Chapter 278: The Good Between Lin and Qin

Chapter 278: The Good Between Lin and Qin

Zhou Hui felt out of place, thinking she could assert her nobility by disparaging Lin Nuo, only to be surrounded and attacked by a group of girls.

She never imagined that these girls would side with Lin Nuo.

What good thing did he do to earn their favor?

She couldn’t figure it out and was left fuming.

As for Lin Nuo, he was also puzzled. He originally wanted to confront the Zhou family a bit but ended up being interrupted by Dai Sheng and another minister, which led the Zhou family to back down.

If they had shrunk back, continuing to oppose wouldn’t be fun. He decided to sit back in the corner and munch on peanuts instead.

“Peace brings wealth.” Persuaded by Lin Yuan, the others also returned to their seats.

The other girls kept an eye on Lin Nuo’s table, making sure no one would cause him trouble.

The banquet quickly began, with servants bringing out delicious dishes one after another.

Not only were there tasty dishes, but there were also fine wines; on such a festive occasion, drink was a must.

The young scions of the Lin family began offering toasts to various nobles, going around toasting and presenting them with valuable gifts.

Among them, the eldest son Lin Fei and the second son Lin Tong were the most enthusiastic, moving from table to table while flattering the nobles, who, of course, reciprocated with kind words.

“Lin the eldest son has great prospects, a pillar of the kingdom!”

“Lin the second son leads the army skillfully, quelling unrest and fending off enemies, a talent of the world!”

…

Praises for various Lin family youths echoed throughout the banquet. Meanwhile, Lin Nuo, who was hiding in the corner enjoying food, did not offer toasts or flattery, hence his reputation remained untouched.

In fact, some people present knew of Lin Nuo’s deeds, but they were of lower status compared to the high officials around. Moreover, influenced by the herd mentality, and knowing that Lin Nuo wasn’t favored by the Lin family, they also realized the event was primarily hosted for those invited by Lin Fei. No one dared sing Lin Nuo’s praises.

For Lin Nuo, this worked out well, allowing him to wait in the corner for the Lin family celebration to end before leaving.

Lin Yuan and a few of his sons went to offer toasts at the Qin family table. The head of the Qin family, Qin Zhu—Qin Shili’s father—raised his glass for a toast and wished:

“May the Lin family grow stronger and become renowned throughout the realm.”

“Thank you for your blessing, Brother Qin. Let us drink to that.”

After clinking glasses with Qin Zhu, Lin Yuan laughed heartily and said,

“Ah, Brother Qin, our two families are major households of the kingdom. How splendid it would be if we could strongly unite!”

“Brother Lin, we are already cooperating.”

“Alas, I mean in marriage. If we could arrange a union, that would be a true alliance. You see, several young men of the Lin family are still unmarried. I wonder how you feel about this, Brother Qin?”

“Brother Lin is truly jesting! As for the matter of marriage, I must respect my daughter Shili’s wishes. However, I see that Shili currently has no one she favors; she’s focused on her training, so let’s put that aside for now.”

Qin Zhu smiled, but at that moment, Qin Shili unexpectedly spoke up:

“I think the Lin-Qin union is great!”

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan was overjoyed and quickly replied:

“Miss Qin, many youths from the Lin family admire you. I wonder which one has caught your fancy. Today is a joyous occasion, and if we could facilitate a match, it would be a celebration upon a celebration!”

Lin Yuan immediately signaled his sons, who hurriedly walked over and politely bowed to Qin Shili.

A beauty like Qin Shili, resembling an ice goddess, was naturally the object of admiration from these young gentlemen. If they could marry her, it would be a significant opportunity for the Lin family.

They all tried to showcase their elegance and charm, hoping to win Qin Shili’s attention.

Yet, no matter how they presented themselves, they wouldn’t enter Qin Shili’s eyes; to her, they were all unremarkable and unattractive.

Qin Shili coldly stated:

“I’m sorry, but I have no feelings for these young gentlemen.”

“Miss Qin, I don’t understand what you mean. These are the young masters of the Lin family. If none are to your liking, how can we discuss the Lin-Qin good?” Lin Yuan was puzzled.

“Lord Lin, you are busy with affairs and seem to have forgotten your most capable son.”

Raising a full cup of wine, Qin Shili stood up and said,

“Apologies, but I must take my leave for the moment. I need to go toast him.”

With that, Qin Shili walked toward the servant’s corner.

At the servant’s table, Lin Nuo was happily munching on a chicken leg, sipping on cold herbal water.

This is perfect; the best part of the banquet was having no one to disturb him, allowing him to fully enjoy the delicious food along with the tasty beverage—it couldn’t get any better!

“Lin Nuo.”

Qin Shili approached Lin Nuo from behind and gently tapped his shoulder.

Wheeling around, Lin Nuo found it was Qin Shili:

“What’s up? Need something?”

“To toast you.”

“You can drink?”

“I can; you just didn’t know.”

“Alright.”

Since Qin Shili came to toast him, he naturally would clink glasses with her.

It’s just a banquet; as long as no nobles come to bother him, he can toast casually.

Lin Nuo raised his cup nonchalantly, clinking it with Qin Shili’s before they both drank it all in one go.

Qin Shili was quite bold, finishing her drink without a hint of blush on her face.

“Thank you.”

A rare smile appeared on Qin Shili’s icy face, like an iceberg welcoming the warmth of spring, bringing life to everything.

The rare smile of the ice goddess not only astonished the people of the Lin and Qin families but also left many who admired Qin Shili feeling a thrilling rush.

“Thank you for what? Just for a toast, no need for thanks.”

For Lin Nuo, it didn’t carry much weight. After clinking glasses with Qin Shili, he returned to his chicken leg, feeling invigorated enough to drink a couple more cups.

“Master, let me toast you too~”

Li Ruo’er, still a child and not drinking alcohol, raised her cup filled with tea and extended it toward Lin Nuo.

“You want to clink? Sure, let’s do it.”

Lin Nuo clinked cups with Li Ruo’er, downing the drink in one go, and continued on with his chicken leg.

Meanwhile, over at the Qin family table, Qin Shili returned with her empty cup, resuming her previous frosty demeanor as she coldly declared:

“It’s him. The Lin-Qin good, I only choose him.”

“What…”

The Lin family members were taken aback. Why choose Lin Nuo out of so many fine young men?

While this could indeed facilitate the Lin-Qin good, Lin Yuan didn’t wish for this Lin family son to be Lin Nuo.

After all, he never had a good opinion of this son, and Lin Nuo had just told him, “Who represents your Lin family?” suggesting he bore rebellious thoughts.

If this comes to pass, it would elevate him significantly in the Lin family’s status.

Qin Zhu, confused, asked Qin Shili:

“Shili, wasn’t Lin Nuo always pestering you, and you thought so little of him? Why now?”

“Things from the past are past. Previously, I failed to see clearly. Now I understand what a remarkable person he is. But the Lin-Qin good must consider his willingness.”

“He will definitely agree. He pursued you for so long; he wouldn’t want anything more.”

“Not exactly; that was just a facade.”

Qin Shili said meaningfully, leaving everyone present in shock.