Chapter 53: Investigating the Shop

Bai Yiran glanced at her and asked in confusion, "Everything is fine; why do you need to find someone to look into it?"

Lin Jinyan said with a beaming smile, "I simply want to know how the business is doing and whether the managers in charge are engaging in any dishonest practices or bullying the market. After all, these are things my mother left behind, and I want to maintain them well. If I were to ask the people of the Lin Estate to investigate, it would inevitably upset Grandmother and Second Aunt, as they might think I don't trust them. That is why I came to ask you, Aunt, to help me look into it."

After listening, Bai Yiran stroked Lin Jinyan's cheek and sighed, "It is hard on you to have so many thoughts at such a young age; other children your age are still greedy and playful. I will certainly handle this for you. When you come the day after tomorrow, I will send you word."

Having said that, she instructed Qiu Rong, "Go and deliver this list to Uncle Zhong. Have him arrange for people to investigate the business of each shop, checking for any negligence, embezzlement, or instances of bullying customers or monopolizing the market. This matter must not be publicized; do not let the people in the shops know. Just write down the specific situation of each shop separately and bring it to me."

Qiu Rong bowed, took the list with both hands, and withdrew. After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Qiu Rong returned to report, "Madam, Miss, Uncle Zhong says he will dispatch people immediately and will have the results in two days."

Bai Yiran nodded and smiled at Lin Jinyan, "Are you satisfied with these arrangements?"

Lin Jinyan's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled, "Aunt's arrangements are most thorough. Thank you, Aunt."

Bai Yiran laughed and dismissed Qiu Rong and Nanny Gu. Looking at Lin Jinyan, she asked seriously, "Yan'er, Aunt is asking you, and you must answer truthfully: is someone in the Lin Estate bullying you?"

Lin Jinyan replied, "Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, and my brothers all love me dearly. Why would you ask that, Aunt?"

Bai Yiran looked into Lin Jinyan's eyes. "Truly? If not, why did you ask for a maidservant skilled in martial arts and medicine two days ago, and why have you come to me today to investigate Qinglan's dowry shops?"

Lin Jinyan took a deep breath and looked at Bai Yiran earnestly. "Aunt, when I fell into the water and had a high fever, I dreamed of many things. They were things that happened years, even decades later. I know it is absurd to treat a dream as reality, but in the dream, it felt as though I had truly lived a life. I dreamed that Second Cousin injured his leg, that I was burned to death, and I even dreamed of the Emperor's passing and the downfall of the Lin and Gu families..."

Bai Yiran immediately covered Lin Jinyan's mouth, her expression solemn as she whispered, "Are you mad! How dare you say such things! If anyone hears you, even your maternal grandfather and your uncle won't be able to protect you! Have you said this to anyone else?"

Lin Jinyan shook her head. Bai Yiran breathed a sigh of relief and released her hand.

Gripping Lin Jinyan's shoulders, she said word by word, "Yan'er, you must remember: you must never mention these words to anyone in the future! Not even to your closest kin! If walls have ears, it will bring total destruction! Do you understand?"

Lin Jinyan nodded. "I understand, Aunt. I certainly won't speak recklessly."

Bai Yiran sighed, her tone softening. "Do not be afraid, Yan'er. Do not take the things in your dreams as reality. If you truly need people to protect you so that you can feel at peace, I will certainly find them for you. But what you just said—you must never mention it again, do you understand?"

Lin Jinyan nodded. "I remember. Please rest assured, Aunt."

Bai Yiran cupped Lin Jinyan's face, her eyes filled with heartache. "No wonder when you woke up and saw Yichen, you cried so hard saying he had injured his leg; it was because you had such terrifying dreams. You must have been too frightened to sleep soundly lately. Yan'er, remember that no matter what happens, the General's Mansion will protect you. The things in your dreams will not come true, so do not be afraid."

(End of Chapter)