Chapter 003 Licking Dog

Chapter 003 Licking Dog

Though Wen Hui's residence was small, it was quite special within the Lin Manor, with a side door that opened directly to the outer gate, just a few steps away from Lin Yi's study.

Lin Yi had been hoping that Wen Hui would come to him on her own. He had waited for over a decade, and finally, this day had arrived. Lin Yi even wondered if he should have been more harsh towards Lin Yingxue from the beginning—would Wen Hui have come to him sooner then?

This thought vanished quickly. Wen Hui held too much weight in his heart for him to risk anything.

Now that Wen Hui was willing to come to him, it was good enough.

When the food arrived, Lin Yi frequently placed dishes Wen Hui liked on her plate. After all, they had once shared sweet times together, and Lin Yi knew her preferences well.

Wen Hui looked at the food placed in her bowl, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. These dishes did not evoke any tenderness; instead, they triggered a nauseating feeling in her chest. To dispel this sensation, she chose to look up at her daughter sitting across from her.

Unconsciously, her once soft and cuddly daughter had grown into a graceful young lady. Without participating in various flower banquets, she was already captivating enough to catch the eye of the Xie family's young master on their first meeting. With her daughter's marriage approaching, Wen Hui decided it was time to stop turning a blind eye to Lin Yingxue's affairs and start planning more for her daughter.

Wen Hui scooped a spoonful of almond tofu and placed it in Lin Yingxue's bowl.

Lin Yingxue looked at the tender almond tofu and softly thanked her, "Thank you, Aunt."

"You can call me Mother in private," Lin Yi said.

"No need," Wen Hui shook her head, her expression indifferent. "I am an aunt, and it is right for Yingxue to call me so."

Lin Yi unconsciously tightened his grip on the chopsticks, then loosened them, switching to a spoon. He stiffly scooped a spoonful for his beloved, "Hui, you also like this almond tofu."

The tofu melted in her mouth, the almonds thinly sliced and marinated with honey, leaving no bitterness. Wen Hui took a small bite, "It tastes good."

She truly had no appetite and put down the spoon, turning to her daughter, "Yingxue, since your father is here, why don't you tell him about your interactions with the Xie family's young master?"

Lin Yingxue had long wanted to explain this matter. However, with the Ministry of Rites being busy, her father returned late, and her stepmother and stepsister never gave her a chance to speak. Now, Lin Yingxue said, "Father, I have never met the Xie family's young master before, nor have I ever thought of competing with my stepsister."

Lin Yi smiled gently, addressing Wen Hui, "Yingxue's temperament is like yours. I know this without needing an explanation. You don't need to worry about the Xie family's young master either. Since Baozhen is getting married soon, she will gradually forget about him after the engagement."

Lin Yingxue's eyes darkened. Her stepmother clearly believed in Baozhen's prophetic dreams and would likely spread rumors that Baozhen was not a suitable match for Fu Jiaze.

Baozhen had no current marriage arrangement and would undoubtedly resent this situation, which might...

Wen Hui noticed Lin Yingxue's expression. The spoon in her hand fell with a clatter, and her face turned grim, "Do you still want to marry the Xie family's young master?"

Wen Hui coughed a couple of times due to her anxiety.

Lin Yingxue realized she had lost focus and hurriedly said, "Aunt, I swear to heaven that I have no interest in the Xie family's young master. If I were to be with him, wouldn't it become a laughingstock, two women fighting over one man? I would never do such a thing."

Wen Hui's expression eased slightly, and Lin Yi patted her back until she stopped coughing. Then he said, "Yingxue inherited your beauty and my intellect. If the Xie family's young master is willing to make her his wife, I would agree."

Seeing both mother and daughter looking at him, Lin Yi continued slowly, "The Xie family's young master is a fine gentleman. If Yingxue could be his wife, it would be a beautiful match. As for others gossiping about two women fighting over him, we shouldn't care. As long as Yingxue is happy, that is what matters most, isn't it?"

