She had always feared Lin Zhao Xiang and now had no hope of leniency. Prostrating herself on the ground, she said tearfully, “Your granddaughter deserves death… When I first saw this happening, I wanted to tell Madam, but that maid persuaded me, saying if Third Sister eloped with that man, the marriage with the Marquis of Yong Chang would fall to me. I truly envied Third Sister’s good marriage prospect… And I feared Second Aunt would be disgusted with me if she knew I had witnessed Third Sister’s shameful behavior, so I…” She cried so hard she could barely breathe, looking quite pitiful. “Later when things went wrong, I deeply regretted it, but, but I didn’t dare speak up anymore…”

“You envied Third Miss’s marriage prospect? Why?”

Lin Dong Xiu was already blushing with shame, saying through tears, “These are all my shameful thoughts. I understand them fully now—speaking of them serves no purpose. Please, Grandfather, let me save face.”

But Lin Zhao Xiang sat up straight and said, “Since I asked you, just speak.”

Lin Dong Xiu then said, “The Marquis of Yong Chang holds a high position and authority, and is a dignified and generous person. Elder Brother also praises him often, showing he must be excellent. Marriage is no trifling matter—naturally one must find a reliable person. Though the Marquis is somewhat older, he would still be a reliable noble son-in-law. Only Third Sister was lucky enough to be born to Madam, allowing such a marriage prospect, yet she complained…” Her voice grew increasingly quiet until it became barely audible.

Lin Zhao Xiang remained silent for a long while, then pointed at his water pipe. Lin Jin Lou immediately stepped forward to fill it with tobacco, lit it, and handed it to Lin Zhao Xiang. He took several puffs, then handed the pipe back to Lin Jin Lou and slowly said, “Fourth Miss, since childhood you’ve never wanted anything in this household, not even needles and thread. Among all four girls from both branches, the family funds provide the same food, clothing, and necessities. Being the youngest, your grandmother often gave you extra silver for spending money. Compared to other families’ concubine-born daughters, the Lin family has been quite fair. That you weren’t born to Madam is your karma. If you resent the family for this, you’re being ungrateful.”

This struck right at Lin Dong Xiu’s heart, but she could only say, “Never, never, I’ve never hated the family…” She looked up and met Lin Zhao Xiang’s world-wise eyes, feeling as if her entire being was transparent, and quickly lowered her head.

Lin Zhao Xiang looked Lin Dong Xiu up and down several times, tilted his head back thoughtfully for a moment, then suddenly said, “Very well, since you envy Third Miss’s marriage prospect, how about I arrange it for you instead?”

Before he finished speaking, Lin Jin Lou was greatly shocked and hurriedly said, “Grandfather…”

Lin Zhao Xiang waved his hand, looking at Lin Dong Xiu’s disbelieving and stunned face, his eyes half-closed as he said, “I’m asking you a question—what do you think?”

Lin Dong Xiu looked uncertainly at Lin Zhao Xiang, then at Lin Jin Lou, timidly saying, “Grandfather, I… I won’t dare again…” Seeing Lin Zhao Xiang’s expressionless face watching her, her hands unconsciously clenched into fists inside her sleeves. She gritted her teeth hard and said hoarsely, “If this marriage were arranged for me instead, that would be… would be Grandfather’s loving consideration, and my good fortune from my previous life.” She finished speaking and kowtowed, prostrating herself on the ground.

Lin Zhao Xiang gazed at the ceiling and said slowly, “We haven’t yet discussed this with the Marquis of Yong Chang’s household. The Marquis originally chose your Third Sister—now that it’s you instead, we don’t know if they’ll agree. If this marriage doesn’t work out, the Lin family won’t mistreat you, we’ll naturally find you a wealthy family to marry into. Your father doesn’t understand your heart—he’s always wanted to find you a scholarly man from a clean background, but I know you’ve always loved wealth and status.”

Lin Dong Xiu had been dizzy from this unexpected windfall, too stunned to even feel joy, but hearing the last sentence, her face suddenly burned, feeling indescribable emotions as she lowered her head in silence.

Lin Zhao Xiang said, “Don’t take offense at what I’m about to say—you are, after all, born of a concubine. The Marquis’s household has high status and strict rules. You know in your heart whether you have your mother’s capability and skill. If you can’t establish authority and handle matters smoothly, you’ll have difficult days ahead. Moreover, the several senior concubines in the Marquis’s household have served for many years, with sons and daughters, and there are many young and beautiful concubines. The Marquis values old relationships—if you still act like a little girl showing jealousy, you’ll only lose face. Everyone in that household has eyes for wealth and status, making it a hundred times harder than marrying into an ordinary wealthy family. Your only support will be the Lin family, your father and brothers, and your ability to swallow your pride and yield in everything. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Lin Dong Xiu broke out in a cold sweat, but her joy at having her grandfather arrange such a prestigious marriage quickly overshadowed it. She kowtowed deeply and said, “Grandfather’s careful teachings show his love and care for his granddaughter, teaching me how to conduct myself. Your granddaughter will never forget.”

