Chapter 53
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It was dinner time, and because the three great-uncles from the family were present, everyone gathered together for the meal. Except for Chu Lishu, who was out during the day and had an unpredictable return time, everyone else was expected to be present.
However, Lin Qingxu was conspicuously absent.
Perhaps to buy time for his son or genuinely envious of the dowries, Madam Ru couldn’t help but bring up the matter of the dowries, even though Madam Ru wasn’t qualified to sit at the table.
When Lishi heard that Nanny Ding had moved all the dowries to Lin Qinglan’s private storage, she immediately voiced her objections. She felt that since Lin Qinglan had returned to her natal family, those dowries should be considered communal property. In the future, when Lin Qinglan remarried, the dowries could be rearranged as needed. It wouldn’t be fair for the dowries of a daughter who was remarrying to overshadow the dowries of other unmarried daughters.
With such remarks, the members of the Lin family naturally nodded in agreement. After all, it was beneficial to everyone.
Lin Qingyang was ready to speak up, but Lin Qinglan nodded directly and said, “Grandmother is right. Later, I will have Nanny Ding separate the dowries prepared by the Marquis’s residence and send them to the Marquis’s residence’s storage.”
Lin Qinglan’s expression remained calm, and her voice was gentle. Lin Qingyang, not knowing the composition of the dowries, thought that Lin Qinglan had compromised. Feeling oppressed by the mistreatment she faced upon returning, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but frown.
At this moment, Lishi’s voice became sharp, and her expression turned unpleasant. She said, “What do you mean by that?”
“Grandmother? Did Lan’er say anything wrong? The dowry that Father’s Lin family gave me is to be returned, and the dowry provided by my maternal grandfather’s family will be kept. Grandmother, please rest assured. Nanny Ding has detailed lists, and she will definitely not mix up the belongings of the two families.”
Everyone present could easily grasp the meaning behind her words. Each of their faces turned pale, looking at Madam Ru, whose face distorted almost instantly. Lin Qingyang laughed and said, “Eldest Sister, why are you explaining it so thoroughly? If someone didn’t know better, they might think Grandmother and Aunt Ru want you to confiscate all the dowry. Such shameless thoughts could only come from the greed of your former mother-in-law. Normal families wouldn’t dare to embezzle the dowry given by their daughter’s maternal family. My sisters wouldn’t feel comfortable using items from our maternal grandfather’s family as dowry. If anyone were to ask…”
Lin Qingyang paused, his mocking gaze sweeping across everyone present. “Their future in-laws probably wouldn’t dare to accept it either.”
In the end, revealing the belongings bestowed by the traitorous family wasn’t a pleasant matter to discuss.
During that time, their maternal family was a dignified royal palace, naturally several levels higher than the Marquis’s residence. Judging by the current style of the Liu family, one could understand that the former Prince Zhenbei’s residence was highly protective, especially of their married daughters. The ten-mile-long bridal attire of County Princess Yawen during her marriage was comparable to that of a princess. Later on, Prince Zhenbei also prepared good things in advance for each of his children.
It could be said that the three Lin Qinglan and her siblings, from an early age, received wealth and luxury that even their own biological father couldn’t provide.
When Lin Qinglan got married, Prince Zhenbei’s residence still existed, so most of the ten-mile-long bridal attire was actually supported by the prince’s residence. Otherwise, as a daughter of the marquis, she couldn’t have achieved such an exaggerated level, nor could she have supported the entire Ying family on her own.
Marquis An Nan’s residence only provided one-third of the contents, so naturally, Lin Qinglan would only return one-third of the dowry.
It seems that when the ten-mile-long bridal attire returned, Madam Ru couldn’t help but feel jealous and began to calculate, thinking about confiscating these things and redistributing them to her own children. After all, their own maternal family didn’t have much background.
Unfortunately, although Lin Qinglan was gentle in her demeanor, she was not a true pushover. After realizing that there was no one in the Lin family worth her concern, she became even less inclined to easily reveal her cards.
If Lishi wanted dowry items returned, fine, those from the Lin family could be returned, but those from the Liu family had no connection whatsoever with the Lin family.
Lin Qingyang’s words made everyone present feel embarrassed.
Marquis An Nan didn’t speak, but his stern gaze swept over Lin Qinglan and Lin Qingyang. He felt that he seemed to be losing control over these two children.
“Mother, Lan’er’s divorce had not been easy. Let’s not touch the dowry. If they remarry in the future, it will still be the same.”
The words seemed to express concern for the unfortunate fate of the daughter, but Lin Qingyang knew that his father was merely saving face. He had hesitated to agree to Lishi’s initial proposal, considering whether he should take away the dowry from his daughter’s hands. However, since Lin Qinglan was already on guard, he naturally didn’t agree.
“No need, Father. Grandmother and Aunt’s suggestion is reasonable. After all, I am currently living in the family, and it is only right to return this part,” Lin Qinglan said calmly. “It was my oversight before; I should have taken the initiative to handle it.”
Marquis An Nan agreed after hearing her words.
