She had always been afraid of Lin Zhaoxiang, and now, without a shred of hope, she knelt on the ground, weeping as she said, "Your granddaughter deserves death... When I first witnessed this matter, I wanted to tell Madam, but I was swayed by that maid’s words, who said that if Third Sister eloped with that man, the marriage alliance with the Marquis Yongchang would fall to me. I truly envied Third Sister’s fortunate match... and I was afraid that if Second Aunt found out I had witnessed Third Sister’s disgraceful affair, she would hold a grudge against me, so I..." She cried so hard she could barely catch her breath, her appearance pitiable. "After the incident occurred, I deeply regretted it, but... but I didn’t dare speak of it again..."
"You envy Third Girl’s marriage? Why?"
Lin Dongxiu’s face flushed crimson with shame as she sobbed, "This is all my own disgraceful business. I am fully aware of it, and there’s no use speaking of it. I beg Grandfather to spare me some dignity."
Lin Zhaoxiang, however, straightened up and said, "Since I’ve asked you, speak plainly."
Lin Dongxiu then replied, "The Marquis Yongchang holds a high position and great authority, and he is a dignified and generous man. Even Elder Brother has praised him, which shows he is an excellent match. Marriage is no trivial matter—naturally, one must seek a reliable partner. Though the Marquis is somewhat older, he is still a dependable and noble son-in-law. Only Third Sister, blessed with the fortune of being born from Madam’s womb, could have such a match. Who would have thought she would disdain it..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it faded into inaudible murmurs.
Lin Zhaoxiang remained silent for a long while. He pointed to his water pipe, and Lin Jinlou immediately stepped forward to fill it with tobacco, lit it, and handed it to him. After taking a few deep puffs, he passed the pipe back to Lin Jinlou and said slowly, "Fourth Girl, since you were young, the family has never deprived you of even a needle or thread. Among the four girls from the main and secondary branches, the provisions for food, clothing, and expenses from the common fund have always been equal. Because you are the youngest, your grandmother often dug into her own purse to give you extra allowances. Compared to the daughters of concubines in other families, the Lin family has maintained fairness exceptionally well. That you were not born from Madam’s womb is your own karma. If you resent the family for this, then you are ungrateful."
These words struck Lin Dongxiu to the core, but she could only say, "No, no, I have never resented the family..." She looked up and met Lin Zhaoxiang’s penetrating eyes, feeling as though her entire being had been laid bare. Hastily, she lowered her head.
Lin Zhaoxiang scrutinized Lin Dongxiu for a moment, then tilted his head back and lost himself in thought. Suddenly, he said, "Very well. Since you covet Third Girl’s marriage, shall I arrange it for you instead?"
Before he could finish, Lin Jinlou was taken aback and hurriedly interjected, "Grandfather..."
Lin Zhaoxiang waved his hand dismissively. Gazing at Lin Dongxiu’s stunned and incredulous face, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "I’m asking you—what do you say?"
Lin Dongxiu looked uncertainly at Lin Zhaoxiang, then at Lin Jinlou, and timidly replied, "Grandfather, I... I wouldn’t dare anymore..." Seeing Lin Zhaoxiang’s expressionless gaze fixed on her, she clenched her fists inside her sleeves, gritted her teeth fiercely, and said in a hoarse voice, "If this marriage were given to me instead, it would be... an act of Grandfather’s kindness and compassion, and a blessing I’ve accumulated from my past life." With that, she kowtowed and prostrated herself on the ground.Lin Zhaoxiang gazed at the ceiling and said leisurely, "This matter hasn't been mentioned to the Marquis Yongchang's household yet. The Marquis originally favored your third sister, but now that it's been changed to you, we don't know if they'll agree. If this marriage doesn't come through, the Lin family won't treat you poorly—we'll naturally find you a prosperous family to marry into. Your father doesn't understand your heart; he's always wanted to find you a respectable scholar from a clean background, but I know you've always loved wealth and status."
Lin Dongxiu had been dizzy from the pie falling from the sky, too stunned to even feel joy. But upon hearing the last sentence, her face suddenly burned with an indescribable feeling, and she lowered her head in silence.
Lin Zhaoxiang said, "There are some things I must say, and don't take offense. After all, you're a concubine-born daughter. The Yongchang household has high status and strict rules. Whether you have your mother's skill and capability after marrying there is something you know in your heart. If you can't command respect or manage affairs properly, you'll have difficult days ahead. Moreover, Marquis Yongchang has several senior concubines who have been with him for years—they have sons and daughters—as well as many young and beautiful concubines. The Marquis values old sentiments. If you still act like a little girl with jealousy and pettiness, you'll only end up losing face. Everyone in that household judges by wealth and status—it's a hundred times harder than marrying into an ordinary prosperous family. Your only reliance is the Lin family, your own father and brothers, and your ability to endure humiliation and yield in everything. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Lin Dongxiu broke out in a cold sweat all over, but soon the joy of her grandfather intervening in her marriage prospects and marrying into nobility diluted her fear. She kowtowed to the ground and said, "Grandfather's earnest teachings, his care for his granddaughter, and his guidance on how to conduct myself—I dare not forget them."
