Chapter 041 Lin Yi’s Malice

Chapter 041 Lin Yi's Malice

The group entered the main hall of the courtyard, and Lin Yi first inquired about Lin Baozhen's situation.

Lin Baozhen spoke eloquently, recounting the people she had seen at Wei Wuhou's residence, demonstrating Old Lady Ma's regard for her. She showed everyone the bracelet on her wrist and mentioned that Xie Jingzhi called her his stepmother, to which she also gave him something as his mother.

Wang Shi felt a sudden pang upon hearing Xie Jingzhi's name.

After Lin Baozhen finished speaking, Lin Yi asked Lin Yingxue how she was doing. Compared to Lin Baozhen's lengthy explanation, Lin Yingxue simply said, "Daughter is well."

Once Lin Yi finished asking Lin Yingxue, Wang Shi said, "Baozhen, come with me; I have some questions I want to ask you."

Wang Shi took her daughter to a side room.

Alone with her daughter, Wang Shi immediately asked, "What did you give Lord Xie?"

"It's a face ointment," Lin Baozhen complained. "Why did Lord Marquis use so much force? He hit the prince so hard that his face swelled up, making it impossible for him to show himself."

Xie Jingzhi could not attend her wedding banquet due to the swelling on his face. The next day, Lin Baozhen clearly saw many people casting glances at Xie Jingzhi, seemingly mocking him, while he looked dejected.

Thinking of Xie Jingzhi then, Lin Baozhen couldn't help but sigh. Perhaps she had completely changed his fate. Xie Jingzhi was supposed to excel in the autumn examination and shine in the spring examination next year, taking Lin Yingxue as a concubine. Now, because she married Xie Yuan, things had changed, and Lin Yingxue was with Fu Jiaze.

Wang Shi was both angry and anxious, pulling Lin Baozhen's ear.

"If you wanted to marry Wei Wuhou, who is around my age, I could accept it since you were attracted to his future prospects. But why do you still have feelings for Xie Jingzhi? This will only make your position in the marquisate awkward."

Lin Baozhen felt humiliated and jumped up.

"Mother, what are you saying? What do you mean by having feelings? I don't! Xie Jingzhi is now my stepson! We have a mother-son relationship."

"Really?" Wang Shi looked skeptical.

Lin Baozhen's tone was agitated. "I am Xie Jingzhi's mother. How can you accuse me like this? I gave him the ointment out of concern for my stepson."

Lin Baozhen's reaction was too strong, and Wang Shi realized that even if her daughter had any lingering thoughts for Xie Jingzhi, she was now his stepmother in name, so there wouldn't be any issues. She sighed with relief.

"That's good. Why are you so agitated?"

Lin Baozhen continued to act stubbornly, raising her eyebrows.

"Mother, you're thinking too negatively. I am the mother of the prince! As a mother, I naturally care more for my children."

Wang Shi thought about Xie Jingzhi going to the academy, one inside the inner courtyard and the other outside, so they wouldn't interact much.

"Good, good. You should be a good mother. Lord Marquis is older, so it's better for you to have your own baby sooner."

Thinking about the past two days of marital duties, Lin Baozhen's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling. Since Lord Marquis practiced martial arts, he was much stronger than the scholar in her dreams.

Lin Baozhen whispered, "We'll have a baby eventually."

Seeing Lin Baozhen's appearance, Wang Shi understood and felt embarrassed. She gently pushed her daughter's hand and said:

"You and Lord Marquis are getting along well, right? Lord Marquis said he would get you a jade tablet and an imperial title. Are you happy about that?"

Lin Baozhen beamed, "Lord Marquis promised me that from the beginning. After today, we'll go to Tenglong Pavilion to reserve a spot. When Lin Yingxue sees this, she'll be envious. If she waits for Fu Jiaze to get her an imperial title, she might end up a widow before getting it!"

