The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 127 Nine Shepherds Lin Clan

The words just finished.

Wang Sanguan'er, like a rabbit with its tail on fire, could no longer restrain himself. He hastily cupped his hands in the direction of Lin Ruhai and Ximen Qing, disregarding all decorum, and turned to run wildly towards where the horse was tied. He seemed as if he was afraid that if he was even a second late, Lin Ruhai would change his mind.

As Ximen Qing watched the impetuous figure disappear into the twilight, a helpless smile appeared on his face. He straightened his clothes, then turned around gracefully, and with composure, gave a deep bow to the somber-faced Lin Ruhai and the downcast-eyed Lin Daiyu, saying in a deep voice:
"Lord Lin, Miss Lin, my son is so young and unruly, I'm sorry to have made you both laugh. My adopted son, though naturally impetuous and lacking in composure, is pure of heart and innocent, and he has never been one to feign anything. What I just said about the situation in the manor, though perhaps a bit embellished, is based on fact."

At this point, the high-ranking official spoke with solemnity to show his respect for Madam Lin: "As for Madam Lin of the Zhaoxuan Mansion, she is a third-rank lady of the Imperial Court, bestowed with the title of 'Virtuous Lady.' She is virtuous and capable in managing her household, possessing both beauty and virtue. In Qinghe, her reputation for virtue is well-known, and she is admired by women and children alike." He nodded slightly, as if citing public opinion.

"Even among the noble families in the capital, we often hear of her gentle and kind nature, her compassion for the elderly and the poor." Her gaze was fixed sincerely on Lin Ruhai. "Your Excellency, please do not be too kind to bring your daughter to our residence. Your wife is very mindful of our clan ties and will treat you with sincerity, without betraying our kinship."

These words were perfectly watertight, highlighting Wang Sanguan'er's "frankness," adding a golden touch to the description of the Prince's Mansion, and bringing up Madam Lin's third-rank imperial consort status and her good reputation in both places, intending to completely soothe Lin Ruhai's concerns.

Lin Ruhai nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. His gaze swept over Ximen Da Guanren, scrutinizing him for a moment, and surprisingly, a faint, almost admiring expression appeared on his face. He slowly spoke:

"My lord, although you are merely a merchant, you possess a dignified bearing, speak eloquently, and have extraordinary insight. Only today do I understand why Madam Lin had such discerning eyes to choose you as the godfather of our third son, to serve as his guide and mentor."

His voice was low and sincere, “It’s a pity…it’s a pity you have no official rank, otherwise you would have a place in the imperial court.”

Lin Ruhai paused briefly, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Ximen Qing, as if making a crucial decision. His tone shifted, his official authority palpable: "I am the Imperial Salt Commissioner, in charge of salt affairs in Jiangnan. You possess both strategic talent and a knack for cultivating connections..."

He paused slightly, then extended a very substantial offer: "I am willing to offer the position of 'Deputy Director of the Salt Administration' vacant, specifically responsible for the auditing of salt permits in Jiangnan and the coordination of trade routes. Although this is not an official position appointed by the court, the power and responsibility are crucial, and the rank is equivalent to that of a seventh-grade official. Within my duties, I can submit a special memorial to the emperor to request his gracious approval for this special appointment."

“Or…” Lin Ruhai saw Ximen Qing’s eyes flicker slightly, and added, his tone becoming even more sincere, “If Your Excellency’s interests do not lie in such mundane matters, my staff is currently lacking a chief ‘private guest’ to advise on confidential matters and assist with documents, to be treated with the utmost respect. What does Your Excellency think?”

Upon hearing this, even the usually composed Ximen official couldn't help but let a glint of light flash in his eyes! The "Deputy Director of the Salt Administration" was an official in the salt administration. Although he was not a "official official" who could be appointed through the regular civil service examination, he was a "powerful" position specially created by the supervising censor and approved by the emperor. He held real power in a specific period and region, especially in lucrative positions such as salt permits and trade routes.

Although this position is not a prestigious one, it is a truly lucrative and important post, holding the power to inspect salt permits and connect trade routes. The wealth and connections are so extensive that it seems tailor-made for Ximen Qing!
What's even more ingenious is that the special petition submitted by the Salt Commissioner not only circumvented his lack of official rank but also firmly bound him to Lin Ruhai, a prominent official of the Qingliu faction. As for the "refined guests and Western visitors," they were merely embellishments to save face.

