Chapter 8: Matchmaking

The heroine’s beauty naturally invited jealousy, and now that she was down, everyone took the opportunity to pile on the insults. Yet, she remained unfazed, as if she didn’t care about the scornful looks around her.

“Sister Qin’er?” One of the women noticed Lin Qin’s arrival and greeted her with a smile. She also cast a glance at Xia Tong. “And this is…?”

Still holding tightly onto Xia Tong’s arm, Lin Qin smiled, revealing her dimples. “This is Sister Tong from Xiahou family. She’s been living in Suzhou, but recently returned to the capital. From now on, you all better not bully her!”

The woman in a pale green dress was delicate and graceful, with a small oval face that radiated charm. Everyone had heard that the fourth young lady of Xiahou family had arrived, and they were eager to see this famed beauty from Suzhou. As expected, Suzhou did indeed produce some of the most stunning women.

The crowd concealed their jealousy, and one woman in a blue dress jokingly stepped forward, “Qin’er, you make it sound like we’re all tigers ready to pounce!”

The group burst into laughter, while Lin Qin playfully quibbled with the woman.

Xia Tong kept smiling without saying much. Meanwhile, the heroine, Shen Xin, seemed to have chosen something and was about to settle her bill.

But troublemakers always find a way. The round-faced woman who had mocked Shen Xin earlier suddenly stepped forward and said to the shopkeeper, “I want that hairpin as well.”

The shopkeeper immediately looked troubled. Shen Xin merely frowned slightly, already showing signs of impatience.

Seeing this, Lin Qin leaned close to Xia Tong and whispered, “That’s Zhou Man, the legitimate daughter of Prince Cheng. She’s always throwing her weight around, and not even I’m spared from her arrogance.”

“But… there’s only one hairpin. Perhaps you’d like to see something else?” the shopkeeper said with an awkward smile.

The store had recently received a shipment of fabrics from the Western Regions, which explained the crowd. But Zhou Man wasn’t really after the hairpin. She simply couldn’t stand seeing the heroine.

“How dare you! I want this one, and I’ll have it. She hasn’t paid yet, so why can’t I claim it?” Zhou Man huffed, her face filled with displeasure.

In an instant, some people who sought to flatter her joined in, saying, “Indeed, this is the current princess. You’d better be cautious.”

It was clear that anyone who could open a shop in such a bustling area had some background. Watching those shouting about their connections, Xia Tong felt a mix of pity and disdain—these people were simply the standard set of cannon fodder.

Holding the hairpin, Shen Xin casually pulled out a silver ingot and placed it on the counter, casting a cool glance at Zhou Man. “Now that I’ve paid, this item is mine.”

Their eyes met, and Zhou Man glared, seemingly shocked that someone would dare to challenge her. “You… you’re very bold!”

“Business transactions are inherently reasonable. Surely, as a princess, you’ve learned about the concept of first come, first served? Or perhaps you’ve only learned how to bully others using your status?” Shen Xin smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with confidence.

Watching Shen Xin spar verbally with the princess, Xia Tong couldn’t help but feel a sense of sympathy for the bystanders.

“You!” Zhou Man’s face darkened with anger. She was used to being arrogant and had never faced such open defiance.

Suddenly, a plain-looking woman beside her chimed in, “We don’t know what the princess has learned, but we all understand the principles of etiquette and dignity. It seems, however, that Miss Shen hasn’t learned these lessons.”

“Exactly!” Zhou Man quickly agreed, sneering. “But it’s not your fault. The Minister’s wife left too early, leaving you without proper upbringing.”

With that, others began to chime in with their jeers. Meanwhile, Xia Tong and a few others just watched, clearly sensing the rivalry between Lin Qin and Zhou Man within the social circle.

“I may lack upbringing, but if the princess deigns to argue with me, it’s likely that her own etiquette isn’t any better,” Shen Xin retorted with a smile, preparing to leave with the hairpin.

However, her words seemed to provoke Zhou Man, who suddenly shouted, “Stop right there!”

But Shen Xin ignored her and walked straight out. As she passed by Xia Tong, she paused for just a moment to say a barely audible “Thank you.”

As they brushed past each other, Xia Tong turned to glance at Shen Xin’s retreating figure, her lips curling into a slight smile. It seemed the protagonist understood that it was she who had helped her that day.

Zhou Man was furious at being publicly humiliated, but with so many people around, she couldn’t make a scene. She shot a fierce look at the shopkeeper before turning to leave.

As she walked by Lin Qin, she cast a sideways glance at Xia Tong, her eyes flashing with jealousy. “They are all girls from the Xiahou family, but the fourth girl is quite different.”

Feeling the heat directed at her, Xia Tong simply smiled. “The princess is also quite unique.”

Her words had a double meaning, causing Zhou Man’s expression to change. Ultimately, she left in a huff.

