The saying "human words are frightening" was deeply understood by Ling Wan; mere spittle could drown a person.
If such a matter were to spread, Cai Qing would undoubtedly be subjected to gossip and scorn, making it difficult for her to marry in the future.
"I tried to stop her, but I couldn't. Cai Qing insisted on staying."
It was indeed Cai Qing's own decision, and she could not stop her.
"This girl usually seems quite shrewd, how could she be so foolish now, doing such things? How will she ever get married..."
Ling Wan genuinely cared for Cai Qing, her face filled with disappointment that Cai Qing had been so foolish as to do such a thing.
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 also a way of repaying his kindness, it's only natural."
"There isn't only this one way to repay kindness in this world; why must she do this, sacrificing her entire life."
A woman's reputation was of utmost importance. Ling Wan had witnessed the tragic fates of women who lost their honor and couldn't bear for Cai Qing to suffer the same consequences.
"No... Eldest Sister-in-law, you must quickly ask Cai Qing to return. They are not in the capital now, so if she returns early, the losses can be mitigated."
"Alright, sit down first. This matter is not as serious as you think. Listen to me explain slowly."
Feng Jin pulled Ling Wan to sit beside her and patiently recounted the twists and turns of the situation to Ling Wan.
After listening, Ling Wan became even more agitated, feeling that these events were simply too outrageous to accept.
Knowing Ling Wan's upbringing, which emphasized the "Three Obediences and Four Virtues" and the restrictions of Confucian teachings on women, it would take time for Ling Wan to accept these matters.
"A woman's marriage has always been decided by her parents and the matchmaker. Eldest Sister-in-law, how could you let Cai Qing, a young lady... let a young lady find a husband for herself..."
"This is called mutual affection, an irresistible attraction. It's their own affair, and I cannot interfere."
Feng Jin put on a look of helplessness, completely concealing her previous instigation.
"Lu Shi is a person worthy of entrusting her life to. I believe he will protect Cai Qing's reputation."
It was precisely because Lu Shi was trustworthy that she allowed Cai Qing to stay. If it were anyone else, she would never have let Cai Qing remain.
"Eldest Sister-in-law has always been a good judge of character. If you believe Lu Shi is trustworthy, then he is indeed trustworthy."
Ling Wan had absolute faith in Feng Jin's words. Whatever Feng Jin said, even if she couldn't fully comprehend its meaning, she still held a degree of trust.
Finally, the explanation was clear, leaving her throat feeling dry and sore. Feng Jin picked up her teacup and took a sip.
Then, a hurried shout was heard.
"Eldest Sister-in-law... Eldest Sister-in-law..."
Ling Muzhu's figure then appeared: "Eldest Sister-in-law, you're finally back. Was your journey safe?"
Ling Mohan had not mentioned the ambush they encountered, so Ling Muzhu was naturally unaware.
"Not bad..." Unfortunately, they had been in a hurry the entire way and had not enjoyed any of the scenery, which was a bit regrettable.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, you've brought back another beautiful girl on this trip."
Ling Muzhu glanced at Chu Qing, who was standing to the side, a slight smile on his lips.
Chu Qing, startled, instinctively shrank back, avoiding Ling Muzhu's gaze.
"Your old habit has struck again, hasn't it? Have you been slacking off lately, getting too comfortable?"
Feng Jin picked up the feather duster placed beside her and brandished it at Ling Muzhu, about to strike him.
He had been living too comfortably at home lately; without a beating, he didn't seem to learn his lesson.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, no... no..." Ling Muzhu hastily dodged.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, calm down. I really didn't mean anything by it. I was just simply greeting her."
"Greeting is one thing, but why are you smiling so obnoxiously? Have you fallen back into your old ways while I was away? You really don't learn from experience!"
Feng Jin struck the table with the feather duster, convinced that Ling Muzhu must have relapsed into his old habits during her absence.
"Speak, what have you been doing these past few days? If you don't tell the truth, I'll break your legs!"
"I haven't, I really haven't. I've been studying in my room all this time, barely even leaving it. Where would I have gone to do other things?"
Ling Muzhu felt more wronged than Dou E, with no way to reason with her.
Even if he had a thousand mouths, he felt he couldn't explain himself.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, Muzhu is telling the truth. He's been studying in his room for the past month, barely leaving it. Even the tutor has praised his academic progress."
"Yes, Second Sister can vouch for me. I've truly been studying in my room."
With the imperial examinations fast approaching, he squeezed in even meal times. Today, he had finished his studies early and came to see Feng Jin. Who would have thought he'd almost be beaten upon entering? Could anyone be more wronged than him?
Feng Jin looked at Ling Muzhu with doubt, 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 quickly nodded in agreement.
Only then did Feng Jin begin to believe him. She put away the feather duster but still issued a fierce warning: "If I find out you've been up to anything else, watch your legs."
Ling Muzhu was taken aback, feeling a sharp pain in his calf, and quickly said, "I promise I absolutely won't."
"The imperial examinations are approaching soon. Go back and study. If you fail this time, you'll have to wait another three years. You must strive to be among the successful candidates this time."
Failing the imperial examinations meant waiting another three years, which was an incredibly long time, enough to change a person's life.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, don't worry. I will definitely strive to be among the successful candidates this time and will not let your teachings go to waste."
Ling Muzhu was also anxious about the upcoming imperial examinations. He had wasted his time in previous years and had only recently picked up his studies. He wasn't very confident about passing the provincial examinations.
"Just do your best," Feng Jin said, not wanting to put too much pressure on Ling Muzhu. After all, she understood his capabilities well enough. She didn't want him to force himself too much to pass the examination.