Zhao Yurou’s behavior was nothing but feigned ignorance—a deliberate act of pretending not to know what she clearly understood.
Such posturing!
Lin Pianran refused to believe that Zhao Yurou was truly unaware of her own children’s actions.
She was merely putting on a show, playing a role!
This kind of hypocritical display was utterly nauseating.
“I originally owned several pieces of valuable jewelry, but they were all borrowed by my elder sisters.”
“Surely, Madam must be aware of this?”
“I simply wonder when my sisters intend to return them? If I continue appearing so plainly dressed every day, it will disgrace the Lin family—and Madam cannot blame me for that!”
“Moreover, in two days, Princess Chang has invited me to practice archery. If I show up in such shabby attire as today, it will certainly draw Her Highness’s attention… Should she inquire about the reason, I will have no choice but to report the truth!”
“This…”
These words made Zhao Yurou’s expression turn exceedingly grim.
Her eyes, sharp and cold, also held a flicker of evasion.
The usually meek and submissive Lin Pianran had unexpectedly learned to lodge complaints and issue threats—this was entirely unforeseen.
It was truly astonishing!
Zhao Yurou stared at Lin Pianran in bewilderment, unable to decipher her thoughts and intentions.
Yet Lin Pianran met her gaze with composure, entirely unflinching under scrutiny.
Finding nothing unusual, Zhao Yurou turned to glance at Lin Chuyan and Lin Chuyao behind her. “Did you two really borrow Sixth Sister’s jewelry? When did this happen?…”
“Nothing of the sort! Lin Pianran is slandering us! We have more than enough jewelry of our own to wear!” Lin Chuyan was the first to deny, without a hint of guilt.
“Exactly, Mother, don’t believe her one-sided account. She’s talking nonsense—who would covet her shabby trinkets? We’d be ashamed to wear her things!” Lin Chuyao exchanged a look with Lin Chuyan and promptly denied the accusation as well.
Lin Chuxi, the young lady from the second branch, quickly shook her head, fearful of being implicated.
She even shot Lin Pianran several covert glares of anger, signaling her to stop spreading falsehoods—or else face consequences.
This was nothing short of a blatant threat.
Lin Pianran, however, showed no fear of them, standing firm as if unshaken by wind or rain.
She glanced at Lin Chuyao, pointed at the accessories on her head, ears, and wrists, and remarked sarcastically, “That Gold-Inlaid Gem Peach Blossom Hairpin, the Top-Grade Jade Earrings, and the Top-Grade White Jade Bracelet are all mine. Sister, you’ve borrowed them for nearly half a year—I wonder when you plan to return them?”
Then, turning to the other young ladies with a look of disdain, she added, “If you aren’t afraid of embarrassment, I can point out each and every item you’re wearing that belongs to me!”
“If you insist on withholding your younger sister’s jewelry and refuse to return it, such behavior is no different from robbery. If this reputation spreads, the entire capital will laugh at you!”
“This matter would make for excellent gossip over tea, captivating many—enough to spread my elder sisters’ ‘renown’ far and wide.”
Zhao Yurou’s face darkened considerably, her composure beginning to crack.
She knew that if such a serious incident occurred, the Lin family would be utterly ruined.
The consequences would be unimaginable.
She never expected Lin Pianran to be so unyielding today—it was utterly unusual.
Normally, when people saw her and the Second Madam, they wouldn’t even dare to breathe loudly. Yet now, she was being so aggressive, completely contrary to her usual demeanor.
However, they were indeed in the wrong and could only try to placate her with gentle words.
After all, Zhao Yurou was the matriarch of the Lin family and still cared about her reputation. Since the accusation had been made, it would be unreasonable for them to shamelessly refuse to return the items.
If this embarrassing matter were to spread, it would surely bring disgrace to Lin Fu, and how would the Lin family then maintain their standing in the capital?
The eligible young women in the family would also suffer damage to their reputations, and their future marriages would inevitably be affected, making it difficult for them to find good matches.
Especially since Lin Chuyan aspired to marry into the royal family, her reputation could not have the slightest blemish. Therefore, this matter had to be handled properly.
If this were to affect Consort De in the palace, the consequences would be even more severe.
Thus, this matter absolutely must not be allowed to escalate.
With a cold expression, she asked Lin Chuyao, “Is what your sixth sister said true? Why haven’t you confessed honestly yet?”
Lin Chuyao retorted furiously, “Of course it’s not true! These pieces of jewelry are all mine. How could she possibly own such beautiful accessories? She’s just jealous and making false accusations—it’s all nonsense! Mother, don’t be deceived by her one-sided story and blinded to the truth!”
She truly wouldn’t admit defeat until faced with undeniable proof!
Even at this point, she still attempted to deny it. Did she really think she was still the meek “sick cat” who could be bullied at will?
Then, Lin Pianran’s clear voice rang out again, striking like a thunderclap over their heads.
“All of my jewelry was made by ‘Cang Hai Yue Ming Atelier,’ and each piece is engraved with my name, ‘Pian.'”
“If you don’t believe me, you can inspect them carefully. That way, you’ll know exactly who is lying and who is being deceitful.”
“I beg Madam and Second Aunt to uphold justice for me!”
Lin Chuyao refused to believe it. She quickly took off the jade bracelet and examined it closely. Sure enough, on the inner side, the character “Pian” was clearly engraved.
At this point, no matter how much she tried to deny it, she couldn’t.
This was undeniable, solid evidence.
Enraged, she flung the jade bracelet to the ground with force, shattering it instantly into pieces that scattered everywhere.
She even deliberately provoked, “My apologies, my hand slipped, and I accidentally broke it!”
Such shameless behavior, fully displaying her willful and unreasonable nature.
Lin Pianran gently clapped her hands a few times, a smile playing at the corners of her eyes. “Eldest Sister is truly wealthy and doesn’t care about money! This jade bracelet cost eight hundred taels of silver!”
“If you’ve broken it, it’s fine—as long as you compensate me for the silver, that will do.”
“If Eldest Sister still feels unsatisfied, you can continue breaking things. After all, everything will be compensated at its original price.”
Lin Chuyao still refused to admit defeat and continued to struggle. “What proof do you have that this is the bracelet I borrowed from you?”
“I could even say that you gave me these pieces of jewelry to curry favor with me, and even begged me to accept them!”
Lin Pianran remained unhurried and composed, her expression calm.
“Tianzhu, quickly bring the account book. I have meticulously recorded all the jewelry, decorative items, antiques, paintings, and fabrics that were lent out!”
“The ledger clearly records the exact dates when items were borrowed and who borrowed them—everything is meticulously documented. There’s absolutely no chance of denying it!”
“The ledger even bears the signatures of several elder sisters! Surely you haven’t become so important that you’ve forgotten your own handwriting?”
“You… you… Who brings account books on a hunting trip? Are you out of your mind?!”
Lin Chuyao was so enraged that she began sputtering incoherently, heedless of her words.