Nangong Lingyan was delighted and grateful. Her younger sister's recovery from illness had gradually diminished the hatred in her heart for their family, and she had become much more spirited—all thanks to Ninth Sister.

After chatting for a while about family matters, Yang Mengchen took her leave. As she left, she cast a subtle glance at Nangong Lingyan.

"Ninth Sister, let me walk you out." Nangong Lingyan, extremely astute, noticed that Yang Mengchen had something to say to her without wanting Fifth Sister to know. Therefore, she made an excuse and followed Yang Mengchen to the room next door, with Sister Jin and the other five sisters standing guard outside: "Is there something you wish to discuss with me, Ninth Sister?"

Yang Mengchen didn't beat around the bush: "Sister Lingyan, do you fancy Third Brother?" Even though it was Nangong Lingyan's personal matter, it was also related to Third Brother's happiness. Moreover, since Nangong Lingyan was straightforward by nature, a direct approach was more appropriate.

Nangong Lingyan hadn't expected Yang Mengchen to ask her this question. She first looked surprised, but soon a blush akin to peach blossoms spread across her cheeks. Normally blunt and straightforward, she now fidgeted and lowered her head, remaining silent for a long time.

When Big Brother Chengrong and Sister Wanxue got married, and when father and mother came to offer their congratulations, Ah Xuan said he wanted to formally inform the elders of both families. She hadn't agreed because she was too shy.

Who knew Ah Xuan would tell Ninth Sister, and now Ninth Sister was asking her too. How was she supposed to answer?

If she said she liked him, would Ninth Sister think she was too easy? If she said she didn't, and Ninth Sister took it seriously, would she and Ah Xuan no longer be able to be together?

"This doesn't seem like the Sister Lingyan I know." Yang Mengchen tried to suppress her laughter and pretended to be serious: "Like or dislike? Please be frank, Sister Lingyan." Seeing that Nangong Lingyan remained silent, she stood up and sighed: "It seems Third Brother's affection is unrequited and you don't fancy him at all. I should clarify this with Third Brother to avoid any misunderstandings.

Speaking of which, Third Brother is almost sixteen and should be betrothed. I'll discuss with great-aunt and start looking for a suitable lady for him." Saying this, she made as if to leave.

"Wait a moment." Nangong Lingyan suddenly raised her head and called out to Yang Mengchen.

Taking a deep breath to contain her urge to burst into laughter, Yang Mengchen looked puzzled: "Is there something else, Sister Lingyan?"

"I... I... you..." The more anxious Nangong Lingyan became, the less she was able to articulate her thoughts, her face turning bright red with the effort.

Yang Mengchen slightly averted her eyes, fearing she might laugh out loud: "If there's nothing else, I will not disturb Sister Lingyan any longer." She pretended to walk away as she spoke.

"I like Ah Xuan!" The thought of Ah Xuan marrying another woman was heart-wrenching for Nangong Lingyan. She blurted out what was in her heart, her voice even carrying a hint of a growl. However, after speaking those words, she felt a sense of relief, and her subsequent speech flowed smoothly: "I like Ah Xuan, please, Ninth Sister, help us be together!"

Yanyan? Ah Xuan?

Yang Mengchen was secretly delighted inside, not expecting their relationship to have progressed so quickly, but she maintained a composed exterior: "Does Sister Lingyan truly fancy Third Brother?"

"Truly!" Nangong Lingyan, no longer caring about her shyness, nodded vigorously.

"You don't mind that Third Brother comes from a farmer's family?"

"I am merely a merchant's daughter; I am not in a position to look down on Ah Xuan." Even though Shinong Merchant was ranked last in the hierarchy and the Nangong family was a Royal Merchant and the wealthiest in Dong Chu.

"Third Brother will not pass the examinations to become an official; he won't be able to bring you any titles or honors. Doesn't that bother you?"

"I prefer a free and easy life, not those suffocatingly strict rules and etiquette."

"No regrets?"

"Without regrets or complaints!"

"Good!" Yang Mengchen said with a smile: "Since Third Brother and Sister Lingyan have mutual affection, I will certainly facilitate this. Sister Lingyan, just wait peacefully to become my Third Sister-in-law."

Only then did Nangong Lingyan realize that Yang Mengchen had been teasing her all along. She blushed furiously and glared at Yang Mengchen reproachfully before dashing out of the room.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.