Madam Wang was greatly startled. She rushed forward to cover Lin Dong Ling’s mouth, tears streaming down her face as she scolded, “You’re confused! What nonsense are you speaking? You foolish girl, Mother knows you were just muddled earlier…”
Lin Dong Ling pushed away Madam Wang’s hand and shouted, “He’s not like that! Not like that! He, he, he loves me, but our family’s status is too high. He feared he couldn’t match up, so he wanted to part ways… It was me! I was the one who kept pestering him, asking him to find a way. That’s why he suggested having someone pretend to be a bandit to kidnap me for one night, then he would rescue me and return me to the mansion. All this was just so he could marry me, just like in the story of ‘Romance of the Western Chamber’… He’s a good person, he was truly sincere to me…” Her voice broke as she began to sob.
Lin Zhao Xiang’s face turned ashen. He closed his eyes and, after a long moment, let out a deep breath.
Madam Wang was dumbfounded. She had always been poor with words, and now she was even more flustered. She stumbled to Lin Zhao Xiang’s feet, repeatedly kowtowing with tears streaming down her face as she cried, “Old Master, Young Miss Ling was just young and foolish… She’s an innocent child who was deceived by a villain. Please, please spare her, let her off just this once!”
Lin Jin Ting also knelt with tears in his eyes, saying, “Sister was blinded by infatuation. Please, Grandfather, considering her young age, forgive her this once. Elder Brother has already beaten her severely, and she knows her mistake.” He then cast a pleading look toward Lin Jin Lou.
Lin Jin Lou raised his eyebrows slightly. If Xiang Lan had returned unharmed and his dozen brothers hadn’t died, he would have also pleaded for Lin Dong Ling, but now he pretended not to see and said to Lin Zhao Xiang, “Du Bin and his gang killed more than ten of my men. They hadn’t expected my concubine Xiang Lan to escape from the room with Mother and the others, much less sacrifice herself by running to the bell tower to ring the bell and summon nearby guards. He must have encountered the people who had kidnapped Second Aunt while fleeing, and seeing the pursuing forces had arrived, simply pretended to be loyal. But knowing this would eventually be exposed, he fled…”
Before he could finish, a voice came from the doorway: “Oh my! What’s going on here? Why is everyone kneeling and kowtowing when it’s not even a festival?” Lin Chang Min walked in, speaking as he stumbled drunkenly. He was of average height, slightly plump, with a round face and dark complexion, wearing a half-new half-old silk direct-sewn robe with a matching belt, showing no signs of luxury. He had been drinking with colleagues at a brothel, thoroughly enjoying himself when someone from home was sent to fetch him. Just as he reached the front gate, the steward stopped him, and without time to change clothes or freshen up, he came directly to the Old Master’s courtyard.
Lin Chang Min looked down and saw Lin Dong Ling half-sitting on the ground, her hair disheveled, her face covered in bruises, her nose bloodied, and her lips severely swollen—a truly pitiful sight. Startled half-sober, he jumped up saying, “My child! How did you end up like this? Who bullied you? I’ll tear them to pieces!”
Lin Dong Ling, already feeling wronged, was about to cry upon hearing these words.
Lin Zhao Xiang said coldly, “Failing to teach one’s child is the father’s fault. Come here and kneel!”
Lin Dong Ling immediately held back her tears. Lin Chang Min was always good at reading situations. Seeing Madam Wang’s tear-stained face and his father’s fury, he knew Lin Dong Ling must have caused trouble. Though secretly cursing his daughter’s recklessness, he maintained a smile as he knelt, saying, “Father, don’t be angry. It’s the end of the year; getting upset might harm your health, and that would be our failure as children and grandchildren.” Looking at Lin Dong Ling, he added, “Did this child misbehave again and upset Father?”
Lin Jin Lou raised his eyebrows slightly; his Second Uncle might be unremarkable in other ways, but he certainly had a clever tongue.
Lin Zhao Xiang sighed deeply and slowly said, “Her actions cannot be dismissed merely as ‘misbehavior.'” He could say no more, sighing again as he slowly closed his eyes and took two forceful breaths.
Lin Chang Min rolled his eyes around, seeing Xue Zhan lift the curtain to serve tea. He quickly stood up and went over, taking the tea and dismissing her with a wave. He opened the lid to check the tea’s color, then carefully presented it with a warm smile, saying gently, “Father, this is calming ginseng tea. Please take a sip to soothe your throat…”
Lin Zhao Xiang suddenly opened his eyes, snatched the teacup from Lin Chang Min’s hands, and smashed it on the ground. Pointing at Lin Dong Ling, he thundered: “A young lady of the inner chambers, showing no propriety, engaged in an illicit affair with a guard—this is wanton misconduct! Deceived by others, she brought smallpox into the mansion, disregarding her parents’ and relatives’ lives, causing seven or eight deaths—this shows malicious intent! She lured her mother, aunt, and sister to the temple, nearly causing their deaths, and got more than ten guards killed—this is unfilial and inhumane! It is our family’s misfortune to have raised such a rebellious beast of a daughter. The Lin family nearly met its end at your hands!”
