Ren Shijia was delighted to see Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua visiting her together, even though they had just met a few days earlier at Ren Yaoqi’s coming-of-age ceremony.
Little Lin Cen was already able to walk and talk. Fair and chubby, he smiled at everyone he saw, making him quite endearing. Upon spotting familiar faces, he quickly crawled onto the kang table, grabbed two pieces of honey cake, and stuffed one into each of Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua’s hands, gazing at them eagerly. “Sisters, eat cake.”
This made everyone in the room burst into laughter.
Ren Shijia now felt that having a son fulfilled all her wishes. Her only remaining desire was to protect her son and ensure he grew up safe and sound. However, having suffered too many setbacks in the past, as she watched her son grow day by day, she became increasingly wary of the other branches of the Lin Family, fearing that Cen’er might one day fall victim to harm.
Ren Shijia had repeatedly suggested to Lin Kun that they move out of the Lin Family’s ancestral residence and establish their own household. However, Lin Kun had his own plans and did not comply with Ren Shijia’s wishes. Ren Shijia was gentle by nature, and the couple had never quarreled in all their years of marriage. Yet, over this matter, Ren Shijia had argued with Lin Kun several times.
Motherhood had made Ren Shijia stronger. For her son’s sake, she did not mind completely severing ties with the Lin Family, but Lin Kun’s attachment to the family ran too deep.
Ren Shijia spoke with Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua about the Ren Family’s affairs. Naturally, she was well aware of her natal family’s current predicament. After the incident, Lin Kun had gone with Fifth Master Ren Shimiao to offer assistance. However, the Lin Family had its own share of troubles, and Lin Kun could not stay in White Crane Town indefinitely. Moreover, no matter how much he tried, Lin Kun was still just a son-in-law, and Old Master Ren might not fully trust him. In the end, Lin Kun simply returned, only stepping in to help when the Ren Family needed him.
Ren Shijia was naturally worried about her natal family, but she had never involved herself in external affairs. Even if she was concerned, she felt powerless to do anything.
Ren Yaoqi picked up Lin Cen and held him in her arms. As she peeled pine nuts for him, she asked Ren Shijia, “Has Uncle gone out?”
Ren Shijia wiped Lin Cen’s mouth with a handkerchief. “It’s the end of the month, so he’s meeting with shopkeepers in the outer courtyard. He’ll return to the inner courtyard for lunch at noon. You two should stay for lunch today. A while ago, Fifth Brother had someone bring back some wild delicacies from the northeast and gave me some. It’s perfect for the kitchen to prepare a few new dishes.”
Since leaving the Ren Family to establish his own household, Fifth Master Ren Shimiao had expanded his business widely. In addition to his stationery shop, he also opened a store specializing in wild delicacies and seafood, constantly trading in local specialties from various regions. Surprisingly, his business was doing quite well. Ren Shijia’s kitchen often received deliveries of various wild delicacies and seafood from Ren Shimiao’s shop. With Fifth Master Lin’s finances now more comfortable, he was generous to his siblings.
As expected, Lin Kun returned before lunch was served in the inner courtyard. Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua stood up to greet him, and he responded warmly with a few words.
Lin Cen quickly climbed down from the kang, ran to Lin Kun’s side, and hugged his leg, grinning from ear to ear. “Daddy, carry me.”
Lin Kun did not adhere to the tradition of “carrying grandchildren but not sons.” He bent down, picked up his son, and sat him on his arm. Gently pinching the child’s chubby, round cheeks, he asked with a smile, “Was Cen’er good today? Did he make Mommy angry?”
Lin Cen bit his finger and giggled foolishly. Ren Shijia couldn’t stand it any longer and stepped forward to take Lin Cen, chiding, “Go inside and change your clothes and wash your hands before holding our son.”
Lin Kun didn’t mind and smiled as he entered the inner room.
Lin Cen struggled out of Ren Shijia’s arms, got down, and toddled after his father on his short legs. “Daddy, Daddy…”
Ren Shijia watched her son’s retreating figure and half-jokingly complained to Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, “That little ingrate only knows how to cling to his father.” Though she said this, her eyes were filled with laughter.
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but smile as she watched the interactions of this family of three.
