Capítulo 1710: Chapter 1703: Dispute Between Two Factions

“In the future, entering the military as a general will bring even more trials and hardships. If she can’t steel her resolve, mishaps are inevitable. Before her competition in the royal hall, refining her will is the top priority.”

The female combat examination was something he quietly assisted Great General Lin in advocating for.

Now that there’s such a promising talent, naturally, they must dedicate more effort to her growth, allowing her to advance step by step.

Lin Sisi greatly admired Chu Jinling. He had always been astute and clever.

In the years she was away, Jinling was no longer the idle prince who could while away his days writing books and essays.

He had been bestowed the title of a prince and was now supporting the Crown Prince in overseeing state affairs, displaying maturity and reliability.

Lin Sisi felt immensely comforted. A sudden thought crossed her mind: if she couldn’t live past another couple of years, such a mature Jinling wouldn’t follow her into despair, would he?

Most likely, he would cherish his own life.

For he had discovered a meaningful purpose in life.

“No frivolous thoughts! As long as you remain by Your Highness’s side, you are not allowed to think of leaving!” Chu Jinling pinched her cheek, pouting in mock anger.

Lin Sisi sighed helplessly, “Fine, I won’t entertain silly thoughts.”

But when she wanted to return to Saint Ruan’s manor, Chu Jinling denied her the chance.

He had relocated Saint Ruan to the prince’s mansion, where Saint Ruan lived in carefree comfort.

Furthermore, regarding Lin Sisi’s identity, after discussions with Noble Consort Xiao and Lin Aotian, it was decided to restore her identity, allowing her to appear openly before everyone.

Additionally, Chu Jinling had begun preparations for their wedding.

“Marriage?!” Lin Sisi nearly jumped up in the hall.

“Sisi, don’t you want to marry me?” Chu Jinling, seeing her so shocked, immediately displayed a hurt expression.

Lin Sisi rubbed his face. “No, Jinling, don’t be upset. I just think… in my current state, getting married might not be very presentable.”

Though she didn’t mind her disfigured appearance, those who loved her—like her father and Chu Jinling—naturally wouldn’t fear her face.

But the world would not share their sentiment.

It would frighten people!

Moreover, Jinling’s marriage, being a prince, had to follow royal protocols: proposal, name inquiry, auspicious date selection, engagement gifts, fixing the wedding date, and ceremonial escort—the six rites were immensely tedious!

A single round of preparation could easily take a year or more.

She worried that her health might deteriorate over time.

And if something were to happen to her after their marriage, Chu Jinling…

“I’m not afraid! Sisi, I’m only afraid you won’t marry me! Even if I were widowed, you still wouldn’t give me a title!”

Chu Jinling shook her fingers gently, his face full of grievance.

Lin Sisi was rendered speechless.

Lin Aotian truly couldn’t stomach their saccharine interaction. Rising to his feet, he waved his hand grandly, “Enough! Listen to me! Get married!”

Pointing at Lin Sisi, he declared, “Sisi, stop being contrary! This marriage was decreed by the emperor himself. If you refuse to marry, it would be defying an imperial order! As your father, I will immediately notify the emperor and have him, as your master, reprimand you!”

“No, Father! I worked so hard to become his disciple!” Lin Sisi pleaded.

Anything would do, but not this!

She feared her master’s displeasure!

If he were to revoke her golden medallion, what then?

Lin Sisi touched the medallion at her waist, the one Chu Yihan had personally carved for her, which she wore each day.

She patted Chu Jinling’s face. “Alright, alright, I agree to the marriage. Go ahead and start preparing.”

“Wonderful!”

Chu Jinling spun her in a circle, elated like a child who had received his favorite candy, nearly hitting Lin Aotian in the process.

Lin Aotian was forced to step back a few paces, his thick brows furrowed in frustration. “You… you two are driving this old man mad!”

He couldn’t bear to watch anymore!

Daughters were like spilled water—they should hurry up and leave! The quicker, the better!

Even one more glance pained his heart!

The news of Lin Sisi’s survival spread quickly, shaking the court and astonishing the citizens.

Chu Jinling accompanied her to the palace to pay respects to Chu Heng.

Chu Heng was delighted, saying, “Rise, my loyal subject.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Lin Sisi, clad in her official uniform, though her face looked rather terrifying, exuded an aura of dignity that left the court officials admiring her.

They all expressed their concern: “General Lin, to have survived perilously and returned alive—truly a divine blessing!”

“Indeed! General Lin must be favored by the heavens!”

“General Lin’s safe return is a great fortune for our dynasty. This old subject… is deeply grateful to the heavens!”

Some elder officials wept upon seeing Lin Sisi.

Lin Sisi felt warmth in her chest; she hadn’t anticipated such anticipation from so many people.

Zhuo Junli stepped forward with a jade board in hand, smiling slyly like a fox. “General Lin, surely this joyous occasion warrants a grand banquet lasting three full days?”

Lin Sisi nodded. “Very well. I’ll make sure to personally invite Lord Zhuo. But Lord Zhuo, if you don’t eat for three days straight, you can’t leave!”

“This official wouldn’t dream of declining such a splendid affair.”

Zhuo Junli then jokingly turned to Lu Mian, saying, “Lord Lu, let’s head to General Lin’s banquet together! A three-day feast guaranteed to make you wish you didn’t have to leave!”

He added, clicking his tongue twice, “Ah, this official almost forgot—Lord Lu is solitary. Whether you return home or not makes no difference, seeing as no one waits for you.”

Lu Mian, ever stoic, now wore an even colder expression.

Lin Sisi’s lips twitched as she nudged Chu Jinling with her elbow. “What’s Zhuo Junli’s problem? Even a meal turns into teasing others.”

After her years away from court, though occasionally lucid, she indeed remained unfamiliar with much of the goings-on.

Chu Jinling chuckled softly near her ear. “Old adversaries! Prime Minister Zhuo married Lord Lu’s cousin, while Lord Lu broke Cold Miss Lin’s leg. Now, Cold Miss Lin is pestering him to take responsibility.”

“Cold Miss Lin? Second Young Miss? Isn’t she Mo Qi’s…” Lin Sisi’s gossip instinct ignited instantly.

“Mo Qi ended up being her child’s father, so Second Young Miss Lin refused to marry him and now focuses solely on troubling Lu Mian!”

Chu Jinling mused, if this conundrum were to be given a name, it would certainly be called—’Leg Reparations.’

Lin Sisi found men’s disputes to be particularly intense.

Nevertheless, she planned only to host banquets and enjoy the drama.

After court, Chu Jinling suggested bringing Lin Sisi to dine with Chu Heng, so that as his sister-in-law, she could grow closer to Chu Heng and discuss the female combat examination.

Yet, before they even entered the imperial study, Zhuo Junli and Lu Mian were already arguing before Chu Heng.

Chu Heng wore an expression of deep resignation, observing them beneath the dais as Zhuo Junli asserted, “The female combat examination is a wise decision,” while Lu Mian retorted, “The female combat examination leads women astray—it should be abolished at once!”

Their argument grew increasingly heated, leaving Chu Heng wanting to interject.

But seeing their fervent debate, Chu Heng hesitated to interrupt.

Instead, he instructed Sun Wu to summon Chu Jinling, and when Chu Jinling arrived with Lin Sisi, the two continued to bicker unabated.

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