Each word cut like a knife, any one of them enough to drive Lin Dong Ling to suicide. She was stunned. She had thought Du Bin’s night raid on the temple was for their romance, never imagining such deeper implications. Earlier, hearing about it had frightened her, but she thought since everyone had returned home safely, her grandfather wouldn’t be too angry—at most, he would cane her and confine her as before. She never expected Lin Zhao Xiang to be so thunderously angry.
Madam Wang couldn’t help but cry out, covering her mouth with her handkerchief.
Lin Chang Min was dumbfounded, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He repeatedly stammered, “How is this possible? How could this be? Isn’t there some mistake?” Looking around, seeing Madam Wang and Lin Jin Ting continuously kowtowing, and Lin Dong Ling wilting like frost-beaten eggplant, he understood. His heart sank, but he forced a smile and said, “Ling’er is still young… She’s always been filial and sensible, surely she was just deceived… Or perhaps there’s some misunderstanding?”
Lin Zhao Xiang’s face turned ashen gray: “How can there be any misunderstanding at this point? Both witness testimony and physical evidence are present.”
“Then… then we shouldn’t have beaten Ling’er to such a state. She’s about to be betrothed, and the Marquis of Yong Chang…”
Lin Zhao Xiang exploded in anger, slamming the table forcefully, shouting, “Marquis of Yong Chang? Do you dare mention the Marquis? A noble young lady behaving so disgracefully—I’ve lost all face! How could we marry such a ruined flower to the Marquis’s household? Not only will the marriage not happen, but we’ll likely become enemies!”
Lin Chang Min was shocked and hurriedly said, “How can this be? In a few days, the official matchmaker will arrive. The marriage arrangement with the Marquis of Yong Chang is already settled… Father, the Marquis holds a high position and authority and enjoys imperial favor. An alliance with him would bring countless benefits—this marriage would be incredibly prestigious. We won’t find another opportunity like this. Lou’er, Lou’er, you know best about the Marquis’s capabilities, tell me if Second Uncle isn’t right?”
Lin Jin Lou maintained a cold expression, not even glancing at Lin Chang Min, remaining motionless.
Lin Chang Min knelt, shaking Lin Zhao Xiang’s leg as he begged, “Father, whatever Ling’er’s faults, she’s still a Lin family descendant. Since she’s made mistakes, she should be given a chance to make amends. She, she’s still a clever child. I will teach her properly.”
Lin Jin Lou’s lips curled in a mocking smile as Lin Zhao Xiang closed his eyes, his face turning purple-blue. Seeing this wasn’t good, Lin Chang Min gritted his teeth and just kowtowed, saying, “Though I don’t know the full details of this situation, I know Ling’er has made a grave mistake, all because she was foolish and influenced by bad people. Though I was unaware, I can’t escape blame, but as they say, ‘An arm breaks within the sleeve.’ Ling’er was momentarily confused and did something unworthy, but she was still an inexperienced child. Father is most wise—whether beating or punishment, Ling’er deserves it. Father’s discipline is meant to teach her a lesson, so why take it so seriously with a junior? Now that this has happened, fortunately, outsiders don’t know, and as they say, ‘Family shame should not be aired publicly,’ we should continue to keep this matter hidden. Ling’er is, after all, my flesh and blood, and she’s about to have a grand wedding, bringing the Lin family another prestigious son-in-law. I must beg Father to take the trouble to arrange things and protect her.” He continued kowtowing without ceasing.
This speech truly impressed Lin Jin Lou; he hadn’t expected his idle and boastful Second Uncle to have developed such skill in human relations. Not only were his words reasonable, but they were also comforting, and between the lines, he was still trying to protect Lin Dong Ling.
Madam Wang and the others were still pleading, and hearing these words, quickly kowtowed saying, “Yes, please Father, show mercy and spare her!”
Lin Zhao Xiang’s gaze slowly swept over everyone, his face expressionless as he said, “It is our family’s misfortune to have such a rebellious daughter—this is due to my failure to maintain strict household discipline. If she goes unpunished, we cannot face public opinion, and the Lin family will surely decline in the future!”
Looking down at Lin Chang Min, he continued: “You spend your days idling away, only knowing how to wander and carouse outside, never thinking of returning home, raising children without teaching them. From today forward, the family will only give you ten taels of silver monthly. If it’s not enough, use your official salary! If I learn you’ve done anything improper due to lack of money, don’t blame the family law for what follows.”