However, the moment the official had this thought, it was like a stone thrown into a cold pond, creating a few ripples before quickly sinking to the bottom of the icy water.

There's no way you can have such a good deal!

Being an official is tough! Being an official under a corrupt official is even tougher!

To guard against treacherous arrows from the shadows, to endure the torment of poverty and hardship, and to maintain a pure and upright character in a corrupt world—this is the greatest torment in the world!

He knew that Lin Ruhai was a pillar of integrity and upright conduct. Under his watchful eye, wouldn't those usual tricks and underhanded tactics be tethering themselves to their own devices?
If you're not careful, those sharp eyes that have seen it all will see right through you!
Even more critically, the salt administration reform was like adding oil to a raging fire. Lin Ruhai seemed to enjoy the emperor's favor, but in reality, he was walking on a narrow bridge to the edge of an abyss. One wrong step would lead to his destruction, and those around him would also suffer collateral damage!

Moreover… the official’s gaze swept subtly over Lin Ruhai’s gaunt yet sickly pale profile, and he sighed inwardly.

If I remember correctly, this Lord Lin's lifespan is already as fragile as a candle in the wind. How long can he provide protection? Once he passes away, this title of "power" will be nothing more than a death warrant!

The promised official position, seemingly a path to success, is in reality a bridge to certain doom.

Only when you reach the middle of the bridge do you see a bottomless abyss below. There is no way back, so you can only grit your teeth and finish this deadly journey!
In an instant, the official had grasped all the details of his plan. In the eyes of Lin Ruhai, who was full of expectation, and Lin Daiyu, who was quietly observing the situation from under her veil, the official Ximen seemed to have no hesitation at all. The flattered look on his face instantly turned into utmost sincerity and gratitude, yet mixed with a deep, just-right regret.

He took a half step back, bowed deeply to Lin Ruhai, his waist bent extremely low, his voice filled with sincere helplessness:

"Lord Lin! Your Excellency's kindness and high regard are beyond words. Ximen Qing is deeply grateful and will never forget it! Your Excellency's words are like a golden decree, granting me the important position of 'Deputy Director of the Salt Administration,' a stepping stone to success that many men dream of!"

He raised his head, his eyes seemingly moist with shame, "However... I dare not accept such a request!"

Lin Ruhai frowned, his face instantly turning ashen. He was about to turn and leave in a flash. Although he admired this Mr. Ximen, he was, after all, just a merchant.

For someone of his noble birth to condescend to offer an official position for the first time in his life, only to have it casually rejected by a merchant, was like offering a golden bowl from the imperial kitchen to a beggar, only to be rejected for having a chipped rim! This rejection was clearly a slap in the face to his pride!

Before Lin Ruhai, the official Ximen was already sentenced to death; he was truly beyond redemption!
The discerning Ximen Qing saw Lin Ruhai's sudden change of attitude and, without haste, lowered his voice and bowed deeply:
"To be honest, sir, although I come from a merchant family and have not studied Confucianism, I am well aware that 'cultivating oneself and managing one's family' are the foundation of being a person. My wife, Madam Wu, is gentle and kind, and loves her family very much. She has always disliked the hardships of travel and is even more afraid of the formalities of officialdom. I have no long-term wish; I only ask to stay by her side and protect her peace and tranquility for the rest of her life."

At this point, the high-ranking official raised his head, straightened his back, and faced Lin Ruhai and Lin Daiyu, who were looking at him curiously. His expression was so sincere that it was truly moving.
"To obtain official rank and fame from the court, a bright future, and to bring glory to one's ancestors is naturally every man's lifelong wish! However, if it causes my wife to live in fear and worry day and night, or even to leave her hometown... Ximen Qing would rather give up this worldly fame and only seek to be a dutiful and devoted family man who enjoys the company of his children!"

"I am willing to be the one adding firewood to the stove, bending over amidst the swirling smoke, just to keep the fire burning brightly and not let a single cold breeze into her humble dwelling!"

"I'd gladly be the night watchman, driving away the demons and monsters of the long night for her!"

"I wish to be that bright mirror for her dressing, facing it morning and evening, carefully reflecting her hair from black to white!"

"Like the wind, like a shadow, we'll be together for life!"

