CHAPTER FOUR-: Snowy Garden.

Grandfather Lin glared at Lin Xue, his anger evident. But as soon as she hugged him and spoke in her sweet, childlike voice, his heart melted.

For a brief moment, his stern expression softened. Then, realizing he was about to fall for her tricks again, he quickly regained his composure. He couldn't let her get away so easily.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry! I fainted, and they had to rush me to the infirmary!"

His eyes widened in concern. "What? When? Where? How did you get hurt?" He quickly scanned her body for injuries, his worry overtaking his anger.

Lin Xue pouted dramatically, blinking her eyes. "It was an annoying person who hurt me."

Grandfather Lin's face darkened. "Who is the bastard that dared to harm my granddaughter?! Tell me now, and I will deal with him myself!"

Lin Xue hesitated before pointing toward her maids.

Grandfather Lin turned to them, his gaze sharp. "Which one of you dared to bully my granddaughter?!"

The maids gasped, waving their hands frantically. "Young Miss, please don't frame us!"

Lin Xue giggled and shook her head. "Not them, Grandfather. Over there!" She raised her hand and dramatically pointed toward the sky.

Everyone instinctively followed her gaze, looking up.

Silence.

Then realization dawned.

She was talking about the sun.

The servants exchanged looks of disbelief, and Grandfather Lin blinked, utterly speechless.

Lin Xue continued, "The sun caused me to have a heatstroke, Grandfather! I couldn't breathe! I was gasping for air—" She demonstrated, clutching her throat and faking labored breaths. "Grandfather, we need to finish the ceremony quickly before the sun drains all my energy and makes me faint again!"

Grandfather Lin opened his mouth, then closed it. He sighed. This child…

Before he could protest, Lin Xue grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the ceremony ground. The servants followed, shaking their heads. They were used to their Third Young Miss's excuses—always foolish, always exaggerated, yet somehow… valid. She always won every argument because she left people too speechless to refute her.

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Marriageable Age Ceremony – Snowy Courthouse

The ceremony was held in Snowy Courthouse, named after Lin Xue, who had been born during a snowy season.

The courtyard was beautifully decorated in purple and black. Her relatives, servants, and maids were already waiting for her. As soon as she arrived, her friends pulled her to the center, laughing.

The celebration was lively. Musicians played joyful tunes, guests chatted and laughed, and colorful powders were thrown into the air in celebration. Gifts were neatly stacked at the side, while children ran around, playing and giggling. Some danced, others played with their toys, and a few mischievous ones chased each other through the courtyard.

Lin Xue grinned and suddenly grabbed her grandfather's hand. "Grandfather, let's dance!"

"What? No—" Before he could refuse, she pulled him onto the dance floor.

Laughter erupted as the two danced together. Lin Xue twirled, her robes flowing, and her grandfather, despite his age, kept up with her movements. They giggled like children, earning cheers from the guests.

Later, as part of the ceremony, Lin Xue's hair was elegantly styled and secured with a hairpin, signifying her transition into adulthood. A red berry pastry was presented to her.

She took a bite.

The moment she swallowed, the crowd burst into applause.

The ceremony was complete.

Music resumed, and the dancing continued. Servants swiftly brought out platters of food, serving the guests. Laughter, chatter, and the clinking of cups filled the air. It was a night of pure joy.

By the time the celebration ended, the moon hung high in the sky.

As the guests departed to their homes, only the maids and servants remained, cleaning up the courtyard.

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Later That Night – Lin Xue's Room

Lin Xue lay sprawled across her bed, utterly exhausted.

Her four maids attended to her, each massaging a different part of her body. One worked on her shoulders, another on her back, while the last two focused on her legs.

She groaned dramatically. "My toes ache… My back… I think I'm dying…"

The blue-clad maid stopped massaging her legs and quietly slipped away to prepare a bath.

Minutes later, she returned. "Young Miss, your bath is ready."

Lin Xue didn't move.

The maid sighed. "Young Miss, you need to soak your body, or else you'll be sore tomorrow."

Lin Xue groaned again before reluctantly sitting up. "Fine… but if I drown, it's your fault."

The maids stifled their laughter as they helped her to the bath.

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Meanwhile – The Palace

A regal yet exasperated voice echoed through the grand halls.

"My filial son, where have you been?! Do you not remember that you are the Emperor?!"

Wu Zheng, the Bachelor Emperor, stood before his mother, looking as indifferent as ever.

But deep inside, his mind replayed the events of the day—

The girl with the mark. The way she stared into his eyes without fear. The way she pouted and acted as if nothing could trouble her.

A smirk played at his lips.

Tomorrow would be interesting.