Lin Yi spoke of Xie Jingzhi and Lin Yingxue but thought of himself and Wen Hui. His heart belonged only to Wen Hui. If she could disregard others' opinions and willingly be his concubine again, it would be perfect.

Lin Yingxue always felt that love at first sight was merely lust. Since the Xie family's young master had behaved improperly that day, he must be a lecherous person. Additionally, he had abandoned the marriage discussion, indicating a lack of responsibility. Such a lecherous and irresponsible person was beneath her, even as a concubine.

"I do not wish to."

Lin Yingxue shook her head, refusing. This made Lin Yi momentarily dazed, as if he saw the young Wen Hui rejecting him again.

Lin Yi could forgive Wen Hui, but Lin Yingxue was just his daughter.

Lin Yi put down his chopsticks and said earnestly, "Marriage is decided by parents and matchmakers. Your marriage is determined by me and your stepmother."

Hearing Lin Yi's words, Wen Hui's eyes showed a hint of pain. She could prevent her daughter from becoming a mistress, but could only ensure she remained a concubine. Even her marriage was beyond her control.

After speaking, Lin Yi saw Wen Hui's gaze and regretted his words. He quickly added, "Of course, Hui, you mentioned that regardless of social status, you want her to be a wife. I will absolutely honor that. If there is someone you approve of, it will be your decision."

Wen Hui turned her head to watch the flickering candlelight, then said to Lin Yingxue, "You must be tired. Go rest in your room. Lord..."

Lin Yi held his breath, waiting for Wen Hui's next words.

Wen Hui lowered her eyes, "Lord, if it's convenient..."

"Convenient, convenient," Lin Yi hastily replied, "Hui..."

Lin Yingxue found it awkward to stay and hurriedly excused herself.

Back in her room, Lin Yingxue sought out Old Nurse Ou, "I used to think that although Father only has my mother as a concubine, he doesn't really care for her. Tonight, what I saw seems different. Can you tell me why, Old Nurse Ou?"

/

In the past, Lin Yingxue had never asked about her parents' past. Wen Hui always remained distant, eating vegetarian meals and praying, seemingly uninterested in worldly affairs. When Father visited Aunt Wen, he focused only on her daily life and studies.

Lin Yingxue always felt that Lin Yi did not love her birth mother, but tonight's events shattered her understanding.

Every move of her mother affected her father deeply, and he was clearly trying to please her!

Old Nurse Ou sighed, "If possible, Lord would rather die by Hui's hand than let her harm herself."

Lin Yingxue was stunned.

Old Nurse Ou's wrinkled hands caressed the girl's soft hair, smiling, "Are you surprised? You never asked, and your mother didn't want to talk about it, so I never told you these old stories. Seeing how your mother looks now, she might be ready to let go. Let me tell you."

Old Nurse Ou prepared for a long conversation, and Lin Yingxue sat attentively.

"Hui's father was a teacher at a private school..." Old Nurse Ou began recounting the past, and Lin Yingxue was shocked to learn that her father had deceived her mother into becoming a mistress, eventually bringing her into the Lin Manor as a concubine when he could no longer hide the truth.

Knowing the truth, Lin Yingxue found it hard to call Lin Yi "father," "How could he do that? Isn't he supposed to uphold the principles of a gentleman? He even works in the Ministry of Rites!"

Old Nurse Ou recalled the scene where Wen Hui fiercely stabbed Lin Yi with scissors, and he comforted her, not caring about his wounds but worried about her hurting herself.

"Lord says he loves Hui and cannot let her leave him..." Old Nurse Ou shook her head, "I am old and don't understand these things. I don't know why Lord did this."

Auntie Ou saw that Lin Yingxue was still pondering and pinched her earlobe gently before changing the subject. "Don't blame your mother; she's also suffering. You must understand that when the Wen family was still around, Wen Hui was taught from a young age to wish for one true love, to grow old together. She never imagined herself becoming someone's concubine."

