After returning to her room, Madam Wang still felt uneasy. She hurriedly ordered people to pack Lin Jinting’s belongings and sent him to stay at Song Ke’s house that very evening.

Wang’s trusted servant, Old Woman Qian, whispered, “It’s for the best now. Let the young master stay away for a while. Once the main branch deals with that little hussy, the young master can return.”

“Remember to tell Su Ju to pack extra sets of clothes, and don’t forget several packages of young master Ting’s favorite snacks,” Wang instructed loudly. Hearing the maid’s acknowledgment outside, she finally relaxed, leaning back on the chaise lounge and massaging her temples. “I understand what you’re saying, Mother Qian, but this whole situation still weighs heavily on my mind.”

Old Woman Qian said, “Young Master Ke is studious and well-behaved. What is there for Madam to worry about? In my opinion, he would make a good match for our Miss Lin. Joking aside, if they were to marry, it would strengthen our family ties.”

Wang dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. “Ke is fine indeed, but his family has fallen on hard times. Though there’s a saying ‘Even a lean camel is bigger than a horse,’ my precious daughter has grown up in luxury, never having fewer than eight maids attending her. I can’t bear to let my darling suffer hardship with the Song family.”

Old Woman Qian sighed, thinking how her mistress was always so shortsighted. If she had even a fraction of Madam Qin’s wisdom, she wouldn’t have suffered so many setbacks over the years. “If Young Master Ke passes the spring imperial examinations next year…”

“What good would that do? Without connections or money to grease the wheels, he might not even secure a position.” Wang shook her head. “Mother Qian, let’s not discuss this further. Ke is a good child. I’ll keep an eye out for other young ladies for him. Our Lin Ying cannot endure such hardship with him.”

Old Woman Qian said, “If that’s Madam’s wish, I’ll say no more. However, Miss Lin is growing up and has her thoughts. These past few days, she’s been constantly asking her brother about Young Master Ke, running to Woyun Court hoping to catch a glimpse of him. She even said she wants to learn needlework properly to make shoes for Young Master Ke. The other day, I heard her complaining about not being able to wear bright colors during the mourning period, saying she wanted to get a set of fashionable silver accessories.”

“Oh, my precious child!” Wang nearly jumped up. “Tell me, why can’t any of my children give me peace of mind!”

Old Woman Qian said, “Madam, please remain calm. It’s just that Miss Lin has these thoughts, and you should be aware of them.” She looked at Wang worriedly. Her mistress was always scattered in her actions, rushing when she should be patient and dawdling when speed was needed. Over the years, she had relied entirely on her faithful servants’ guidance. When she told Wang to “be aware,” she wondered if Wang truly understood.

Wang rubbed her temples again and ordered Coral to bring her a pill for clearing her mind. Just as she was about to swallow the unwrapped medicine, Lin Dongying burst through the curtains, searching everywhere, from the hall to the inner room, and even lifting the curtains to the side chamber.

Wang, already irritated, swallowed half the pill and asked unclearly, “What are you looking for?”

Lin Dongying, as impetuous as Wang, rushed about saying, “Where’s Brother Yifei? When I entered the courtyard, I heard the maids say Brother Yifei was here, where is he now?” Ever since she heard her female cousins calling Song Ke “Brother Song,” she had been dissatisfied, wanting a special name that showed more intimacy. So she began calling Song Ke by his courtesy name, addressing him as “Brother Yifei.”

When Wang heard the words “Brother Yifei,” she nearly choked on her medicine pill and began coughing violently. Old Woman Qian quickly helped Wang catch her breath and told Lin Dongying, “Young Master Song has already left.”

Lin Dongying pouted, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have gone back to change clothes. I might have caught him.”

Wang nearly fainted and angrily said, “You’re a young lady from a noble family! How can you be so shameless about pursuing a man? Is this how I taught you?”

Lin Dongying rolled her eyes and muttered, “Brother Yifei isn’t an outsider. What’s wrong with thinking about him?”

Wang stood up in frustration, walked forward, and poked Lin Dongying’s forehead several times, saying through gritted teeth, “You foolish girl, how can you maintain any dignity if such words get out? Even if Song Ke is your cousin, he’s still an unrelated male. You’re both getting older, I’ve already had your brother move to the outer courtyard, and from now on, you’re forbidden to meet with Song Ke. When Song Ke visits the mansion, you’re not allowed near him! Otherwise, I’ll tell your father!”

Lin Dongying was shocked, completely ignoring Wang’s prohibition about seeing Song Ke, only thinking that if Lin Jinting moved to the outer courtyard, she would hardly have a chance to see Song Ke. She anxiously said, “Wasn’t Brother staying comfortably in Woyun Court? Why does he need to move?”

Old Woman Qian said, “The young master is getting older. It’s proper for him to move somewhere farther from the garden.”

Lin Dongying, already angry, suddenly widened her eyes and pointed at Old Woman Qian, shouting, “Shut up! I’m talking to my mother, what right do you have to interrupt!”

Old Woman Qian was stunned. Wang’s anger surged as she pushed Lin Dongying, scolding, “Watch your mouth! Even your brother shows respect to Mother Qian. If you dare speak like this again, you’ll face family punishment!” Seeing Lin Dongying wearing a new blue-gold embroidered chrysanthemum silk skirt with a secret rose-red undergarment showing an embroidered collar, made more striking by the white contrast, along with jeweled silver hairpins and combs, and her face coquettishly made up with rouge and powder, Wang became even more furious. She pointed at Lin Dongying and said, “We’re still in mourning for your great-grandmother, look at how you’re dressed! Wearing red and green, applying rouge and powder – are you trying to become a spirit? People will point fingers at you!”

