Behind them came elegant carriages bearing the Jin crest. Their arrival lacked unnecessary extravagance, yet every movement carried confidence, authority, and power. Impossible for anyone present to ignore.
Jin Quan stepped forward first, dressed in black and gold robes that radiated dignity and authority. After him came Jin Su, graceful despite still recovering.
Finally followed by Jin Mulan walking beside Luo He. Jin Mulan wore a purple dress reaching her ankles, with elegant cuts along her thighs to the ankles. This revealed more than the length intended it to.
Luo He stood beside her in black trousers and red robes decorated with purple engravings. Together, they immediately captured everyone's attention.
Most shocking of all, Mulan walked beside Luo He rather than behind him. Though dressed elegantly instead of wearing armour, her presence remained sharp, dangerous, and impossible for others to overlook.
{Normally in these era women followed after their men. This tradition had been followed for generations, and because of that, the people still respected them.}
Whispers instantly spread throughout the estate. "That's him." "The one who changed everything." "And her… the warrior princess."
Even before entering the hall fully, the Jin family had already become the center of attention. From a balcony above, Lin Xuanli's father quietly observed the scene with narrowed eyes.
A faint smile slowly appeared across his face as he softly spoke the words, "Let the game begin." He quickly muttered to himself.
The Lin estate had never looked more magnificent. Golden lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their light reflecting off polished stone paths.
Silk banners deep crimson, royal gold, and pure white flowed like rivers across the courtyard. Musicians played soft, elegant melodies. While nobles and merchants filled the space with laughter and measured conversation.
To the untrained eye It was a celebration.
Yet to Luo He it was a battlefield. As the Jin family entered, attention shifted immediately. Whispers spread. "That's Jin He…" People began to talk.
"The one who took control of the silk trade, and ruined the Lin family" Eyes followed them everywhere. Some curious, some respectful and some hostile.
Luo He walked calmly, Jin Mulan beside him, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "They've prepared something," Mulan said quietly. "Yes," Luo He replied. "And they've made sure everyone is watching." She said.
Trap 1: The Seating Trap (States Trap)
A servant approached and bowed. "My lords, your seats have been prepared." He led them to the main hall. The arrangement was deliberate. The highest seats were reserved for the bride's family and honoured guests.
Below them slightly lower sat powerful nobles. And then the Jin family's seats. Placed lower than expected. Not insultingly low. But noticeably so. Enough that everyone would see. Enough to send a message.
Mulan's eyes narrowed. "They're testing us up." She said calmly. "If we protest," Luo He said quietly. "We appear insecure." "If we accept," she replied. "We appear weak." "Exactly." Jin Quan said.
A nearby noble whispered just loud enough, "Strange I thought the Jin family held more power than this." Soft laughter followed.
Why This trap Is dangerous is because It attacks status, not strength. Forces a lose reaction. Public perception shifts instantly.
Others begin to treat you according to your 'assigned rank.' Nobles would not come to lower ranked tables merely to speak with you. Such a thing was far from normal.
Jin Su lightly tugged at her husband's sleeve, silently asking what they should do. At the same time, without drawing any attention, her gaze pointed toward an empty table in a higher-ranked section.
In most households, a wife would be expected to follow her husband's lead without question. Yet Jin Quan did not bind himself to such rigid conventions.
Instead, he took quiet pride in consulting Jin Su during difficult moments. Valuing her judgment as an equal to his own.
Without the slightest hesitation, the two walked past their assigned seats, choosing instead a table reserved for someone else entirely.
An attendant immediately stepped forward to intervene, only to be quietly blocked by a captain sworn to the Jin family.
The attendant faltered at once and withdrew without another word. From that moment onward, no one else dared to object openly.
The Jin family were counts after all, who commanded a standing army. Both their authority and influence far surpassing that of the Lin family. And yet, the table they had chosen held only two seats.
Luo He didn't react immediately. Instead
he looked around. Then walked forward past the assigned seats and paid respect to the couple.
Then he went along with his wife and stood in the general waiting area allocated for the common folk. The Jin family guards pushed some people out of the front rows and made space for them.
