Chapter 166: Scholars

Chapter 166: Scholars

"Where is Xiao Xiang Pavilion?"

Seizing the opportunity, Dong Shuangshuang came to find Lin Yunwan, and the two of them left the floral hall one after another, strolling through the Ji Mountain Garden.

Dong Shuangshuang, arm in arm with Lin Yunwan, walked towards a shaded area.

She remarked, "This garden is quite expansive."

They hadn’t walked far when they encountered numerous ladies leisurely roaming about.

Jiang Qian boasts many private gardens, but this one on Ji Mountain is renowned for its scenery. Visitors never miss the chance to explore it.

Dong Shuangshuang smiled, pressing her lips together, "Your Xi Lin Mansion has rented half of this garden. The other half is where scholars from Ji Mountain Society often gather to discuss poetry and literature. If you walk through here, around the rockery, and past a stretch of woods, you'll find Xiao Xiang Pavilion."

"From the pavilion, you can look down and see the Ji Mountain Society scholars discussing in the courtyard."

Dong Shuangshuang whispered, "Not many people know about this."

"Today happens to be the day the Ji Mountain Society scholars debate on literature. Once we reach the pavilion, you’ll be able to see them."

Lin Yunwan smiled faintly.

She really was a lifesaver!

The two walked a while, engaging in casual chatter about trivial matters, ranging from daily meals to the designer of the garden.

"Miss..."

Xi Ruo, trailing behind Lin Yunwan, called out in a low voice.

Following Xi Ruo's cue, Lin Yunwan looked ahead and saw Ah Fu appearing in the distance.

Why was he here?

Could this mean the prince was also present?

"Yunwan, why have you stopped?"

Lin Yunwan quickly turned back to Dong Shuangshuang, "Shuangshuang, could you go back and keep an eye out for me?"

"If someone from the mansion looks for me, have your maid come find me."

Dong Shuangshuang thought for a moment; going back to keep watch seemed like a good idea.

Not being a member of the Lin Mansion herself, her vigilance on Lin Yunwan's behalf wouldn't raise suspicions.

Once Dong Shuangshuang left, Lin Yunwan and Xi Ruo headed deeper into the garden, arriving in front of a pavilion where Ah Fu was waiting at the entrance.

"Ah Fu?"

Lin Yunwan approached and looked up, finding herself right at Xiao Xiang Pavilion!

She asked Ah Fu, "Is the prince here too?"

Qi Lingxing emerged from the courtyard of Xiao Xiang Pavilion, his expression gentle but his eyes deeper than before.

"I am here."

Lin Yunwan and Xi Ruo both stepped back and bowed to Qi Lingxing.

Qi Lingxing nodded, "Rise."

Lin Yunwan looked around; there was no one else in sight.

...Unsurprisingly, where the prince goes, idle people won’t be present.

She had already met the prince twice. Could it be just a coincidence?

Lin Yunwan directly asked, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

Qi Lingxing smiled faintly, "The Lin family rented this garden. Don't you know who owns it?"

"It's yours?"

Lin Yunwan was curious. The prince hadn’t been in Jiang Qian for long; surely this garden couldn't be his?

Indeed, it wasn’t Qi Lingxing’s.

He said, "It belongs to my uncle. He told me that once I get married, he will gift this garden to me."

Lin Yunwan was puzzled.

Why would he share this with her?

She slightly lowered her gaze, realizing with the prince at Xiao Xiang Pavilion, it would be inconvenient for her to proceed with her plans.

She couldn’t possibly spy on the Ji Mountain Society scholars in his presence.

"Didn't you want to come here?"

Qi Lingxing opened the door to Xiao Xiang Pavilion, saying, "Why not come in?"

Standing beside the door, his tall figure seemed imposing. His face was devoid of a smile, yet there was a unique gentleness about him, entirely different from how he interacted with local officials of Jiang Qian.

"Your Highness..."

Lin Yunwan wanted to enter Xiao Xiang Pavilion, but not with Qi Lingxing.

However, Qi Lingxing didn’t mind.

"Miss Lin, let's talk inside."

Hesitating briefly, Lin Yunwan entered with Xi Ruo, followed by Ah Fu. Then, several guards surrounded the pavilion, standing guard.

"No wonder it's called Xiao Xiang Pavilion."

Lin Yunwan thought to herself after entering.

The place was filled with bamboo, some reaching as high as the second floor of the pavilion, obviously having grown there for many years.

Qi Lingxing led Lin Yunwan inside, "You can't see much from the first floor, but the second floor offers a view of many landscapes."

She had intended to go to the second floor anyway…

So, Lin Yunwan followed him upstairs.

The staircase of the pavilion was narrow, each step echoing a thud, but Qi Lingxing's steps were notably steady.

On the second floor, Xi Ruo, following instructions, pushed open a set of double windows, letting in voices: "…So, you've finished your essay?"

"Bring it out for everyone to appreciate."

"Yan Brother, don't be shy. No more excuses, bring it out and read it for us."

Lin Yunwan looked down at the spacious courtyard below, where many tables and chairs were set up. There were numerous young scholars, some in straight robes, others in wide-sleeved long gowns, and still others in striped shirts — attire only those who had passed the imperial examinations could wear.

"It really is..."

An excellent place, offering an unobstructed view of the Ji Mountain Society scholars engaging in scholarly discussions.

But the bamboo had grown so thickly that those scholars likely couldn't see them in the pavilion.

"Miss Lin, you’ve been spending a lot of time with Madam Dong recently?"

Qi Lingxing suddenly asked.

Thinking of his intervention that led to Lu Rong's paralysis, Lin Yunwan decided not to avoid Qi Lingxing's gaze, "Your Highness, haven’t you seen? She was supposed to bring me to Xiao Xiang Pavilion today."

Qi Lingxing looked at her as well.

He bluntly asked, "Is there something in Xiao Xiang Pavilion that particularly draws your interest?"

Lin Yunwan smiled, looking towards the Ji Mountain Society scholars, and countered, "Your Highness, haven’t you already noticed?"

Qi Lingxing had already observed the scholars.

A vibrant group of readers, among whom might be future pillars of the state.

Lin Yunwan calmly said, "Your Highness once advised me to plan ahead for myself."

"A woman's options are limited, mostly to marriage. Marrying well is key."

Qi Lingxing frowned, "So Madam Dong brought you here to..."

"Yes."

Lin Yunwan openly admitted, she was indeed here to choose a husband.

The prince had helped her so much, and they had already done many extraordinary things together.

What would it matter if he knew?

Qi Lingheng realized the situation and looked helplessly resigned.

So, his reprimanding Lu Rong for Lin Yunwan had led to this?

If only he had known…

Lin Yunwan turned to look at Qi Lingheng, noticing his expression wasn't too pleasant.

"Your Highness?"

"Hmm."

Qi Lingheng asked Lin Yunwan, "With so many people here, how can you know who is worthy of trust and who is not?"

Lin Yunwan had also made preparations in advance.

She pulled a booklet from her bosom, the very one given to her by Dong Shuangshuang.

Seeing the booklet, Qi Lingheng pinched his brow.

She really did prepare thoroughly.

If he had found out any later, would she have even gathered the birth dates of others?