Chapter 6 — Adopted Daughter: Do You Love Him That Much? Must You Marry Him?

The soft, warm candlelight spilled across Tang Lin’er’s face, making her appear exceptionally gentle and elegant, the perfect image of a noble lady from a prestigious family.

She entered at just the right moment, attracting the attention of everyone present. What intentions she harbored, Shen Xingwan understood perfectly.

She had been worried that the Third Prince was not a good match. In her past life, he had brought her to ruin. Not wanting to drag her innocent female cousins into this mess, if Tang Lin’er insisted on throwing herself into this, then naturally, Shen Xingwan would let her.

She wanted to see if this so-called pair of lovers could still love each other so passionately in this life and stay together till the end.

With a slight thought, Shen Xingwan stood up and took Tang Lin’er’s hand. “Good sister, I nearly forgot what a wonderful person you are.”

Deliberately ignoring the fleeting gleam of satisfaction in Tang Lin’er’s eyes, Shen Xingwan affectionately led her by the hand to her parents.

“Lin’er has been living and eating with me in this household for years. We’re already as close as real sisters. She has also been raised under Mother’s name for many years. With her gentle and refined nature, isn’t she already like a daughter of the family?”

“This…” Madam Shen hesitated and glanced at Prime Minister Shen. “Her appearance and conduct are naturally excellent, but… such an arrangement, would Lin’er herself be willing?”

Prime Minister Shen nodded slightly as well. “Her late father entrusted her to me before he passed, and I promised to find her a good marriage. I planned to arrange it once she found someone she admired. How could we treat her so casually?”

Shen Xingwan smiled. “The Third Prince is of noble birth, with boundless prospects ahead. For Lin’er to marry him as his legitimate wife, how could that not be considered a good match?”

“Besides…” Shen Xingwan glanced meaningfully at Tang Lin’er.

“Who’s to say the Third Prince couldn’t become Lin’er’s beloved?”

Shen Xingwan intentionally emphasized the words “beloved.” Tang Lin’er’s face stiffened, a trace of panic flashing through her eyes.

“Though that may be true, ultimately…” Madam Shen still felt uneasy. No matter how good the Third Prince was, Shen Xingwan had already rejected his marriage proposal. Dragging Tang Lin’er into this made Madam Shen feel uncomfortable.

She looked at Tang Lin’er, who stood quietly with her head bowed, and gently asked, “Good child, what do you think?”

Tang Lin’er pursed her lips, suddenly dropped to her knees, and kowtowed sincerely. “Lin’er has received the care of the Prime Minister and Madam for many years, and I have long regarded Madam as my mother. Now that Sister is in difficulty, if I can help in any way, it would be a way to repay Mother’s kindness in raising me.”

Heh, what a performance, even bringing up “Mother” now. Shen Xingwan couldn’t help but roll her eyes inwardly but said nothing, silently watching the show.

“Good child, don’t be like this, get up quickly.”

Madam Shen was deeply moved. She stepped forward to help Tang Lin’er up, her eyes brimming with tears. “It’s hard on you.”

Tang Lin’er took out her handkerchief and gently wiped away Madam Shen’s tears. “Mother, please don’t cry. You’ll hurt your eyes.”

“A daughter’s marriage has always been a matter decided by her parents. Sister comes from a noble background and naturally has her own opinions. Lin’er admires her for that. I will listen to Mother’s arrangements, so please don’t worry.”

Her words filled Madam Shen with even more affection. She sighed, glanced at Shen Xingwan, and then patted Tang Lin’er’s hand. “What noble background or not? Good child, I never realized you had such a kind heart. Don’t worry, I will personally prepare your dowry. I will treat you as my own daughter and will never slight you.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Shen Xingwan watched coldly as Tang Lin’er and Madam Shen put on a touching display of motherly kindness and filial piety before her. It was a stark contrast to the Tang Lin’er from her previous life, who had seduced Wei Zilin into slaughtering her entire family.

That night, Shen Xingwan sent Feiyun to deliver some jewelry and hair ornaments to Tang Lin’er. Feiyun was gone for a long time and returned looking furious, even distracted while pouring tea for Shen Xingwan.

Shen Xingwan picked up her teacup and asked casually, “What’s wrong?”

Feiyun pouted. “I didn’t want to say anything, but that Miss Tang is too infuriating.”

“Oh? How did she anger you?”

Shen Xingwan chuckled, setting down her teacup and looking at Feiyun.

