Chapter 95: Brother Lin, You're Being So Cunning! (First Update)

Because the matter with Xiao Yue this morning was extremely sensitive, Wu Tan couldn’t help but feel a sudden anxiety. Instinctively, she reached out to tug at Wu Qinglin’s sleeve. “Big brother…”

Wu Qinglin turned around, and seeing her worried expression, he gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s nothing.”

He then got out of the carriage and turned to offer her a hand. “Since we’re already delayed, a little more won’t matter. Come on, let’s go inside first to see Grandfather and Second Uncle, and sort out Yaor’s situation.”

This was her elder brother—calm and composed no matter how dire the crisis.

Seeing his smile, Wu Tan felt at ease. She nodded slightly, took his hand for support, and was helped down from the carriage.

Mu Song immediately hurried up the steps to knock on the door.

By now, dusk had fallen. Generally, no one would visit at this hour. The two gatekeepers on duty were having their meal but quickly put down their bowls and came out when they heard the noise. Through the door, one called out, “At this hour, who is it?”

“We’re from the Dingyuan Marquis’s residence,” Mu Song replied, stating their name without elaboration.

Hearing this, the people inside hastened to open the main gate without delay.

Wu Tan followed closely behind Wu Qinglin as they climbed the steps.

“Young Master, Miss Biao!” The door was opened by an old servant of the Lin family. Although the two children left behind by their grandaunt were not strangers to the Lin household, arriving so late was rather unusual. As he stepped aside to usher them in, he asked, “At this hour, why have the Young Master and Miss Biao come by?”

“Something came up,” Wu Qinglin said without stopping, moving further inside. “Where is the old steward now? Have Second Uncle and the cousins returned?”

“The master sent word earlier that he has an engagement tonight and won’t be dining at home. The young masters just returned and went to change; they should be here shortly.” The gatekeeper wasn’t fully informed about the inner courtyard’s affairs but glanced at the sky and guessed, “It’s mealtime now; the old steward should be in the dining hall. I’ll lead the Young Master and Miss Biao there.”

“No need, I’ll go myself,” Wu Qinglin declined, leading Wu Tan inside with practiced ease.

Outside, Xiao Lingzi was waiting by the carriage, and Mu Song, in case of last-minute instructions, closely followed.

Inside the Lin family’s rear courtyard, the grand dining hall was indeed being prepared for dinner.

Mrs. Li had instructed the servants to set the table, and the youngest daughter, Lin Yanli, sat obediently at the table, while Mrs. Li anxiously stood at the doorway, frequently glancing outside.

The old steward of the Lin family, Lin Xiucheng, entered from the courtyard.

“Grandfather!” Mrs. Li greeted him promptly and ushered him into the hall while explaining, “It’s been a busy day, and we’re short-staffed. I had to pull two servants from the kitchen to help, so dinner was delayed a bit.”

The dowry from the Jiang family was generous, and she had spent the entire afternoon inventorying it.

The old steward was unconcerned. “A little earlier or later doesn’t matter; you just focus on your work.”

At that moment, Lin Yanli climbed down from her chair and came forward to greet him. “Grandfather, hello!”

The old steward reached out to pat her head with a smile but immediately noticed something amiss—

The numbers didn’t add up!

Lin Xiucheng, the second master of the Lin family, did not hold a prominent position and seldom attended affairs, but he didn’t always come home for dinner. The two grandsons attended clan school daily; although they left early in the morning, they usually returned for dinner, albeit sometimes late. But today, Lin Yaor was missing?!

“Where are the children?” he asked.

Mrs. Li replied, “Yan Ying and his brother are back, but they’ve gone to change and will be here soon. Earlier, the master sent word that he wouldn’t be home for dinner due to a colleague’s family banquet.”

The old steward nodded slightly and then asked, “What about Yaor?”

Mrs. Li sighed, somewhat embarrassed. “That child is sulking with me.”

He knew his granddaughter’s temperament well but found it odd. Sitting down, he teased, “Isn’t today supposed to be her happy day? Why is she being so fussy?”

Mrs. Li didn’t hide the truth but wore a troubled expression. “It’s because of the engagement.”