Wang Shi also relaxed, agreeing with her daughter. She said, "Indeed, you don't need to worry about Lin Yingxue. Her life won't compare to yours. You said Fu Jiaze is just a short-lived ghost."

Wang Shi hugged her daughter and chatted about other things.

Meanwhile, Lin Baozhen acted childishly with her mother.

/

At this moment, Wang Shi was talking to her daughter, while Lin Yi was conversing with Fu Jiaze and Xie Yuan.

Lin Yi initially tried to talk more with Xie Yuan, but they were different types of officials: one a civil servant, the other a military general. Although they served in the same court, Lin Yi held a nominal position, while Wei Wuhou wielded significant power. With their similar ages, Lin Yi found it difficult to assert himself as a father-in-law, leaving little to discuss.

With Fu Jiaze, however, Lin Yi could adopt a mentor-like attitude. He learned from Fu Jiaze that he had the opportunity to join the Imperial Academy.

Upon hearing this news, Lin Yi felt both envy and jealousy. Without participating in the metropolitan examination, Fu Jiaze already had the chance to meet the emperor and influence his writing. Without even taking part in the spring examination, he could enter the Imperial Academy, ensuring a brighter future than Lin Yi's.

If Lin Yi had such opportunities back then, he wouldn't have needed to marry the illiterate Wang Shi, and Wen Hui wouldn't have left in anger.

Lin Yi said earnestly, "I once worked in the Imperial Academy for a while. While you should focus on the imperial examinations, you should still read more books. You may not have such chances again."

Fu Jiaze replied, "Father-in-law is right."

Lin Yi continued, "Your article in front of the emperor and empress was excellent, but you mustn't be complacent. Winning the autumn examination is only a local achievement. Next year's spring examination will gather the best scholars nationwide. It's uncertain what will happen then."

Xie Yuan crossed his legs and added, "Although I don't understand why this grace came so late, you must cherish it. As your father-in-law said, be humble and listen more than you speak in the Imperial Academy. You don't hold an official position yet, so keep a low profile."

Fu Jiaze understood why he had the opportunity to enter the Imperial Academy and didn't want to elaborate further. He simply said, "Lord Marquis is right."

Fu Jiaze didn't enjoy being lectured by Lin Yi or Wei Wuhou, but he didn't argue, merely agreeing quietly.

Lin Yi, preoccupied with thoughts of Lin Yingxue, sought to leave and encouraged Xie Yuan to talk more with Fu Jiaze. Finding a suitable moment, he left the room.

/

Lin Yingxue was sitting in the garden of the Lin residence. With Wang Shi and Lin Baozhen talking and her father conversing with the marquis and Fu Jiaze, she sat on a swing in the garden.

Before marriage, she rarely stayed in the garden. Now, returning to the Lin residence as a guest, she realized the Lin residence wasn't as large as she remembered.

Perhaps in the past, confined to a smaller courtyard, she thought the entire Lin residence was vast. Leaving the Lin family and looking back, she saw it as a small place.

While Lin Yi was chatting with Xie Yuan and Fu Jiaze, he walked along the corridor to the garden.

From here, he could see Lin Yingxue's feet swinging gently as the swing moved back and forth. In her new marriage attire, she wore a crimson silk robe with golden peonies shimmering in the light. Her hairpin, a gold phoenix adorned with tiny red gemstones, swayed delicately.

For some reason, Lin Yingxue's eyes curved slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

Seeing Lin Yingxue today, Lin Yi knew she was doing well. Watching her now, the suppressed longing for Wen Hui surged within him. If Lin Yingxue was doing well, how was Wen Hui?

This swing was installed when Wang complained that it was too high for children.

Indeed, the swing is too high for children, but it was actually left by Lin Yi for Wen Hui. When he and Wen Hui lived as a couple outside, their residence had a similar swing.

Unfortunately, Wen Hui never got to sit on this swing before she left the Lin household.

