Last time on Grafting Life: The monk and Daoist come to save Jia Bao Yu and confront the Lin Family.
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Chapter 37 – Red Chamber (37)
Lin Yu Tong did not pay attention to the events of the Jia Family. Lin Ru Hai was going to return to the capital soon. In Lin Yu Tong’s view, never mind being an official in Jiangnan, returning to the capital and getting a leisurely position was the most safe. He was already lower first rank, and if he moved away from his position now, he would be promoted another rank. Then he would be upper first rank. Even if the position was not one of true power, it would be both noble and respectful, why not?
People, they had to know what it meant to retire at the height of their career.
Seeing Lin Dai Yu eat less and less everyday, Lin Yu Tong felt that her care over the last two years had been for nothing. Right when she was going to have her results tested, she did not cooperate. Please do not have Lin Ru Hai think that she had neglected Sister Lin.
No matter what, this also made Lin Yu Tong feel helpless.
She put her energies all on her brother and Wen Tian Fang.
Wen Tian Fang could not help but feel lucky when he thought of the words of the monk and the Daoist. The eldest miss of the Lin Family may be someone like him. This would also explain why the Lin Family was not the same as in his past life.
He could not help but rejoice that if not for this person, maybe he would be alone in this life. Thinking of this possibility, he put in even more care, sending gifts even more frequently.
Lin Yu Tong did not refuse. Regardless of what was given, she accepted it all. It was the limit of what unmarried men and women could do. It was not possible to meet and talk about life.
When the weather heated up and ice started to be used in the rooms, Lin Ru Hai’s ship was about to reach the pier in Tongzhou.
Lin Yu Yang had been waiting at the pier two days ago. Lin Yu Tong led Lin Dai Yu to clean up Lin Ru Hai’s courtyard at home.
Lin Ru Hai stood on the deck, and gazed in the direction of the capital. His eyes could not help but turn wet. He turned and asked Steward Lin, “How much longer?”
“Just half a day. I fear that Young Master is already waiting at the pier.” Steward Lin knew what the master was thinking of. The masters in the capitals were the future of the Lin Family.
“It is so hot, he should not have come to welcome me. I will be unable to recognize the path home?” Lin Ru Hai complained, but how could he not feel good? His son was young but had already passed the county examinations. After a few more years, he would attend the next examinations. He may not dare to say the other would place first, but he was definitely going to pass the provincial examinations. Uncle always wrote praise in his letters. With Uncle’s personality, his praise was definitely true. How could he not feel proud? He had an heir. This was something that satisfied him more than anything else.
“Master misses the masters, the young masters are also missing you.” Steward Lin knew what his master was thinking. As expected, when he said this, Lin Ru Hai’s lips curved.
“I just hope to put down my duties, and stay in the capital to keep the children company.” Lin Ru Hai sighed, “Right now, Eldest yatou is about to be married. If I do not keep the child company, she will become part of another family soon.”
“We will be in the capital, and your son-in-law does not have other family. You truly will have half of a son. Young Master is an only son. You fear that he will be lonely. Now it is very good. Just two streets away, it is easy to travel.” Steward Lin comforted seriously. Lin Ru Hai felt much better.
“In the end, Eldest Miss suffered.” Lin Ru Hai sighed. He knew all the things about the three children, so he felt guilty towards the eldest daughter. Lin Ping and his wife would write a letter every month. He had arranged this back then because he feared the children would not be able to deal. But he had not expected the most troublesome would be Dai Yu.
“You can give some more in dowry, and everything is there.” Steward Lin smiled and changed the topic. “If we can successfully stay in the capital now, everything will be easy.”
“You are right.” Lin Ru Hai smiled and said, “It will be good to test the son-in-law, teach Yang-ge’er, and I cannot just rely on Eldest yatou to care for Dai Yu.”