"I hope you will understand my foolish selfishness and grant my request!"

These confessions instantly moved Lin Ruhai!

Everyone knows that his deep affection led to his untimely death. After marrying Jia Min from the Rongguo Mansion, he had no other eyes for anyone else. Not to mention beautiful concubines, he didn't even have a maidservant.

After his beloved wife Jia Min passed away at a young age, everyone advised him to remarry, but he only silently shook his head: "Having seen the vast ocean, I have seen the Wushan Mountain." From then on, he only had official duties, spending his days alone with the lamp and old things, letting his longing for her gnaw at him every night.

But what Lin Ruhai regretted most was how much time he missed with his beloved wife because of his pursuit of fame and career. When Jia Min was bedridden, wasn't he also busy with official duties and unable to be by her side all the time?
Lin Ruhai, how could he not envy the swallows that perch in pairs under the eaves, only wishing to stay by his beloved wife's dressing table day and night?

Alas, fame and fortune are like shackles, and wealth and power are like a prison!
He had ultimately failed the beauty and wasted the spring! The deep-seated regret and self-blame, which gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake day and night, were suddenly ignited by Ximen's "heartfelt words"!

He was usually dignified and composed, but at this moment he could hardly contain his overwhelming grief and sorrow. His feelings of missing his wife and feeling anguish rose higher and higher, and if he hadn't been holding back, his eyes would have been wet with tears.

When he looked up at Ximen Qing again, his arrogant and aloof demeanor, his distant view of merchants as inferior, and his proud and unyielding spirit after being slapped in the face had all vanished, leaving only four big characters hanging on his forehead!
Same path! Among us!
Add four more words!
Heaven! The ends of the earth! Old friends!
"Wonderful! What a perfect 'like the wind and the shadow, accompanying each other for a lifetime'!" Lin Ruhai's voice was filled with unprecedented passion and hoarseness: "My lord! I... only today do I believe that in this turbid world, there is such a true hero who is so affectionate, so loyal, and whose word is as weighty as a thousand pounds!"

He sighed deeply, as if trying to absorb the overwhelming resonance into his very being, his words filled with regret and admiration: "Fame and fortune are but fleeting clouds before your profound affection and loyalty! You regard the turmoil of officialdom as insignificant, and willingly remain in your humble home to uphold your vows as husband and wife. Such magnanimity, such courage..."

His tone suddenly turned low, filled with a sense of profound empathy and desolation, “This old man…is ashamed of his inferiority! If Min’er knew this in the afterlife…she would also clap her hands and sigh, ‘You are a great man!’” This last sentence was almost a murmur, clearly indicating that he regarded Ximen Qing as a confidant who understood the deepest pain and regret in his heart.

At this moment, Lin Daiyu had put her light veil back on, but the world in her heart was suddenly turned upside down!

The scenes that Ximen Qing described instantly built a magnificent palace in the depths of her heart, with the plaque hanging high above, bearing the four characters "Deep Affection Forever"!
Everyone in the Jia family knew that she despised fame and fortune, but they didn't know why.

From a young age, she witnessed her father, Lin Ruhai, treating her mother, Jia Min, with a love as deep as the sea, a love that remained steadfast until death. This became an indelible mark of affection etched into her soul.

However, this deep affection was always accompanied by the image of the father's weary work, his back as he traveled to various places, his hurried steps of half a month each way, and the heart-wrenching scene of the father suppressing his grief but having to leave his sickbed.
She respected her father's deep affection, but also deeply resented the "fame and fortune" that devoured her time! In her pure heart and jade-like soul, a single obsession had long been formed: fame and fortune and deep affection were incompatible.

Even the most devoted men in officialdom are ultimately corrupted by their official robes and reduced to fickle "parasites of power."

At this very moment, a man, possessing the same deep affection as his father, took a step that his father, bound by social norms, could not take—to protect his beloved wife's peace, he resolutely severed the vine of fame and fortune!

This resolute decision to "abandon officialdom for the sake of love" was nothing short of earth-shattering on Lin Daiyu's scales of worldly affairs!

