Chapter 137: News from the Prince’s Residence

Chapter 137: News from the Prince's Residence

"Fan Mama is personally going to teach you?"

Lin Huabin was surprised!

He hadn’t expected his mother to send Fan Mama to get involved in his household affairs, especially since the family had divided with the understanding of non-interference.

Lin Yunwan explained, "Perhaps the elder Madam thinks it improper for someone raised in the countryside to bring disgrace upon the Lin family."

Lin Huabin nodded, not particularly opposed.

After all, she was his mother. Although the family had divided, it was only right for her to discipline his daughters.

He said gently, "Fan Mama is a formidable person, and learning from her will be beneficial for you. It's a good fortune. Study well!"

"Your Bi Xi Hall is spacious enough. Just arrange a side room there as a classroom for the maids."

Lin Yunwan continued, "…Elder Madam also instructed Fan Mama to teach the second young miss."

"What? Fan Mama teaching Yunjiao?"

Lin Huabin was taken aback.

He knew his younger daughter was pampered. Elder Madam was aware too, but a bit of daintiness in a girl, as long as it didn’t go overboard, was charming. If she married a husband like him, it would be a perfect match.

A husband can only love too much, not find fault.

But surely Fan Mama wouldn’t approve of this...

Lin Huabin pondered deeply.

"Yunjiao, she…"

Thinking of her ordering maids to strip another maid’s clothes, which was quite improper, he agreed, "That's fine. Both of you learn from Fan Mama."

Lin Huabin was very fond of his second daughter, considering everything for her benefit.

"Not in Bi Xi Hall, but in Lin Yan Pavilion."

It was not far from Lin Yunjiao's courtyard.

"From now on, Madam will allocate a separate budget for spring and summer expenses for you. We'll pick a few clever maids from Lin Yan Pavilion to serve you."

Such thoughtful arrangements!

Lin Yunwan thanked, "Thank you, Master."

Lin Huabin said, "You may go back now."

After dismissing Lin Yunwan, he went to discuss the matter with his wife.

Lin Huabin was pleased: "Fan Mama’s skills are exceptional. She excels in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, tea, and flowers. Initially, she only tutored the legitimate eldest daughter of my elder brother's family and was reluctant to teach others."

"Now that Fan Mama is willing to take on Yunwan and Yunjiao, our Yunjiao will be as outstanding as my brother’s legitimate daughter. Whichever family she marries into will surely hold her in high esteem."

Zheng, however, was dissatisfied: "What good can Fan Mama teach?"

"Years ago, I heard how she tutored the eldest daughter of the main family. The girl cried in secret for a whole year, completely changing her personality!"

Lin Huabin countered, "But didn’t that make the eldest daughter of the main family more stable? That’s a good thing."

Zheng, worried about her child, said angrily, "…Yes, she became more stable, but have you thought if Yunjiao can withstand it? And the eldest daughter didn’t marry well either!"

"In my opinion, focusing on securing a good marriage alliance is more important than any learning. If you really care about Yunjiao, you should start inquiring about the current situation in the Prince's residence."

"After such a grand plum blossom banquet, has there been any follow-up?"

"Aren’t you well-acquainted with Zhao Jingyi? Why don’t you ask him for help? He doesn’t have a daughter of the right age for marriage, and you two are old acquaintances. He might speak in favor of our Yunjiao."

"We should also let our Yunjiao interact more with Wang Momo. I heard that Wang Momo came to Jiang Lian specifically to find a suitable bride for the Prince."

Zheng started muttering to herself.

Lin Huabin listened until his head spun.

How she can talk so much!

He said, "How do you know I haven’t inquired?"

Zheng's eyes lit up, "What have you found out?"

Lin Huabin put his arm around her shoulder, saying, "The Prince is planning to visit the scenic spots in Jiang Lian, and I heard he’s going to the Ci En Temple."

"Then, let’s quickly take Yunjiao there!" exclaimed Zheng excitedly.

