Chapter 48
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Soon, a somewhat stiff voice came from ahead, “How long are you going to stand there?”
Lin Qingyang snapped back to reality, realizing that he had been maintaining the door-opening posture, staring at the male lead’s profile for quite some time.
Lin Qingyang wore an embarrassed expression. He didn’t know why, but the composition of that scene appeared so beautiful to him that he felt an urge to capture it, probably due to his background in art. Moreover, with his recent insights into ink painting, he couldn’t resist the itch to sketch. So, he unintentionally entered a state of artistic reverie, drafting the scene in his mind.
As a result, he became engrossed, purely driven by his pursuit of art. However, judging by the male lead’s not-so-pleasant expression, it seemed he had grossed him out.
After all, if someone were secretly infatuated with him, staring fixedly for a long time, it would probably drive him up the wall.
Lin Qingyang awkwardly explained, “I suddenly remembered something and got lost in thought, haha. Cousin came to find me?”
Chu Lishu naturally wouldn’t believe his clumsy excuse; his subtle intentions were unlikely to escape his notice.
“I came to deliver a book to you. By the way, about what I said in the front hall, I did it on purpose…,” Chu Lishu briefly explained the reason.
Lin Qingyang immediately enlightened, waving his hand and laughing, “Even though I didn’t understand it at the time, I knew you must have had your reasons. I didn’t mind at all, so you don’t have to explain.”
Chu Lishu knew that Lin Qingyang had been genuinely angry before. Wasn’t he venting his frustration on Madam Ru? Otherwise, why would he bring it up now, especially when it came to embarrassing her?
However, seeing his current natural expression, it seemed he didn’t dare to stay angry for too long in front of Chu Lishu. Perhaps it was because of what just happened… Well, it was fine. If he got to look at him and then stopped being angry, the requirements were simple. A look wouldn’t cost him anything, and it was much more convenient than other ways of building trust.
Chu Lishu seemed to have forgotten that Lin Qingyang had been staring at him just a while ago, making him so uncomfortable that he had to interrupt someone else’s mood.
Seeing Lin Qingyang smiling brightly, Chu Lishu cleared his throat and reminded him, “Lin Qingxu will probably still intentionally try to discredit you, so you should pay more attention to your daily behavior and actions.”
Don’t make it so obvious!
Lin Qingyang immediately remembered to maintain his image and said, “I’m completely clean now, I have nothing to do with any boys, no admiration for anyone, nothing at all. They can’t discredit me.”
Chu Lishu nodded, “Keep yourself clean.”
Lin Qingyang raised his hand and swore.
After Chu Lishu finished speaking, he didn’t intend to stay any longer. He had agreed not to give someone the wrong idea, so he couldn’t always stay together. He stood up and said, “I’ll go back now. Get some rest early.”
Lin Qingyang nodded. He was about to see Chu Lishu off when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him. He reached out and grabbed Chu Lishu, who was about to step out of the door. “Cousin, I want to ask you, do you think I still have a chance to go to the palace with you…”
Lin Qingyang’s mouth and hand moved faster than his brain once again. Chu Lishu was also unprepared, stumbling as he listened to the question, and ended up colliding into Lin Qingyang’s arms.
Fortunately, Lin Qingyang had some weight, and his stance was stable enough. He quickly supported Chu Lishu’s arm with one hand and held onto his waist with the other.
Chu Lishu stared wide-eyed at Lin Qingyang, his phoenix-like eyes round and full, resembling a small deer caught in the forest.
Lin Qingyang’s mind short-circuited for a moment. He quickly respectfully helped the male lead stand firm.
“I’m sorry, Cousin, I didn’t pay attention to my strength. Did I hurt you?”
Chu Lishu was a bit dazed, “Do you want to… go to the palace as a study companion?”
Lin Qingyang blinked and nodded, “Of course I do.”
“Why?”
“Is there any need for a ‘why’? Didn’t everyone go to the Imperial Academy to study for this purpose? I didn’t have any hope before, but now I’m working hard. If you help me review a bit more, do you think I have a chance?” Lin Qingyang said.
Chu Lishu’s gaze slightly darkened, “The current situation in the palace is not as good as outsiders think. Going to the palace as a study companion is not a good thing. If you’re trying to compete with Lin Qingxu, you don’t have to do this. Seeking a path outside the palace might be better.”
Who wouldn’t know that it’s a dangerous place there? But not going there is even more dangerous, you know?
Anyway, Lin Qingyang dared to ask this because he now has a good relationship with the male lead, hoping that the male lead’s halo could help him.
The male lead, however, seemed to have a refusal attitude instead. Could it be that he was afraid of being entangled by a secret admirer?
Lin Qingyang hesitated for a while and said, “I’m not competing with Lin Qingxu. I just… I just want to go. After all, I am the legitimate son of the Marquis’s residence. How can I inherit the position of the heir without contributing something?”
Chu Lishu, on the other hand, exposed his true nature to counter, “Wanting the position of the heir is simple, just solve Lin Qingxu.”
