Chapter 27: Unchanging Devotion

It took a long bout of soft, soothing words from the man before the woman finally stopped crying. He repeatedly promised that he would pass his imperial examinations and obey only her from then on, which finally coaxed a laugh from her. After a while of tender intimacy, the two parted ways.

Standing behind the rockery, Lin Jinyan waited until they were far away before rising. Her gaze was icy, and a mocking smile played upon her lips.

She had been more than happy to watch this illicit affair between Lin Jinyun and Zhou Yuexue. She wondered, however, what expression Chu Chengyao would wear when he eventually discovered that his beloved had been meeting a man in secret to pledge her lifelong devotion since she was a mere child? She truly couldn't wait to see it.

Lin Jinyan's second uncle, Lin Siran, possessed literary skills somewhat inferior to those of Lin Yanqing and Lin Siyuan. He currently held the position of a seventh-rank official in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, a leisurely post responsible for ritualistic affairs.

Because Lin Siyuan was focused entirely on his academic pursuits, Lin Siran had married earlier than his elder brother. His son, Lin Jinyun, was already fourteen years old this year.

As the first grandson of the Lin family, Lin Jinyun was exceptionally pampered by Madam Lin, and his second aunt, Lady Liu, spoiled him as well.

Lin Jinyun had been raised with a luxurious and decadent temperament, unable to endure any hardship. In her previous life, when Lin Jinyun sat at the very bottom of the second class of the imperial examinations with a score just shy of 180, Zhou Yuexue had decisively abandoned him to throw herself into Chu Chengyao's arms.

Yet, in Chapter 27, "Unwavering Devotion," he had actually helped Zhou Yuexue harm the Lin and Gu families, using that very act to secure his own official promotion.

Lin Jinyan watched the direction in which Lin Jinyun had departed with a grim expression: *In this life, I shall see if you remain just as devoted and refuse to abandon her.*

Her mood thoroughly dampened, Lin Jinyan returned to her room with a cold face. She lay in bed, her mind racing with countless thoughts, until she finally fell into a heavy sleep as dawn approached.

When she woke again, the daylight was bright. After washing up, Lin Jinyan led Yu Tong and carried a box of pastries to Songmao Hall. Upon entering the hall and seeing the freshly laid meal, Lin Jinyan smiled.

"I smelled the delicious aroma of food the moment I stepped through the door. I am truly blessed with a good appetite."

"Haha, you make it sound as if you can't get a meal at Yan Yu Xuan! Have you eaten yet? If not, eat with Yuexue and me."

As she spoke, Zhou Yuexue emerged from the inner chamber, supporting Old Madam Lin.

Lin Jinyan's smile flickered for a moment before returning to normal.

"Your granddaughter arrived precisely at the time of breakfast just so she could come to Grandmother's to scrounge a meal."

The Old Madam sat in the seat of honor with a gracious smile. "Just for the food?"

Ma Nuo brought out a set of utensils and placed them beside the Old Madam. Zhou Yuexue sat on the other side of the Old Madam, and Lin Jinyan stepped forward to sit, saying with a beaming smile

"The food at Grandmother's is simply more fragrant."

The Old Madam laughed. "It is all prepared by the main kitchen. Is there someone in this manor who would dare neglect your meals?"

On Lin Jinyan's innocent face, her eyes curved into crescents.

"Eating normally without Grandmother... the food isn't the same. It's that the taste is different when I eat with you."

The Old Madam burst into laughter. "Hahaha, such a sweet talker! Yuexue, look at this girl; she has become much more mischievous since she fell into the water."

Zhou Yuexue smiled and said, "Sister Jinyan didn't fall into the water; she must have fallen into a jar of honey."

Lin Jinyan's expression remained unchanged. "Cousin is still the sweetest, coming to accompany Grandmother so early."

The Old Madam patted Zhou Yuexue's hand and smiled. "Yuexue comes to visit and talk to me often."

Lin Jinyan replied, "That makes me seem quite unfilial. Yan'er and my brother will certainly come to accompany Grandmother frequently in the future."

The Old Madam smiled. "You are all good children. Your brother has his studies; why bother staying with an old woman like me all the time? Just come visit when you are free. Now, eat."

The three of them finished their meal harmoniously. After leaving the pastries, Lin Jinyan told the Old Madam that she wished to visit the General's Manor. The Old Madam agreed readily.

"It is indeed time for a visit. The General's wife worked hard for you for several nights; it is only right that you go to express your thanks."

(End of Chapter)