Chapter 19: I Thank You!
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
For the latest updates, visit: ProNovels.com
Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB
Diligently cultivates, lives frugally, possesses a kind heart, embraces righteousness, and is responsible and dependable.
This was Zhao Lingyin’s evaluation of Lin Xiu after their interactions over this period.
She had personally experienced his diligence in cultivation.
In the Capital, other Dandy dined at places like Tianxiang Restaurant and Zhaiyue Restaurant, indulging in delicacies and fine wines, with meals often costing several or even dozens of taels of silver. He, however, ate plain noodles for three copper coins a bowl. This demonstrated his frugality.
As for him treating beggars to meals and unhesitatingly giving silver to that woman, it wasn’t extravagance. It precisely showed his kind heart.
Righting wrongs for the people at the Clear Judicial Department, unafraid of powerful influences, illustrated his righteousness. Lowering himself to earn money at Zhaiyue Restaurant to support his family reflected his responsibility and dependability.
There was one more point Zhao Lingyin didn’t mention, which was Lin Xiu’s flaw. Besides his late awakening of arcane abilities, he was also somewhat lecherous. But in Zhao Lingyin’s view, this wasn’t a problem.
As long as he met her sister, no other woman would catch his eye.
She had that confidence.
Clatter!
The middle-aged man’s chopsticks fell onto the table. His daughter’s evaluation of Lin Xiu greatly surprised him. He had never heard such praise from her before.
After giving her evaluation, Zhao Lingyin explained each point.
The middle-aged man raised his wine cup, took a light sip, and then smiled. “It seems Lin Ting has raised a good son. Such a person is rare among the noble children of the Capital.”
Zhao Lingyin looked at him and asked, “So, Father, will you honor that marriage agreement?”
The middle-aged man nodded. “I originally thought that if Lin Xiu were like the other Dandies in the Capital, with a flawed character, even if it meant disregarding the Zhao family’s reputation, I would cancel the engagement. But from what you say, his character is so noble, how can our Zhao family go back on our word?”
Zhao Lingyin didn’t say anything more. Initially, she had strongly opposed this marriage agreement.
Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.
She knew most of the noble children in the Capital, and among them, she believed none were worthy of her sister. However, as a woman, no matter how talented or how noble her status, she would eventually have to marry.
Among all the men she knew, if she had to choose one, it could only be Lin Xiu.
She had witnessed his character firsthand. Even if his cultivation talent was somewhat lacking, as long as she supervised him more, his eventual achievements wouldn’t be too bad.
After pondering, the middle-aged man stood up and said to Zhao Lingyin, “In that case, come with me to the Lin residence.”
…
Lin Xiu and Sun Dali strolled the streets for two full hours, doing quite a few things and buying many items.
He used to be quite resistant to shopping. Accompanying girls shopping was an act of necessity. If he didn’t satisfy their desire to shop, they wouldn’t engage in deeper discussions with him.
But if he took the initiative to shop, the feeling was completely different.
He bought a jade pipe for Old Huang, the gatekeeper, a gold hairpin for A’Yue, two rolls of fine silk for Aunt Wang, the cook, and even Sun Dali received a pair of steel armguards.
During the Lin Manor’s most difficult times, everyone who chose to stay was his family. Naturally, he had to be more thoughtful towards his family, so Lin Xiu prepared gifts for each of them.
It was already afternoon when Lin Xiu and Sun Dali returned to the manor.
As soon as he stepped inside, he saw several figures emerge from the house. Two of them were Baron Ping’an and his wife. The other two were Zhao Lingyin and a middle-aged man.
The man was about the same age as his father, Baron Ping’an, with a gentle and amiable appearance, and a familiar feeling in his features.
Baron Ping’an, upon seeing Lin Xiu, hurriedly said, “Xiu’er, you’re back. Come and greet your Uncle Zhao.”
Lin Xiu instantly guessed the middle-aged man’s identity and couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy. Could it be that the Zhao family had come to break off the engagement? This was simply wonderful! He couldn’t wait to gallop freely!
Lin Xiu strode forward and addressed the middle-aged man, “Greetings, Uncle Zhao.”
The middle-aged man looked at him with an appreciative gaze and nodded. “Not bad.”
