Zhao Mansion.
A carriage slowly stopped at the gate, and outside the gate, several maids from the mansion came forward.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Lin, has arrived!"
Lin Jiangnian dismounted from the carriage and looked ahead. Amidst the distance, a stately and luxurious mansion appeared in his sight. The courtyard walls were a dark red, ingeniously decorated. On the deep black door plaque, the two large, gold-rimmed characters "Zhao Mansion" appeared extremely solemn and awe-inspiring.
At the door, Zhao Jing, dressed in a gray robe, was already standing outside the carriage waiting.
"Thank you, Mr. Zhao."
Lin Jiang spoke in a young voice and, under the guidance of the servants in the mansion, stepped into the Zhao Mansion.
The Zhao Mansion was decorated with magnificent style, a simple and elegant elegance, exuding a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere. The courtyard not far ahead was shaded by green trees, a tranquil and charming scene. From time to time, people from the mansion passed by, and the entire residence exuded an indescribable sense of tranquility and relaxation.
Under the guidance of his servants, Lin Jiangnian came to an inner courtyard in the mansion.
"My young lady has been waiting for Your Highness for a long time. Please come in, Your Highness."
A maid from the mansion stood outside the inner courtyard, bowed her head slightly, and spoke respectfully.
“Trouble!”
Lin Jiang smiled young and stepped into the inner courtyard.
The maid at the door seemed a little dazed, staring blankly at the back of the Prince of Lin. Recalling the elegant, handsome and sunny smile that the prince had smiled at her just now, she was a little dazed for a moment.
This Prince Lin is really handsome.
And... very gentle!
Not knowing what she was thinking about, the little maid's face suddenly turned red, and then she turned around and ran away shyly.
The cold and quiet inner courtyard was silent and empty, with not a single figure in sight. Lin Jiangnian stepped on the withered yellow leaves, making a crisp sound.
The entire courtyard was covered with fallen yellow maple leaves. In a corner not far away, one could vaguely see some snow that had not been completely cleared. A small bridge appeared in the sight ahead.
When Lin Jiangnian got closer, he saw that the small bridge was exquisitely decorated. There were some elegant poems carved on the stone bridge, which seemed to be some poems about women's love, but they were not very obvious.
Beneath the bridge, a river ran through the entire inner courtyard, dividing it into two. The stream flowed slowly, its surface crystal clear, and the pebbles of various colors and sizes at the bottom had been washed smooth like jade.
On one side of the bridge, a cobblestone path led directly to a lawn in another part of the courtyard. A swing hung quietly above the grass. On the vines entwined around it, a few flowers, braving the harsh winter, bloomed with vibrant color.
Lin Jiangnian stood on the bridge, watching the scene quietly, as if thinking about something.
It seems that this young lady from the Zhao family is also a talented woman who is passionate about romance and literature?
Judging from the decorations in the courtyard, this young lady of the Zhao family must be like those women in Beijing who have been secluded in their boudoirs for many years and have not yet married. She is young, lively, simple, romantic, and loves life...
It’s easy to deceive!
When leaving the manor, Zhao Jing found Lin Jiangnian.
From Jiang Yuxiang, Lin Jiangnian learned about Zhao Jing's identity... He was a close confidant of Prime Minister Zhao and had a very high status.
Zhao Jing spoke and invited Lin Jiangnian into the mansion.
His eldest daughter wants to see him!
The eldest daughter of the Zhao family?
Zhao Xi?
Lin Jiangnian had heard of this name before. She was the youngest daughter of the then Prime Minister Zhao. Having been born in his old age, Prime Minister Zhao doted on her immensely. However, this young lady of the Zhao family rarely appeared in public, and little was known about her life.
Now she suddenly asked to see Lin Jiangnian by name, which was indeed quite surprising.
Of course, what surprised Lin Jiangnian even more was that it was Mr. Zhao who spoke up in the manor today and helped to quietly resolve the attack against Lin Jiangnian.
Zhao Jing then approached Lin Jiangnian alone, apparently having made plans in advance. After a moment's hesitation, Lin Jiangnian agreed.
At the moment, everything was still quiet. Aside from the running water under the bridge, there was no other sound. Lin Jiangnian glanced around the courtyard. Not far away, under the eaves, a door was slightly closed.
Lin Jiangnian stood there for a while before speaking softly, "Miss Zhao, since you have an appointment to see me, why don't you show up?"
"It's cold in the courtyard, so I can't greet Your Highness in person. Please come inside and discuss in detail."
The sound is very light, crisp and pleasant, and seems to carry a bit of joy. It is pleasant to the ear and makes people feel itchy.
Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on the doorway not far away, and he slowly approached. Under the eaves, the door, which was not completely closed, was slightly ajar, and the warm air in the room was overflowing.