After the meal in Ren Shijia’s courtyard, Cen’er had his usual nap time. Ren Shijia carried her son to the inner room to coax him to sleep, and Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua took the opportunity to bid farewell.
Coincidentally, Lin Kun was also heading to the outer courtyard, so he accompanied the two sisters as they left.
Lin Kun offered a few words of comfort regarding the Ren Family’s affairs and mentioned his wife and son. Ren Shijia and Cen’er were in high spirits today because of their guests, so Lin Kun invited them to visit the Lin Family more often in the future.
Ren Yaoqi smiled and said, “Earlier, I heard Auntie asking my mother about houses in Treasure Vase Alley. I thought if Auntie and Cen’er lived closer to us, it would be more convenient for visits.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Kun paused briefly before replying, “Your aunt did mention wanting to buy a house in Treasure Vase Alley. I sent someone to inquire, but we haven’t found a suitable one yet.”
Ren Yaoqi nodded and spoke candidly, “Since having Cen’er, Auntie has always wanted to move out. Although the Lin Family’s ancestral residence is large, it’s inevitably crowded and not very convenient.”
In truth, although the Lin Family had many members, the residence was spacious enough that it was far from being crowded. However, Lin Kun did not refute Ren Yaoqi’s words. They both understood why Ren Shijia disliked living in the Lin Family residence.
Instead, Lin Kun was somewhat surprised. Although Ren Yaoqi was young, she had always been sensible, reasonable, and knew her place, never putting others in awkward or embarrassing situations. Why was she repeatedly bringing up the Lin Family’s internal affairs in front of him today?
After a moment of silence, Lin Kun sighed and said with a bitter smile, “Things are never that easy.”
Lin Kun also wished to ease his wife’s worries, but he carried too many burdens and had held onto certain obsessions for so many years. Some things were not so easily let go of.
After some thought, Ren Yaoqi smiled and said, “I believe whether something succeeds depends on timing. When the time is right, things become easier.”
Ren Yaoqi’s words struck a chord in Lin Kun’s heart, and he couldn’t help but look at her in surprise.
Lin Kun lowered his head in contemplation for a moment before tentatively saying, “I recently acquired a jar of high-quality Longjing tea. I’m a rough man and don’t know how to appreciate tea. I heard your father is an expert in this. Why don’t you help me taste it? If you think the tea is decent, could you take it back for Third Brother?”
Ren Yaoqi did not refuse and agreed with a smile.
Ren Yaohua glanced at Ren Yaoqi. Although she didn’t understand what Ren Yaoqi was up to, she didn’t ask any questions. Seeing that Ren Yaoqi had no intention of sending her away, she continued to stay by her side.
Lin Kun led them to an open pavilion in the courtyard with a clear view in all directions, then ordered someone to fetch the tea and tea set from his study.
Although Lin Kun was Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua’s uncle by marriage, he was still a man of a different surname. It wouldn’t be appropriate to speak behind closed doors. Instead, sitting openly in the pavilion to drink tea would not raise eyebrows even if others saw them.
Thus, the three of them spent half an hour tasting tea in the pavilion before Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua took their leave.
Lin Kun watched as their carriage slowly departed from the Lin residence. Though his face remained calm and smiling, his heart was still reeling from the overwhelming excitement.
After Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua boarded the carriage, neither spoke. Ren Yaoqi leaned against a pillow, her eyes slightly lowered as if lost in thought, while Ren Yaohua absentmindedly twirled the teacup in her hand.
It wasn’t until the carriage was about to turn into Treasure Vase Alley that Ren Yaohua finally spoke up. “Can you really help the Lin Family successfully divide their household?”
Ren Yaoqi looked up with a smile and shook her head. “Naturally, I don’t have that ability.”
Ren Yaohua frowned.
Ren Yaoqi continued, “This is ultimately the Lin Family’s internal affair, so it depends on Uncle himself. No one can fight his battles for him. After years of endurance, he must have accumulated significant leverage. The reason he hasn’t acted is simply because the timing wasn’t right, and he didn’t dare take the risk.”
