"Afterwards, you blamed everything on me, feigning concern and pleading for me. Every bit of kindness you've shown me since childhood had an ulterior motive. You've deliberately tricked me countless times to do your bidding because you knew Father and Mother favored me. No matter what mistakes I made, they would always find a way to protect me."
"You incited me again and again to oppose our eldest sister-in-law, even provoking me to kill. Do you know that if I had truly done it that day, I wouldn't be standing here before you now? Sister, you wanted to ruin my entire life!"
Ling Muzhu's words, sharp as pearls, pushed Ling Yan step by step to the brink.
"Yes! You're right. My kindness to you was all to gain your trust and make you work for me unconditionally. But that's because you're foolish and so easily deceived. Blame Father and Mother if you must. If they hadn't been so biased and always sided with you, I wouldn't have done this!"
Seeing that Ling Muzhu knew everything, Ling Yan no longer concealed anything and directly confessed the truth.
Although she had already learned the truth in her heart, hearing Ling Yan admit everything in person still made her heart lurch violently, as if it were being fiercely clutched, causing even her breath to ache.
"Since that's the case, there's nothing more for us to say. You can stay here and prepare for your wedding."
Ling Muzhu dropped these words and turned to leave. She paused slightly at the door and said, "I advise you to behave yourself and not cause any more trouble. Only then can you ensure your safety."
"What do you mean? I'm your own sister! Are you going to watch me die with your own eyes?"
Ling Yan couldn't believe Ling Muzhu could be so heartless as to truly abandon her.
"If you behave, no one will harm you. If you insist on stirring up trouble, I can't save you!"
With that, Ling Muzhu left directly.
Ling Yan glared at Ling Muzhu's departing back, her eyes burning with rage. She didn't even seem to feel the pain of her fingernails digging into her flesh.
Everything she had done was out of desperation. Since they were heartless and unjust, she wouldn't be merciful either.
...
Feng Jin had been taking care of the two children these past few days and occasionally urged Ling Muzhu to continue her studies.
"Studying also requires a balance of work and rest. You've been here for three hours, and your eyes must be tired. Get up and move around. Rest for a while before continuing."
"I have far more ground to cover than others. If I want to achieve first place in this autumn examination, I must work harder than everyone else."
Ling Muzhu was keenly aware of her shortcomings, which was why she was striving so hard, unwilling to waste even a moment.
"But your health is also important. Please rest for a bit before you continue studying."
Feng Jin stepped forward and took the book from her. "Reading is not a matter of a moment or an hour, but your health is a matter of a lifetime."
"I've noted that, eldest sister-in-law."
Ling Muzhu slowly stood up and stretched her limbs. She was indeed a little tired after sitting for so long.
"Eldest sister-in-law, you're here. I've been looking for you. I just made some clothes for the children. Could you try them on them? If there are any ill-fitting parts, I can alter them again."
Ling Wan held a tray with two small garments.
Feng Jin picked them up and examined them, comparing their size. "They should be about the right size. You don't need to make any more clothes for them. We still have the ones you made before."
"Children grow quickly, so we need to make more outfits in preparation," Ling Wan said with a smile. She genuinely adored the two children, and making clothes for them was something she did willingly.
"I'm just worried you'll tire yourself out."
Feng Jin understood Ling Wan's affection for the children but felt that her constant needlework over the past few days might be too much for her.
"Making just these few items won't tire me out. Besides, as long as the children can wear them comfortably, I don't mind being a little tired."
"I have something I need to discuss with you." Feng Jin suddenly remembered something. She handed the clothes she was holding to Cai Qing, then took Ling Wan's hand and led her into the inner room.
Once inside, Feng Jin also closed the door.
"What is it, eldest sister-in-law? You're being so secretive."
"It's like this, Ling Yan is getting married soon, and you're only a few months younger than her, so you're also of age. I spoke with your aunt a few days ago and thought it would be good to arrange your marriage too."
Ling Wan's cheeks immediately turned red, and she said with a hint of petulance, "Eldest sister-in-law, there's no rush with this matter. I'm also younger, so getting married now might be a bit early."
"I'm just thinking of securing a good marriage for you first. As for the wedding itself, it can be postponed for a few years."
Ling Wan lowered her gaze. She had indeed thought about this, but what she truly desired was to marry someone she truly loved, someone with whom she could grow old, rather than just settling for the sake of marriage and enduring a lifetime together, which would only be mutual torment.
"Eldest sister-in-law, actually, I... I don't want to get married so early... I..."
Feng Jin looked into Ling Wan's eyes and paused, a hint of surprise in her expression. "Don't tell me you already have someone you like? Tell your eldest sister-in-law, which family's son is it? What is his family background, talent, and appearance like?"
With this suspicion in mind, Feng Jin leaned forward eagerly to inquire, leaving Ling Wan flustered and unsure how to respond.
"Eldest sister-in-law, don't jump to conclusions. I haven't even stepped outside the Ling family's gate, so how could I have someone I like?"
Ling Wan's face flushed with a hint of shyness, and she inadvertently turned her head away. She had visited the outside world only a handful of times, and each time it was with a group of people. How could she have met any young men?
"But this won't do either. You barely go out, so where will you find a young man?"
Feng Jin put on a worried expression and then, as if struck by an idea, said, "I remember! The day after tomorrow is the polo match hosted by the Marquis Wenchang's estate. It's perfect; I'll take you along so you can meet some people and perhaps find a young gentleman you fancy."
"Eldest sister-in-law..." Ling Wan called out playfully.
How could these matters be discussed so openly? It was so embarrassing!
"What's embarrassing about it? You must understand that it's natural for men to marry and women to wed. This is part of human relations and is perfectly normal."
Although Feng Jin was speaking the truth, Ling Wan still felt a sense of unease. Perhaps it was because no one had ever discussed such matters with her before, and suddenly bringing it up made it difficult for her to accept.
"I'll have the tailor come over to make you some new clothes, and then we'll select some beautiful jewelry from the storeroom. You'll accompany me to the polo match the day after tomorrow."
Feng Jin didn't give Ling Wan any chance to refuse, directly settling the matter. This way, Ling Wan wouldn't feel too shy to go, and their efforts wouldn't be in vain.