I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 133

Chapter 133

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Due to Lin Qingyang’s own status, coupled with the recognition from the Fourth Prince and Prime Minister Li, and receiving a significant reward from the Emperor in the palace, his reputation had long been established. When he had just started as a study companion, people were observing him, but now he was a popular candidate for a son-in-law.

Despite rumors of Lin Qingyang’s good moral character, the majority of people outside did not see it as a problem. Many influential men were known for their good moral character and even kept favored male companions at home. This was not considered a significant issue, as ultimately, individuals with such status were expected to marry women and take them as concubines.

With her mother feeling unwell, and being the eldest sister who had already been married off, Lin Qingyang took on the responsibility of dealing with matchmakers. Nanny Ding assisted him on the side.

They received several matchmakers in just one day.

“Our Yang Yang is indeed quite popular. However, in my opinion, Yang Yang’s future is limitless, and some of these social statuses may not be a perfect match. They dare to come because of our external family’s past obligations and…”

Nanny Ding added, “Certainly not a perfect match. Young Lady doesn’t need to worry. When the young master ascends to a high position in the future, will there be a shortage of good families?”

“But I’m worried. What if Yang Yang really doesn’t like women? What should we do?” Lin Qinglan couldn’t help expressing her concerns. “Mother’s health is deteriorating, and though she doesn’t say it, I know she still hopes to see Yang Yang marry and start a family. She’s worried about Yang Yang and hopes someone can always be by his side to take care of him.”

Nanny Ding sighed. She was well aware of the intentions of the County Princess. Recently, Yawen’s health had been gradually deteriorating. Everyone knew that the County Princess might not hold on for much longer. Yawen no longer cared whether Lin Qingyang would raise a man. She just hoped that there would be a decent person accompanying Lin Qingyang so that she could feel at ease.

In these past few days, Nanny Ding and Lin Qinglan often saw Yawen struggling to get up and praying in front of the Guanyin painting. Their hearts couldn’t help but be filled with melancholy and sentimentality.

After entertaining all the guests, they went to find Lin Qingyang together.

To their surprise, they discovered Lin Qingyang had been chatting and laughing with the young artisan, doodling on the drawings. They seemed very close, the two’s complexion was unpleasant. They had to ask Shuncai to come out.

Lin Qingyang had already tested Changjun, asking if he had ever improved a waterwheel. Every time this matter was brought up, Changjun’s expression turned grim. He told Lin Qingyang that when he was young, he had encountered a nobleman from the capital who collaborated with him to improve a waterwheel. The nobleman even gave him a recommendation letter to find a higher-ranking official in the capital. After pleading with his family for a long time, and coincidentally during the chaos of war, his family brought him along with the money given by Yuan Ran and came up. However, by the time they arrived in the capital, the political situation had already changed. The person Changjun sought might not have been loyal to the Crown Prince. Due to a twist of fate, they were mistaken for frauds and forcefully expelled. Changjun’s father was seriously injured in the process and eventually passed away after a prolonged illness.

Left with no choice, Changjun’s mother had to bring the family back. Unfortunately, they returned at the worst time, with widespread famine, epidemic outbreaks, and the loss of their family members to these calamities. During a severe illness, Changjun was sold into slavery. After changing hands several times, he ended up as an adopted son of a craftsman. Since then, every time Changjun saw a waterwheel, it felt like a nightmare, and he dared not get involved with anything related to waterwheels again.

Lin Qingyang speculated that perhaps Chief Steward Ning, who had the secret letter, had also tried to find Changjun. However, since Changjun had distanced himself from waterwheels and moved away from his hometown, and the letter didn’t have a name, it would naturally be impossible to locate him.

After learning the details, Lin Qingyang tried to inquire about how the old craftsman treated him. However, Changjun seemed to feel that he shouldn’t speak ill of his adoptive father and mentor to outsiders, so he remained tight-lipped. Lin Qingyang didn’t press further and shifted the conversation to discuss the fan project with Changjun.

Both of them enjoyed delving into the study of various things and got along well. Changjun was astonished by Lin Qingyang’s seemingly magical modern knowledge, finding it incredibly useful. Therefore, Lin Qingyang took the opportunity to teach him some modern drawing techniques and fundamental principles of mechanics. Changjun benefited greatly from this exchange, adding fuel to the fire of the future artisan god.