Lin Zhao Xiang then ordered Lin Dong Xiu to copy the women’s rules once daily and confined her to her rooms starting today, before finally waving her away.

Lin Zhao Xiang heaved a long sigh. Lin Jin Lou suddenly noticed that his previously vigorous grandfather seemed to have aged several years overnight. Feeling distressed, he knelt on one knee beside Lin Zhao Xiang and said softly, “Let me help Grandfather to bed for rest. Should we summon Doctor Luo?”

Lin Zhao Xiang wearily waved his hand and said hoarsely, “Though I usually don’t manage mundane affairs, I know what your children are like. Counting these four girls on my fingers: the eldest is too eager to climb higher; the second is fairly sensible and proper, though not as good as your mother, and has been strictly controlled by your mother since childhood, so she’s not outstanding; the third has been spoiled by Second Daughter-in-law; the fourth is too vain and selfish, but when I questioned her just now, she still showed shame—her basic nature isn’t bad.” He coughed twice after speaking.

Lin Jin Lou quickly helped him catch his breath, urging, “Grandfather, stop talking and rest.”

Lin Zhao Xiang waved his hand, caught his breath, and said, “The marriage with the Marquis of Yong Chang must happen. The Lin family has always followed the scholarly official path, but now except for your father… Xuan’er’s health is just wasting away, Ting’er has some minor cleverness but isn’t ambitious—even with proper guidance he can only maintain what exists, Yuan’er is still young… *cough cough*…” He coughed several more times.

Lin Jin Lou quickly brought over a spittoon. Lin Zhao Xiang spat, drank tea to rinse his mouth, took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, and said, “There are several ambitious ones in the clan, but behind closed doors, they’re not truly family—one must rely on one’s abilities. Among this generation of grandchildren, we can only count on you. The Duke Zhen Guo can help somewhat, and then there’s the Marquis of Yong Chang. Earlier I thought that though Third Miss was somewhat spoiled, she was simple and honest—the Marquis could handle her, and being a good man, wouldn’t mistreat her. But now that’s impossible. Among the family’s girls, only Fourth Miss remains. Since she desires this marriage, now that it’s within reach she should cherish it. She still has some sense of shame, though her selfish desires are too strong and her breadth of mind won’t reach great heights, but she’s still more reliable than Third Miss…”

Lin Jin Lou lowered his head slightly. Among his sisters, aside from his eldest sister who married into a scholarly family, one married Duke Zhen Guo’s son, and one was to marry the Marquis of Yong Chang—the family had already devoted all their resources to supporting him. His eyes grew hot as he looked at his grandfather’s increasingly aged face, unable to speak.

Lin Zhao Xiang pondered for a moment, then said, “Have your mother replace all of Fourth Miss’s servants with those of honest character who are clever and know how to read situations. Starting tomorrow, have your mother personally teach her…” Halfway through, he waved his hand and said, “Never mind, don’t trouble yourself—I’ll speak to your mother directly.”

After a long silence, he looked at Lin Jin Lou and said, “I know you were blinded by anger today, but you shouldn’t have immediately struck Third Miss. Though we were in the right, your few punches gave others cause to talk and damaged your reputation. What was the point? You must learn to control your anger. When I was young, I didn’t understand this principle either and suffered for it. You… ah, you’re good in every way, except for this temper…”

“Good in every way”—this was the first time Lin Jin Lou had heard his grandfather praise him like this. His eyes grew hot again, and he forced a smile, saying, “Grandson understands and won’t do it again.”

“Handle the outside matters well—there can’t be any bad rumors.”

“Yes.”

“After this, the Second Branch will surely resent you all. Later, give your Second Uncle some benefits. Since the family has cut off his finances, you know what to do. Also, look after your Third Brother more. As for Third Miss… don’t concern yourself with her.”

“Yes, grandson understands.”

“Regarding Lu Shao Tang, if you must deal with him, don’t leave any evidence that can be used against you.”

“Of course, Grandfather can rest assured.”

After saying these few things, Lin Zhao Xiang spoke no more. Lin Jin Lou saw his tired expression and dejected demeanor, so he dared not disturb him further. He brought a brocade blanket to cover Lin Zhao Xiang, added some hot water to the small teapot, and quietly withdrew. At the door, he beckoned Liu Bei over and ordered her to fetch the Old Master’s usual tonic, then asked about the Old Madam’s condition. Liu Bei said, “The Old Madam is fine, she’s taken her medicine and is sleeping now, with Madam attending to her.”

Lin Jin Lou nodded and walked out, seeing the hall empty and desolate, the bloodstains on the floor already cleaned away. He walked outside, feeling the cold wind assault him, and couldn’t help taking a deep breath.

At this moment, Shuang Xi carefully approached and stood beside Lin Jin Lou, head bowed respectfully, saying, “Master, Commander Wen has arrived and is waiting outside the second gate.”

