Chapter 122: The Booklet

Chapter 122: The Booklet

"Master, Madam sent over Miss Yunjiao's clothes for me to wear. But they are too small for me; I really can't wear them."

Lin Yunwan went straight to Lin Huabin's study without beating around the bush and spoke candidly.

At first, Lin Huabin's face flushed with embarrassment, but seeing Lin Yunwan's forthright and calm demeanor, he couldn't help but laugh.

He said apologetically, "I did not consider thoroughly, my dear niece. Please don't take it to heart. Actually, I wanted to tell you, your father left some things for you."

"Left things for me?"

Lin Yunwan was slightly startled.

She was already immensely grateful that Zhao Jingyi had sent someone to help her settle into the Lin residence!

He had even left things for her?

Lin Huabin took out two booklets and said, "Niece, please look over these. There were so many items, we initially planned to wait until the people in the house had tallied them up, but my wife...” He paused, “it would be better to give them to you now, rather than later."

This way, it wouldn't cause unrest in the household.

But unrest had already occurred, so he decided to give them to Yunwan early, to spare her any discomfort in the Lin family.

Lin Yunwan began to peruse them.

The thick booklets listed not just gold and silver jewelry, but also many daily use items, even pots and pans, but not the kind used by country folks. Instead, they were silverware and jade items typical of wealthy households.

Could Zhao Jingyi be so meticulous?

She held the booklets, lost in thought... it must be the prince's doing.

Does this mean all these items were gifts from the prince?

Lin Yunwan was astounded.

The prince helping her made Lin Yunwan feel deeply indebted; her father only taught the prince for a few years, and since her father passed away so long ago, how could she possibly repay such a heavy debt of gratitude?

"How can I accept more silver from the prince?"

"This is a separate matter from the debt of gratitude owed for the prince saving my life."

"What's wrong? Niece, do you find anything inappropriate in the booklet?"

Lin Huabin had already reviewed the booklet and knew its contents. He guessed it listed items she had used before, now transferred unchanged to the Lin household.

"If there were any issues, she would certainly spot them at a glance."

Speaking to himself in a low voice, he said, "This booklet has only recently come into my possession. I handed it over to you as it was, so there shouldn't be any problems..."

Lin Yunwan quickly closed the booklet and said, "No issues. Uncle, you've been very thoughtful."

Lin Huabin smiled, "That's good to hear."

"It also contains fine fabrics and clothes. The banquets at Prince Huan's mansion are extraordinary. Wear the finer garments first; your uncle has prepared them for you, though I fear they may not match your father's generosity."

"Niece, I hope you won't find them lacking."

Lin Yunwan replied with a smile, "How could I?"

Lin Huabin, always the polite one, said with a smile, "I'll have someone deliver them to your courtyard."

Lin Yunwan expressed her thanks but hesitated, "About madam..."

Would the delivery to her Bi Xi Hall infuriate Zheng and her daughter?

Lin Huabin awkwardly reassured, "...Don't worry, I'll speak to her. Madam won't make a fuss."

"That would be for the best."

"They should handle their own marital affairs."

Lin Yunwan then said, "I shall take my leave."

Lin Huabin nodded and sent his people to oversee the moving of items in the front yard.

By dusk, fine items flowed into Bi Xi Hall like a stream.

The already elegant courtyard was transformed into a display of luxury, featuring rosewood screens embroidered with Suzhou patterns, rosewood furniture, and jewelry of agate, jade, and tourmaline.

Lastly, there was a note, a token of Lin Huabin's thoughtfulness.

This gift seemed modest in comparison, but it wasn't for lack of generosity on Lin Huabin's part, rather it was because the prince's gifts were exceptionally lavish!

"Miss, there are ready-made dresses for you, all brand new."

The prince's gifts were not tailored specifically to Lin Yunwan's measurements, but they were close enough. She could definitely wear them, unlike Lin Yunjiao's ill-fitting hand-me-downs.

Xi Ruo suggested Lin Yunwan try them on.

Lin Yunwan found the dresses a perfect fit. Xi Ruo, touching the fabric, remarked, "This is my first time feeling Kesi silk."

Kesi silk is a rare and more expensive weaving technique.

Due to its costliness, among all these items, there was only one piece made of it.

Lin Yunwan was aware that the prince could afford to send more, but as a lady of the Lin household, she couldn’t outshine the madam in luxury. It would raise suspicions.

Xi Ruo also found several dresses from Lin Huabin's gifts, noting, "These are made of the same fabric as the second young miss's old dresses."

But these were all brand new.

This showed that Master Lin truly valued her, or at least did not wish to slight her in any way.

Lin Yunwan asked, "Xi Ruo, do you like them?"

Xi Ruo held the clothes up against herself and smiled, "I like them very much."

Lin Yunwan smiled, "Apart from this fitting one I'm wearing, feel free to choose any of the others."

That includes those sent by the prince.

Xi Ruo glanced at the clothes in the trunk and shook her head, "I can't possibly wear so many."

Lin Yunwan decided for her, "We've been quite frugal on our journey here. Now that we're settled, don't skimp on yourself. Take three ready-made outfits and pick some fabric to take back. Have the seamstresses in the household make some clothes for you."

Xi Ruo humbly accepted.

"Serving you requires more practical clothes like tunics and trousers, so it's best to have them tailor-made."

"I'll have these added to Bi Xi Hall's storeroom."

"Alright."

Lin Yunwan changed her clothes and settled down to read in her room.

Life in the Lin family was leisurely, affording her ample time to read.

Xi Ruo went out to set up a store room in the auxiliary building of Bi Xi Hall, directing the maids and old women in moving items, strictly cautioning them to be careful not to damage anything, "Be careful!"

Her voice, deep and resonant when lowered, and her sturdy build made it clear she possessed strength, ensuring the young maids did not dare disobey her.

Unnoticed, evening fell, and the Lin household began lighting lamps.

Lamps were lit in Bi Xi Hall too, brightly illuminating the auxiliary building.

After a busy evening, Xi Ruo returned to the main room and reported to Lin Yunwan, "Miss, everything has been accounted for, nothing is missing."

Lin Yunwan smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

As Xi Ruo was about to submit the booklet, Lin Yunwan said, "Keep the booklet and the storeroom key for me."

These were items usually kept close by a lady of the house!

Such trust the lady placed in her.

Xi Ruo smiled with pursed lips, "Yes." She brought tea over and whispered to Lin Yunwan, "Miss, there might be a quarrel tonight in the main residence."

Lin Yunwan accepted the teacup—now a new set, glazed with fish swimming among lotus leaves.

She calmly responded, "It's not my fault."

Even if the true Miss Lin returned, a legitimate daughter left by the first wife, being treated worse than a servant by her stepmother was too harsh!

True to Xi Ruo's words, there was a fierce argument in the main residence.

The maids, neither daring to serve inside nor to flee, could hear the smashing of a large vase from a distance.

Zheng lay sobbing on the table, "How dare you! Keeping a private stash behind my back! While claiming you only care about us, all the fine things go to that wretched girl's daughter!"

She accused him in retaliation, "I should never have listened to you and sent her to the countryside. You were just worried I'd mistreat her, weren't you!"

"Such grand plans you have for your daughter!"

Lin Huabin rubbed his temples, exasperated, "What does this have to do with anything!"

If he didn't care for Zheng and Jiao, why would he have sent his eldest daughter to the countryside... Zheng didn't know his eldest daughter was already dead! He felt a pang of grief upon learning of her death, all endured for the sake of his wife and daughter.

Fearing Zheng would blame herself, he hadn't even told her, yet she misunderstood him so!