The Crown Princess is busy fishing

The moment Lu Ziheng's gaze fell upon the young man at the head of the group, his expression changed drastically.

He then quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Greetings, Second Prince!"

Ye Lingxuan pouted slightly and reluctantly called out softly, "Greetings, Cousin Xuan."

The Second Prince, Xiao Zhengxuan, wore a moon-white brocade robe, with a dark jade-inlaid belt around his waist and a golden crown on his head.

His sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes exuded an innate nobility and arrogance.

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips.

His gaze swept over the crowd, a mixture of scrutiny and amusement in his eyes.

At this moment, the man who had just spoken behind him looked at Lin Yuge and Lin Qingzhou, the brother and sister.

Somewhat surprised and uncertain, he continued, "Light boat? Fisherman's song? What are you two doing here?"

Lin Yuge turned her head to look, but couldn't remember who the person was for a moment.

Lin Qingzhou's expression changed, and he muttered:

"What a small world! I just got back to the capital and I'm already running into the person I least want to see."

He stared silently at the man and said coldly, "Young Master Lin, why can't we be here?"

Upon hearing Lin Qingzhou's response, a hint of embarrassment and displeasure flashed across Lin Qinghong's face.

But he quickly reverted to his aloof demeanor.

"Hmph, I was just asking casually, don't take it to heart."

"But what is your family's status now? It takes considerable courage for you to show yourselves in the capital."

He deliberately raised his voice, his words filled with sarcasm and contempt.

It seems they wanted to use this to humiliate Lin Yuge and her brother, making them unable to hold their heads up in front of everyone.

Lin Yuge then remembered who the person in front of her was, and a surge of anger welled up in her heart.

“Young Master Lin, we are here openly and honestly, and we have nothing to fear from what others say.”

But why we're here seems to be none of your business!

Her words were sharp, and she looked directly at Lin Qinghong with a frank gaze.

Lin Qinghong's face turned purple with anger at Lin Yuge's tough response. He snorted coldly:

"Little brat, sharp-tongued and quick-witted."

Don't think that you can act recklessly just because you're back in the capital.

The waters in the capital are much deeper than they are in Lingnan. Don't end up drowning without even knowing how!

Lin Yuge gave a cold laugh:

“Young Master Lin, we are upright and honest, and you don’t need to worry about us.”

Instead of wasting your time making things difficult for us, you should reflect on your own behavior.

Do not do anything in the future that would disgrace the family.

At this moment, the second prince suddenly spoke:

"So it's the second branch of the Lin family! Last year, Yunqing even went so far as to overturn the case for your family."

The second prince, seemingly lost in thought, raised an eyebrow slightly, a barely perceptible hint of sinister intent flashing in his eyes.

"I've heard that Miss Lin was quite successful in suppressing bandits in Lingnan and discovered the salt-making method, which helped Yunqing a lot?"

Lin Yuge was taken aback when she heard this. How did the Second Prince know these things?

Lin Yuge quickly shook her head, not daring to take credit, and said:

"Your Highness is unaware that the bandit suppression was the result of the concerted efforts of Governor Xiao and the government troops; I was merely assisting from the sidelines."

As for the salt-making method, it was only discovered by chance, and everything was done under the overall planning and command of the military governor. How could my daughter dare to claim credit for it?

The second prince's lips curled into a playful smile, yet it carried a hint of coldness.

"A chance encounter? Miss Lin, please don't be so modest."

Such an achievement is something that even men might not be able to accomplish easily.

With your help, Yun Qing is truly like a tiger with wings.

Lin Yuge's heart skipped a beat; the Second Prince's visit was clearly ill-intentioned! She inwardly groaned.

Lu Ziheng sensed something was wrong and quickly tried to smooth things over:

"Your Highness, the Lin siblings and we have gone through many hardships along the way."

Having just returned to the capital, there are still many matters to settle.