Now, watching Lin Yingxue on the swing, one couldn't help but think of these old memories.

"Sir," Fei Yan and Ye Zi noticed Lin Yi first and hurried over to greet him. Lin Yingxue tried to stand up, but Lin Yi quickly walked over and pressed her shoulders down, "Stay seated."

Lin Yingxue had no choice but to sit back down on the swing.

Lin Yi looked at Lin Yingxue, as if seeing through her to Wen Hui: "Are you doing well?"

Lin Yingxue lowered her head, "Yes."

"You're already married. Your husband's family situation is both simple and complex. You should take responsibility, especially since your mother-in-law is still in a lawsuit." Lin Yi said, "If your mother-in-law loses the case, have you thought about what to do?"

Lin Yingxue frowned slightly, "How could my mother-in-law lose the case?"

"How can a woman manage such a large estate?" Lin Yi said dismissively, then suddenly realized something and added, "You're right; her brother is Fu Bin. How could she lose the case?"

Lin Yingxue disliked this tone, which seemed to imply that Fu Heng's abilities came from Fu Bin: "It has nothing to do with Uncle. My mother-in-law did not embezzle anyone's property; she earned her estate herself. She always carries those documents with her, but now they need to be verified in her hometown."

Lin Yi looked at Lin Yingxue for a while, not wanting to discuss this further, so he said, "Whatever you say."

Lin Yi's attitude made Lin Yingxue not want to speak either, as she couldn't change his mind, "When the case is resolved, we'll know."

"This is the first time you've sat on this swing, isn't it?" Lin Yi licked his lips; the previous conversation was just to lead into this.

Lin Yingxue responded, "Yes."

"You've been unusually quiet today. Is it because of your mother taking a concubine? You've grown distant from me, but I remember how chatty you were as a child."

Lin Yingxue said, "I was indeed lively as a child, but I've become quieter over the years. Today, I feel distant because I've done something unfilial. I feel guilty and find it hard to face Father."

Lin Yi asked abruptly, "Guilty but not regretful?"

Lin Yingxue didn't respond, and Lin Yi knew he had hit the mark.

Lin Yi stroked the swing and said to Lin Yingxue, "Your stepmother and sister thought this swing was for them, but it was actually for your mother. Seeing you on the swing reminds me of her."

Lin Yingxue remained silent, unwilling to talk much about her mother with her father after she was released as a concubine.

Lin Yi continued, "How is your mother doing?"

Lin Yingxue replied succinctly, "Very well."

Lin Yi looked at Lin Yingxue and said, "I don't believe you. An ancient poem says, 'Life in Chang'an is not easy.' Living under the emperor's gaze is not simple. A falling brick could hit someone important. Your mother is beautiful and without a man beside her, naturally attracting others' covetous eyes."

"Everyone knows my mother is associated with the Jinyiwei," Lin Yingxue said, "Things are relatively peaceful for her."

Lin Yi persisted, "The Jinyiwei can't protect her forever. After all, thieves who plot are more dangerous than those who steal."

Lin Yi rambled on, implying that it wasn't easy for a woman, and he couldn't provide much help, suggesting that Lin Yingxue should look after her mother more, "If your mother has any requests, you can send word to me."

Lin Yingxue was distracted, letting Lin Yi's words go in one ear and out the other, finally saying, "I will take care of Mother."

Lin Yi scolded, "Yingxue, look at me and speak!"

The tassels of her hairpin moved slightly as Lin Yingxue raised her head and said earnestly, "Mother doesn't want me to mention her to you. Now that she has been released as a concubine, we can let the past fade away. Father, there's no need to ask more. I will take care of Mother."

Lin Yingxue's eyes resembled Wen Hui's, but lacked her warmth. Her eyes were gentle yet firm, refusing him on Wen Hui's behalf.

