Yang Jing, Lin Weiyuan, and Lin Shuhua left the Study and walked slowly along a corridor paved with bluestone slabs.
Along the way, the Lin Family guards and servants stopped and bowed whenever they saw Lin Weiyuan. When their gazes fell on Yang Jing, curiosity mingled with awe, and none dared show the slightest discourtesy.
From a distance, Yang Jing could already see the brightly lit Main Hall ahead. Dozens of palace lanterns hung beneath its eaves, illuminating the entire hall as brightly as daylight.
Servants carrying dishes and wine jugs came and went with brisk steps. Clearly, preparations for the evening banquet were nearly complete, and the scene bustled with activity.
Just as they neared the entrance to the Main Hall, three women dressed in sumptuous brocade robes suddenly emerged gracefully from the corridor beside it.
Their hair was arranged in elaborate buns, adorned with pearls and jade. A touch of playful curiosity showed in their faces as their gazes settled in unison on Yang Jing. They looked the rumored Heavenly Prodigy of the Profound Truth Sect up and down, their eyes full of scrutiny.
Lin Shuhua's heart tightened at the sight. She hurriedly gave the three women a discreet look, signaling them to leave at once rather than disturb their honored guest.
The three understood immediately. They smiled behind pursed lips, then turned and hurried away, whispering among themselves as they went, their words brimming with curiosity and admiration for Yang Jing.
Watching their retreating figures, Lin Weiyuan frowned slightly. He turned to Lin Shuhua and asked evenly, "Who were they?"
Judging by their attire, the three were young ladies from prominent families, but they were not members of the Lin Family. Their faces were quite unfamiliar to him.
Lin Shuhua quickly stepped forward and explained softly, "Father,