Nonsense! As if he didn't already know this principle!
But after being in business for so long, Master Lin understood that one must always make extra investments to ensure stability.
Seeing her father's frustrated expression, Eldest Miss Lin calmly picked up her teacup with a faint smile:
"Father, think carefully. Even if you continue investing time and effort into my husband from now on, after what I've done, if he ever succeeds, do you really think our family will benefit?"
"Remember, there are no absolute secrets in this world! Should the day come when..."
She left the rest unsaid.
But anyone could guess that given her father's cautious nature, after this incident, he wouldn't just stop supporting Jiang - he'd make sure the man never got back on his feet.
"Father, if all else fails, becoming a widow isn't entirely unacceptable."
Though her brother's child hadn't even been conceived yet, just seeing her sister-in-law's composed demeanor today and that indescribable aura about her...
Eldest Miss Lin inexplicably believed her future nephew would be no ordinary person.
Where did his daughter learn such audacity? At this rate, she might tear down the heavens themselves.
Gasping heavily, the old merchant pointed a trembling finger at his daughter:
"Don't forget, no matter how useless your husband is, he's still Xiao Zhi's biological father! If the boy ever learns you wished for widowhood..."
Only when her son was mentioned did Eldest Miss Lin fall silent.
Her urgency in bringing Xiao Zhi today wasn't just to benefit from her sister-in-law's influence for his studies. More importantly, she feared prolonged exposure to Jiang might infect the boy with that man's arrogant, selfish and cold nature.
The mere thought of both her husband and son turning out that way sent chills down Lin Wan's spine.
This was also why she hadn't interfered all these years as Jiang visibly favored the concubine's son who resembled him more than his own legitimate heir.
Their private conversation remained unknown to all except An Ning, who'd eavesdropped out of curiosity using her system.
Truth be told, An Ning found herself genuinely admiring her sister-in-law now, unlike her previous indifference.
Even in modern times, few women could see through their husbands' true nature without self-deception, let alone know when to cut losses. Often, the more one invests, the harder it becomes to let go.
Especially after having children and sacrificing most of their youth.
After that day, not only did Madam Jiang—previously the picture of health—suddenly take ill, but Lin Wan also stayed behind with Xiao Zhi under the pretext of caring for her mother and pregnant sister-in-law.
As for the Jiang family? Frankly, they didn't dare utter a single complaint.
Though the Lins were mere merchants, their powerful backers and influence in Taohua County far surpassed what a petty xiucai could match.
Previously, their needs had given Jiang leverage. But now, having abandoned those unrealistic fantasies, Master Lin acted with decisive efficiency as befitted a major business owner.
Soon after, during an outing with friends, Jiang the xiucai tragically fell down a slope. While he survived, his writing hand and one leg were permanently crippled.
When this news reached Lin Wan while strolling and chatting with her sister-in-law, she nearly cheered aloud—only stopping when An Ning discreetly coughed.
The woman's poorly concealed excitement, forced sorrow, and telltale glimmer in her eyes almost made An Ning laugh too.
But soon, she had no reason to smile.
Feeling familiar pains below, An Ning gasped softly. Experienced Lin Wan immediately noticed and summoned servants while firmly supporting her sister-in-law, terrified of complications.
Her expression soon mirrored the frantic Lin Xiuyuan's when he arrived.
As for that cheap husband of hers? Pah! How could he compare to securing her son's future golden thigh?
Besides, with the Lin household in chaos, it was perfectly reasonable he hadn't received the news yet...
Watching his elder sister nearly shove him aside in her rush to the delivery room, Lin Xiuyuan: "..."
But men weren't permitted in the "unclean" birthing chamber, so the dazed scholar was soon ejected after helping his wife inside.
Fortunately, the pills proved effective—not only reducing pain but enabling An Ning to deliver within half an hour. A robust wail soon echoed from the room.
Having studied childbirth extensively, the pale-faced pacing Lin Xiuyuan froze: "???"
That...that fast? His delicate wife...
Catching himself, he hastily slapped his own mouth. His blessed wife couldn't possibly have difficulties!
"How is my wife?" After a brief glance at the pink-and-blue swaddled infant, his gaze darted back toward the delivery room:
"Don't worry, Young Master. The delivery went smoothly—Madam is just exhausted."
Eyeing the Lin family's wealth, the midwife fawned while cradling the baby:
"Oh! Look how this young master's features resemble yours so much!"
Lin Xiuyuan still staring at the delivery room: "..."
Master Lin arriving breathlessly: "..."
The joyous atmosphere turned awkward until Wang Ma suddenly stepped forward:
"Oh, I think our young master doesn't resemble his father at all—he's the very image of Madam!"
Instantly, Master Lin beamed:
"Excellent!" After repeating it thrice, he declared:
"Today calls for celebration! Every servant gets a year's extra wages!"
As cheers erupted, the midwife: "???"