Chapter 628 - 210: The Banquet

Yang Jing, Lin Weiyuan, and Lin Shuhua emerged from the study, strolling down a corridor paved with bluestone slabs.

Along the way, any Lin Family guards and servants who passed them would stop in their tracks to bow to Lin Weiyuan. When their gazes fell upon Yang Jing, they were filled with a mixture of curiosity and awe, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.

From a distance, Yang Jing could see the main hall ahead, blazing with light. Dozens of palace lanterns hung from the eaves, illuminating the building as if it were daytime.

Servants bustled in and out, carrying platters of food and jugs of wine, their steps light and quick. The preparations for the evening’s banquet were clearly in their final stages, creating a scene of lively activity.

Just as they were about to reach the entrance to the main hall, three women in elegant brocade gowns emerged gracefully from an adjacent corridor.

Their hair was styled in intricate updos, adorned with pearlescent and jade jewelry. A playful curiosity shone in their eyes as their gazes fell upon Yang Jing in unison, sizing up the legendary prodigy of the Xuanzhen Sect with probing interest.

Lin Shuhua’s heart tightened at the sight. She quickly shot the three women a discreet look, signaling for them to leave at once. ’Don’t disturb the distinguished guest.’

The three women took the hint. Suppressing a small laugh, they turned and hurried away, whispering amongst themselves as they went, their words filled with curiosity and admiration for Yang Jing.

Lin Weiyuan watched the three women depart, his brow furrowing slightly. He turned to Lin Shuhua and asked flatly, "Who were they?"

’He could tell from their attire that while they were young ladies from prominent families, they weren’t part of the Lin Family. He didn’t recognize them at all.’

Lin Shuhua quickly stepped forward and explained softly, "Father, they are a few of my friends. They came to the mansion for a small get-together today, but I’ve been too busy preparing the banquet to entertain them.

"They heard that Young Master Yang was visiting tonight and, having long admired him, simply wanted to catch a glimpse from afar. They had no other intentions."

Lin Weiyuan gave a soft "hmm." With Yang Jing right beside him, he couldn’t press the matter.

He merely shot Lin Shuhua a glance, but his eyes held a nearly imperceptible warning: ’Keep your friends in line. Do not let them cause a scene on an occasion like this and disgrace the Lin Family’s name.’

Then, Lin Weiyuan retracted his gaze, a gentle smile returning to his face. He gestured toward the hall. "Young Master Yang, please."

Yang Jing turned slightly aside and clasped his hands. "Patriarch, after you."

Lin Weiyuan laughed heartily and took Yang Jing by the arm. "No need for such formalities! Let’s go in together."

Yang Jing smiled and didn’t object, allowing Lin Weiyuan to lead him as they stepped into the main hall together.

Stepping into the banquet hall, they found a lively scene. The room was brilliantly lit, and low tables were arranged in neat rows, already laden with exquisite cold appetizers and fresh fruit.

The hall was filled with people, mostly Lin Family Elders, high-ranking clan members, and a few elders from the cadet branches. They were gathered in small groups, chatting amongst themselves in a congenial atmosphere.

Yang Jing’s gaze immediately fell upon Madam Lin, who was standing beside the seat of honor. Sun Ningxiang was at her side, and the two were speaking in hushed tones. Sun Ningxiang wore a gentle smile, and her elegant, refined temperament made her stand out among the other ladies present.

As Lin Weiyuan and Yang Jing entered, a hush fell over the previously boisterous banquet hall. All eyes focused on the pair, and the atmosphere grew formal and respectful.

Lin Weiyuan released Yang Jing’s arm and said with a smile, "Young Master Yang, the banquet is prepared. Shall we be seated?"

Yang Jing nodded. "Of course."

At once, Lin Shuhua stepped forward, giving Yang Jing a slight curtsy. "Young Master Yang, please follow me," she said softly.

With that, Lin Shuhua turned and led the way, guiding Yang Jing toward the seats of honor at the very front of the banquet hall.

The low tables in this area were wider than the others and were furnished with soft brocade cushions, clearly set for the guests of honor.

Lin Shuhua stopped before the first table to the right and gestured toward it. "Young Master Yang, this is your seat."

Yang Jing gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Miss Lin."

His gaze then shifted to Sun Ningxiang, who was walking toward them.

Lin Shuhua then indicated the second table, right next to Yang Jing’s, and said to Sun Ningxiang in a warm voice, "Miss Sun, this is your seat."

Sun Ningxiang gave Lin Shuhua a faint smile and a word of thanks, then moved to stand before her designated table.

Then, Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang took their seats, both sitting behind their respective tables with poised and unhurried grace.

After Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang were seated, Lin Weiyuan strode to the head of the hall and sat behind the centermost table. It was covered in a bright yellow brocade and was noticeably wider than the others, befitting the Patriarch’s esteemed position.

The still-elegant Madam Lin sat at his side. With pearls and jade adorning her hair, she sat beside Lin Weiyuan, her dignified and gentle presence radiating the authority of the family’s matriarch.

Once Lin Weiyuan, Yang Jing, and the other honored guests were seated, the rest of the Lin Family members in the hall took their places according to seniority and rank. The previously informal hall instantly became structured and orderly.

Yang Jing glanced across the hall. Seated at the first table to the left of the head seat was an old man with a white beard and a solemn expression. He exuded a calm, steady aura—it was none other than the Lin Family’s revered Grand Elder.

Lin Ziheng was seated at a table near the end of the left row, alongside the younger members of the clan.

What surprised Yang Jing, however, was Lin Shuhua’s placement. ’Her seat is the fourth one on the opposite side, ranked just below the three Lin Family Elders. This is a clear testament to her standing in the Lin Mansion—far beyond that of an ordinary young lady confined to her chambers.’