But it’s precisely his bewildering appearance that makes everyone outside think he’s brainless.
In fact, he has exceptional talent when it comes to studying.
Unfortunately, as a member of the Dong Family with merchant status, he is not eligible to participate in the imperial examinations.
Dong Keli appeared serious, a small child who was more dignified than the adults beside him.
"Mother, don’t worry, I will take Grandmother back to her quarters to rest."
Next to him, Dong Qiuyue was almost at the age of adulthood, but her temperament was not as cool as her mother Mrs. Yun’s.
On the contrary, having been raised mostly by Mrs. Dong, she more closely resembled her in nature.
Gentle, well-mannered, sweet and lovely.
A cheerful optimist at peace with the world.
"Aunt, don’t worry, I’ll stay by Grandmother’s side and won’t go anywhere!"
Mrs. Wang glanced at Dong Qiuyue, very fond of this niece of hers.
So she replied with a smile.
"With you around, Aunt is indeed at ease."
Mrs. Dong also knew that her eldest son was making arrangements to send people away.
Originally wanting to say a few words, but she remained silent in the end.
"If there’s any news from Mu Zhi, make sure to let someone call me."
"Mother, rest assured, I’ll remember."
After saying this, she nodded and led her grandchildren and the maids out.
In Lin Muzhi’s courtyard, most people had already dispersed.
Nanny Wu, along with Zhang Qing and Xin Fei, also withdrew.
The room was left only with the Eldest and Second Young Master of the Dong Family accompanying Mrs. Dong, quietly watching over Lin Muzhi.
Their concern was so deep it was palpable.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring courtyard of Mrs. Dong, as soon as they entered the room and closed the door,
Old Master Dong kicked Mr. Lin right in the chest.
The pain made Mr. Lin grit his teeth but he dared not utter a sound.
"I must have been blind to have chosen you to marry my daughter. Look at the life she’s had in the Prime Minister’s Mansion all these years!"
Old Master Dong’s face turned deep red with anger, his eyes wide with fury.
He wished he could strike down Mr. Lin right then to quell his rage.
"It’s true my Dong Family are merchants, but since Qin Zhen was born, she’s never suffered a bit. We thought marrying her into your Prime Minister’s Mansion was a climb upwards, so I gave away half my fortune as her dowry just so your family would treat her well because of the money."
"Every few days, she has to patch this and that, pouring endless amounts of silver to fill the holes in your mansion, which can’t ever seem to be filled! We hoped her change in status would bring the children some promising futures, but what’s the outcome?"
"The children have been ruined. They’re not even living as well as my Dong Family’s grandchildren!"
"If I’d known they would end up , I would’ve brought her back home even if it meant a divorce!"
Old Master Dong’s words were urgent and sharp, and each one seemed to carve a pit in Mr. Lin’s heart.
His weakness, his blind filial piety, his inaction.
Those are what led to today’s outcome.
If only Mu Zhi could pull through, he would feel better.
If anything went wrong, leaving a lifelong ailment, even dying on the spot couldn’t make up for the child’s pain.
"What Father-in-law said is true! Had I not insisted on marrying Qin Zhen back then, she might be living more comfortably now. But I truly realize my mistakes now. I won’t try to justify past actions, but from now on, if I can’t protect her and the children, may the heavens strike me with lightning! May I fall into the cycle of hell and never be reborn!"
Mr. Lin was always gentle and easy-going.
For him to speak so resolutely today, Old Master Dong’s anger subsided somewhat upon hearing him.
Noticing the boot print on his chest, he remained silently for a moment.
Then he spoke in a low voice.
"You’d better truly understand how to be both a husband and a father. If this happens again, regardless if you’re the legitimate son of the Prime Minister’s family, I’ll ensure Qin Zhen divorces you!"
"Yes, I understand, Father-in-law!"
With a cold snort, Old Master Dong left the courtyard.
Leaving Mr. Lin standing there, wincing and rubbing his chest.
After tidying himself up, he returned to Lin Muzhi’s courtyard.
The Eldest and Second Young Master of the Dong Family had other matters to attend to, so they left after spending some time with Mrs. Dong.
Thus, only Nanny Wu and Mrs. Dong remained inside the room.
Seeing Mr. Lin walk in, Mrs. Dong finally felt relieved.
But seeing his changed clothes, she swallowed her words.
"Nanny Wu, please take care here. I’ll go change my clothes and be right back."
"Rest assured, Third Aunt, I will carefully look after Young Master."
Mrs. Dong trusted Nanny Wu, so she hurried back to the courtyard with Mr. Lin.
"Is everything alright?"
"Don’t worry, my lady. Everything is fine."
"Really? Then why has the Master changed his clothes? Was Father angry and hit you?"
Mr. Lin remained silent, but what a family knows, they know well.
Before he could even speak, Mrs. Dong had already guessed most of it.
"Father-in-law was angry and kicked me once. I changed my clothes so you wouldn’t worry, but you still noticed."
He let out a bitter laugh, feeling even more guilty towards his wife.
He tried to find clothes of a similar color, hoping she wouldn’t notice.
But she saw through it immediately.
Her concern for him was etched in her bones. Thinking of the grievances she’s endured all these years.
Father-in-law’s scolding truly seemed justified!
He hugged her, his voice tinged with tears.
"I have wronged you, and these years, you’ve suffered with me and the children."
Hearing his words, Mrs. Dong’s heart, which had just calmed, turned sad again.
The husband and wife vented their emotions in this familiar yet unfamiliar courtyard.
Nanny Dong, intending to bring tea, overheard the subdued sounds of crying from within and sighed, then quietly left.
She instructed the maids and servants in the courtyard not to attend to them.
Many say Mr. Lin wasn’t a good man, and indeed, his shortcomings are numerous.
But if they were to speak of his merits, there are some to count as well.
For instance, despite years of marriage, besides his wife Mrs. Dong, there’s not even a concubine in the house.
Not to mention any illegitimate children.
Even though his official career has been less than smooth, only attaining the rank of eighth-class Director of the Imperial Observatory at an advanced age.
Yet he has great skill in certain crafts.
He owned two shops in the West Market, specifically dealing in the dovetail joint carpentry business.
Therefore, many skilled craftsmen are aware of the existence of the "Gongsun" carpenter.
They all praised his skills as extraordinary.
However, no one has ever seen this carpenter.
Thus adding a few touches of mystery to his reputation.
After crying for a long time, the knot in Mrs. Dong’s heart, built up over years, slowly eased away.