Chapter 627 - 209: Lin Shuhua’s Astonishing Guess

He was composed, yet possessed the sharpness of youth; forthright, yet radiated the confidence of the strong. This was an aura rarely seen among the pampered young masters of Jintai Prefecture’s noble families—one with more substance, a keener edge.

She knew in her heart that for someone like Yang Jing, his handsome face was his most unremarkable quality.

The reason her father was hosting such a grand banquet for him, the reason the entire Lin Family regarded him with such importance, was fundamentally due to his strength, his potential, and the limitless future he had on the path of the Martial Dao.

The age at which he broke through to the Qi Eating Realm with Three True Skills, his status as a Direct Disciple of Peak Master Lingxi of the Xuanzhen Sect, his record of tying for first place with Chu Yunhai in the Fushan Grand Competition—each achievement alone was enough to make him famous throughout Jintai Prefecture.

Lin Shuhua mused to herself. ’Even if Yang Jing were plain-looking, or even ugly, his current talent and status would still have droves of noble ladies from Jintai Prefecture’s great families flocking to him, all hoping for a marriage alliance.’

’What’s more, he was already handsome and valiant, with an extraordinary aura. It was almost impossible to find a single flaw in him.’

At this thought, she couldn’t help but feel her friend, Hong Qingzhu, was being far too stubborn.

In her eyes, Yang Jing was a truly outstanding candidate. His talent was top-tier, his future limitless, and his temperament was composed and humble, with none of the arrogance that often came with youthful success.

If there was any flaw to be found, perhaps it was that his years of martial arts practice had given his skin a healthy, bronze tan, unlike the fair, delicate complexion of the other young masters. But in Lin Shuhua’s eyes, this wasn’t a flaw at all. On the contrary, it only enhanced his masculine aura.

In contrast, she always found men with overly fair and delicate skin to be a bit effeminate, lacking a certain sense of responsibility.

For any woman, marrying Yang Jing would surely be a wonderful match that everyone would envy. It was no wonder Patriarch Hong was so invested, trying his utmost to make it happen.

After pouring the tea, Lin Shuhua gently set down the teapot and bowed respectfully. She then rose and retreated to stand in attendance at the side of the study, her gaze lowered, no longer daring to stare so openly.

But her friend’s request kept circling in her mind. ’Should I tell Yang Jing what Qing Zhu wants?’

She knew full well that for Qing Zhu to have come to her, wanting to tactfully refuse this marriage, she must be going against Patriarch Hong’s wishes.

After all, a marriage alliance with Yang Jing would be immensely beneficial to the Hong Family. They could not only leverage the Xuanzhen Sect’s influence to solidify their position but also recruit a future powerhouse into their fold.

Patriarch Hong had always prioritized family interests, and he doted on his daughter, Qing Zhu. His willingness to betroth her to Yang Jing showed just how much he valued this potential alliance.

Just then, a thought flashed through Lin Shuhua’s mind, illuminating her consciousness like a bolt of lightning.

’Patriarch Hong is acting this way... isn’t my own father doing the same?’

’Father’s regard for Yang Jing is no less than the Hong Family’s—it might even be greater.’

’He not only personally led the Elders to greet him but also specifically invited him into the study for a private discussion.’

’In that case... could Father, like Patriarch Hong, also be thinking of a marriage alliance?’

The moment this thought surfaced, Lin Shuhua’s heart suddenly began to race, pounding like a drum. THUMP, THUMP. Even her breathing grew ragged.

’If Father really does have such a plan, which daughter of the Lin Family would he arrange to marry Yang Jing?’

In that instant, her first thought was of herself.

After all, her father’s arrangements for her during Yang Jing’s visit were highly unusual.

’He put me in charge of all the arrangements for the evening banquet, which is already a significant responsibility. And now, he specifically had me come to the study to serve tea.’

’I mean, even when Chen Chu, the prodigy from the Yunxiao Sect, visited the Lin Family, Father never had me, the young lady of the main house, personally serve tea.’

An audacious thought surfaced uncontrollably. ’Does Father want *me* to form a marriage alliance with Yang Jing?’

The moment this idea emerged, Lin Shuhua felt her legs grow weak. An indescribable warmth spread from the depths of her heart, flowing through her limbs until even her fingertips began to tingle with a faint heat.

She subconsciously raised a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, oblivious to the faint crimson blush that had crept onto her cheeks. It was like a budding peach blossom, adding a touch of coyness she rarely showed.

Inside the study, the conversation between Yang Jing and Lin Weiyuan continued. They discussed everything from Martial Dao cultivation to the political landscape of Jintai Prefecture, even touching upon the current state of the five major sects. They seemed to get along remarkably well.

Lin Shuhua stood to the side, her mind long since drifted away. She was only jolted back to her senses when she heard her father’s voice.

Lin Weiyuan set down his teacup with a soft clink. He smiled at Yang Jing and said, "Young Master Yang, it’s about time. The banquet should be ready. Let’s head over, shall we? We shouldn’t keep Miss Sun waiting."

"Alright." Yang Jing smiled and nodded, rising to straighten his robes.

Yang Jing and Lin Weiyuan rose to their feet together. Lin Shuhua quickly gathered her thoughts and hurried to follow, walking behind them down the same corridor toward the main hall where the banquet was to be held.

The palace lanterns along the path had all been lit, their warm, yellow halos illuminating the bluestone walkway. In their glow, the crimson blush on Lin Shuhua’s cheeks grew even more distinct.