Chapter 190

Chapter 190

Forcing the Lin family to move out immediately was impractical; pressuring them too much would seem harsh, so Lin Ningfang allowed them three days.

After saying goodbye to the neighbors, Tong Sui left four guards to watch the gate and assisted Lin Ningfang into the carriage.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Ye rode alongside the carriage.

After leaving JingShan Ward, Xiao Ye suddenly shouted, "Third Brother, you have a bump on the back of your head!"

Startled, Tong Sui, who had been wiping Lin Ningfang’s face with a damp cloth, handed it to her. She moved to the window, lifted the curtain, and saw Xiao Yan touching the back of his head where there was indeed a swelling the size of an egg.

"Don’t touch it. When we get back, you two should go to SiGong Ward and let my uncle examine it. Head injuries shouldn’t be ignored."

Tong Sui said anxiously.

Xiao Yan, glancing over his shoulder, said indifferently, "It’s nothing. That wicked woman hit me with a flower vase. She’s weak, and the vase didn’t even break."

Lin Ningfang’s voice came from inside, "Go, and if you delay your treatment and become a fool, I won’t take care of you."

Only then did Xiao Yan comply.

Tong Sui lowered the curtain but could still hear the brothers outside.

Xiao Ye: "Third Brother, Lord Lin deserved the beating, but he’s a third-rank official. Beating him so severely means we need to be prepared for the Emperor to hold us accountable."

Xiao Yan: "I knew he was an official, so I didn’t finish him off. Otherwise, with his build, one punch from me would have killed him."

Xiao Ye: "Good, you’re thinking now."

Xiao Yan shot him a sharp look. After over a year in office, he still had some sense of propriety. If he had killed Lin Shou, they would have been in the wrong even if they were initially in the right. Fortunately, Lin Shou has three sons, and giving each a good beating would neither kill them nor fully vent his anger.

After crossing the Luo River, Xiao Ye accompanied Xiao Yan to Zhou’s place to have his head checked, while Tong Sui and her sister-in-law returned to Qinghua Ward.

Xiao Zhen and Liu Chu were waiting at the Duke’s residence.

Upon hearing Ah Zhen’s explanation, Madam He understood what had happened.

The Lin family had produced a Chancellor, so one could imagine how grand the Lin ancestral home was. Since it belonged to their daughter-in-law, they should take it back!

Had it not been for the old master’s intervention, Madam He would have gone herself to support her daughter-in-law!

When Tong Sui and her sister-in-law arrived, Madam He, not even putting on her usual airs, met them from the hall to the courtyard, eagerly asking, "How is it? Did Third Brother not beat them too badly? Did we get the house back?"

Lin Ningfang lowered her eyes, and Tong Sui advised, "Second Aunt, lower your voice. We went to the Lin family to seek justice for Third Sister-in-law, not for the house."

Seeking justice was the cause; getting the house back was merely a side effect. Reversing the order would make it a vulgar dispute over interests, damaging their dignity.

Madam He blinked and understood, "Yes, yes, we’re here to vent our anger for Ningfang!"

Tong Sui then addressed the old master sitting in the main seat, "Fourth Brother was a step too late, so Third Brother took action. Fortunately, both Lord Lin and his son only suffered minor injuries. In the chaos, Third Brother was hit on the head by Lady Lin. I’ve asked him to go see my uncle, and if it’s nothing serious, he should be back soon."

Just as Madam He was about to sit down, she straightened up again upon hearing this, "Third Brother’s head was injured? Damn it..."

Before the crude words could fully escape her mouth, she met the old master’s sharp gaze and choked back the rest.

Xiao Mu ruthlessly scolded, "There are things I wanted to say last night but didn’t want to spoil your mood since you had just arrived. Now that everyone’s here, I’ll say it plainly."

"When we lived in the village, people spoke more crudely, and I didn’t bother with your foul language. But now that we’ve moved to the capital and have been graciously granted titles by the Emperor, we must follow local customs. If we can’t learn to be elegant like others, we should at least adhere to basic etiquette. Spewing vulgarities not only shames our family but also invites ridicule that the Emperor has granted titles to such a crude family!"

Madam He stood before the chair, head bowed, her face flushing and paling in turns.

Xiao Yuchan was also scrutinized by the old master for a moment before she whispered, "I've already changed."

Aunt Xiao walked to the old master's side, patting his back as she said, "Father, don't be angry. Second Sister-in-law was just upset upon hearing that Third Brother was injured. Actually, the rules of a large household have already been taught by Sister-in-law Ningfang. Second Sister-in-law learned very earnestly. As long as she controls her temper in the future, those concerns won’t arise."

Xiao Mu maintained a stern expression as he looked at his son.

Xiao Shouyi reassured him, "I will keep reminding her, Father, so please rest assured."

Xiao Mu continued to stare at his son, "There’s another matter. With Aman managing the Marquis’s residence, we still need a proper mistress here. Now that they are all present, who do you think is suitable?"

Madam He’s spirits lifted upon hearing this, and she looked at her husband excitedly.

