Chapter 34: Good brother, you're so righteous!

Xie Lin here, he brought Shen Shuangning to look at the various items he made of wood, including common furniture and some delicately crafted little trinkets that couldn't be said to be anything specific.

These big and small things almost filled the whole room, the air permeated with a mixed scent of sandalwood and wood shavings.

On the long table were also some drawings he himself had made; Shen Shuangning didn't quite understand them but thought they were impressive.

At the same time she was surprised; she never expected the esteemed young marquis to enjoy fiddling with things only craftsmen would make.

Know that in the scholar‑farmer‑artisan‑merchant hierarchy, 'artisan' is only slightly better than merchant, yet scholars still regard it as a lowly pursuit.

As the saying goes, a gentleman is not a tool; great clans consider it shameful to engage in crafts, and someone like Xie Lin would be seen as neglecting his proper duties, playing with objects and losing his ambition.

"What is this?" Shen Shuangning noticed a wooden bird placed on the table.

Xie Lin then handed it to her, saying, "This bird is something I tinkered with when you came to the marquis's mansion that day."

Shen Shuangning recalled the disheveled Xie Lin of that day and chuckled: "No wonder you looked like that then; I wondered what you were up to."

Xie Lin, recalling it now, also felt a bit embarrassed and gave a sheepish laugh: "Did I leave you a bad impression?"

"Not at all." Shen Shuangning examined the object in her hand and asked, "What's novel about this bird?"

Xie Lin came up behind her, gently took her hand, and turned a mechanism on one side.

Only see the bird's wings slowly spread, moving gracefully; Shen Shuangning's eyes widened—though clearly a dead wooden object, when it moved it was vividly lifelike, as if a living creature.

She had been curious about all kinds of novelties since childhood, and now she couldn't help exclaiming, "How beautiful."

Xie Lin lowered his gaze to look at her, slightly startled: "Do you really think it looks good?"

Shen Shuangning raised her head, eyes crinkling with a bright smile: "Of course, I'm not just flattering you. I've never seen anything so novel and interesting."

Xie Lin released her hand, stepped back, pressed his lips and said: "Seeing these, won't you think I'm just playing with objects and losing my ambition?"

Because he had admired Lu Ban since childhood, he liked to study devices, but his family never understood him; no, one should say, no one had ever understood him.

His father didn't know how many things he had smashed, and even denounced it as a lowly trade; father and son had nearly fallen out to the point of breaking off.

His mother, though indulgent, also often sighed; the more they acted this way, the more rebellious he became, resulting in the spoiled, unrestrained nature of Young Marquis Xie.

This Yongning Marquis Manor is huge and immensely luxurious, but for Xie Lin, only by staying in this little corner of his own could he feel at ease and happy.

He had never brought any young lady here before, but bringing Shen Shuangning, he had made a great resolution.

If Ningning also didn't like him doing this, he would be willing to give it up for her, though he would feel a bit regretful inside.

The room fell silent for a moment, only the cicadas' chirping outside waxing and waning.

Only see Shen Shuangning turn her gaze to survey this little world that belongs solely to Xie Lin; the wooden bird in her hand, how could it not be Xie Lin's aspiration trapped in this cage?

Finally her gaze fell on the boy's somewhat tense handsome face; she gave a soft smile, not directly answering his question but speaking gently: "I once saw an old artisan in Jiangnan who carved the Along the River During the Qingming Festival from huangyang wood, staying indoors for three full years, and in the end the prefect honored him as an honored guest. People always think 'playing with objects' means 'losing ambition,' but they don't realize someone can see heaven and earth within things."

Xie Lin suddenly lifted his head, meeting the brightness in her eyes.

Shen Shuangning looked at him and said: "In all three hundred and sixty trades, each produces a top scholar; with such talent, your ability shouldn't be buried. Thank you for letting me know the real you."

Rosy light streamed through the window, gently gathering around the woman, as if she were the sole bright spot between heaven and earth.

Xie Lin felt his heart race wildly, his emotions tugged by her every frown and smile.

This feeling is truly wonderful and fascinating; whenever he thought he already understood the woman before her, she always managed to give him a different surprise.

How fortunate he is to have met such a good woman!

His Ningning really is out of the ordinary.

"It's my turn to say thank you." Xie Lin couldn't help but pull her into his embrace, solemnly saying, "Thank you, Ningning."

At this moment Shen Shuangning didn't know that her offhand encouragement would affect the future fortunes of the state of Liang.

Xie Lin could do more than make little toys to amuse people; what truly interested him was making weapons.

Xie Lin, just reaching adulthood, was heroic and tall like a mountain and pine, with a broad chest and tall stature; Shen Shuangning's small face pressed against his chest, even through his clothes she could feel his vitality and heat.