"If we happen to meet the Prince, it would be great to observe his elegance. I’ve heard he’s very handsome! And if the Prince gets to see Yunjiao... You and the Prince’s uncle are friends, so what could go wrong?"

Isn’t this the perfect convergence of time, location, and people?

Lin Huabin inwardly agreed but still scolded Zheng, "How can an unmarried girl go to meet a man outside her family?"

Zheng huffed, "Didn’t we say it’s a 'chance encounter'? Ci En Temple is so large, are others allowed to go but not our Yunjiao?"

She twisted her handkerchief, pondering, "I heard the Prince is gentle with others but has a proud nature. The Empress and the Emperor dote on him and let him have his way. Presumably, his marriage will also be up to him... which means, the Prince’s own opinion is more important than anything else."

"Master, are you really not going to let Yunjiao go for a 'chance encounter' with the Prince?"

Lin Huabin brushed off his sleeve, "No, it's inappropriate. That's against the rules."

Zheng knew her husband better than anyone else.

After a moment of intimacy, Lin Huabin said, "...This is an exception! And Yunjiao must not do anything inappropriate, or the elder Madam will be the first to hold us accountable."

"I understand," Zheng replied.

She managed to extract from Lin Huabin the exact time the Prince would visit Ci En Temple.

The next day.

Fan Mama arrived, and Lin Yunwan got up early, arriving on time at Lin Yan Pavilion.

Lin Yunjiao was still throwing a tantrum in her courtyard.

"No more copying books? Mother, you’re the best! It must be because of the good words you said to father, right?"

Zheng sighed, "It's because Fan Mama is coming to tutor you and that contemptible girl. The elder Madam herself ordered it; you have to go with her."

"What? Fan Mama!"

Furious, Lin Yunjiao smashed a teacup, angrily declaring, "I won't go!"

She was used to throwing fits in front of Zheng, knowing her mother would agree to anything if she made a scene.

"I won't go!"

She impulsively smashed another teacup.

Zheng, unfazed, spoke calmly, "Do you want to meet the Prince or not?"

"Mother, do you have a way for me to see the Prince?"

Lin Yunjiao’s attitude changed instantly.

Since Qi Lingxin arrived in Jiang Lian, rumors about him had already spread throughout the major families. Almost all were words of praise. Not just the local officials of Jiang Lian, even the unmarried girls were utterly enchanted by him.

Even those who weren't captivated were extremely curious, eager to see what kind of person the Prince was.

"Behave yourself and learn from Fan Mama, and I'll arrange for you to meet the Prince."

Lin Yunjiao softened, pouting, "Alright then. But you must make sure I get to meet the Prince!"

She changed her clothes and went to Lin Yan Pavilion.

Eager to meet the Prince, she was very obedient. Although not as diligent as Lin Yunwan, she did whatever Fan Mama instructed.

After a day, Fan Mama reported back to Elder Madam Lin, "Both girls seem quite promising."

Elder Madam Lin asked, "Yunjiao too?" She was surprised.

Fan Mama said, "...Given Yunjiao's upbringing by the Second Madam, her compliance is commendable."

Elder Madam Lin thought for a moment and said, "One day of good behavior doesn't count for much; keep observing her."

Fan Mama agreed, "That's exactly what I think. We can't just judge based on a day’s performance."

It wasn’t long before Lin Huabin personally requested leave from Fan Mama, citing Yunjiao's need to visit the temple.

Fan Mama responded, "To keep it fair for both girls, I'll give them both a day off."

Lin Huabin agreed and told Zheng, "Take Yunwan with you to the temple as well."

"Why bring her too? Who is she offering a Longevity Lamp for this time?"

Zheng was annoyed at the thought of having to take along an extra burden.

Lin Huabin frowned, "Fan Mama has given them both a day off. If you only take one, how will you explain to her?"

Zheng had no comeback, thinking it was just an additional hassle, easily handled by assigning a maid to watch over her.