The corner of Lin Qingyang’s mouth twitched, and he softened his tone, “Anyway, I have many reasons to want to go. Besides, you talked about the palace being so dangerous, but didn’t you also aspire to go? Don’t you want me to go to the palace with you? Anyway, we might not be assigned to the same prince. I promise not to bother you. If we go together, we can take care of each other. Isn’t that good?”
Chu Lishu’s expression looked somewhat unpleasant, but he couldn’t argue with Lin Qingyang. In fact, when Lin Qingyang grabbed him and asked about this, he already knew the reason.
But the imperial palace… is indeed dangerous.
Chu Lishu said, “I advise you to change your mind, cousin.”
Lin Qingyang was somewhat disappointed. It seems that the male lead really doesn’t want him to follow. The position of the male lead’s little brother is still not secured. Considering that his current persona doesn’t even know the male lead’s true identity, why would the male lead trust him to stay close? It seems he has to figure out a solution on his own.
Chu Lishu didn’t hear Lin Qingyang’s rebuttal; he just glanced at him. Seeing Lin Qingyang’s dejected expression, there was a slight discomfort in his chest. However, the important matters took precedence. Having Lin Qingyang around would only be an obstacle to his plans, and he might get entangled in various political traps.
Moreover, he had already decided to keep Lin Qingyang at a distance. While he could groom Lin Qingyang into someone useful in the future, allowing him to maintain such expectations would be detrimental to their future hierarchical relationship. It was best to let Lin Qingyang stay outside the palace this time.
Facing Lin Qingyang’s pleading gaze, Chu Lishu didn’t soften his stance. He remained firm, “Cousin, if you have nothing else to say, I’ll take my leave now.”
Lin Qingyang sighed and could only let Chu Lishu go.
As soon as he opened the door, he saw Lin Qingwei angrily trying to rush over but was held back by Shuncai.
“What’s going on?” Lin Qingyang looked surprised.
Lin Qingwei, with a face difficult to express, pushed Shuncai aside and rushed to them. Blushing, she pointed angrily, “What were you two doing inside just now? Second Brother, you… you are so shameless. Did you force him?”
“Huh?” Lin Qingyang looked bewildered. Shuncai quickly explained, “Young Master, just now, Fourth Young Lady suddenly came looking for you. She happened to see you… taking Young Master Chu back to the study to talk, and she misunderstood.”
“It’s not a misunderstanding! I clearly saw you forcibly hugging… hugging…”
“Fourth Cousin, it really is a misunderstanding. I just couldn’t keep my balance, and Second Cousin helped me, that’s all. Fourth Cousin, how can you think of such a relationship between us brothers? It’s really an insult to our cultured selves.” Chu Lishu was feeling stifled, and Lin Qingwei happened to fall into the trap. He used the most stern tone to say these words.
Immediately, Lin Qingwei was dumbfounded. “I… I didn’t mean it. I thought it looked like…”
The arrogant Lin Qingwei was instantly silenced under Chu Lishu’s rebuke. In the end, all her arrogance disappeared, and she awkwardly apologized, “I spoke without thinking, Cousin, please don’t be angry.”
“This is at home, there are just us, so there’s nothing wrong. In the future, Fourth Cousin should pay attention to the principle that trouble comes from the mouth. Don’t easily believe the words of outsiders, be cautious not to be swayed by others’ words, and avoid hurting the hearts of loved ones. I’ll take my leave.”
Lin Qingyang stared in astonishment as Chu Lishu delivered a rapid-fire lecture before hastily leaving. He felt a bit worried – did his thoughts just get rejected so strongly? Why was he so angry?
Lin Qingyang was at a loss. Well, there’s nothing he could do. He still had to complete the mission! Surviving under the hands of the male lead was too difficult!
“All because of Second Brother! You made me get scolded by Cousin. How will he think of me in the future?” Lin Qingwei, though not having any special feelings towards Chu Lishu, couldn’t tolerate being criticized by someone with such exceptional looks and talent.
“Isn’t that just your own unfounded thoughts? The relationship between me and Cousin is crystal clear. I don’t know what you’re thinking. Speak up, why did you suddenly come to find me?” Lin Qingyang pondered on Lin Qingwei’s intentions for her sudden visit.
However, Lin Qingwei exclaimed, “Oh no, I almost forgot the main thing. Hurry, go to the ancestral hall. Father just had someone call Eldest Sister to the ancestral hall. I heard that the three great uncles are there too. Nanny Ding has already gone over. Father wanted me to inform you; something bad might be happening.”
Lin Qingyang’s face changed abruptly upon hearing this and quickly rushed to the ancestral hall.
He knew that those three old guys coming together couldn’t bring any good news.
Lin Qingwei hurriedly caught up, murmuring, “It’s all because of the divorce. Everyone was fine before…”
Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but say, “You don’t know anything and just think everything is fine. If everything is really fine, is Eldest Sister stupid? Don’t forget what Eldest Sister gave up to marry into the Ying family back then. She could accept that kind of grievance at that time. How could she be causing trouble for the sake of some petty family issues now?”