The old steward was momentarily stunned and looked at her again.

Mrs. Li sighed. “When the representatives from the Pingguo Duke’s household arrived earlier, she wasn’t home—she went to play with Tan’er. Later, when I brought her back, she threw a tantrum upon hearing that Ping Zhi hadn’t personally come to propose. She then locked herself in her room all afternoon and didn’t show up.”

The Jiang family’s dowry had been personally delivered by the elders, and the procedure was flawless, even showing greater respect.

The old steward grew increasingly puzzled and gave Mrs. Li a questioning look.

Mrs. Li hadn’t expected Lin Yaor to react so strongly to Jiang Pingzhi’s absence. Thinking back to her daughter’s words from yesterday, unease began to stir in her heart—

Mrs. Jiang had repeatedly assured her that there was no problem on Jiang Pingzhi’s side, and she hadn’t noticed anything wrong. But judging by her daughter’s attitude, something must have happened between the two.

Yet when she asked Lin Yaor again that afternoon, she refused to say anything.

At this moment, when the old steward asked, Mrs. Li hesitated, unsure how to answer. Her gaze inadvertently swept around and caught sight of Lin Yaor being helped in by a maid from outside the courtyard.

Her face was pale, and there was no trace of a smile, but at least she had come out of her room.

Mrs. Li was still stunned when Lin Yaor entered the dining hall. “Grandfather! Mother!”

Mrs. Li could see her displeasure, knowing she was still upset about Jiang Pingzhi’s failure to come in person. She opened her mouth to speak, but the old steward, not eager to eat, turned toward the door and beckoned, “Yaor, come here.”

Lin Yaor walked up to him openly and forced a smile. “Grandfather, I’m late. Sorry for keeping you waiting for dinner…”

Before she finished, the old steward took one of her hands and, with the other, patted the back of it, bluntly asking, “I heard from your mother you’re upset? What’s going on? Tell your grandfather. Are you dissatisfied with the Jiang boy’s engagement?”

His skin was loose and rough with age, and his palms no longer broad, but his grip was steady, warm, and reassuring.

Lin Yaor felt wronged and her eyes began to burn with tears.

But now that Jiang’s dowry was in, she only suspected that Jiang Pingzhi might be unwilling to marry her. There was no way she could use such petty suspicions to break off the engagement and disgrace both families.

A woman’s reputation was paramount, and unless absolutely necessary, she would never choose to end an engagement.

So she took a deep breath, forcibly holding back the tears filling her eyes, and smiled again. “No! It’s just that I had a little quarrel with my cousin recently and felt a bit upset. Please don’t laugh at me, grandfather. It’s the granddaughter’s fault!”

Mrs. Li, hearing this, grew suspicious—

If it were truly Jiang Pingzhi she was upset with, she could have said so outright yesterday.

The old steward saw her reddened eyes and believed it was just a quarrel between the two children. He was about to speak when voices came from outside the courtyard.

Wu Tan and Wu Qinglin approached from the main gate, while Lin Yan Ying and Lin Yan Xu, the two brothers who had changed clothes, came in from another side, talking as they walked. The two parties met face to face.

“Cousin Qinglin?” Lin Yan Xu, the youngest son of Lin Xiucheng and Mrs. Li, was the fourth-born in the family, only sixteen, and somewhat lively. Seeing Wu Qinglin, he quickly ran up and playfully punched his shoulder. “I’ve heard from my mother you’re back in the capital but haven’t found time to meet. Next time you go riding or shooting, be sure to bring me along!”

Wu Qinglin returned the punch with a bright smile. “Sure! Next time I’ll bring you. Just don’t slow me down.”

“No way!” Lin Yan Xu waved his hands animatedly. “I’ve been practicing riding, shooting, and boxing whenever I can.”

He then leaned in to whisper, “I want to practice well so you can take me to the barracks to see it someday.”

Wu Qinglin neither agreed nor disagreed, simply punching his shoulder again.

By this time, Lin Yan Ying, twenty-five and already married, had come to the courtyard gate and stood waiting.

Wu Qinglin and Lin Yan Xu joked briefly before quickening their pace to greet him. They exchanged formal salutations.