“Who in the capital does not admire Master for getting a good son-in-law? Now you speak of testing him.” Steward Lin smiled and said, “Just our young master. Each time, Official Zhang praises him greatly. But now, Master is being humble. If the people hear this, they’ll say that your heart and mouth are not in agreement.”
Lin Ru Hai laughed, very satisfied.
Lin Yu Yang waited at the pier. He did not manage to see Lin Ru Hai and saw Wen Tian Fang first.
“Count, how come you are here?” Lin Yu Yang walked to him and asked politely, “If my father sees, he will say this has bothered a lot of people.”
“It is a private matter, not an official matter. Who can say anything about welcoming my father-in-law?” Wen Tian Fang waved a hand and the two walked into the inn beside the pier.
They used the space of the inn, but ate the food they had brought from home.
“This is so troublesome.” Wen Tian Fang looked at the food in front of him and knew that Lin Yu Tong had cooked this. Cooking in this heat was not a comfortable thing.
“Sister always worries that I do not eat well outside.” Lin Yu Yang smiled smugly.
Wen Tian Fang did not speak. He thought, after we marry, we will hire some more chefs, and she will not have to cook in the future.
After the simple noon meal, someone came to report that an official ship was seen in the distance.
The two knew this was most likely it as they had not seen people from other official families here today. Most of them were just merchant ships.
When the ship got close to the shore, Steward Lin came out of the cabin. Who was standing there in the distance but his young master? Then he looked. Was that not the Jinghai Count standing there beside the young master?
So, he immediately reported joyfully to Lin Ru Hai in the cabin.
Lin Ru Hai suddenly stood up, and walked out of the cabin. He looked at the shore and saw Yang-ge’er.
He had grown up, looked like a young man. Lin Ru Hai said to Steward Lin, “Look at Yang-ge’er, has he gotten taller, taller than me?”
“A bit shorter.” Steward Lin chuckled and said, “However, it is time to talk about marriage. In a few years, Master will be able to play with grandsons.”
Nothing other than these words would make him happier. He had once feared that the Lin Family would have no heir. Now, he had a grown son, and his grandsons could be anticipated. Of course he was happy.
The ship stopped, and Lin Yu Yang leapt onto the deck. “Father, you finally came.” He smiled and held Lin Ru Hai’s hand. Then he looked up and down and said, “Father, how come you are still so thin?”
“People with money are unable to buy thinness. This is good fortune.” Lin Ru Hai examined his son. His son was not just taller, but much stronger, like a young ox.
“Greetings, Father-in-law.” Wen Tian Fang saw father and son so close and felt some admiration. He took the chance to prove his existence.
Lin Ru Hai was satisfied that Wen Tian Fang had come. He smiled and nodded, saying, “Tian Fang, you have been troubled to make the trip in the heat.”
“Father-in-law, you are too polite, this son-in-law should do this.” Speaking, Wen Tian Fang motioned in invitation. “It is too sunny outside, how about going to the inn and washing up first?”
Lin Ru Hai nodded and Lin Yu Yang helped him off the ship.
“No need to rest.” Lin Ru Hai pointed at the carriage. “Let’s go home first. Your sisters are likely anxious.”
Lin Yu Yang naturally was fine with this. They left Lin Ping to take care of the things bought back from Yangzhou and the group went back to the residence first.
Wen Tian Fang saw them to the gates and said good-bye. “Father-in-law must be tired coming back after a long trip. This son-in-law will not disturb you, and will visit on another day.”
Lin Ru Hai nodded. “Come another day, let’s talk together.”
Lin Yu Yang bowed and saw him leave.
Lin Yu Tong and Lin Dai Yu had received the news already and were waiting by the second door. Seeing Lin Yu Yang help Lin Ru Hai come in, Lin Yu Tong smiled while Lin Dai Yu cried.
“Father!” Lin Yu Tong curtsied with a smile. “Have you had a good trip?” She examined Lin Ru Hai. The middle-aged man was still handsome. While he had gotten a bit thinner, his spirits were good. She said, “I have sent someone for the palace physicians, have the physician take your pulse in a while.”
