Ren Yaoqi dismissed the maids, while Ren Yaohua called Wujing back and instructed her to keep an eye on Sister-in-law Wen's movements.
After everyone had left, Ren Yaoqi shared some of her speculations with Ren Yaohua.
"What exactly are they trying to do?" Ren Yaohua asked coldly.
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and shook her head. "We can only wait and see."
Based on these superficial clues, she could only suspect that the cook surnamed Wen was problematic—likely arranged by Concubine Fang through her own family to set up Madam Lin. Now that Madam Lin's side was already defenseless, what purpose Concubine Fang still intended to achieve using that cook was something Ren Yaoqi truly couldn't guess.
Still, at least they now had some leads, which was far better than being completely in the dark.
While the two sisters were still speculating about Sister-in-law Wen, they were surprised to hear two days later that Sister-in-law Wen had requested permission from Ren Shijia to return to Jiangnan.
Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but feel puzzled. Had Concubine Fang gone through all the trouble of arranging someone into the Lin Family just to bring down Madam Lin?
This day marked the third-day bathing ceremony for Ren Shijia's child. Since Ren Shijia was staying at her maternal home for her postpartum confinement, the ceremony was also held there.
Early that morning, Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua followed Madam Li to Ren Shijia's Xiangnuan Pavilion.
Ren Shijia was in high spirits. When Ren Yaoqi went in to see her, she was reclining against the headboard, holding her sleeping child in her arms. Her entire being radiated joy and contentment, as if having a child was all she needed in life.
Seeing Madam Li bring Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua to visit, she proactively handed the child to them to hold. Watching their flustered and awkward expressions, she giggled with delight.
Madam Li said, "Better let the wet nurse hold him. They don’t know how to hold a child—what if they accidentally bump or drop him?"
Ren Shijia pouted and complained to Madam Li, "Don’t let his father hear that. Yesterday, Yu’er came to see the baby and wanted to hold him. I was worried about bumps and refused, and his father scolded me for it. He said a son should be raised roughly, and if I keep sheltering him like this, he won’t accomplish anything when he grows up."
Although her tone was complaining, everyone present could hear the affection in it. Ren Shijia and her husband, Lin Kun, had always been deeply devoted to each other.
Madam Li smiled at her from the side.
Ren Shijia looked down at the child in her arms and suddenly sighed. "I don’t expect him to achieve great things. I just hope he grows up safe and sound, marries, has children, and continues the lineage of the Lin Family’s second branch."
Seeing her like this, Madam Li knew she might be thinking of the children she had lost before and couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Among the Ren Family, Ren Shijia was one of the few who treated Madam Li with genuine closeness, so Madam Li held her in high regard. She comforted her sincerely, "You’ve endured so much hardship, and now you’ve finally reached better days. Don’t worry—the child will grow up healthy and strong."
Hearing this, Ren Shijia smiled and looked at Madam Li. "Everyone says I’m blessed, that I’ve lived a life of ease since marrying into the Lin Family all these years. Only you, Third Sister-in-law, think I’ve suffered… Only you understand my struggles." Though she was smiling, her eyes reddened.Madam Li quickly said, "Look at me, why am I saying these things to upset you for no reason? Those in confinement must not shed tears."
Ren Yaoqi leaned over to look at the child in the wet nurse's arms. Seeing him sleeping soundly with his thumb in his mouth, his face already much better than on the second day after birth, she deliberately muttered, "Uncle said cousin would be able to open his eyes and look at us in a few days. It's already the third day, and he's still sleeping so soundly."
Ren Shijia, hearing this from over there, couldn't help but laugh. "Your uncle didn't lie to you. He can open his eyes, but he just finished nursing and is sleeping now."
Madam Li glared at Ren Yaoqi and lightly scolded, "No manners."
Ren Shijia, however, was in better spirits and said to Madam Li, "This isn't Yaoqi being ill-mannered. My husband has always been gentle with children. Back in the Lin Family, his nephews and nieces loved calling him 'Sixth Uncle' and always sought him out whenever something happened."
