Chapter Nineteen Misunderstanding

  Lin Chen's face didn't look good, he was a self-proclaimed noble person, most disliked seeing the kind of infighting among the women in the back house, so he also always preferred to get along with Lin Zhao Yan who didn't compete with others.

  "Are you in the right to treat your brother's mother, Wan Niang, like that? No matter what, she is your elder. Ask your mother if this kind of behavior is suitable for a young lady from a respectable family?"

  "Wuguniang has always been straightforward and outspoken, I'm already used to it, doesn't matter." Wan Niang pretended to be calm and smiled, seemingly relieving the situation, but actually making Lin Ruoyan's disrespect for authority even more apparent.

  Lin Xingyu also chimed in, "Fifth sister didn't do it on purpose. I think she's been overwhelmed with things lately and her mood hasn't been good, that's why she acted like this. Father, please don't be angry with her."

  Lin Zhaoyan glanced at her, raised an eyebrow and sneered. It seemed that she was not only dissatisfied with dragging Lin Ruoyan down but also wanted to pull her down together.

  "Troubles all around?" Indeed, Lin Chen furrowed his brow and looked at Liu Shi, "What's going on?"

  Liu seemed somewhat embarrassed, not knowing how to respond, when Lin Zhaoyan already spoke up softly, "It's just that if Liu had fallen into the lotus pond a few days ago and was rescued by the eldest son of Xiao Wangfu, there were some unfavorable rumors in Shengjing."

  Lin Zhaoyan thought that instead of hiding and not saying anything, it's better to speak out loud and clear, rather than being exposed by Aunt Wan and others, who would reveal all the things that had happened in recent days.

  After all, what happened to Xiao Qi was an irresistible force and had nothing to do with Lin Ruoyan herself. Lin Chen not only wouldn't blame her but would also think of ways to help her solve the problem.

  If they had frankly admitted it, then Aunt Wan would have been obviously picking a quarrel if she still refused to let them off.

  Lin Chen didn't expect this to happen, and falling into the icy pool on a cold day was indeed quite a suffering. He felt more heartache for Lin Ruoyan, "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier? I'm not insignificant in this capital city, and I have many connections. If we find a few people to vouch for us, our reputation will naturally be restored. What's there to worry about?"

  Lin Zhaoyan couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  It is said that Confucian scholars are prone to exaggeration, and those people can turn red into black with just a few words, and then turn black into white. In the city of Shengjing, those excellent stories and anecdotes that have been passed down through the ages, even the two most famous courtesans in Kyoto at that time, weren't they all hyped up by these literati?

  Lin Chen said it was absolutely right, as long as he wanted to, he could definitely make his daughter a heavenly fairy.

  Liu was taken aback for a moment, then also burst out laughing. She had just been nervous and worried that Lin Chen would blame her for not teaching him well, but she had forgotten that he still had this skill.

  In this way, those things that were worried about will not come true.

  Lin Ruoyan's face was still stiff, and she didn't show any happiness at all because of Lin Chen's words.

  "I'm tired, I'll take my leave first." She didn't care about the already eased atmosphere, and perfunctorily nodded to Lin Chen and Liu Shi before turning around and leaving.

  "I suppose Fifth Young Miss doesn't want to mention that matter again, and indeed, an unmarried young lady getting involved with such a young master is...” Madame Wan covered her sleeve, expressing regret, but her downcast eyes couldn't conceal her schadenfreude.

  Lin Chen's face looked even more unsightly.

  It stands to reason that if Lin Zhao had said something wrong, she would have fallen into the water because of Liu's negligence. He couldn't help but think of Liu's cold words and phrases towards Lin Zhao over the years, and felt that even if Lin Qi was really raised by her, it might not necessarily be a good result, and it would be better to follow her own mother.

  Lin Zhaoyan secretly sighed and knew that this time, Wan Niang and her group had their way again.

  She took advantage of the discord between her sisters, and it was certain that someone like Lin Ruoyan would not swallow her anger. As long as Lin Ruoyan showed a bad attitude, then what's the use of Liu's good education for Brother Xing?

  A glimpse of a leopard's spots reveals the whole beast, and between Liu and Wan Niang there were so many twists and turns, not to mention the entire Jian'an Marquis Manor, let alone the treacherous inner palace.

  "Father." Lin Zhaoyan pushed Lin Chen, who was still sulking, and said with a smile: "Don't you understand what kind of person Yuanyu is? She has always been sharp-tongued but extremely kind-hearted. When Qige was ill as a child, even his mother didn't notice, but Yuanyu did, and she called the doctor and took care of him. Afterwards, she acted as if nothing had happened. She's just a bit proud, but she knows right from wrong."

  In other words, Lin Ruoyan had just quarreled with Aunt Wan and it was not for no reason.

  Lin Zhaoyan's voice was warm and gentle, like soft feathers plucking at the heartstrings. Lin Chen was moved by her words, his heart softened instantly, and he stroked her hair, saying helplessly: "You always have such a good temper, I know you love Ruo Yan, Father isn't really blaming her, she's my daughter, I understand her better than anyone else, go see her for me, apologize on behalf of your father."

  Lin Zhaoyan smiled and replied "good", then led Man Shuang and Man Hua out first.

  Yan Niang gazed at Lin Zhao's slender and weak back, with resentment hidden in her eyes.

  This Lin Zhao Yan is usually as silent as a bottle gourd, but always sticks out her foot to ruin things at critical moments!

  She's acting like this, doesn't she still want to make amends with Lin Ruoyan and deepen her relationship with Liu?

  Liu also stared blankly at Lin Zhaoyan's disappearing back, the sourness in her heart was so thick that it couldn't be dissolved.

  If only it hadn't happened back then...