A servant rushed forward nervously. "My lord, your seats?" Luo He said calmly, "we are better of here. The Jin family always stood with the people." He said calmly.
Silence fell. The servant froze. No one stopped him. Because to do so would cause a scene. Jin Mulan stood beside him without hesitation, as a truly supportive wife.
A few nobles exchanged glances. The message shifted instantly. The Lin family invited them and didn't allocate proper seats, how disrespectful. Luo He leaned slightly toward Mulan. "Never argue over status," he said quietly. "Just redefine it."
Trap 2: The Gift Comparison (Wealth Trap)
Soon, gifts were presented. One by one, families brought extravagant offerings.
Gold ornaments. Rare jades. Exotic artefacts. Each announced loudly. "For the union of the Lin family!..."
Then "The Jin family's gift!" All eyes turned. This was critical. If their gift was too small humiliation. If too large desperation.
This trap Is dangerous because it forces you to spend or lose face. Reveals your financial strength or weakness. Others judge your confidence based on your gift. Despite others having no right to judge you.
Mulan leaned slightly. "What did you prepare?" She asked curiously. Luo He smiled faintly. "Something appropriate." He said proudly. A single box was brought forward. Small. Simple.
Whispers started immediately. "That's it, after everything?" Some started saying. The Lin family's elder smirked slightly. "Open it," he said. Inside,
Silk. But not ordinary silk. It shimmered under the light, colours shifting subtly like flowing water. The entire hall quieted.
"What is that?" someone whispered.
Luo He spoke calmly. "A new dye process," he said. "Not yet available in the market. I call it Rainbow silk"
Silence deepened.
His Strategy. Not about size, but uniqueness shows innovation, and control of future markets.
This is also to mock them right to the faces saying, "people buy my silks over yours for a reason." And also turns comparison into dominance. The Lin family's smiles stiffened.
They understood immediately. This wasn't a gift. It was a message.
Trap 3: The Public Toast (Verbal Trap)
Later, during the feast. Lin Su's father stood. "Tonight," he announced warmly. "We celebrate unity, prosperity and friendship among great families." He raised his cup.
"And we must thank those who helped shape our current situation." He said specially looking at Luo He with a handful gaze. "Lord Jin He," he said with a smile. "Would you honour us with a few words?" He said.
The hall grew quiet.
This trap Is dangerous because it forces public speaking under pressure. Any wrong word can be twisted.
Refusing = disrespect,
Accepting = walking into a verbal trap.
Mulan whispered, "Careful. He's baiting you." She said. Luo He responded. No rush. No tension. "I am honoured," he said calmly. He raised his cup slightly.
"To the Lin family." A pause. "They have shown, remarkable resilience." He said with a wide smirk forming across his face. Some nodded. Others listened closely.
"To host such a grand event despite recent difficulties," A few smiles faded. "Is truly remarkable. Not even my wedding was this grand." A long pause then a few gasps were heard.
Why It worked is because, acknowledging reality without direct insult. Sounds like praise but reminds everyone of the Lin families weakness.
No openings to be counterattacked. Mulan glanced at him. "That was sharp." She said. Luo He replied quietly.
"Thanks, but I intentionally slipped something they can use to further torment us. Too bad these fools didn't notice." He said wickedly.
Trap 4: The Social Isolation Trap
As the night progressed. Something began happening. Nobles avoided them. Others gave only brief nods. "They're isolating us," Mulan said. "Yes." Luo He agonised.
This trap Is dangerous because it makes others think you are politically unsafe.
Reduces alliances. Creates long-term damage beyond the event.
Instead of chasing conversations with nobles, Luo He talked with the common people. He was already standing with them. So he drank tea and enjoyed with them. "Why aren't you bothered?" Mulan asked.
"We are counts and they are merchants, so they come to us begging for approval. Not the other way around." He said. "Aren't you the daughter of a count?" Luo He asked if surprised.
"Don't worry they will soon lose control of this narrative." He said confidently. Moments later, a minor noble approached nervously. "My lord why are you standing here all alone?" He asked. Then another. And another.
The silence had made them curious.
Curiosity had broke the isolation.