Lin Qingge wanted to ask further, but the two had already delayed too long. Continuing to talk would not only risk revealing their secret but also arouse suspicion.
Before leaving, Old Master Yan reached out and took a white porcelain bottle with orchid patterns from the cabinet in front and stuffed it into Lin Qingge's hand.
"Honestly, why did it take so long to find? If my niece's husband's hand develops a dry line because of this, I'll hold you two responsible!" Madam Yan said, taking the porcelain bottle that Lin Qingge had nervously handed over, her cheeks flushing slightly.
She shot a fierce glance at Old Master Yan. Just then, the butler entered with servants carrying dishes. Madam Yan placed the porcelain bottle aside and waved her hand, "Niece's husband must be hungry. Come, don't be shy, eat more."
Lin Qingge, who thought Old Master Yan was a walking醋缸 (醋缸: someone excessively jealous), wisely did not mention the moisturizing cream again. Seeing Old Master Yan pick up his chopsticks first, and after confirming the food was safe to eat, Lin Qingge picked up her chopsticks and began to eat with gusto.
After a satisfying meal, Madam Yan ordered the butler to have the guest room next door cleaned. Because the maids were following closely, Lin Qingge did not find an opportunity to be alone with Old Master Yan or Madam Yan until sunset.
Bored, Lin Qingge had just sat down at the table waiting for dinner when the butler walked in from outside, cupping his hands. "Master, Young General Lian seeks an audience."
"Understood," Old Master Yan replied and was about to get up to go out.
But the butler remained in his cupped-hand posture, bent low at the doorway. Seeing this, Old Master Yan's eyebrows rose slightly. "Something the matter?"
"Reporting to Master, Young General Lian heard that relatives from Master's hometown have arrived, and thus wishes to fulfill his duty as a host, bringing many Northeast specialties."
As Yan Xiuping and his wife were targets of King Wu Cheng's special attention, any slight movement would be reported by informants. In this current turbulent time, the sudden arrival of two relatives from their old hometown would make anyone suspicious. Perhaps King Wu Cheng was busy with official duties, or perhaps, having captured their son, King Wu Cheng felt guilty and feared being beaten by Madam Yan, so he sent Lian Cheng Yi to investigate.
Old Master Yan, understanding the situation, frowned in disapproval. "I appreciate Young General Lian's kindness, but my relatives from home are all unrefined people. I fear they might offend Young General Lian, so it's best not to have them present to make a spectacle of themselves."
"Master, you are too kind. Your two relatives, a talented man and a beautiful woman, possess an extraordinary demeanor. How can they be considered unrefined?" The butler, despite being a subordinate, was also a warden of Yan Xiuping and his wife. Although his bow was extremely low, his words carried a hint of irrefutable insistence.
In the end, Lin Qingge and the other person followed Yan Xiuping and his wife to the main hall. Lin Qingge, dressed in women's clothing and wearing a veil, was not too worried about being recognized. But Leng Ningyue was different. Although disguised as a man, Lian Cheng Yi had seen her astonishingly beautiful face. Thinking of this, she regretted not having Leng Ningyue alter her appearance, or even wearing a matching veil.
However, as it turned out, Lin Qingge had worried unnecessarily. From the moment she entered the hall, Lian Cheng Yi's two large eyes, like searchlights, were fixed directly upon her. With every step she took forward, that unignorable gaze followed. It was… quite annoying.
Although unsure of the problem, Lin Qingge, feeling her veil was useless, retreated behind Leng Ningyue.
At this point, Old Master Yan spoke first. "I heard Young General Lian was unwell recently. Is he feeling any better now?"
"Thank you for your concern, Lord Yan. Cheng Yi is fine now." Lian Cheng Yi's gaze swept over the cold and handsome face and he asked with feigned confusion, "May I ask who these two are?"
"Oh, they are my niece and nephew-in-law. They were traveling and passing through this area, and to save on accommodation fees, they are staying with me for a few days."
"My husband is not good with words, so forgive this humble girl." Lin Qingge smoothly picked up the conversation and performed a coy curtsy.
But Lian Cheng Yi recoiled several steps as if he had seen something terrifying. "Is Young General Lian alright?" Old Master Yan offered a shaky support to Lian Cheng Yi. Lin Qingge, meanwhile, began to blame herself dramatically. "It must be that this humble girl has offended Young General Lian. This humble girl always knew that a great hero like Young General Lian, who is loyal and trustworthy, would be able to see the impurities clinging to this humble girl. To tell you the truth, because this humble girl can see things others cannot, vengeful spirits who have been wronged often linger around me."
Lin Qingge thought she had been quite considerate towards this foolish fellow. Having hinted this much, surely he wouldn't repay kindness with enmity?
Just as Lin Qingge was unsure, Lian Cheng Yi let out an impatient scoff. "Since you know you're unlucky, walk further away, lest you offend my eyes. However, for Lord Yan's sake, I suggest you visit Baosha Temple. I've heard the abbot there is skilled in exorcising ghosts."
"This humble girl thanks Young General Lian."
"Also, looking at your carefree and foolish appearance, it's clear you are destined to be betrayed by those around you. I advise you to return to your hometown and farm early, to avoid being stabbed in the back."
???
Lin Qingge, utterly bewildered, didn't even have time to ask for clarification before Lian Cheng Yi left as quickly as he arrived. Lin Qingge then took the opportunity to openly inquire about Baosha Temple. Lian Cheng Yi wouldn't have mentioned such a place without reason; it likely held important clues or... important people? Was Yan Tinghao at Baosha Temple? This thought flashed through Lin Qingge's mind. Although she found it strange why Lian Cheng Yi would give her such important information, she trusted her intuition more. But what did "beware of those around you" mean?
However, just as Lin Qingge sat back down at the table and picked up her chopsticks, the butler entered again. "Reporting to Master, the young master seeks an audience."
Young Master?! Lin Qingge's head spun with a row of big question marks, not understanding who this young master was. As if sensing Lin Qingge's confusion, Old Master Yan explained, "It's like this: when the Prince returned from the capital, he brought a young gentleman with him. His concern for the young man was even greater than for Young General Lian, so everyone called him 'the young master.' However, because I've been confined here, I've only heard rumors."
As he spoke, Lin Qingge arrived in the main hall for the second time. However, upon seeing the person standing in the hall, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. At the same time, that person also saw Lin Qingge and the other. Just as Lin Qingge thought the other party would turn a blind eye like Lian Cheng Yi, the latter commanded in a cold and unfamiliar tone, "Guards, seize them!"