“Wang Tong specifically advised that the Crown Grandson dislikes having his wishes defied. Since he’s already said there’s no need to go give thanks, it’s best not to go. Otherwise it might displease His Highness.”

Ling Ji was practically worrying himself sick, fussing on and on: “Father originally intended to take you two siblings to express thanks as well, but I talked him out of it…”

Ling Jingshu listened absentmindedly.

She never hesitated to interpret others’ intentions in the worst possible light.

What exactly was this Crown Grandson thinking? Why had he suddenly changed his mind? Was it simply a young man’s impulsiveness, or was he harboring resentment, wanting to see her bow her head before he felt satisfied?

Thinking it over this way, going to express gratitude was unavoidable.

“Cousin, I think tomorrow I should still take A’Xiao to express our thanks.”

Ling Jingshu pondered for a moment before slowly saying, “We can’t figure out what’s going through the Crown Grandson’s mind right now. Since that’s the case, let’s not think about it at all. As long as we conduct ourselves without any oversight or mistakes, without breaching propriety, even if this is brought up again later, no blame can fall on us.”

Ling Ji was stunned for a moment, finding himself at a loss for words.

That’s right!

Whether the Crown Grandson was pleased or not was his own affair, but whether their conduct followed propriety and was thorough was the Ling family’s affair.

He had thought himself clever and careful, yet when it came to handling matters, he couldn’t think things through as clearly as a young girl raised in the inner chambers.

“You’ve thought it through more thoroughly. We’ll do as you say—tomorrow you two will go give thanks.” Ling Ji gazed at Ling Jingshu, his tone carrying a hint of admiration tinged with regret: “A’Shu, it’s truly a pity that you were born a woman.”

Such intelligence and resolve, such sharp wit! And that night when she’d encountered bandits, the calm composure, the ruthlessness when she’d taken a life with her own hands…

If she had been born a man, her future would surely have been limitless.

But she happened to be a woman.

In this world, men were forgiven for everything, while women faced harsh judgment at every turn. Being too clever, too opinionated, or stepping even slightly outside the lines—none of it would be tolerated by society…

Warmth welled up in Ling Jingshu’s heart.

Whether someone’s concern was genuine or feigned could never truly be hidden. Ling Ji’s tone and gaze were filled with regret and deep concern. As for the matter of her killing the bandit that night, no one knew how much effort Ling Ji had secretly expended to silence the guards and boatmen. To this day, the rest of the Ling family remained completely in the dark.

He truly cared about her, truly worried for her!

Ling Jingshu also lowered her guard and spoke from the heart: “Cousin, there’s no need to worry on my account. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

This was only the beginning!

In the future, she would do even more unconventional, unimaginable things! If she worried constantly about others’ opinions, how could she ever speak of seeking revenge and washing away her grievances?

Whether society refused to accept her, or whether everyone turned against her—she feared none of it!

Ling Ji fell silent for a moment before saying, “A’Shu, I don’t know exactly what you intend to do. From what I can see now, it’s probably not as simple as just accompanying A’Xiao to treat his eye condition. As long as it doesn’t endanger the Ling family, just speak up to me. As your cousin, I will do everything in my power to help you.”

Ling Jingshu’s eyes grew slightly moist. She said softly, “All right. If I ever need your help, Cousin, I’ll be sure to ask.”

She had once thought everyone in the Ling family was cold-blooded and heartless.

Thinking about it now, she had been too extreme, too biased. At the very least, Ling Ji and his sisters held some genuine affection for her.

The next morning.

After finishing breakfast, Ling Daye, full of energy, led Ling Ji to the Crown Grandson’s boat to pay their respects.

Ling Jingshu and her younger brother followed close behind.

No one knew how Ling Ji had managed to persuade Ling Daye, but in any case, when Ling Daye saw Ling Jingshu, he didn’t ask any questions. Instead, he spoke a few words of kindly, affectionate advice: “The Crown Grandson has quite a temper. When you two go in a moment, if His Highness seems displeased, don’t panic. Your eldest uncle will handle everything.”

Under Ling Daye’s unusually warm gaze, Ling Jingshu felt goosebumps rise across her entire body.

Although they hadn’t spent much time together, Ling Jingshu had come to understand her eldest uncle’s temperament to some degree.

He never rose early unless there was profit in it—a man with a thoroughly mercenary eye.

Ling Daye would never do anything that didn’t benefit him. For him to suddenly be so attentive and courteous toward her now… it really put her on guard.

Out of habit, Ling Xiao held Ling Jingshu’s hand, whispering, “A’Shu, do you think the Crown Grandson will chase the two of us out?”

Ling Jingshu couldn’t help a small laugh and replied softly, “No need to be afraid. With the two of us together, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Ling Xiao muttered under his breath, “I don’t mind being embarrassed myself, but you’re a girl after all—it wouldn’t be good for you to lose face in front of others…”

He really had grown up! He was starting to understand how to be considerate and protective of her!

Warmth spread through Ling Jingshu’s heart.

Once they arrived at the boat, a guard naturally went in to relay word to Wang Tong, who would then report to the Crown Grandson…

(Don’t ask why—this is simply the imperial way of doing things o(╯□╰)o)

“What? Ninth Miss Ling and Young Master Ling have come as well?” Hearing the guard’s report, Wang Tong couldn’t help frowning.

That Ling Ji!

He’d specifically given instructions just yesterday, so why had Ling Jingshu still been allowed to come today… If this ended up displeasing the Crown Grandson, wouldn’t he be stuck scrubbing the deck for half a day again?

Carrying an inexplicable sense of grievance, Wang Tong steeled himself and reported, “Your Highness, Lord Ling has brought Ninth Miss Ling to express her thanks. Would Your Highness be willing to receive them?”

Wang Tong didn’t even dare lift his head to check the Crown Grandson’s expression. In his heart he silently counted, one, two, three… huh? Why hadn’t the Crown Grandson grown angry yet?

After a long moment, the Crown Grandson’s voice, giving no hint of his mood, reached Wang Tong’s ears: “Let them in.”

Wang Tong: “…”

Just like that?!

Hadn’t he coldly said just yesterday that he didn’t want those two siblings coming to express thanks? He had even sent away Physician Ling and his son over it. Now the two siblings had come against his wishes, and His Highness wasn’t even angry!

Seeing Wang Tong standing there in a daze, the Crown Grandson’s expression darkened: “Do you doubt my orders?”

Wang Tong’s scalp tightened, and without thinking he blurted out, “Your subordinate has no doubts whatsoever. I’ll go invite Ninth Miss Ling in right away.” The moment the words left his mouth, he inwardly realized something had gone wrong.

In his nervousness, he had made a slip of the tongue. He should have said Physician Ling, yet somehow it had come out as Ninth Miss Ling…

The Crown Grandson’s mood seemed to be rather good, and he said nothing further.

Wang Tong didn’t dare dwell on it any longer. He immediately withdrew and led the Ling family members into the cabin.

In the morning light, Ninth Miss Ling slowly entered.

Bright sunlight fell across her fair, jade-like face, as if gilding it with a faint halo. Her dark, bright eyes, moving like autumn waters, carried a light trace of a smile, and her soft red lips shimmered with an unusual luster.

Such radiant beauty was beyond compare!

Wang Tong had only glimpsed her profile, and already his heart felt unsteady. He hurriedly looked away.

In doing so, his glance happened to catch the Crown Grandson’s expression at that moment.

He still wore that same cold, indifferent look, except that the corner of his lips had lifted slightly.