Wang had a mother’s tender heart and particularly doted on her youngest daughter. Being soft-natured, her discipline of her children was always more thunder than rain. Lin Dongying was used to being defiant and didn’t fear her. Wang’s words fell on deaf ears as Lin Dongying just pulled at her sleeve anxiously, saying, “Mother, how can you let Brother move away? If he leaves, how will Brother Yifei come to our mansion?”

Wang angrily shook off Lin Dongying’s hand, but Lin Dongying still wouldn’t let go. With a blush on her face, she said shyly, “Mother, Brother Yifei is… he’s excellent in every way – his scholarship, his appearance, everything is outstanding. Aunt also likes me, and Brother Yifei treats me well. I, I…”

“You, you, you what? Are you trying to anger me to death?” Wang pointed at Lin Dongying, almost speechless with rage. “Let me tell you, Song Ke is only your cousin. Get rid of those improper thoughts immediately!”

Lin Dongying flew into a rage, stamping her foot furiously, “I knew it! I knew it! You all look down on him because his family is poor now! You’re all snobs who despise the poor and love the rich!”

Old Woman Qian shouted, “Silence! How dare Young Miss be so disrespectful to her elders!”

Lin Dongying sneered, “What’s wrong? Angry because I spoke the truth? I never imagined Mother would be so vulgar, only focused on someone’s wealth.”

Wang’s face alternated between red and white with anger. Never being eloquent, these words brought tears to her eyes. Just as she was about to wipe them with her handkerchief, an angry shout came from the doorway: “You wretch! What nonsense are you speaking!” Immediately after, someone rushed in like a whirlwind and slapped Lin Dongying, pointing and scolding, “If you dare embarrass us like this again, I’ll break your legs!”

Wang was shocked to see it was Second Master Lin, Lin Changmin. Lin Dongying also froze – she had always feared her father the most. Now she stood dumbfounded, holding her cheek, feeling it burn as tears fell.

Lin Changmin glared, his dark face flushing with anger as he scolded, “Marriage has always been decided by parents. You’re a noble young lady, yet you’re throwing yourself at a man – if this gets out, won’t people laugh their heads off? I might as well kill you, you worthless child!” He raised his arm to strike again.

Lin Dongying instinctively dodged sideways. Wang panicked and grabbed Lin Changmin’s arm, kneeling and crying, “My lord, please mind your health! Ying’er is delicate, please don’t hit her anymore!”

Lin Changmin pushed Wang away, pointing and scolding, “And you, ignorant fool! Is this how you’ve been raising my daughter? More shameless than a brothel prostitute!”

Wang choked on her words and began crying again. Lin Changmin had been drinking earlier and had stood outside the door for a while, understanding most of what had happened. He already disliked Wang, and knowing the background made him even more disgusted. He raised his arm and slapped Wang, roaring, “These are your good relatives from home, wonderful! They came to our Lin family to freeload and now want to steal my daughter! That damned bastard, tomorrow I’ll make him pack up and get out!” He glared with wide eyes, pointing at Wang and shouting, “You’re the curse of the Lin family! Since I married you, there hasn’t been one peaceful day! If you cause any more trouble, I’ll divorce you, you worthless woman!”

Wang felt both wronged and humiliated. She buried her head in the armrest pillow and sobbed loudly. Lin Dongying was terrified, her previous arrogance completely gone as she stood in the corner covering her face. Lin Changmin, having vented his anger and sobered up somewhat, went into the room with a snort. He took five taels of silver from Wang’s dressing table drawer, and before leaving, pointed at Lin Dongying and scolded, “Let me tell you, I’ve already arranged a good match for you, a prestigious marriage. If I hear you have other thoughts, I’ll tear you apart!” He threw aside the curtain and left.

Wang was still lying on the bed crying heavily. Old Woman Qian tried to console her a few times, but seeing no improvement, she walked over to Lin Dongying in the corner. With a deep sigh, she tried to move Lin Dongying’s hand from her cheek: “Let me see how badly you’re hurt, Miss. If it’s serious, we should apply some bruise medicine quickly.”

Lin Dongying felt humiliated and just kept crying, stubbornly covering her cheek and refusing to lower her hand.

Old Woman Qian said, “Miss Lin, forgive this old woman for speaking out of turn, but you know your mother’s situation. Why must you be willful and make her suffer more? Go apologize to her quickly.”

Lin Dongying could only think of Lin Changmin’s words about having “arranged a good match,” feeling both shocked and scared. The slap from her father had rekindled her hatred, and she had no mind to care whether Wang cried herself to death. She cried out, “You all want to drive me to death!” She stamped her foot and ran out covering her face.

Old Woman Qian quickly ordered a young maid to follow her, then returned to comfort Wang, saying softly, “Madam, don’t be upset. The master just had a few drinks and lost his temper. Usually, he isn’t like this…” As she spoke, she realized she didn’t believe her own words and fell silent.

Wang cried until she had hiccups, and only after a while did she calm down somewhat. Through tears, she said, “How can Ying’er give me so little peace of mind? I originally thought she was just a child and indulged her, but now I realize she’s grown up and has become so disappointing…” She began crying again.

Old Woman Qian shook her head repeatedly, patting Wang’s back to help her catch her breath. “The young miss is still young. With proper guidance from Madam, she’ll understand your good intentions.”

Wang shook her head and shed a few more tears. After a long while, she instructed, “The master just hit Ying’er, she must be feeling upset now. Tell the kitchen to make some of her favorite snacks. I remember she wanted to make some bright-colored clothes recently – I still have a bolt of snow-white silk in my cabinet. Send someone to take it to her later.”

Old Woman Qian couldn’t help but sigh again. Wang was always like this – after disciplining Lin Dongying, she would worry that the child had been wronged and quickly send gifts to comfort her. Soon she would become submissive and indulgent again, making the previous lesson worthless.