No matter how much Lin Qingyang wanted to share, he couldn’t provide more. Changjun rarely encountered someone willing to discuss matters with him, and he felt extremely pleased and excited about it. They felt that they had met too late, and Changjun often forgot Lin Qingyang’s lofty status, wishing they could spend every moment together. Even at night, he preferred to stay in the workshop, falling asleep surrounded by the things he had crafted.

However, this situation took on a different meaning for the outside world.

“Yang Yang, several matchmakers came today to discuss marriage for you. What do you think?” Lin Qinglan asked tentatively.

“Sis, I’m busy right now. I don’t have time to deal with this. Let’s talk about it in a couple of years,” Lin Qingyang quickly waved his hand. He thought that despite his improved reputation, potential brides would still be hesitant. How could there be someone daring enough to come and propose?

“Take a look first. What if you find someone you like?” Lin Qinglan couldn’t help but hand over a stack of profiles.

There were quite a few legitimate daughters of high-ranking officials and even some daughters from earl’s households.

Lin Qingyang casually glanced at them and chuckled. It was impossible for him to entertain such thoughts before assisting the male lead in ascending. He declined, saying, “I am currently focused on my career and don’t want any distractions.”

“Young Master, there’s no rush for these matters. As long as you have the intention, we’ll slowly keep an eye out for you. Once we find a suitable match, we can arrange an engagement,” Nanny Ding said with a smile. “Consider it as giving the County Princess something to do. After all, no one in this household would dare to force you into marriage, right? It all depends on your decision.”

Nanny Ding was still quite skilled in her words. Anyway, without Lin Qingyang’s consent, an arranged marriage was impossible. Lin Qingyang thought Nanny Ding was just finding a way out for him in front of Lin Qinglan, so he didn’t mind their fussing. “As long as you’re happy.”

However, this response was crucial for Nanny Ding and Lin Qinglan. At least Lin Qingyang didn’t declare outright that he wouldn’t marry a woman, giving them hope that he might accept a legitimate wife.

Lin Qingyang was unaware of their colorful thoughts and was only calculating in his mind that Chu Lishu would soon return. Then they could discuss strategies regarding Changjun.

……

“Artisan? Li Changjun?”

Inside Marquis An Nan’s residence, Chu Lishu was originally studying maps of the outskirts. When Lu Shi came back with excitement, he eagerly brought up the matter regarding the other courtyard, acting as if he were going to catch someone committing adultery on behalf of his master.

However, Chu Lishu fell into deep thought.

“Master, look at this. You were only away for a short while, and there’s already a lot of commotion around him. He’s simply an unfaithful person. Even if he treats you well, you can’t let him be like this,” Lu Shi said passionately.

Lu Yi helplessly pulled Lu Shi aside, telling him repeatedly not to speak ill of Lin Qingyang in front of the master. However, Lu Shi couldn’t break this habit. It was as if he were continuously monitoring an unfaithful wife in front of the master, which Lu Yi found foolish.

Yet, Lu Shi didn’t see it that way. In the past, when there was Princess Xinyue, he had refrained from saying anything because Lin Qingyang had saved the master. However, with the master seemingly growing more attached to Lin Qingyang, and rumors circulating about Lin Qingyang, Lu Shi felt increasingly frustrated on behalf of his master. In his opinion, given their master’s nobility, those who liked him should wholeheartedly focus on their admiration. How could they be so fickle in their affections?

Listening to Lu Yi and Lu Shi arguing with suppressed voices, Chu Lishu snapped back to reality and said, “Lin Qingyang probably just finds his craftsmanship interesting. He thinks people who share his interests will naturally become close, disregarding typical conventions.” If it weren’t for Lin Qingyang’s previously bad reputation, a handsome boy appearing beside him wouldn’t have been immediately mistaken for a favored male companion. Nevertheless, Chu Lishu still believed in Lin Qingyang. After all, he had suffered too many similar misunderstandings in the past.

“But… the discussion of marriage…” Chu Lishu’s expression changed when he reached this point.