"I understand," Lin Yingxue thought. No wonder Wen Hui never let her call her 'mother' but only 'Aunt Wen,' probably using this title to remind her of her status as a concubine.

Lin Yingxue only called Auntie Ou 'mother' in private.

"It's getting late," said Auntie Ou. "You should wash up and rest early."

/

At this time, lanterns were also hung in the main courtyard of the Lin residence, and Wang's room was brightly lit by candlelight.

The octagonal glass lamp reflected brilliant light, making the entire room as bright as day due to the many candles.

Wang's room was opulent, with the trinkets on the treasure shelves catching the eye.

These were all part of the dowry prepared by the Changqing Marquis Manor for Wang.

As she removed her earrings, Wang looked at herself in the mirror.

This mirror was brought from a foreign land, a rare glass mirror instead of a bronze one, clearly reflecting her face.

She carefully plucked out a white hair, had a maid cut it close to the root, and placed it in a sandalwood box adorned with butterflies.

With a creak, the door opened.

Someone hurried in.

Wang turned around and complained to Auntie Qian, "Look, another white hair. I'm really worried sick about Baozhen."

Auntie Qian glanced at the box of white hairs and waved her hand dismissively.

The other maids retreated.

Once they were gone, Wang's expression turned serious. "What is it? Is there any trouble spreading news about Fu Jiaze? Or did the Marquis Manor say something?"

"No, no," Auntie Qian shook her head, her eyes filled with anger, forcing herself to lower her voice.

"Wen Hui sent for Master herself. He just came out of the Ministry of Rites and rushed straight into her courtyard without a care!"

Upon hearing it involved Wen Hui, Wang relaxed and waved her hand dismissively. "Auntie Qian, don't worry so much. What's the big deal?"

Auntie Qian slapped her thigh. "That little vixen has started seducing him. Isn't that a big deal?"

Wang chuckled. "Her daughter is of marriageable age now. How can she still be a little vixen? She's an old vixen. Look at the white hairs in my box; even I am getting old."

Auntie Qian hesitated. If Wang stood next to Wen Hui, everyone's gaze would be drawn to Wen Hui. Her beauty was truly captivating, and more importantly, even now, Wen Hui looked like she was barely in her twenties, stunningly beautiful.

Seeing Auntie Qian's expression, Wang's smile faded slightly.

"Alright, Auntie Qian, what's the big deal if Master went to her place? He always pretends to check on the second girl and ends up being snubbed. Now that Wen Hui beckons, he acts like a lapdog wagging its tail."

Wang laughed at her own analogy. "Lin Yi is just Wen Hui's dog."

When her husband wanted to bring Wen Hui into the household, Wang was both shocked and furious. She was wary of Wen Hui for a long time. Later, upon learning about Wen Hui and Lin Yi's incident, where Wen Hui stabbed Lin Yi several times with scissors, Wang felt a subtle sympathy for Wen Hui. Seeing how Wen Hui treated Lin Yi coldly over the years, she found some schadenfreude in his predicament.

No matter how much Lin Yi groveled before Wen Hui, she still ignored him. Now, just because she showed a bit of warmth for her daughter, the dog was ecstatic.

Wang spat, feeling a sense of relief.

"One thing suppresses another. Lin Yi is nothing to Wen Hui."

Auntie Qian said, "Before, Wen Hui kept quiet, but now she's seeking Master out. We need to be cautious."

"Why now after so many years?" Wang tapped her fingers on the dressing table. "Isn't it for her daughter? Baozhen has been tormenting the second girl too much, making Wen Hui protective. Even if she's slightly warmer now, it doesn't mean much. Forget her; I'm more concerned about Baozhen."

Thinking of Lin Yingxue, Wang couldn't help but recall Baozhen's prophetic dream. When she asked her daughter if Wen Hui was dead, she received a nod.

Indeed...