"Aunt, I heard that your cook who makes Jiangnan pastries is returning to her hometown?" Ren Yaoqi sat down beside Ren Shijia and asked.
Ren Shijia nodded. "She didn't sign a deed of sale when she came. This time, she says her mother is seriously ill and she needs to go back to take care of her. I originally hired her because I was pregnant and needed someone who could make medicinal cuisine. Now that the child is born, and she wants to leave to fulfill her filial duties, I can't very well stop her."
Seeing Ren Yaoqi listening without speaking, Ren Shijia suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "Do you like Jiangnan pastries? I'll just ask my aunt to find me another cook later."
Ren Shijia had always thought Ren Yaoqi was interested in Jiangnan pastries. During these months at the Ren Family, she would often have her small kitchen make pastries to send to each household and courtyard, and she would always take the initiative to send someone to ask Ren Yaoqi what pastries she wanted to eat.
Ren Yaoqi smiled sheepishly. "Her pastries are indeed delicious. Didn't you say before, Aunt, that you would keep her? Did she suddenly ask to leave?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Li gave Ren Yaoqi a strange look. Ren Yaoqi was acting as if she really enjoyed the pastries Ren Shijia sent over, but she knew her own daughter. Ren Yaoqi didn't like overly sweet pastries, and Jiangnan pastries tended to be sweet.
However, she didn't expose Ren Yaoqi on the spot and just sat to the side drinking tea.
"Yes, I originally asked her, and she said she was willing to stay in Yanbei. But yesterday she came to say she wanted to leave and return to Jiangnan." Ren Shijia also sighed regretfully.
She was quite satisfied with this cook. She was good at both medicinal cuisine and pastries, and she was clever. Having someone with some knowledge of pharmacology by her side meant she wouldn't have to worry about others secretly harming her or her child when she returned to the Lin Family.
Ren Yaoqi, however, was speculating about the reason for Sister-in-law Wen's sudden departure. Was it related to the incident they had witnessed last time? From what Ren Shijia said, she hadn't originally planned to leave so soon. Was this Concubine Fang's idea, or someone else's?
What Ren Yaoqi didn't know was that at this moment, the Sister-in-law Wen she was secretly inquiring about was meeting with Lin Kun.
Lin Kun looked at the woman entering with a tray and frowned inwardly. "What can I do for you?"
Sister-in-law Wen placed the famille-rose "Fortune and Longevity" lidded bowl from the tea tray in front of Lin Kun and said with a forced smile, "This servant has come on Madam's orders to bring you lotus seed soup, Master. Please enjoy it slowly."Lin Kun did not even glance at the so-called lotus seed soup, merely giving a cold nod. "Set it down and leave."
Sister-in-law Wen's expression darkened. "Sixth Master Lin, how did you promise my master back then? Now you want to burn the bridge after crossing the river?"
Lin Kun replied indifferently, "I do not recall promising anyone anything, nor do I understand what you are saying. Who is your master? If I remember correctly, you were recommended to us by the Fang family as a cook."
Sister-in-law Wen smiled. "Since Sixth Master Lin does not remember, this servant will kindly remind you. Back then, when the main branch of the Lin Family saw that your grandfather and father had both met with misfortune, they coveted the property of your second branch. They deliberately chose a sudden moment to break the tragic news to your mother, causing her to die in childbirth while giving birth to you. As for you, you were adopted by the main branch, transforming from the eldest son of the second branch into the sixth master of the Lin Family's main branch."
"Originally, you were sickly since childhood, and the main branch thought you would not survive to adulthood. Unexpectedly, your fate was remarkably resilient. Not only did you grow up safely, but you also deliberately married the grandniece of Old Madam Lin's maternal family. Over the years, the main branch continuously drugged Sixth Madam, causing her to miscarry repeatedly. Their plan was to make you and your wife abandon any thoughts of dividing the family and instead adopt a descendant from the main branch. Last time, when I first arrived at the Lin Family, I told you about this matter, but you scolded me without even listening, calling my words madness. I had no choice but to inform Sixth Madam instead. At first, my master thought you were truly grateful to the main branch, even forgetting your own birth parents. Later, we realized that you were not disbelieving—you were merely waiting for a better opportunity. That opportunity was the Ren Family's intervention."
