Chapter 1421
Jin Yue 22
Chapter 1421 Jin Yue 22
The year after Qi Shi and Lin Yuan got married, they had their eldest son, Lin Jinyu. Because of Lin Jinyu's birth, Qi Shi gained a lot of prestige in the Lin family. In addition, Qi Shi's family was very wealthy and powerful, so she could be said to have been in charge of the household as soon as she married into the family.
If something happens to the son she relies on...
Tan You put down her wine cup, and the smile on her face became sinister.
Having personally witnessed Tan You's methods, Wei knew from Tan You's expression that the little devil was about to make her move. This was how the little devil had dealt with her and Wei Ruoyu with a smile back then.
I wonder who she's set her sights on this time; I'm actually kind of looking forward to it.
As she always said, it's certainly unpleasant to experience misfortune herself, but she feels happy when she sees others suffer.
Midway through the banquet, Tan You made an excuse to go out for some fresh air and left the main hall. Cheng Sui wanted to go with Tan You, but seeing that Tan You's expression clearly showed she didn't want to take him, he could only sit with Cheng Qian looking aggrieved.
Cheng Qian objected: "Are you being mistreated by staying with me?"
Cheng Sui glanced at his father, his eyes wide: What do you think?
Cheng Qian was so angry that he picked up the wine cup next to him and was about to drink it all in one gulp when Cheng Sui said slowly, "If you can drink, then you must be able to test medicine. Father, are you much better now?"
Cheng Qian's hand holding the wine cup froze for a moment, but he finally placed the wine cup on the table.
Life was unbearable. Above him was the monster Tan You, and below him was that brat Cheng Sui, always eyeing him covetously. He was now barely surviving in the Duke's mansion, caught in the middle.
Cheng Qian had no doubt that, given the chance, Cheng Sui would definitely seize the opportunity to kill him. That kid holds grudges; he's just like that.
After leaving the main hall, Tan You sat down in the corridor. Looking up at the crescent moon in the sky, her thoughts drifted. Qi Shi, Lin Jinyu, Lin Yuan—none of them could escape.
I didn't see Lin Jinyu at the palace banquet today, which makes sense. Lin Jinyu has been serving as an official in other provinces for the past two years to enhance his resume; if he performs well, he should be able to get a promotion next year.
To ensure Lin Jinyu's smooth career path, the Lin family arranged for him to volunteer for a harsh and cold region. While the hardship was genuine, it was also a place where achievements were more likely to be made.
A bitterly cold land...
It seems that Cheng Qian's journey to the frontier involves passing through Miaohe County, which is under Lin Jinyu's jurisdiction.
That would be wonderful.
She's always cooped up at home; it's time for her to go out and see the world.
Just as Tan You was pondering her travel plans after the New Year, a fragrant breeze wafted by, accompanied by the tinkling of jade pendants. Tan You lowered her eyes indifferently, showing no interest whatsoever in the newcomer.
Until the other person stopped in front of her.
"Second sister."
A pleasant female voice rang out, its tone very calm, with a well-hidden air of superiority.
Tan You raised her eyes, looked at Lin Jinzhu three steps away, and slightly raised the corners of her mouth.
She didn't get up, but leaned lazily against the pillar: "Eldest sister."
Lin Jinzhu frowned at Tan You's current neglect. She took two steps closer, her eyes probing: "Second sister, the first time I saw you was at the palace banquet, the prince seemed... to treat you very well."
She saw Tan You as soon as she entered the main hall, and especially after she sat down, Cheng Qian took great care of her. He took care of Cheng Sui's meals himself, and in between, he remembered to pour tea and get snacks for Tan You.
When did their relationship become so good? Wasn't Lin Jinyue supposed to have no standing in the Duke's mansion?
Upon seeing Tan You emerge from the main hall, Lin Jinzhu could not contain her curiosity and followed her.
Tan You raised an eyebrow slightly, immediately noticing the probing look in her eyes. She couldn't help but smile: "Young Master, it's time to turn back from the wrong path. Are you jealous, elder sister? Can't stand seeing your younger sister living a peaceful life?"