  Lin Zhaoyan instructed Manhua and Manshuang to return to the Xiangxiang Pavilion first, where they would make a record of the things that Lin Chen had rewarded them with. After that, they would divide some of it out and send it to the girls in each house. As for herself, she went straight to the Qingxing Pavilion.

  The gatekeeper did not stop her, and Lin Ruoshan had probably guessed that she would come.

  She pushed open the curtain and entered, when Lin Ruoyan was sitting on a purple sandalwood couch by the window, his eyes were dim, as if he was in a daze or admiring the snowy scene outside the window.

  From this angle, you can see her long and slightly curved eyelashes and high and delicate nose bridge. The afternoon sunlight pours through the gaps between the window frames and sprinkles on her face, forming a few dappled light spots, making her expression even more mysterious and unclear.

  Lin Zhaoyan thought for a moment and decided to speak up, "Yueyan, Father asked me to come take a look at you."

  Lin Ruoyan heard this and slowly turned her head around, with a cold intent hidden in her eyes.

  She raised her chin and sneered: "Father is back, you finally have a backing, are you very happy?"

  Lin Zhaoyan furrowed her brow, looking rather amusing. "At a time like this, you still want to compete with me for favor? In the manor, you have Grandmother's fondness, Mother's doting, and sisters' envy. I, on the other hand, have nothing, except for Father's special attention. You can't even bear that?"

  Perhaps it's because Liu had invested too much affection and care in her, making her feel like she was the only one in the world, and everyone should pamper her, love her, and cherish her, and no one else could share that affection?

  "As expected, Father is back and your attitude has changed." Lin Ruoyan snorted, saying coldly: "However, no matter how much Father spoils you, you will never gain Mother's favor. The inner courtyard and the rear palace are all under Mother's control, what do you think you can get? Do you also want to enter the palace? Foolish fantasy!"

  Lin Zhaoyan frowned, "You really want to enter the palace?"

  "What's the point? In the entire mansion, apart from me, who else do you think has the qualifications to enter the palace? Lin Jinming? She was abandoned by her grandmother long ago. As for Lin Xingyan, she does have a calculating mind, but unfortunately, she was born into the wrong womb and doesn't have any capital!" Lin Ruoyan's expression was furious, so furious that it made Lin Zhaoyan feel incredulous.

  When did she become so obsessed?

  "Are you going to tell me again not to enter the palace, that there are too many intrigues and struggles inside that I won't be able to handle?" Lin Ruoyan sneered disdainfully: "Unfortunately, I'm not buying what you're selling! Do you want to enter the palace? Fine, then let's see who has the real skills - is it more reliable to win over Father or to gain Grandmother's favor!"

  Lin Zhaoyan was slightly indignant, she really wanted to follow Lin Ruoyan, and wait until she suffered before realizing how ridiculous her words were today!

  However, once you enter the palace, it's not just a matter of suffering a bit and then being done with it. If things go wrong, your life could be forfeit!

  Lin Ruoyan used to be arrogant, but she had never been unreasonable before. These days, she has indeed been a bit abnormal.

  "Nothing to say?" Lin Ruoyan raised an eyebrow and sneered, "If there's nothing to say, then please leave! You'd better put more thought into winning over your father and figuring out how to defeat me, rather than wasting your energy on me."

  "If you must speak, do you have to be so confrontational and make me feel so uncomfortable?" Lin Zhao Yan felt a bit stifled. Although the relationship between her and her sister had always been distant, it hadn't been as tense as it was recently. She just wanted to live a peaceful life in the Hou household, without any conflicts or competition, hoping that one day she could marry off peacefully. Towards Lin Ruoyan, who had been close to her when they were young and wasn't inherently bad, she felt even more sincere in their peaceful interactions. Who would want to spend every day scheming and fighting, not even having a true sisterly relationship?

  Unfortunately, things went against her wishes. Her hidden prophecy skills and her numerous retreats and tolerance only brought more trouble and provocation.

  She didn't know what kind of personality the original owner had in the past, nor did she know why she got seriously ill that day. But one thing was clear to her: she couldn't be really stupid and simple-minded, otherwise she would only be taken advantage of until nothing was left.

  But she really didn't want to get involved in those intrigues, if it weren't for that damned prophecy technique, her life in the Marquis's estate would probably be even more low-key, and with her father's protection, she could have married a good family and spent the rest of her life in peace.

  But she knew so many dirty things, and she just couldn't ignore them.

  Now, facing Lin Ruoyan's repeated difficulties and misunderstandings, her good temper was worn out. She cooled down her face and said lightly: "If you really love to enter the palace so much, then go ahead, I've said all I need to say, and that's being kind and righteous to the utmost. I only hope you won't regret it in the future."

  After finishing speaking, he didn't care about Lin Ruoyan's reaction and turned around and walked out of the house.

  Lin Ruoyan stared at her back with wide eyes, she should have been angry about what was said, but for some reason, she felt a sour nose and tears welling up in her eyes.

  "Actually, Fourth Young Miss has always been good to you, she's sincere." Zi Su saw the situation and secretly sighed, but still mustered up the courage to say.

  The distance knows the horse's strength, and time reveals a person's heart. Whether someone is sincere or not will naturally be revealed over time. Zi Su can see Lin Zhao Yan's true heart, how could Lin Ruo Yan not see it?

  She didn't really want to be at odds with Lin Zhaoyan, otherwise she wouldn't have forgiven her so easily. She also didn't really want to enter the palace, but because...

  Lin Ruoyan thought of what Liu said to her, and her hands clenched into fists in her sleeves.

  She must enter the palace, only then can she be more noble than Lin Jingming's identity, and she can marry Lu Yanzi with a clear conscience!

  Sister, I'm sorry...

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