C7 – Innocence
The elderly were often steeped in superstitions, or rather, it could be said that those in ancient times held strong superstitious beliefs. The silver from Grandma wasn’t intended for Lin Yuxing to keep; it was meant to fund his grandson’s education in the town, a pursuit that would undoubtedly incur significant expenses as he aimed to become an Elementary Scholar. The family’s hopes rested on him, given that his grandson was already a young talent, and the Elementary Scholar examination awaited him next year.
As Lin Yuchen hurled the silver away, Lin Yuxing swiftly retrieved it and handed it over to his brother.
“You…” The elderly son-in-law, upon witnessing this action, immediately grasped that he had fallen victim to a trick. “You little bitch!”
Lin Yuxing grinned as he returned the silver to its rightful place in his grandfather’s possession. “Grandma, if we are mischievous seeds, then, as your descendants, could you be an old mischievous seed?”
His remark elicited laughter from everyone present, leaving Grandma so infuriated that words eluded him.
Watching the money vanish in this manner left Aunt Lin vexed. Although the mother-in-law had returned the money, he wouldn’t get a second opportunity.
“A brother with a sharp tongue might find it difficult to get married. Ah Yao, let’s return home,” Aunt Lin recognized that the situation had concluded, and it would be wiser to avoid potential ridicule from others by going back.
The elderly grandmother, of course, did not agree, watching her savings vanish just like that. Yet, when she caught a glimpse of the determination in Lin Yuxing’s eyes, a sense of trepidation crept in, leaving her with no choice but to accept her son-in-law’s assistance in returning home.
In reality, his legs were robust and in excellent shape. However, in their quest to secure funds from their elderly relatives, they had come up with this plan.
As for Lin Yuxing’s true identity, he could clearly see through the grandmother’s pretense of illness. Nevertheless, this was not the right moment to expose her, so he patiently waited for the opportune time.
In his recollection, all the money he had ever provided to his family had gone to this elderly grandmother. He knew that there would come a day when he would repay this debt with interest.
“I don’t need to worry about whether I can get married or not, as he genuinely wishes to marry me.” Everyone in the village was familiar with Aunt Lin’s elder brother, and her heart’s desire was his fellow classmate. Unfortunately, being from a small village, they looked down upon individuals from rural backgrounds like him.
Hearing his words, Aunt Lin’s animosity towards Lin Yuxing deepened considerably. Was he trying to ensure that Lan wouldn’t marry into a respectable family? My Lan would certainly wed into a respectable household, unlike you, who were so flirtatious that you even seduced your own master, leading to your legs being broken, and then you return.”
Lin Yuxing’s demeanor grew icy as he retorted, “Aunt, you have it wrong. I didn’t sustain an injury; my legs were crippled while saving the Young Master. Furthermore, the Young Master’s family has relocated to the capital, and I’ve returned due to their gratitude. Otherwise, why would I, who endured a decade of hardship, come back so swiftly?”
He pondered further: Why would such a well-off family send someone back with such benevolent intentions? Yu had been in recovery and hadn’t explained the situation. It was only when Li Fu Lang arrived that he revealed himself.
“You, Aunt, are responsible for spreading rumors about me being lascivious, aren’t you? Are you aiming to sabotage this marriage and marry Lan off to Li Yuxiang?” Unfortunately, people’s desires don’t always align with fate. Li Yuxiang had his eyes set on someone else, his own brother, making Aunt’s efforts fruitless.
Aunt Lin, filled with embarrassment, hastily retreated along with her mother-in-law.