“That… What was it for?” Lin Qingwei was stunned by what was said.
Lin Qingyang looked at Lin Qingwei speechlessly. She, as the legitimate daughter of the family, was surprisingly uninformed.
“You’ll know in a moment.” Lin Qingyang thought for a moment and complimented her, “At least you can listen to Nanny Ding’s instructions. If something happens, come directly to me. That’s efficient enough.” At least it proved that Lin Qingwei genuinely cared about her sister.
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Qingwei’s expression changed slightly.
Lin Qingyang noticed the anomaly and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“In fact… I first went to Aunt Ru. I thought she had always loved us and could speak up for Eldest Sister. With her presence, father might soften a bit. So, I…” Lin Qingwei couldn’t continue. She saw Lin Qingyang’s eyes staring at her more ominously, making her feel uneasy.
“I haven’t done anything wrong. I don’t know what Nanny Ding is thinking, asking me to call you. Do you think you can be more effective than Aunt Ru? When I went to find Aunt Ru, she was still crying. You’ve bullied her so much, and I heard about Eldest Sister’s situation, so I hurried to help. Even our mother can only lie down at a time like this, unable to assist…”
Lin Qingyang suddenly stopped walking, his eyes staring coldly at Lin Qingwei.
Lin Qingwei also stopped and nervously adjusted her neck, “Why aren’t we going? Aren’t we going to find Eldest Sister?”
“Did Aunt Ru tell you not to come find me?” Lin Qingyang suddenly asked.
Lin Qingwei looked surprised, “How did you know? Aunt Ru said she thought it would only cause more trouble if you went with your temper. But I’m afraid Nanny Ding…”
Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but laugh, “Lin Qingwei, you believe everything she says. Do you really think she would protect someone else’s daughter? You’re truly… the most foolish woman in the whole family!”
With this statement, Lin Qingwei’s face turned red, and even though her relationship with Lin Qingyang had been bad before, Lin Qingyang had never dared to scold her like this. “You… you…”
Hearing her talk about his seriously ill mother like that, Lin Qingyang was truly infuriated.
“Do you know what it means to turn your elbows out? It’s referring to you. Aunt Ru and the others have been hoping for our mother’s death. Can’t you see that? As soon as our mother dies, she can openly become the madam of the house, and her children can become the legitimate sons and daughters. What will we be then? Have you ever thought about it? In such a relationship, can she truly treat us well? Even if you’re blind and ignorant in the main house, haven’t you heard stories from other families? Have you ever heard of a legitimate daughter getting along well with the concubine’s family? Don’t forget, if it wasn’t for father marrying mother, Aunt Ru could have become the Madam. Would she willingly become a concubine, and love the children born to the person who took away her status? You’re not just naive, you’re truly foolish!”
Lin Qingwei was stunned by the scolding, her face turning so red that it seemed like it could explode at any moment. “Are you talking nonsense? You are judging others based on yourself. Can’t I feel whether they are sincere to me or not? I think you are the one who is blind and ignorant. When others treat you well, you look down on them. You are always emphasizing the difference between being born as a legitimate child or an illegitimate child. Besides your status, what makes you better than Third Brother?”
“Even if I’m not as good as them, at least I am your true blood relative. I won’t harm you, but what about them?”
“They won’t harm me either!”
“Let me ask you, what if one day we have a conflict, and they want to harm me? Would you stand by me or stand with them?”
“You… what are you talking about? They won’t harm you!”
“I’m giving you a choice. Are you the daughter of the County Princess Yawen, or the daughter of Aunt Ru?”
Lin Qingwei looked at Lin Qingyang in astonishment, rendered speechless by the oppressive atmosphere.
Lin Qingyang felt somewhat disappointed. “Believe it or not, I’ll tell you now: Aunt Ru and her group have ill intentions toward us. They have already tried to harm us several times. If you still consider us as blood relatives, at least remember one thing: don’t use our trust in you as a weapon for them. If your heart leans too much towards them, you might not be able to come back to our side.”
Having said that, he turned and walked away. He knew he couldn’t blame Lin Qingwei. After all, during the crucial years when she was forming her views on right and wrong, Mother, Eldest Sister, and he hadn’t taken care of her. She had been raised and indoctrinated by Aunt Ru, so it wasn’t entirely her fault. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but feel a chill for their blood relationship.
Lin Qingwei felt extremely wronged by his words, tears welling up in her eyes. She held them back and finally caught up with Lin Qingyang. As they approached the ancestral hall, they heard Aunt Ru’s voice.
“Or… let’s not go through with the divorce. Lan’er, apologize to Young Master Ying, and we’ll just overlook this matter?”
Lin Qingyang strode into the room, lifted Lin Qinglan, who was kneeling on the cushion with teary eyes, and said directly, “Who spouted that nonsensical, beastly talk just now? I’d like to ask if her daughter is married off, and she allows the in-laws to poison her until she has a miscarriage, becomes infertile for life, and still doesn’t allow her daughter to divorce, forcing her daughter to apologize to the in-laws, would she be willing?!”
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