Lin Yi, already harboring anger towards Lin Yingxue, sneered, "How will you take care of her? With the few hundred taels of dowry I gave you or with the Fu family's money? Yingxue, who told you that the past can be forgotten? Have you forgotten that I taught you to read and write? You are truly selfish and heartless."

"Yingxue, do you think you can rely on your husband? How long have you known him compared to me? You don't trust me but trust your newlywed husband instead. No wonder people say that a married daughter is like water spilled out. Even before marriage, you've already turned against me."

"Treating you well is worse than treating a dog. At least a dog would wag its tail. You would bite back. I didn't interfere with your marriage, but you and Fu Jiaze must have had something going on before. I won't say anything, but I know!"

Lin Yingxue hadn't expected Fu Heng to predict these words. Yesterday, Fu Heng had privately told her what Lin Yi might say. Now, Lin Yingxue understood why Fu Jiaze could observe so keenly; Fu Heng was like that.

Though prepared mentally, hearing her once-trusted father say such things, Lin Yingxue's face paled, and her eyes welled up. She held back her tears, reminding herself not to care about Lin Yi's words. He had wronged her grandfather and harmed her mother for years.

At that moment, deliberate footsteps approached, and Fu Jiaze appeared.

He quickly walked over, subtly blocking Lin Yingxue from view, and bowed to Lin Yi, "Father-in-law, I wanted to discuss some articles with you before leaving the Lin household. I didn't expect to find you here."

Lin Yi said, "I have more to say to Yingxue."

"Do you want to ask how Yingxue is doing?" Fu Jiaze smiled, "Yingxue is doing very well. Please rest assured, Father-in-law. My mother likes her very much, as does my uncle. The hairpin Yingxue is wearing was a gift from my uncle."

Lin Yi swallowed his rebuke, knowing Fu Jiaze was Fu Bin's nephew and that Lin Yingxue was newly married and favored by him.

Lin Yi looked deeply at Fu Jiaze, "Fine, let's discuss the articles in the study."

Fu Jiaze didn't say anything to Lin Yingxue but slipped a sachet into her hand.

As Lin Yi stepped onto the corridor, he stood by a pillar and called, "Yingxue."

Lin Yingxue looked up.

Lin Yi saw her calm expression and the sachet Fu Jiaze had given her, and his malice surged, "Remember, no flower blooms forever. How do you know that others won't treat you coldly someday? Remember, cause and effect will come back to haunt you. Perhaps even your closest ones will betray you."

Lin Yi then smiled at Fu Jiaze, "Although I didn't attend the wedding, I'm sure the Fu household was filled with guests. If you had married later, many would envy me for finding such a son-in-law. But you, Jiaze, are well-learned. If you had married later, many would consider you an excellent match. However, marrying Yingxue is a blessing for the Fu family. My mother taught me to cherish one person for life. If I disobey her teachings, may I be struck by lightning."

"As for the matter of retribution that my father-in-law mentioned, I agree with it in my heart. My wife is virtuous and has never done anything to harm her conscience. If she receives anything, it must be a blessing. I will strive to earn an imperial commendation early on, not to disappoint her when she married me."

Lin Yi, being met with such a firm yet polite response, merely smiled and said, "Let's see how things unfold. Back then, I also said something similar to Hui. Sometimes, it's not just about what you say but also about what you do."

Fu Jiaze smiled and said, "Just as Father-in-law said, let's see how things unfold."

After the two men left, Lin Yingxue looked at the sachet in her hand.

Fei Yan spoke up, "This was prepared by the son-in-law. He said Miss can smell it."

Inside were various fragrances, mainly a refreshing mint scent. As soon as Lin Yingxue smelled it, tears welled up, and she could no longer hold back the tears that had been building up. She whispered, "Such a capricious sachet," her voice tinged with a sob.

"The son-in-law said it's to invigorate the senses, but it might sting the eyes a bit."

Ye Zi said, "Miss should use it if she needs to refresh herself. With a little side effect, it's fine."

Fei Yan nodded.

