a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes.
After Lin Jiangnian finished describing what happened today, Zhiyuan remained silent for a long time before suddenly speaking in a cold voice, "Who did this?"
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes, chuckled and asked her, "What are you asking?"
"Zhou Huiguang!" Zhiyuan avoided his gaze, expressionless: "Who killed him?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "You should have guessed it."
"Third Prince Li Yuan?" There was a hint of murderous intent in Zhiyuan's tone.
"There's no definite evidence, but it's pretty close!"
Lin Jiangnian nodded.
At the Lu family wedding, there was probably no one else except him who would dare to do such a crazy thing.
Of course, there is another possibility... Zhou Huiguang was so depressed that he took poison to frame Lin Jiangnian, hoping to perish together with him.
However, although Zhou Huiguang's brain is not very good and he is a useless playboy with no opinions of his own, he is definitely not a moron!
When Zhou Huiguang realized that he was poisoned, the shock and anger he showed definitely did not seem to be acting.
It was more like he was being plotted against!
As for who plotted against him?
I think it’s only the people closest to him.
Is it Li Qianlin or Gao Wenyang?
Or...both?
Zhiyuan seemed to be lost in thought, not saying a word. His already cold face became even more icy under his pensive expression.
But there seems to be a different kind of contrasting beauty, which makes people want to kiss it.
Lin Jiangnian's unbridled gaze was quickly caught by Zhiyuan. She came to her senses and met Lin Jiangnian's slightly unbridled gaze, and immediately became alert.
"What are you going to do?"
"There are two ways."
Lin Jiang laughed young: "I will go find that Third Prince now and give him a beating in person to avenge the frame-up today."
"Or maybe we should just go all out and kill Zhou Huiguang's father as well to eliminate any future trouble."
Zhiyuan stared at him expressionlessly with a straight face, a hint of displeasure in her eyes.
Obviously, she could tell that Lin Jiangnian's two bad ideas were nonsense.
"Just kidding."
Lin Jiang laughed, his eyes calm. "He went to such great lengths, even going so far as to kill Zhou Huiguang to frame me. Perhaps the gift I gave him last time made him anxious!"
"Gift?"
Zhiyuan looked doubtful.
Why had she never heard of any gifts Lin Jiangnian had given?
"Last time, I asked Lin Kong to do it and send a message to that guy. I didn't expect him to react so violently. I guess his defense must have been broken."
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes again: "It seems that the Third Prince's character is not as stable as I imagined."
"He's so eager to deal with me, it seems he's indeed a vindictive person..."
A long time ago, Lin Jiangnian had learned about the third prince from Liu Su. He said that he had a sinister character, ruthless means, and was vindictive.
Now it seems that it is not bad.
Even though Lin Jiangnian had been on guard, he did not expect that the third prince would act so fiercely and decisively, and drag Zhou Huiguang into the water at the cost of his life.
Even Lin Jiangnian had to admire such ruthless and decisive actions. This Third Prince was indeed quite capable.
Unfortunately, it’s not a good thing!
"Once Zhou Huiguang dies today, the capital will probably be bustling tomorrow."
Lin Jiangnian had already anticipated what was going to happen tomorrow.
Zhiyuan was silent for a moment, then said, "So, that's why you sent people to spy outside the Zhou family?"
"How do you know?"
Lin Jiangnian paused, then realized something, "Did Lin Kong tell you?"
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes slightly and didn't answer, but it was also equivalent to her tacit agreement.
Lin Jiangnian was speechless: "I forgot that Lin Kong was originally yours..."
"It seems that I, the Prince of Lin, still don't have as much prestige as you in their eyes."
Lin Jiangnian spoke in a relaxed tone, with a hint of complaint on his lips, but there were not many other emotions in his heart.
If it were in the past, he would have been wary. He was the crown prince of the Lin Dynasty, but his words were less effective than those of his maidservants. This was not a good sign.
But now...
Lin Jiangnian looked up and down at Zhiyuan with a slightly proud look. Now that this person was almost his, there was no need to worry about other trivial matters.
What's more, in some aspects, Zhiyuan, who originally commanded the prince's personal army, was more professional than him.
