Lin Xiu, with all his calculations, had not foreseen that the spy was right beside him.

　　No wonder he would encounter Ling Yin wherever he went; it turned out she had been shadowing and testing him.

　　Had he known the annulment of the engagement would fail, he might have behaved more poorly.

　　He could have declined to dine with those beggars, refrained from eating the plain noodles for a mere three coins, and during his tenure at the Clear Official Bureau, he could have...

　　Enough. Even if he had anticipated this day, Lin Xiu would still have risen to the occasion when duty called.

　　What is past is prologue, and what is yet to come may be pursued.

　　Though the Zhao family has made their decision, it is not set in stone.

　　In some aspects, Lin Xiu could not alter the course, but in others, he wielded some influence.

　　He could continue to visit the pleasure house and converse with Miss Haitang. He would go today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter. He refused to believe that the Zhao family would marry off such a paragon to someone who frequents brothels daily...

　　With a sigh, Lin Xiu lamented the growing complexity of the situation.

　　The disparity between the Lin and Zhao families' status was vast. It would be best, or rather, only proper, for the Zhao family to rescind the engagement. For the Lin family to do so would be an affront to the Zhao's honor.

　　He had thought the Zhao family would never agree to marrying off their prodigy, only to find a blundering ally in his midst.

　　Fortunately, matters had not reached an irreparable state.

　　To change their minds, he must first alter Ling Yin's perception of him.

　　Miss Haitang, wait for me...

　　At that moment, Zhao Lingyin spoke abruptly, "Now that the betrothal is set, you should conduct yourself accordingly. If I catch you visiting the pleasure house again, I shall break your legs. You have my word."

　　She cast him a stern glance before turning on her heel and departing, thus sealing Lin Xiu's last avenue of escape.

　　Shortly after, the Count of Peace and his wife returned. The count addressed Lin Xiu, "Xiu'er, Lord Zhao is leaving; you should see him off. It would be impolite not to."

　　Zhou Yun smiled, "I saw Lingyin speaking with Xiu'er just now. I suppose the news made him forget his manners in his joy."

　　Lin Xiu wiped away a tear, born of sorrow and indignation, "Indeed, so joyful that I wept..."

　　The Count of Peace sighed, "For them to honor the agreement, the Zhao family truly values their word. We, in our small-mindedness, misjudged them."

　　Lin Xiu found himself in a quandary. Who would willingly wed a woman he had never met?

　　Her beauty, stature, temperament, compatibility—these were all unknowns. If two ill-matched souls were forced together, would it not lead to another marital tragedy like his parents' in his previous life?

　　From the depths of his being, Lin Xiu dreaded such a union.

　　He sighed, muttering, "What manner of person is this Miss Zhao? What does she look like, and what is her character?"

　　The count chuckled, "In terms of appearance, what do you think of Lingyin?"

　　"Exquisite beyond compare, without a hint of exaggeration," replied Lin Xiu.

　　"Born of the same parents, if the younger sister is so, how could the elder be any less? Lingjun's beauty is unparalleled; countless noblemen in the capital, even the princes, vie for her affection. As for her character, since she is seldom in the capital, I cannot say, but it is said to be more refined than Lingyin's..."

　　Patting Lin Xiu's shoulder, he continued, "Lingjun is a prodigy highly esteemed by the Emperor himself, and through her, the Zhao family has risen to prominence. Your Uncle Zhao, once a third-rank earl like myself, now holds the rank of first-rank marquis, due to his daughter's prestige. When you meet her, show her the respect she deserves..."

　　Lin Xiu's resolve to dissolve the engagement grew ever stronger. Who would treat their own wife with such formality?

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　　Regardless of Lingjun's beauty and talent, what use are they in a marriage devoid of genuine affection? Can such a union bring happiness?

　　Others may not know, but Lin Xiu certainly did not wish for it.

　　Feigning nonchalance, he laughed, "Father, worry not. A first-rank marquis is nothing. One day, I'll earn the title of first-rank duke for you to hold..."

　　Zhou Yun laughed, while the count gave Lin Xiu a playful tap on the head, saying, "Do you think a first-rank dukedom grows on trees? There is but one in the entire empire. If you can avoid causing trouble, I'll be content..."

　　Yet, his heart swelled with pride. His son's ambition was more than enough to satisfy him.

　　After jesting with his parents, Lin Xiu retrieved a box from his robe and presented it to Ayue, standing behind Zhou Yun. "Sister Ayue, this is for you."

　　Upon opening it, Ayue beheld an exquisitely crafted golden hairpin. "Oh no, Young Master, this is too precious!"

　　Zhou Yun patted her hand gently, "If Xiu'er gives it to you, keep it."

　　Encouraged by her mistress, Ayue accepted the gift with a blush, "Thank you, Young Master."

　　Lin Xiu waved his hand dismissively, "We're family, no need for such formalities."

　　Ayue had been with the Lin household since she was very young, eight years older than Lin Xiu. She had cared for him from birth, and though he lacked the memories, he treated her with the affection of a sister.

