âHuff.â
The three young girls felt their hearts suddenly tighten as they heard the word âmisfortuneâ and simultaneously exhaled a deep breath.
âAh, what a pity!â
Lin Qingluo seemingly didnât notice the tense and troubled expressions of the three girls, as she propped up her cheek and let out a deep sigh.
âIn a few days, Fourth Brother will leave Capital City to go to the military for training. Before leaving, he still hasnât found a suitable marriage. I donât know when my Fourth Sister-in-law will appear.â
âLin Fourth Brother is leaving so soon?â
He Biqiu exclaimed in surprise.
The Duke of Zhenâs Mansion and the Grand Marquisâs Mansion were old friends. He Yao and Lin Jinyu were close buddies, so she naturally heard about the Lin Clanâs rule of sending young lads to the military for training when they reach sixteen years old from her brotherâs mouth.
âMhm.â
Lin Qingluo nodded with a touch of sadness.
âWhen will he return?â
Princess Huimin, who wasnât privy to the inside story, asked with wide, hopeful eyes.
Lin Qingluo and He Biqiuâs gazes dimmed at the same time, no longer in the mood to continue the conversation.
âThe young men of the Lin Clan go to protect their home and country. They canât return within a year or two after going to the border.â
Li Mulin also knew some of the Lin Clanâs rules, and as she respected the heroes who protected the country, she softly pulled Princess Huiminâs sleeve to signal her not to mention it again.@@novelbin@@
âOh.â
Princess Huimin hung her head, regretful and no longer making a sound.
The pavilion became quiet in an instant, as the sound of rustling paper fluttered through the air, echoing in the girlsâ ears.
*
Lin Qingluo reported to her Grandfather and Grandmother, reserving a table of delicacies at Blessing Feast Restaurant, the busiest restaurant in Capital City.
After sunset, she led a group of young men and a cute little tiger cub to the restaurant to welcome and celebrate Fourth Brother.
All four disciples were present, with none of the seven siblings from the Lin family missing.
Little Twelve and Little Thirteen, having stepped out of Duke of Zhenâs Mansion, ran around like little colts, their energy boundless.
As soon as they entered the private room, they hopped and jumped, chasing Hunao around the table and chairs, unable to stop for even a moment.
Lin Jinyun laughed happily, her indulgent gaze watching her two youngest brothers playing carefree, the twinkling starlight in their eyes lighting up everyone around them.
âLittle Second, bring out the best wine and dishes you have here. Our brothers want to have a good time today!â Shitou said excitedly, slamming the table.
âThe dishes for the banquet have been pre-ordered. Donât embarrass yourself.â
Wang Meng struck him down with his brutally honest words.
âSo what if theyâre pre-ordered? Canât we order a few more dishes then?â
Shitou took a Gold Ingot from his wallet and slammed it on the table, full of bravado, declaring, âThis mealâs on me!â
The familiar Gold Ingot seemed somewhat eye-catching.
The six younger siblings of the Lin Clan couldnât help but look over.
Little Thirteen, being frank and outspoken, blurted out in his adorable baby voice, âThis is the Gold Ingot Sister Qingluo gave.â
âThe Gold Ingot Master gave me is mine now.â
Shitouâs ears turned red as he sneakily reached out from behind and grabbed Little Thirteen by his collar, hoisting him up.
âLet go of me, let go of me.â
Little Thirteen wasnât happy, kicking his short legs in protest.
âCackle.â
Hunao found it interesting and jumped onto its young masterâs leg, joining in the commotion with its tender voice.
âYou, sly and cunning thing, youâre becoming like Baoya.â
Lin Qingluo doted on Hunao, pinching its wet little nose and successfully making it sneeze once more.
âThe dishes are here!â
The waiter of Blessing Feast Restaurant pushed open the door of the private room, walked in with a big tray and beaming smile, and placed the dishes on the round table one by one.