Lin Jinzhu hurriedly explained, "How could that be? I'm just curious, curious about how you did it. Your child, husband, and mother-in-law all take special care of you." Tan You chuckled and looked to Lin Jinzhu's side and behind her. Cheng Qian was standing at the end of the corridor with Cheng Sui nestled under his arm.
"If you're curious, elder sister, just ask the person involved. Why bother asking me?"
"Is that right, Your Highness?"
Cheng Qian smiled wryly as he carried Cheng Sui forward. Cheng Sui's chubby paws pressed against Cheng Qian's stomach, his little face tilted up at Lin Jinzhu, and he kicked his little legs. Cheng Qian let go, and the chubby boy jumped down from mid-air.
He bowed respectfully to Lin Jinzhu, saying, "Yun-ge'er greets Aunt."
Lin Jinzhu covered her face with her fan and giggled, "Brother Yun, you're too polite. Please get up."
Cheng Qian silently mourned for Lin Jinzhu. With his son's unpredictable nature, the more respectful he was to you on the surface, the more ruthless he would be behind your back.
Do they really think he kowtowed for nothing?
Cheng Suiyi got up as instructed. As he passed Lin Jinzhu, he slightly raised his chubby hand, and a clump of powder silently stuck to the hem of Lin Jinzhu's skirt.
Cheng Qian witnessed this scene, but he couldn't say anything; he even had to slightly turn his body to block it. After all, Cheng Sui was his son, and he had caused a great disaster, so as his father, he had to take responsibility.
Cheng Qian nestled into Tan You's arms, his chubby body twisting like a pretzel: "Mother, Father and I came out to find you. Yun-ge'er missed you so much."
Tan You pinched the chubby boy's nose: "You're not some baby who hasn't been weaned yet, always clinging to me?"
Cheng Sui's mouth was watering: "Mother, Yun-ge wants to drink goat's milk when we get home tonight..."
"I'll satisfy you," Tan You said, pulling him onto her lap. "I'll also give you a plate of milk cake."
The two were talking excitedly, completely ignoring Lin Jinzhu. Cheng Qian smiled wryly and bowed to Lin Jinzhu, saying, "Sister-in-law."
Lin Jinzhu gracefully returned the greeting: "Your Highness."
She felt a little uncomfortable, as she had inquired about the movements of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, only to have Cheng Qian, the heir apparent, overhear her.
Cheng Qian glanced at Tan You, who was holding Cheng Sui, with a complicated expression: "I did a lot of stupid things in the past few years and I owe Jin Yue a lot. It's not easy for her to raise Yun Ge'er all by herself."
"Since she has no one to help her, the Duke's mansion should naturally treat her well and make up for the mistakes she made in the past."
Lin Jinzhu forced a smile: "Is my brother-in-law complaining that the Lin family didn't support my sister? We can't blame ourselves for that. My sister has always been quiet and introverted since she was a child. After she got married, she never went back home except for the wedding procession. We didn't know she was having such a hard time in the Duke's mansion."
She denied everything, resolutely refusing to mention the cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness of her family.
Tan You said coolly, "When I got married, my father and stepmother said that once I left the Lin family, I would no longer be a member of the Lin family."
Lin Jinzhu choked, not expecting Tan You to speak so bluntly without regard for her feelings. Wasn't she afraid that Cheng Qian would look down on her?
Tan You smiled and said, "Young Master, I am all alone now, unlike my elder sister who has a family to take care of her. Will you look down on me because of this?"
Cheng Qian was quite perceptive: "How could that be? Is the Duke's mansion the kind of people who value social status? As long as my husband and I are of one mind, that's enough."
Tan You lifted the chubby boy up: "We've been out long enough. If we don't go back soon, the banquet will be over. Eldest sister, I'll take Yun-ge'er back first."
Cheng Sui bowed to Lin Jinzhu and said, "Goodbye, Aunt."