CH 95

Zhu Dacong wiped her tears and consoled Tan Lingyin softly, "Okay, it's my fault, I shouldn't be angry with you. I promise, this will be the last time I make you cry."

Tan Lingyin took a step back and avoided him. She raised her sleeves and wiped away her tears, and said, "Zhu dage, I know I was wrong. I'll go back with you to Jinan to clear this all up. As long as I go back alive, the rumors of you being a ‘daughter killer’ will disappear. At that time, you can declare to the outside world that you broke up our marriage arrangement because of my poor behavior. Or you can just tell everyone the truth, that I was ignorant and ran away from the marriage. No matter what, your reputation will be restored. Since I committed this error, then I should bear it. Whatever I can do, I'll make it up to you.”

"Lingyin, you know that's not what I want."

"I……"

Zhu Dacong's emotions had calmed down at this time. He sighed and said, "I admit, I was really angry at first and felt that I was being tricked. But no matter what, I don't want to miss the person I like. Three years ago I lost a fiance, and three years later, she showed up. Do you really think I’ll lose her again?"

"Zhu dage..."

"Lingyin, come back with me. We met again after three years of wandering around. This is fate. I promise, you will be very happy with me. I will treat you well for the rest of my life."

Tan Lingyin's mind was in a mess. She didn't want to go back with him, but she didn't know how to reject him. At least on the surface, they really were meant to be together. 

Tan Lingyin lowered her head. "Zhu dage, let me go back and think about it. Can I give you an answer after?"

"Ok, I will wait for you."

There were many reasons to marry Zhu Dacong. The first was that she owes him, the second was that he was a good person, the third being this truly was picking up the pieces and starting anew, the fourth was that she could finally go home, and the fifth...

Was there any reason for not marrying Zhu Dacong?

There weren’t any she could think of.

Tan Lingyin held her cheeks in a daze. How come? She clearly knew that she should go back with him. To just about anyone, this seemed to be the best option. But she just didn't want to.

How come she didn’t want to?

Tan Lingyin frowned. Her right finger unconsciously touched the coral bracelet on her left wrist. There was a slight friction and a small clack sounded from the collision between the coral beads. She looked down at the bracelet; the beads were round and full, with bright and vivid colors. It was the bracelet that the county magistrate gave her last time. Later, he also praised her, saying how good she looked with it on, confidently adding that his things were better than others.

What a narcissist.

Tan Lingyin accidentally thought of her and Tang Feilong's accidental kiss again. Although she knew it was a misunderstanding, her cheeks still started to heat up.

She held her face in her hands and said to herself, "I don't like him."

Tang Tang was lying by her feet. When he heard her talking to herself, it raised its little head and gave her a lazy look.

Though it may have just been her imagination, Tan Lingyin felt that Tang Tang's eyes were full of contempt.

Okay, okay, no more thinking about it. Since she was upset, Tan Lingyin decided to take a breather and walk her dog.

While on her walk, Tan Lingyin saw the person she least wanted to see at the moment - Tang Feilong.

The reason why Tang Lingyin didn't want to see him was because she felt awkward, and I even felt a little guilty for no reason. And whenever she saw Tang Feilong smile, she always felt he was harboring evil intentions.

On the other hand, Tang Tianyuan was very happy to see Tan Lingyin. He knew that Zhu Dacong sent many gifts to please Tan Lingyin. He was a little worried that Tan Lingyin would be deceived by him, so he reminded her, "A good horse doesn't come back to the same pasture. Don’t you know what kind of idea your ex-fiancé is plotting, right? "

Tan Lingyin was surprised, "How did you know?"

"This official is so wise and talented, so it’s not hard to figure out," Tang Tianyuan brazenly boasted. He then continued to say, "Your marriage contract with him is over, so why bother with him?"

Tan Lingyin didn't want to talk about this matter with him. "It's none of your business."

Tang Tianyuan inwardly thought: it's naturally my business, because you can only entangle with me. He said solemnly, "Since we are acquainted, I rather you not commit a misstep."

"Take care of yourself. Oh, by the way, I haven't congratulated you yet. Congratulations Lord, for marrying a beautiful and talented lady." Tan Lingyin said, inevitably looking a bit peculiar.

Tang Tianyuan was a little surprised, "How did you find out about this?"

"Everyone in the county government office knows. The assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites really has– great– foresight."

It was truly hard to find people who could keep their mouths shut. Tang Tianyuan helplessly shook his head. It didn't matter what others said, but he didn't want Tan Lingyin to misunderstand. He wanted to explain it, but suddenly thought: Why not use this opportunity to test Tan Lingyin? See if she cares and becomes jealous?

Thinking of this, Tang Tianyuan smiled, "My mother told me that the Young Lady from the Assistant Minister's Residence is very knowledgeable, with high ethics, eloquent speech, breathtaking appearance, and unmatched skills in craft. As expected of a noble lady. What, do you feel ashamed of your inferiority?"

The words ‘ashamed of your inferiority’ had appeared in Tan Lingyin's incomparably clear dream. At that time, Tang Feilong pointed to his bride and said those words to Tan Lingyin. Now, he said it again.

So, her dream was not wrong.

Unbeknownst to Tan Lingyin, a fire suddenly set ablaze in her heart. It burned her senseless as she blurted out, "I know I'm a shameless, money-grubbing, greedy, homeless, impolite, uncultured! I’m lacking in ethics, speech, appearance, and skills! You don't need to remind me! Go marry your lady!"

After her outburst, Tan Lingyin immediately turned around and left.

Tang Tianyuan was stunned by her onslaught of words. He stood there looking at her back, touched his nose with a guilty conscience, and said to himself, "Is this jealousy or anger?"

And, how should he coax her...