I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 85

Chapter 85

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They can’t provoke, then can’t they escape?

Lishi is the grandmother of Lin Qingyang in this body, the mother-in-law of County Princess Yawen, openly going against her could easily lead to being accused of unfilial behavior. In ancient times, the severity of the crime of unfilial conduct far exceeded imagination.

Even if wronged, even if bullied, as soon as the unfilial label is slapped on, the future and reputation would all be ruined.

Therefore, even with the title of County Princess, County Princess Yawen is powerless against this wicked mother-in-law.

And now, Lin Qinglan standing in front of Lishi, not allowing her to enter, is definitely the most rebellious thing she has ever done.

Lishi, facing County Princess Yawen without fear, let alone Lin Qinglan. She started scolding Lin Qinglan directly, raining abuses on her.

Lin Qinglan’s face turned pale from the scolding, tears swirling in her eyes, but she didn’t step back.

With the mistress not yielding, the servants like Nanny Ding and Qiu Qing naturally refused to give in. Qiu Qing, being a bold girl, stood in front of Lin Qinglan, sternly blocking anyone Lishi sent forward to push or shove.

At this point, Marquis An Nan wore a displeased expression, reprimanding Lin Qinglan, “Step aside! What does it look like to block your own grandmother? Have you lost your mind?”

“Father, you clearly know why Mother is in critical condition. Last night, it was almost… How could you bring Grandmother over so recklessly? Are you trying to repeat what happened yesterday?”

Lin Qinglan had never been spoken to in such a stern manner, not even regarding her own affairs. Openly contradicting in front of the servants, she infuriated Marquis An Nan. His face contorted, and he raised his hand, ready to deliver a resounding slap.

Touched by grief, Lin Qinglan was intercepted by Qiu Qing. Lishi, on the other hand, looked delighted…

“Father!”

Amidst the conflict, a sudden voice interrupted everything.

As everyone turned to look, they saw Chu Lishu supporting Lin Qingyang, standing at the doorway of the adjacent room.

Marquis An Nan’s slap didn’t land, but Lin Qinglan’s tears finally couldn’t be held back. Seeing Lin Qingyang, it was as if she had lost her heart and soul. The forced facade of strength finally shattered. “Yang Yang…”

“Sister, come over here.” Lin Qingyang waved to Lin Qinglan, and she immediately ran over.

With Lin Qinglan no longer blocking the entrance, Lishi arrogantly attempted to enter again.

“Grandmother, Mother hasn’t woken up yet. She needs rest. I believe Grandmother wouldn’t ignore Mother’s recent life-and-death situation, insisting on coming in to pull her up to chat with you.”

“What are you talking about? I came to care for her. As a mother-in-law, I’ve come to visit your mother. What kind of attitude is this from you two? It’s outrageous!”

“We wouldn’t dare, of course. Alright then, Nanny Ding, go and invite a few physicians to accompany us. So as not to disturb Mother’s rest when Grandmother comes in, unintentionally causing her to spit up blood again. If Grandmother were to faint again, it would surely be chaotic. With a few physicians on standby, we won’t be caught off guard.”

In one sentence, he sarcastically set aside everything that happened yesterday, indicating that he already knew the entire reason.

“You…” Lishi took a deep breath and habitually raised her hand to support her forehead.

Lin Qingyang immediately shouted, “Forget it, Shuncai, you’re quick on your feet. Run for me. Otherwise, I won’t catch up with Grandmother fainting!”

Cooperating, Shuncai immediately ran to find a physician, shouting as he ran, “Bad news! The old lady is about to faint again!”

With such a commotion, in front of so many people, Lishi also needed a face. She couldn’t afford to faint and instead cast a resentful look at her own son.

“Qingyang, you’re injured. Just lie down and recuperate. This family is still governed by me and your grandmother!”

“I’m just concerned about Grandmother and Mother. What if Grandmother enters and Mother doesn’t feel well again? Won’t that… lead to misunderstandings by outsiders? It’s better to let the physicians assess when Mother no longer needs to rest and then let Grandmother visit.”