Lin Chang Min was shocked. Unlike the elder branch’s prosperity, he held only a nominal position without additional income, relying entirely on family funds. Otherwise, his salary wouldn’t even cover one night of lavish spending. Originally, Lin Chang Min had grown to despise Madam Wang. Though she was beautiful with autumn-pool eyes and snow-white, plump skin, and they had once been deeply in love, she had a muddled mind and often did things backward, being rather coarse in her thinking and unable to read people’s intentions. After making several mistakes that displeased Lin Chang Min, coupled with his stagnant career and poor business acumen, he couldn’t produce money and started eyeing Madam Wang’s dowry. They frequently argued and eventually became enemies. Lin Chang Min then found several women outside—all wealthy widows. Though Lin Chang Min was ordinary-looking, he was smooth-talking and good at sweet words. With his background from a prominent family, he had some capital, and these women, believing they had found lifetime security, willingly supported him financially. Thus, although he had taken two or three beautiful concubines, he still spent his days out, rarely returning home.
Just as Lin Chang Min was about to plead again, he heard Lin Zhao Xiang say to Madam Wang: “Ling’er has become this way entirely because of your daily failure to distinguish right from wrong, constantly spoiling and indulging her. Do you admit this?”
Madam Wang sobbed, unable to speak.
Lin Zhao Xiang’s expression darkened. Though his second daughter-in-law was somewhat muddled, she was still a gentle and generous person. Lin Chang Min hadn’t treated her well, and truthfully, she had suffered some grievances as a daughter-in-law in the Lin family. His heart softened, and he sighed, “From today forward, Ting’er will move to my courtyard to live with Yuan’er. I will personally supervise him so he can focus on his studies.”
Madam Wang’s knees weakened; she understood that the Old Master was truly angry with her and would no longer let her son stay with her.
The room was silent, with people kneeling everywhere. Lin Zhao Xiang looked at Lin Dong Ling for a long time, filled with anger, disappointment, and heartbreak. This was also his granddaughter whom he had held; though somewhat proud and willful, she had been genuine and passionate, but now she had become like this…
Lin Zhao Xiang’s throat bobbed as he said hoarsely, “Tomorrow morning, announce her death to the outside world. Say the Lin family’s Third Miss died suddenly at night, and due to her young age, there will be no grand funeral.”
As his words fell, the room became as silent as a tomb.
Suddenly, Madam Wang screamed, “No! No!” She crawled to Lin Zhao Xiang’s legs, crying until her body convulsed, begging, “Father! Father! Your daughter-in-law begs you! Spare Ling’er! I’m willing to take her place!”
Lin Zhao Xiang said woodenly, “Old Second is right—she is still a Lin family descendant, so naturally I won’t let her die. First, send her to the countryside estate. Later, she can marry under a different name, and the Lin family will still provide her a dowry.”
Lin Chang Min forced a smile and said, “Father has always been wise. Though Ling’er has many faults, this brutal beating she’s received is punishment enough. Please, Father, give her a way to live…”
Lin Zhao Xiang thundered, “Go prepare the horses and carriage, have someone secretly send her away later!” Standing up with his cane, he said to Lin Dong Xiu, “Fourth Miss, come with me.” Then looking at Lin Jin Lou, he added, “Lou’er, you come too.” With that, he slowly walked back to his room.
Madam Wang cried out, crawling to grab Lin Zhao Xiang’s robe hem. Lin Zhao Xiang turned his head coldly and said, “Enough! This matter has no room for negotiation. If you make a scene, she’ll be given poison to drink directly, or have her head shaved to become a nun!”
Madam Wang immediately withdrew her hand, continuously hiccuping, crying until she couldn’t breathe, her eyes rolling back as she fainted.
Lin Dong Ling had become dazed, staring blankly as tears rolled down like melons.
Lin Jin Lou felt as if all strength had left his body, dragging his thousand-jin-heavy legs behind his grandfather. Suddenly, he heard a piercing cry from behind—Lin Dong Ling screamed with all her might: “No! I won’t! I won’t leave the Lin family! I won’t leave the Lin family!” The cry was truly heart-rending. Lin Zhao Xiang’s steps faltered slightly, but he entered the inner chamber without looking back.
Lin Jin Lou stepped forward to help Lin Zhao Xiang sit in the rattan rocking chair, then personally brewed tea in the small Xishi milk teapot that Lin Zhao Xiang habitually used, and presented it. Lin Dong Xiu, trembling all over, knelt before Lin Zhao Xiang as soon as she entered.
Lin Zhao Xiang took the Xishi teapot, drank directly from the spout, closed his eyes, leaned back in the rattan chair, and sighed deeply again. After quite a while, he slowly said, “Fourth Miss, why didn’t you tell your mother when you saw Third Miss’s shameful behavior?”
Lin Dong Xiu had been terrified by Lin Zhao Xiang’s severe handling of Lin Dong Ling. From now on, Lin Dong Ling would be expelled from the Lin family—likely in a few days, a funeral altar would be set up outside the gate. She would no longer be the Lin family’s legitimate young lady, and in the future, she couldn’t hope for marriage into any decent family. If her parents and brothers still cared for her, she might receive some family protection, otherwise… Lin Dong Xiu shuddered.