Taking back only the part from the Lin family was naturally futile. Lishi stared fiercely at Lin Qinglan, as if she coveted her granddaughter’s dowry. After causing so much trouble for the Marquis’s residence, giving some compensation to her sisters was only fair. Did they still expect a grand remarriage? Did they not feel ashamed? They were all selfish wolves, only caring about their own useless things.
Although her son had spoken, Lishi still had to save face for him. However, she couldn’t let it go and said, “I didn’t mean anything else. I just thought that since we are one family living together without separation, it would be better to manage the accounts together. I also worry that Lan’er might not be good at managing it herself, being young. She might not be willing to share what her maternal family gave her with her younger siblings.”
Lin Qingyang felt that it was fine if his grandmother didn’t like him, but he hadn’t expected Lin Qinglan, who was knowledgeable and sensible, to be so resistant. Could these really be words spoken by his grandmother?
Sure enough, when he looked at Lin Qinglan again, her face had turned red. Although Lin Qinglan wasn’t easily manipulated, her face couldn’t compare to these shameless people.
However, when it came to shamelessness, Lin Qingyang just chuckled and directly retorted, “Grandmother is right! I won’t take the lead! After all, it’s the eldest sister’s belongings. Even if I have a thick skin, I can’t do such a thing. Moreover, Grandmother, rest assured, eldest sister used to manage the household at the Ying family for three years, managing the household affairs excellently. She is undoubtedly more capable than mother in household management.”
Lishi was suddenly choked.
Madam Ru, who hadn’t expected her plan to fail, felt uncomfortable. She stood on the side, watching Lin Qingyang vent his frustration, and held her breath, “Yang’er is a boy, naturally, he can’t be accepted. I originally thought that if everything went into the public account, in the end, the belongings of your maternal family would naturally be divided among you. When Wei’er gets married, I believe Lan’er will definitely give her some. After all, Wei’er’s dowry won’t be as much as Lan’er’s.”
Once this was said, Marquis An Nan was the first to speak, “What are you saying? Is this something that can be discussed at the dinner table?”
This was like a slap in the face as if indirectly saying that without the royal family’s dowry, Marquis An Nan couldn’t give face to his own daughter.
However, both Lin Qingyang and Lin Qinglan knew that Madam Ru was blatantly trying to sow discord among the sisters.
Lin Qingyang looked at Lin Qingwei, hoping he wouldn’t disappoint him. However, what he saw was a displeased expression on Lin Qingwei’s face.
It seemed as if she had just remembered that her maternal grandfather’s family was no longer there, and she got married without anyone providing additional dowry. Now she would never have a grand dowry like Lin Qinglan’s.
Madam Ru was considering her future, but Eldest Sister only wanted to keep the things her maternal grandfather had given her in her own hands.
In the end, this was somewhat unfair. Those things also belonged to her and Second Brother.
Moreover, when the time came for Eldest Sister to marry with so many things, when it was her turn to get married, she might not receive as much from her in-laws. The in-laws might gossip about it.
Lin Qingwei, provoked by a few words, couldn’t hide the various thoughts written on her face. Unable to resist, she stole a glance at Lin Qinglan, only to collide with the disappointed gaze of Lin Qingyang.
Lin Qingwei instantly became even angrier, feeling that her second brother just didn’t like her, so he always sided with Eldest Sister and never considered her feelings.
Just as she was about to glare at Lin Qinglan, she heard Lin Qinglan, in her usual gentle tone, say, “When Little Sister gets married, I will naturally give her more.”
Lin Qinglan had always planned this way, and after saying that, she smiled and looked at Lin Qingwei.
Now, Lin Qingwei felt somewhat guilty and couldn’t help turning her gaze away, whispering to herself, “This is only natural. If it were me, I would do the same.”
Lin Qingyang sighed, “Since that’s the case, I have a proposal, WeWei. Both of us have received some good farmland and business properties from our grandfather. We don’t know how to manage those things, and the income from these years can’t compare to Eldest Sister’s side. Why don’t we just let Eldest Sister manage everything? Anyway, those things seem to be connected, and it’s more convenient to manage them together.”
Their grandfather had given them a lot of valuable assets, and a steward regularly delivered account books to their door. The original body and Lin Qingwei didn’t understand much about it, so they mostly left it to the steward to handle. For them, as long as they could get money to spend, it was enough.
Recently, Lin Qingyang had just finished organizing everything and took control personally. But as for Lin Qingwei’s…
Lin Qingyang remembered the object in her arms and shifted her gaze from Lin Qingwei to Aunt Ru.
Lin Qingwei seemed a bit at a loss for a moment, but she didn’t react too much. On the other hand, Aunt Ru’s expression changed instantly.
Lin Qingyang understood the situation and was about to approach again when suddenly there was a commotion at the entrance. Lin Qingxu had arrived.
Before Lin Qingxu even stepped through the gate, he loudly exclaimed, “Second Brother, it seems like your friend has urgent matters to discuss with you.”
Lin Qingyang was puzzled. Who? When he looked over, he was instantly shocked.
Yu Zhang? How could he be here!