However, when Zhiyuan heard Lin Jiangnian's words, he frowned unconsciously and was silent for a long time before saying, "He is not mine."
"From the day they entered Prince Lin's Mansion, they have been your personal soldiers. I am merely following the prince's orders and will temporarily take charge of their affairs..."
Her voice was very soft, as if she was trying hard to explain something.
Lin Jiangnian just looked at him with a smile and said nothing.
Until Zhiyuan seemed to notice something and met Lin Jiangnian's gaze. After a moment of silence, he turned away somewhat unnaturally.
Lin Jiangnian chuckled softly, "It's alright. If that's the case, then you can continue to help me take over and handle this matter... I, your son, am happy to be your patron."
If Jiang Yuxiang heard Lin Jiangnian's useless remarks, she would probably grab his ears and start teaching him a lesson on the spot.
Why don't you want to be the prince of Lin? Why do you want to be a playboy?
Look, I, your aunt, will teach you a lesson today on behalf of my sister, you useless guy.
Zhiyuan seemed stunned, with an indescribable emotion in his heart and a moment of panic in his eyes.
After a while, she said calmly, "The Crown Prince's personal army will eventually be handed over to His Highness. His Highness needs to take charge personally..."
"Isn't it enough to have you?"
Lin Jiang interrupted her with a young smile and took the opportunity to walk up to Zhiyuan.
Hearing this, Zhiyuan was stunned again.
Is it enough to just have her?
For some reason, these seemingly ordinary words stirred up waves in Zhiyuan's heart, which had just calmed down. When she came to her senses, she saw Lin Jiangnian had walked up to her and was looking at her with a smile on his face.
Those familiar eyes, bright as a boy's, glanced at her with a hint of amusement.
As always, very familiar.
In the past, whenever she saw His Highness showing such an expression, she would always feel uncomfortable, and even vaguely resist.
And now...
It seems that I have already gotten used to it, and there is even a vague strange feeling in my heart.
However, even so, her expression was still a little unnatural, and she lowered her eyes: "I can't stay by His Highness's side forever, I..."
"Why not?"
Lin Jiangnian interrupted her again and stared into her eyes: "Have you forgotten what I told you a few days ago?"
The kite was silent.
Of course she didn't forget.
She could vividly remember everything that had happened in this very room that night a few days ago.
Even now, the memory is still so clear and profound.
In this room, the guy in front of her seemed to be nothing special, talking to her calmly, just like eating and drinking...
Get married when you return to Linzhou?
Such a calm tone and expression, as if it was a trivial matter.
Whenever I think of this, a huge rock falls on the calm lake surface of Zhiyuan, causing huge waves.
It takes a long time to calm down.
She was flustered, stunned, bewildered, and uneasy. There was a hint of unconcealable joy, but also a hint of anger...
Who's getting married?
Who said I was going to marry him?
Why should he make decisions for himself?
Did he ask for his own opinion?
...Also, is the marriage proposal really that perfunctory?
Zhiyuan was in a state of turmoil, a thousand conflicting emotions tangled within her. She felt dazed and bewildered, yet there seemed to be a faint, almost imperceptible… surprise.
And the anticipation and fear of some unknown area!
expect?
She doesn't know.
Lin Jiangnian had just opened his mouth when he saw the kite in front of him trying to escape.
He sighed softly: "Are you really thinking of hiding from me?"
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes and said nothing.
"You promised me..."
Lin Jiangnian looked at her cold face. Although she looked so aloof and fairy-like, she actually had a soft heart.
Such a contrast is even more attractive.
"Wait until I break off my engagement with her, then you will marry me?"
Lin Jiangnian half-closed his eyes, thinking back to that night when, under his 'invasion' and 'coercion', Zhiyuan was completely defeated and agreed to his rude request.
After breaking off the engagement with the eldest princess, Zhiyuan would have to agree to marry him.
Of course, the wedding will have to wait until we return to Linzhou, but before that...
Zhiyuan seemed to remember the unequal treaty that she was forced to agree to that night. Her already slightly flushed face suddenly turned red, and there was a hint of shame and anger in her eyes.
She instinctively took a step back to avoid Lin Jiangnian's burning gaze.