Xiao Shouyi answered without hesitation, "The mistress should also oversee the internal affairs and external social affairs. I remember when we first moved to Wei County, it was Ningfang’s ideas that helped us settle down smoothly. She has the talent for managing the household and is more familiar with the old families of Luoyang than we are. The position of mistress undoubtedly belongs to her."

Madam He was shocked, furious, and tearful. She rushed over and slapped her husband, "Nonsense! I'm still alive, and you want the daughter-in-law to manage the household? I've already lost face once in Wei County. Now that I've learned how to manage the household, why am I not fit to be the mistress?"

Crying, cursing, and hitting, she pulled at her husband while Tong Sui and Xiao Zhen exchanged glances and lowered their eyes, with Liu Chu having already bowed her head long ago.

Xiao Yuchan stayed silent. If her mother could indeed manage the Duke’s residence properly, she might as well ask the Emperor to grant her the title of Lady Anguo.

Anyone can make bold claims, but they must be credible to others.

Even Aunt Xiao couldn’t intervene. If she tried, Madam He’s anger would surely turn towards her.

Xiao Mu ignored his daughter-in-law and spoke to his son, "You don't have to go to the Southern Camp today. Take your wife back and explain things to her clearly."

Xiao Shouyi agreed and forcibly led the tearful Madam He away.

As they walked out, Xiao Yan and Xiao Ye entered from outside.

"Third Son, you must stand up for me!" Madam He broke free from her husband and rushed to her son, crying loudly.

Xiao Yan looked confused, "What's going on again?"

Seeing his mother’s distress, it seemed as if his father was about to divorce her as if she were worthless.

Xiao She stepped forward, his head aching, "Grandfather asked Father who should be the mistress of our household. Father said Third Sister-in-law, and Mother reacted like this."

Madam He looked up, tears in her eyes, "Tell me, is it right for the daughter-in-law to manage the household instead of the mother-in-law? Your father is planning to humiliate me for the rest of my life!"

Xiao Yan: "..."

Xiao Ye suddenly leaned closer to the back of his head, "Third Brother, don't move. I think this bump has gotten bigger."

Xiao Yan, for once, wanted to thank his troublesome younger brother. He cooperatively wobbled, "I do feel a bit dizzy. Help me sit down inside quickly."

Xiao Shouyi took the opportunity to grab Madam He’s wrist and hurriedly left.

With Madam He’s wailing gone, the atmosphere in the hall lightened. Xiao Zhen examined Xiao Yan and nodded, "Good, no bleeding."

Tong Sui asked, "How's the injury?"

Xiao Ye replied, "Granduncle said it should be fine. He advised using cold compresses today and warm compresses tomorrow. He also prescribed some medicine. It’s best to wait until the swelling subsides before returning to duty."

Xiao Zhen asked, "Did you apply the medicine?"

Xiao Ye smiled, "No rush. Let’s handle the important matters first."

Xiao Yan didn't consider the swelling a major issue and didn't want to waste time on cold compresses or applying medicine, delaying his return home. Hearing Fourth Son bring up the important matter, he looked at his wife, then turned to the family patriarch and said, "Grandfather, let Ningfang take charge of the household. It's not that I'm being unfilial, but my mother really isn't cut out for it."

Xiao Mu replied, "Take that reasoning to console your mother later. You're her eldest son; your persuasion will be the most effective."

Xiao Yan glanced at his wife again, nodded, and thought, *If I have to persuade her, I will*, even if it meant getting scratched on the face by his mother.

Xiao Mu then turned to Lin Ningfang. "Ningfang, I know you don't care to compete with your mother-in-law, but for the peace of the family, we men can be at ease while serving outside. Are you willing to take on this thankless task for us?"

Since the third granddaughter-in-law had played her part in today's performance, it was appropriate for Xiao Mu to make this request, acknowledging her as the true mistress of the Xiao Family's ducal house.

Lin Ningfang bowed to the patriarch and said, "Your granddaughter-in-law is willing to share your worries."

She was currently the only person in the Xiao Family ducal line capable of capably managing the household. There was no need for further modesty or refusal.

She had come to regard the Xiao Family as a second home, and it was only right that she contribute her share of effort; thus, she should not decline.

Xiao Mu smiled. "Good, with your words, Grandfather can lay down another worry. You will handle the household affairs, and Second Son and Third Son, follow me to the palace."

——

JingShan Ward.

Lin Shou's face was swollen from the two slaps delivered by Xiao Yan, three of his teeth knocked out, and another loose, likely beyond saving.

Three of his sons were also injured—one had been hit in the stomach, another on the back, and the last on the buttocks. None of them could stand straight.

Tang Shi and her daughters-in-law were crying and worrying.

The eldest son of the Lin family, feeling resentful, said, "I was going to report to the authorities, but why did Second Brother stop me? Even if the Xiao family is favored by the emperor, Xiao San committed a crime by attacking us; even the emperor can't openly favor him!"

The second son of the Lin family said, "If we take this to the emperor, and he asks why we provoked Xiao San, how will you answer?"

The eldest son fell silent.

Tang Shi, feeling aggrieved, said, "So, we just accept this and return the house to Ningfang? Should we all crowd into the old residence in Zunxian Ward?"