He didn’t say much more, just smiled at Baron Ping’an and his wife. “We’ll take our leave now and visit again another day.”
Baron Ping’an and his wife escorted the middle-aged man out of the Lin Manor. Lin Xiu, overjoyed, stood frozen in place, the upturned corners of his mouth revealing his cheerful mood.
Finally, this troublesome engagement was over! From now on, no one could stop him from galloping freely!
Zhao Lingyin looked at him and asked faintly, “Are you very happy?”
Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.
Lin Xiu couldn’t hide his excitement. “Of course! You don’t have to feel burdened. I don’t blame you at all. Although the engagement is canceled, we’re still friends…”
Zhao Lingyin frowned. “What canceled engagement? Why would it be canceled?”
Looking at her furrowed brows, Lin Xiu suddenly had a bad feeling. “What did you come here for today?”
Zhao Lingyin replied, “For your and my sister’s marriage. My sister isn’t in the Capital right now. When she returns, it will be time for your wedding.”
It was as if thunder had struck his ears. Lin Xiu’s mind went blank.
“W-What…”
Zhao Lingyin looked at him. “Don’t tell me you’re unwilling?”
Lin Xiu remembered the last time he said he was unwilling and how she had pinned him against the wall. He swallowed, utterly bewildered. “No, I’m just curious. Your sister is so outstanding. She’s worthy of marrying a prince or nobleman, even a prince. Why did you choose me…”
Hearing Lin Xiu mention those people, Zhao Lingyin curled her lip, undisguised disdain in her eyes. “They are not worthy.”
Lin Xiu was greatly puzzled. “And I am?”
Seeing Zhao Lingyin’s strange look, Lin Xiu realized his words were indeed somewhat self-deprecating. He explained, “I mean, my family is in decline. I’m not worthy of you…”
Zhao Lingyin said, “Those things are not important.”
Lin Xiu asked helplessly, “Then what is important?”
Zhao Lingyin replied, “You are a good person, and you have passed my test.”
“…”
Lin Xiu never thought he would one day be issued a “good person” card. He asked, bewildered, “What test?”
Zhao Lingyin said, “Although your cultivation talent is a bit lacking, you cultivate diligently, are frugal, kind-hearted, righteous, responsible, and dependable. You can be considered a good person.”
Lin Xiu was astonished.
He hadn’t expected Lingyin’s evaluation of him to be so high. She understood him. She truly understood him!
Lin Xiu’s face flushed slightly. “You overpraise me. I only did some insignificant things…”
Zhao Lingyin looked at him. “Insignificant to you, but not to them. If it weren’t for you stepping forward, that wrongly accused girl would have suffered injustice even after death.”
Lin Xiu explained, “Someone had to step forward. I just couldn’t stand by…”
Zhao Lingyin nodded and continued, “And that woman, if not for you, that child would have been in mortal danger.”
Lin Xiu said, “It was only a few taels of silver. I earn money easily. Even if I was swindled, it wasn’t much of a loss. A few taels of silver could potentially save a life. It’s quite a worthwhile deal.”
Zhao Lingyin added, “There’s something I don’t understand.”
“What is it?”
“Why do you eat plain noodles for three copper coins yourself but are willing to spend several taels of silver to treat beggars to a meal?”
Lin Xiu smiled. “Their lives are muddled and hopeless. Isn’t it an interesting thing to occasionally give them an unexpected surprise?”
Zhao Lingyin was speechless for a moment. “You are a strange person.”
Lin Xiu looked at Zhao Lingyin, a smile on his face, his heart filled with joy.
In this unfamiliar world, having someone understand him so well was undoubtedly a blessing.
It was a pity she was a woman. If she were a man, Lin Xiu would definitely become sworn brothers with her, considering her a lifelong confidante.
However, Lin Xiu’s joy was short-lived. He stared at Zhao Lingyin, asking, “Is this the reason the Zhao family is willing to marry your sister to me?”
Zhao Lingyin glanced at him. “What else? You should thank me. If it weren’t for me, my father was already planning to cancel the engagement.”
Lin Xiu looked at her, the smile on his face uglier than crying. Through gritted teeth, he said, “I thank you!”
For the latest updates, visit ProNovels.com. Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB.
