Chapter 137: The Family Division
Jiang Ruanxi nodded, leaning against the carriage. After a night of torment, she was already exhausted. The moment the carriage left the Capital’s Imperial City, she could finally close her eyes in peace.
Once she arrived in Lingnan, she could see her foster father and foster mother and start a new life.
Thinking about it, her heart was filled with excitement.
The news of the fire at Guangming Temple spread like wildfire. Originally, no one knew about the fire at the Lin Family Ancestral Hall, but it also spread at this moment.
“The Lin Family is truly tragic. The Mistress died, and the Old Madam also died.”
“Family misfortune. They must have done something wicked in their ancestors’ time to suffer such a great disaster.”
“I heard that Young Master Sun died together with them. It was Concubine Lin who set the fire. The Sun Family definitely won’t let this go this time. The Lin Family is completely finished this time.”
“…”
Lin Feng listened to the words outside, pacing back and forth at home. He Sheng lifted the teacup lid slightly. “Master, stop pacing. Walking back and forth like this is making my head dizzy.”
“Sheng’er, did you hear what they said? Third Sister killed Second Brother’s Wife and also killed Young Master Sun. The Lin Family and Sun Family will come knocking soon.”
Even though Madam Zhou had passed away, Lin Feng was only sad for a moment. But now that it concerned the survival of the Lin Family, he was unable to sit or stand still.
He Sheng set down the cup and comforted him. “Master, worrying won’t help. The evidence is irrefutable. These things were indeed done by Third Sister. The Sun Family and Jiang Family will definitely hold the Lin Family accountable.”
How could Lin Feng not know?
He sighed, looking at his wife with affection. “Sheng’er, it’s all my fault. If I had listened to you back then and studied properly, perhaps I would have a degree now and could find some connections to handle this.”
It wouldn’t be like now, completely in the dark and only able to resign to fate.
He Sheng’s eyes flickered slightly as she tried her best to suppress her excited emotions. “Master, this concubine actually has a way to save our small family.”
Small family?
Lin Feng frowned tightly. “Sheng’er, between us husband and wife, we should be honest. If you have something to say, just say it directly.”
“While parents are alive, no family division. Before Mother was here, I couldn’t speak up. But now that Mother has passed away, there’s no need for the Eldest Branch and Second Branch to be entangled anymore.”
Lin Feng’s heart jolted. “You mean…”
“Family division.” He Sheng said simply and clearly.
His body shook, clearly shocked by this news. “Sheng’er, isn’t this too sudden? Dividing the family at this critical juncture—we’ll be drowned in spittle.”
Wasn’t this clearly drawing a clear line with the Second Branch to escape responsibility?
Therefore, Lin Feng was a bit hesitant in his heart.
“Master, this concubine knows this matter is difficult. But even without dividing the family, what help can we give the Second Branch?”
He Sheng lowered her head, looking at the child in the swaddling clothes, softly analyzing the pros and cons.
“If we divide the family, we’ll be our own small family. Whether it’s the Second Branch or Third Sister, they’ll bear the consequences of their own sins. Even if it costs this life, I will beg the He Family to protect our small family.”
The meaning was clear: if it was for Lin Tingting and Ning Kun, she absolutely wouldn’t beg her maternal home. But if it was for him and the child, she would stake this face.
Looking at his frail wife and young child, thinking that if the Lin Family was implicated, they definitely couldn’t fight the Jiang Family and Sun Family, and his wife and child would also be dragged down, Lin Feng felt heartbroken.
After thinking for a moment, he seemed to have made some determination, but there was still hesitation in his heart.
“Sheng’er, you’re right. But with the Lin Family like this now, how can I bring myself to discuss this matter with Second Brother?”
Seeing him waver, He Sheng said directly, “As long as Master agrees, this concubine will handle this matter.”
Lin Feng closed his eyes in pain. “Then we’ll follow Madam’s arrangements.”
When Lin Ningkun and Lin Tingting returned and learned of Madam Zhou’s death, they were both stunned and a bit unable to react.
Lin Tingting was the first to react, rushing directly to Madam Zhou’s corpse and crying out loudly.
“Mother, you died so wronged! It must be that bitch Jiang Ruanxi who did it. She didn’t want to live herself and even committed the act of killing her mother-in-law. Her heart is vicious, comparable to a scorpion…”
With Madam Zhou dead, the last straw and support in her hands had fallen.
“Second Brother is back.”
He Sheng’s voice came from the doorway.
He Sheng appeared in the Mourning Hall. By reason, she was currently in postpartum confinement and shouldn’t be here.
But with Jiang Ruanxi already “dead” and no one in the manor to take charge, even if supported by others, she had to come out.
Throughout, He Sheng didn’t glance at Lin Tingting once, completely disregarding her.
“Elder Sister-in-law.”
“You must know the current situation of the Lin Family.” He Sheng didn’t want to beat around the bush and got straight to the point. “With the Second Branch and Third Sister doing such foolish things, do you intend to implicate the entire Lin Family?”
Lin Ningkun’s heart sank. “What do you mean, Sister-in-law?”
“This is the family division list drafted when Old Marquis was alive. Second Brother, take a look. If there are no objections, just sign it.”
He Sheng handed him a piece of paper.
Lin Ningkun was shocked and didn’t take it. Lin Tingting also stopped crying. She stood up resentfully, pointing at He Sheng’s nose and cursing, “He Sheng, what do you mean?”
“A married daughter should not meddle in her maternal home’s affairs.”
He Sheng looked at her with disgust. The Lin Family becoming like this was inseparable from this troublemaker.
“Second Brother, you’re a smart person. I don’t need to say much about the pros and cons of family division.”
Lin Ningkun’s hands trembled, his throat tightened. “Sister-in-law, does Elder Brother know about this?”
“Do you think I would discuss such a major matter as family division with you without your elder brother’s consent?”
Lin Ningkun’s eyes were full of disappointment, yet he understood it couldn’t be changed.
“Mother’s bones are still warm, yet you’re thinking of family division and wanting to sever ties. How can Elder Brother and Elder Sister-in-law be so cold-blooded?”
Lin Tingting’s eyes reddened, gnashing her teeth in anger.
“Every man for himself and the devil take the hindmost. Third Sister resents Elder Brother and Sister-in-law for drawing a clear line at this critical moment, but when Third Sister and Second Brother were doing evil, did you ever think of dragging Elder Brother and Sister-in-law down? Did you ever think of bringing shame to the family?”
Lin Tingting’s face paled, unable to say a word, but He Sheng was determined to divide the family.
“You enjoyed the Lin Family’s support, and the Lin Family doesn’t seek repayment or for you to bring glory to the ancestors, but it can’t be destroyed because of you. With Second Brother’s Wife gone, I am now the Mistress of the Lin Family. This is also for the sake of the Lin Family’s future offspring.”
“Pah, stop pretending to be so righteous and gilding your own face. You’re clearly just afraid of being implicated yourself.”