Sister-in-law Wen glanced at Lin Kun. "Perhaps you were aware of the reason behind Sixth Madam's miscarriages from the start but deliberately concealed it, all to secure the Ren Family's support. Only when the Lin Family's main branch and the Ren Family developed a rift could the Ren Family openly stand on your side. Sixth Master Lin, what profound schemes and ruthless methods!"
Lin Kun watched Sister-in-law Wen expressionlessly, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
For some reason, Sister-in-law Wen felt a creeping unease, but she steeled herself and continued with a composed expression. "Sixth Master Lin, do you think Old Master Ren will willingly help you? No matter how much Old Madam Ren dotes on Sixth Madam, her daughter is still just a daughter—once married into the Lin Family, she becomes a member of the Lin Family. When Old Master Ren says he is willing to help you, it is only because he wants to profit from the Lin Family's division. Back then, when the Ren Family and the Lin Family agreed to your marriage with Sixth Madam, it was merely a matter of each family harboring their own schemes. Are you willing to let what originally belonged to you pass from the hands of the Lin Family's main branch into those of the Ren Family?"
After speaking, Sister-in-law Wen carefully observed Lin Kun's expression. To her surprise, he remained completely calm, showing neither anger at being exposed nor fear.
Sister-in-law Wen could not quite grasp Lin Kun's thoughts. Could it be that her master's speculations and the information they had uncovered were actually wrong?Lin Kun looked at Sister-in-law Wen for a moment, his expression unchanged as he slowly walked to the chair and sat down. While continuing to organize the account books on the table, he said calmly, "Your master’s story is well-crafted. However, I have no interest. You should leave earlier."
Sister-in-law Wen gritted her teeth, displeased by Lin Kun’s refusal to yield to either soft or hard tactics. "Sixth Master Lin, aren’t you afraid I’ll spread this matter?"
Lin Kun’s hand paused briefly before he lowered his head again to focus on his work, not even looking up. "As you wish."
"Sixth Master Lin, you should know that I listened to you and left Mrs. Liu not because my master and I fear you, but to show our sincerity. Rather than being manipulated by the Ren Family, wouldn’t it be better for you to cooperate with my master? Each getting what they need would surely be more satisfying than bowing and scraping before the Ren Family." Sister-in-law Wen persisted.
Only then did Lin Kun look up at Sister-in-law Wen, asking curiously, "Actually, I’d like to know what your master is so frantically scheming for? And how did he come to know about my Lin Family’s affairs?"
Sister-in-law Wen frowned. "Sixth Master Lin, don’t mistake others’ goodwill for malice!"
Lin Kun smiled faintly. "Whether it’s goodwill or malice, I don’t need you to remind me. My Lin Family’s affairs don’t need an outsider who appeared out of nowhere to meddle. As for you, it was agreed you would leave soon, which is why I turned a blind eye to you staying with the Lin Family and following the mistress to the Ren Family. I didn’t expect your master to go back on his word, wanting you to remain with the Lin Family to serve as his future pawn. Your master overestimates my patience!"
Seeing Sister-in-law Wen about to speak again, Lin Kun raised a hand to stop her. "Regarding this matter, your master and I are even. I doubt we’ll have any further involvement. I heard you’ve already informed the mistress of your intention to leave. In two days, our Lin Family has a ship heading to the capital. You may take it."
Sister-in-law Wen, frustrated by Lin Kun’s stubbornness, couldn’t help but sneer coldly. "Thank you for your concern, Sixth Master Lin!"
Lin Kun waved his hand, signaling for Sister-in-law Wen to leave. She turned and walked away with a cold expression.