Lin Ru Hai looked at his two slender daughters. His eyes turned wet. He just nodded and said okay, unable to say more.
Lin Dai Yu pulled Lin Ru Hai’s sleeve, softly calling him. Lin Ru Hai originally was full of anger with Lin Dai Yu but was unable to muster anything up now. He reached out, wanting to rub his daughter’s head, but seeing his child grown up, he just waved his hand. He said with a smile, “Now, Yu’er has grown up.”
Lin Yu Tong arranged for Lin Ru Hai to wash before setting out the meal.
The family seated themselves. There was no rule that they could not talk at the table. Lin Yu Tong said first, “Father has returned to the capital now. Is it time to retire at the peak of your career?”
“This father has such plans.” Lin Ru Hai smiled. “But last time, you gave silver to the emperor, and the mistake was right. The emperor’s grace likely will come from this.”
Lin Yu Tong’s eyes flashed with happiness. If it was truly like this, it would be so good.
“The emperor is also a person. The saying goes if you take from someone, your hand is short, if you eat of someone, your mouth is soft. He took the silver, how could he not show some token? If Yang-ge’er did not place well in the examinations last time, the emperor would have rewarded Yang-ge’er with a rank. It was not used last time. This time is perfect.” Lin Ru Hai said, “This father may not have achieved any merit this time, but did not make any mistakes. It is perfect to retire and leave the spot to someone else.”
“What?” Lin Yu Yang asked, “There are people who want such a terrible position?”
“People die for wealth, birds die for food, there are always people like that.” Lin Ru Hai taught Lin Yu Yang. “Especially in politics. There are two important things about politics, one is to control yourself, the other is not to offend lowly people. When you truly enter politics, you will know, this is a place where you will not recognize people with a turn of the face. There are not many who send coal in the snow, but many who throw stones down the well. Politics do not lack for people who betray you.”
Lin Yu Yang nodded, understanding. “Yes! Father, I will remember.”
Lin Yu Tong sighed in relief. These were things that she could not teach him. With Lin Ru Hai’s life and experience, Yang-ge’er would be able to have fewer detours on his path.
“In other words, Dad will not leave,” Lin Dai Yu asked.
“While I think so, it will depend on what the emperor thinks after meeting him tomorrow.” Lin Ru Hai served Lin Dai Yu some food. “Eat more, you cannot eat like a cat.”
“It is hot, I do not have an appetite,” Lin Dai Yu whispered.
A hint of worry flashed through Lin Ru Hai’s eyes.
The family ate. Because Lin Ru Hai had been traveling and he had to meet the emperor tomorrow, he went to rest early.
At this time, Mother Jia was a bit dazed. She looked in shock at Madam Wang, “You say that Son-in-law Lin has returned?”
“Yes.” A hint of annoyance flashed through Madam Wang’s eyes. She said, “Because of the recent troubles, I did not ask about the Lin Family’s matters. Now, I did not know at all that Uncle-in-law has returned to the capital. If the shopkeeper of the Xue Family did not see Yang-ge’er at the pier, we likely would not have known now.” Then she sighed. “Old Mistress, you know what the consort thinks. The consort is having a hard time in the palace. We do not have many people who can help. Uncle-in-law counts as one, so does the Jinghai Count. If we continue, then my brother counts. But on the Lin Family side, I fear the old mistress will have to speak. We will not be of any help.”
“I am a person half buried, who will take me seriously?” Mother Jia was very angry that the Lin Family had not told them ahead of time.
Madam Wang knew the old mistress’ temper. In this family, no one dared to oppose the old mistress. It felt like everyone was born to listen to her. Otherwise, they were rebellious. However, she would only dare to think such things in her mind, and did not dare to show it. Seeing the old mistress get stubborn again, she did not know how to persuade the other. In the past, there had been Wang Xi Feng who was able to say anything easily. Now, it was her turn to persuade, and she now knew how hard it was to flatter someone everyday.
