Chapter 45: Proposing to Leave the Estate

After the meal, Lin Jinyan instructed Ma Nuo to send a maid to Songmao Hall to inquire whether the Old Lady was resting.

When the maid returned with her report, she informed them that the Old Lady and the Old Master had finished their meal and were currently sunbathing in the courtyard.

After helping Lin Wanrong tidy herself up, Lin Jinyan took Ma Nuo and Yu Tong to Songmao Hall.

The closer they got to Songmao Hall, the more violently Lin Wanrong began to tremble.

Seeing the courtyard gate of Songmao Hall, Lin Wanrong grabbed Lin Jinyan's sleeve: "Eldest Miss, my heart is racing terribly... I'm not ready. Can we come back another day?"

Lin Jinyan patted the back of Lin Wanrong's trembling hand: "Now that you have taken this first step, if you turn back now, you will never find your courage in the future. Are you truly content with never seeing the people outside?"

Lin Wanrong's brows were tightly furrowed, and her lips were trembling: "I... my coming here will make Grandfather and Grandmother angry. They might even scold you... I'm scared."

Lin Jinyan smiled comfortingly: "Just go in and stand by my side. If no one asks you anything, you don't have to speak; leave it all to me. As long as I am here, you will be fine. Since you trust me, trust me all the way."

Gritting her teeth, Lin Wanrong nodded and followed Lin Jinyan into the courtyard.

Liuli came forward to greet Lin Jinyan. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong beside her, she froze for a moment and looked toward Ma Nuo, who shook her head at her.

Forcing a smile, Liuli led the group into the inner courtyard.

Under a pomegranate tree in the courtyard, the elderly couple was chatting. With the shade of the tree overhead and the sun warming their feet, it was a scene of leisurely tranquility.

Seeing Lin Jinyan approach, the Old Lady smiled: "Has Yan'er eaten yet?"

Lin Yanqing noticed Lin Wanrong's lowered head but remained composed.

Lin Jinyan stepped forward, performed her salutations, and smiled: "Grandfather, Grandmother, Wanrong Sister and I came to pay our respects together right after our meal."

Lin Wanrong slowly stepped forward, steadying her trembling frame to perform her salutations, and whispered: "Greetings, Grandfather and Grandmother..."

Seeing Lin Wanrong, the Old Lady's smile faded slightly: "Why have you come here?"

Lin Jinyan smiled: "Grandmother, I brought Wanrong Sister. She has been thinking of you both constantly."

The Old Lady sized her up and inquired: "You look quite thin and small; are you ill? If you are, find a physician to examine you."

Lin Wanrong said timidly: "Thank you for your concern, Grandmother, but I am not ill."

The Old Lady said indifferently: "If there is nothing else, since you have already seen us, return to the West Courtyard."

Lin Wanrong lowered her head: "Yes, then I shall take my leave."

Lin Jinyan caught Lin Wanrong as she prepared to turn away. Sensing how ice-cold her hand was, Lin Jinyan gripped it firmly and gave her a gentle, steady smile.

Lin Jinyan turned her head and smiled: "Grandmother, I want to take Wanrong Sister to my maternal grandfather's house to play."

The Old Lady's brow furrowed slightly: "It is not appropriate for Wanrong to leave the manor. You may take Yue Xue with you instead."

Lin Jinyan asked with an air of innocence: "Why is it not appropriate? Is it because of Wanrong Sister's birth? But she will eventually leave the manor to marry; are you planning to keep her confined for her entire life?"

The Old Lady's expression darkened: "Keeping her in the West Courtyard without allowing her to wander is to protect her, not to confine her!"

Lin Jinyan released Lin Wanrong's hand, took a step forward, and said: "Grandfather, Grandmother, while Wanrong Sister's birth was not honorable, that was a consequence sown by Second Uncle. Why must a child like Wanrong Sister bear this bitter fruit?"

The Old Lady's face fell: "How dare you speak ill of your elders!"

Seeing that the Old Lady was angry, Lin Jinyan immediately knelt. Seeing this, Lin Wanrong hurriedly knelt as well: "Grandmother, please do not scold the Eldest Miss. It is my fault. I will not go; I will return to the West Courtyard immediately."

(End of Chapter)