Lin Jiangnian stood at the door and did not move forward.
At this time, another voice came from the room: "What? Your Highness doesn't want to see my daughter?"
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and said, "Miss Zhao should already know how Zhou Huiguang died, right?"
There was a moment of stunned silence inside the door, and then a crisp laugh was heard: "Your Highness, Prince Lin, are you worried that I will frame you as well?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "The world is dangerous, we have to be on guard!"
“Hehe…”
A woman chuckled from inside the door, and then said cheerfully, "Your Highness, Prince Lin, please rest assured. I'm not Zhou Huiguang, and I don't want to die yet... Since I've invited Your Highness into my house, I won't do anything as despicable as framing you."
"Why, Your Highness, are you afraid of a weak woman like me?"
Lin Jiangnian didn't say anything. A weak woman?
The weaker the woman, the more cautious she should be.
How many people have fallen for so-called weak women, never being able to turn over and dying with regrets?
Seeing that Lin Jiangnian outside the door didn't say anything, the voice inside the door became more teasing: "Your Highness, Prince Lin, is you so afraid that my daughter will plot against you?"
Lin Jiangnian said calmly, "It's better to be careful when you go out... Miss Zhao, what do you want to see me about today? Just tell me."
He didn't plan to enter this door.
There was a brief silence at the door, and then, footsteps approached. Then, the door was slowly pushed open.
A warm breath emanated from the room, driving away the chill. Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and saw a young woman.
She was about the same age as Lin Jiangnian, standing at the door, looking at Lin Jiangnian with a smile.
The woman had a fair face, bright eyes, a high nose, and thin red lips. She looked up and down at Lin Jiangnian with curious eyes.
She had a tall and graceful figure, almost the same height as Lin Jiangnian, and their eyes were looking at each other. The woman was wearing a green skirt with white flowers printed on it. The skirt was not thick, and could even be considered thin, but it showed off her slender waist.
Under the skirt, at the woman's white ankles, a pair of crystal clear jade feet were stepping on the soft blanket, exposed to the air.
It was winter, but the woman in front of me was wearing thin clothes, and her bare feet were on the ground under her skirt, which was extremely attractive and beautiful.
Small and exquisite, the graceful curves are as clear as a crescent moon, and the fine blood vessels can be vaguely seen under the snow-white skin. It is slender and delicate, and as bright as jade.
Lin Jiangnian was slightly startled by Miss Zhao's bold attire. For a moment, his gaze drifted from her elegant, serene, stunning face to her smooth, jade-like feet beneath her skirt. After a few casual glances, he returned to the woman's face. Their eyes met, and he seemed to detect a hint of amusement in her gaze.
"Miss Zhao?"
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Lin is really arrogant. He insisted that my daughter come to the door to greet him personally?"
A slightly sad and gentle voice came, very soft, making people feel a little numb in their hearts.
This Miss Zhao...something's wrong!
Lin Jiangnian remained calm and looked at the woman in front of him.
Her beautiful eyes were bright, as if she had seen some rare treasure. She stared at Lin Jiangnian without blinking, looking him up and down, as if she was extremely surprised.
Just as she was about to say something, a gust of cold wind rushed in from outside, and the woman's delicate body trembled slightly. How could such thin clothes resist the cold wind outside?
She took a few steps back, wrapping herself in the warmth of the room again. She glanced at Lin Jiangnian standing outside the door, her beautiful eyes slightly resentful. "My daughter has already appeared before Your Highness. Are you still worried or afraid?"
Seeing the coolly dressed Miss Zhao in front of him, Lin Jiangnian became even more silent.
"Miss Zhao, this... isn't very convenient?"
"What's the inconvenience?"
Zhao Xi chuckled softly, "Could it be that Prince Lin was so frightened on the way to the capital that even a weak and defenseless woman like me is afraid of him?"
Lin Jiangnian was thinking about how to explain it.
The atmosphere before me is clearly not right...
This was the boudoir of the young lady from the Zhao family. The young lady in front of him was wearing thin and soft clothes, her snow-white skin faintly visible. But she invited him into the boudoir at this time. This was very wrong.
Lin Jiangnian was very familiar with this occasion.
It feels like visiting a brothel.
The atmosphere was even more tense with a man and a woman alone. If Miss Zhao suddenly shouted "molest," Lin Jiangnian would have no way of clearing himself of the grievance.
As if she could sense some of Lin Jiangnian's worries, Zhao Xi raised her eyebrows slightly: "Could it be that Prince Lin is still worried that I'm framing you?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "I'm just worried about ruining Miss Zhao's reputation."
"That's true."
Zhao Xi nodded in agreement, but then chuckled, "But if I'm not afraid, why should Your Highness be afraid?"