"It is truly inconvenient to disturb you at this moment, and I hope Your Highness will understand."

The Second Prince glanced at Lu Ziheng with a half-smile.

"Young Master Lu is quite attentive to Miss Lin, and he tries to take care of everything for her."

Lu Ziheng panicked and hurriedly shook his head.

"Your Highness misunderstands. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a host."

Ye Lingxuan also spoke up for him: "Cousin Xuan, Brother Lu meant well, please don't misunderstand."

The second prince ignored him and instead spoke to Ye Lingxuan:

“Lingxuan, your aunt is looking for you everywhere. I’ll have someone send you back.”

He then gestured for his men to come forward.

It was clear that the Second Prince had no intention of letting the matter rest.

"What a coincidence! Is Your Highness also here to welcome my cousin and the others?"

Xiao Yunqing was still wearing his court robes, clearly having rushed over immediately after court.

He stood tall and straight, with a stern face and an imposing presence in his eyes.

The Second Prince's expression changed slightly when he saw Xiao Yunqing arrive.

"Yun Qing, I just happened to run into them and exchanged a few pleasantries."

The second prince feigned composure, a seemingly casual smile playing on his lips.

But the smile didn't reach his eyes; a hint of displeasure and apprehension flickered in his gaze.

Lu Ziheng walked to Xiao Yunqing's side and whispered a few words.

Xiao Yunqing's eyes darkened.

He slightly cupped his hands, his expression calm, yet he exuded an undeniable air of authority.

"Is that so? If Your Highness were just exchanging pleasantries, why would you bring up the matter of Lingnan?"

"You even want to send Lingxuan away? Could it be that you have ulterior motives?"

The second prince snorted coldly.

"Yun Qing, don't make false accusations. How dare you presume to know my thoughts like that?"

Xiao Yunqing looked directly into the Second Prince's eyes, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

"Your Highness, as a prince, should be concerned with the nation and its people, rather than making things difficult for those returning to the capital over such trivial matters."

The Second Prince's face turned red with suffocation at Xiao Yunqing's words.

He glared at Xiao Yunqing fiercely, but couldn't find any words to refute her.

The attendants standing nearby remained silent, not daring to utter a word in the tense atmosphere.

Seeing this, Lin Qinghong quickly stepped forward, a seemingly friendly smile plastered on his face.

"Oh dear, we're all family, why make things so unpleasant?"

He turned to the Lin siblings.

"Light boat, fisherman's song, you must go home to visit when you have time, your elders at home are thinking of you."

Lin Qingzhou turned her head away, pretending not to hear.

Lin Yuge sneered inwardly; she had seen through Lin Qinghong's hypocrisy.

He merely nodded slightly, without saying much.

The second prince finally turned and left, his clothes fluttering in the wind as he hurried away.

That silhouette seemed to exude an aura of embarrassment and anger.

Lin Qinghong and the others hurriedly chased after them.

Wait until they are far away.

Xiao Yunqing walked over gracefully, her court robes fluttering gently in the breeze.

Her cold expression softened slightly as she approached Lin Yuge, her eyes revealing a tenderness unique to her.

He asked softly, "Yuge, are you alright? Were you frightened by the Second Prince's harassment today?"

After saying that, he slightly raised his hand, as if wanting to naturally take her hand to comfort her.

But then, mid-air, he lightly patted her shoulder and withdrew his hand without leaving a trace.

"It's alright, I've seen far more storms than this."

The Second Prince's little trickery is nothing but child's play.

Lin Yuge raised her chin slightly and asked, "How did the Second Prince know about my affairs in Lingnan?"

Xiao Yunqing explained with a hint of apology:

"When I returned to the capital to report on my duties, I took the opportunity to mention your achievements to the Emperor. He greatly appreciated your work in Lingnan."

Perhaps the news somehow got out and reached the Second Prince.

My intention was to bring you some recognition and praise, but I didn't expect it to cause you this much trouble. It was my oversight.