“Miss doesn’t know. When I went to deliver the hair ornaments, Miss Tang’s maids were badmouthing you.”

“What were they saying?”

“They said… they said you’re unlucky, that you couldn’t hold onto such immense wealth and status. They boasted about how capable their Miss Tang is, turning from a fifth-rank official’s concubine daughter into the Prime Minister’s daughter, and that she’ll soon become a prince’s consort, maybe even an imperial concubine, or Empress someday!”

“Enough.” Shen Xingwan lightly rebuked. “You mustn’t speak recklessly.”

Feiyun suddenly realized she had spoken out of turn and immediately covered her mouth in fright.

She glanced around, then quickly went to close the doors and windows before returning, looking aggrieved. “This servant didn’t make it up. They really said those things. And while they were saying it, Miss Tang was in the room too, trying on the new clothes Madam had given her in front of the mirror.”

“What did you do then?”

Feiyun blinked. “I deliberately made my footsteps louder. They stopped talking after that. I delivered the hair ornaments and came back.”

“Well done.” Shen Xingwan flicked Feiyun’s forehead. “You’ve improved.”

Feiyun smiled smugly and continued to serve Shen Xingwan as she washed up and went to bed.

Early the next morning, just as the sky began to brighten, the area outside the Shen residence was already bustling with people. The procession of betrothal gifts sent by the Prince Regent’s estate stretched for dozens of miles, with no end in sight.

The sheer quantity of gifts left Prime Minister Shen and Madam Shen speechless. They had no choice but to open several more courtyards as makeshift storerooms to accommodate the treasures.

People always loved a lively scene. While the steward of the Shen residence was busy checking the gift list, the Third Prince suddenly arrived with a dark expression, accompanied by Chief Steward Guo, cutting through the procession of gifts to reach the Shen residence.

Upon receiving the steward’s urgent report, Prime Minister Shen hurried out to greet them, only to discover that Chief Steward Guo had come once again to deliver the imperial edict of marriage.

This time, the Third Prince had personally brought it. No matter what, Prime Minister Shen could no longer refuse.

He quickly summoned everyone, leading the entire household to face the palace, kneel three times, and kowtow nine times to receive the imperial decree and express their gratitude.

Seeing the matter progressing so smoothly, Wei Zilin’s expression softened slightly, and Chief Steward Guo was also happy to return to the palace to report.

Today, Wei Zilin wore a bright red prince’s robe, his tall and upright figure exuding imperial majesty. With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked to Prime Minister Shen’s side, frowned, and glanced at the servants hastily moving the betrothal gifts in the distance.

“Since you’ve accepted the imperial edict, quickly send back that pile of junk. Later, the Imperial Household Department will deliver the proper betrothal gifts according to ceremonial standards.”

Prime Minister Shen was stunned for a moment when he heard this. He looked at the Third Prince, then at Shen Xingwan and Tang Lin’er. After a moment of hesitation, he finally opened his mouth and called out, “Lin’er, come forward.”

Hearing the summons, Tang Lin’er’s face showed a shy blush. Today, she had dressed herself with extra care. Her silver-red scattered flower ruqun swayed gently with her steps, and the tassels on her cloud-like hair bun swayed softly, making her appear as delicate and beautiful as a blooming wintersweet flower.

She walked gracefully with lotus-like steps to stand before the Third Prince, lowered her long eyelashes, and performed a curtsy with a gentle and respectful demeanor.

“Minister’s daughter Tang Lin’er pays respects to the Third Prince. May the Third Prince be well.”

Wei Zilin gestured for her to rise. Seeing Tang Lin’er stand up, shyly and timidly gazing at him, he looked slightly puzzled and turned to Prime Minister Shen.

Prime Minister Shen accompanied his words with a smiling face and said, “This is my adopted daughter, Tang Lin’er. She possesses both beauty and virtue. Thus, she shall receive this imperial edict.”

“Outrageous!”

Wei Zilin was furious, his breath growing heavy. “Are you toying with me?! I, Wei Zilin, am to marry the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, yet you dare to fool me with some random girl?”

Tang Lin’er’s shy smile froze on her face, like a withered flower at the end of autumn, her complexion drained of all color as she stared at Wei Zilin in disbelief.

