Wang Shi was greatly shocked. She stepped forward to cover Lin Dongling's mouth, tears streaming down her face as she scolded, "Have you lost your mind? What nonsense are you spouting! You foolish girl, Mother knows you were just confused earlier..."
Lin Dongling pushed Wang Shi's hand away and shouted, "That's not how it is! Not like this! He... he... he likes me, but our family status is too high, and he feared he couldn't match it, so he wanted to break up with me... It was me! I was the one who clung to him desperately, begging him to find a way. Then he suggested having someone pretend to be a bandit to kidnap me for one night, after which he would rescue me and bring me back to the mansion. All this was so he could marry me, just like in 'The Romance of the Western Chamber'... He's a good man, and he treated me with utmost sincerity..." As she spoke, she choked up and began to cry.
Lin Zhaoxiang's face turned ashen. He closed his eyes and, after a long moment, let out a deep sigh.
Wang Shi was dumbfounded. She had never been quick-witted, and now she was utterly panicked. Stumbling, she crawled to Lin Zhaoxiang's feet, kowtowing repeatedly, her face drenched in tears as she pleaded, "Old Master, Lingjie is just young and confused for a moment... She's a simple-hearted child who was deceived by a scoundrel. I beg you, please spare her, forgive her this once!"
Lin Jinting also knelt down, tears in his eyes, and said, "My sister was blinded by foolishness. I beg Grandfather, considering her young age, to forgive her this time. Earlier, Elder Brother also beat her severely, and she already knows she was wrong." After speaking, he cast a pleading glance toward Lin Jinlou.
Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow slightly. If Xianglan had returned unharmed and the dozen or so brothers under his command hadn't died, he might have pleaded for leniency for Lin Dongling. But now, he pretended not to see and said to Lin Zhaoxiang, "Du Bin and his gang killed more than ten of my brothers. Unexpectedly, my concubine Xianglan managed to escape from the house with my mother and the others and, sacrificing herself, rushed to the bell tower to ring the bell, summoning the nearby guards. He must have encountered the people who kidnapped Second Aunt while fleeing. Seeing that pursuers had arrived, he simply pretended to be a loyal servant. But knowing this matter would eventually come to light, he fled..."
Before he could finish, someone at the door said, "Oh! What's going on here? It's not a festival, yet everyone is kneeling and kowtowing." Lin Changmin walked in, reeking of alcohol as he spoke. He was of medium height, slightly plump, with a round face and dark complexion. He wore a slightly worn kesi tapestry straight gown with an ink wash painting design, tied with a matching belt, showing no extravagance. He had been out drinking with colleagues and was in high spirits when his family sent someone to summon him home. As soon as he arrived at the entrance, the steward intercepted him. Without changing his clothes or freshening up, he went straight to the Old Master's courtyard.
Lin Changmin looked down and saw Lin Dongling half-sitting on the ground, her hair disheveled, her face bruised and swollen, blood under her nose, and her lips swollen to a shocking degree. He was greatly startled, and half his drunkenness vanished. He jumped up and exclaimed, "My child! How did you end up in such a state? Who bullied you? I'll tear them to pieces!"
Lin Dongling, already aggrieved, opened her mouth to cry upon hearing this.
Lin Zhaoxiang said coldly, "To raise a child without teaching is the father's fault. Come here and kneel before me!"Lin Dongling immediately stifled her sobs. Lin Changmin, who had always been adept at reading people's expressions, glanced at Wang Shi's tear-streaked face and his father's furious countenance, and surmised that Lin Dongling had likely caused trouble. Secretly cursing his daughter for her recklessness, he nevertheless wore a smile as he knelt and said, "Father, please don't be angry. Getting worked up at the end of the year could harm your health, and that would be our fault as your descendants." He then looked at Lin Dongling and asked, "Has Ling'er been mischievous again and upset you, Father?"
Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow slightly. His second uncle might not excel at much, but he certainly had a silver tongue.
Lin Zhaoxiang let out a long sigh and said slowly, "Her actions can't be dismissed lightly as mere 'mischief'." He couldn't bring himself to say more, sighed again, closed his eyes, and took a few labored breaths.
Lin Changmin's eyes darted around, and when he saw Xuezhan lift the curtain to bring tea, he quickly stood up, took the tea from her, and waved her away. He lifted the lid to check the color of the tea, then carefully presented it with a warm, ingratiating smile. "Father, this is ginseng tea to calm your nerves. Please take a sip to soothe your throat..."
Lin Zhaoxiang abruptly opened his eyes, snatched the teacup from Lin Changmin's hands, and hurled it to the floor, shattering it. Pointing a trembling finger at Lin Dongling, he thundered, "A young lady of the inner chambers, devoid of propriety, engaging in an illicit affair with a guard—this is the behavior of a wanton and immoral woman! Deceived into spreading smallpox within the household, endangering the lives of her parents and relatives, causing the deaths of seven or eight people—this is the act of a malicious and cruel heart! Luring her mother, aunt, and sister to the temple, nearly causing their deaths, and resulting in the loss of over a dozen guards' lives—this is the epitome of unfilial and inhuman conduct! Our family's misfortune has produced such a rebellious, beastly daughter. The Lin family nearly met its ruin at your hands!"