“Is she made of tofu? A glance from me could ruin her?” Lishi angrily retorted.

“Who knows? We can’t let Grandmother take such a risk.” Lin Qingyang’s fake smile disappeared from his face, and with his pale complexion, he looked quite frightening.

It seemed he was not willing to back down at all. Marquis An Nan couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

Marquis An Nan, in fact, had been trying to avoid explaining the real reason behind the worsening condition of County Princess Yawen since Lin Qingyang returned yesterday. It was somewhat disgraceful, and he didn’t want the Marquis’s residence to be associated with the scandal of a mother-in-law infuriating her daughter-in-law to death. If someone used this opportunity to target him, accusing him of having improper family conduct, it could negatively impact his career.

When he visited Lishi, Marquis An Nan deliberately downplayed the situation, trying to make Lishi feel scared and remorseful. Due to her guilty conscience, Lishi, under the persuasion of Marquis An Nan, came to visit County Princess Yawen, making it appear like a gesture of reconciliation.

With the confidence of being the head of Marquis An Nan’s residence, he believed that Lishi wouldn’t dare to provoke County Princess Yawen at this crucial moment. Hoping that County Princess Yawen would feel relieved after seeing Lishi bowing her head, he anticipated resolving the matter amicably. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when his two increasingly defiant children intervened, blocking the intended course of events.

Their intense protectiveness for their mother was understandable, but it seemed they were making a mountain out of a molehill, completely disregarding the bigger picture.

Shuncai was indeed quick on his feet. He almost pushed the residence’s senior physician over in his haste, causing the physician, who had just gone to sleep, to think that there was another medical emergency. In a state of urgency, he hurried over.

As soon as the physician arrived, Lin Qingyang immediately inquired, “Physician, does my mother need to rest now? Can I go in and talk to her?”

Without mentioning Lishi, Lin Qingyang only spoke about himself. However, this statement almost turned the physician’s face green.

“County Princess Niangniang just recovered from a life-threatening condition. It’s nothing short of a miracle. We can’t guarantee what will happen next. She has just taken her medicine and is currently in a state of deep sleep. How can you think of disturbing her? Do you not understand the concept of rest? We emphasized it several times before, and it’s been only a few hours. At least ensure three days of no disturbance, until her condition stabilizes!”

The physician’s words directly silenced Marquis An Nan and Lishi, but they couldn’t retaliate since Lin Qingyang had spoken in his own name.

Lin Qingyang smiled and said, “Physician, you have a strong voice, and I heard you loud and clear this time. Father, what do you think?”

Marquis An Nan glared at Lin Qingyang with a gloomy expression but remained silent.

The physician then scolded Lin Qingyang for his actions, emphasizing that he shouldn’t casually get out of bed in his current condition. He recommended at least two or three days of rest, observing the wound’s healing progress. Lin Qingyang obediently accepted the advice.

Once the physician left, Lishi and Marquis An Nan, unable to bear the situation, offered some perfunctory words and left hastily.

Once they left, Chu Lishu immediately assisted Lin Qingyang back to rest. He carefully examined the newly bandaged linen, relieved to confirm there were no issues. Only then did the tense furrow in his brow ease momentarily. However, he noticed Lin Qingyang wincing in pain, and couldn’t help but remark, “I told you I could handle it, but you insisted on being strong.”

“You can only achieve your goals through indirect means. As the legitimate son, I can directly face and resolve the issue, preventing Grandmother from appearing for a short time. We can’t let Mother endure any more stress.”

Chu Lishu pondered for a moment and had to admit that Lin Qingyang’s approach was correct. “You did well this time.”

Lin Qingyang’s eyes curved slightly as he smiled, “So, about my proposal just now…”

Before Chu Lishu could respond, they heard someone entering the room.

Lin Qinglan wiped her face and walked in. “Yang’er, I’m grateful you were here. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”

Lin Qingyang comforted her, “Eldest sister, don’t say that. You’ve already done well. Seeing such a brave eldest sister today, I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Chu Lishu stood up to make room, allowing Lin Qinglan to sit by the bed.

