248: Chapter 248 Inviting Guests, Winning Over

Lin Mansion, Listening to the Wind Pavilion. In a secret private room.

The night breeze brushed across Taiye Pond. The Listening to the Wind Pavilion was draped in sharkskin gauze curtains, which danced lightly in the wind, shattering the cold moon reflected in the pond into specks of shimmering light.

Inside the pavilion, sandalwood incense curled in the air, and several glass palace lanterns emitted a soft glow.

The tables were laden with delicacies and fruits; the aroma of wine and fruit intertwined, hanging in the cold air.

Eldest Brother Lin Xiu sat upright in the main seat. He wore a green robe, his expression gentle yet revealing a touch of depth. Every movement he made displayed the demeanor of a Young Master from a noble family.

On the guest side, Su Yuanshan and Su Qinghe walked slowly to their seats.

"A few days ago in the imperial court, thanks to Wenxin Hall for speaking out righteously and denouncing that harsh decree." Eldest Brother Lin Xiu raised a white jade wine cup, offering a toast from afar, his tone sincere.

"I, Lin, am here on behalf of the entire Lin family to thank Elder Su and Miss Su. If not for Wenxin Hall stepping forward, once that decree was implemented, many of the industries under the Lin family would have suffered heavy losses."

Su Yuanshan stroked his long beard, his expression indifferent.

He raised his wine cup, returning the gesture slightly, and said slowly, "Young Master Lin is too kind. This old man was merely acting according to the trend; I do not deserve a 'thank you'."

He downed the wine in his cup, set it down, and continued, "The Cabinet acts tyrannically and has repeatedly overstepped its bounds in recent years. In the imperial court, there are many who find them displeasing.

Wenxin Hall spoke out this time, firstly for justice, as I could not bear to see the court in such a foul atmosphere, and secondly…"

Su Yuanshan's gaze shifted slightly, landing on a young man sitting below Eldest Brother Lin Xiu. A hint of a smile flashed in his eyes: "Secondly, it is also because I am familiar with young friend Chen Ran, so I just pushed the boat along with the current."

Chen Ran wore a black robe and sat quietly at the table. His Qi was restrained, like a stone in a deep abyss, without a ripple.

Hearing Su Yuanshan's words, Chen Ran nodded slightly and raised the wine cup in front of him: "Elder Su is righteous. I, Chen, toast you. Miss Su, I hope you have been well."

Su Qinghe bowed slightly, acknowledging the greeting.

Today, she wore a simple and elegant moon-white dress. Her features were as beautiful as a painting, and her temperament was cold and ethereal, like an orchid in an empty valley.

But at this moment, a ripple that was difficult to detect surfaced in her clear eyes.

Su Qinghe's gaze lingered on Chen Ran for a moment, and she sighed inwardly.

A few months ago, when she first met Chen Ran, he was just an unknown, low-level Jailer in the Celestial Prison. Although he acted steadily, in a place like the capital where the powerful gathered, he was like a drop in the ocean, insignificant.

But now, in such a short time, this former little Jailer had transformed into an honored guest of the Lin family, one of the Four Great Families.

"This person is truly unfathomable." Su Qinghe thought silently, withdrawing her gaze. She picked up the clear tea in front of her and took a shallow sip to hide the turmoil in her heart.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, the atmosphere in the pavilion seemed harmonious but was always shrouded in a faint, subtle tension.

Eldest Brother Lin Xiu put down his jade chopsticks and waved his hand. The attendants standing around understood and retreated silently, closing the pavilion doors behind them. Only the four of them remained in the pavilion.

Seeing this, the smile on Su Yuanshan's face gradually faded, and his expression became solemn.

He picked up his teacup, gently skimmed the foam, but did not drink. Instead, he looked up at Eldest Brother Lin Xiu and Chen Ran.

"Young Master Lin, young friend Chen Ran." Su Yuanshan's voice lowered a little. "Today's meal was very pleasant, but there are some things I should lay out on the table."

Eldest Brother Lin Xiu's eyes flickered, and he said calmly, "Elder Su, please speak."

Chen Ran also put down his wine cup and looked quietly at Su Yuanshan.

Su Yuanshan set down the teacup, swept his gaze over their faces, and slowly spat out a few words: "The actions of Wenxin Hall in the imperial court a few days ago actually have hidden motives."

As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the pavilion seemed to freeze instantly.

Eldest Brother Lin Xiu narrowed his eyes, tapped his fingertips on the table twice, and did not answer.

Chen Ran's expression remained calm, but a dark light flashed deep in his eyes.

Su Yuanshan paused and continued: "The Cabinet is powerful. Although Wenxin Hall is noble and pure, without strong support, we would not dare to confront them directly. The reason I dared to stand out is that there is an expert guiding me from behind.

Behind this, it is the intention of Your Highness, the First Prince."

The pavilion was silent for a moment. Only the breeze outside the window blew the sharkskin gauze curtains, causing them to rustle.

Eldest Brother Lin Xiu's tapping on the table stopped abruptly.

The First Prince had always been known for his wisdom and had an excellent reputation in the court and among the people. He had always rarely intervened in the struggles between the Cabinet and the noble families.

Now, he had actually secretly instructed Wenxin Hall to take action; the implications of this were truly thought-provoking.

Chen Ran remained sitting as still as a mountain, his face hidden in the shadows of the lamplight, showing no joy or anger.

But in his heart, waves had already been stirred.

The First Prince, Wei Yanxi.

He was not unfamiliar with this name; he had even met him once. On the surface, he was a virtuous king, but in reality, he was deep and calculating.

This attempt to win over the Lin family was likely not as simple as it appeared on the surface.