Chapter 83

The Old Beggar’s heart jolted in shock. He hurriedly stood up and scanned his surroundings. “Might I ask which hero this is? Please show yourself.”

The quiet street held no other shadows besides his own.

The Old Beggar stood in place, remaining vigilant for a moment. Then he gritted his teeth and hurried after them once more.

But the delay meant that by the time he caught up to the carriage, Tower Beyond Towers was already right in front of them.

In the restaurant’s backyard, Tang Jin and Tang Mian had just stepped down from the carriage.

Jia Yi landed in the courtyard and cupped his hands. “The people from the Xiaoyao Prince’s Mansion and Prince An’s Mansion both withdrew halfway. That Old Beggar from the Broken Temple followed us the whole way. Afraid he might cause trouble, I intercepted him briefly. He’s gone back now.”

Knowing the Old Beggar had spotted them during the day, he and Jia Er had been much more cautious this time.

Otherwise, if they were noticed again, where would the Royal Shadow Guards put their faces?

One more thing—they needed to thoroughly investigate that Old Beggar’s identity.

Chu Lingyue heard the report and opened her room door, realizing there had been no success that night.

As the night deepened, everyone washed up and retired to rest.

In her room, Chu Lingyue glanced at Tang Jin, who seemed hesitant to speak. She pressed her lips together and walked to the bedside.

Seeing this, Tang Jin hurried over. “Chu Lingyue, have you forgotten something?”

She sat on the edge of the bed, her tone uneasy and her expression anxious.

Chu Lingyue felt her heart stir chaotically, though her face showed nothing. She replied flatly, “What is it?”

Tang Jin clenched her fingers tightly. “The matter between us. We agreed to clear it up tonight.”

She had been dwelling on it all day.

“You speak,” Chu Lingyue said, suppressing her turbulent thoughts. But how could she possibly explain things clearly between them?

She slowly sat up straight, her gaze falling on the quilt.

The woman with long hair cascading over her shoulders had the same serene brows and eyes as always. She wore only a layer of light green thin gauze inner robe. Under the dim candlelight, the fabric faintly revealed the soft, jade-like skin beneath.

It was like snow in the early morning, waiting only for the dawn light to scatter, blooming into overwhelming beauty.

Tang Jin felt her heart heat up and hurriedly averted her eyes.

She stared at the pillow on the bed. “Chu Lingyue, you do have some feelings for me, don’t you?”

She was certain of that much.

Otherwise, even if she had drunk too much, this woman was always sober. And yet she hadn’t refused that kiss—in fact, she had subtly responded to it…

Chu Lingyue lifted her eyes and looked at Tang Jin with an expressionless face. “You’re overthinking it. I only have feelings for silver.”

【Ding, reward one bowl of Tomato Shrimp Noodles】

“You…” Seeing the woman’s solemn face, Tang Jin unhesitatingly called her out. “Can we both just be honest? Whatever concerns you have, say them openly. Don’t speak against your heart.”

Chu Lingyue lowered her eyelids and said softly, “But you only love silver, don’t you?”

She had nearly forgotten—this person could discern the truth in others’ words.

Hearing that, Tang Jin vaguely grasped the key to the issue.

“I do love silver, but I also like you a little. Since we both have feelings for each other, why not give it a try? What if we’re truly meant to be?”

She trusted the old compatriot’s words, understood her own heart, and knew Chu Lingyue’s character well.

If she had to find a partner in this dynasty, she hoped it would be Chu Lingyue.

Chu Lingyue’s expression froze. A little like? Was it real or fake? From the heart, or for glory and wealth?

Unfortunately, she wasn’t Tang Jin, so she couldn’t tell truth from lies.

Seeing her fall silent, Tang Jin slowly reached out and grasped her fingers. “We can leave everything to time. If you still want a divorce later, I won’t cling. But until then, could you try getting along with me? Like ordinary lovers would.”

