Moving a chair to sit opposite the man, Feng Jin opened her mouth to inquire about Ling Mohan's intentions.
"Didn't I say, I just wanted to help you tidy 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, clearly you took something out and used it."
Feng Jin directly reached out, took the man's hand hidden in his sleeve, brought it to her nose, and smelled. She immediately recognized the scent of whitening cream. Now that both the person and the evidence were present, she wanted to see what else Ling Mohan could deny.
"Smell it yourself, the scent on your hand is that 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 filled with embarrassment. He looked around frantically, trying to find another excuse to muddle through, but for a moment, he couldn't think of anything suitable.
"Did you steal it?"
Feng Jin hit the nail on the head, articulating Ling Mohan's hidden thought. Feeling guilty, Ling Mohan coughed awkwardly.
"You really stole it?"
From the man's expression, Feng Jin concluded that her previous guess was correct. What would a grown man use whitening cream for?
"What did you use it for, you're not..." Feng Jin's gaze was fixed on the man's cheeks, scrutinizing him carefully.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
Uncomfortable under Feng Jin's gaze, Ling Mohan kept avoiding her eyes.
After careful observation, Feng Jin said in a calm tone, "You have indeed become much fairer. Hurry up and tell the truth, how long have you been secretly using my skincare products?"
Caught off guard, Ling Mohan appeared somewhat flustered. He explained somewhat weakly, "I was just... just curious to take a look. I absolutely had no intention of stealing it. Besides, how could a grown man use these things for women? It's absurd!"
Ling Mohan's hurried explanation only made him seem more suspicious. He decided to stop explaining altogether. "I have something to attend to and need to go out!"
With that, Ling Mohan nearly fled outwards, his steps somewhat erratic due to his guilt.
It was so obvious, what was the point of pretending? Was this what they called confessing by actions? Feng Jin sighed helplessly. He could have just said it directly. Instead, he had to sneak around, messing up all her things, and being so wasteful.
After Feng Jin tidied up, she then went to check on Ling Muzhu, as she distinctly remembered today was the day of the imperial examinations.
Second Master Ling was locked in the ancestral hall and had not been released, and Madam Zhao had been sent back to her maiden home. As the saying goes, the elder sister-in-law is like a mother. As the eldest sister-in-law, she naturally had to escort Ling Muzhu to the examination hall.
"Have you finished packing? Is there anything missing?"
"Everything is packed and ready. Thank you for your concern, Elder Sister-in-law."
The necessary items had been prepared two days ago, and they only had to wait for the appointed time today to depart.
"Muzhu, you don't need to be so nervous at the examination hall. Just take it easy. As long as you do your best, your grandfather will be pleased regardless of the outcome. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you fail this time, we'll prepare for the next examination."
Old Master Ling had also arrived early, worried that Ling Muzhu would get nervous at the examination hall. He specifically instructed him not to put too much pressure on himself.
"Grandfather, I haven't even reached the examination hall yet, and you're already telling me to prepare for the next imperial examination. That's too little confidence in me. Grandfather, just 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, just wait at home with peace of mind. Your grandson will be leaving now."
"Why don't I accompany you to the examination hall?" Old Master Ling was still a little worried and wanted to escort Ling Muzhu to the examination hall himself.
"Grandfather, today is the start of the examinations, and the hall will surely be crowded. Today is a good day for Muzhu to take the exam. You are old, and if you were to stumble or fall, wouldn't it cause him worry? You stay at home and watch Dabao and Erbao. I will personally escort Muzhu to the examination hall. You can just wait at home with peace of mind!"
Last time, she had been tricked by Old Master Ling to go out together and so many troubles had arisen. This time, she had learned her lesson and would not let Old Master Ling follow, no matter what.
To make Old Master Ling feel at ease and not cause any trouble, Feng Jin had asked Nanny Lin to bring Dabao and Erbao early, specifically to keep Old Master Ling occupied.
"Alright then, you all be careful."
Upon seeing the two children, Old Master Ling immediately put all other matters out of his mind and no longer insisted on accompanying them.
"Young Madam, Second Young Master, the time has come, it's time to leave."
The time of departure today had been specially calculated by a master, and there could be no deviation. As soon as the time arrived, the butler hurried them to leave.
"Second Young Master, stepping over the fire basin through the main gate, may your future be prosperous. Walking on the sesame stalks, may you rise higher and higher..."
Steward Wu's auspicious words flowed one after another, all for good luck.
"Steward Wu is right. Caiqing, go and send some of the golden beans from my vanity to Steward Wu later. Everyone has prepared well today, so everyone will be rewarded."
"Thank you, Young Madam." The servants said in unison.
"Your humble servant thanks Young Madam. Second Young Master, it's time to leave, hurry into the carriage and depart. We must not miss this auspicious day."
Steward Wu quickly urged Ling Muzhu into the carriage, as they could not afford to miss the opportune moment, lest it be unlucky.
"Muzhu, carry this with you."
Feng Jin handed a sachet to Ling Muzhu. "Inside this sachet, I've put some refreshing herbs. If you feel sleepy or your mind wanders during the exam, take it out and smell it. It will clear your head."
"Thank you, Elder Sister-in-law. This is a good item."
Ling Muzhu happily accepted the sachet. The examination would be long, and it was inevitable to feel tired and mentally sluggish 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?"
"If you have something to say, just say it. No need to hesitate."
Ling Muzhu's eyes were filled with hesitation, and he was too embarrassed to voice the words at the tip of his tongue. If it were in the past, he would never have troubled 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 will be away from home for several days. My father... I would ask Elder Sister-in-law to set aside any past grievances and look after him for a few days."
"I thought it was something important, you were hesitating so much. It's just a small matter. Alright, you don't need to worry. I will take good care of your father. You can focus on your examination with peace of mind. You must come back as a Top Scholar and bring honor to the Ling family."