Both the mistress and servant knew why Lin Yingxue was crying and tactfully went along with Fu Jiaze's intention.

Lin Yingxue laughed through her tears, sniffing the sachet again, which made her eyes even more watery. She murmured, "Even though it's meant to invigorate, this fragrance is a bit too strong."

The sachet had a peculiar effect: Lin Yingxue used it to release the tears already welling in her eyes. After a good cry, she washed her face with cold water, and her eyes were not red, only more lustrous, like shimmering pools.

/

This lunch was eaten at the Lin residence. After the meal, Lin Baozhen said, "We'll go reserve a spot at Tenglong Pavilion later. On the evening of October 30th, please don't miss the appointment, sister and brother-in-law."

Lin Yingxue raised her eyes, "Sister, there's no need to rush. We can decide after receiving the imperial commendation."

After all, the imperial commendation couldn't be obtained easily, so it was better not to make reservations ahead of time.

Xie Yuan said, "Second sister's understanding is limited, and Fu Gongzi is from out of town, so he may not know about Tenglong Pavilion. Reservations need to be made at least ten days to half a month in advance, and they are quite expensive. Without some status, one cannot secure a reservation."

Fu Jiaze thought, his wife had kindly tried to save them money, but these two were acting so aggressively. He decided to make the reservation, knowing that only Wei Wuhou and his wife would be embarrassed.

Fu Jiaze said, "On that day, whether it's windy or rainy, or even if it's hailing knives, I will take my wife to the banquet. After all, it's the day when Elder Sister officially becomes Lady Wei Wuhou, and we must not neglect it."

Lin Yi spoke slowly, "When the time comes, Baozhen will have the imperial commendation, and Jiaze should work harder to earn one for Yingxue sooner."

Lin Baozhen giggled, "Imperial commendations aren't easy to come by. Second sister shouldn't worry as long as Brother-in-Law keeps working hard."

Fu Jiaze said, "It's my fault that Yingxue doesn't have an imperial commendation. Since we've come to this point..."

Fu Jiaze reached into his pocket and took out a red envelope. "To celebrate Sister getting the imperial commendation. If there's any mistake with the commendation... well, consider it a wedding gift."

Lin Baozhen felt a surge of anger. "If there's no imperial commendation, I'll return this red envelope doubled!"

Fu Jiaze was taken aback. "Absolutely not! This contains five hundred taels."

Lin Yingxue, who had been feeling down, found Fu Jiaze's feigned ignorance amusing, which lightened her mood. She smiled faintly, "If doubled, it would be a thousand taels."

Xie Yuan, seeing their back-and-forth, interjected, "If we don't get the imperial commendation for our Baor, forget a thousand taels; I'll give you three thousand taels."

Fu Jiaze smiled, "I'm actually looking forward to not getting the commendation. That way, I'd instantly earn two thousand five hundred taels."

Lin Baozhen and Wei Wuhou scoffed, while Wang's eyelid twitched. Did Fu Bin, Fu Jiaze's uncle, have any news?

But since the conversation had reached this point, Wang didn't say much. After the meal, she saw her daughter and son-in-law off.

In the carriage, Fu Jiaze told Ye Zi that Lin Yingxue had her menstrual cycle and suggested waiting a few days before visiting Wen Hui.

Lin Yingxue did feel reluctant to go. Lin Yi's words had affected her, and she didn't want to worry her mother.

"Ye Zi, tell them that."

Ye Zi nodded.

Lin Yingxue asked, "Why did you have a red envelope on you?"

Fu Jiaze pulled out a stack of red envelopes from his pocket. "I'm newly married, so it's always good to be prepared. When those words came up, I chose the largest red envelope."

Lin Yingxue laughed, "If Lord Xie really doesn't get the imperial commendation, would you actually ask for the three thousand taels?"

"Of course!" Fu Jiaze smiled, "Even if I'm busy, I'll go and collect it myself on that day."