In a flash, the merchant's stench and worldly wisdom about this man were completely washed away in her heart! What remained was a magnificent figure who dared to defy the corrupt currents of the world for love and was willing to succumb to "mediocrity"! In her eyes, this was true love, untainted by any impurity. Although her father loved her mother deeply, it was inevitably incomplete. Ximen Qing's vow of "like the wind and shadow, accompanying her for life" seemed so pure, so perfect, so... captivating!
An unprecedented warm current, a mixture of turbulent waves, profound resonance, and secret longing, swept through Lin Daiyu's entire being! Her exquisite heart trembled as if plunged into a scalding spring.

Through the hazy veil, her gaze toward Ximen Qing was no longer distant or scrutinizing, but overflowing with an almost overwhelming, earth-shattering admiration!
A sudden ripple in my heart, a fleeting glimpse of a beautiful woman reflected in the water.

Although she couldn't say she was head over heels in love, this man's image was already deeply imprinted on her mind!

The official quickly bowed deeply: "You flatter me, sir! I am too kind! I am not as noble as you say. It is just... just that I am reluctant to leave my homeland and Qinghe. If it were an official position in Qinghe County, I would be overjoyed."

"I cherish the simple meals at home and cannot bear to leave my sick and weak to suffer the pain of 'leaning against the door and waiting anxiously.' Such a small selfish sentiment is hardly worthy of such praise from you, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai seemed to see Min'er leaning against the door, gazing at him from years ago. He let out a long, heavy sigh, a sigh that seemed to be squeezed out from the depths of his heart, filled with an indescribable complex emotion.

He slowly shook his head, his tone conveying both admiration for Ximen Qing's choice and frankness, and a deep sense of regret and helplessness regarding his own past: "Even if, as you say, it's merely 'unwilling to leave one's homeland' and 'unable to bear giving up,' to be able to relinquish this wealthy future and splendid official robes—such resolve, such choices, are truly astonishing and remarkable!"

As dusk settled, beneath a light veil, Daiyu nodded in agreement. This was the right way. If one could have both fame and love, and still disregard fame, wouldn't that be the act of a blockhead?

With recruitment hopeless, Lin Ruhai gained a confidant. His mind, once again as still as a rock, sank into a deep pool, focusing entirely on the slender, quiet figure of his daughter beside him: "Yu'er, let's go and visit Wang Zhaoxuan's residence."

Outside the temple gate, dusk was falling, and a biting wind swirled up a few lonely, withered leaves.

Lin Daiyu silently pulled the brim of her veil, which concealed her face, down even further, almost completely hiding her beautiful face and figure, and followed her father out.

Not far from the temple gate, the small sedan chair with green curtains and blue silk that Daiyu had ridden in was parked by the roadside.

Led by Chief Steward Lai, prominent female stewards of the Jia household, such as Zhou Rui's wife and Lin Zhixiao's wife, stood respectfully beside the sedan chair, holding their breath. Further away, many strong and capable guards dressed in the Jia household's uniforms stood in a wide-spread formation, their eyes scanning the surroundings like hawks, clearly indicating that they were on high alert and the scene was quite impressive.

As soon as Lin Ruhai and his daughter stepped out of the temple gate, Steward Lai, with his sharp eyes, immediately bowed and led the group of old women and stewards behind him to kneel down in unison, like waves of wheat swaying in the wind, chanting in unison: "This servant (maid) greets Master Lin! This servant greets Miss Lin!" The sound was uniform and resonated deeply in the desolate twilight.

Lin Ruhai paused slightly, his sharp, lightning-fast gaze sweeping over the kneeling servants of the Jia family. A sudden realization dawned on him. Lai Da had personally led so many stewardesses to wait here; the old lady's anxiety and concern for Yu'er's journey was self-evident!

Daiyu's personal maids, Zijuan and Xueyan, only rushed forward from behind the kneeling crowd when Daiyu summoned them. Their faces were full of worry as they surrounded Daiyu and called out to her softly.

Lin Ruhai said in a deep voice, "Except for a few maids, none of you need to follow. You can all go back to the manor. Yu'er will come with me to the manor tomorrow!"

The kneeling officials looked at each other, struggled for a long time, and finally agreed!

Lin Ruhai saw this and understood, and his expectations for Wang Zhaoxuan's residence grew even higher!
At this moment, within Wang Zhaoxuan's residence, a warm and slightly extravagant atmosphere, entirely different from its usual aloofness, permeated the air. Long before news arrived at the docks that Lord Lin might return, the Ximen household immediately sprang into action, with people and goods flocking to Wang Zhaoxuan's residence.

