C10 – Dirty Water
Outside the courtyard, amidst the grievances aired by the Lin Family, several onlookers among the teachers stood at the gate, observing the tumult. This parcel of land belonged to Lin Yuxing and his family, bestowed upon them by the former son-in-law during their division. Yet, the terrain proved infertile, incapable of nurturing even a modest vegetable patch, let alone crops.
Fully aware that this aunt wouldn’t relent over a mere silver coin, Lin Yuxing expressed his endurance, “Aunt, I’m no man to compel Lan into such dire straits as suicide.”
As the youth concluded his statement, some nearby teachers who had been spectating burst into laughter.
“Perhaps Lan finds no attraction in men and favors me instead. However… let’s set aside familial relations for now; I hold no interest in Lan either,” Lin Yuxing provocatively added, intensifying the commotion.
Witnessing him defame Lan, Aunt Lin flushed with rage, “Lin Yuxing! You, a cast-off husband, dare not drag Lan into your disgraceful plight.”
“My Lan possesses a fair countenance, unlike your emaciated self.”
Without awaiting Lin Yuxing’s reply, Soong Qinghee interjected, “Even if my Yu is slender, what of it? Does that obstruct you? And refrain from involving Lan in our Yu’s affairs.”
It’s not as though he’s unaware of his brother-in-law’s machinations. Lan’s reputation in Lin Village is already tarnished, and his brother-in-law merely seeks to besmirch his own brother.
“Sister-in-law, what are you insinuating? Were it not for your Yu’s influence, would our Lan have faced an annulment?” This thought vexed him deeply. What sort of family was this? His brother was so favored that he was scarcely acknowledged.
“Seems your Lan faced an annulment too. Perhaps his maturity was too much for his betrothed to bear, prompting the annulment,” Lin Yuxing recalled no such annulment involving Lin Lan, suggesting the matter was discreetly handled. Yet, he hadn’t expected Aunt Lin’s exposure.
Aunt Lin’s countenance darkened. A furtive glance revealed the other teachers eyeing him oddly, causing him to wish he could retract his words.
“Lin Yuxing, what drivel! With one leg crippled, a marriage annulled, and befuddled senses, yet upon reflection, it seems it’s actually my Lan who bears these burdens.” In truth, Aunt Lin sought to castigate Yu with all the muck.
Denizens of Lin and Lee Villages knew well that this individual had been ousted from matrimony, with many deeming him avaricious. Surrendering the marriage for a mere silver tael exposed his worthlessness.
“The term ‘annulment’ was not my coinage; it belonged to ‘aunt’,” Lin Yuxing countered with a smirk.
As Aunt Lin poised to retort, Lin Yuv hurried over, “Why linger here any longer?”
Originally neighboring dwellings, they could easily overhear each other’s disputes. However, keen listeners might discern faint sobs from the adjacent residence.
“All because of this rumor-monger. Were it not for Lin Yuxing’s prattle about Lan’s admiration for others, the Dong Clan wouldn’t have learned of Lan’s predicament,” Aunt Lin’s accusation stemmed from Lin Yuxing’s claim that Lan harbored affections elsewhere. Thus, blame was thrust upon him for the ensuing turmoil.