Jian Zhaoxing

Chapter 494 Selling one's daughter for personal gain!?
After discussing it with Wang Shuyi, Lin Zhiqing led her to meet Lin Yangyang at the agreed place.

She then instructed Lin Yangyang to take Wang Shuyi home, while she herself returned to the Lin family as quickly as possible and subsequently found Yan Yu.

Upon hearing that the matter was related to Daliang, Yan Yu immediately obeyed Lin Zhiqing's orders without hesitation.

Lin Zhiqing took a deep breath.

She anticipated that the Liang envoy would bring the injured man to the Lin family to demand an explanation.

In that case, rather than passively taking a beating, it's better to take the initiative.

What's the big deal if you get hurt? Wouldn't it be better to just die?
She didn't have to wait long; Yan Yu returned soon after.

He killed the wounded Liang follower, completing the mission perfectly.

Soon, the Liang envoys came to the Lin family, claiming that Lin Zhiqing had killed a Liang person.

The matter quickly escalated.

Inside the main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

"Master, this Lin Zhiqing is so arrogant!" Madam Wang clutched her chest with a handkerchief. "Is the person you mentioned before the same person you're talking about now?"

"Those were people brought by the envoy from the Great Liang. If things go wrong, it could affect relations between the two countries. How dare she kill them?"

Wang Yuan's face was ashen: "I used to think she was brave, resourceful, and very calm, but now it seems I was wrong about her."

"Because of the matter concerning Marquis Wangshu, the Lin family already harbored resentment towards the people of Daliang. Coupled with this marriage alliance, the Lin family must be feeling even more resentful."

"But I never expected her to be so bold."

"Absurd, utterly absurd!"

Madam Wang handed over a teacup: "Master, don't let that girl upset you."

"Leaving aside the matter of Marquis Wangshu, the marriage alliance was originally for the good of Dasheng, and it is understandable for the people of Dasheng to make some sacrifices."

"I think that newspaper was probably put together by that girl. She's cunning and clearly doesn't want a marriage alliance."

"Don't you want a marriage alliance?" Wang Yuan suddenly raised his voice: "The Lin family surely knows the principle of putting the country before the family?"

"Madam, how did you find out about the newspaper?" He frowned slightly.

Mrs. Wang was also very honest: "Those newspapers are more interesting than drawing books, how could I not know that?"

"Sir, don't worry, I'm just taking a look."

"Don't let Shu'er see this. She's been corrupted by outsiders, and her mind is full of unrighteous and immoral thoughts," Wang Yuan cautioned.

“I know,” Madam Wang nodded.

As the two were talking, footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

"Father, mother!"

It was Wang Shuyi's voice.

Madam Wang greeted her: "Shu'er, didn't you go to offer incense today? Why are you back so soon?"

But as soon as she finished speaking, she saw tears on Wang Shuyi's face, and she looked very frightened.

Startled, she quickly helped Wang Shuyi up: "Shu'er, what's wrong?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan couldn't help but stand up.

Wang Shuyi's cries grew louder: "Father, Mother, something's happened!"

Have you heard about the incident where Miss Lin killed a man from Liang?

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan and his wife's faces immediately fell. His wife said, "Why are you meddling in this? The people of Daliang may be hateful, but that's no excuse for killing people indiscriminately."

"You've always been soft-hearted; don't let Lin Zhiqing lead you astray."

Although Wang Yuan did not speak, he clearly agreed with Madam Wang's statement.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shuyi cried even harder.

She knelt down and kowtowed deeply to Wang Yuan and his wife.
"Father, Mother, it's not like that. Miss Lin is a good person. That man from Daliang deserves to die, he..."

"Shuyi!" Wang Yuan abruptly interrupted Wang Shuyi, glancing around before speaking sternly:
"Insolence! Whether someone deserves to die is for the Emperor to decide. Do you know how many people will speak ill of my Wang family if these words get out?"

"Father, Miss Lin did not harm any of the Liang people!" Wang Shuyi cried, tears streaming down her face.

"When I returned to the manor today, I encountered people from Daliang. They wanted to take me back to Sifangguan. Miss Lin Er accidentally injured the envoy's attendant while trying to save me."

"I was right there watching, and she didn't kill any of the Liang people!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan and Madam Wang exchanged a glance and both took a step back.

"What did you say? Shu'er, are you... are you alright?" Madam Wang pulled Wang Shuyi up, her words slurred.

"Mother, thanks to Miss Lin, I'm alright." Wang Shuyi's crying gradually subsided, and she recounted the whole story.

Then, she looked at Wang Yuan, her eyes reddening again: "Father, please save Miss Lin! The Liang envoy has humiliated me so badly, Miss Lin is my benefactor!"

Wang Yuan's lips twitched, and he couldn't help but step forward: "Are you telling the truth?"

"If my daughter tells even half a lie, she shall never be allowed to touch calligraphy or painting again!" Wang Shuyi swore a solemn oath.

Wang Yuan's body trembled, his chest heaving.

As Wang Shuyi's father, he knew how important calligraphy and painting were to her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had her courtyard fenced off to prevent her from going to the bookstore.

He remained silent for a long time.

Upon seeing this, Wang Shuyi's voice choked up again, carrying a hint of resolve:
“Father, if you don’t help Miss Lin, I will volunteer to go with her to marry into the royal family.”

"She is my benefactor, and I will not allow her to be bullied by those malicious Liang people!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Wang Yuan suddenly became agitated: "Is it something that can be casually announced about a marriage alliance?"

With tears welling up in her eyes, Wang Shuyi said, "Anyway, Daliang only needs hostages. They might even be happy to have one more of me."

"They will definitely take revenge on Miss Lin, Father, can't you see that..."

"Snapped!"

A crisp slap sounded.

Madam Wang's mouth dropped open, and the next moment, she embraced Wang Shuyi, tears welling up in her eyes:

"Wang Yuan, what are you doing? What did Shu'er say wrong?!"

"What do you know, you ignorant woman?" Wang Yuan pointed at Madam Wang, his finger trembling.

"A marriage alliance is a great thing that benefits the country and its people! With five cities, cattle, sheep and warhorses, the Great Sheng will only rise to a higher level!"

Wang Shuyi covered her flushed cheeks and broke free from Madam Wang's embrace:
"Father, you are still deceiving yourself. If the two countries go to war, the women who are sent to marry foreign rulers will be living hostages."

"Having offended so many officials, Da Sheng won't even be able to wage war. What good are five cities? They're just things we can take back at any time!"

“Father, if you think marriage is a good thing, then please send me and Miss Lin to Daliang together.”

"When people outside find out, they will surely praise you for your great sense of justice!"

"You unfilial daughter, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you think I, Wang Yuan, am the kind of person who would sell my daughter for personal gain?" Wang Yuan was furious, his face turning bright red.