The head steward, Lai Bao, led seven or eight clever maids, carrying, supporting, and lifting various gleaming objects—brocades used in Suzhou and Hangzhou, lacquer boxes painted with gold and colors, crystal-clear glass cups, and small pieces of sandalwood that faintly exuded the fragrance of agarwood—flowing like water through this slightly old but grand mansion.

Their steps were light, their skirts fluttering slightly, injecting a breath of fresh air into this gloomy, secluded mansion.

Lai Bao bowed deeply, his face plastered with utmost respect and obsequiousness. He would approach her to inquire about every little detail: “Madam, you are wise. Would it be appropriate to place this eight-treasure glass screen here? In the morning, it will surely be dazzling when it reflects the sunlight! ... Should this set of celadon-glazed tea set be placed on the left-hand display shelf or on the tea table in the flower hall?”

The way they served her so carefully, as if they were afraid of not doing enough, made it seem as if they were treating Madam Lin, the proper mistress of the mansion, as a queen!

Mrs. Lin leaned back contentedly in the new rosewood armchair, her fingertips idly twirling the pair of heavy, intricately woven gold bracelets on her wrists, producing a soft, pleasant sound.

Today, she was exquisite and radiant from head to toe. The newly tailored lotus-root-colored brocade jacket with gold embroidery hugged her full and mature figure. Although her waist was no longer as slender as a young girl's, the tight fabric outlined the unique, full, and rounded curves of a woman, which were made even more prominent by the gold and red peony patterns.

She wore a matching dark-patterned silk skirt, wide yet still unable to conceal her full, rounded hips. As she walked, the skirt swayed slightly, exuding a heavy, mature and alluring charm that stirred the heart.

Her face was already exceptionally beautiful, but after being well-nourished by Master Ximen in the past few days, she appeared even more radiant and captivating. Her skin was as smooth as cream, with a languid blush, and her eyes sparkled with a captivating charm.

Hidden in the corners of her eyes and brows was a languid and contented springtime charm, the kind only a woman who had been thoroughly shattered and reshaped possessed. A newly crafted large phoenix hairpin, made of filigree and inlaid with pigeon-blood rubies, dangled diagonally at her temple, its trembling tassels falling to her ears, echoing the heavy, kingfisher-feathered and beaded earrings adorning her earlobes. A heavy, red-gold necklace inlaid with jewels weighed down her snow-white, full neck.

These new items were all newly purchased for her by her nemesis. With her eyes half-closed, she enjoyed the splendor of the room filled with brocade and surrounded by servants, inhaling the woody scent of the new objects, the silky aroma of the brocade, and the lingering sweet and warm fragrance of her own body.

Suddenly, a commotion arose outside, and her good-for-nothing son burst in shouting, "Mother! Great news! Uncle has agreed! He'll be coming to our house for dinner right away, and Uncle's daughter, Miss Lin, will be coming too!"

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lin's heart skipped a beat, as if she had been violently jolted by the tassel of the golden phoenix hairpin! Instantly, a surge of ecstasy, like boiling honey, flooded her entire body! She sat up abruptly, her full breasts trembling violently, the gold jewelry jingling loudly.

It's done! It actually happened! What does her Wang Zhaoxuan Mansion lack? It lacks gold and silver, which is as simple as lice on a bald man's head; it lacks real power and backing, which is an incurable thorn in her heart!

What was churning and roaring deep within her heart was far more intense than any of this—she still lacked a pillar that could completely soften and melt her ripe body, and that could firmly support this crumbling household!

Now he has it all. This thick pillar not only brings intoxicating wealth, but also, in his plans, gives Zhao Xuanfu a powerful backer.

Thanks to her lover's good fortune, she was able to marry into the prestigious Lin family of Suzhou! That was the family of a third-ranked scholar and a salt commissioner! From now on... in this brocade-filled world of noblewomen in the capital, who would dare to leave her standing on the periphery, exposed to the elements?
She, Lin, could probably straighten her waist, which had become increasingly plump and voluptuous from being nourished, and sway with her newly acquired golden hairpin, taking a few steps to squeeze into the gathering of noble ladies!