Her face warmed a little; she gently pushed him: "All right, Xie Lin, my elder brother might see us again soon."

Whenever she spent time with Xie Lin, she felt very relaxed and would absentmindedly call him by his given name.

Xie Lin's eyelashes fluttered, his smile widened, and he let go of her.

After they chatted for a while, Shen Shuangning suddenly said: "Could you teach me archery on horseback?"

Xie Lin blinked, didn't ask further, and agreed without hesitation; he was eager for more chances to be with her.

"Tomorrow I'll find you a fine steed, though horseback archery is hard; I'm afraid you might not endure it."

After the incident at Hanshan Temple where she was chased by villains, Shen Shuangning wanted to learn to protect herself; she laughed: "I don't fear hardship; if the young marquis can't teach me, I'll just go find another teacher."

Xie Lin crossed his arms, saying proudly: "I've at least mingled in the military camp; in the capital there aren't many who surpass me in horseback archery."

After they talked a while longer, Shen Xiuci urged his sister to head back.

Xie Lin personally saw the Shen family off; Shen Xiuci sat on his horse, coldly staring at Xie Lin from the side, guarding against him as if against a thief.

Meanwhile, Madam Shen's smile hadn't faded all day; returning from the Yongning Marquis Manor, she already knew the marquis's mansion's intentions.

Although the marchioness didn't say it outright, her intention was easy to guess: the marquis's mansion had taken a liking to Ningning and wanted to discuss a marriage alliance with the ducal manor.

This is a good thing.

The gate of the Yongning Marquis Manor is certainly no lower than that of the Prince Yan's Manor; moreover, Xie Lin is the emperor's close nephew, greatly favored by Emperor Xuwen, and his future prospects will certainly not be poor.

Furthermore, that marchioness is not as difficult as imagined; she is actually very kind-hearted. Since Xie Lin is her only son, if Ningning marries in she will surely be valued by her husband's family, just like Yun Jie'er.

Madam Shen only wishes her daughter a smooth life, but if she could marry into an excellent family, that would be even better.

The three returned to the main hall, and Madam Shen then asked her daughter what she thought of the young marquis.

Before Shen Shuangning could answer, Shen Xiuci interjected: "His character is utterly depraved, no good."

He usually never gossiped behind people's backs, but in his view Xie Lin wasn't a person, he was a dog!

Madam Shen glanced at him, disagreeing: "You're just too prejudiced against him; I find this young marquis witty and humorous, yet still proper in conduct, and his appearance is fine. Must everyone be like you, keeping a straight face all day?"

Shen Xiuci's face turned ironclad, he clenched his fists, and thought bitterly: "Xie Lin really has a way with people—less than a day and he's already got Mother speaking up for him!"

At this moment Shen Er came wandering from not far away.

Upon seeing him, Shen Xiuci's eyes lit up, as if he had found an ally.

"Second brother, what do you say about Xie Lin?"

"He knew Shen Yingcai and Xie Lin had a grudge, and he hoped Shen Er could also say something."

"Who would have thought Shen Er hesitated for a moment, then actually said, 'Young Marquis Xie... is actually not a bad person.'"

"Shen Xiuci's face stiffened, then he widened his eyes at Shen Er."

"Shen Er coughed lightly twice, his gaze somewhat evasive, then he hastily slipped away after finding some excuse."

"Eldest brother, don't blame me; it's just that Xie Lin gave too much!"

"Shen Xiuci couldn't be more clear—Xie Lin actually bribed Shen Er while he was completely off guard!"

"As expected, Xie Lin's conduct is despicable; he repeatedly fails to mend his ways!"

'"Mother, Ningning cannot marry him; I am doing this for Ningning's own good..." Shen Xiuci still wanted to persuade further.'

'"Only you mean well for Ningning? Could I, as her mother, possibly harm her? Ningning hasn't even said anything yet, you, her older brother, just keep stirring up trouble!"'

"Lady Shen simply had him thrown out, then turned her gaze to Shen Shuangning."

'"Mother, please don't worry; Ningning still wants to spend more time with you."'

"She does have a good impression of Xie Lin, but she is no longer the young maiden who regards love as more important than anything."

"For now, the crisis at the Duke's Mansion remains unresolved; she does not want to marry so soon."

"Lady Shen said helplessly, 'How could I not worry? Before your coming-of-age, those who came to propose marriage were about to break down the threshold of the Duke's Mansion; then the initiative was yours, and you could take your time choosing. But ever since you shone in the ladies' etiquette contest, those people vanished overnight.'"

'"Now that we finally have a decent match, and the Marchioness thinks highly of you, we must certainly seize the opportunity."'

"Seeing Mother start to nag again, Shen Shuangning pretended to feel unwell and slipped back to her orchid garden with A Heng."