When their breaths intertwined, their breathing had already become disordered.
She tried her best to calm herself down, but the heat on her face was hard to hide.
Her skin was naturally fair, and the blush on her face was particularly obvious, making her look like a ripe apple, rosy and attractive.
"Wait, wait until you cancel the engagement..."
The voice was very soft and trembling a little, but it gradually calmed down as if it had found some kind of excuse to comfort itself.
break off an engagement?
How can it be that easy?
If the engagement is broken off, the troubles that will arise are countless. This is not only related to Lin Jiangnian, but also to the stability of the entire Daning Dynasty, as well as the entanglement between the court and the prince.
It is very difficult to cancel the engagement.
In this way, she would have an excuse to reject Lin Jiangnian, and temporarily ease the invisible pressure.
But on the other hand, I felt vaguely uneasy and hesitant in my heart.
This marriage...
What if I can’t withdraw?
The breath of relief that Zhiyuan had just felt in his heart suddenly tightened again.
There is a faint emotion that is hard to conceal spreading in my heart.
Not very comfortable.
The tangled emotions made her feel a little unclear.
"Don't worry, I will divorce her after a while."
Lin Jiangnian felt relieved. Zhiyuan had no other advantages, but she never regretted her decision.
Of course, even if she changed her mind, Lin Jiangnian would not give her this opportunity.
As for the eldest princess...
A few days ago, he asked his aunt to come to the palace to meet with the eldest princess in order to discuss this matter.
This marriage must be called off!
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian looked up at Zhiyuan in front of him again and took a step closer, wanting to get closer to her.
"Kite..."
Unexpectedly, as soon as he opened his mouth, Zhiyuan seemed to have expected it and took a step back cautiously.
"I, I'm going back!"
The flustered tone was obviously a bit more nervous.
As soon as she finished speaking, she quietly avoided Lin Jiangnian, appeared behind Lin Jiangnian like a shadow, and left the room.
Lin Jiangnian stood there, the smile on his face slightly stiff.
It was obvious that Zhiyuan was wary of him now.
And all this...
I had to commit this sin that night a few days in advance!
I'm afraid the kite was scared.
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian sighed secretly.
I'm still too impatient!
With a girl like Zhiyuan, who has a cold temperament, you can't rush into things. You need to take your time, wrap her in warmth first, then slowly enter and exit her world, until her coldness has melted away, and only then can you advance straight in and strike straight at Huanglong...
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian looked down at his palm. The memory of that night still seemed to remain in his palm, especially the memory.
"Wait a little longer."
Lin Jiangnian comforted himself and then looked determined.
"break off an engagement!"
"This marriage must be cancelled!"
“…”
Outside the door, in the yard.
Zhiyuan almost ran away, hurriedly leaving the room, fleeing the yard, and returning to the next yard.
She stopped under the eaves, leaning against the wall behind her, her eyes slightly closed, breathing rapidly, her face flushed, her slightly raised chest rising and falling with her rapid breathing, as if she was greatly stimulated.
In the darkness, it is extremely cold and beautiful.
It was not until a long time later that she seemed to come to her senses and opened her eyes. In the darkness, her bright and sharp eyes were filled with a touch of tenderness and shyness, full of alluring charm.
The cold and frosty look on Zhiyuan's face was no longer there.
Like any other woman, a variety of emotions surfaced. Her already stunning beauty was now even more stunning.
She stared blankly at the dark courtyard in front of her, as if she remembered something. She bit her lower lip with her upper teeth, and a hint of shame appeared on her face.
If I hadn't gotten out earlier, I'm afraid it would have been like that night a few days ago...
Thinking of this, Zhiyuan felt an inexplicable burning sensation all over his body, as if his whole body was hot and trembling slightly.
It is winter, but I can still feel the scorching heat.
It wasn't until a long time later that she finally calmed down. The chaotic thoughts in her mind were thrown away, her eyes became clear again, and she returned to her usual calm demeanor.
He took a deep breath and was about to go back to his room when he suddenly seemed to remember something.
I seem to have forgotten to ask one thing...
That Miss Zhao...
What did you do with him today?
Zhiyuan stared blankly.