Chapter 60: The Crossroads
Back at her estate, Lin Yuer spends days reflecting on the proposal. She knows that choosing the wrong partner could be disastrous, but rejecting the marriage outright could mean losing the support of the very people who have been crucial to her success.
While pondering the offer, Lin Yuer receives a letter from Mo Lan, who has been gathering information on Lord Xian. Mo Lan warns that Lord Xian's intentions may not be as noble as they seem. He is rumored to be a manipulator, using marriage as a way to consolidate power for himself. Mo Lan also uncovers a series of connections between Lord Xian and the noble families who have been undermining Lin Yuer's business in the capital.
With this new information, Lin Yuer realizes that accepting Lord Xian's proposal would only play into the hands of her enemies. She decides to reject the offer but resolves to use the knowledge she has gained to her advantage. The game is far from over, and Lin Yuer is determined to play it on her own terms.