Chu Lingyue looked at those slender, delicate fingers and felt the warmth of her palm. She quietly withdrew her hand. “Tang Jin, right now I only want to save up silver and head to the Imperial Capital as soon as possible.”

She didn’t dare try. She couldn’t try.

Because matters of the heart, once begun, had to be premised on sincerity.

She thought that way and would act that way, but she wasn’t certain.

Uncertain whether Tang Jin’s feelings were genuine, she feared she might invest wrongly…

To try or not—like a rudderless boat swaying in her mind, leaving Chu Lingyue undecided.

Tang Jin’s hand came away empty, and her heart felt empty too. So, she had been rejected after all?

No, it was more like this woman was evading.

She steadied her emotions and said earnestly, “Chu Lingyue, do you have some concern? I’m not trying to force you. I just don’t want to miss this chance.”

After all, it was the first time she had ever felt the desire to spend her life with someone. And this woman hadn’t refused those two kisses…

Chu Lingyue gently closed her eyes for a moment before looking at Tang Jin.

The person before her had a sincere expression, with sparks flickering in her eyes. It was as if, with a single nod, those sparks would ignite into a prairie fire, surging forth with utter devotion.

Chu Lingyue couldn’t help but catch her breath. The boat in her heart quietly tipped toward one side.

After a moment of silence, she sighed inwardly and heard herself utter a single word.

“Good.”

Then she would try. She would leave it all to time. If she truly hit a dead end later, if she truly misplaced her heart, at least she could walk away cleanly.

“Really?” Tang Jin gripped her hand in disbelief, her eyes brimming with joy. “Then from now on, we’ll be real wives. All right?”

Real wives? Chu Lingyue pressed her lips together and said slowly, “We can try starting, but that kind of thing… no.”

Tang Jin blinked. “What kind of thing?”

Chu Lingyue’s ears grew hot. She yanked her hand free and turned her back to the outside as she lay down.

This lecherous woman. For real wives, it would naturally mean consummation on the wedding night.

Unless they truly loved each other in the future, it was out of the question.

“What exactly is out of the question?” Tang Jin’s heart swelled with joy, making her bolder. She leaned over to Chu Lingyue’s ear and whispered the question.

“I’m tired,” Chu Lingyue said. She tugged at the quilt to cover her burning ears.

What else could it be? This person was clearly playing dumb.

Seeing the flush on her profile, Tang Jin vaguely understood.

With the candle extinguished, Tang Jin climbed into bed and pulled her into an embrace.

Chu Lingyue’s body went rigid. She said word by word, “Tang Jin, I said no.”

Tang Jin didn’t mind the chill in her tone at all. She chuckled. “I’m just hugging you. I wasn’t planning anything else. And besides…”

“And besides what?”

“And I think you’re right, but…”

Chu Lingyue frowned. “But what?” Could this person not pause? Why couldn’t she just finish her sentence?

Tang Jin rubbed her cheek against the back of Chu Lingyue’s neck. “But aside from consummation, kissing and hugging should be fine, right?”

The person in her arms fell into a long silence with no response, as if she had already fallen asleep.

Tang Jin couldn’t help curving her lips. She understood—this was tacit approval.

No matter the outcome, it was at least a good beginning.

The long night stretched on, filled with sweet dreams.

The next morning, Tang Jin gazed at the person still sleeping soundly in her arms and felt an unprecedented comfort.

She wouldn’t have to worry about Chu Lingyue misunderstanding anymore.

With that thought, Tang Jin smiled silently to herself before rising refreshed, dressing, and heading out.

Behind her, Chu Lingyue quietly opened her eyes and unconsciously curved her lips.

After breakfast, Tower Beyond Towers opened for business as usual.

Zhou Xiao walked in and glanced at the people in the main hall. Still uneasy, he approached the counter and asked Manager Wei in a low voice, “The Xiaoyao Prince isn’t here, is he?”

