Chapter Twenty-One: Startled from a Dying Slumber-Após Ter Seus Sentimentos Ouvidos, a Verdadeira Filha Querida Tornou-se a Favorita de Todos em Pequim(Felicidade plena)

At this moment, the Marquis of Qingyuan’s estate was a flurry of festive activity.

Lady Han had initially been furious about the "wretch" entering the household. Unexpectedly, her eldest grandson had returned in a rush, speaking of how Lin Wanyue had saved the young prince of Northern Rong. Ever since her own brother had been dismissed for incompetence and offending the Emperor, she had been waiting for an opportunity to see him reinstated. Who would have thought—

"Good child, Grandmother had no idea you knew how to treat snake venom! You truly were raised well by your grandmother! You are so humble and sensible; if your eldest brother hadn't spoken up, were you planning to keep it from me?"

In front of the entire family, Lin Wanyue replied shyly, "Granddaughter did not mean to hide it from Grandmother; it was just so sudden that I hadn't had the chance to explain."

Though she spoke thus, her heart was soaring. After all, because of that wretch Lin Zhaozhao, Grandmother had formed a poor impression of her over the past few days, believing her to be unruly and that she had sided with Zhao Shuangshuang against her. This had led to her being turned away by the matrons every morning when she went to pay her respects, under the excuse that Grandmother had a headache. The servants of the estate, ever quick to flatter the rising star, had been fawning over Lin Zhaozhao, the usurper who had stolen her place. This had left Lin Wanyue stifling her rage with nowhere to vent, convinced that Lin Zhaozhao had snatched away everything that belonged to her.

And yet, just when all seemed lost, a new path had emerged. She didn't know which fool had saved the prince without claiming the credit, allowing her to reap the benefits and a stellar reputation for free!

"What are you saying, child? Never mind saving a prince of Northern Rong; even if you had saved a stray cat or dog on the road, you would still be the best in Grandmother’s heart!"

"Exactly!" the matron beside the old lady chimed in flatteringly. "No wonder the masters at the temple called the Fourth Miss the little lucky star of our Marquis of Qingyuan’s estate! The moment trouble befell your maternal uncle, the Fourth Miss delivered such a great favor to the Imperial family!"

Lady Han waved her hand. "Forget the talk of favors. I have been thinking—our Lin Qingwu has remained in the position of Vice Minister for many years. Now that such an opportunity has arrived, with Wanyue’s contribution, why shouldn't he ascend to the top?"

Once Lin Qingwu ascended, the reinstatement of her brother would be a certainty. At her age, she cared little for her own reputation; she only wished for her brother and youngest son to achieve greatness. She had found Lin Wanyue repulsive only a short time ago, but who would have thought—this girl was truly blessed by fate.

"By the way, Grandmother obtained some green chrysanthemums a while ago, and they are in full bloom. I must send invitations to every estate for a flower-viewing party. Once the Emperor’s decree arrives, never mind studying in the palace—even the title of County Princess will be nothing! I will make sure everyone in the capital knows how outstanding my granddaughter is!"

Lin Wanyue felt a surge of excitement. In the past, people had pampered her because she was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Qingyuan, but now it was different. An imperial decree and the title of County Princess—this was the reputation every noble lady dreamed of! Perhaps, in the future, she could even marry a prince!

Lin Wanyue excitedly touched her chest and bowed, "Thank you, Grandmother!"

"Between us, there is no need for such words!" With that, the old lady lost interest in punishing Zhao Shuangshuang and immediately ordered invitations to be drafted for all the estates.

Lin Qingwu, however, looked around with a stern face. "Where is Lin Zhaozhao?"

"Your younger sister just woke up and is currently eating. You—" Lady Bai wanted to ask what he wanted, but Lin Qingwu’s face darkened instantly.

"The sun is already high, and she is still huddled in her room sleeping? She has no sense of decorum; if word gets out, it will ruin Wanyue’s reputation. How are we to find a good husband for Wanyue then? Mother, you indulge her too much; see if any man will be willing to marry her in the future!"

Lin Qingwu had been a brilliant student since childhood and had become the youngest top scholar of the Great Yong at thirteen. Lady Bai was somewhat afraid of this son. Seeing him storm toward Huiyue Pavilion, she could only follow behind, saying, "Your younger sister has just returned and naturally doesn't understand many of our rules. Don't be too..."

"Wanyue is the same age as her; why is Wanyue a model for noble ladies, while she is beating her own sister? No matter who comes to her defense today, I must discipline her!"

Lin Wanyue, following behind, was overjoyed. She feigned concern, "Eldest Brother, please don't be like this! I don't hold a grudge against her!" She then looked at Lin Zhaozhao, who had just stepped out of the room, and said pointedly, "Little Sister, why have you only just 'risen'? Come and greet your eldest brother."

Lin Zhaozhao had just finished eating. The moment she emerged, she saw such a handsome face. A devotee of beauty, her mouth spoke before her brain could catch up. "Good morning, Eldest Brother!"

*[OMG! I thought my father’s looks were the peak of the 'uncle' category, but I never expected my eldest brother to be the ceiling of the 'ascetic' style!]*

*[I was practically dead and ready to pull my own life support, but what medicine could be more rejuvenating than the sight of my brother’s devastatingly handsome face?]*

Lin Qingwu: "..."

Lin Qingwu had intended to have Lin Zhaozhao sent to the ancestral hall to kneel, but hearing the voice of this sister he had never been close to, his brow furrowed.

She hadn't opened her mouth. Could this be her inner voice? Seeing that Wanyue and the others appeared normal, Lin Qingwu suppressed his confusion and the inexplicable twitch at the corner of his mouth. He coughed lightly and said, "What time is it? How can you call this morning?"

*[Oh, my dear mother! Not only is he handsome, but his voice is so mellow! No wonder he’s destined for the ancestral temple; he truly has both the looks and the power!]*

Lin Qingwu: "!!!"

Destined for the ancestral temple?

The Marquis of Qingyuan’s estate sounded grand, but its real power had long been stripped away. By the next generation, they would no longer be able to inherit the title, let alone enter the ancestral temple. In the Great Yong, only those who attained the First Rank and served as the Emperor's close confidants had such a chance. He was currently just a minor Vice Minister. Could it be that with Wanyue’s help, he would truly—

Before he could finish the thought, he heard Lin Zhaozhao continue to mutter, *[But it's a pity my eldest brother dies young. Though, you can't blame anyone else for that, considering he...]*

"Eldest Brother!" Lin Wanyue, sensing something, quickly prompted, "Didn't you say you were going to make Zhaozhao kneel?"

*[...What? Make me kneel?]*

*[How ignorant, shameless, and naive!]*

*[I called you 'brother' because you were handsome, and you really think you have the authority to act? There are plenty of men more handsome than you. Just wait and see if I don't crush you!]*

Lin Qingwu: "..."

No, forget the "crushing" part—first, tell me why I die young! Because of what?! And furthermore, he refused to believe there was a man in the entire capital more handsome than he was!