Lin Xian glanced at the object in her hand, which Princess Leyuan had been carrying with her every time she came these days, along with what she said, it was most likely a love token.

He didn’t want to resolve this matter publicly, but Princess Leyuan gave him no chance.

"Princess Leyuan, your status is noble, and you’re a beauty of Tianxiang Country, but I already have someone in my heart, thank you for your kindness," he said.

No sooner had Lin Xian finished speaking than a chorus of surprised exclamations arose around them.

"So many men wish to marry Princess Leyuan, and he actually refuses? He doesn’t take Princess Leyuan seriously at all."

"Exactly, he’s clueless, to dare refuse Princess Leyuan."

Ouyang Leyuan was completely stunned when she heard him mention another in his heart because she hadn’t expected him to have someone else. But then again, it made sense; how could a man as handsome as Lin Xian not be liked by anyone?

There would probably be a line of admirers stretching all the way to the square.

"A man may have three wives and four concubines; I don’t mind you taking concubines," she said.

Lin Xian hesitated upon hearing that. With anyone else, he could have simply refused, but faced with his lifesaver, he couldn’t just cut her off without a word.

"I promised her, I won’t take concubines," he said.

From the moment Ouyang Leyuan walked over, Shen Chuwei stopped eating and kept her eyes fixed on Xiao Jinyan, wanting to see his reaction.

But now, seeing his response was quite satisfying to her. Fortunately, she had given a prior warning; otherwise, being trapped under the label of a lifesaving benefactor would’ve indeed been difficult.

"You’re married?" Ouyang Leyuan asked incredulously.

Lin Xian nodded, "Yes."

Ouyang Leyuan couldn’t believe that after such a big sacrifice she made, he refused to take concubines for another woman?

How could she accept that?

Even if her sister could be impulsive and thoughtless at times, she was still her sister. Ouyang Jingyuan pulled her into his arms, "You always act like this without considering the consequences."

Ouyang Leyuan had never met a man who made her heart flutter so much. Even though he was already married, she still found it hard to let go.

"Who is your wife? I would like to meet her," she said.

Lin Xian looked at Shen Chuwei, knowing that disclosing everything at this moment would be the sensible thing to do. He then looked back at Ouyang Leyuan, "She’s in Daxia."

Ouyang Jingyuan scolded angrily, "Haven’t you made enough of a scene?"

The Clan Leader also came through the crowd, glancing at Lin Xian. He knew this young man was the one his daughter had saved, but he hadn’t expected his daughter to overlook so many eligible young talents and choose a foreigner.

"Leyuan, stop this nonsense," he said.

With reluctance in her heart, Ouyang Leyuan couldn’t say anything more.

The originally lively birthday feast had become somewhat awkward due to the suitor-selection segment.

Back at the guest room, they saw Wu Tan waiting under a tree, as if he were waiting for them.

She took the initiative to approach and ask, "Little Master Wu Tan, is there something you need?"

Lin Xian noticed Wu Tan’s expression darken.

Wu Tan took two steps forward, asking in a gentle voice, "Yes, will you return to Daxia, or will you go to Nanzhao Country?"

Shen Chuwei responded, "We’re going to Nanzhao Country. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing much. I’m planning to go to Nanzhao Country. Since you’re going as well, this humble monk would like to join you. Would that be alright?" Wu Tan asked.

"I have no problem with it." Shen Chuwei, her curiosity piqued, asked, "Is your hometown in Nanzhao Country by any chance?"

Seeing how easily she agreed, Lin Xian frowned disapprovingly, "No, we’re not going there for fun."

Wu Tan did not look at Lin Xian but instead nodded to Shen Chuwei, "Yes."

Shen Chuwei tugged at Xiao Jinyan’s sleeve, "Wu Tan’s from Nanzhao; having him as a guide would save us a lot of trouble since we are strangers in those parts."

Wu Tan chuckled, "I’m very familiar with Nanzhao Country."

She tugged at Xiao Jinyan’s sleeve again, "Look, having someone who knows the way not only saves us trouble but also time."

Shen Chuwei actually wanted to resolve Xiao Jinyan’s issue quickly and then return to Daxia, after that, to reunite with their family.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xian glanced at Wu Tan and reluctantly agreed.

After arranging things with Wu Tan, the two returned to their guest room.

Lin Xian silently breathed a sigh of relief and poured himself a cup of tea before offering it to Shen Chuwei, "You ate so much meat, drink some tea to cleanse the grease."

"Okay." Shen Chuwei took the teacup and sipped a few mouthfuls.

Lin Xian then took a few sips from his teacup, lifting his eyes to the Shen Chuwei who was continuously drinking her tea with a lowered head, evidently quite thirsty.

Once Shen Chuwei had quenched her thirst, she put down her cup, her tone brimming with excitement at the prospect of leaving this place.

"Let’s rest early tonight and leave first thing in the morning. I’ve asked Qin Xiao to arrange the horses in advance," she suggested.

Lin Xian nodded, "Okay."

The two turned in early.

At this time, Princess Leyuan’s boudoir was still lit, with the sound of breaking things inside.

"Princess, please calm down," the Maid trembled, cautiously trying to appease her.

Because of her unwillingness, Ouyang Leyuan’s beautiful face became somewhat distorted. The hot tea on the table was swept to the floor by her, scalding the Maid’s embroidered shoes.

"All of you get out," she ordered.

"Yes, yes, yes..."

The Maid hurried out, her face pale with fright.

Even after yelling, Ouyang Leyuan still couldn’t calm her emotions. She sat at the table, thinking that Lin Xian would be leaving the next day, and felt not just unwillingness but also a sense of loss.

She suddenly remembered the note, saying Lin Xian wouldn’t return after he left, which apparently meant he was already married.

Early the next morning, Shen Chuwei and Lin Xian awoke early. They didn’t bother with formalities; Lin Xian had arrived empty-handed, and he would leave the same way.

Actually, not quite the same, for by his side now was Shen Chuwei.

Most of Shen Chuwei’s belongings were in her Space, so she simply shouldered her bag to give the impression of traveling.

At the entrance to the Imperial City, there was a horse carriage ready to take them out.

Ouyang Jingyuan and Ouyang Leyuan were both there to see them off.

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