Coincidentally, at that moment, someone from Marquis An Nan’s residence came to summon him.

Chu Lishu halted the conversation and, upon arriving, found Lishi there as well.

Once Lishi spoke, Chu Lishu understood the situation. He and Lin Qingyang were facing similar circumstances. After their reputations had spread, and with the support of the Fourth Prince’s faction, many people were eyeing their marriage prospects. Although Lin Qingyang was the legitimate eldest son, there was already considerable distance between him and the Marquis’s residence. Controlling his marriage was impossible. However, as a relative who had come to seek refuge, it was a different story. His maternal grandmother and uncle could easily manipulate his marriage and use his parents’ authority to pressure him.

Moreover, considering Marquis An Nan’s character, the chosen candidate for him would undoubtedly take into account various strategic interests. In other words, Chu Lishu was likely to be forced into an engagement to achieve the Marquis’s goals.

Chu Lishu was curious about Marquis An Nan’s intentions. It wasn’t until he heard Li Shi mentioning that the best option for a relative was to be closely related and asked if Chu Lishu had time to tutor Lin Qingyao in her studies that he got a clearer picture.

In that instant, Chu Lishu couldn’t help but smile. Lin Qingyao, Lin Qingxu’s sister, they actually come up with such an idea.

Lin Qingyao, being born out of wedlock, and with her mother having no chance to legitimize her status, faced difficulties in changing her social standing. Her prospects for a good marriage were limited. On the other hand, Chu Lishu was seen as a rising star in the eyes of Lishi and Marquis An Nan. Despite his young age, his outstanding qualities made his future seem promising. Just by looking at the matchmaking proposals that came knocking on their door, it was evident how desirable Chu Lishu was. Therefore, marrying Chu Lishu, who had both talent and appearance, was the best choice for Lin Qingyao.

Moreover, Chu Lishu had no elders left. By marrying him, it was akin to marrying into his family, making him an integral part of the Marquis’s residence and contributing to its future prosperity.

Certainly, Lishi quite liked her grandson, but Marquis An Nan had different considerations. Currently, to outsiders, Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu seemed to be aligned with the Fourth Prince’s faction. However, Marquis An Nan had not made a clear stance. He and Lin Qingyang lived separately and didn’t appear close. From an outsider’s perspective, Marquis An Nan couldn’t be firmly categorized as part of the Fourth Prince’s faction. Yet, these two individuals were too prominent now. Lin Qingyang was difficult to control, but if Chu Lishu married Lin Qingyao, then he would become one of the Marquis’s own.

In the eyes of outsiders, this would be an opportunity for Marquis An Nan to compel Chu Lishu to reconsider his loyalty. This could help the Marquis to split from Lin Qingyang, who was not cooperative. Additionally, with Lin Qingxu preparing for the imperial examinations, the Marquis would have three children, three pawns. At that time, he could balance the power dynamics and position himself favorably.

Of course, Marquis An Nan knew that things wouldn’t be so straightforward. However, he was patient and could gradually pressure Chu Lishu to agree.

Chu Lishu, who had completely guessed Marquis An Nan’s thoughts, couldn’t help but laugh, “Thank you, Grandmother and Uncle, for your consideration. However, I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you both.”

“You child, are you dissatisfied with your fifth cousin?” Lishi couldn’t help but frown. “You two are quite the match, so is it because of her illegitimate status that you’re reluctant?”

Since there were only the three of them in the room, Lishi didn’t hold back in her words.

Marquis An Nan also spoke, “Actually, we did consider your fourth cousin. But seeing that you were closer to Qingyao in the past, we thought of facilitating that. If you…”

“Of course, it’s not about the two cousins.”

“What do you mean then?” Marquis An Nan’s expression changed, and he couldn’t help but speak, “Actually, I discussed this matter with your second cousin before. He didn’t seem to have any objections and even mentioned dropping a hint to you. How about it? Didn’t he tell you?”

Chu Lishu’s expression changed slightly. He knew that Marquis An Nan’s words were not true. Lin Qingyang originally didn’t like these two sisters, so how could he agree to such a thing? However, just hearing about it made him feel a fleeting anger. Marquis An Nan deliberately brought up Lin Qingyang, probably with some hidden implications.

