Chapter 026 The Dust Settles

Chapter 026 The Dust Settles

Wen Hui received not only the release document but also two thousand taels in silver notes and a small residence in the capital.

As for Lin Yingxue, she would no longer be recorded as Lin Yi's concubine-born daughter; instead, she would be registered under Wang Shi's name as the legitimate second miss of the Lin family. She would receive the same dowry as Lin Baozhen.

Lin Baozhen heard this verdict for the first time, her eyes turning red. If not for Old Lady Luo covering her mouth, she might have cried out.

After being pulled outside to an empty corner, Lin Baozhen angrily said to her grandmother:

"Why? How can she become Mother's legitimate daughter? In our Lin family, there is only one legitimate daughter, and that is me."

"And things from our Changqing Houfu, why should they go to her?"

Lin Yi had always been an official in the capital, earning little beyond his salary. The wealth of the Lin family was accumulated through Wang Shi's dowry, which is why Lin Baozhen made such a statement.

"My dear child," Old Lady Luo said sympathetically, "think about it, her mother is no longer a concubine, how can she be recorded as a concubine-born daughter? Registering her under your mother's name has already been decided. If you don't want to be sisters with her, it's simple: next month, both of you will marry and leave. After her husband passes the autumn examinations, we'll find a way to have him posted elsewhere, and then Lin Yingxue can follow him to his new post."

"As for the money, it's not much. Although the Lin family's prosperity started with your mother's dowry, the shops' success is due to your father's capable management. It's not like we're giving away our own money. As for Lin Yingxue's dowry, we'll simply reduce yours slightly, so hers will naturally be less."

Hearing this explanation, Lin Baozhen calmed down a bit, but still felt aggrieved, "Then I won't be able to have a grand wedding!"

Even though Old Lady Luo loved Lin Baozhen dearly, she was at a loss for words. Her young granddaughter marrying a man nearly forty was truly embarrassing. She didn't even want to attend the wedding if possible.

Seeing her grandmother's expression, Lin Baozhen felt hurt and said, "Grandmother, didn't I tell you it's a good match?"

Old Lady Luo didn't want to continue this topic. If she had known about this arrangement before the engagement, she would have stopped it. No matter how fortunate the marriage might be, it was too humiliating.

Lin Baozhen felt even more distressed, doubting her choice, "Grandmother..."

"Enough," Old Lady Luo comforted her, "we did this for your father. Later, when we go to apologize to His Majesty, the better our attitude, the more lenient the punishment. By the way, Wei Wuhou told me he will accompany your father to the palace."

For Old Lady Luo, the only benefit of having Wei Wuhou as a grandson-in-law was his support. Lin Yi's offense wasn't severe, and since he worked in the Ministry of Rites, it seemed more serious than it was.

With Wei Wuhou accompanying Lin Yi to apologize, the worst outcome would be a period of reflection, after which he would likely return to his position.

Lin Baozhen acknowledged this, glancing at the entrance of the government office. Wei Wuhou was walking with Lin Yi, clearly preparing to enter the palace to apologize.

/

When Wei Wuhou and Lin Yi came to apologize, Fu Bin was grinding ink for the emperor.

Emperor Chengde put down his brush and asked Lin Yi, "Have you signed the release document?"

Lin Yi knelt and bowed deeply, "Your subject has signed the release document, given Wen Shi two thousand taels in silver notes, and a residence. Your subject's daughter, Yingxue, will be recorded as a legitimate daughter and married to a scholar as his main wife next month, with a dowry equal to that of your subject's eldest daughter."

Emperor Chengde nodded, "A reasonable approach."

He then turned to Xie Yuan, "Why are you here, Minister Xie?"

Xie Yuan bowed, "Your Majesty, on the fifteenth of next month, I will marry the eldest daughter of Minister Lin. I am here to accompany Minister Lin to apologize."

Emperor Chengde thought they had met by chance, but it turned out they were going to be in-laws.

"This is unexpected," Emperor Chengde said.

Xie Yuan smiled, "As the saying goes, 'a virtuous lady attracts a gentleman.' I have some affinity with Miss Lin, so I boldly proposed marriage. This time, I'm here not just because she will be my mother-in-law, but because I believe Minister Lin acted with sincerity and kindness. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy."

Emperor Chengde showed interest, "Sincerity and kindness? The censors are watching Minister Lin closely. Explain your thoughts, Minister Xie."

Xie Yuan nodded and spoke calmly, "When Minister Lin saw Old Master Wen, he was near death. What else could he do but tell a kind lie? However, since Minister Lin works in the Ministry of Rites, this act became unacceptable. In reality, it's a minor issue."

To Emperor Chengde, it was indeed a minor issue. When he first ascended the throne, he had indulged in frivolity for a while. Now, older and wiser, he cared less about beauty.

Clearly, Lin Yi had only one beauty, and his infatuation had caused trouble. Refusing to release her even after causing a scandal was what led to this situation.

Emperor Chengde shook his head with a smile, "It's just a woman. Minister Lin should have released her earlier, rather than waiting until now, making a spectacle of himself."

Lin Yi looked ashamed, "Releasing her is simple, but she is alone without family. Your subject was worried about her. Now that things have come to this, she is willing to be released, regardless of your subject and her daughter. Your subject will let her go."

Fu Bin, holding a duster, looked at Lin Yi, surprised by his eloquent lies. If not for knowing Lin Yi's deception and coercion, one might think Wen Hui was unreasonable, even neglecting her own daughter.

"I see," Emperor Chengde nodded, "though your intentions were good, it caused misunderstandings. I must punish you. Reflect for three months, forfeit half a year's salary, and transfer from the Ministry of Rites to the Board of Reception."

From a third-rank position in the Ministry of Rites to a fourth-rank position in the Board of Reception.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lin Yi bowed to accept the decree.

Both Lin Yi and Xie Yuan found the outcome surprisingly smooth, and Lin Yi glanced at Fu Bin.

Fu Bin maintained his composure, having achieved his goal of getting Lin Yi to release Wen Hui, and chose not to say more.

After receiving the imperial decree, Lin Yi bowed to Xie Yuan outside the palace gates.

Xie Yuan's words played a significant role in the favorable outcome. He genuinely believed it was a minor matter, leading the emperor to be lenient.

Upon returning home, everyone in the Lin household awaited him, including Lin Yingxue.

Her birth mother Wen Hui was released, and although she was now a legitimate daughter, standing in the Lin household felt awkward.

Lin Yi explained his punishment, and Wang Shi recited a Buddhist prayer.

Lin Yi added, "Thanks to Lord Hou Xie."

Lin Baozhen smiled and said to Lin Yingxue, "Second sister, do you think this punishment is too light?"

Lin Yingxue lowered her head, "Yingxue dare not think so. It's good that Father is safe."

Lin Yi looked at Lin Yingxue, making her palms sweat, then said, "Stay in the courtyard and prepare for your marriage. Don't come out unless necessary."

"You don't need to bow to me," Mrs. Wang said. "Go back now."

Lin Baozhen said irritably, "Just looking at her is bad luck."

As Lin Yingxue left, the true family of three remained in the original hall. Lin Yingxue walked down the long corridor with light steps.

Her mother had already left, and she only needed to endure a short while longer before she could leave as well.

It was just a pity that she would be confined to her quarters until her marriage, and Fu Jiaze would go to participate in the autumn exams. She was destined not to be able to see him off.