Seeing that his sister-in-law Han wasn’t around, Wu Qinglin casually asked, “Where’s sister-in-law?”

“Oh, she went back to her family for a few days,” Lin Yan Ying replied. He also looked at Wu Qinglin and Wu Tan with a curious expression. “What brings you here at this hour?”

Wu Qinglin’s smile faded slightly. Seeing the old steward and Mrs. Li waiting inside, he said, “Let’s go in and talk.”

“Okay.” Lin Yan Ying nodded slightly and let him enter first, following closely behind.

Lin Yan Xu lagged a bit and began chatting with Wu Tan. “Cousin, it seems we haven’t seen each other since New Year’s. You’ve grown taller and prettier…”

Among all the Lin cousins, he was the most unreliable. Wu Tan gave him a half-smile, half-grimace. “Likewise!”

“Likewise?” Lin Yan Xu was momentarily confused, then realized she was teasing him—

He admitted to growing taller but who ever said men were pretty?

Wu Tan caught up with Wu Qinglin and quickly entered the house. Lin Yan Xu reacted and hurried after them, but it wasn’t appropriate to cause a scene in front of the old steward, so he immediately settled down and joined the others in greeting the elders.

Wu Qinglin and Wu Tan also exchanged greetings with the old steward and Mrs. Li.

Mrs. Li frowned. “Qinglin, Tan’er, why are you here at this hour?”

Wu Qinglin said nothing but quickly scanned the room, then spoke solemnly. “It’s urgent. Aunt, please clear the room first. I have something important to discuss with the family.”

The Lin family exchanged glances, puzzled.

Seeing the serious expressions on the Wu siblings’ faces, a sense of caution naturally arose.

Mrs. Li looked to the old steward. Upon his nod, she immediately had Lin Yanli carried away and dismissed all the servants from the courtyard.

Without waiting for questions, Wu Qinglin began, “I have to hurry to the palace later, so I’ll be brief. Grandfather, Aunt, I know Cousin Yaor just got betrothed to the Jiang family today. Jiang Pingzhi has problems, so this engagement must be called off immediately.”

His sudden, blunt declaration was like a bolt from the blue.

Everyone in the Lin family was stunned, especially Lin Yan Ying and Lin Yan Xu, who had just returned and didn’t even know their sister had been betrothed.

Lin Yaor tensed slightly and nervously clenched her fingers.

She instinctively looked at Wu Tan, who was equally helpless, unsure of what to do.

Among them, Mrs. Li reacted the most. After a moment’s shock, she suddenly snapped back to attention and rushed to Wu Qinglin’s side, staring intently into his eyes. “Qinglin, be clear—what’s wrong with Pingzhi? Did something happen?”

Wu Qinglin’s original plan was to have Wu Tan warn them first, to delay formalizing the engagement. Since Jiang Pingzhi was suspected of being involved with Li Xuner, he presumed Jiang’s side would want to sever the engagement quickly. There was no need for Mrs. Li to quarrel with her own sister. As long as the Lin family didn’t get caught in this mess, he could deal with those two later and vindicate both his sister and cousin.

No one expected Mrs. Jiang to formally confirm the engagement today.

Although breaking off the engagement would harm Lin Yaor’s reputation somewhat, it was better than stubbornly remaining stuck in that mire for the sake of appearances.

Therefore, Wu Qinglin was clear and decisive, revealing the truth to Mrs. Li: “Jiang Pingzhi has climbed too high and is involved with someone else. That person is unscrupulous and not a good match. While breaking the engagement will damage Cousin’s reputation, better a long pain than a short one…”

Before he finished, Mrs. Li looked as though struck by thunder, her legs weak and swaying.

She knew what kind of person Wu Qinglin was. For such a serious matter, if it weren’t true, he would never casually spread rumors!

“Mother!” Lin Yan Ying quickly steadied her.

“Mother…” Lin Yaor was frightened and hurried over. The siblings together helped Mrs. Li sit down.

Lin Yan Xu stood stunned for a moment, then, fueled by youthful anger, rolled up his sleeves and stormed out. “Bastard! I’ll deal with him!”

