The saying "words can kill" was something Ling Wan understood profoundly; a person could be drowned by mere spittle.
If news of this spread, Cai Qing would undoubtedly be gossiped about and subjected to everyone's scorn. How would she ever find a husband after this?
"I tried to stop her, but I couldn't. Cai Qing insisted on staying."
It was indeed Cai Qing's own decision, and she couldn't stop her.
"This girl usually seems quite shrewd, but why is she being so foolish now? To do such a thing, how will she ever find a husband..."
Ling Wan genuinely cared for Cai Qing, her face filled with disappointment, regretting Cai Qing's foolishness in acting this way.
One wrong step could ruin her entire life.
"Actually, it's also because Lu Shi was injured while saving Cai Qing. Cai Qing doing this is a way to repay his kindness, which is only human."
"There isn't only this one way to repay kindness in the world. Why throw away one's life like this?"
A woman's reputation was paramount. Ling Wan had witnessed the tragic fates of women who lost their virtue and couldn't bear for Cai Qing to end up like them.
"No... eldest sister-in-law, you must tell Cai Qing to return quickly. They are not in the capital now. Returning early is the only way to limit the damage."
"Alright, sit down first. This matter is not as serious as you think. Let me explain it to you slowly."
Feng Jin pulled Ling Wan to sit beside her and patiently recounted the twists and turns of the situation.
After listening, Ling Wan became even more agitated, finding the events so absurd that she truly couldn't accept them.
Knowing Ling Wan's upbringing, steeped in the constraints of "three obediences and four virtues" and the teachings of the sages for women, it would take time for her to accept these matters.
"A woman's marriage has always been decided by parents and matchmakers. Eldest sister-in-law, how could you let Cai Qing, a young woman... let her find a husband herself..."
"This is called mutual affection, an uncontrollable impulse. It's their own affair, and I cannot interfere."
Feng Jin put on a look of helplessness, completely masking her earlier instigation.
"Lu Shi is a man worthy of entrusting one's life to. I believe he will protect Cai Qing's reputation."
It was precisely because she trusted Lu Shi that she allowed Cai Qing to stay. If it were anyone else, she would never have permitted it.
"Eldest sister-in-law has always been accurate in her judgment of people. If you think Lu Shi is trustworthy, then he is indeed trustworthy."
Ling Wan had absolute faith in Feng Jin's words. Regardless of whether she could understand the meaning behind Feng Jin's words, she still held a degree of trust in them.
Finally, the explanation was complete, leaving her throat a bit dry and sore. Feng Jin picked up her teacup and took a sip.
Immediately after, a hurried shout echoed.
"Eldest sister-in-law... Eldest sister-in-law..."
Ling Muzhu's figure appeared before them. "Eldest sister-in-law, you're finally back. Was the journey safe?"
Ling Mohan had not mentioned the news of their assassination attempt, so Ling Muzhu was naturally unaware.
"It was alright..." It was a pity that they had to rush the entire way and couldn't enjoy the scenery, which was regrettable.
"Eldest sister-in-law, you've brought back another beautiful young lady from your trip."
Ling Muzhu's gaze fell upon Chu Qing, who stood to the side, a slight smile on his lips.
Chu Qing flinched and instinctively shrank back, avoiding Ling Muzhu's gaze.
"Your old habit has resurfaced. Have you been too comfortable lately without any discipline, making you itchy for a beating?"
Feng Jin picked up a feather duster placed to the side and brandished it at Ling Muzhu, about to strike him.
He had been living too comfortably at home lately; without a beating, he wouldn't remember his place.
"Eldest sister-in-law, no... no..." Ling Muzhu quickly dodged, frightened.
"Eldest sister-in-law, calm down. I truly didn't mean anything by it. I was just greeting her."
"Greeting is fine, but why are you smiling so creepily? Has your old habit resurfaced while I was away? You truly never learn from your mistakes!"
Feng Jin tapped the feather duster on the table, convinced that Ling Muzhu's old habits must have resurfaced during her absence.
"Speak, what have you been up to lately? If you don't tell the truth, I'll break your legs!"
"I haven't. I truly haven't. I've been studying in my room all this time, barely even leaving it. Where would I find the time to do anything else?"
Ling Muzhu felt more wronged than Dou E at this moment, with no way to reason his case.
Even if he had a hundred mouths, he felt he couldn't explain himself.
"Eldest sister-in-law, Muzhu is telling the truth. He has been studying in his room all month, hardly leaving it. Even his tutor praised his academic progress."
"Yes, my second sister can vouch for me. I was truly studying in my room."
With the imperial examinations approaching, he squeezed in even meal times. Today, he had finished his studies early before coming to see Feng Jin. Who would have thought he'd nearly be beaten upon entering? Was there anyone more wronged than him?
Feng Jin looked at Ling Muzhu doubtfully, her eyes filled with disbelief. She then turned to Ling Wan for confirmation. "Has he truly been studying in his room for the past month?"
"Yes, eldest sister-in-law," Ling Wan nodded in agreement.
Only then did Feng Jin begin to believe, putting away the feather duster, but still warned him sternly, "If I find out you've been up to anything else, beware of your legs."
Ling Muzhu was startled and felt a pain in his calf, quickly saying, "I promise I absolutely won't."
"The imperial examinations are not far off. Hurry back and study. If you fail this time, you'll have to wait another three years. You must strive to pass this examination."
Failing the imperial examinations meant waiting another three years, and three years was an exceptionally long time, enough to change a person's life.
"Eldest sister-in-law, rest assured. I will strive to pass this time and will not fail your teachings."
Ling Muzhu was anxious about this imperial examination. In the past, he had wasted his time. He had only recently picked up the classics, and he wasn't very confident about passing the provincial exam.
"Just do your best," Feng Jin didn't want to put too much pressure on Ling Muzhu. After all, she knew his capabilities. Whether he could pass the provincial exam or not, she wouldn't force him too much.