Lin Qingyang’s expression changed slightly. Yu Zhang also saw him, and in an instant, the once slender and spirited Yu Zhang rushed over, throwing himself at Lin Qingyang’s feet, kneeling on the ground, tugging at the hem of her clothes, and crying out, “Young Master Lin, please help me!”
Lin Qingyang’s first reaction wasn’t to look at Yu Zhang but to turn to Lin Qingxu. Lin Qingxu wore a surprised expression, seemingly unclear about the situation.
“What’s going on? Who is he?” exclaimed Marquis An Nan, shocked.
With the scene of weeping and wailing, coupled with Yu Zhang’s delicate appearance, the onlookers quickly made certain associations.
Lin Qingxu, in a difficult tone, explained, “He sought refuge in our residence last night, claiming to be Second Brother’s friend. He even presented Second Brother’s personal jade pendant as proof. At that time, Second Brother seemed busy with other matters, so I could only temporarily settle him in the residence. I initially planned to bring him to meet Second Brother today, but he suddenly fell seriously ill. Fearing that Second Brother would blame me for not taking care of him properly, I had to seek a physician for his treatment and attend to other matters. Now that he has recovered consciousness and insists on meeting Second Brother, I have no choice but to bring him over.”
Lin Qingxu finished speaking, still wearing an innocent expression. “Young Master Yu, you better get up quickly. If there’s anything bothering you, just tell Second Brother. Aren’t you friends?”
Lin Qingyang sneered as he looked at Lin Qingxu, then turned his gaze to Yu Zhang, who was trembling. “You… dare to come to me?”
After the incident last time, Yu Zhang should feel guilty, and how could he dare to show up in front of him again unless… Lin Qingxu bribed him?
Why did he come? To prove that he had once supported a young attendant? But wasn’t this secret well-known homosexual men? Lin Qingyang was a bit puzzled.
Yu Zhang was now completely out of control; he was addicted. All of this was caused by Lin Qingyang; he must have accidentally inhaled it during their confrontation, got addicted, and now he just wanted to consume it again. However, there was no more supply. Someone told him that Lin Qingyang knew the person in charge of investigating the case and might be able to get some. That’s why he had no choice but to come to Lin Qingyang.
“Young Master Lin, this humble one doesn’t ask for anything, just implores you to consider the many times I served you and offered me a place to stay and a mouthful of food to eat.” Yu Zhang attempted to wear the most pleasing refined scholarly expression for Lin Qingyang, but he was met with Lin Qingyang’s cold gaze.
However, the people around them saw Yu Zhang’s ingratiating behavior. Serving? Consideration? It was clear what this implied. Marquis An Nan immediately exclaimed, “Qingyang, he’s your friend. Deal with him privately. This is a family banquet; you can’t be unruly.”
While it might not be a big issue for men in the Great Zhou Dynasty to engage in private affairs, having someone cause a disturbance before marriage was considered disgraceful.
Yu Zhang’s appearance indeed disrupted Lin Qingyang’s plans. He was contemplating whether to take advantage of Yu Zhang to reveal the truth or to temporarily take him away when there was commotion from outside.
The newcomer was the family’s residence physician.
He had a serious expression as he approached Marquis An Nan, speaking in hushed tones.
Marquis An Nan’s face changed instantly. He dismissed all the servants, leaving only his family members.
“What happened, Marquis?” the three uncles inquired with confusion.
It wasn’t until then that Marquis An Nan, with a face full of anger, slammed the table and glared at Lin Qingyang. “Rebellious child, kneel down!”
Lin Qingyang was genuinely confused at this point. Things had taken an unexpected turn, and he couldn’t grasp the situation. Unwilling to kneel down easily, he questioned, “Father, have I done something wrong?”
Marquis An Nan glared at him furiously, seemingly struggling to find words, as if trying to suppress his anger and figure out how to handle the situation.
“What else could go wrong? Isn’t it already obvious? You’ve brought shame to our Marquis’s residence!” Lishi, not understanding the situation, pointed directly at Yu Zhang, saying, “Bringing such a messy person home, don’t you think you’ve made a mistake?”
“This seems to be someone brought into the residence by your other grandson,” Lin Qingyang retorted.
Just a moment ago, Marquis An Nan had already instructed him to take Yu Zhang away, indicating that he was well aware of the situation. Marquis An Nan’s current anger was definitely not solely about this matter.
Lishi didn’t expect Lin Qingyang to show such disrespect towards her. She was so furious that she almost fainted. About to swing her cane to hit him, Marquis An Nan grabbed a cold dish from the table and hurled it towards Lin Qingyang.
Lin Qingyang naturally wouldn’t passively endure the attack. He dodged it, and Lin Qinglan quickly stepped forward to stop their father from further violence. “Father, what’s going on? Let’s talk it out.”
The people around were also quite frightened by Marquis An Nan’s anger.
Marquis An Nan finally pointed at Yu Zhang with trembling fingers and said, “I don’t care if he’s a young attendant from South Wind Pavilion or just a casual acquaintance from outside; it’s all related to you, isn’t it? The physician just told me that his symptoms are due to being addicted to fragrance, the recent craze outside. Now he conveniently comes to seek refuge with you. Tell me, have you also gotten involved in that stuff?”
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