Moreover, if Lin Kun were the type of person who relied on others to fight his battles, Ren Yaoqi wouldn’t have chosen him, even though part of her reason for involving the Lin Family was for Ren Shijia and Lin Cen.
Ren Yaoqi would never forget the kindness others had shown her during difficult times. Reciprocating that kindness was only natural. Otherwise, Ren Yaoqi’s choices would not have been limited to just the Lin Family.
Lin Kun was an extremely patient man, with deep scheming abilities and considerable competence. From the perspective of Ren Shijia’s niece, Ren Yaoqi didn’t particularly like him, but as a collaborator, such a person was worthy of appreciation. He had clear goals, was cautious and careful, and would not easily waver in his stance.
“So, has the timing arrived now?” Ren Yaohua still frowned.
After some thought, Ren Yaoqi smiled and said, “With help from others, the timing naturally arrives. Over the years, Lin Kun has worked hard to curry favor with the Ren Family, hoping to gain their support. However, the Ren Family may not be able to fulfill his wishes now. The other family I’ve found for him is far better than the Ren Family.”
What Old Master Ren had been planning for the Lin Family over the years was unknown to others, but Ren Yaoqi understood it clearly. The Ren Family never engaged in unprofitable ventures. Even if Ren Yaoqi were willing to believe that Old Master Ren had no intention of taking a share of the Lin Family’s assets after the division through his son-in-law, Lin Kun himself would not believe it.
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaohua fell into an even longer silence.
Seeing her silent, Ren Yaoqi looked at her and smiled. “Is Third Sister worried that the Lei Family won’t agree?”
When Ren Yaohua heard her mention the Lei Family, she finally looked up.
Ren Yaoqi had brought Ren Yaohua along today and hadn’t avoided her while speaking with Lin Kun, intending to guide and teach her. She tilted her head and asked, “The Lei Family and the Han Family have been competing for so many years. Even though the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion now favors the Lei Family, the Han Family’s momentum hasn’t diminished much and still has the ability to contend with the Lei Family. Do you know why?”
Ren Yaohua frowned in thought. “Is it because the Lei Family only recently returned to Yanbei and hasn’t fully established itself yet? Plus, the Lei clan’s members are dwindling, making it difficult to rebuild connections?”
Ren Yaoqi nodded. “That’s part of the reason. Let me ask you another question: If one day the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion needed to suppress a certain merchant family for some reason, but couldn’t do it themselves, who do you think they would entrust with this task?”
Ren Yaoqi was subtly referring to the Ren Family’s situation. Recently, she had occasionally discussed the dynamics of various Yanbei families with Ren Yaohua during casual conversations, though she hadn’t revealed the inside story of the Ren Family’s misfortune.
After some thought, Ren Yaohua replied, “The Han Family?”
Ren Yaoqi smiled. “Throughout history, even wise rulers have had one or two treacherous ministers by their side. It’s not necessarily that the ruler couldn’t distinguish loyalty from treachery, but rather that some things loyal ministers couldn’t do. Someone had to bear the blame for the ruler. Although this analogy isn’t entirely appropriate—the Han Family isn’t exactly treacherous—it explains the relationship between the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, the Lei Family, and the Han Family. The Lei Family is an aristocratic family, and its members are not suited for commerce. Although the Lei Family has considerable assets, they are managed by stewards. As the head of the Lei Family, Lei Ting cannot personally handle everything, so there are matters the Lei Family cannot easily take on. The Yun Family and the Su Family were similar in the past.”
Ren Yaohua listened thoughtfully.
“So, what the Lei Family needs most right now is a right-hand man. Originally, the Lei Family marrying into the Ren Family would have made the Ren Family the most suitable candidate for this role. Unfortunately…”
Unfortunately, Old Master Ren was too shortsighted and unfit for such a significant role. Even if the Lei Family had genuinely considered the Ren Family, Ren Yaoqi would not have agreed to a collaboration between the two families. One must wear a hat that fits their head; otherwise, the Lei Family would gain not an ally but a liability.
