After settling Young Master Shi, Lin Fang finally relaxed and could enjoy the storytelling in peace.
Lin Fang had a habit: once she immersed herself in something, no matter how noisy the surroundings, she wouldn’t be distracted unless someone deliberately interrupted her. So, even though Young Master Shi was restless, chatting loudly with those around him, Lin Fang paid no attention, remaining fully engrossed in the performance.
Unfortunately, the peace didn’t last long. Before she could enjoy even half of the show, her mother called out, “Fang’er, Fang’er!”
“Hmm? What is it, Mother?” Lin Fang, still lost in the story, responded absentmindedly without even looking up.
Li Cuimei knew her daughter was absorbed and had no choice but to step in front of her. “We have guests arriving. Your father and I need to greet them. Remember to behave properly later.”
“Oh—” came the reluctant reply. Lin Fang inwardly groaned—couldn’t she even enjoy a storytelling session in peace? Still, she understood that social obligations were unavoidable in life.
Since she couldn’t focus on the performance anyway, Lin Fang turned to Lin Wen. “Second Brother, who’s coming that requires Father and Mother to go out and greet them?” As the eldest, Lin Wen was always informed of such matters so he could guide his younger siblings accordingly.
Lin Wen frowned. “It’s Seventh Aunt’s mother-in-law. She’s in one of the private rooms upstairs and heard our family was here. She sent someone to ask if we could meet.” Lin Wen had always disliked Lin Cuiping.
Ah, no wonder her parents had to go personally. Though Seventh Aunt’s husband was merely a subordinate of her eldest uncle, etiquette dictated that his mother was still an elder. Moreover, Seventh Aunt’s mother-in-law and Sixth Aunt’s mother were sisters, and Sixth Aunt and her own mother were sisters-in-law. With such intertwined relations, it was best to be cautious—better to err on the side of politeness.
Lin Cuiping had married two years ago, and her match had been quite serendipitous. As Huiyuan would say, everything was predestined—no need to rush, for when the time came, fate would follow.
There was a local wedding custom: the groom had to be accompanied by two brothers and two sisters, and the bride likewise required two brothers and two sisters to escort her. Of course, the more siblings, the better, as it symbolized fertility and prosperity for the couple. Sixth Uncle’s side was easy—he had four siblings: Lin Dalang, Lin Cuiping, Lin Shilang, and Lin Cuie. But Yuan Li’s side was trickier—she was an only child, so they had to borrow cousins to make up the numbers.
Lin Cuiping was strikingly beautiful, yet at twenty, she still wore her hair in a maiden’s style. Many whispered in curiosity, only to learn that her pickiness in youth and difficult temperament had left her unwed.
Among Yuan Li’s escort party was her maternal aunt’s son, Zhong Dakui, a border garrison officer who happened to be home on leave that year. At thirty, he had lost his first wife years prior without children. Military regulations forbade soldiers from marrying locals, leaving him lonely. Hearing of Lin Cuiping, he thought her a suitable match—after all, how bad could a woman’s temper be compared to hardened soldiers?
The next day, the Zhong family sent a marriage proposal. Lin Cuiping, pleased with Zhong Dakui, quickly agreed. With his leave limited, they married in haste. But the very next day, her mother-in-law found fault, declaring her useless beyond her looks. Ignoring her son’s pleas, she insisted on keeping Lin Cuiping home to “reform” her, lest she tarnish the family name.
For two years, Lin Cuiping endured beatings, curses, and starvation—her life worse than that of the lowest servant. Yet Lin Fang felt no pity—some people brought suffering upon themselves.
Soon, Dalang and Li Cuimei returned with a silver-haired matron. “Wen’er, Wu’er, Fang’er, come greet Grandmother Zhong,” Li Cuimei called.
“Greetings, Grandmother Zhong!” The three children chorused, bowing in unison.
The old lady beamed, presenting each with a gift: a brush case for Lin Wen (complete with brushes), a delicate jade weapon stand for Lin Wu, and a jade bracelet for Lin Fang. Though made from scraps, the jade was clearly valuable. Li Cuimei protested until Grandmother Zhong feigned offense.
This was no chance encounter—the gifts were too tailored. Lin Wen cherished books and stationery, Lin Wu adored weapons, and Lin Fang loved intricate details, even in embroidery. Everyone in Liangping Town knew the Lin parents doted on their daughter, and her brothers were fiercely protective. Pleasing Miss Lin often meant favors granted. Jade like this wasn’t easily found—such effort hinted at ulterior motives.
Li Cuimei nudged Lin Wen. “Wen’er, adult talk will bore you children. Why not take Young Masters Qi and Shi to Aunt Hong’s five-colored tofu stall? I hear the flavors are delightful.”
“Yes, Mother.” Lin Wu, restless, was the first to bolt. Qi Biao followed courteously, and even the tactless Shi Binhua, left with only little Lin Fang among adults, excused himself with his maid.
Sure enough, after small talk, Grandmother Zhong broached her real concern: “Dalang, Cuimei, rumors say I mistreat my daughter-in-law—how unfair! You’re Cuiping’s kin, as are my niece and her husband. With Dakui serving under General Li, how could I dare harm her? Please put in a good word for us.”
Bowing deeply, she left the couple scrambling to return the gesture. “Aunt, why say such things?” Li Cuimei demurred. “A mother-in-law guiding her daughter-in-law is natural—what does it have to do with Zhong’s service?”
Lin Fang understood now. Officials faced rigorous biennial reviews. Though the dynasty upheld filial piety, it also demanded kindness from elders—as Li Cuimei had once argued, how could one demand filial piety without benevolence? If Zhong Dakui’s mother were exposed for abuse, it might hinder his career prospects. This visit was surely tied to his upcoming evaluation.
Only after repeated assurances that family gossip wouldn’t reach General Li did Grandmother Zhong relent. Rising to leave, she added, “Oh, how thoughtless of me—Cuiping must be waiting. I’ll send her over so you sisters-in-law can chat.”
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