Being dismissed, Ling Changyi's face fell, but she was deep in thought. In an instant, her expression changed, and she smiled at Ling Muzhu, "Then you study well, Aunt won't disturb you."
With that, she pulled Zhang Mia'er away. As soon as they left the courtyard, Zhang Mia'er flung away Ling Changyi's hand and walked away angrily. She had never been treated like this in her life. What man hadn't been polite and welcoming to her, trying to please her? This was the first time she had been so disliked.
Zhang Mia'er was so angry her face was stiff. She cursed Ling Muzhu fiercely in her heart, and with a sudden kick at a flower branch, the already withered petals fell to the ground.
"Alright, stop taking your anger out on the flowers. The shoes you're wearing are made of silk brocade with Suzhou embroidery, and they can't withstand such abuse!"
Ling Changyi pulled Zhang Mia'er over. If she continued like this, the shoes would be ruined. She knew how valuable Suzhou-embroidered shoes were and how much money they had cost her. They weren't meant to be wasted like this.
"Money, money, money... you only think about money all day long. You're so vulgar!"
"Without money, what would you eat and drink? The fine silks and jewelry you wear, the hairpins and jade ornaments, where do you think they come from? If I didn't earn this money, and you only relied on your useless father, you would have starved to death long ago. If you were truly capable, you would marry into nobility, and you wouldn't have to worry about money for the rest of your life!"
Ling Changyi was truly disappointed. After raising her so meticulously for years, she had turned out to be so clueless, so unlike her own daughter.
"Mother, you..."
"I'm not going anymore, it's too embarrassing. I was practically throwing myself at him just now, and he wasn't interested at all. I refuse to do such embarrassing things!"
She had never been so embarrassed in her life. There were plenty of men in the world, and she didn't want to humble herself like this.
"He is the sole heir of the second branch. Once he succeeds in his studies and has the backing of the Ling family, his future will be boundless. Moreover, he is handsome and elegant. Where else will you find someone so suitable? You're giving up after being rejected once? You're truly disappointing. It's easy for men to pursue women, and it's easy for women to pursue men. This obstacle is finally broken through!"
Ling Changyi tried her best to persuade Zhang Mia'er. If she missed out on Ling Muzhu, it would be very difficult to find such a suitable person. Besides, he was someone they knew well, and thus easier to control.
"Mia'er, just listen to your mother. Later, when it gets darker, you can send some snacks over again. It'll be better when you're both alone to have some private conversation..."
"Mother... you..."
Zhang Mia'er's face turned red. As a young lady, she felt so ashamed to take the initiative in such matters.
Ling Changyi was unconcerned and continued to impart her wisdom to Zhang Mia'er.
...
"Mother, will this work?"
Zhang Mia'er looked at herself in the mirror and felt a little ashamed, constantly pulling her clothes inward.
"You look so beautiful. Don't pull the collar inward. It looks better when it's exposed. Any man who sees you like this will be unable to resist."
She reached out and pulled Zhang Mia'er's collar outward, revealing a large expanse of fair skin on her chest. Ling Changyi, like a brothel madam, appraised her daughter with a satisfied smile.
"Mother, this is too revealing. What's the difference between me dressed like this and... the girls in the brothel?"
Zhang Mia'er found it hard to say the latter half of the sentence.
"What's revealing? This is called 'you can't catch a wolf without sacrificing your child.' If you're shy now, you'll surely regret it later. I've already inquired; Ling Muzhu was also a dissolute young master who frequented entertainment districts. He only recently settled down. When he sees you like this, he'll surely lose control. At that time, you'll be firmly seated as the young madam of the Ling family, and you won't have to worry about wealth and prosperity for the rest of your life."
As soon as Zhang Mia'er thought of the future prosperity, a smile couldn't be hidden on her lips. She no longer cared about anyone else. Her mother was right; in the face of wealth and prosperity, everything else seemed unimportant.
"Madam, Miss, the snacks and porridge are ready."
Huichun placed all the prepared items on the table.
"Mia'er, it's your turn to go."
Ling Changyi picked up the serving tray, placed it in Zhang Mia'er's hands, and gestured for her to leave.
Zhang Mia'er clutched the tray tightly and, as if making up her mind, stepped away.
"Madam, will this work? If it succeeds, it's good. But if it fails, our young lady's reputation will truly be ruined."
Huichun said with slight worry. A daughter's reputation was the most important thing. If it was ruined, how would she live the rest of her life?
"It will definitely work. Did you put what I told you to put in the porridge?"
"This servant put it in the porridge as Madam instructed."
"Then it's settled. We'll just wait to catch them in the act. This time, I'll see if Father still tries to stop me. Unless he really doesn't care about Ling Muzhu's reputation and future career."
Ling Changyi's eyes were full of calculation. If this matter succeeded, even if her father was unwilling, he would have to acknowledge it.
Didn't Father spend a lot of effort back then trying to drive her out of the Ling family? But in the end, she would return legitimately. This Ling family would be hers sooner or later.
Turning to look at the spirit tablets on the offering table, Ling Changyi knelt on the prayer mat and offered three sticks of incense.
Mother, watch me carefully. Daughter will return to the Ling family legitimately. What you did not obtain, I will help you seize back.
"Madam, the wind is picking up. This servant will go close the doors and windows."
A cold wind blew into the room, and Huichun shivered and hurried to close the doors and windows.
...
Zhang Mia'er held the snacks and lingered at the doorway for a moment before stepping inside.
She looked around the room but couldn't see Ling Muzhu. Thinking he wasn't there, she was about to turn and leave when she heard footsteps behind her.
When she turned around, she saw Ling Muzhu emerging from the inner room, wearing only a thin inner garment, his hair still wet.
Even with her thick skin, Zhang Mia'er was startled and quickly turned her head away.
Ling Muzhu was also startled and hurried back into the inner room.
After the time it took for half a cup of tea to brew, Ling Muzhu came out dressed properly, looking slightly displeased. "How did you get in? What is the matter?"
These lazy fellows couldn't even keep one person in check, allowing her to enter so brazenly.
Zhang Mia'er took a deep breath with her back to Ling Muzhu, composed herself, and then turned around with a charming smile.
"Mia'er knows that Cousin will also be studying tonight, so I specially made some snacks and a bowl of light porridge. It will be more comfortable for Cousin to eat something."