“However, the Lin Family is now a good alternative. After you marry into the Lei Family, the Lin Family and the Lei Family will be related by marriage. Although Uncle is somewhat deep and scheming, his abilities are commendable. If the Lei Family can lend him a hand at this time, helping him reclaim what is rightfully his, he will undoubtedly be immensely grateful to Lei Ting. In return, the Lei Family will gain a right-hand man. This is a win-win situation for both the Lei Family and the Lin Family.”
After hearing this, Ren Yaohua was momentarily stunned. Under Ren Yaoqi’s guidance these past days, she was no longer as impulsive as before and had learned to think before acting. However, after listening to Ren Yaoqi’s explanation, she still felt the gap between them. Although she could understand the complexities after Ren Yaoqi’s explanation, her understanding only went so far.
Unfazed by Ren Yaohua’s daze, Ren Yaoqi sighed and continued, “The Ren Family is struggling to protect itself, the Xianwang Residence’s foundation isn’t in Yanbei, and the Lei Family is in the spotlight. Third Sister, the road ahead won’t be easy, so we must strategize more.”
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t quickly build a natal family capable of sheltering her and her sister, but she could bind the Lei Family and a “natal family” together through shared interests. Once the Lin Family fulfilled its role, the Lei Family would not dare look down on Ren Yaohua as the mistress of the household.
This was the solution Ren Yaoqi had devised. Though not perfect, it was the best she could do for now.
Ren Yaohua naturally understood that Ren Yaoqi’s meticulous planning was for her future well-being after marrying into the Lei Family. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. Over the years, she had always felt she needed to protect her mother and sister, but deep down, she knew it had always been Ren Yaoqi, her younger sister, who protected her.
“When will you meet with the Lei Family?” Ren Yaohua asked after a long silence.
Ren Yaoqi hesitated. She didn’t want to meet with Lei Ting personally, as it wouldn’t be appropriate.
After some thought, Ren Yaoqi shook her head. “I don’t plan to get involved. Let Uncle approach Lei Ting instead.”
Seeing Ren Yaohua frown in silence, Ren Yaoqi thought she was worried the two families wouldn’t reach an agreement and smiled. “I heard the Han Family has been getting closer to the Yun Family lately?”
Although Ren Yaoqi hadn’t gone out much recently, it didn’t mean she was unaware of external affairs. On the contrary, she paid close attention to those few families.
Han Yunqian had performed exceptionally well in the recent autumn imperial examinations, ranking first as the top scholar and earning the admiration of a Yanbei civil official named Sheng Shi Hong. Although Sheng Shi Hong wasn’t from a prominent aristocratic family, he had assisted the Prince of Yanbei for many years and was the chief strategist of the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. If the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion were compared to the imperial court, then Lord Sheng would be the equivalent of the chief grand secretary.
Thus, although Han Yunqian hadn’t yet secured an official position in Yanbei, his future looked bright after being accepted as Sheng Shi Hong’s disciple. While the Han Family was far inferior to the Yun Family, Han Yunqian was a rare talent.
Nowadays, the Su Family was declining, while the Lei Family was rising and showing signs of rivaling the Yun Family. No matter how composed the Yun Family was, after failing to secure a marriage alliance with the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, they had to explore alternative paths.
Ren Yaohua was unaware of these developments and couldn’t help but ask, “Could the Yun Family possibly form a marriage alliance with the Han Family?”
Ren Yaohua thought it unlikely, given the disparity in their family statuses. However, Ren Yaoqi knew that in her previous life, the Han Family had indeed formed a marriage alliance with the Yun Family. When interests aligned, nothing was impossible.
“I remember the Yun Family’s eldest miss is a year or two older than Third Sister. She’s bound to marry in the next couple of years,” Ren Yaoqi said, shaking her head. “If the Han Family forms an alliance with the Yun Family, the Lei Family will inevitably be at a disadvantage in this struggle. So, the Lei Family needs to make a decision quickly. The Lin Family approaching them at this time aligns perfectly with the Lei Family’s interests.”
“What about the Su Family?”
Ren Yaoqi took a sip of tea and smiled. Though she didn’t say it outright, Ren Yaohua understood her meaning.
The Su Family had likely long been abandoned.
Ren Yaohua had once thought such power struggles were far removed from her, but now it seemed she had stepped into the center of the whirlpool. It was impossible not to feel alarmed, but when she looked up and saw Ren Yaoqi’s calm and composed expression, she realized she wasn’t afraid. Instead, a surge of determination welled up within her.