She opened her mouth a few times, but was unable to say anything pleasing.
Just like Wang-shi understood Mother Jia, Mother Jia understood Wang-shi. She waved her hand and said, “Since I know, I will send someone to invite him tomorrow. You go and rest.” She did not know if speaking with the other was an ordeal for the other or for her.
Wang-shi could only stand. However, she knew how much the old mistress valued the consort. No matter how bad the old mistress felt, she would do what was necessary. If the consort was well, then the Jia Family would be well.
Zhou Rui’s wife whispered, “Now that Second Missus is not in charge, Mistress, many things are not easy to do.”
“It is true.” Wang-shi laughed. “I don’t know what Feng-yatouis doing. She is truly not concerned. I don’t believe that she is truly willing, with her personality. What have you managed to find out from outside?”
“What can there be?” Zhou Rui’s wife said. “Even if there is something, I fear it will be related to the Lin Family. Second Missus and the eldest miss of the Lin Family are very close.”
“Then never mind.” Wang-shi nodded. Last time, when she had been bewitched, she owed Lin Yu Tong a favor to some degree. Feng-yatou was always clever and managed to get close to such a person.
“I fear that Second Master Lian and Second Missus have to go to the Lin Family. Do you think we should tell them now?” Zhou Rui’s wife reminded. “What if Second Master Lian went out tomorrow or Second Missus is uncomfortable, what to do then?”
Wang-shi understood. This was to prevent the two from dodging away, to avoid the couple thinking of ways to avoid it.
“You go.” Wang-shi looked at Zhou Rui’s wife and said, “This is an important matter. They have to put aside anything else.”
Zhou Rui’s wife nodded with a smile. Right now, Wang Xi Feng was not the Wang Xi Feng who had been in charge of the household. Even Ping’er, a servant girl, was able to get on top of her. Why should she fear the other?
Wang Xi Feng sent away the proud Zhou Rui’s wife and smiled scornfully. The other truly thought she was weak? Xiao Hong said in anger, “This is not a clear-minded person, she is too arrogant.”
“No problem, let her have it for a few days.” Wang Xi Feng smiled and asked Xiao Hong in a whisper. “Did you see clearly last time?”
“Yes, it is Sister Ping’er who sent Wang’er to send things to Zhou Rui’s son-in-law’s shop,” Xiao Hong said.
“Is that one called Leng Zi Xing?” Wang Xi Feng asked.
“Who else but him? In the last two years, he made a lot of black hearted silver relying on our residence,” Xiao Hong cursed in a whisper.
“Then it is easy to do.” Wang Xi Feng sighed in relief. “There will be a time to sort them out.”
Lin Yu Tong did not know what had happened in the Jia Family. She got up early and first prepared breakfast for Lin Ru Hai. He was going to meet the emperor, and naturally could not drink too much fluid. She also prepared a pouch of meat jerky, and a pouch of sour plums. If he was hungry, he could eat some jerky, and if he was thirsty, he could hold a plum in his mouth. He could make it through.
Lin Ru Hai did not know whether to laugh or cry. But after seeing the food box in the hands of the servant behind Lin Yu Yang, he was not discontent. She had not prepared a food box for him because she knew it was the palace, and he could not take it along.
How could the emperor not give face to a director-general like Lin Ru Hai, and make them wait a long time? The timing for the audience would be perfect. Even if this was the middle of the night, the emperor would meet him.
“Official Lin looks much thinner.” The emperor called for him to stand and had him sit and be served with tea.
Lin Ru Hai thanked him for the grace and said, “For the matters of Jiangnan, this subject is really ashamed. Even now…… It is still stuck. This subject is incompetent.”
“You did much better than Zhen imagined. Beloved official, thank you.” The emperor waved a hand and said, “Jiangnan will have major moves now! Beloved official, what plans do you have?”
“This subject does not fear Emperor laughing at me.” Lin Ru Hai said bashfully, “This subject has failed the children in these years. So this subject hopes to get an idle position.”