'"This girl..." Lady Shen shook her head.'

"Yongning Marquis's Mansion."

"Xiao Jingyuan came to see Xie Lin to discuss official business, but this person would often grin foolishly, seeming absent-minded."

"He was a bit fed up, and tapped his knuckles on the table."

'"Xie Mingyuan, are you even listening to what I'm saying?"'

"Xie Lin came to, cleared his throat, wiped the sweet smile from his face, and said solemnly, 'Do you suspect the Third Prince is colluding with the Sacred Heaven Sect?'"

"Xiao Jingyuan analyzed, 'My agents found gunpowder at the Drunken Cloud Pavilion, matching what the rebels used last time; the Drunken Cloud Pavilion is the Sun family's property, and this Sun fellow made a sudden fortune a couple of years ago before latching onto the Third Prince.'"

"In recent years the Third Prince's ambitions have grown, yet he has continually been suppressed by the Empress's faction; he lacks money, cannot accomplish anything, willing but unable."

"Yet after joining forces with Commander Sun, he actually gained considerable support in the court."

"Behind this, Commander Sun's assistance is indispensable."

"If Commander Sun is indeed involved with the Sacred Heaven Sect, could the Third Prince possibly be kept in the dark?"

"The Virtuous Noble Consort's condition is worsening, her days numbered; the Third Prince must therefore plot for himself early, and he is very likely to take a risky move, seeking skin from a tiger."

"Xie Lin frowned: 'If that's really the case, then Zhai Ji is far too bold—once this is exposed, it's a one-way ticket to death!'"

"Death would be considered lenient."

"The Sacred Heaven Sect is a major scourge to Emperor Xuwen; if a prince dares to collude with rebels, Emperor Xuwen would certainly not fail to flay and dismember such a wretch."

"It stands to reason the Third Prince also knows what the consequences of exposure would be, which is why he is so eager to have Xiao Jingyuan killed."

'"If that's the case, the person who tried to assassinate you is very likely the Third Prince." Xie Lin said in a low voice, "Since you already know the Drunken Cloud Pavilion hides gunpowder, why not just take people and wipe it out in one sweep?"'

"Xiao Jingyuan tapped his knuckles on the table, then after a moment said, 'The Drunken Cloud Pavilion certainly needs a visit, but the evidence is insufficient now; relying solely on material proof isn't enough. I'll come to borrow a person from you.'"

"Xie Lin: 'Who?'"

"Xiao Jingyuan said: 'Wang Huanzi.'"

"Xie Lin presently holds the post of Deputy Commander of the Bureau of Military Affairs, a nominal position, and Wang Huanzi is a soldier under him."

'"What do you want to borrow him for?" Xie Lin asked.'

'"As long as he's useful."'

"Xie Lin didn't ask further, readily saying, 'Tomorrow I'll have him go where to find you?'"

'"Go to the bank of Winding Water Lake."'

"Tomorrow, in the capital, that group of young nobles will go out for a spring outing; the Bureau of Military Affairs will dispatch some personnel to protect them, which conveniently provides cover."

"Xiao Jingyuan is a very busy person; having finished official business, he was about to leave when Xie Lin suddenly said, 'I've helped you; you also owe me a favor.'"

"Xiao Jingyuan had already risen; hearing this, he turned his gaze to him, waiting for him to speak."

"Xie Lin rested his arms on the table, leaned in, and blinked: 'Didn't the Emperor previously reward you with a fine steed? Lend it to me for a bit.'"

"That horse is a Korean breed; it's handsome, but its temperament is too gentle, whereas Xiao Jingyuan prefers to tame fierce horses."

"He has always maintained an indifferent attitude toward things he dislikes; the same goes for horses and people alike."

"That fine horse he had only seen on the day of the award; afterward it was kept fed in the Prince's Mansion, never visited, and if Xie Lin hadn't brought it up just now, he would have almost forgotten about it."

"Xiao Jingyuan raised an eyebrow and cut straight to the point: 'You're looking to borrow my horse, surely not to curry favor with a lady?'"

"Xie Lin did not deny: 'She wants to learn archery; a fierce horse is unsuitable for her, and I fear she might get hurt.'"

"That Miss Lin appears delicate and frail, yet she actually wants to learn archery?"

"These days Xiao Jingyuan has been so busy he hasn't even had both feet on the ground; he hasn't returned to Prince Yan's Mansion several times, has no time to pay attention to Xie Lin, and still mistakenly believes Xie Lin's sweetheart is that Miss Lin, Lin Wanrong."

'"What's the harm in giving it to you?" Xiao Jingyuan said generously.'

'"Good brother, you're righteous!" Xie Lin punched his shoulder.'