Lin Zhaoxiang then ordered Lin Dongxiu to copy the "Admonitions for Women" once daily and placed her under house confinement in her room starting that day, before waving her away.
Lin Zhaoxiang let out a long sigh. Lin Jinlou suddenly noticed that his once energetic grandfather seemed to have aged several years overnight. Feeling distressed, he knelt on one knee beside Lin Zhaoxiang and said quietly, "Let me help you to bed to rest. Should we invite Doctor Luo?"
Lin Zhaoxiang waved his hand tiredly, his voice hoarse, "Although I usually stay out of mundane affairs, I know what each of you children is like. Counting these four girls on my fingers: the eldest is too eager to outshine others; the second can be considered clever and dutiful, but she's far from matching your mother's capabilities, and having been strictly restrained by your mother since childhood, she isn't outstanding; the third has been ruined by your second aunt's upbringing; the fourth is too vain and selfish, but when I questioned her just now, she still showed some sense of shame, and her nature isn't entirely bad." After saying this, he coughed twice.
Lin Jinlou quickly patted his back to ease his breathing, urging, "Grandfather, don't say anymore. Rest now."
Lin Zhaoxiang waved his hand, catching his breath before continuing, "This marriage with Marquis Yongchang must happen. Our Lin family has always pursued scholarly and official careers, but now, aside from your father... Xuan Ge'er's health is just a matter of time; Ting Ge'er has some petty cleverness but isn't ambitious—even if trained well, he can only maintain what we have; Yuan Ge'er is still too young... cough..." He coughed several times again.Lin Jinlou hurriedly brought over the spittoon. Lin Zhaoxiang spat, then rinsed his mouth with tea, took out a handkerchief to wipe his lips, and said, "There are a few promising ones in the clan, but when the doors are closed, they are not truly family. In the end, one must rely on their own abilities. Among the descendants of this generation, I can only place my hopes on you. Duke Zhenguo can offer some support, and then there is Marquis Yongchang. Previously, I thought that although the third girl is somewhat spoiled, she is sincere and simple-minded. Marquis Yongchang could manage her well. He has good character and would not mistreat the third girl. But now it seems that won't work. Among the girls in the family, only the fourth girl remains. Since she has been hoping for this marriage, now that she has obtained it, she should cherish it. She still has some sense of shame, but her selfishness and greed are excessive, and her temperament is not refined enough. Still, she is more reliable than the third girl..."
Lin Jinlou slightly lowered his head. Among his sisters, apart from the eldest sister who married into a scholarly family, one married the son of Duke Zhenguo, and another was to marry Marquis Yongchang. The family had already exhausted all its resources for his sake. His eyes grew warm as he looked at his grandfather's increasingly aged face, unable to speak.
Lin Zhaoxiang pondered for a moment and said, "Have your mother replace all the servants attending the fourth girl with those who are honest, intelligent, and know their place. Starting tomorrow, have your mother personally teach her..." He paused mid-sentence and waved his hand. "Never mind, I'll speak to your mother-in-law myself."
After a long silence, he looked at Lin Jinlou and said, "I know you were overwhelmed with anger today, but you shouldn't have struck the third girl right away. You were originally in the right, but with a few punches, you gave others grounds to criticize and damaged your own reputation. What was the point? You must learn to control your temper. When I was young, I didn't understand this principle and suffered many losses. You... ah, you are excellent in every way, except for this temper..."
"Excellent in every way"—this was the first time Lin Jinlou had heard his grandfather praise him so highly. His eyes grew warm again, and he forced a smile, saying, "Your grandson understands. It won't happen again."
"Handle matters outside properly. There must be no unfavorable rumors."
"Yes."
"After this incident, the second branch will hold a grudge against you. Later, give your second uncle some benefits. The family has cut off his financial resources. You know what to do. Also, take care of your third brother more often. As for the third girl... do not interfere."
"Yes, your grandson understands."
"As for Lu Shaotang, if you plan to deal with him, make sure no one can find fault."
"Of course, Grandfather, rest assured."
After saying these few words, Lin Zhaoxiang fell silent. Seeing his grandfather looking weary and dispirited, Lin Jinlou dared not disturb him further. He personally fetched a brocade quilt to cover Lin Zhaoxiang, refilled the small teapot with hot water, and quietly withdrew. At the door, he beckoned to Liubei and instructed her to fetch the tonic Old Master usually took. He then asked about Old Madam's condition. Liubei replied, "Old Madam is fine. She has taken her medicine and is now asleep. Madam is attending to her."
Lin Jinlou nodded and walked out. The hall was empty, with everyone gone, and the bloodstains on the floor wiped clean. Stepping outside, he felt the chilly wind and took a deep breath.
