Chapter 43: Inherited from the Same Lineage

After finishing her calligraphy practice, Lin Jinyan took a medicinal bath, tidied up, and went to bed.

Thinking of Lin Wanrong, a hint of warmth appeared in her eyes. Although the second branch of the family had been shamelessly self-serving in their pursuit of wealth and status in her previous life, Lin Wanrong was indeed a person of loyalty and affection.

When Lin Jinyan had married, Lin Wanrong had given her a hand-embroidered sachet. The embroidery was not exquisite and the fabric was not the finest, but it was the best thing Lin Wanrong could offer her.

It was true that the second branch had committed wrongs, but she would not implicate the innocent.

Since they shared the same lineage, and knowing that Lin Wanrong was a person of deep sentiment and filial piety, Lin Jinyan decided she would help her if she could.

Lin Jinyan began to reminisce about her past life once more, organizing a list of major events that would occur in the coming years. She calculated how she might profit from them, which people she should befriend, and where she should begin... Only after she had formed a general outline of these various considerations did she fall asleep.

Just before dawn, Lin Jinyan woke from a nightmare: Chu Chengyao had ordered her to be confined to the side hall, and Yu Tong had burst past the guards, grabbed her hand to run, only to be struck down by a guard.

"Yu Tong!"

Yu Tong, who had been sleeping soundly on the couch, heard the cry and immediately sat up, lifting the curtain to ask, "Miss, I'm here. Are you thirsty?"

Seeing Yu Tong, Lin Jinyan felt a sense of relief. "I had a nightmare. What time is it?"

Yu Tong looked at the sky and said, "Dawn has just broken; it is still the hour of Mao."

Lin Jinyan said gently, "It is still early. Go back and rest for a while. When you wake up, wait for Sister Wanrong at the entrance of the West Courtyard. If anyone tries to stop you, tell them I invited her."

After Yu Tong complied and lowered the curtain to withdraw, Lin Jinyan found she could not fall back asleep. She began to contemplate the plans she had devised the previous night; implementing every one of those matters would require a vast amount of financial resources.

The most pressing task now was to accumulate more silver. She would need to find an opportunity to inspect the shops that were part of Gu Qinglan's dowry.

She also needed to probe the foundations of An Zhixian's tea house... After much mental planning and strategizing, the sky had brightened without her noticing.

Lin Jinyan rose, washed up, and tidied herself before heading to the study to practice calligraphy.

About half an hour later, Yu Tong entered and said, "Miss, Miss Wanrong has arrived. She is waiting for you in the hall."

Lin Jinyan set down her pen and stood up to walk out. "Yu Tong, my calligraphy has been regressing lately. Watch the door and do not let anyone enter my study, lest they mock me."

Yu Tong smiled. "Who would dare mock you? I'll go up and hit them."

A smile appeared on Lin Jinyan's face. "Smart mouth. Just remember not to let anyone in."

The master and servant chatted as they entered the hall. Seeing Lin Jinyan enter, Lin Wanrong immediately stood up and said awkwardly, "Greetings, Eldest Miss."

Lin Jinyan stepped forward and pressed Lin Wanrong back into her seat, then sat in the chair beside her. "I told you, Sister, you can just call me by my name. There is no need for such formalities when you see me in the future."

Sitting in the chair, Lin Wanrong fidgeted, unsure of where to place her hands. "How can I do that? If my wet nurse found out, she would say I have no manners."

Lin Jinyan laughed. "You are the mistress and she is the servant; how could she possibly lecture you? Have you eaten yet?"

Lin Wanrong shook her head. Lin Jinyan instructed Yu Tong, "It is about time. Go and arrange the meal. Go to the kitchen and bring Sister Wanrong's dishes here."

After giving the order, she took Lin Wanrong's hand and smiled. "Sister, let's go wash our hands and wait for the meal."

Lin Wanrong obediently followed Lin Jinyan to wash up. After a short conversation, Ma Nuo called out, "Miss, the meal is set. It is ready to be served."

Lin Jinyan smiled as she led Lin Wanrong to the outer room, but as she saw the dishes on the table, the smile on her face faded.

(End of Chapter)