Wu Qinglin raised a hand and grabbed him.

Lin Yan Xu’s eyes were red with rage as he shouted, “We go together!”

Of course, Wu Qinglin couldn’t let him act recklessly. But since this was the Lin family’s matter, he couldn’t overstep and make decisions for them. For now, he held Lin Yan Xu’s arm firmly.

Before Lin Yan Xu could say more, the old steward silently stood and walked out. Everyone’s gaze followed him, waiting for the family head’s decision.

Passing by Wu Qinglin, he only said, “Qinglin, come with me.”

Wu Qinglin’s earlier words had been vague, with many details omitted—such as how Jiang Pingzhi was unscrupulous, and especially who the other woman involved was.

Having once held the highest office, the old steward understood well: since the grandson hadn’t said it outright, there must be hidden reasons, and it couldn’t be revealed publicly.

“Yes, sir,” Wu Qinglin answered, then quietly warned Lin Yan Xu, “Stay calm and don’t act rashly.”

He then released him and followed the old steward out of the dining hall.

The steward didn’t go far, stopping at the center of the courtyard. Without wasting words, he directly asked Wu Qinglin what he knew. Wu Qinglin didn’t conceal anything, recounting everything in detail—from his and Wu Tan’s feud with Li Xuner, the incident and bloodshed at Zhuque Tower yesterday, to Jiang Pingzhi’s visit to the Princess Dowager’s residence, leaving no detail out. At the end, he apologized, “I was careless. I never expected the Jiang family to come today to formally propose…”

The old steward raised a hand to stop him and asked, “What was your original plan?”

Wu Qinglin honestly replied, “The Princess Dowager wanted to marry the top scholar, and Jiang Pingzhi coveted the top scholar’s position. Recently, the top two scholars died mysteriously, and the capital’s authorities can’t find the culprit. Officials dare not act rashly. Once the situation calms, with the Jiang family’s status and the Empress Jiang and Crown Prince’s backing, they won’t need to cover up anymore. Someone will petition to promote Jiang Pingzhi to fill the vacancy. The third-place scholar, Huangfu Qi, was a favor from the emperor to the Huangfu family for their charity. With his knowledge and character, he wouldn’t compete for first place, nor would the emperor grant it to him since the imperial exams aren’t a game. Jiang Pingzhi is the only candidate. I intended to watch and wait, letting them continue their scheme, then expose them when they felt safe and inseparable. These two were only allied for their own interests. Once they realized it was all for nothing, their alliance would dissolve, and they’d turn on each other. Grandfather, you know, given their status, it’s not easy to confront them openly…”

He had stopped Hu Tianming from investigating further to quickly remove their sense of crisis, letting them collude shamelessly.

Li Xuner wanted to marry the top scholar? Let her have her wish—marry Jiang Pingzhi.

They probably thought that with the Empress and Crown Prince supporting them, the death of the top two scholars cleared the way for Jiang Pingzhi. But—

The mysterious deaths of the top two scholars remained an unsolved case. Even the emperor would be cautious. Once the victims’ families and scholars became agitated, even the emperor would have to heed public sentiment.

Jiang Pingzhi’s newly acquired top position wouldn’t last, and Li Xuner’s proud dreams would shatter.

Given Li Xuner’s character, the two would soon grow to despise each other, and one could look forward to who would destroy whom first.

Wu Qinglin came from a distinguished military family and usually despised underhanded tricks. Yet for people like Li Xuner and Jiang Pingzhi—

Simply cutting them off would be too merciful!

There was nothing more satisfying than digging a pit for them to fall into and watching them destroy each other.

The old steward also disliked such secretive tactics. Wu Qinglin noticed his silent gaze and lowered his eyes slightly, apologizing, “I know as a military officer I shouldn’t resort to such schemes, but grandfather, strictly speaking, I don’t think this is excessive.”

His tone was resolute yet calm.

The old steward studied him for a long moment, then slowly raised his hands and firmly squeezed Wu Qinglin’s shoulders twice, sighing, “You’re doing well.”

Indeed, in the current political climate, what use was honesty and loyalty without the ability to protect oneself? Passion must be reserved for someone worthy.