Lin Qinglan naturally said, “Thank you for taking care of him all this time. I heard you encountered bandits, I’m sure you went through a lot. Now that the situation here is stable, you should go back and rest, relieve your stress.”

Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang both were momentarily surprised. However, Chu Lishu quickly responded, “Alright then, cousins, you can chat. I’ll go back and rest.”

“Ah? You’re leaving now…” Lin Qingyang didn’t react for a moment.

Chu Lishu glanced at him, seeing his unwilling expression, hesitated for a moment, but still left.

Lin Qingyang asked with some confusion, “Eldest sister, I don’t hide anything from him. Why did you send him away?”

Lin Qinglan looked at Lin Qingyang’s reluctant expression and suddenly looked puzzled, “Send him away? I didn’t. Lishu isn’t your servant. Do you want him to wait on you all the time? Since we’re back home now, he is also the master. It was understandable for him to take care of you in the chaos last night, but now he should go back and rest. He hasn’t closed his eyes all night, and he’s not in good health.”

Lin Qingyang suddenly woke up, realizing that Lin Qinglan’s words made sense. Perhaps, out of habit, he stuck to Chu Lishu too much, always feeling that they should stay together. Now, thinking about it, they were just cousins. Didn’t various rumors spread during their time at the academy because of this? With this realization, Lin Qingyang suddenly understood why Chu Lishu hesitated when he suggested moving out together just now.

Chu Lishu, being the male lead, wasn’t Lin Qingyang’s sidekick. He had his own storyline and needed time for his private planning. Even in a deep friendship, one had to be clear about the role of their “tool,” which was designed to make things convenient for the male lead, not for the convenience of the user. So, during the periods without specific tasks, meeting the check-in requirements was sufficient, and there was no need to stick to the male lead all the time.

“Eldest sister makes sense. Besides, I want to discuss something with you.”

Lin Qinglan nodded, but as Lin Qingyang explained his thoughts, her expression gradually changed. Instinctively, she seemed to want to shake her head, but in the end, she nodded and said, “I agree, but I don’t know what Mother will say. And… you are the legitimate son of the family. Father won’t allow you to leave.”

“It will be difficult to directly say that we want to move out, as it goes against the rules. However, we can use the excuse of taking care of Mother’s illness and move to the farthest place from here. This way, we fulfill our filial duty and prevent Grandmother and Father from bothering you.”

Lin Qinglan considered it for a moment, “The plan is indeed good, but if Mother is willing to go out for recovery, she could have moved to another place when there were issues with Grandfather earlier. However…”

Lin Qingyang hadn’t thought about this point, so he called for Nanny Ding.

Upon hearing the proposal, Nanny Ding’s eyes lit up, and her tired face became spirited, “This old servant absolutely supports Young Master’s decision. It should have been done earlier. Young Master, please rest assured. The County Princess has endured here not for the Marquis or the residence but for you. She was afraid that if she left, there would be no one to restrain the monsters and demons in the residence, and you would be mistreated. But now, since you want to leave, the County Princess will definitely be willing to go with you.”

Nanny Ding’s words reassured both of them.

Lin Qinglan looked at Lin Qingyang with relief, pride filling her eyes. “As long as there are no issues on Mother’s side, you decide.”

“Alright, once Mother and I stabilize, I’ll go talk to Father. Nanny Ding, please gather the property deeds we have, check if there are any suitable places. If not, we’ll buy one.” Lin Qingyang was full of determination. “By then, the three of us, maybe even with Chu Lishu, can move out together.”

“Wait, aren’t we bringing Weiwei?” Lin Qinglan was somewhat puzzled.

Lin Qingyang paused. “That depends on whether she wants to come with us or not. Sister, how did she react to Grandmother arranging for you to meet that guy from the Li family?”