The moment this thought arose, she felt a sense of comfort permeating every bone in her body. The radiant smile on her face, like a peony that had absorbed enough rain and dew, bloomed wildly, dazzlingly beautiful.

Lai Bao bowed even more respectfully, his face plastered with an extremely obsequious smile and cautiousness. His voice was low and clear, just enough for Madam Lin to hear clearly: "Reporting to Madam, my master specifically instructed me: 'For the next two days, you will stay at the mansion and act as Madam's manager for the next two days. You will be at Madam's beck and call in everything! As for these maids, Madam, feel free to use them; treat them as Madam's people.'"

He paused, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the maids arranging the utensils, and continued, "After Lord Lin's esteemed journey departs the capital, my eldest brother will personally select another batch of 'clean and clever' new maids and send them to Madam for her service."

After saying that, he stretched out his arm and pointed to the newly renovated furnishings: "Madam, look, these screens, incense burners, tea sets, curtains... Uncle said that they are all gifts for you, and from now on they belong to this mansion and have nothing to do with other places!"

Mrs. Lin sat upright in her chair, listening to Lai Bao's impeccable report. The comfort and pride in her heart were like being immersed in warm honey water, seeping into every part of her body.

Ximen Qing's arrangement was both thorough and domineering. It not only solved her immediate manpower shortage, but also subtly embedded wealth and thoughtfulness into the fabric of her Wang Zhaoxuan Mansion.

Her red lips parted slightly, and the words "Please thank your father for me" were almost uttered. However, the words caught in her throat and swirled around!
"Thank you"? How should she thank him? Send a servant to express her gratitude? Wouldn't that be disrespectful to such a great "affection"? Naturally, it is only right that she, Madam Lin, a dignified third-rank noblewoman, personally go to "thank" her understanding and sensible father!

The thought, once it arose, was like a hidden electric current, suddenly surging across her voluptuous back! She felt two intoxicating blushes rise to her cheeks, burning all the way to her ears and the back of her neck, even the heavy gold necklace seemed to become scorching hot. A familiar, tingling heat quietly rose, instantly spreading throughout her body, causing her mature body, wrapped in luxurious brocade, to involuntarily tense slightly.

Even amidst the surging desires and wavering emotions, the dignity and solemnity befitting a third-rank noblewoman remained undiminished. Her chin was still slightly raised with restraint, and although her eyes were filled with even more moisture and allure due to the shameful thought, she still maintained a condescending and scrutinizing posture.

It was a mark of identity etched into her very bones. Although this identity was an aphrodisiac for her and her lover, it was also a dignified armor that she would never relinquish. She cleared her throat, deliberately softening her voice to maintain the composure and aloofness of a noblewoman: "Hmm... your eldest father... has gone to great lengths."

As they spoke, Sun Xue'e, dressed in a light green jacket and skirt, stepped forward with her head bowed and eyes lowered. The master, fearing that the cook from Wang Zhaoxuan's household was incompetent, had also sent her over.

At this moment, she curtsied to Mrs. Lin: "Reporting to Madam, the kitchen is fully prepared. All the dishes were prepared according to the instructions of the eldest daughter-in-law—there are local specialties from Qinghe, such as braised sea cucumber with scallions, braised fish slices, and braised pork knuckle with crispy bones, all glossy and rich in flavor; we have also prepared several Suzhou-style dishes, such as stir-fried shrimp, crab meat lion's head meatballs, and water shield and silver fish soup, which are light and elegant, and take advantage of the freshness of the season. Mr. Lin is a distinguished guest from Jiangnan, and I am sure he will enjoy them."

After Sun Xue'e finished speaking, she stood with her hands at her sides, but her eyes quickly swept over the newly added luxurious objects in the room, and then landed on Mrs. Lin's dazzling gold jewelry. No one knew what thoughts were swirling in her mind.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lin nodded demurely, maintaining the composure of a mistress: "Yes, I understand. Xue'e, you've worked hard, and Lai Bao has also worked hard. Everyone, go and do your own work. Be careful not to make any mistakes and neglect our distinguished guests."

“Qinghe’s famous dishes… Suzhou style… as Auntie instructed…” Mrs. Lin’s expression remained unchanged, but as she carefully pondered Sun Xue’e’s words, it was as if a tiny bone had gently pricked her as she chewed on a knife fish.

(End of this chapter)