Chu Lishu thought about the marriage discussions happening on Lin Qingyang’s side, and he felt overwhelmed with frustration.

He turned to Marquis An Nan, looking troubled, “Cousin never mentioned it to me, and I’m afraid I may never marry in this lifetime.”

Both Marquis An Nan and Lishi were instantly shocked, unable to believe it. Lishi asked, “What happened?”

Chu Lishu seemed hesitant to speak, and eventually said, “Cousin… won’t allow me to marry. Because between us, there’s already… outsiders might not know, and how can I betray the trust of both of you?”

“What are you saying! Does this mean your move to the other residence is…” Marquis An Nan was greatly surprised.

Chu Lishu nodded directly.

Lishi also realized it, immediately crying out with mouthfuls of condemnation. Although there had been rumors, they never thought Lin Qingyang would be so outrageous. They never expected him to commit such ugly deeds.

Seeing Chu Lishu’s pure and slender appearance, the two of them recalled Lin Qingyang’s past bullying and later clinging behavior. It was easy to imagine the nature of the relationship between the two.

“What a sin! That beast, not only causing chaos, but also defiling his own cousin. If this matter gets out, I won’t be able to face anyone.”

Marquis An Nan supported the unsteady Lishi and said to Chu Lishu, “Don’t worry, Uncle will speak up for you.”

“Uncle, my future prospects are now tied to my cousin, so I can’t think of anything else.”

Marquis An Nan was astonished, looking at Chu Lishu’s indifferent expression. It seemed like Chu Lishu’s heart had already been tamed, and Marquis An Nan had no idea that his son possessed such skill. He had successfully subdued such a talented individual. It was likely that before Chu Lishu could rise to prominence, Lin Qingyang had already made his move, explaining the close relationship between them later on.

“Child, you are a man, and a man should establish a family and a career. What he did has ruined you. As your uncle, I cannot stand by and watch you like this. From now on, don’t go to the other courtyard anymore. I will arrange a marriage for you, putting an end to his impure thoughts.”

“Uncle, you know my cousin’s temper. If you forcefully arrange a marriage for me, I’m afraid that when my cousin throws a tantrum, the reputation of Marquis An Nan’s residence will be irreparably damaged. Do you really want things to escalate to a point where both sides suffer? Besides, I don’t hold any grudges, cousin has treated me well.”

“But what if he gets married?”

Chu Lishu’s lips curled slightly, “Well, I can’t stop that either.”

Marquis An Nan was completely speechless. Chu Lishu appeared to be accepting of the situation, and it was evident that cutting ties from his side would be impossible. Unless it was done through Lin Qingyang, but if Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu had already established such a relationship, then what Lin Qingyang had said earlier about respecting Chu Lishu’s wishes was nothing but an excuse and a way to avoid responsibility.

Marquis An Nan swallowed a mouthful of blood and could only let Chu Lishu leave for now. He thought about finding County Princess Yawen later to jointly handle this matter. Chu Lishu was a talented individual, and his future should not be ruined by Lin Qingyang.

Back in his own courtyard, Chu Lishu faced the emotionally stirred of the two subordinates.

“Master, even if you were trying to come up with an excuse, this excuse can’t be used. Your reputation is at stake.”

“Master, I also find it inappropriate. We should be able to refuse directly.” Now even Lu Yi sided with Lu Shi.

Chu Lishu remained silent for a moment. Indeed, he acted impulsively earlier, but upon further thought, it wasn’t a bad solution. Looking at his two subordinates, Chu Lishu suddenly said, “Lin Qingyang has shown me a lot of kindness and sincerity. In the past, I thought that once I succeeded, I would grant him a noble title, making him incredibly honored and respected.”

Both of them nodded. Regardless of any personal opinions about Lin Qingyang, when the master was facing tough times, Lin Qingyang had been there for him, saving him. That alone deserved the master’s gratitude and favor.

“But now… I feel like those gestures are far from sufficient,” Chu Lishu sighed as if reflecting on the matter, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

Lu Yi and Lu Shi were bewildered, not daring to ask further. Not enough? If those gestures weren’t enough, then what else could be done?

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