As Lin Changhong observed Lin Caisang’s expression while she was speaking, he knew that this young girl had some mischievous scheme in mind. He leaned closer to her and asked, with a raised eyebrow and a playful smirk.
"If there’s going to be a commotion, why not make it a big one." Lin Caisang let out a soft laugh, looking at her brother.
"Changyi, go find your good friends in the village. Go over to the Ya Family’s estate and spread word for Sister Sangsang that Ya Guman is connected to our Lin Family now. Henceforth, he will enjoy all the benefits, and his parents will get nothing, even if they beg, they will only be given cold leftovers to eat."
Lin Changyi seemed to grasp only part of it, but nodded anyhow.
"Remember, don’t point and say it right to their face. Just like how you usually chat with your friends, let Guman’s parents overhear the conversation. Never say it directly to them."
Lin Caisang added another reminder.
Lin Changyi understood this time. Grabbing a small oil-paper umbrella, he swiftly ran out.
"Sister Sangsang, doing this might stir trouble from Brother Guman’s parents." Lin Caiqing reminded Lin Caisang hesitantly.
She had seen how disruptive Ya Guman’s parents could be. In the village, many households couldn’t handle them. If they were invited over and somehow ruined the marriage plans, what would they do?
"I want them to cause a scene, the bigger the better." Lin Caisang lifted her hand and pinched her cheek, speaking up.
Lin Caiqing was puzzled. Were her grandparents going to propose a marriage or just listen to Guman’s parents cursing and swearing?
"If they don’t make a scene, how can the villagers see their true colors? In the future, do you really want to live with such in-laws?" Lin Caisang retorted.
"After this ruckus, even when Guman’s arm heals, Ya Family won’t be able to coax him back to be their workhorse. Plus, the villagers would know Guman’s parents’ greedy nature and won’t blame Guman for not returning home. They’d think his parents are simply insatiable.
That way, you and Guman can peacefully live your own lives."
Lin Caiqing hesitated, unsure if this was the right thing to do.
"Why not? Qing’er, remember, you must be ruthless when needed in life. Being too merciful might end up being your own downfall." Lin Caisang advised.
"But Sister Sangsang, you were not ruthless towards Second Uncle’s family." Lin Caiqing countered.
How did this girl always bring up awkward points?
"I’m keeping them around as a counterbalance against the Zhou family. Look now, Liu Yushui is persistently clinging to Zhou Liang, one is pregnant before marriage, the other’s studies are suffering. Isn’t that great?
Furthermore, I pay no mind to Second Uncle’s family, letting them self-destruct. If I were truly ruthless towards them, wouldn’t Grandpa throw me out of the house?"
No matter how frustrating a son is, he is still one’s own flesh and blood. What could one do about the result of spoiling him?
She couldn’t just ignore Grandpa’s feelings.
"Still... Sister Sangsang, is it okay to have Changyi spread the words?" Lin Caiqing asked again.
"Changyi is still a child, it’s all child’s talk, no big deal. It would actually be bad if we were the ones saying it." Lin Caisang replied.
However, saying all this, why did she feel as though she was leading her little brother and sister astray? An inexplicable feeling of guilt came over her. What should she do about it?