Lin Qinglan’s face changed instantly, but Nanny Ding spoke bluntly about Lin Qingwei’s ridiculous attitude. She believed that the grandmother would not harm Lin Qinglan, and also believed that a woman who remarried could not marry well. It was already good if she could remarry. Moreover, in her view, if the eldest sister kept delaying marriage, it would affect the reputation of their Marquis An Nan’s residence’s daughters, especially at the time when news spread that Ying Wenlong was about to marry that good daughter, Xu Rui’er.

In fact, Lin Qingyang hoped that her younger sister could make some progress, but without Madam Ru’s guidance, she remained just as selfish.

“Mother is going for recuperation, the eldest sister is accompanying, and I just occasionally help out. Lin Qingwei doesn’t need to follow; she still has to study, and it’s not suitable for an unmarried girl to move around.” Lin Qingyang said straightforwardly, making a decisive decision.

However, Nanny Ding spoke up, “Young Master just mentioned Master Chu, does that mean Master Chu will also join us?”

“Yang’er, what exactly are you doing…bullying Lishu, treating him like a servant to arrange and order around, or…do you have other intentions?” Lin Qinglan asked cautiously.

Lin Qingyang felt a bit embarrassed facing the skeptical gazes of the two women. “Um… I just have a good relationship with Lishu, treating him like a real brother. Besides, I feel he’s a bit stifled here. It might be better for him to come with us, more freedom.”

However, both Nanny Ding and Lin Qinglan shook their heads simultaneously, “This might not be appropriate.”

……

“This is certainly inappropriate!” Lu Shi is about to jump.

Lu Yi hurriedly held down Lu Shi, preventing him from being too unruly in front of the master, especially after just making a mistake.

“Why are you so excited? I naturally know it’s inappropriate.” Chu Lishu stood in front of the desk, quietly practicing calligraphy.

Thinking about Lin Qinglan asking him to go back and rest just now, he knew Lin Qinglan didn’t mean to dismiss him. In the eyes of others, Lin Qingyang had someone closer to take care of him, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to trouble him, a distant cousin. He just forgot about this momentarily. As for why he forgot about the propriety, he guessed it was because Lin Qingyang was injured because of him, and he couldn’t bear to leave him unattended.

However, if Lin Qingyang didn’t have any special circumstances, there was no reason for Chu Lishu to always stay with him, let alone move out together. When Lin Qingyang brought up this point, his mind went blank.

After all, they were just cousins. Even if their relationship was good, there was no reason to not stay with their maternal grandmother and father and instead run away with their cousin. It wasn’t an elopement.

Moreover, he stayed with Lin Qinglan and other cousins in Marquis An Nan’s residence because there were elders from the Lin family present. But if they moved out to live together, what would it look like? What about Lin Qinglan’s reputation? He guessed that the little fool hadn’t considered this point at all and just blurted it out impulsively.

Alas, why does he cling to his subconscious actions and thoughts even more after this silent treatment? They say that arguments are the spice of relationships, and it seems true. How can he dare to have another silent treatment with him in the future?

Although Chu Lishu had decided to treat Lin Qingyang well, with tolerance and trust, he couldn’t let him indulge his selfish desires casually. If he got used to it, and the emotional roots grew deeper, and Chu Lishu couldn’t respond, wouldn’t it hurt him even more?

Indeed… he should maintain some distance.

A reasonable distance would be good, not letting him feel sad because of rejection, maintaining the current level of emotional intensity, and not sinking deeper.

But if they really separated, he wouldn’t be able to attend the Imperial Academy, and he wouldn’t see…

Lin Qingyang will definitely make a fuss with him, sigh~

On the other hand, Lu Shi is still worried and anxious, saying, “Master will surely not agree, right? Master has mentioned maintaining the current status and naturally staying in Marquis An Nan’s residence is more appropriate. How can we move out?”

Lu Yi looked at Lu Shi with some confusion. Lu Shi had been quite nice to him before because of the incident where he injured Lin Qingyang. Why did he suddenly become so resistant?

Chu Lishu raised his head and glanced at Lu Shi as if seeing through the sudden change in Lu Shi’s emotions. He was already in a bad mood, frowned, and said coldly, “What’s going on?”

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