Even in such a predicament, they remain calm.
Previously, he didn’t even really remember the face of his eldest daughter-in-law, nor had they spoken much.
Thinking back, when his eldest son insisted on marrying the daughter of a merchant family, he was so furious.
He even locked him up for a few days.
If it weren’t for the persuasion of the lady beside him, Mrs. Dong might not have been able to enter the Lin Family.
Now, it’s this very eldest daughter-in-law whom he had looked down upon and ignored for years, that has tricked them.
Fearful as he may be, if he truly wishes to make the Dong Family disappear, it’s not impossible.
However, her backbone is stronger than that of his useless eldest son.
Mrs. Dong does not know what Prime Minister Lin is thinking, only that she must straighten her back.
She cannot show any sign of guilt when speaking these words.
Otherwise, how could these two old foxes agree to divide the family?
Thinking of this, her determination was even more evident.
Just as Princess Rongkang was about to speak, Prime Minister Lin spoke slowly.
"Does the eldest feel the same?"
Mrs. Dong was silent; she was forced into a dead end today, feeling that separation was the only way out.
She hadn’t discussed this matter with Mr. Lin, so she frowned slightly.
As she was pondering how to respond, someone pushed the door open.
The newcomer was Mr. Lin himself.
There was an unprecedented gravity on his face, and upon seeing the injury on his wife’s face, his heart ached intolerably.
Completely ignoring Prime Minister Lin and Princess Rongkang sitting in front.
"Are you alright, my wife?"
Although Mrs. Dong was strong enough to be intimidating earlier, now that her husband was here, her demeanor softened immediately.
No matter how hard she tried to hold back, her tears flowed uncontrollably.
Mr. Lin patted her hand and softly said.
"Don’t worry, we’ll get a resolution on today’s matter."
He then respectfully bowed to Prime Minister Lin.
"Father, what Qin Zhen said is exactly what I think."
Upon hearing these words, a small corner of Prime Minister Lin’s heart crumbled.
Although he was not fond of this son, seeing him as one with no ambition and weak temperament.
Proposing to separate the family while he is still alive shows how much resentment his son holds towards this family, and him as a father.
This is something Prime Minister Lin cannot quite accept.
So he remained silent, just looking at him, with a complex expression in his eyes.
Mr. Lin was also looking directly at his father for the first time, without any retreat.
If it wasn’t for Housekeeper Lin sending someone to find him, he would not have known so many things had happened at home.
Upon arriving at the East Cross Courtyard, he saw a scene of chaos, and hurried to Ronghe Hall.
Worried his wife would be bullied again.
He may be weak and incompetent, but after going through so many things, if he hasn’t grown at all, there would be no hope left.
Therefore, separating and living independently is the best choice.
Maybe only this way, the father-son relationship between him and Prime Minister Lin could retain a little.
Silence enveloped the room again.
Princess Rongkang coldly watched the couple from the main house.
What’s got into them today?
Both have become tough; could it be because Lin Wanyi is living well in the palace, so they’re emboldened?
If that’s truly the case, when she enters the palace in a few days, she ought to teach them a lesson.
Can’t let a girl of ten or so grasp control.
Prime Minister Lin finally spoke.
"If that’s the case, then suit yourselves. I’ll leave just one sentence here: once you move out of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, you can never return, understood?"
"Son deeply thanks Father."
"Daughter-in-law deeply thanks Father."
The words of the couple from the main house completely made it clear to Prime Minister Lin.
How determined they are to leave.
Thinking of this, any remaining sadness quickly dissipated.
He hasn’t placed high hopes on this son anyway.
So, if he’s leaving, let him leave.
He waved his hand and let them go.
Princess Rongkang was secretly happy, though on the surface she feigned difficulty.
"Prime Minister, with their departure, the outsiders’ gossip..."
"You and the second household schemed so much money from Mrs. Dong, and now you’re afraid of gossip?"
Princess Rongkang gave a sheepish smile.
She would like to argue she wasn’t involved, but who would believe it.
Fortunately, Prime Minister Lin wasn’t holding her accountable; he just put those ledgers back into the wooden box.
Addressing Princess Rongkang solemnly.
"Tell the public that I have a blood calamity in my fate this year, and someone must leave the mansion to pray for me to resolve it. Say the eldest household volunteered to separate, to ward off calamity for me."
These words provide a nice stepping stone for the main house.
Otherwise, separating while the father is still alive, even with thousands of reasons, they couldn’t escape the burden of filial duty.
"Yes, I’ll follow the Prime Minister’s instructions."
Since they’ve left, they have nothing to do with us in the future.
Excuse or not, Princess Rongkang won’t fuss over it.
Later, Prime Minister Lin gave further orders.
"How much money is in the public account?"
Princess Rongkang was caught off guard by Prime Minister Lin’s sudden question.
Collecting her thoughts, she replied.
"Less than a hundred thousand taels now, it’s not harvest season, so the account doesn’t have much spare cash, all tied up for use."
Prime Minister Lin looked at Princess Rongkang, his eyes seemingly saying.
Yet Princess Rongkang was not lying.
Such a large Prime Minister’s Mansion naturally has numerous expenses.
What’s left is due to Housekeeper Lin’s diligent management.
"Gather three hundred thousand taels within a day, exchange them for silver notes, and send them to the East Cross Courtyard, as their share for separating."
"Prime Minister! I..."
"Don’t tell me there’s no money. Have you spent little from Mrs. Dong’s funds? Need me to account for every penny?"
Then his gaze turned sharp, staring at Princess Rongkang’s face, full of authority.
Even using the term ’Prime Minister.’
He’s no longer the small official from decades ago.
After wielding power for so many years, he speaks sternly even in front of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, let alone a mere Commandery Princess.
Though Princess Rongkang was upset, she knew better than to confront him directly.
Only reluctantly agreed.
But she wanted to negotiate the timeline.
"Prime Minister, one day is indeed tight, I don’t have that much cash on hand, could I extend it by two days?"
"You don’t have it? Then go ask the second household. If they don’t have it either, send them this ledger, I want to see if they have the face to cry poor here!"