A Stirring of the Heart

Hearing the commotion, A Fu came out and said, "Miss, the Prince is waiting for you inside."

Lin Yunwan thought for a moment, then went inside.

Even if she can't see Zhao Jingyi, she still needs to pass on the message to him. Otherwise, Lin Huabin doesn't know how he'll mess with her marriage.

"Your Prince."

Pushing open the door, she saw Qi Lingheng standing by the window, watering the potted plants on the table.

Qi Lingheng put down the kettle and gestured for her to sit at the table.

On a large table lay a thick stack of booklets, all with gold-lacquered red covers, giving them a festive look.

"What's this?"

Lin Yunwan knew that it wasn't placed there for no reason.

Qi Lingheng said, "Open it and take a look."

He didn't sit down, but stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Lin Yunwan.

Lin Yunwan opened the booklet, which was filled with the names of various items. There were so many things that if they were all displayed, it would be too much to look at.

But it's also easy to identify what it's used for.

"A set of Red-Glazed Mandarin Duck Teacups, a Phoenix-and-Luan Canopy Bed..."

They're either mandarin ducks or phoenixes; they're clearly items used for Prince's wedding.

Lin Yunwan closed the booklet, looked up, and asked, "Is this the betrothal gift you gave to your future Princess Consort?"

Qi Lingheng nodded and asked, "What do you think?"

Lin Yunwan put the booklet back and said with a faint smile, "How can I decide this? Doesn't the Prince have palace maids with him? You don't need to ask me about this. Nanny Wang is more experienced than me."

How could I not ask you?

Qi Lingheng poured two cups of tea and placed one in front of Lin Yunwan.

It was hot, and he was a little thirsty. He picked up the teacup with his long, slender fingers and brought it steadily to his lips.

The private garden was very cool, but there were still plenty of cicadas chirping outside.

When neither of them spoke, the room was very quiet.

Lin Yunwan looked at Qi Lingheng in silence.

He seemed oblivious to her gaze. After finishing his tea, he gently put down the cup, looked into her eyes, and smiled with a puzzled expression, "What's wrong?"

Lin Yunwan pursed her lips slightly, saying nothing.

Much later, she realized to herself that the person the Prince wanted to marry was still her.

Yun Wan.

Qi Lingheng knew that Lin Yunwan wouldn't agree so easily, but he wasn't planning to come for nothing today.

He said softly, "Marrying me isn't as complicated as you think."

Lin Yunwan felt that Qi Lingheng was standing too close; her neck even felt hot.

She took a few steps towards the windowsill to look at the flowers on it.

The lotus and gardenias that bloom in summer are extremely fragrant, their scent permeating every corner of the Garden, while the potted flowers have little to no fragrance.

Qi Lingheng said calmly from behind her, "Your concern for my Imperial Father and Empress is completely unnecessary."

"You went to great lengths to marry Yan Jingzong, but all you hoped for was to return to the capital and reunite with your mother and brother."

Have you considered this? He has the ability to protect you, but is he truly willing to do so?

"Even if he were willing, how many years would it take for him to agree to move to the Capital? Three to five years, or eight to ten years?"

"You can wait, but what about your mother?"

"Being Prince Huan Consort is different; you won't have to worry about any of these things."

"Yun Wan, you're so smart, you know exactly what's the most cost-effective way."

Lin Yunwan had her back to Qi Lingheng, but given her status, it was absolutely forbidden for her to have her back to the Prince.

She turned around, smiled at him, and said, "I've taken all the advantages, so what about you, Your Prince?"

Qi Lingheng also laughed and said, "Prince Huan Consort is no easy task."

Afraid she would back down again, he quickly said, "... But it's not too difficult. With your intelligence, you'll definitely be able to handle it. And if you can't, I'm here for you."

I will always stand up for you.

Lin Yunwan was touched, but her gaze remained indifferent. "Your Prince, I still disagree."

"You came to the fiefdom without a marriage agreement. How can the Emperor and Empress feel at ease? You must have made promises to them."

