Chapter 46: Flesh and Blood

Lin Jinyan knelt upright, her head slightly tilted back as she looked at the old matriarch with earnest words.

"Grandmother, Yan'er knows that as a junior, I should not speak ill of Second Uncle. However, this was not a slip of the tongue; it is simply what Yan'er truly thinks. If Grandmother is angry, Yan'er will accept any beating or punishment without complaint. I only ask that after hearing my words, Grandmother might show more compassion toward Sister Wanrong."

Having finished speaking, she folded her hands on the ground and kowtowed. Seeing this, Lin Wanrong followed suit and kowtowed as well.

Lin Yanqing picked up his teacup and said, "Think carefully. What you say may bring punishment. If you stop now and act as if neither you nor your grandmother said anything, we can let it pass."

Lin Wanrong hurriedly intervened, "Let's not speak of it anymore. Eldest Miss, we shall not speak of this when we return."

Lin Jinyan straightened her kneeling body, her expression resolute. "Grandfather, Grandmother, Yan'er accepts her punishment."

The old matriarch remained silent. Lin Yanqing took a slow sip of tea and said, "Speak then."

Lin Jinyan continued, "Grandfather, Grandmother, Sister Wanrong and I are of similar age, and neither of us has a biological mother by our side. She is actually two months older than I am, yet as you can see, she is much smaller in stature than I am. Today, I invited her to Yanyu Pavilion for breakfast, and the kitchen sent her regular meal to my quarters. Seeing the servants' portion of only two dishes and one soup, Yan'er felt a deep ache in her heart. Yan'er is blessed to receive the love of Grandfather, Grandmother, and Father within this manor, enjoying the very best in food and clothing. But Sister Wanrong has lived alone in the West Courtyard for years. Second Uncle, Second Aunt, and everyone in the household have neglected her; she must have endured countless instances of contempt and disdain. Yan'er knows that Grandfather and Grandmother worry that Sister Wanrong might face gossip if she leaves the manor, but she will eventually grow up and marry, which will necessitate leaving the manor, and she will face gossip then as well. Since we cannot silence the wagging tongues of the masses, why not allow her to live more freely and with more dignity? The sages said: 'Care for your own young, and extend that care to the young of others.' If one must care for and educate children who share no blood relation, how much more so for one's own biological granddaughter?"

Lin Yanqing's eyes brightened upon hearing this, though his expression remained calm. "Then what, in your opinion, constitutes having dignity?"

Lin Jinyan replied, "Sister Wanrong carries Second Uncle's bloodline. Her birth was not her fault; she is merely a child. Although her birth was not auspicious and she is not Second Aunt's biological daughter, the daughters of concubines in other households are still legitimate daughters of concubine status. Grandfather, the fact that you chose to keep Sister Wanrong all those years must mean you felt a sense of compassion. Since you kept her, you should cherish her and grant her the status and position she deserves, rather than setting her aside as before."

Lin Yanqing asked, "Wanrong's status has no impact on you. Why would you risk punishment to help her? What benefit is there for you?"

Lin Jinyan spoke with righteous indignation, "Grandfather, if one only seeks to protect oneself when trouble arises, turning a blind eye to the suffering of one's own kin and only offering help when driven by profit, how can one be worthy of being a descendant of the Lin family?"

"Well said!" Lin Yanqing struck the armrest of his chair, his face full of admiration. "To be able to speak such words at your age truly surprises me."

Lin Jinyan said, "Yan'er has just experienced a brush with death and knows deeply how important life and kin are. My words come from the bottom of my heart. If I have caused Grandfather or Grandmother displeasure, Yan'er is willing to accept punishment, but I only pray that Grandfather and Grandmother do not let anger affect your health." Having said this, she bowed her head and kowtowed once more.

The old matriarch sighed. "Rise and speak." With that, she signaled to Ma Nuo, who stepped forward to help Lin Jinyan up.

Lin Jinyan turned and took Lin Wanrong's hand to help her up. Seeing Lin Wanrong's face covered in tears, Lin Jinyan smiled brightly at her.

(End of Chapter)