PEASANT WOMAN'S DECREED LIFE AS A WIFE

Chapter 1142: Chapter 1139: Recommendation

“Frankly, the Fourth Prince never aimed for that position.”

“Uncle Lin, since that’s the case, the Lin family should withdraw from the capital first, not only to keep a low profile but also to ensure the family’s safety. Now is the best time to leave,” Chu Heng said as he took a sip of tea, his mind on the information he had received, worried that the Duke Zheng’s sword hilt was already turned towards certain noble families in the Capital, ready to cut them down.

“Ah Heng, you mean…” Lin Zhongjin’s hand trembled slightly as he held his teacup, “Do you mean that Duke Zheng wants to destroy the Lin family first? In doing so, no matter what happens to the Fourth Prince in the end, he will have an extra piece on the board.”

Chu Heng didn’t reply. Duke Zheng’s moves were secretive, and he had only this intuition. With the tension running high in the Imperial Court, now was the best time for the Lin family to leave.

After all, Duke Zheng’s greatest enemy wasn’t the Lin family, but he could take the opportunity to eradicate them.

“Alright, I understand what you mean.”

“I wish to introduce someone to you,” Lin Zhongjin said, just as a monk came in to serve tea. “Ah Heng, would you like to meet him?”

He slowly wrote two characters on the table with his finger—Zhang Qing, signifying the Junior Minister of the Royal Horse Temple.

“Thank you for the introduction, Uncle Lin.” He raised his hand in thanks.

Lin Zhongjin waved his hand dismissively; he had long since left his court position and was now merely a commoner without official status. Aside from his elder brother who still served at the Ministry of Punishment, there were no other members of the Lin family in the Capital.

All were assigned elsewhere, and Lin Zhongjin, after resigning his office, had stayed in Nanchang County, specifically to protect the Fourth Prince.

Now, with the Lin family in a precarious situation, he didn’t want to bring any trouble to Chu Heng. After seeing his agreement, Lin Zhongjin stood up to leave, only telling him that someone would come soon.

Chu Heng got up to see him off.

Lin Zhongjin dared to come here because there was a private passage ensuring he wouldn’t be noticed by others.

Not long after.

Having finished his tea, Chu Heng returned to his place in the temple where Buddhist scriptures were being lectured, and listened for a while. Soon, a middle-aged man in ordinary clothes took a seat beside him.

The man sat down and listened for a while, then looked at Chu Heng: “Lord Chu? What brings you here?”

“Accompanying my lady to admire the plum blossoms,” Chu Heng replied with a gentle smile.

Zhang Qing was quite surprised: “Beautiful scenery paired with a beauty. Lord Chu and your lady share a great affection.”

“It’s just that I’ve been too busy and haven’t had the time. Thankfully, I was free today and on a whim, decided to bring my lady to the mountain,” Chu Heng explained.

Zhang Qing realized, “No wonder. Today I, too, am accompanying my lady to enjoy the scenery.”

“Since the ladies are off enjoying themselves right now, might you care to join me for tea and admire the view, Lord Chu?”

“I’d be honored to accept your invitation, sir,” Chu Heng said as he got to his feet, noting that Zhang Qing, although appearing cold and difficult to approach, was attentive to detail and easy to get along with. Zhang Qing himself was somewhat taken with him.

As they exited the main hall, Zhang Qing ordered the servants waiting at the gate: “Old Zhao, go and prepare the tea in the plum grove on the back mountain. I wish to enjoy snow-brewed tea with Lord Chu.”

“Yes, master,” the old servant departed, and Chu Heng followed Zhang Qing.

Ye Muyu and Zhao Qingqing met as expected in the pavilion, and were introduced to some young ladies and ladies who were well-acquainted with the Zhao family. Even though the Chu family was a newcomer, they were held in high regard by the Emperor, so these ladies and misses treated Ye Muyu with great courtesy, not giving her any trouble.

“Sister Ye, shall we take our time walking back?” Zhao Qingqing touched her stomach, feeling a bit hungry, and promptly suggested they leave.

Ye Muyu did not refuse. Although she had brought a little lunch, it was only enough for two.

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