Among the younger generation, everyone always has some close friends. However, Yi Zhici has been away from the capital for most of the time. So far, her friends are only Prince Song Gu Jing and Yan Sijin, the eldest daughter of General Yan Xianfeng.
Although Yan Sijin is a young and delicate girl, she is a rather special one. Tall and slender, she has a calm and composed personality. An imposing female general, she has been able to spar with Hou Chen since childhood.
As the young people walked out of the palace banquet hall, they all heaved a sigh of relief, feeling refreshed.
When Yan Sijin came to find her, Yi Zhici was still deeply immersed in her own speculations. When Yan Sijin patted her on the shoulder, Yi Zhici blurted out, "I wonder if my sweetheart is really Princess Qingping..."
Yan Sijin: "..."
Zhong Qing and Zhong Yi beside her quickly tugged at Yi Zhici's dress, signaling her to shut up. After all, there were so many young aristocrats around, and word could spread quickly. God knows what kind of rumors might start.
Yi Zhici turned around to comfort Zhong Qing and Zhong Yi, then gave a couple of giggles. "Sister Yan, I was just distracted. Sorry about that."
Yan Sijin didn't seem to mind. "What's your take on today's events?"
"About the Lin family's matter?"
"Yeah."
Yi Zhici stroked her non - existent beard. "Either the princess deliberately framed them. Maybe she wanted the Lin family to see the true face of the emperor and lose hope in Guyue, so they would defect to Xinyi. Or, the Lin family has long... But the second possibility is out of the question. Don't worry, Sister Yan."
Yan Sijin frowned. "Why is it impossible? Why are you so sure?" As a young female general who had entered officialdom, it was only natural for her to be concerned about court affairs.
Yi Zhici understood Yan Sijin's position, but she remained firm, presenting her reasoning. "The Lin family has had the capability for a long time. If they had any ill intentions, they would have rebelled long ago—"
Yan Sijin covered Yi Zhici's mouth. "Don't say anything reckless."
Yi Zhici blinked. Yi Junshi never kept anything from her. At home, she could talk about these things freely. Sometimes, when in high spirits, Yi Junshi would even ask for her opinions, and they could talk for a whole day and night. So, Yi Zhici didn't think much of it and didn't realize that these words were actually taboo.
Because when Yi Junshi brought these things up, it was as if he was asking, "What shall we eat, drink, or play today..."
Meanwhile, seeing Lin Yuan and Qingping lagging behind, Wei Xing and his group had intended to call out to them. But seeing that they clearly had something to talk about, they just walked on.
Lin Yuan and Qingping indeed had something to discuss, and it wasn't a light - hearted topic. "You saw in the hall just now. The emperor didn't punish them."
Qingping smiled. A non - sweet smile appeared on her delicate face. "Really? The Lin family has done so much for Guyue. What have they gotten in return? Suspicion at the slightest incident. How long did it take you to dispel the emperor's doubts just now? You must have some thoughts in your mind, right?"
Lin Yuan frowned. "Anyway, he won't take action for the time being."
Qingping stared deeply at him. "Lin Yuan, is this all you're capable of? Are you satisfied with just the position of a junior general? And even for this humble position, the emperor still suspects your family of having ill intentions."
"I'm just this mediocre," Lin Yuan seemed reluctant to continue the conversation. "There are things in Guyue that I want to protect for a lifetime. It doesn't matter if the emperor suspects us. As long as I can protect what I want to protect, that's enough."
"But..."
"Also, stop scheming. Whether it's the marriage alliance or trying to turn us, the Lin family won't get involved with you. I've tolerated your visit to the Lin family today to the limit. If there's a next time—" He dragged out his words, his tone menacing. "I won't show any mercy."
Qingping took a step forward, getting closer to Lin Yuan. Her eyes were filled with gentle affection. "Lin Yuan, you didn't talk like this when you were in the southern border. You said there was nothing you cared about except the Lin family..."
"Oh, there was nothing I cared about in the southern border, but I've found something here in the capital," Lin Yuan quickly took two steps back to keep a distance. A mischievous smile played on his lips. "Why are you so naive? When did I ever promise you anything?"
Qingping was stunned.
Lin Yuan said, "Moreover, stop trying to have any connection with the Lin family, especially the marriage alliance. The Lin family has always preferred to stay out of the limelight. We don't want to fight for power, nor do we want to be used."
Qingping was completely speechless. She lowered her head.
"Today, I'll just assume that what you said in the hall is true. Let's just keep the peace," Lin Yuan frowned and murmured softly. "I wonder what she'll think..."
Qingping's eyes were filled with mist. She had no mind to care about what Lin Yuan was saying. She just said, "How do you know my desire to marry you isn't genuine..."
Just then, Yi Zhici and Yan Sijin were on their way back to the hall to get some snacks. They happened to pass by and saw this scene. Coincidentally, Lin Yuan's mind was no longer on the conversation, so he didn't notice anyone passing by.
Yi Zhici's face turned pale.
Yan Sijin noticed and grabbed her hand. "What's wrong?"
Yi Zhici shook her head. "I'm just... a bit heart - broken." Her heart ached, as if a petal of the star flower had been plucked off.
She left in a hurry.