Feng Jin moved a chair and sat opposite the man, asking Ling Mohan about his intentions.
"Didn't I say, I just wanted to help you clean up the vanity..."
'Bang!'
Slamming the porcelain bottle in her hand heavily onto the desk, Feng Jin took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in her heart.
"Still not telling the truth? The outside of this porcelain bottle is covered in face cream, you clearly took something out and used it just now."
Feng Jin reached out directly, took out the man's hand hidden in his sleeve, and sniffed it lightly, discerning the scent of whitening cream. With people and evidence present, she wanted to see what else Ling Mohan could deny.
"Smell it yourself, your hands smell of whitening cream. You still won't admit it. Tell me, what did you use this whitening cream for?"
"I... I..."
Caught red-handed, Ling Mohan's face was full of embarrassment. He glanced around nervously, trying to find another excuse to muddle through, but couldn't think of anything suitable for a moment.
"Did you steal it?"
Feng Jin's words hit the nail on the head, revealing Ling Mohan's secret. Feeling guilty, Ling Mohan coughed awkwardly.
"You really stole it?"
From the man's expression, Feng Jin judged that her previous guess was correct. What would a grown man do with whitening cream?
"What did you use it for? Aren't you..." Feng Jin stared intently at the man's cheeks, scrutinizing him.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
Feeling uncomfortable under Feng Jin's gaze, Ling Mohan kept dodging her eyes.
After carefully examining him, Feng Jin said in a faint tone, "You have indeed gotten much fairer. Quickly tell me the truth, how long have you been secretly using my skincare products?"
Caught off guard, Ling Mohan seemed somewhat flustered. He weakly explained, "I was just... just curious, I definitely didn't mean to steal it. Besides, how could a grown man use these things for women? It's absurd!"
Ling Mohan's eager explanation only made him seem more suspicious. He decided to stop explaining altogether. "I have something to do and need to go out!"
With that, Ling Mohan almost fled outside, his steps somewhat disordered due to his guilt.
It was so obvious, what was the point of pretending? Was this what they called a voluntary confession? Feng Jin sighed helplessly, thinking he could have just said it directly instead of sneaking around, messing up all her things, and being so wasteful.
After Feng Jin tidied up, she then went to see Ling Muzhu, as she remembered that today was the day of the imperial examinations.
Second Master Ling was still confined in the ancestral hall and had not been released, and Madam Zhao had been sent back to her maiden family. As the saying goes, the elder sister-in-law is like a mother, so as the elder sister-in-law, she naturally had to send Ling Muzhu to the examination venue.
"Have you finished packing? Is there anything else missing?"
"Everything has been packed and ready. Thank you for your concern, elder sister-in-law."
The items needed had been prepared two days ago, and they were just waiting for the right time today to depart.
"Muzhu, don't be so nervous at the examination venue. Just maintain your usual composure. As long as you do your best, your grandfather will be proud regardless of the outcome. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you fail this time, we'll prepare for the next exam."
Old Master Ling had also arrived early, concerned that Ling Muzhu might get nervous at the examination venue. He specifically instructed him not to put too much pressure on himself.
"Grandfather, I haven't even reached the examination venue yet, and you're already telling me to prepare for the next imperial examination. Aren't you lacking confidence in me? Grandfather, please wait at home for my triumphant return and prepare to celebrate my victory."
Ling Muzhu helped Old Master Ling sit on a chair to the side. "Grandfather, please wait at home with peace of mind. Your grandson will depart now."
"Or why don't I accompany you to the examination venue?" Old Master Ling was still a bit worried and wanted to personally send Ling Muzhu.
"Grandfather, today the examination begins, and the venue will surely be crowded with people. Today is a good day for Muzhu to take the exam. You are old, and if you were to stumble or get hurt, wouldn't that make him worried? You stay at the manor and watch Da Bao and Er Bao. I will personally escort Muzhu to the examination venue. You can just wait at home with peace of mind!"
Having been tricked by Old Master Ling to go out last time, which caused so much trouble, she had learned her lesson. This time, she absolutely wouldn't let Old Master Ling accompany them.
To reassure Old Master Ling and prevent him from causing trouble, Feng Jin had asked Nanny Lin to bring Da Bao and Er Bao early, specifically to keep Old Master Ling occupied.
"Alright then, be careful with everything."
Upon seeing the two children, Old Master Ling immediately forgot about everything else and no longer insisted on accompanying them.
"Young Madam, Second Young Master, it's time to leave."
The time for departure today had been specifically calculated by a master, and there could be no deviation. As soon as the time arrived, the butler hurried to urge them to leave.
"Second Young Master, after stepping over the fire basin from the main gate, may your path be as fiery and prosperous as stepping on sesame stalks for continuous elevation..."
Butler Wu's auspicious words were one after another, all for good fortune.
"Butler Wu is right. Cai Qing, go and send some of the gold beans from my vanity to Butler Wu. Everyone has prepared well today, and all will be rewarded."
"Thank you, Young Madam," everyone said in unison.
"This old servant thanks Young Madam. Second Young Master, it's time to get into the carriage and leave. We mustn't miss the auspicious day."
Butler Wu quickly urged Ling Muzhu into the carriage, as missing the timing would be inauspicious.
"Muzhu, carry this with you."
Feng Jin handed a sachet to Ling Muzhu. "In this sachet, I've placed some refreshing and invigorating medicine. If you feel tired or your thoughts get jumbled during the exam, take it out and smell it, it will clear your head."
"Thank you, elder sister-in-law, this is a good thing."
Ling Muzhu gladly accepted the sachet. The exam duration was so long, it was inevitable that one would feel mentally fatigued at times. With this sachet, it would be twice the result with half the effort.
"Elder sister-in-law, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of you?"
"Just say what you want to say, no need to hesitate."
Ling Muzhu's eyes were filled with hesitation, and the words he wanted to say were difficult to utter. If it were in the past, he would never have bothered Feng Jin with such a matter.
But the situation was special now, and he could only shamelessly trouble Feng Jin. "Elder sister-in-law, I'll be away from home for a few days and won't be back. My father... I'll have to ask elder sister-in-law to overlook past grievances and look after him for a few days."
"I thought it was something important, you were hesitating so much. Isn't this just a small matter? Alright, you don't need to worry anymore. I will take good care of your father for you. You can focus on your exam with peace of mind, and be sure to return as a top scholar, bringing honor to the Ling family."