Lin Jin Lou quickly strode out, seeing Wen Ru Shi standing under two red lanterns. Upon seeing Lin Jin Lou, he cupped his hands and reported, “Master, we found a corpse in the city moat—it’s been identified as Du Bin.”

After saying this, Wen Ru Shi immediately closed his mouth, keeping his head down, not daring to look at his master’s expression. Presumably, Lin Jin Lou’s face was darker than the bottom of a pot.

“Confirmed?”

“Confirmed. The corpse hasn’t decomposed, and the face is intact. Stabbed in the back, one knife to the heart killed him.”

It turned out that when the Lin mansion guards arrived from outside that day, Du Bin and his men saw things going badly and hurriedly fled, not forgetting to take the Second Branch’s mother and daughters as hostages. Halfway through their escape, they encountered Centurion Xu leading troops in pursuit. Du Bin then suddenly switched sides, killing his companions and pretending to be a hero by rescuing people, returning the Second Branch’s mother and daughters to the Lin family. However, he didn’t expect that Lu Shao Tang had already received news and had been tracking him since he entered the city, sending people to kill him and throw him into the city moat to silence him.

Lin Jin Lou’s thick eyebrows furrowed. Though he had anticipated this, now that it had happened, he still felt that Du Bin, that beast, had gotten off too easily. Just then, he heard someone calling from behind, “Elder Brother…”

Lin Jin Lou turned around to see Lin Jin Ting standing inside the second gate, head hanging, looking listless as he stammered, “Elder Brother, might I have a word? Your brother has something to discuss with you.”

Lin Jin Lou turned and entered through the hanging flower gate, maintaining a cold silence.

The Lin family’s young Third Master had feared his brother since childhood, finding him even more frightening than their grandfather. Grandfather at least reasoned with people, but this one when angry was truly… But remembering how their mother had been crying as if dying earlier, Lin Jin Ting secretly glanced at Lin Jin Lou. He had never seen his elder brother so angry before—usually, no matter how violent Lin Jin Lou became, he was always elegant, composed, and smiled like a spring breeze around the family… Lin Jin Ting licked his lips and stared at his shoetips, saying, “Brother, Brother, couldn’t you spare Third Sister? She knows her mistake. If you speak up about this matter, Grandfather will surely change his mind…”

Lin Jin Ting secretly glanced at Lin Jin Lou again, seeing his face dark but not showing anger, so he gathered his courage and said, “Though Third Sister’s actions were shameful, the family wasn’t harmed—everyone returned safely. Only a few servants and guards died, but they’re outsiders, how can they be compared to family? I heard Elder Brother lost a concubine… wasn’t it just that girl Xiang Lan? She had a terrible temper and was harmful to others. Later I’ll send Brother another one, guaranteed to be more delicate, gentle, and understanding than Xiang Lan…”

Before he could finish, there was a whoosh beside his ear. Before Lin Jin Ting could react, Lin Jin Lou grabbed his collar and threw him heavily to the ground. The impact made him grimace in pain, feeling as if all his bones were about to shatter. Tears burst forth as he lay on the ground moaning endlessly.

Lin Jin Lou walked forward and kicked him hard, saying, “Don’t fucking play dead, get up!”

Lin Jin Ting was already dazed but didn’t dare anger his brother further. Enduring the pain, he staggeringly got to his feet.

Lin Jin Lou pointed at his nose and thundered, “Get out!”

This explosive shout scared Lin Jin Ting’s knees weak. The servant Lu’er hurriedly came to support him, and the master and servant fled in panic.

Lin Jin Lou powerlessly lowered his arm, his hand clenched into a fist pressed hard against his forehead as if only this could suppress the fire and anxiety in his head. After calming down for a long while, he said hoarsely to Wen Ru Shi, “Have the brothers continue searching for people. I’ll send someone to identify the detained women. You may go.” Wen Ru Shi ran as if chased by ghosts.

Lin Jin Lou then turned back to walk inside, seeing Shu Tong and Zi Dai still gagged and bound, thrown on the ground in the courtyard, with Shu Ran guarding them.

Shu Tong looked dejected and trembled at the sight of Lin Jin Lou. Zi Dai tilted her head to look at Lin Jin Lou, her eyes showing a pleading expression as she made muffled “wu wu” sounds.

Lin Jin Lou barely glanced at them before saying to Shu Ran, “These two things—cut out both their tongues.” Pointing at Shu Tong, he said, “Send this one to the countryside estate.” Then pointing at Zi Dai, he said, “Her aunt is favored by Madam—for Madam’s sake, I won’t sell her. Drive her out the second gate; if any unmarried servant in the mansion doesn’t mind her being mute, let them take her as a wife.”

Shu Tong’s face turned ashen gray. She had thought she would surely die, never expecting Lin Jin Lou to truly spare her life, but the thought of having her tongue cut out still made her tremble in fear. Zi Dai was so frightened she had wet herself, struggling and rolling around while making muffled sounds. She had been meant to become a favored concubine, how could she accept this fate? Zi Dai felt she must be having a nightmare!