At that moment, Shuangxi cautiously approached, standing respectfully by Lin Jinlou's side with his head bowed, and said, "Eldest Master, General Wen has arrived and is waiting outside the second gate."Lin Jinlou hurriedly strode out and saw Wen Rushi standing under two red lanterns. Upon seeing Lin Jinlou, he cupped his hands and reported, "Eldest Master, a corpse was found in the moat and has been identified as Du Bin's."
After saying this, Wen Rushi immediately shut his mouth, keeping his head bowed low and not daring to look up at his master's expression. Presumably, Lin Jinlou's face was darker than the bottom of a pot.
"Confirmed?"
"Confirmed. The corpse hasn't decayed, the head and face are intact. He was stabbed in the back, a single thrust to the heart that killed him."
It turned out that when the Lin family guards rushed in from outside that day, Du Bin and the others, realizing the situation was dire, quickly fled. In their panic, they didn't forget to take the Second Branch's mother and daughter as hostages. Halfway through their escape, they encountered Captain Xu leading troops in pursuit. Du Bin then betrayed his companions on the spot, killing them to pose as a hero rescuing the hostages, and returned the Second Branch's mother and daughter to the Lin family. Unexpectedly, Lu Shaotang had already received word and had been tailing Du Bin since the day he entered the city. He sent someone to kill Du Bin and dump his body in the moat to silence him.
Lin Jinlou's thick eyebrows were tightly knit. Although he had already anticipated this outcome, he still felt that Du Bin, that beast, had gotten off too lightly. Just then, he heard someone calling him from behind, "Elder Brother..."
Lin Jinlou turned his head and saw Lin Jinting standing inside the second gate, hanging his head listlessly. Lin Jinting mumbled, "Elder Brother, could we speak in private? I have something to discuss with you."
Lin Jinlou turned and entered the moon gate, his face cold and silent.
The Third Young Master of the Lin family had always been most afraid of his elder brother, finding him even more intimidating than their grandfather. At least their grandfather was reasonable, but when this one got angry, it was truly... Remembering how his mother had been crying her heart out just moments before, Lin Jinting stole a glance at Lin Jinlou. He had never seen his elder brother so enraged before. Usually, even at his most violent, Lin Jinlou maintained an elegant composure and smiled as warmly as the spring breeze around family... Lin Jinting licked his lips, staring at his shoe tips as he said, "Brother, could you please spare Third Sister? She truly knows she was wrong. If you say the word, Grandfather will definitely change his mind..."
Lin Jinting stole another look at Lin Jinlou and saw his gloomy expression, though it didn't seem like he was about to explode in anger. Emboldened, he continued, "Although Third Sister's actions were disgraceful, nothing really happened to the family after all. Everyone returned safely, only a few servants and guards died—they're outsiders anyway, how could they be closer than our own family? I heard you lost a concubine too... just that Xianglan girl, with her terrible temper and being nothing but trouble. I'll find you another one later, guaranteed to be more charming, gentle, and understanding than Xianglan..."
Before he could finish speaking, a swift wind brushed past his ear. Before Lin Jinting could react, his collar was grabbed by Lin Jinlou, and he was slammed heavily to the ground. The impact made him grimace in pain, feeling as if all his bones were about to shatter. Tears instantly burst forth as he lay on the ground, groaning incessantly.
Lin Jinlou stepped forward and delivered a fierce kick, saying, "Stop fucking pretending to be dead, get up!"
Lin Jinting was completely dazed, not daring to provoke his elder brother further. Bearing the pain, he staggered to his feet.
Lin Jinlou pointed at his nose and roared, "Get lost!"
The thunderous shout made Lin Jinting's knees go weak. His servant, Lu'er, hurried over to support him, and the master and servant fled in panic.Lin Jinlou weakly lowered his arm, clenching his hand into a fist and pressing it hard against his forehead as if trying to suppress the fury and anxiety boiling within him. After a long pause, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice to Wen Rushi, "Have the men continue searching. I'll send someone to identify the detained women myself. Go now." Wen Rushi fled as if chased by a ghost.
Lin Jinlou then turned and walked back. In the courtyard, Shu Tong and Zidai remained gagged and bound on the ground, with Shu Ran standing guard nearby.
Shu Tong looked utterly defeated and trembled uncontrollably at the sight of Lin Jinlou. Zidai, however, lifted her head to gaze at him, her eyes pleading as she made muffled noises through her gag.
Lin Jinlou merely glanced at them and said to Shu Ran, "Cut out the tongues of these two wretches." Pointing at Shu Tong, he added, "Send this one to the estate." Then, pointing at Zidai, he continued, "Her aunt is a favored servant of Madam. Out of respect for Madam, I won't sell her off. Drive her beyond the inner gate. If there's any unmarried man in the mansion who doesn't mind her muteness, let him take her as a wife."
Shu Tong's face turned ashen. She had expected death, never imagining Lin Jinlou would spare her life. Yet the thought of having her tongue cut out made her shiver in terror. Zidai was so frightened she wet herself, writhing and struggling with muffled cries. She had been destined to become a Concubine, a respectable mistress of wealth and status—how could she accept this fate! Zidai felt certain she was trapped in a nightmare.
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