How does he plan to end this? He'll probably have no choice but to remarry in the end.

Qi Lingheng paused for a moment, then said, "Lin Yunwan, if I were to take advantage of your kindness, would you agree?"

"I never imagined I would one day be forcing a woman like this."

He cracked the knuckles of his hand hidden behind his back, his eyes turning domineering. "I know this is shameless. But if this method works on you..."

So what if I'm shameless just once?

Lin Yunwan was stunned.

Did he never even consider remarrying?

She regained her senses and walked to the tall stacks of books. Her slender fingers pressed against the red covers, making her skin appear even whiter and more like jade.

"You have given me such a generous dowry, relieving me of my worries, helping me reunite with my family, and planning for my future."

Lin Yunwan looked at Qi Lingheng with a smile, "Your Prince, are you trying to take advantage of my kindness?"

What did she give him in return?

Hasn't he always been the one helping her?

Lin Yunwan didn't feel coerced; instead, she saw a sincere and passionate heart.

Qi Lingheng was speechless, looking at her slightly flushed cheeks, feeling an inexplicable flutter in his heart.

Lin Yunwan's voice was soft and gentle. "Your Prince, you have me in your heart, don't you?"

Qi Lingheng realized something, and his heart pounded.

He was still somewhat incredulous. He walked to her side, paused for a moment, and then asked in a low voice, "Yun Wan, do you mean you've agreed?"

Lin Yunwan nodded.

Qi Lingheng's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were filled with ecstatic joy.

Lin Yunwan smiled slightly, "You've already pointed out all the benefits, it would be too ungrateful of me to disagree."

Qi Lingheng laughed at her, "Is that all?"

Lin Yunwan suppressed a laugh, "That's it."

They had known each other since childhood. The Prince had helped her so much, and he was the only person she knew well since she came to Jiangqian from the Capital. It would be a lie to say she wasn't tempted at all.

But she was unwilling to say it out loud about her feelings for him.

After saying that, Lin Yunwan turned and walked towards the door, as if she was about to leave.

"You're just going back like that?"

Lin Yunwan turned to look at him. "Is there anything else I can get involved in?"

He must have already made his plans.

That's true. He doesn't need her to worry about the marriage.

Qi Lingheng then said, "Lin Huabin told my maternal uncle that you've taken a liking to his wife's nephew and want to marry him."

What's going on?

Lin Yunwan sighed and said, "You know who I initially wanted to marry."

"Lin Huabin and his wife Zheng Shi, are just bored."

Qi Lingheng then deliberately asked, "Do you still want to get married now?"

Lin Yunwan glanced at him. "... You're pretty boring too."

Goodbye.

She had just bent her knees when she heard him say, "Wait."

Qi Lingheng took a purse out of his sleeve.

Lin Yunwan wasn't used to being close to him yet, and didn't even take his things.

Qi Lingheng grabbed her wrist, placed the purse in her palm, and said, "This is my personal seal. You can take it for now."

Lin Yunwan gripped it; it was extremely heavy and uncomfortable to hold—it was a gold seal.

Although she probably wouldn't need it, she still put it away for now.

Qi Lingheng saw her out, adding, "Wait for me at the Lin Residence for a while."

"Um."

Lin Yunwan told him, "Just let things take their natural course."

She didn't want to suddenly scare everyone in the Lin Residence to death; otherwise, someone might become suspicious.

Qi Lingheng thought for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "I understand."

Lin Yunwan returned to the Lin Residence, Lin Huabin questioned her, "Have you already reached an agreement with your father?"

Lin Yunwan wasn't in a hurry to reveal the news, and vaguely said, "It's settled. He said he's making preparations, and asked you to give him some time, Uncle."

Lin Huabin was pleased. "That's good."

Once Yun Wan's marriage is settled, Zhao Jingyi will owe him a huge favor, making it much easier to bring up Yun Jiao and Prince Huan's marriage later.