The old residence in Zunxian Ward had only three sections, was cramped, and was twelve or thirteen li away from the palace, making it highly inconvenient for serving at court.

She blamed the old patriarch—he had insisted on maintaining high moral standards and forced his sons to do the same, resulting in the entire family being suppressed by Imperial Uncle Dou and unable to hold official positions.

Tang Shi felt wronged.

Lying on the bed, Lin Shou felt the pain in his face and the coldness in his heart. "We'll return it. When you're weaker, there's no choice."

He wasn't one of those officials who could steadfastly serve regardless of which emperor was in power. He had once been loyal to Imperial Uncle Dou, and the emperor surely had that recorded in his mind. If they insisted on keeping the house and the matter blew up, he might lose his official position.

"Master, Master, someone from the palace has arrived!"

The manager, looking alarmed, ran over, out of breath.

Lin Shou, startled, lifted his upper body. "What is it?"

The manager said, "I don't know. It's a eunuch waiting in the front courtyard to deliver an imperial command!"

In pain, Lin Shou had his two sons support him as they went to receive the imperial edict.

The eunuch brought a verbal edict, summoning Lin Shou, his wife, and their three sons for interrogation.

When the anxious family of five entered the palace, they saw the Xingping Emperor reviewing memorials, with Xiao Mu and Xiao Zhen standing to the side, and Xiao Yan... kneeling in the middle of the hall.

Lin Shou hurriedly knelt with his wife and sons, bowing their heads to the ground. “Your Majesty, I have committed crimes and deserve punishment!”

The Xingping Emperor looked up, gazing at Lin Shou’s lowered head. “What crimes have you committed?”

Lin Shou finally raised his head, revealing his cheeks swollen like buns.

The Xingping Emperor pursed his lips and glanced sideways at the still-kneeling Xiao Yan.

With regret and sorrow, Lin Shou said, “I have three crimes. The first is that, in my pursuit of fame and profit, I served a corrupt minister, dishonoring my ancestors' pure name. The second is that I disregarded my father’s warnings, becoming a rebel son and was expelled from my family. The third crime is that after my father’s death, I hastily sought to return to my ancestral family, but I angered my younger brother, forcing him to leave, which led to his family being killed by mountain bandits, meeting a violent end far from home!”

“I deserve to die ten thousand times over, please punish me, Your Majesty!”

The Xingping Emperor was silent for a moment before saying, “When corrupt ministers held power, you were blinded by fame and fortune, unwilling to leave the bureaucracy. Though you lost the integrity of Lin Xiang, it cannot be considered a crime. Lin Xiang expelling you from the family was the price you paid. After I ascended the throne, you took the lead in surrendering the ill-gotten wealth you had acquired, which shows remorse and reform. I am gratified.”

Lin Shou: “It was my duty, Your Majesty. Though I was confused in my early years, like the people of this world, I yearned for a wise ruler and could not remain deluded.”

Xiao Yan glared at him and snorted again.

The Xingping Emperor looked at Xiao Yan once more and frowned. “However, you have admitted that you did indeed force your brother, Lin Xu, to leave. His family was ambushed by mountain bandits on the journey, and only two of the dozen or so household members survived. Your brother was a leading scholar-official in Luoyang, but because of your actions, he died with his family, and now this matter has caused a great uproar in the city. Privately, you harmed your own kin; publicly, you are lacking in virtue. If I continue to employ you as the Ministry of Personnel’s Deputy Minister, how can I justify this to the scholar-officials of the world? How can I convince officials and common folk to trust and respect you?”

Tears and snot flowing, Lin Shou said, “I am guilty, Your Majesty. Please punish me!”

The Xingping Emperor said, “Out of consideration for your remorse and reform, I will assign you as a county magistrate. If you can improve the people’s livelihood and promote the way of filial piety and fraternal love, I will consider promoting you based on your performance evaluation.”

Lin Shou: “I kowtow to thank Your Majesty’s grace!”

The Xingping Emperor then looked at Xiao Yan, who was still glaring at Lin Shou, and hummed, “Xiao Yan, in broad daylight, you brazenly intruded into a civilian’s home and beat a court official. This is a crime punishable by exile. However, considering the circumstances, I will only punish you with forty cane strokes. Do you accept?”

Xiao Yan bowed his head. “I am guilty, Your Majesty. I am willing to accept the punishment.”

As he lowered his head, a noticeable bruise on the back of his head became visible.

The Xingping Emperor asked, “What happened to your head?”

Xiao Yan, not wanting to argue with a woman, said, “I accidentally bumped it.”

The Xingping Emperor glanced at the trembling Tang Shi and understood everything. He said, “A head injury is no small matter. Wait until the swelling goes down before receiving your punishment. I do not want the stigma of beating a valiant general to death with forty cane strokes.”

Xiao Mu and Xiao Zhen immediately knelt to thank the Emperor.

Lin Shou, with his head lowered, revealed a bitter smile.

The Xiao Family thanks the Emperor, but perhaps the Emperor should also thank the Xiao Family. Finally, he could legitimately assign the Ministry of Personnel’s Deputy Minister position, which had been occupied by Lin Shou, to a worthy official.