May you spend your remaining years in Chang'an.
Chapter 47: The Well-Behaved Granddaughter
Lin Jinyan pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away Lin Wanrong's tears, teasingly saying, "Sister, don't shed tears for me. You should go cry to Grandfather and Grandmother instead. They are the kindest and softest-hearted people, especially Grandmother—she is famous for her bodhisattva-like compassion. If you go and cry before her, she'll give you whatever you ask for."
The old lady pointed at Lin Jinyan in exasperation and said to Lin Yanqing, "Look at this. We haven't agreed to a single word, yet this little monkey has already promised us away."
Lin Yanqing laughed, "Since she's already promised us away, if we don't agree, she'll likely throw a tantrum."
Lin Jinyan took Lin Wanrong's hand and walked up to the elderly couple, smiling, "Grandfather, Grandmother, Yan'er has brought a granddaughter even more well-behaved and obedient than myself right before your eyes. What a wonderful thing this is! Other families couldn't wish for such a thing even if they prayed for it."
Lin Yanqing remarked, "Wanrong does seem well-behaved, but I can't say the same for you."
The old lady added, "She was born with such a sharp tongue; how is she well-behaved?"
Lin Jinyan frowned and said, "The moment you met Sister Wanrong, Grandfather and Grandmother started picking on Yan'er. I won't even have a chance to vie for your affection in the future."
The old lady burst into laughter. "Then why did you even bring her? From now on, Wanrong's allowance will be drawn from Yan Yuxuan. Let's see if you can bear that."
Lin Jinyan smiled, "Of course I can bear it. I am willing to share with Sister Wanrong."
Lin Wanrong shook her head in refusal, "I don't need it. I am quite fine as I am."
With a mischievous look, Lin Jinyan said, "Don't worry, Sister. Grandmother has so many good things here. In the future, we'll come to Grandmother's every day to sponge off her food and drink, and use the money we save to buy fun things."
The old lady scolded her playfully, "Fine! You dare to covet the things in my room right to my face? Wanrong's allowance will be drawn from the public funds. You, stay away from me!"
Lin Jinyan stepped forward and grabbed the old lady's hand, swinging it back and forth. "Grandmother~ If Yan'er doesn't come for a day, I'm afraid your food won't even taste good. You clearly love me dearly, yet you insist on putting on this scary act. If Yan'er actually gets scared and stops coming, you'll be the one panicking."
Her rogue-like behavior made Lin Yanqing burst into laughter, and the old lady smiled as well. "Who would miss you? If this little monkey doesn't come, I'll actually have some peace. Come forward, Wanrong, let Grandmother have a look at you."
Following her instructions, Lin Wanrong stepped forward and called out timidly, "Grandmother."
The old lady took her hand, looked her up and down, and sighed. "You are indeed a bit thin. Do you blame us for neglecting you these years?"
With reddened eyes, Lin Wanrong shook her head. "I don't blame you. I know it was for my own good."
The old lady nodded. "Good child. From now on, come to pay your respects with Yan'er. Your allowance will be set at the same standard as Yan'er's. As for the matter of going to the General's manor... Yan'er, ask the General's household first before we proceed."
Lin Jinyan gave a crisp response. As the old lady continued to question Lin Wanrong, the girl's well-behaved and fragile demeanor stirred a sense of pity in the old lady's heart.
Lin Yanqing then called out to Lin Jinyan, "You've been ill lately, so Master Meng hasn't come to tutor you for several days. Starting tomorrow, you must not miss your two hours of study every day. In the future, come to my study with An'er; I will examine you personally."
Lin Jinyan beamed. "I understand, Grandfather. Then can Sister Wanrong study with Yan'er?"
Lin Yanqing looked at Lin Wanrong. "It would be fine for her to study with you."
Lin Jinyan said with a beaming smile, "Thank you, Grandfather. Sister Wanrong, you're likely going to be very busy from now on."
Lin Wanrong nodded, offering a sincere smile. "Yes! I'd like that. Thank you, Eldest Miss."
Lin Jinyan put her hands on her hips and frowned. "Call me by my name. If you get it wrong again, I'll report you to Grandfather."
Her attempt at acting high and mighty caused everyone to burst into laughter.
(End of Chapter)