If Wen Hui hadn't died, given how strongly she opposed being a concubine, how could she have allowed her daughter to follow the same path?

Unfortunately, she couldn't see what Lin Yi would be like without Wen Hui.

But since in her daughter's dream Wen Hui died, she just needed to wait and see how Wen Hui would die.

Thinking this, Wang's lips curved into a faint smile.

Auntie Qian said, "Madam, the eldest lady is mature now. Didn't we plan to make the second lady copy Buddhist scriptures in her room? But then we let her go back?"

Wang nodded. "I'm sure. Please run this errand again. Spread the news quickly so that Fu Jiaze will back off."

After receiving Wang's confirmation, the Changqing Marquis Manor, though puzzled, agreed to spread the news early the next morning.

/

The next morning

As golden light crept across the sky, illuminating the palace's glazed tiles, they shimmered like a sea of light.

As the sun rose, a green-curtained carriage stopped at a corner gate of the majestic palace.

After waiting for about fifteen minutes, the gate opened, and a figure emerged.

The leading eunuch greeted the carriage and bowed to the person coming out. "Eunuch Fu."

The man was tall and slender, dressed in eunuch's robes, with a fair, beardless face and a striking presence. This was Eunuch Fu Bin, the chief eunuch of the palace.

Fu Bin yawned lazily, resting his cheek on his hand as soon as he got into the carriage, clearly exhausted.

The attendant who greeted him wanted to say something but saw that he was already asleep and swallowed his words, waving for the green-curtained carriage to quietly head to Fu Bin's private residence outside the palace.

Fu Bin was the emperor's right-hand man, and even ministers would fawn over him, calling him "Eunuch Fu." Those who sought favor would do anything to please him.

This carriage appeared understated but was luxuriously appointed inside, entirely crafted from expensive agarwood, imbuing the interior with a faint fragrance. The floor was lined with premium snow fox fur, pristine white without a single blemish, and Fu Bin's black boots left footprints on it as he stepped in.

Upon entering the private residence, Fu Bin did not need to disembark; the main gate was removed, allowing the carriage to proceed all the way into the inner courtyard. He was then carried into the room, where maids quickly removed his boots and changed his clothes, tucking him into a bed that had already been warmed.

Fu Bin, already half-asleep, rubbed against the tussah silk pillow and drifted deeper into slumber.

After settling Fu Bin, the eunuch who had greeted him entered the adjacent room and looked apologetically at the person inside. "Young Master Fu, my lord fell asleep immediately after leaving, so I didn't have time to inform him of your arrival."

The person in this side room was Fu Jiaze. Compared to ordinary scholars, his build was more robust, giving his azure robe an especially dignified appearance. With his sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, thin lips, and straight nose, his handsome features made him stand out in any crowd.

He wore a simple azure round-collar robe, revealing a snowy white undergarment. The fabric of the undergarment might seem unremarkable, but those in the know would recognize it as tussah silk, exorbitantly priced.

"No problem," Fu Jiaze said with a smile. "Uncle must be tired. I'll just wait here."

If anyone else were present, they would be shocked by Fu Jiaze calling Fu Bin "uncle." This title alone would make both the Changqing Marquisate and the Lin family reconsider their plans to smear Fu Jiaze and break off the engagement.

"Is there anything you need? I can arrange it for you."

Fu Jiaze knew Huang Cai was busy and shook his head. "Go about your business. Just send a maid to brew me some tea. I want to read and wait for Uncle to wake up."

"My lord prepared a study for you earlier. Shall I show you to it?"

When Fu Jiaze saw the study, he was speechless for a long moment.

The first thing he noticed was a wild cursive script by the "Grass Saint." The screen displayed the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" by the "Painting Saint," embedded with pure, flawless glass. The multi-treasure shelf held items such as a telescope from foreign lands, miniature landscapes carved by Li Daqian, and lifelike nut carvings.