“The kindness of the father is not laughable.” The emperor seemed to be touched and sighed. “Then stay in the capital. Us ruler and subject will be able to talk together when there is free time.”
Lin Ru Hai was overjoyed and hurriedly knelt to thank him.
The emperor saw that his joy was not fake and felt that Lin Ru Hai was a rare honest person. A person who valued his children so much would have a bottom line in his actions. Such a person was trustworthy because he did not dare to risk the people he cared about. So even if he was not completely loyal, he would never betray.
The ruler and the subject talked about the matters of Jiangnan. In conclusion, the emperor was happy, and Lin Ru Hai was also happy.
When mealtime came, the emperor kept him for the meal. This was a rare honor.
In the Lin Family, Lin Yu Tong smiled as she received Wang Xi Feng.
“I thought that you would come in a day or two, not so quickly.” Lin Yu Tong pulled Wang Xi Feng to sit and said, “Such hot weather, and the entire family depends on you outside.”
Wang Xi Feng sighed and then said, “Uncle-in-law Lin just returned to the capital and naturally is busy, I know this. But the old mistress sent me, so I took the chance to come out for a walk. It will be good if you do not mind.”
“Of course I know your difficulties.” Lin Yu Tong said, “But your news came so quickly.”
“It is not our news.” Wang Xi Feng twisted her lips. “It’s from the Xue Family. They had people loading goods at the pier and saw Cousin Lin.”
“No wonder.” Lin Yu Tong shook her head. “You go back and say that Father will naturally visit after he is done.”
Wang Xi Feng nodded and asked, “How long will Uncle-in-law stay in the capital this time?”
“My sister-in-law, when the moon waxes, it will wane, when water fills, it will spill over. You know this reasoning as well. Father’s official career is like this. If he keeps on charging like this, then it will not end well.” Lin Yu Tong shook her head. While everyone understood what “one had to give up in order to get” it was hard for someone to be able to “give up.”
Wang Xi Feng’s eyes went wide. “He is the director-general of the two rivers.” Such great power. He was going to give up when he said so.
“If one retreats, they will last a long time,” Lin Yu Tong smiled and said.
Wang Xi Feng nodded. “I have learned.”
Soon, Lin Dai Yu came and greeted with a smile before sitting down.
Wang Xi Feng frowned and said, “Is the heat hard for you, you are so much thinner.”
“I am always like this, I disappoint Sister’s care.” Lin Dai Yu looked apologetically at Lin Yu Tong and then smiled. “After the summer, it will be better.”
Wang Xi Feng knew to observe other’s expressions and did not ask more. She said with a smile, “When it is time to fatten up for the winter, have your sister feed you, and you will grow it back.”
Lin Dai Yu nodded and asked, “Is the old mistress still well?”
“Good! How can she not be?” Wang Xi Feng smiled. “When she is free, she goes to the garden to talk with Bao Yu and the girls, passing the days.”
Then she suddenly said, “The Shi Family has found a marriage for Sister Yun, do you know?”
Lin Yu Tong and Lin Dai Yu looked at each other and shook their heads. “I have not heard of this.”
Lin Yu Tong asked, “When is it? Whose family is it?”
“I do not know. I just heard Yuan Yang mention it. She said the Shi Family sent someone to tell the old mistress.” Wang Xi Feng smiled. “You know the mouth of Yuan Yang. If the old mistress does not allow her to say, she will not say a word.”
“With her situation, it is hard for her to get a perfect match. If they do not care about birth, just character and personality, it will likely be better.” Lin Dai Yu sighed.
Translator Ramblings: Lin Ru Hai is a good career politician. In this way, he doesn’t offend so many people, and dispels any worries the emperor has concerning the Lin Family.
- Grafting Life Chapter 36 – Red Chamber (36)
- Grafting Life Chapter 38 – Red Chamber (38)
- Grafting Life Chapter 39 – Red Chamber (39)
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