Lin Jiangnian was silent!
Indeed, for this Miss Zhao, her reputation clearly seemed more important. As for Lin Jiangnian...his reputation wasn't worth mentioning.
Since even she is not afraid, Lin Jiangnian naturally has nothing to fear.
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian said: "In that case, then excuse me for disturbing you!"
After saying that, he stepped into the room and closed the door.
Inside the room, the fire was burning brightly, and the whole room was extremely warm. At the same time, there was a light and elegant fragrance in the air, a very unique fragrance. It was like the smell of rouge, but also like the unique body fragrance of a woman.
There is an indescribable sense of peace and joy.
Lin Jiangnian glanced around casually. The room was large, elegantly decorated. Beyond the screen stood a simple table and chairs, with a few books stacked on a nearby bookshelf. In the far corner, by the bed, stood a few pots of flowers.
The decoration is very simple and clear, without the kind of rich girl or lady's decoration you might imagine. The surroundings give people a sense of elegance and clarity, which is very comfortable.
"Your Highness, please take a seat."
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and saw that the woman had sat sideways on the soft couch not far away. She was wrapped in a thin dress, and her snow-white feet were faintly visible under the hem of the skirt, and her smooth jade-like calves were vaguely revealed, exposed unscrupulously in Lin Jiangnian's sight.
It's said that women's feet are like sensitive private parts these days, but this Miss Zhao...
How generous!
At this time, Zhao Xi was looking at Lin Jiangnian with interest.
Lin Jiangnian walked up slowly, sat down opposite her, and looked into her eyes. When he saw the excitement in Zhao Xi's eyes, he felt a little puzzled.
"I have long heard of the name of Prince Lin and have long wanted to meet him. I never expected that His Highness would surpass my expectations."
Zhao Xi looked Lin Jiangnian up and down with a smile on his face.
"Why do you say that, Miss Zhao?"
"There are many slanderous and malicious words about Your Highness in the capital. I thought Your Highness would be ordinary in appearance, but I didn't expect you to be so handsome, no less handsome than those self-proclaimed handsome men in the capital. In terms of temperament, you are even superior... Your Highness, you have given me a big surprise!"
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and said modestly, "Appearance is just skin and not worth mentioning..."
"Who doesn't like a good-looking skin?"
Zhao Xi chuckled and asked back.
Lin Jiangnian was silent for a moment: "Miss Zhao, are you looking at my face?"
"What's the problem?"
Zhao Xi raised her eyebrows slightly and said calmly, "How many people in this world don't like a beautiful appearance? A beautiful appearance is like a beautiful object or scenery. I find it pleasing to the eye and makes me happy. Why can't I like it?"
Lin Jiangnian remained silent, as if he had not expected Miss Zhao to be so straightforward.
Dress boldly and speak boldly too.
Zhao Xi smiled and said, "Don't you think His Royal Highness the Prince of Lin doesn't like it?"
"……like."
Lin Jiangnian nodded honestly.
"Then what's the problem?"
Zhao Xi raised an eyebrow and said meaningfully, "If Your Highness were so ugly, you probably wouldn't have the chance to sit here."
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "Miss Zhao...you are so realistic!"
"Of course not."
Zhao Xi blinked: "Not everyone can enter my boudoir."
"Then this prince is considered an honor?"
"That's not the case... His Royal Highness the Lin Wang Crown Prince is of noble status, so how could he be without confidantes? I don't think he would necessarily look down on me."
"Miss Zhao is a beauty of the highest order, with a stunning appearance. One of the rarest in the world, she has countless admirers in the capital, yet she remains unmoved. It seems she has very high standards, and perhaps she despises this prince."
Zhao Xi leaned lightly on the soft couch, leaning back slightly, her sideways posture elegant, her head slightly tilted, looking at Lin Jiangnian, as if thinking of something, her eyes slightly narrowed: "What if this little girl is interested in you?"
Lin Jiangnian: “???”
"Miss Zhao, why are you so probing?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed.
"I'm curious!"
Zhao Xi smiled faintly: "Can I ask Your Highness a question?"
"Ms. Zhao, please speak!"
"How do I compare to your fiancée?" Zhao Xi looked at Lin Jiangnian with interest.
"What is Miss Zhao asking about?"
"What does it look like?"
“I don’t know.”
"Not sure?" Zhao Xi looked up in confusion.
"I've just arrived in the capital and haven't met the Princess yet, so naturally I can't compare myself to Miss Zhao."
Having said this, Lin Jiangnian paused and continued, "But I think Miss Zhao is more advanced!"
Zhao Xi's eyes lit up slightly, and he seemed interested. He asked, "Why?"
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and said, "Because the eldest princess is not here."
“…”