She thought of Lei Ting, a man who always appeared calm and confident, never flustered in handling matters. Ren Yaohua knew Ren Yaoqi and Lei Ting were cut from the same cloth—people who seemed capable of solving any problem, remaining composed even in the face of disaster. At that moment, Ren Yaohua also wanted to become like them, not for any other reason but to stand by their side when they needed her, to share their burdens, rather than hiding behind them for protection.
Ren Yaoqi was unaware that Ren Yaohua’s mindset had undergone another transformation after this lesson.
Ren Yaoqi’s thoughts were that, aside from the personal grudges between the Han Family and the Ren Family, keeping the Han Family in Yanbei wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. With the Han Family allied with the Yun Family, the Lei Family united with the Lin Family, and the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion sitting firmly in place, the various forces in Yanbei could achieve a balance, which would benefit the region’s long-term stability.
If the Han Family were completely suppressed and the Yun Family retreated, the Lei Family and the Lin Family would eventually become unrivaled in Yanbei. This wouldn’t be good for the Lei Family. Sometimes, having a relentless competitor nearby could spur a family’s development and reassure those in power.
Ren Yaoqi was no ordinary woman confined to the inner quarters. Coupled with her relationship with Xiao Jingxi, her perspective naturally extended beyond the narrow grievances and interests of individual families.
Thus, Ren Yaoqi had no intention of interfering in the affairs between the Han Family and the Yun Family. As long as Old Master Han didn’t go too far and harm those important to her, she had no issue with peaceful coexistence.
Not long after returning from the Lin Family, Ren Yaoqi received a message from Lin Kun: Lei Ting had indeed agreed to collaborate with him.
In truth, Lei Ting had more options than the Lin Family, but his quick decision was undoubtedly influenced by Ren Yaohua.
Not long after this, rumors began circulating in the Lin Family about dividing the household.
The Lin Family’s main branch naturally refused to split half their assets with Lin Kun. However, this time, Lin Kun was well-prepared. He invited several senior elders of the clan and presented the documents left behind during his great-grandfather’s division of the family, clear in black and white.
Old Madam Lin refused to acknowledge the documents. Lin Kun spoke privately with her for half an hour. No one knew what he said, but Old Madam Lin, who had previously adamantly opposed the division, changed her stance afterward. She agreed to divide the Lin Family’s assets according to the will left by Lin Kun’s great-grandfather. The Lin Family’s ancestral residence would remain with the main branch, while Lin Kun would move out and establish his own household. However, Old Madam Lin’s expression was extremely grim when she made this decision, and she fell ill shortly after returning.
Throughout this process, the Lei Family never made a public appearance, but Ren Yaoqi knew better than anyone that they had played a role. Without their help, Lin Kun alone could never have persuaded the respected elders of the Lei Family to intervene.
What ultimately forced Old Madam Lin to concede was the evidence of the main branch’s past crimes: seizing the second branch’s assets through murder and scheming against Lin Kun’s descendants over the years.
The conflict between Lin Kun and the main branch was no longer just about family assets. Lin Kun wasn’t afraid to openly confront the main branch in court. The reason he had remained silent all these years wasn’t for the sake of the Lin Family’s overall stability but because he was waiting for the right moment to strike decisively.
With the Lei Family’s help, Lin Kun finally seized that opportunity.
Did some calculations and realized I’m still several chapters short of making up for this month’s owed updates… 〒_〒
Taking a day and a half off to focus on writing, making up for this month’s owed updates, and restoring my reputation.
Since there are no extra updates this month, to avoid annoying anyone, I’ve decided not to shamelessly beg for votes (even thick skin can’t withstand being exposed). Staying in third place on the popularity chart is entirely thanks to everyone’s love and support. I’m truly grateful and a bit embarrassed (shy/blushing emoticon)
I’ll strive to do better next month before asking for votes again～ So today’s update is to make up for what I owe, just hoping no one slaps me in the face. Thank you!
(Of course, if there are votes, I won’t hypocritically cry “stop” either～(^o^))
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