Seeing this, Prime Minister Shen hurriedly cupped his hands in explanation. “Third Prince, please calm your anger. His Majesty has already given verbal instructions to bestow my legitimate daughter Shen Xingwan in marriage to the Prince Regent. He ordered me to recognize another adopted daughter…”

“Utter nonsense!” Wei Zilin interrupted sternly. “Clearly, it was decreed that I am to marry Shen Xingwan. She should be my wife. How can this so-called adopted daughter suddenly appear? Is the position of the Third Prince’s consort something just anyone can take?”

For a moment, everyone present was silent, lowering their heads and not daring to speak.

With a flick of his sleeve, Wei Zilin strode past the crowd, grabbing Shen Xingwan’s arm and dragging her toward the front garden. Seeing this, Madam Shen grew anxious and tried to stop him, but Wei Zilin glanced sideways and growled lowly, “Stand back!”

“…”

The Third Prince, in a fit of rage, radiated overwhelming imperial authority.

He was already a favored candidate in the struggle for the throne. His mother was the current Imperial Noble Consort, her family powerful. He himself was tall, handsome, skilled in riding and archery, and had outstanding political achievements. With more support, he was very likely to become Crown Prince.

Thus, no one dared utter another word and could only retreat nervously.

Wei Zilin paid no heed to Shen Xingwan’s struggles, dragging her beneath a ginkgo tree. With a sweep of his long arm, he easily pressed her against the tree trunk.

Golden ginkgo leaves trembled and fluttered down, scattering around the two of them.

“Let go! You’re hurting me.”

Wei Zilin eased his grip slightly. Shen Xingwan pulled her hand free with effort, frowned, and looked down to rub her wrist where red marks had surfaced.

The dark red sleeve slid down a little, revealing a patch of snow-white skin tinged with red marks, glaringly pale. Wei Zilin’s gaze involuntarily settled on it.

Noticing this, Shen Xingwan immediately lowered her hand and gathered her sleeve, her tone turning cold. “Does the Third Prince have something to say to me? If not, please allow me to take my leave.”

After finishing her words, Shen Xingwan gave a slight bow, turned her head aside, and attempted to leave. But Wei Zilin leaned forward, blocking her path and took two steps closer.

Forced backward, Shen Xingwan was pinned against the ginkgo tree, with nowhere to retreat. Impatiently, she asked, “What exactly does the Third Prince want?”

“Are you just going to keep avoiding me?”

Wei Zilin frowned, staring into Shen Xingwan’s eyes. “Do you dislike me?”

Wasn’t it obvious enough?

Shen Xingwan rolled her eyes inwardly, but since things had not yet reached the point of open hostility, turning hostile now would not benefit her. She still had to maintain appearances.

With a helpless sigh, she patiently replied, “The Third Prince and I are nothing more than strangers. There will be no connection between us in the future. How can there be talk of dislike?”

“Strangers?” Wei Zilin sneered. “You are my future consort. How can you and I have no connection?”

Shen Xingwan could no longer bear his repetitive nonsense.

“This is the last time I’ll say it. The man to whom I am betrothed is the Prince Regent, Yan Jinghuan. Such private meetings with an unrelated man are highly inappropriate. Please forgive me for taking my leave!”

Wei Zilin grabbed Shen Xingwan’s arm again, his anger surging. The corners of his eyes reddened slightly, his breath growing irregular as he sternly questioned, “Why must you insist on marrying him?! You clearly had feelings for me before. Why have I never seen you associate with him?”

The warmth of his palm seeped through the silk fabric onto her skin, so hot that she couldn’t help but shudder.

These hands had once cherished her, warming her palms in the freezing cold, holding her hand to write poetry and paint when spring blossomed.

These hands had wielded a sword to cut down her enemies, picked flowers and fruits for her, even peeled shrimp shells for her.

But these very hands had also penned the imperial edict that ordered the massacre of her entire family, personally pushing her into an abyss of no return.

The heat on her arm now filled her with disgust, kindling a surge of hatred. Unable to hold back any longer, she shoved him away forcefully.

“You!”

Wei Zilin looked at the inexplicable hatred in Shen Xingwan’s eyes with astonishment. Somehow, a sudden sourness and piercing pain struck his heart.

“Do you really love him that much? You have to marry him?”

Wei Zilin gritted his teeth. “What exactly has he given you? Is there anything I can’t give you?”

Shen Xingwan looked at him but remained silent.

“You really think he’s that powerful?” Wei Zilin sneered, straightening his posture and staring at her. “To put it nicely, he’s the Prince Regent of Yan Kingdom. But to tell the truth, he’s nothing more than a hostage discarded by Yan Kingdom.”