For the members of the Four Great Clans who made the list, it was a minor boost to their egos, so they naturally wouldn’t complain.
"Can I get off this list?"
Lin Yan looked at Zhao Tong, waiting for him to continue.
"Chai Mingyuan..." Lin Mingye mused. "The Chai Family is in the lumber business. Chai Mingyuan is their eldest son and is already at the Blood Exchange Third Transformation. His younger sister is also said to be an absolute beauty."
"Yes."
Lin Mingye chuckled slyly. "For one, every young lady from every prominent family in the city will know who you are. They’ll be digging up information on you, and you’ll get endless invitations to flower-viewing gatherings and tea parties. If you wanted to, you could attend events from the beginning of the year to the end without ever going to the same one twice."
After sending Lin Mingye away, Lin Yan shook his head in resignation. It seemed this "Ten Rising Stars of Qing State" title was nothing but empty fame, bringing him no real benefit.
Lin Mingye flipped open the second invitation and read.
"Zheng Qiurong! The eldest daughter of the Zheng Family! The third-ranked beauty in all of Qing State Prefecture! And look, her calligraphy is beautiful, too! The brushwork..."
Lin Yan was unmoved. ’Even back when I was weak, I never stooped to living off a woman. I certainly won’t start now.’
’A cruise on the river?’
「Three days later.」
Seeing Lin Yan standing frozen in place, Lin Mingye stepped forward, took the invitations, and casually flipped open the first one. He cleared his throat and began to read.
"She invited you, what would I be doing there?"
"Young Master Lin Yan: I have long admired your reputation and regret that we have not had the chance to meet. Now that I hear you are at the East River, I’ve taken the liberty of sending this invitation. In three days, the peonies in the Zheng Family garden will be in full bloom. I would be delighted if you would join me in viewing them. Respectfully, Zheng Qiurong."
Lin Yan remained silent, so Lin Mingye continued with the third invitation.
"To the esteemed Young Master Lin Yan: We were overjoyed to hear that you have been named one of the Ten Rising Stars of Qing State. The Zhao Family has prepared a humble banquet in your honor at Tingtai Pavilion, to be held in the evening, the day after tomorrow. We sincerely request the pleasure of your company. Respectfully, Zhao Shi’an of the Zhao Family."
"They work fast."
A three-story painted barge was moored steadily by the shore. Its hull was painted a deep cyan, and its gunwales were carved with an interlocking lotus pattern. A brocade flag embroidered with the character "Zheng" hung from the mast, fluttering gently in the river breeze.
Putting these thoughts aside, Lin Yan once again began his cultivation.
When he finished, he smacked his lips. "The Zhao Family... the one in the tea business. They’re a subordinate family of our Lin Family. They have a daughter who’s said to be a real beauty. She came of age last year, and the suitors were practically breaking down their door. A lot of guys in our own clan were interested, too. This one’s definitely aimed at you, Lin Yan."
"So, are there any benefits to being on the list?"
"Young Master Yan, a boat has arrived on the river."
Without a second thought, Lin Yan said, "Refuse them for me."
"To the esteemed Young Master Lin Yan: A young hero whose fame resounds throughout Qing State. I would be honored to meet with you to discuss the path of Martial Arts. I have prepared some light refreshments in the rear garden of the Chai Mansion for noon tomorrow, where I will await your arrival. With utmost respect, Chai Mingyuan."
By the riverbank, a gentle breeze was blowing.
Lin Yan was at a loss for words.
A look of satisfaction appeared in Lin Yan’s eyes as he watched Zhao Tong leave.
In Zhao Tong’s eyes, a match between Young Master Yan and Miss Zheng would be one made in heaven.
Not long after Lin Mingye finished speaking, Zhao Tong came in with several invitations in his hands.
"There are."
"Young Master Yan, these are invitations from the Zhao, Chai, and Zheng Families of Prefecture City."
’I’m very pleased with Zhao Tong. He’s smart and knows his place...’
"If you want to go so badly, you can go in my place."
A boat arriving on the river was a perfectly normal occurrence. No fewer than a hundred vessels passed through the section of the waterway he was responsible for each day.
Lin Yan felt a wave of resignation. ’If this were my past life, a guy like Lin Mingye would be a total simp.’
This time, Zhao Tong didn’t hesitate. He had offered a reminder out of concern that Young Master Yan might be unaware of the Zheng Family’s standing. To press the issue further would be to overstep his bounds as a subordinate.
"Young Master Lin Yan, Miss Zheng is known as the third-ranked beauty in all of Qing State."
From Zhao Tong’s perspective, the Zheng Family was second in power only to the Four Great Clans. Furthermore, as the third-ranked beauty of Qing State, Miss Zheng Qiurong was the woman of many a young martial artist’s dreams. For her to personally arrive on a boat to fetch Young Master Yan was a clear sign of how highly she regarded him.
Zhao Tong was stunned that Young Master Lin would refuse. ’Could it be he thinks Miss Zheng is beneath him? No, that can’t be it. Given his background, he’s probably never even met her.’
"It’s the Zheng Family’s pleasure boat. Onboard, besides Miss Zheng, are several other young masters from the Prefecture City. Like you, they are all on the list of the Ten Rising Stars of Qing State." As he spoke, the corner of Zhao Tong’s mouth quirked up slightly. "It seems to me that Miss Zheng has come personally to invite you for a cruise on the river."
Lin Mingye was actually tempted for a moment, but then he pursed his lips. He really did want to go, especially to meet the famous Miss Zheng, but wouldn’t he become a laughingstock if word got out that he’d gone in Lin Yan’s place?
"Ah!"
"Yes. Just tell them I’m at a critical point in my cultivation and don’t have time for a river cruise."
"You can’t," Lin Mingye said, shaking his head. "You’re at the bottom right now. The only way off is if someone else pushes you down."
Fearing Lin Yan was unaware of the situation, Zhao Tong added, "Moreover, the Zheng Family’s influence is second only to the Four Great Clans."
Lin Yan’s expression remained unchanged.
’For Zhao Tong to come and inform me personally, this boat must be special.’
Zheng Qiurong stood at the bow. Her moon-white gown billowed in the wind, clinging to her body and outlining a slender waist and willowy figure.
When he read the name "Zheng Qiurong," Lin Mingye’s voice jumped an octave and his eyes lit up.
Lin Yan was cultivating as usual when Zhao Tong knocked on his door.
She had a delicate, oval face with features as perfect as a painting. Her black hair was casually swept up and held in place by a single Jade Hairpin, allowing a few loose strands to fall beside her ears, accentuating her long, fair neck.

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