Chapter 77: I Have My Own Considerations
Jiang Ruanxi’s words undoubtedly tore off the fig leaf between the two of them directly.
Although Lin Ningkun had no shame, that was only limited to in front of Jiang Ruanxi. In front of outsiders, he wouldn’t dare to do such a shameless thing.
“Who said we have to go collect it ourselves?” Madam Zhou was still unwilling and stuck out her neck, saying, “Can’t you just collect it yourself and send it to us?”
Even though Jiang Ruanxi was mentally prepared, she was still startled by Madam Zhou’s shameless words.
Lin Runkun was so angry that blood rushed to his head, and he could no longer tolerate her insatiable greed, shouting loudly.
“Nonsense, utter nonsense. If this matter gets out, the ones who will be laughed at won’t just be your Marquis Manor, but also our Lin Clan. Your Marquis Manor doesn’t care about face or future prospects, but don’t implicate our Lin Clan.”
“Hmph, Lin Shu hasn’t even said anything, so what are you interrupting for? Could it be that you, Lin Runkun, can make decisions for Lin Shu?”
Madam Zhou felt that since the words were already out, she didn’t care what Lin Runkun thought. Anyway, Lin Ningkun’s official position was already ruined, so there was no need to go along with Lin Runkun anymore.
What she needed to do now was to strive for as much benefit as possible for herself.
Lin Shu’s expression also changed drastically.
He had only said that on purpose, originally thinking that for such a humiliating matter, they should know better than to persist. But he never expected that they would really be so shameless.
He had never imagined such a situation and was momentarily stunned in place, not knowing what to do.
“Pfft.”
Jiang Ruanxi couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Lin Ningkun flew into a rage out of humiliation. “Jiang Ruanxi, what are you laughing at?”
“I’m just thinking that Third Sister’s marriage prospects are probably not going to be easy to arrange.”
“What nonsense are you spouting?” Madam Zhou was furious to death. “You are at least Tingting’s sister-in-law. How can you not see her well? How wicked is your heart?”
“Mother, you’ve got it wrong. I actually want what’s best for Third Sister, but you’re unwilling. You won’t be satisfied until you’ve ruined her marriage prospects.”
Lin Runkun and Lin Shu were puzzled, and Madam Zhou was even more baffled. “Jiang Ruanxi, what nonsense are you talking about?”
“Yeah, can you just say it clearly all at once?” Lin Ningkun said angrily too.
“It’s like this: last time, the Clan Leader asked me to inquire about marriage prospects for the daughter of Third Uncle in the clan. Before, I didn’t have much contact outside, so I hadn’t found anyone suitable. But now that I’ve just been rewarded by His Majesty, suddenly many noblewomen from high families have come calling, and several of them have come to inquire about information.”
“If Mother insists on making a big fuss out of this, never mind the marriage prospects of the other girls in the clan—Third Sister’s marriage prospects will probably be difficult in the future.”
After all, her own brother’s reputation was already ruined, and she had an insatiable mother. Which family would dare to marry her?
Madam Zhou was immediately stunned. Her two sons were already ruined—did she really have to ruin her daughter’s future prospects too?
Lin Ningkun had clearly thought of it too, but he wanted silver and also wanted to get something out of his sister.
“It seems the Marquis has already made his decision, so I won’t mention Third Sister’s matter anymore, to avoid embarrassment later.”
Jiang Ruanxi’s words undoubtedly hit Lin Ningkun’s soft spot. He wanted benefits but was unwilling to let Lin Shu off.
Before this, the Lin clansmen had mainly looked up to him and followed his lead, but now that Lin Shu had risen, he was no longer the Lin Family’s sole pillar.
The huge disparity made him very unadapted, but right now he couldn’t worry about that.
Compared to bickering with Lin Shu here, he needed more to consider the future of the Marquis Manor.
“Third Sister’s marriage is naturally important, but we can’t just let this matter drop. At the very least, return double the silver.”
“Ten thousand taels of silver, and in just one short month, you want twenty thousand taels? Lin Ningkun, aren’t you going too far?”
Lin Runkun was so angry his beard was practically flying up.
Even usury from a money house wasn’t this expensive.
Jiang Ruanxi lowered her gaze, not surprised. Lin Runkun probably still didn’t know even now that Lin Ningkun had already restrained himself quite a bit.
People who were this insatiable couldn’t be filled even with mountains of gold and silver.
“How is it too far? This is already the bottom line. If the Clan Leader thinks it’s too much, then I don’t mind making a big fuss out of this.” Lin Ningkun threatened. “His Majesty most tabooed those who weren’t genuinely capable but used money to bribe their way up. If he finds out you bribed officials, whose loss will be greater then? Weigh it yourselves.”
Indeed, although Lin Ningkun had done similar things, his reputation was already ruined, so he didn’t care about a little more. But Lin Shu was different—he had just passed the exam, and his official career, even his life, was just beginning.
A mere ten thousand taels of silver was indeed nothing compared to his future prospects.
“Fine, I agree.”
Lin Shu considered it repeatedly and had no choice but to bow his head.
Lin Runkun was still worried for him.
“Lin Shu, have you thought it through? Two hundred thousand taels of silver is an astronomical sum for your family in its current situation.”
“Clan Leader, I know. Please don’t worry, Clan Leader. I have my own considerations.”
Seeing his mind was made up, Lin Runkun said no more.
But he knew Lin Ningkun’s character well, so he reminded, “Since you’ve agreed, to avoid anyone going back on their word, let’s draw up a written agreement for this matter.”
Lin Ningkun was unwilling to leave evidence on this matter, but if he didn’t agree, Lin Runkun definitely wouldn’t let it go.
So, without even thinking, he agreed directly. “Fine, draw up a written agreement then.”
“But I must remind you: if I don’t get the silver within five days, I won’t mind a mutually assured destruction.”
Lin Shu felt bad inside but had no choice but to agree.
Lin Ningkun and Madam Zhou took the agreement and left, but Lin Shu’s mood became exceptionally heavy.
His family had long been impoverished to support his studies. Not only was life difficult now, but how could they possibly scrape together so much silver in a short time?
Lin Runkun felt sorry for his plight and comforted him. “Don’t worry, I’ll think of a way for you. No matter what, I’ll help you gather this much silver.”
Jiang Ruanxi said faintly, “Clan Leader, some bottomless pits can never be filled no matter what.”
Lin Runkun was stunned, a bit puzzled by her words. “What do you mean…”
“I’m just a woman of the household, where would I have any opinions? I just think that some matters aren’t exactly honorable to begin with. Even if you dodge it today, sooner or later the matter will come to light. Clan Leader, don’t you think so?”
Her words made Lin Runkun fall deep into thought.
Jiang Ruanxi smiled again. “A dishonorable matter turned into a handle will eventually be used to control you. Better to face it openly—there might still be a slim chance of survival.”
“But what if it fails?”
