Lin Qingge sighed with emotion, and Lin Yan on the opposite side spoke:
"Since Constable Yan's mother and young master Lin's mother are sisters, young master Lin's family background must also be very distinguished."
"Hmph, his family relies on having a few stinking coins and doesn't put others in their eyes."
The one who chimed in was Murong Bai from not far away.
Lin Moyuan, far from being angered, nodded in agreement:
"My family does have some businesses, but due to numerous brothers, there are occasional frictions. I have been tirelessly looking for a place to relax and escape."
"Hmph, in this official's opinion, it's not just many brothers, but also a harem!"
Equally sarcastic was Lin Qingge, who couldn't stand Lin Moyuan.
To lighten the somewhat suffocating atmosphere, Yan Tinghao continued on his own:
"My mother also said that it was because I pulled a horse's tail when I was little, and was kicked in the head by the horse, that I became like this.
My mother always felt very guilty about it, but I feel that I am quite good as I am now."
"It is indeed quite good. I will visit Constable Yan's house another day when I have time and let you take this official to your storeroom, so I can broaden my horizons."
Hearing this, Yan Tinghao immediately perked up, "Your Excellency, you are too kind to this subordinate! This subordinate's home is Your Excellency's home. Whatever Your Excellency fancies, just take it."
...
Everyone suddenly felt that Constable Yan's mother's worries were not unfounded.
After eating and drinking their fill, everyone returned home.
Since Lin Yan was also temporarily staying at the yamen, he walked with Lin Qingge and her family of three.
To be precise, he walked side-by-side with Constable Yan in the rear, the two chatting idly.
"Constable Yan, have you considered when you will get married?"
"My father said a man should establish himself before starting a family. This way, even if he is kicked out of the house by his wife penniless, he will still have a place to stay."
Lin Yan: ...
Yan Tinghao, completely unaware of any impropriety in his words, retorted:
"Lord Lin, you are not young anymore. Have you started a family?"
Lin, who was "no longer young," Yan's lips held a moment of stiffness, and then returned to normal, "Although I am not yet married, I do have someone I favor."
"Someone you favor?"
Yan Tinghao's gossiping spirit ignited, and he immediately became enthusiastic, "Which family's daughter? Have you proposed?"
"Lord Lin, I'm telling you, just getting engaged is useless. Only when you marry her home is she truly your wife!"
As a "veteran," Yan Tinghao had plenty of authority on this matter.
But Lin Yan shook his head, "I haven't proposed yet. To be precise, as soon as I was about to propose, that girl left with her family.
As for which family's daughter, she can be said to be far away but right before your eyes."
"Far away but right before your eyes?"
Yan Tinghao looked around and, as if thinking of something, his eyes widened like copper bells, incredulously saying:
"I say, Lord Lin, could it be that you have taken a liking to Madam Lin?"
Lin Yan, unaware of why the other party had reached this conclusion, was momentarily speechless.
But it was precisely this brief silence that Yan Tinghao mistook for an admission, and he couldn't help but earnestly advise:
"Lord Lin, Madam Lin is indeed beautiful, good at managing the household, and extremely imposing. Standing together when going out is incredibly reassuring.
However—
Madam Lin is already married to Lord Lin.
Can't you two stop fixating on other people's wives?
Don't you know it's better to tear down ten temples than ruin one marriage?"
Lin Yan, feeling like he was talking to a brick wall, suddenly regretted starting this conversation. He could only clarify:
"Constable Yan, please rest assured, the person I favor is not Madam Lin."
"Not Madam Lin?"
Stepping over the threshold of the yamen, Yan Tinghao's peripheral vision caught the little maidservant who came out to greet them, and he instantly had an answer:
"Could it be Xiao Cao?"
But the only reply Yan Tinghao received was Lin Yan's receding back.
"Guess wrong again?"
Yan Tinghao scratched his head in confusion, muttering, "Besides Madam Lin, the only other woman in the yamen is Xiao Cao. There isn't a third opposite gender. Even the gatekeeper Xiao Hei is a male dog...
Could it be that this Lord Lin is not fond of women, but men?"
Feeling that he might have discovered a secret, Yan Tinghao hugged himself in fright, then turned and ran to the prison to share this secret with his "own people" like Ling Han.
The next morning.
When Lin Yan came out of his room, he strangely found that everyone's gaze towards him held a hint of strangeness.
However, he didn't have time to delve into the reason.
The newly appointed Minister of Justice, formerly the Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture, Lord Xu Changling, sent people to summon him and Lin Qingge.
Lin Qingge, now in official attire, boarded the carriage sent by Xu Changling.
Lin Yan also bent down and entered the carriage.
Just as he was about to sit down next to Lin Qingge, Yan Tinghao rushed in as if possessed and plopped down to Lin Qingge's left.
The force of his landing almost squeezed Lin Qingge off the long bench.
Lin Qingge, who had resettled herself, rolled her eyes to the heavens and said irritably:
"Constable Yan, don't you always dislike confined and narrow spaces like carriage interiors and prefer riding horses?"
"Replying to Your Excellency, this subordinate's horse had a stomach upset yesterday and cannot be ridden for the time being."
"But when you're not riding a horse, don't you always sit outside next to the coachman?"
"Your Excellency, this subordinate has developed an eye ailment today. The wind will cause tears to flow."
Lin Qingge, somewhat surprised that even a simpleton could tell such blatant lies, smiled apologetically at Lin Yan:
"I'm sorry, he might have rushed out in too much of a hurry this morning and forgot to take his medicine."
"It's alright."
Lin Yan, possessing good breeding, did not mind. Instead, Yan Tinghao was somewhat bewildered, "Your Excellency, this subordinate is in robust health and never needs to take any medicine!"
"Heh heh."
Lin Qingge pulled at the corners of her mouth and chose to remain silent.
The carriage bumped along and soon arrived at the Fengtian Prefecture yamen.
This was the second time Lin Qingge had visited the yamen, but her state of mind was completely different.
Last time, she had come to observe with emotion; this time, she was surveying the yamen as if it were her own property.
As she looked more and more satisfied, Lin Qingge, overwhelmed with excitement, was so moved that the first thing she said upon seeing Xu Changling was:
"Mentor, when will you make space for your subordinate?"
"Ah, no, Mentor, what your subordinate means is, when will you return to the capital so your subordinate can bid you farewell from the roadside!"
"When I became your disciple in the capital, I didn't realize you were so glib-tongued."
Xu Changling complained verbally, but showed no signs of reprimand. He led them to the study.
"Lin Yan, although you are not my disciple, as someone who studied at the Hanlin Academy, and you are an old friend of Jingxing,
Therefore, I hope you can assist Jingxing in fulfilling the duties of Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture."
"Lord Xu, you worry too much. Assisting the Prefect is this subordinate's duty, and this subordinate will do their utmost."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qingge glanced at the person beside her.
Her gaze seemed to say, 'When did you become old friends with your own nominal elder brother?'
Lin Yan smiled and said nothing.
Meanwhile, Xu Changling continued,
"Jingxing, although you have not formally taken office yet, there is an urgent matter that requires you to handle it."