Chapter 34: A Day Of Great Joy
Thinking that no one saw, and now irritated in his heart, he didn’t want to dwell on it anymore. Impatiently, he said, “No next time. You can go.”
After Lin Yi left, Lin Ningkun picked Lin Xiao up onto his lap and wiped his tears dry.
“Xiao Ge’er, what happened?”
“Father, that woman said she would send me away tomorrow. Is that true?” He hugged Lin Ningkun’s neck.
A trace of hurt flashed across Lin Ningkun’s face, but it quickly vanished. He also didn’t want to deceive Lin Xiao.
“Everything she said is true. Tomorrow you will go to Zhenguo Marquis Manor.”
“I don’t want to go. You clearly told me that this is my home, and that after I came here, I would be the master here. Why send me away now?”
Lin Xiao looked extremely sad and struggled to get down.
After Lin Xiao was born, Jiang Xuerou’s health was not good. Plus, the Jiang family members worried that his existence would ruin Jiang Xuerou’s reputation, so Lin Ningkun had raised him outside from a young age.
He feared returning to the days of living alone, so he was extremely afraid of being sent away.
Lin Ningkun hugged him tightly and explained to him.
“This is only temporary. Father has some matters for now and cannot recognize you yet, but rest assured, this time when you go to Zhenguo Marquis Manor, you will be able to openly see your mother.”
Upon hearing he could see Jiang Xuerou, Lin Xiao’s eyes lit up involuntarily. “Are you telling the truth?”
“Of course. This time, Zhenguo Marquis Manor is recognizing you. In the future, you can openly see your mother with no one stopping you. But remember one thing: from now on, outside, you cannot casually say I am your father. You cannot let anyone know. Once Father handles the matters, I will come pick you up to be with your mother.”
Lin Xiao now only thought about seeing his own mother and did not make a fuss anymore. Obediently, he said, “I know, Father.”
After all, he was just a child. Lin Ningkun coaxed him a few words and it was fine, but he did not know that once Lin Xiao was sent away this time, there would be no possibility of him coming back.
The next morning, just as Jiang Ruanxi and the Lin family members exited the Marquis Manor gate, they ran into the people coming to pick up Lin Xiao.
Seeing their shocked expressions, Lin Qingxu thought they misunderstood that the Zhenguo Marquis had not come personally and had sent a woman instead, so she hurriedly explained.
“The Marquis originally planned to come pick up Xiao Ge’er personally, but his health is poor and he cannot be exposed to the wind, so he could only have me come in his place.”
Lin Ningkun and Madam Zhou were both in poor moods now and did not respond. Jiang Ruanxi stepped forward with a smile and said, “I didn’t expect Brother-in-law values Xiao Ge’er so much. The Marquis was even worried Xiao Ge’er wouldn’t be used to the Marquis Manor. It seems we worried too much.”
Regardless of whether Zhenguo Marquis Manor would take good care of Xiao Ge’er, Lin Ningkun and Madam Zhou did not hope their son and grandson would go there.
Jiang Ruanxi said these things in front of Lin Qingxu purely to annoy him.
From the corner of her eye, she saw the hand at Lin Ningkun’s side clenched tightly, and finally released. “Yes, since Brother-in-law values him so much, I can rest assured with Xiao Ge’er going to your home.”
Hearing this, Lin Qingxu’s face showed joy.
“Since that’s the case, it’s getting late. To not miss the auspicious time, let’s head back earlier.”
After speaking, the group set off grandly toward Zhenguo Marquis Manor.
Upon arriving at Zhenguo Marquis Manor, Jiang Ruanxi realized how lively they had made it for this “grandson’s” return, as if afraid others wouldn’t know.
From entering the alley, the sound of firecrackers had not stopped.
This was good. Later, when they found out this grandson was not their real grandson, the people of Zhenguo Marquis Manor would hate Jiang Xuerou that much more, and her hypocrisy would be torn away.
Even with Jiang Xuerou in Zhenguo Marquis Manor, she could make Jiang Xuerou’s life difficult.
“Ever since the Heir Apparent passed away, the entire Marquis Manor has been dead silent. Now that Xiao Ge’er is back, the Marquis is truly happy at heart, so he had people buy many firecrackers to drive away the stale energy.”
Jiang Ruanxi lowered her gaze. If Lin Xiao were truly Zhenguo Marquis Manor’s bloodline, this would be understandable, but Lin Xiao was Lin Ningkun’s child.
Although she knew the hidden circumstances, she had no evidence.
Although that midwife had been found by her, she could only prove she had delivered a child for Jiang Xuerou, but could not prove the child’s father was Lin Ningkun.
Otherwise, she would directly throw out the evidence and let these two make her infamous, without needing so much scheming.
Jiang Ruanxi and Lin Ningkun had varied expressions. Lin Qingxu also felt she had said too much and hurriedly said, “Look at me, saying these things on such a joyous day. Let’s hurry inside.”
Zhenguo Marquis Manor adopting a child with such a big commotion, the neighboring residents naturally all knew.
For a moment, when Lin Xiao got off the carriage, there were many onlookers around.
Although Li Xi of Zhenguo Marquis Manor had not come personally to pick him up, he leaned on his cane with an expectant look toward the carriage.
He personally waited at the door.
This gave Xiao Ge’er full face.
Jiang Xuerou stood behind Li Xi.
It was clear that Jiang Xuerou was also very happy facing her own son coming home.
“This is Xiao Ge’er?”
Li Xi had graying hair and a frail body. Though advanced in age, seeing his grandson, tears still welled up uncontrollably in his eyes.
But onlookers seeing this scene only found it somewhat strange.
Zhenguo Marquis Manor was just adopting a child, so why act like they found their own son, getting so excited?
Just adopting a grandson—those who didn’t know might think it was their real grandson?
Lin Qingxu feared exposure later and hurriedly stepped forward to support his arm and smooth things over. “Marquis, the weather outside is quite hot. Let’s go inside. Xiao Ge’er is back now and won’t leave, so you have plenty of time to spend together.”
Li Xi excitedly said, “Yes, the weather outside is hot. Take Xiao Ge’er inside first.”
Lin Xiao looked timid. Lin Ningkun wanted to go over, but in front of everyone, he could only hold back and restrain himself.
A mocking smile tugged at Jiang Ruanxi’s lips as she entered with the Lin family members.
Next was the adoption ceremony, which she was not interested in. Lin Qingxu knew her intentions and arranged a room in the back courtyard for her to rest.
“Second Sister, you have many matters at your manor today. You don’t need to take care of me like this. I can be by myself. There are still many guests in the front courtyard waiting for you to greet them.”
Although Lin Qingxu felt it improper, there was no other way. Her heart was full of gratitude. “Thank you, Sister-in-law, for understanding. After today’s matters are over, I will invite Second Sister-in-law another day.”
After Lin Qingxu left, Jiang Ruanxi took Hong Ye to the back courtyard.
But just as they entered the courtyard, a figure in dark brocade robes stood at the door.
Hong Ye nervously stuttered as she spoke.
“S-Second Young Master…”
Jiang Ruanxi only frowned slightly. Jiang Changjun ignored Hong Ye, his sharp gaze falling on Jiang Ruanxi, his voice cold and aloof. “Second Sister, I have something to discuss with you.”
Looking at Jiang Changjun before her, thinking of the scene seen before death in the previous life, her eyelids drooped slightly.
“What is it?”