Xia Tong was not an overlooked protagonist. The Xiahou family was well-regarded, and her father held a second-rank official position, making her someone not easily bullied.

Once Zhou Man left, Lin Qin let out a light huff. “I didn’t think I’d find Shen Xin’s actions agreeable, but seeing her stand up to Zhou Man today, I actually find her quite likable.”

The enemy of my enemy is my friend; this saying fits perfectly here.

Xia Tong just smiled silently, genuinely enjoying watching the protagonist put others in their place.

After selecting some fabrics and ordering a few tailored outfits, they left the shop. Lin Qin suggested they visit a teahouse, and Xia Tong didn’t oppose it. Along the way, they picked up many interesting items.

Given that outings were rare, Xia Tong took the opportunity to observe the layout of the capital in case she needed to make a quick escape in the future.

Upon reaching the teahouse, Lin Qin led her upstairs, seemingly having reserved a spot. However, upon arriving, they found that there were already other patrons.

In the aromatic partition, they spotted a handsome young man in a moon-white brocade robe. His clean demeanor was reminiscent of Lin Qin.

“Brother, how can you take my spot?” Lin Qin said, feigning displeasure. Then, with a smile, she introduced Xia Tong, “Sister Tong, this is my brother Lin Yi, who works in the Ministry of Personnel. He claimed he had matters to attend to today, but here he is, out playing and taking my reserved seat. How annoying!”

“When you ask me for silver, you don’t say that,” the young man replied with a helpless smile before nodding slightly at Xia Tong, stealing an extra glance at her.

At this moment, Xia Tong understood. Lin Qin was clearly trying to matchmake her with her brother. This way, one competitor for the position of the crown princess would be eliminated—an excellent strategy.

She couldn’t express her annoyance, so she politely bowed her head. “It’s an honor to meet His Highness.”

“Quickly, take a seat, Sister Tong,” Lin Qin urged, pulling her down.

Meanwhile, Lin Yi casually observed her. “There are many types of tea here. Which one does Miss Xia prefer?”

Their eyes met, and Xia Tong felt a bit awkward. She had never enjoyed tea. To her, it was merely bitter.

Still, as a young lady of high status, she smiled lightly and replied, “Just Biluochun will do.”

Her gentle voice and bright eyes captured Lin Yi’s attention, and he realized that inviting him out for tea was not as simple as it seemed. It was actually an opportunity to meet the fourth daughter of the Xiahou family.

Noticing her brother staring at Xia Tong, Lin Qin cleared her throat and immediately called for a waiter to order something.

The first floor was lively, filled with street performers and storytellers. At that moment, a girl just over ten years old was balancing plates, performing a challenging act. Xia Tong felt sympathy for her. After all, some were merely poor, while her own life could be in jeopardy.

The woman’s beautiful and delicate profile was so quiet and moving that a hint of infatuation flashed in Lin Yi’s eyes.

“Miss Xia.”

At that moment, the shopkeeper suddenly appeared in the private room, bowing slightly to Xia Tong. “A guest in Room One would like to see you.”

Unlike Xia Tong, who was confused, Lin Qin exchanged glances with Lin Yi. As the most prestigious teahouse in the capital, Room One was typically reserved for influential patrons, rumored to be the Crown Prince or the Bo Prince—very mysterious figures. Why would they want to see Xia Tong?

Noticing their unease, Xia Tong realized the visitor must be someone significant. After a brief hesitation, she nodded in agreement.

“Sister Tong…” Lin Qin grasped her hand.

Lin Yi suddenly stood up, his expression serious. “I will accompany you.”

“The guest specifically requested only Miss Xia,” the shopkeeper replied with an awkward smile.

Xia Tong knew if there was danger, she could call for help. But if she brought the young master with her, it would be impossible to clear her name later in this place.

She gently patted Lin Qin’s hand. “It’s fine. I’ll be back shortly.”

Lin Yi wanted to say more, but Lin Qin quickly pulled on his sleeve, subtly shaking her head. They could not afford to offend someone of that stature.

The distance to Room One wasn’t far. After passing through the corridor, they soon arrived. The shopkeeper stood outside, not entering. Behind the curtain, a familiar figure sat. Xia Tong momentarily couldn’t recall who it was until she noticed the jade ring on the person’s hand. Her expression changed dramatically.

She should have checked the fortune before leaving home!

Taking a deep breath, Xia Tong slowly lifted the curtain and stepped inside. A tall wooden chair held a languid figure, a man with an indifferent expression, looking either at the performers downstairs or listening to the storyteller. Today, the swordsman in blue was absent.

“Your humble servant greets the Regent,” she said, immediately squatting in respect, not daring to breathe loudly.

The room was filled with an unusual tea fragrance that was incredibly soothing. A deep voice suddenly broke the silence. “Want to be the future consort of the Duke’s Manor?”