Sometimes, being scheming and ruthless was just a means of self-preservation.

The courtyard was large, and though everyone had been listening closely, they hadn’t caught the conversation. Now, all eyes eagerly watched the old steward’s every move.

Mrs. Li was still weak and unable to stand. When he returned inside, she nervously swallowed. “Grandfather…”

“When the second son returns tonight, tell him to take leave from the office. Tomorrow, you two will go to the Jiang family and break off the engagement.” The old steward made a decisive ruling as he sat back down. “Dinner!”

He had retired from office before fifty, disillusioned with the corrupt court. Since then, he no longer cared about the Lin family’s political connections or standing.

With no pursuit of fame or profit, he had no reason to bargain with his grandchildren’s marriages. He hadn’t opposed the Jiang engagement earlier, partly out of respect for Mrs. Li and partly because he had met Jiang Pingzhi and knew him as a diligent and decent youth. Being Mrs. Jiang’s second son, Jiang wouldn’t inherit titles or be entangled in complicated affairs.

But now, if his granddaughter was unhappy, he wouldn’t force it, especially since Jiang Pingzhi had problems and the Jiang couple might have deceived them.

With the old steward’s decree, the matter was settled.

Wu Qinglin had to hurry to the palace and didn’t stay to discuss further. Wu Tan, worried about Lin Yaor, exchanged silent words with her brother. Wu Qinglin then turned and left in haste.

Lin Yan Ying called for a maid to bring Lin Yanli back and added an extra set of chopsticks for Wu Tan. Everyone gathered around the table to eat.

However, the mood was gloomy due to the earlier incident, and no one spoke throughout the meal.

Meanwhile, Wu Qinglin left the Lin residence, took a horse from the carriage, saddled it with a spare saddle from the carriage’s secret compartment, and rode straight to the palace.

At that time, the emperor was in the study, reading memorials and waiting for him.

Tao Renzhi brought fresh tea. “Your Majesty, should we send someone to urge the Wu family again? The person who went before said the Wu Young Master wasn’t home, but it’s been the entire afternoon. Could it be they still haven’t found him?”

“I’m not worried about not finding him. I’m worried he might be hiding in Prince Sheng’s mansion,” the emperor teased without looking up.

Though playful, Tao Renzhi’s heart skipped a beat, yet he dared not respond rashly.

The emperor waited a moment, and when Tao Renzhi didn’t reply, he paused his writing, looked back, and asked, “Why no answer?”

Tao Renzhi, unable to feign ignorance, wore an apologetic expression and said hesitantly, “Your Majesty, how am I supposed to respond to that?”

The emperor smiled and didn’t press further, resuming his review. He casually remarked, “Prince Sheng has openly gone to the Wu family. He clearly isn’t hiding it from me. But he wouldn’t go just to drink tea. Regardless of what he said to Wu Qinglin or what he did there, the point is—he’s made contact with the Wu family. He has ulterior motives, so I have only two choices—suspect him or suspect both him and the Wu family. Since my relationship with him is distant, it doesn’t matter to him, so I tend to think he’s sowing discord.”

“Uh…” Having learned from past mistakes, Tao Renzhi didn’t play dumb and followed the emperor’s train of thought, “The Dingyuan Marquis is the southern shield of the court, and the Marquis himself is Your Majesty’s right-hand man. If you suspect he’s colluding with Prince Sheng, it would give Prince Sheng an opening to pry at the Marquis’s stronghold.”

Currently, Wu Xun was loyal to the court. Even if Prince Sheng had ulterior motives, his efforts to sway the Marquis would likely fail.

But if the emperor first harbored doubts and acted unjustly, it could push the Wu family’s allegiance in the opposite direction.

The emperor’s thinking was sound, except he never imagined that his arrogant younger brother repeatedly approached the Wu family only to flirt with their daughters!

“The art of psychological warfare…” The emperor tapped the desk twice. Just then, an attendant entered to report, “Your Majesty, the Dingyuan Marquis’s Young Master is waiting outside the hall to see you!”

—End of aside—

Here’s your still-handsome Lin Ge, take him!

This novel is an original release; please do not repost!