The carefree sixth prince, my father respectfully invites me to ascend the throne.

Murong Jin looked at Yang Ling and asked, "Then why does Brother Ling want to marry Murong Yuying?" She always felt that this Yang Ling was not simple.

Yang Ling smiled. "Does Sister Jin think I like Murong Yuying?"

Murong Jin nodded.

Yang Ling smiled calmly, "Sister Jin, you misunderstand. It's not because I admire Murong Yuying. I'm just trying to solidify the Yang family's position in Xiyue."

Murong Jin raised an eyebrow. Yang Ling is the eldest son of the Yang family. Logically speaking, the Yang family should support Yang Ling to inherit the throne. Why do they need to consolidate the Yang family's position in Xiyue?

Seemingly seeing through Murong Jin's thoughts, Yang Ling explained, "Does Sister Jin find it strange?"

Murong Jin nodded. "Brother Ling, please speak."

“My grandfather once told me that he spent his life on the battlefield, but in his old age, he was so destitute that he had to rely on a little girl for protection. So he felt very guilty and ashamed of his ancestors!”

As Yang Ling spoke, her expression turned solemn, and her tone carried a hint of sadness, "Therefore, I have always remembered my grandfather's teachings. If one day I meet a suitable woman, I must cherish her and never let her down!"

Yang Ling's words touched Murong Jin. Murong Jin had always known that Yang Ling was different from Yang Zhenyu; he was more intelligent and had a broader mind.

She once suspected that Yang Ling was a very cunning person.

Just now, Murong Jin realized that he couldn't see through Yang Ling.

Perhaps Yang Ling was simply hiding his ambition from her.

"So, you want Murong Yuying to marry you in order to solidify your position in Xiyue?" Murong Jin asked after figuring it out.

Yang Ling smiled and nodded, then changed the subject, "Jin, your wedding is coming soon, have you prepared your wedding dress?"

After Yang Ling finished speaking, Murong Jin immediately remembered that Xiao Yan had once agreed to her marriage proposal.

She recalled how Xiao Yan had said that when they got married, he would give her a grand wedding and make her the most beautiful bride in the world.

Thinking of this, Murong Jin's heart suddenly raced, and she quickly lowered her eyes to hide her embarrassment. "I will design it as soon as possible."

Yang Ling looked at Murong Jin's somewhat flustered expression, and a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes.

No matter who it is, once they have something to worry about, they will become anxious and insecure.

Murong Jin was no exception.

"Jin-meimei, don't force yourself. If you really don't like His Highness Prince Rui, then just pretend this marriage never happened," Yang Ling said gently, her voice like a spring breeze.

Murong Jin was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Yang Ling with bright eyes, "Brother Ling, how can you say that? Prince Rui treats me like a precious jewel, he is the best husband in the world."

When she said the last few words, her tone was full of sweetness and happiness.

Yang Ling smiled slightly upon hearing this, "I just feel that with the current chaotic situation in Eastern Chu and the thinning of the royal bloodline, it will probably be difficult to find a suitable husband."

He knew that Murong Jin did not love Xiao Yan, but she was willing to stay in Dong Chu for him.

He knew that Xiao Yan was of noble status and that Murong Jin had suffered grievances by following him, but she still went without hesitation.

All of this made Yang Ling envious.

Murong Jin had considered what Yang Ling said, but she remained resolute in her decision. "Brother Ling, don't worry, I will help Prince Rui ascend the throne and then grant equal rights to both Xiyue and Dongchu."

Murong Jin believed that as long as Xiao Yan sat on the dragon throne, her dream would come true.

Although Xiao Yi now controls the court, Murong Jin believes that Xiao Yi is not a violent and bloodthirsty person.

Yang Ling smiled upon hearing this, knowing that there was a glimmer of hope in Murong Jin's eyes when he said those words.

He had only ever seen this kind of brilliance in the eyes of one person: Xiao Yi.

However, there were too many obstacles between Murong Jin and Xiao Yi, and their relationship was destined to be hostile.

Seeing the sorrow on Yang Ling's face, Murong Jin composed himself and changed the subject, "Brother Ling, I want to ask you for a favor."

Yang Ling was slightly taken aback, then realized what Murong Jin was talking about, and smiled, "Sister Jin, please speak freely!"

"I would like to ask you to send your secret guards to investigate the situation inside Xiling, especially the Third Prince Xiao Yan."

"Why the sudden need to investigate Xiao Yan?" Yang Ling asked, puzzled.

Murong Jin paused upon hearing this, then sighed, "Brother Ling, I don't want anything to happen to Xiao Yan. I know he's very capable, but I don't want to take any risks. What if he really... I'd rather be selfish this once."

“Alright, since Sister Jin trusts Brother Ling, Brother Ling will go for you and make sure to bring back Xiao Yan’s message.”

After agreeing to Murong Jin's request, Yang Ling also instructed Murong Jin to be careful and not to rush things.

"Yes, I know. Thank you, Brother Ling!" Murong Jin nodded earnestly in thanks.

Seeing this, Yang Ling reached out her right hand and patted Murong Jin on the shoulder, saying, "Between us siblings, thanking each other is too formal."

As the two were talking, a maidservant rushed into the room and respectfully said:

"Reporting to Young Master, the Second Imperial Consort has arrived."

No sooner had the maid finished speaking than a series of footsteps sounded.

Immediately afterwards, Murong Jin saw a girl in a pink dress rushing in, lifting the hem of her skirt.

"Brother Ling!" the girl called out excitedly as soon as she entered the room, almost bumping into Murong Jin. Yang Ling reached out his long arm to help her up, and the girl stopped in her tracks.

Murong Jin stood aside and sized up the girl. She was about fifteen years old, with an oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and bright, charming almond-shaped eyes. Her cherry-like lips were as delicate and luscious as rose petals.

Murong Jin searched his memory and confirmed that the fair-skinned girl in front of him was Yang Ling's younger sister, Yang Yuhuan.

When Yang Ling heard the girl call him, he released her hand and asked in a calm and distant tone, "Is there something you need, Second Sister-in-law?"

The girl was surprised by her brother's coldness and pouted, complaining, "Brother, why do you always have such a long face when you see me? Do you dislike me?"

Although Yang Yuhuan was young, she spoke clearly and had a quick mind, which made Murong Jin want to pat her head.

Yang Ling frowned and said impatiently, "Second sister-in-law, if you have nothing else to do, you should leave now!"

Yang Yuhuan was immediately enraged by Yang Ling's retort. Her eyes widened as she angrily rebuked Yang Ling, "Yang Ling, how dare you yell at me? I'll tell my mother, and she'll punish you by confining you to your quarters for half a month!"

Yang Yuhuan started to walk out as she spoke.

Seeing this, Murong Jin coughed lightly to remind Yang Yuhuan, "Yuhuan, I still have guests here."

Yang Yuhuan snapped out of her daze upon hearing this. She had forgotten that there were other people in front of her, and she gave an awkward laugh. "Hehe, I forgot. Sister Murong, you won't blame me, will you?"

"How could that be!" Murong Jin shook her head. How could she bear to blame Yang Yuhuan!

Only then did Yang Yuhuan notice the man standing next to Murong Jin, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Yang Ling!"