Each word cut like a knife, each sentence enough to drive Lin Dongling to take her own life. She was stunned. She had assumed Du Bin's nighttime assault on the temple was for their secret liaison, never imagining there were such sinister details behind it. At first, she had been frightened by what she heard, but then she reasoned that since the family had returned safely, her grandfather wouldn't be too harsh—at most, he would punish her with a beating, house arrest, or kneeling, as before. She never expected Lin Zhaoxiang to unleash such fury.
Wang Shi could no longer hold back her tears, covering her mouth tightly with a handkerchief.
Lin Changmin was dumbfounded, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He stammered repeatedly, "What's going on? How could this be? Could there be some mistake?" He glanced around and saw Wang Shi and Lin Jinting kowtowing incessantly, while Lin Dongling looked as wilted as frostbitten eggplant. Realization dawned on him, and his heart sank. Forcing a smile, he said, "Ling'er is still young... She's always been a filial and sensible child. She must have been deceived... Or perhaps there's some misunderstanding?"
Lin Zhaoxiang's face was ashen. "What misunderstanding could there be at this point? The witnesses and evidence are all here."
"But... but she shouldn't have been beaten like this. She's already betrothed, soon to be engaged to Marquis Yongchang..."
Lin Zhaoxiang flew into a rage, slamming the table and raising his voice. "Marquis Yongchang? How dare you mention Marquis Yongchang? A dignified young lady behaving so despicably—I've lost all face! How could we possibly marry such a sullied woman to a marquis's household? Not only will the marriage not happen, but we'll likely make an enemy of them!"Lin Changmin was greatly alarmed and hurriedly said, "How can this be? The official matchmaker will be coming in a few days. The marriage alliance with Marquis Yongchang is already a settled matter... Father, Marquis Yongchang holds a high position and great authority, and he enjoys the emperor's favor. If we form a marriage alliance with him, the benefits are too numerous to count. This match is too glorious an opportunity to miss. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. Jinlou, you know best about Marquis Yongchang's capabilities. Tell me, isn't what your second uncle said correct?"
Lin Jinlou remained expressionless, not even glancing at Lin Changmin, and stood perfectly still.
Lin Changmin knelt down, shaking Lin Zhaoxiang's leg as he pleaded, "Father, even if Dongling has countless faults, she is still a descendant of our Lin family. Since she has already made a mistake, she should be given a chance to redeem herself. She... she is still an extremely clever child. I will discipline her properly."
A faint, mocking smile tugged at Lin Jinlou's lips. Lin Zhaoxiang closed his eyes, his face turning ashen. Seeing the situation turning sour, Lin Changmin gritted his teeth and kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Although I don't know the full details of the matter, I am aware that Dongling has committed a grave mistake. It must be because she was momentarily foolish and was incited by wicked people. Even though I was unaware, I cannot escape responsibility. But as the saying goes, 'family scandals should not be aired in public.' Dongling acted recklessly and did something unfilial, but she is still an inexperienced child. Father, you are the wisest. Whether it's beating or punishing her, it is what she deserves. Teaching her a lesson is to make her remember, so why bother holding a grudge against a junior? Now that this has happened, fortunately, outsiders are unaware. As the saying goes, 'family scandals should not be aired in public.' We should continue to keep this matter under wraps. After all, Dongling is my flesh and blood, and she is about to marry gloriously, bringing another distinguished son-in-law to the Lin family. I beg Father to spare no effort in protecting her." As he spoke, he continued kowtowing without pause.
This speech truly made Lin Jinlou view his second uncle in a new light. He had never expected his idle, boastful uncle to possess such eloquence and worldly wisdom. Not only were his words reasonable, but they were also comforting, and his underlying intention was clearly to protect Lin Dongling.
Wang Shi and the others were still pleading for mercy. Hearing this, they quickly joined in kowtowing and said, "Yes, we beg Father to show mercy and spare her!"
Lin Zhaoxiang's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, his face expressionless as he said, "It is the misfortune of our family to have produced such an unfilial daughter. This is my fault for failing to maintain strict discipline in the household. If she is not punished, it will be difficult to uphold justice, and the Lin family will surely decline in the future!"