The bookshelves were filled with rare treasures and unique editions. A blue-and-white porcelain vase stood nearby. Fu Jiaze casually pulled out a painting, which was worth a fortune.

The entire study was filled with priceless objects that even a well-read chancellor would covet.

It was a waste to give such a place to an ordinary scholar.

Huang Cai, perceptive of Fu Jiaze's thoughts, smiled and said, "Young Master Fu, these are all my lord's intentions. He has been preparing this study for a long time. He said that since you are preparing for the autumn examinations, you should cherish the present time. If you come here, everything in the study is at your disposal."

Fu Jiaze looked up at the books on the shelves and finally said, "Then I will read here."

Huang Cai gestured, and a quiet maid bowed to Fu Jiaze, serving him ink and brush.

When Fu Bin woke up, it was nearly noon. Upon hearing that Fu Jiaze had arrived, he kicked Huang Cai in the knee, his voice rising in anger. "Jiaze came, and you didn't tell me right away."

The eunuch named Huang Cai immediately knelt down. "My lord, please calm down. Young Master Fu is in the study you prepared, using everything you instructed me to prepare."

Fu Bin shook his head urgently. "Fool! Next time, I'll skin you alive."

Now that Fu Jiaze's marriage was almost settled, he needed to focus on preparing for the examinations. He had previously stated he would not visit again. Fu Jiaze's sudden appearance must mean something significant.

Unable to guess what it could be, Fu Bin grew increasingly anxious. He snatched a hot towel from a maid, wiped his face hastily, threw the towel back into the copper basin, and walked out.

"My lord," the maids exclaimed, "you haven't dressed properly yet."

Fu Bin moved swiftly, tying his sash as he walked to the study. The window was open, and Fu Jiaze was half-closing his eyes, muttering softly. Seeing Fu Bin, he closed the book and stood up. "Uncle."

Fu Bin smiled at the title. "It's all because of that fool Huang Cai. I wasn't tired at all. Even if the sky falls, I'd still open my eyes when you're here."

Seeing Fu Bin wearing only wooden sandals, Fu Jiaze realized how urgent his uncle's arrival had been and chuckled. "Uncle, no need to rush."

Just as they began talking, Huang Cai reported that Fu Bin's godson, current commander of the Jinyiwei, Qin Yuanting, had arrived.

"Let him wait," Fu Bin said without hesitation.

Fu Jiaze interjected, "Commander Qin might have come for important matters. Perhaps Uncle should speak with him first."

"Then bring him to the study."

Qin Yuanting soon appeared before them.

He wore a black gauze hat, black boots, and a crimson robe embroidered with lifelike flying fish, dragon heads, and four claws, its mouth slightly open, looking fierce and majestic. His waist was cinched with a belt, and he carried a spring sword. This exceptionally handsome Jinyiwei commander bowed respectfully to Fu Bin.

If Lin Yingxue and Lin Baozhen were present, they would recognize him as the Jinyiwei officer they encountered during their perilous encounter while praying in the mountains, when Fu Jiaze was walking beside him.

Qin Yuanting, originally an orphan, had been taken in by Fu Bin's kindness. Since then, he had become inseparable from Fu Bin, who later adopted him as his godson and placed him in the Jinyiwei, making him a loyal instrument in Fu Bin's hands.

After asking Qin Yuanting to rise, Fu Bin asked, "Why are you here?"

"I learned something important and thought it best to discuss it privately with Father..."

Fu Bin looked at Qin Yuanting, about to say something, but suddenly changed his expression, gritted his teeth, and then nodded at Qin Yuanting, turning to Fu Jiaze. "Jiaze, I'll go ahead with Yuanting. Focus on your studies and prepare for the autumn examinations. If there's anything lacking in the study, let Huang Cai know later."

As Fu Bin was about to leave, Fu Jiaze stepped forward and smiled. "No need for that. I suspect Commander Qin's purpose for coming here is the same as mine: regarding the daughter of Minister of Rites Lin Yi—Lin Baozhen."