Chapter 58: Chapter 58

The Lin family arrived remarkably quickly. Almost immediately after the Xie family had hinted their intentions to the matchmaker the previous day, several lavishly decorated carriages appeared at the entrance of Xie Village by noon the next day.

During the farming off-season, villagers gathered in small groups under the large locust tree, chatting idly. When they spotted the grand procession, they instinctively craned their necks for a better look.

Seeing the carriages stop predictably before Old Xie's house, envy flashed in everyone's eyes. A man holding a bowl remarked without thinking, "Look at that! Scholar families are different. In such a short time, the Xie family's doorstep might as well be gilded with gold, with distinguished visitors coming so frequently..."

"Education truly brings benefits!"

"No doubt about that!"

The crowd readily agreed about the advantages of education, yet when it came to sending their own children to school, the group gradually fell silent.

Some sharp-eyed observers noticed something peculiar—despite both families having scholars who passed the imperial exams, the village chief's family never received the same attention from town elites as the Xie family did.

Thinking of the continuous stream of matchmakers recently, several women exchanged knowing glances.

The Lin entourage arrived at the Xie household precisely at noon.

In the modest main hall, seemingly oblivious to the family's obvious discomfort, Master Lin cheerfully chatted with Old Man Xie. Despite his fine silk robes, he showed no trace of arrogance.

As someone who had built his business across the entire prefecture, Master Lin was exceptionally eloquent. Within moments, Old Man Xie had relaxed completely, addressing him affectionately as "Nephew Lin."

Madam Lin, however, couldn't hide her disdain when she saw the cramped quarters and simple furnishings. Yet when her husband glanced her way, she forced a smile and engaged in conversation with Little Chen and the others.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiuyuan was being hosted by the still-bewildered Xie Sanwa.

Frankly, upon hearing this man wanted to marry his sister, Xie Sanwa's first reaction wasn't anger but:

What! Someone actually dares to marry his sister? Such courage!

Though his sister was indeed beautiful and intelligent, the vast gap between their intellects—wouldn't spending time together be utterly demoralizing?

As someone frequently used as a comparison, Xie Sanwa knew this all too well. Sometimes just a casual glance from his sister made him feel like he'd been stripped naked under the sun, with no secrets left.

Studying was even worse—he'd labor all night memorizing texts, only to forget half by morning. Meanwhile, his sister needed just a few glances to remember everything perfectly days later...

Who wouldn't find that utterly crushing?

Because of this, despite all the flattery from villagers after becoming a young scholar, Xie Sanwa never let it go to his head. Childhood memories of foolishness were too deeply ingrained.

Unconsciously, these thoughts showed on his face.

Lin Xiuyuan, having grown up observing people under his father's tutelage: "......"

Fortunately, the study wasn't far.

"Ahem, my sister is in the study..." Xie Sanwa stopped abruptly at the door, dutifully positioning himself as a guard.

Lin Xiuyuan's brow twitched. Gripping his folding fan tighter, he took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Inside, a figure in pale green greeted him.

"Orchid-fragrant spirit cleansed, jade-glistening dust cleared."

Though he usually struggled with poetry, this line surfaced unbidden in Lin Xiuyuan's mind upon seeing her.

Only when her cool voice reached his ears did Lin Xiuyuan snap back to reality. Flustered under her faintly amused gaze, he hastily bowed. "Miss Xie, my apologies for the impropriety."

"No need for formalities. Please sit." Setting aside a scroll, An Ning gestured to an empty seat by the desk.

Uncertain whether she was displeased, Lin Xiuyuan regretted his earlier awkwardness.

Who could have imagined a farming family producing such an exceptional girl? Her bearing rivaled—no, surpassed—his aristocratic cousins in the capital.

Recalling what he'd learned about her, his surprise diminished. A woman this brilliant couldn't be measured by ordinary standards. Perhaps only such grace could complement such intelligence.

Lin Xiuyuan looked up to see the composed young woman before him, her every movement exuding refinement. Unlike typical maidens, she showed no shyness before a male stranger.

Suddenly, he understood.

With her intelligence, she must have long realized why the Lin family—and other prominent families—were seeking her hand.

If he'd previously thought the Xies favored his family, now he knew the truth.

This was undoubtedly her own choice.

Lin Xiuyuan's grip tightened on his fan.

What could his family possibly offer to earn her favor?

He knew their limitations.

While wealthy, the Zhang family could provide equal comfort. Moreover, as established literati, the Zhangs held more prestige than his merchant family—better suiting a talented woman.

His only advantage...

In a flash of inspiration, Lin Xiuyuan carefully produced a well-preserved painting from his sleeve, presenting it respectfully: "This is... Master Wu's Spring Day painting from the previous dynasty?"

An Ning's interest was piqued by the familiar artwork. "You have a keen eye. Truthfully, I sought this out specifically..." Noticing her subtle reaction, Lin Xiuyuan continued eagerly, "When I last visited at your brother's invitation, I noticed a painting here. The brushwork seemed familiar—only later did I realize it resembled one I'd purchased! Guessing it was your work, I brought the original today. I hope you don't consider this presumptuous."

His casual tone belied the difficulty—Master Wu's works, even lesser-known pieces, were hardly easy to acquire.

Between intelligent people, some things needed no explanation.

An Ning studied the nervous young man before her:

Indeed, the Lin family's looks were noteworthy—handsome enough that their appearance had once secured a marriage with a high official's daughter in the capital.

Sharp eyebrows, cold-star eyes, a strikingly handsome face—though his overly practiced manners diminished his youthful vigor.

Meeting his anxious gaze, An Ning accepted the painting. Her usually cool expression softened slightly. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Master Lin. This painting truly pleases me."