Although Lin Kun was nominally her master, she had previously thought little of him, believing she held his secret. Unexpectedly, Lin Kun’s earlier attitude had been ambiguous—neither agreeing nor refusing. But after the child was born, he decisively rejected them without hesitation.
He showed no concern for her threats and instead warned her that if she didn’t leave voluntarily, he would find a way to make her leave.
Regardless of why Lin Kun had previously avoided a direct confrontation with Sister-in-law Wen and those behind her, he truly wasn’t afraid of them. The leverage Sister-in-law Wen spoke of was merely speculation on their part, while her own connection to the Fang Family was traceable. If it were truly made public, Lin Kun would not be the one to suffer.
After Sister-in-law Wen left, Lin Kun set down the account book in his hand, gently pinched the bridge of his nose with his right hand, and wore a distracted expression.Although he did not fear Sister-in-law Wen's threats, the words she had just spoken still reminded him of the hardships he had endured over the years. He had later investigated and found that his grandfather and father’s deaths were indeed accidents. His mother had truly gone into premature labor upon suddenly hearing the news of his father’s death and ultimately did not survive due to excessive blood loss.
He harbored suspicions about his mother’s death, but as many years had passed, despite years of investigation, he had no concrete evidence to prove that the main branch of the family had deliberately harmed her.
As for his wife, Ren Shijia, Lin Kun’s feelings were complicated.
Although he had only begun to suspect the main branch of the Lin Family after his wife suffered several miscarriages, he also did not know whether, had he learned of this earlier, he would have taken advantage of the situation and used Ren Shijia to secure the support of the Ren Family.
At least one thing Sister-in-law Wen said was correct: Lin Kun had married Ren Shijia back then because he had been left with no other options and could only rely on the Ren Family, who were related by marriage to Old Madam Lin.
After leaving Lin Kun’s quarters, Sister-in-law Wen’s expression was extremely unpleasant. Although Concubine Fang had not reprimanded her and had even promised her a sum of silver to return to Jiangning, what could she do once she went back? Madam Fang had many trusted confidantes brought from her own family, and she would never truly trust someone like Sister-in-law Wen, who had switched allegiances midway. It was precisely because Sister-in-law Wen had recognized this that she had volunteered to come to Yanbei to assist the Fang Family’s young lady.
As she hurriedly emerged from a small path, Sister-in-law Wen nearly collided with a group of people. Fortunately, a young maid walking at the front reacted swiftly, jumping aside to avoid her.
Already in a bad mood, Sister-in-law Wen was about to demand an explanation when, upon seeing the person behind the maid, her expression stiffened. She quickly forced a smile, curtsied, and called out, “Fifth Miss.”
Ren Yaoqi smiled as she observed Sister-in-law Wen’s sudden change in expression, glancing at the small path from which she had just emerged. “Where are you coming from, Sister-in-law Wen?”
Thinking that the girl before her was nothing more than an immature child, Sister-in-law Wen relaxed slightly and replied, “Madam instructed me to deliver a bowl of sweet treats to Sixth Master Lin in the study at this time every day while he reviews the account books.”
Ren Yaoqi withdrew her gaze and nodded. “I heard you’ll be returning to your hometown? The sweet treats you make are delicious, and I’ve always enjoyed them. I’m afraid I won’t have the chance to taste them again.”
Sister-in-law Wen was known to be a lively and cheerful woman in public. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said, “What would Fifth Miss like to eat? I’ll make some and send them over. I still have a couple of days before I leave the Ren Family, so there’s plenty of time to prepare some snacks.”
Ren Yaoqi appeared delighted. “That would be too much trouble for you, Sister-in-law Wen. My aunt would surely laugh at me for being greedy.”
“What are you saying, Fifth Miss? Our Sixth Madam dotes on all the young ladies. She would be overjoyed to know you enjoy the snacks from her courtyard.”