He then looked down at Lin Changmin and said, "You spend your days idling about, only knowing how to wander and socialize outside, with no thought of returning home. You raise your children but do not educate them. From today onward, the family allowance will grant you only ten taels of silver per month. If that is not enough, use your official salary! If I find out that you have done something disgraceful due to a lack of money, do not blame me for enforcing family discipline."Lin Changmin was greatly alarmed. Unlike the prestigious main branch, he held a nominal official post with no illicit income, relying entirely on the family coffers for expenses. Otherwise, his meager salary wouldn’t even cover a single night of extravagant spending. Originally, Lin Changmin had always loathed Wang Shi. Though she had eyes like autumn water, fair and plump skin, and was a beauty, and though the two had once been deeply attached, she possessed a muddled mind, often acting erratically and lacking the finesse to understand others’ intentions. After she made several mistakes that displeased him, and with his own career stagnant and his inability to manage properties, he began eyeing her dowry for funds. Frequent arguments ensued, eventually turning them into sworn enemies. Lin Changmin then sought out several women outside—all widows with substantial wealth after their husbands’ deaths. Though he was ordinary in appearance, he was glib-tongued and skilled in sweet talk. Coupled with his respectable family background, these women believed they had found lifelong security and attached themselves to him, willingly providing him with money. Thus, even though he had taken two or three beautiful concubines, he spent his days running outside, seldom returning home.
Just as Lin Changmin was about to plead for mercy, he heard Lin Zhaoxiang say to Wang Shi, "Ling’er has become like this entirely because you’ve always failed to distinguish right from wrong and indulged her excessively. Do you admit it?"
Wang Shi sobbed intermittently, unable to speak.
Lin Zhaoxiang’s expression darkened. Though his second daughter-in-law was somewhat muddle-headed, she was also gentle and kind-hearted. Lin Changmin had never treated her well, and truth be told, she had endured some hardship as a daughter-in-law in the Lin family. Softening, he sighed and said, "From today onward, Ting Ge’er will move to my courtyard to live with Yuan Ge’er. I will personally oversee him, so he can focus on his studies behind closed doors."
Wang Shi’s knees went weak. She understood that the Old Master was ultimately displeased with her and would no longer allow her son to stay with her.
The room fell silent, with people kneeling densely on the floor. Lin Zhaoxiang gazed at Lin Dongling for a long time, his heart filled with anger, disappointment, and sorrow. This was the little granddaughter he had once held in his arms—though willful, she had been straightforward and warm-hearted. Now, she had become like this...
Lin Zhaoxiang’s throat tightened, and he said hoarsely, "Tomorrow morning, we will announce the mourning, saying that the Lin family’s Third Miss passed away suddenly in the night. Given her youth, the funeral will not be elaborate."
As his words fell, the room became as silent as a graveyard.
Suddenly, Wang Shi cried out, "No! No!" She crawled to Lin Zhaoxiang’s feet, weeping so violently her whole body convulsed, and begged, "Father! Father! I beg you! Spare Ling’er! I am willing to take her place!"
Lin Zhaoxiang said woodenly, "Second Son is right. After all, she is a descendant of the Lin family. I naturally cannot let her die. Send her to the estate for now. Later, she can change her name and marry—the Lin family will provide her with a dowry."
Lin Changmin forced a smile and said, "Father has always been wise. Though Ling Jie’er has countless faults, the brutal beating on her face has already humiliated her enough. I beg you to give her a way out..."
Lin Zhaoxiang said sternly, "Prepare the carriage. Later, have her sent away quietly!" He stood up, leaning on his cane, and said to Lin Dongxiu, "Fourth Girl, come with me." Then, he glanced at Lin Jinlou and added, "Lou’er, you come too." With that, he slowly walked back to his room.Wang Shi wailed and scrambled on her knees to clutch at Lin Zhaoxiang's robe. Lin Zhaoxiang turned his head and said coldly, "Enough! There is no room for reconsideration in this matter. If she continues making a scene, either give her a cup of poisoned wine directly or have her shave her head and become a nun!"
Wang Shi immediately retracted her hand, hiccupping incessantly as she cried until she was breathless. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted dead away.
Lin Dongling had already become stupefied, standing there in a daze as tears streamed down her face like rolling melons.
Lin Jinlou felt as if all the strength in his body had been drained. Dragging his leaden legs, he followed behind his grandfather when suddenly he heard a heart-wrenching wail from behind. Lin Dongling cried hoarsely 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 too agonizing. Lin Zhaoxiang's steps faltered slightly, but he walked into the inner chamber without looking back.
Lin Jinlou stepped forward to support Lin Zhaoxiang as he sat in the rattan rocking chair, then personally brewed fragrant tea using Lin Zhaoxiang's customary Xishi breast-shaped teapot and presented it to him. Lin Dongxiu was trembling like a sieve. The moment she entered, she knelt before Lin Zhaoxiang.
Lin Zhaoxiang took the Xishi teapot in his hand, took a sip directly from the spout, closed his eyes, leaned back in the rattan chair, and let out another long sigh. After a long while, he finally said leisurely, "Fourth girl, why didn't you tell your mother when you witnessed Third girl's disgraceful affair?"
Lin Dongxiu had already been scared half to death by Lin Zhaoxiang's ruthless handling of Lin Dongling. From now on, Lin Dongling would be struck from the Lin family registry. She feared that in a few days, a mourning tent would be set up outside the gate. From this day forward, she would no longer be the legitimate young lady of the Lin family. In the future, she wouldn't even be able to secure a marriage into a moderately respectable family. If her parents and brothers still cared for her, she might receive some family protection; otherwise... Lin Dongxiu shuddered.
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