“Replying to the Hereditary Prince, the Xiaoyao Prince is not… oh, the Xiaoyao Prince is here.” Manager Wei’s gaze caught sight of the man at the door and he spoke without thinking.

Zhou Xiao didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. His mouth twitched. He hurried straight to the private room upstairs, pretending he hadn’t seen a thing.

At the same time, he didn’t order any more house special dishes. He simply stood by the window, watching the people in the hall below—mainly the Xiaoyao Prince.

The Xiaoyao Prince didn’t notice Zhou Xiao. After entering, he requested a private room.

It happened to be directly opposite Zhou Xiao’s.

“Prince, today’s house special is Garlic Honey Glazed Chicken Wings. One pot costs fifty taels of silver,” Manager Wei said with a hearty smile.

The Xiaoyao Prince smiled as well. “Bring it up. Also, have your proprietor come see me.”

“Right away, Prince. Please wait a moment.” It was the first time Manager Wei had smiled so sincerely at these nobles. With the Xiaoyao Prince here, that difficult Hereditary Prince would behave himself.

In the backyard, Tang Jin overheard Manager Wei’s words and headed to the small kitchen.

Moments later, she personally carried the pot of Garlic Honey Glazed Chicken Wings up to the second-floor private room.

“Jin’er, sit. Keep this prince company for a chat,” the Xiaoyao Prince said kindly, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Tang Jin didn’t stand on ceremony and calmly sat down across from him.

The Xiaoyao Prince took a few simple bites, feeling about half full, before he spoke. “This prince came today because there’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Please speak, Prince,” Tang Jin said, steeling herself in anticipation of his words.

The Xiaoyao Prince took a sip of tea and said gravely, “I’ll get straight to the point. You’ve already met your mother. She’s now this prince’s side consort. What are your thoughts on the matter?”

Tang Jin thought for a moment before replying, “Replying to the Prince, I have no particular thoughts. As long as my mother is doing well, that’s enough.”

It was the original host’s view, and it was hers as well.

The Xiaoyao Prince studied her expression, as if gauging how much truth there was in her words.

After a moment, he smiled.

“This prince only wants my beloved consort to live smoothly and happily. But I also know she always has you on her mind. That’s why I’d like to discuss something with you.”

Hearing this, Tang Jin noted that the System gave no reaction. She knew the Xiaoyao Prince truly cherished Lady Qian.

She couldn’t help smiling too. “What would the Prince like to discuss?”

The Xiaoyao Prince’s fingers tapped the tabletop as he considered his words. “My beloved consort suffered too much in the past. All that is behind us now. This prince doesn’t want anyone bringing it up again.”

“Rest assured, Prince. I will conduct myself properly and not disturb her,” Tang Jin promised immediately.

The Xiaoyao Prince nodded in satisfaction before continuing, “Tomorrow is my beloved consort’s birthday. This prince hopes you can bring your family to the mansion to offer congratulations. At that time, I will recognize you as my righteous daughter. From then on, you will only be this prince’s righteous daughter. What do you say?”

In other words, Tang Jin would forever be Lady Qian’s righteous daughter, with no more mention of the past.

But from then on, she could openly call Lady Qian “mother.”

This arrangement would fulfill Lady Qian’s maternal heart while silencing any idle gossip from the outside world.

Tang Jin had no objections, though the key lay with the Old Madam. After a moment’s thought, she agreed.

In her heart, she resolved that if the Old Madam opposed it, she would simply go with Chu Lingyue alone tomorrow.

Most importantly, she wanted to use this to gauge the Xiaoyao Prince’s stance—ideally turning one potential enemy into an ally.

“This king did not misjudge you, good child. Dress more elaborately tomorrow. This king will take his leave now.” With that, the Xiaoyao Prince left, fully satisfied.

Tang Jin frowned slightly. “Dress more formally?”

She lowered her head and glanced at the plain white cotton robe on her body. Hmm, it does look a bit casual.