At this moment, Sister-in-law Wen wore the demeanor of a gentle and loyal servant, with none of the cold indifference she had shown earlier.
Ren Yaoqi casually mentioned the names of two snacks. After Sister-in-law Wen noted them down, she respectfully withdrew.
After stepping out of the corridor, Ren Yaoqi glanced back. Sister-in-law Wen had already left via another branching path. Gazing at the small path from which she had emerged earlier, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but fall into thought.
What connection existed between Concubine Fang and Lin Kun?Why had Sister-in-law Wen's expression been so grim earlier? Was her departure from the Ren Family not voluntary? Given Concubine Fang's nature, even if she were merely a pawn, she wouldn't have been discarded before serving her full purpose—that wasn't Concubine Fang's style.
Ren Yaoqi felt something was amiss, yet it remained shrouded in layers of mist. This feeling was truly unsettling.
To succeed in battle, one must know both oneself and the enemy. What method could she devise to unravel this mystery? As she walked through the garden, Ren Yaoqi’s mind began to race.
The day passed quickly. The next morning, while Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua were in Madam Li’s room listening to Nanny Zhou teach them household affairs, an unexpected visitor arrived.
When Ren Yaoqi heard the gatekeeper’s wife rush over, breathlessly announcing that the Commandery Princess from the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion had come—and specifically asked for her—she was equally astonished.
Seeing Madam Li, Ren Yaohua, and Nanny Zhou all looking at her with curiosity, Ren Yaoqi composed her surprised expression and smiled. "Last time, the Commandery Princess mentioned she wanted to visit White Crane Town for fun. I thought she was joking, but it seems she really came today."
Madam Li thought for a moment and smiled. "It seems this Commandery Princess has taken a liking to you. A guest is a guest—hurry and tidy up to meet her."
Xiao Jinglin’s arrival naturally stirred up everyone in the Ren Family. Old Madam Ren was the first to react, quickly leading First Madam out of Glory and Splendor Courtyard to greet her personally.
Old Madam Ren’s solemnity was not surprising. Although Xiao Jinglin was only a Commandery Princess, given the Xiao Family’s status in Yanbei, her position was practically equivalent to that of a princess. Women in Yanbei all wished to befriend her, but Xiao Jinglin was rarely at the mansion throughout the year and seldom attended gatherings of noble ladies. Thus, her initiative to visit the Ren Family left the women of the household both astonished and flattered.
By the time Ren Yaoqi received the news, Xiao Jinglin had already been respectfully escorted to Glory and Splendor Courtyard by the Ren Family.
When Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua arrived, they saw Xiao Jinglin sitting calmly in the seat of honor, with Old Madam Ren seated below her.
First Madam, Eldest Young Madam, and Fourth Miss Ren Yaoting of the eldest branch stood behind Old Madam Ren. Even Fifth Madam Lin, who was in a cold war with Ren Shimiao and found everyone disagreeable, had brought Ren Yaoyu along. Only she presumed familiarity and chatted with Xiao Jinglin. Though Xiao Jinglin merely nodded briefly, it did nothing to dampen Fifth Madam’s enthusiasm.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua enter, Fifth Madam said to Xiao Jinglin, "Commandery Princess, our Yaoqi is here."
Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua stepped forward to pay their respects to Xiao Jinglin. Old Madam Ren frowned and glanced behind them. "Where is your mother? Why hasn’t she come to greet the Commandery Princess?" Old Madam Ren felt that even she had gone out to welcome Xiao Jinglin, yet Third Madam Li hadn’t even shown her face—it was truly improper.
Ren Yaoqi understood her mother. Though the Xianwang Residence was no more, Madam Li had no inclination to bow and scrape before the daughter of a prince. She wasn’t deliberately putting on airs; her pride was ingrained from childhood, woven into her very bones. Thus, she wasn’t intentionally absent—she simply hadn’t realized she was expected to come.Ren Yaoqi did not remind Madam Li, knowing that certain matters would strike a chord in her mother's heart and cause her sorrow.
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