　　Subsequently, Lin Xiu bestowed gifts upon Old Huang and Aunt Wang, both expressing profound gratitude. Every member of the household, including the gatekeeper, Big Yellow, received a token. During dinner, Lin Xiu specifically asked Aunt Wang to add a chicken leg to Big Yellow's meal.

　　Lord Zhao's visit and the Zhao family's stance on the engagement, contrary to Lin Xiu's plans, alleviated one of his concerns.

　　The assassination attempt on him that night likely was not orchestrated by the Zhao family.

　　Grateful for Lingyin's trust, Lin Xiu felt a certain fondness for the Zhao family and hesitated to doubt them.

　　The investigation by the Clear Official Bureau had yielded no results, suggesting there was little to uncover.

　　Then, who sought his demise?

　　His enemies lurked in the shadows, while he was in the light, unable to locate them.

　　But he believed that, having failed once, they would reveal themselves again.

　　Early the next morning, shortly after breakfast, Zhao Lingyin arrived at the Lin residence.

　　She came to assist Lin Xiu in his cultivation, a task she took to heart, hoping to hasten his readiness to match her sister.

　　However, Lin Xiu needed to visit the Moon Plucking Pavilion that day. If Lingyin drained his elemental power, he feared he wouldn't even be able to freeze a bucket of water.

　　Aware of his concern, Lingyin offered, "I will accompany you to the pavilion."

　　With her, Lin Xiu had no worries; three hundred taels of silver were but a trifle to her.

　　Nevertheless, this left Lin Xiu feeling uneasy about accepting the money. After a moment's thought, he suggested, "Perhaps we could split the reward from the pavilion equally..."

　　Lingyin dismissed the idea with a wave, "No, I have no need for silver."

　　Seeing her resolve, Lin Xiu ceased to press the matter, deciding to repay her kindness in other ways.

　　They soon began their training, the outside world scorching, while inside, a chill pervaded the air.

　　Meanwhile, within the Great Xia Imperial Palace.

　　In the imperial study, several maids fanned a middle-aged man clad in imperial robes, yet the heat remained stifling, the palace akin to a steamer, suffocating all within.

　　Frustrated, the emperor set down his vermilion brush used for approving documents. Despite wielding supreme power, he was powerless against nature, suffering the summer's torments like all in the capital.

　　Raising his voice, he bellowed, "Zhu Jin, where are you with the ice I sent for?"

　　A portly figure tumbled into the room, kneeling and reporting, "Your Majesty, the ice cellar is empty, not a single block remains..."

　　"What?" The emperor frowned, questioning, "The ice stored annually in the cellar should last for two months. How can it be depleted in less than one?"

　　The corpulent eunuch explained, "Your Majesty, this summer is exceptionally hot, increasing ice consumption. In the last half-month, the harem's usage has doubled. Yesterday, the empress requested five blocks; today, the noble consort ten. Just now, a crowd of concubines demanded ice, and the cellar could not provide. The harem is in an uproar..."

　　Rubbing his temples, the emperor felt a headache coming on. His consorts, pampered since youth, could not endure such heat. The Astronomical Bureau predicted the sweltering weather would persist for another month. Would the harem not become a source of unrest?

　　The eunuch then proposed, "Your Majesty, why not summon the second miss of Duke Wuan, who possesses the ice element art? Making ice for the palace would be effortless for her."

　　"Out of the question," the emperor declared. "That girl, Lingyin, is a prodigy, a pillar of our nation. Her cultivation must not be disturbed for the pleasure of the harem. Not to mention, Duke Wuan might be ridiculed, and the temperaments of the harem ladies are well-known. Should conflict arise, how am I to manage it?"

　　"Wise indeed, Your Majesty. This old servant erred in judgment." The chief eunuch bowed, then added, "I heard that the son of the Count of Peace also awakened the ice element and has entered the Elemental Academy..."

　　"The Count of Peace's son?" The emperor's brow arched, "Is he not the one betrothed to the Zhao family's daughter, who was thought to lack any elemental powers?"

　　Though the capital teemed with nobility, the emperor remembered the Count of Peace, whose daughter's renown was significant. He had even considered betrothing her to a prince, but the existing engagement with the Zhao family prevented it.

　　Zhu Jin confirmed, "It is said his ice element abilities have awakened."

　　A wistful expression crossed the emperor's face, "To awaken a celestial-tier element, albeit belatedly, is a pity..."

　　The might of the ice element was undeniable, exemplified by a legendary general of Great Xia and the peak expert of the Dalaro Dynasty. Such potential, alas, was hindered by its late emergence.

　　"Summon him to the palace," the emperor commanded.

　　Zhu Jin swiftly arranged for a young eunuch to fetch Lin Xiu, then remarked, "Speaking of the Count of Peace's son, there is an amusing tale. Though young, his audacity is notable..."

　　As the head of the inner court and overseer of the Secret Surveillance Office, Zhu Jin was privy to the capital's secrets. Intrigued, the emperor set aside his documents, "Tell me, what is this story...?"