Lin Pianran said nothing more about her unreasonable behavior. Turning to Zhao Yurou, she handed over the account book. “Madam, please take a look! See whose names are recorded here, who borrowed the most items, and who has the thickest skin! Everything will become clear.”
“When borrowing, they were all smiles and flattery. Yet after keeping the items for so long, not only do they refuse to return them, but they also resort to bullying—utterly shameless like scoundrels!”
“From now on, no matter who begs to borrow my things, even if they kneel before me and break their foreheads from kowtowing, I will not soften my heart in the slightest.”
“Not only have I received no gratitude, but their rogue behavior is far worse than that of street ruffians—completely unbefitting of noble young ladies! They have utterly disgraced the Lin family’s reputation and tarnished our household’s dignity.”
Lin Pianran’s face was full of mockery as she looked at the Lin young ladies as if they were mere clowns.
The repeated mentions of “scoundrels” and “street ruffians” made the Lin family members blush with shame, wishing they could vanish into the ground.
Seeing the situation had escalated into such disgrace, Lin Chuyan grew anxious and hurriedly tried to mediate, “We are all good sisters! Exchanging jewelry among ourselves is just for a bit of novelty. Sixth Sister, you must not misunderstand!”
“Given the deep bond between us sisters, why fuss over such trivial matters?”
Lin Pianran sneered, “Oh? ‘Good sisters’ who snatch all the fine things for themselves, take every advantage, and then frame others? Such sisters are truly shameless and despicable!”
“Since both madams are present, let us speak plainly face-to-face. This will prevent your daughters from denying everything later and refusing to take responsibility. Should that happen, do not blame me for showing no mercy and taking this matter directly to the authorities.”
“Once this escalates, we shall see who ends up more humiliated!”
“How dare you! You wretched girl, you have no sense of propriety! The authorities won’t bother with your trivial affairs! Moreover, if you stir up trouble and damage the Lin family’s reputation, what good will it do you?” Lin Chuyao cursed in fury.
“Besides, you eat the Lin family’s food and use the Lin family’s resources—how dare you threaten the Lin family with the authorities? You go too far! You are heartless and ungrateful, a ‘White-Eyed Wolf’ that can never be tamed! Someone as cold and unfeeling as you is unworthy of being human! Unworthy of living in this world!…”
Lin Pianran stepped forward and, without hesitation, slapped her hard across the face. Instantly, five red finger marks appeared vividly on Lin Chuyao’s fair and delicate cheek.
Everyone was stunned by Lin Pianran’s imposing demeanor.
The coldness in her eyes was unmistakably genuine.
No one had expected her to resort to violence without a word of warning.
Moreover, she dared to bare her claws openly in front of both madams, showing no fear of offending the Lin family.
It seemed she was unafraid of future retaliation or mistreatment from the madams.
She regarded no one with deference.
She was utterly mad!
Lin Chuyao finally couldn’t hold back any longer. She rushed up to Zhao Yurou and pointed at Lin Pianran, shouting loudly, “Mother, look at this little wretch! She’s completely lawless now and doesn’t regard you at all! Right in front of you, she actually dared to hit me! She’s gone too far!”
“Mother, she’s just an adopted daughter of the Lin family, yet she’s so arrogant and completely disregards you! You must punish her severely—preferably beat her half to death with clubs before driving her out of the Lin residence to starve to death outside! Only then can my hatred be relieved…”
Zhao Yurou gently touched her daughter’s slightly swollen cheek, her face full of pity, and began to reprimand, “Even if your elder sister didn’t handle this matter appropriately, how could you resort to hitting someone?”
“A woman’s temperament should have tolerance for others, be virtuous and gentle. How can you be so impulsive and rude? Have you forgotten all the etiquette you’ve learned over the years? Acting like this will make people think you lack upbringing…”
Lin Pianran treated her words as nothing but fart.
She didn’t take any of it to heart.
She continued speaking with conviction, “Madam, our Lin family is an official’s household. My adoptive father is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. If even his children’s etiquette is barely passable and becomes subject to criticism, what if a censor submits a memorial against him? His official career would be completely ruined!”
“Moreover, the women of the Lin family have all learned excellent boudoir etiquette since childhood. Eldest Sister’s behavior of spewing vulgarities is absolutely unacceptable!”
“And isn’t it obvious that Eldest Sister lacks virtue? Or does Madam intend to shield her?”
“Our Lin family is also related to the imperial family. We mustn’t let others laugh at us and embarrass Consort De—that would be terrible!”
Lin Chuyao’s heart pounded with anxiety, thinking to herself that this was bad.
Mention of Consort De made both Zhao Yurou and Wang Yanwan’s expressions turn grave.
Consort De was their sister-in-law who, after entering the palace, had gained great favor from the Emperor and was the Lin family’s greatest support.
If this affected Consort De’s image and status in the Emperor’s mind,
The consequences would be unimaginable.
The Lin family, like a tall building, could collapse in an instant.
Zhao Yurou felt great pity for her daughter, but she had to admit her daughter was in the wrong. She could only patiently advise with kind words, “Yao’er, quickly return all the things you borrowed. They’re not worth much money—don’t be so petty and damage the harmony between sisters!”
“Don’t let this matter become a stain on your reputation. If any bad rumors spread, your marriage prospects will be seriously affected. It would become extremely difficult to marry a satisfactory husband!”
While these words ostensibly criticized her own daughter, they were actually meant to warn Lin Pianran not to be too calculating.
They also subtly reminded her that her marriage prospects were still firmly in their hands! She shouldn’t go too far.
It also served as a reminder to all the young ladies that they had reached marriageable age and shouldn’t do anything to damage their reputations, but should cherish their good names.
Lin Pianran pretended not to understand and pointed at the densely listed items in the account book. “Both Madams, look at what your carefully raised children have done? You wouldn’t shield them and let them deny their actions in public, would you?”
Zhao Yurou hadn’t expected Lin Pianran to show no regard for face at all, adopting a stance ready to tear all pretense and fight to the end.
She refused to yield even slightly.
If this matter truly escalates, the reputation of Lin Mansion would be completely ruined, and its dignity would vanish entirely.
She found herself in a dilemma—neither able to scold nor refrain from scolding.
Somewhat caught between a rock and a hard place.
When Zhao Yurou carefully examined the contents of the account book, her expression turned extremely grim, even somewhat ashamed beyond words.
Her face shifted between pale and livid, a spectacle of emotions.
After a cursory read, she hastily handed it to the Second Madam, Wang Yanwan. Her daughter had also borrowed quite a few items—though not as many as the eldest branch, the quantity was still considerable.
After reading it, Wang Yanwan was also left speechless, her face darkening.