"Afterward, you blamed everything on me, pretending to be a solicitous and caring person, and pleading on my behalf. Every bit of kindness you showed me from childhood until now had an ulterior motive. You deliberately tricked me countless times into doing things for you because you knew Father and Mother doted on me; no matter what mistake I made, they would always find a way to protect me."
"You repeatedly incited me to go against Eldest Sister-in-law, even provoking me to the point of murder. Do you know that if I had actually done it that day, I would still be standing before you now, safe and sound? Sister, you wanted to ruin my entire life!"
Ling Muzhu's words were sharp as knives, cornering Ling Yan step by step.
"Yes! You are right. My kindness towards you was all to make you trust me and unconditionally do things for me. That's because you were foolish enough to be easily deceived. Blame Father and Mother! If they hadn't been so biased and always protected you, I wouldn't have done this!"
Seeing that Ling Muzhu had figured everything out, Ling Yan no longer hid anything and directly spoke the truth.
Although she had already learned the truth in her heart, hearing Ling Yan admit to these things with her own ears made her heart lurch violently, as if it were being squeezed by a tight grip, making even her breathing feel painful.
"Since that's the case, there's nothing more for us to say. You should prepare for your wedding here with peace of mind."
Ling Muzhu dropped these words, turned, and was about to leave. At the doorway, she paused slightly and said, "I advise you to behave yourself and refrain from causing further trouble. Only then can you ensure your safety."
"What do you mean? I am your own sister. Can you really watch me die?"
Ling Yan couldn't believe Ling Muzhu could be so heartless and truly ignore her.
"If you behave yourself, no one will harm you. If you insist on stirring up trouble, I won't be able to save you!"
With that, Ling Muzhu left directly.
Ling Yan glared at Ling Muzhu's retreating back, her eyes burning with fury. She didn't even feel the pain as her fingernails dug 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 would occasionally urge Ling Muzhu to study.
"Learning 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 to study."
"I've fallen behind on so much more coursework than others. If I want to win first place in this autumn examination, I must work harder than everyone else."
Ling Muzhu deeply understood her own shortcomings, which is why she was catching up so diligently, unwilling to waste even a moment.
"Still, your health comes first. Rest a bit before you study."
Feng Jin stepped forward and gently took the book away. "Reading is not a matter of a moment, but health is a matter of a lifetime."
"I understand, Eldest Sister-in-law."
Ling Muzhu slowly stood up and stretched her limbs. She was indeed a bit tired from sitting for so long.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, you were here. I've been looking for you. I just made a set of clothes for the children. Could you try them on them? If there are any ill-fitting parts, I can alter them."
Ling Wan stood there with a tray, on which lay two small outfits.
Feng Jin picked them up and examined them, comparing the size. "They seem to be about the right size. Don't make any more clothes for them. You still have the ones you made before that haven't been worn yet."
"Children grow quickly, so we need to make more outfits in advance," 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 knew how much Ling Wan cared for the children but felt that she might be exhausted from doing needlework day after day.
"How could making just a few clothes tire me out? Besides, as long as the children can wear them comfortably, I don't mind being a little tired."
"I need to discuss something with you." Feng Jin suddenly remembered something. She handed the clothes to Cai Qing and pulled Ling Wan into the inner room.
Once inside, Feng Jin also closed the door.
"What is it, Eldest Sister-in-law? You're being so mysterious."
"It's like this, Ling Yan is getting married soon. You are only a few months younger than her and are also of age. I mentioned this to Auntie a few days ago, and we were thinking of arranging your marriage as well."
Ling Wan's face immediately blushed, and she replied with a slightly coy tone, "Eldest Sister-in-law, there's no rush for this matter. I'm also a bit younger, and it's a bit early to get married now."
"I was thinking of arranging 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 considered this matter, but what she truly desired was to marry someone she truly loved, to grow old together and walk through life hand in hand, not just to settle for the sake of marriage and spend a lifetime together in a strained union, 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, paused, and then said with a hint of surprise, "Could it be that you've already found someone you like? Tell Eldest Sister-in-law, which family's young man is it? What is his family background, his talent, and his appearance?"
With this guess, Feng Jin leaned forward eagerly to inquire, leaving Ling Wan bewildered and unsure how to respond.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, don't make wild guesses. I haven't even stepped out of the Ling family's gate. How could I have someone I like?"
Ling Wan's face flushed slightly, and she inadvertently turned her head away. She had gone out so few times that she could count them on her fingers, and each time she was with several other people. How could she have met any young men?
"Then this won't do either. You barely go out; 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 someone you like."
"Eldest Sister-in-law..." Ling Wan called out coyly.
How could such matters be discussed so openly? It was too embarrassing!
"What's there to be embarrassed about? You need to understand that when a man reaches adulthood, he marries; when a woman reaches adulthood, she marries. This is a fundamental principle of human relations and is perfectly normal."
Although Feng Jin was speaking the truth, Ling Wan still felt uncomfortable. Perhaps it was because no one had ever discussed such things with her before. Hearing it so suddenly made her feel a bit overwhelmed.
"I'll have a tailor come to your place to make a few new outfits for you. Then, we'll go to the storeroom and select some beautiful jewelry. You'll accompany me to the polo match the day after tomorrow."
Feng Jin didn't give Ling Wan any room to refuse, decisively settling the matter. This way, Ling Wan wouldn't feel too embarrassed to go, and all their efforts wouldn't be in vain.