Taking advantage of the crowd's distraction, Xiao Chen followed Lin Ruyan and boarded the Lin family carriage.
It was not that Xiao Chen was eager to leave, but rather that Lin Ruyan did not want him to draw too much attention. Xiao Chen understood her intent and said nothing more.
Once the carriage began to move smoothly, he spoke up: "There is something I would like to say."
"What is it?" Lin Ruyan, who had been contemplating the day's events with a furrowed brow, looked at him immediately, her eyes instinctively guarded. She was terrified that he might pull some other nonsense through this matter.
Seeing her subconscious reaction to his presence, Xiao Chen was not surprised. Though the memories of the original host were chaotic, after sorting through them, he understood that Lin Ruyan had never wanted to marry a fool like him. Now that this incident had occurred, she must be feeling panicked.
Seizing the opportunity, he said to her earnestly: "If you wish to separate, I will not refuse."
Although Lin Ruyan was a stunning beauty from a prominent family, their marriage was an unwanted union. Xiao Chen did not want to take advantage of her situation. Two people without affection forced together would never be happy, and besides, he was accustomed to being alone.
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Ruyan’s expression shifted. Although Xiao Chen had been forced upon her as a live-in husband by her father, the entire Capital City knew how lucky he was. So many men wished to marry into the wealthy Lin family; even if the status of merchants was low, what did that matter in the face of vast fortunes?
Yet Xiao Chen was actually talking about separation? What right did he have to bring it up? He had been a fool for so many years; could he even be sure he would remain well? Where would he go after separating? How would he support himself?
Lin Ruyan was too shocked to speak. Before she could answer, the carriage pulled up to the gate of the Lin Estate.
He hadn't even done anything, yet he was already treating her with disdain! Anger flared within her. With a cold face, she lifted the carriage curtain and jumped down before the coachman could even bring over the footstool.
Seeing her sudden anger, Xiao Chen was quite puzzled. She surely wanted to separate even more than he did, so why be upset? Shouldn't she be overjoyed and agree? At the very least, a calm acceptance would have sufficed.
"Ruyan, you're back?"
Not wanting to irritate her further, Xiao Chen followed a few steps behind. However, no sooner had he rounded the corridor than he saw a group of people gathered in front of the main hall, all waiting expectantly for Lin Ruyan. Her father, mother, and several relatives from the Lin family were all there.
"Ruyan, did you ask about how the new commercial tax will be implemented?"
"This isn't something that can be explained in a moment. Let Ruyan have a drink of water first!"
The Lin father’s two younger brothers both managed other industries for the family outside the home, and Second Uncle Lin, in particular, was always keeping a close eye on Lin Ruyan’s branch. After all, the family had only one daughter, and her husband was a fool. If she lacked the capability to manage the vast Lin family estate, then his own son should be the one to take over.
"Ahem, I did ask, but..." Lin Ruyan coughed twice, finding it difficult to speak. Today’s events had been so unexpected that she didn't know how to explain them.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Second Uncle Lin immediately sensed something was wrong and stepped forward. He wore a brown silk robe and was cinched with a belt weighed down by jade pendants; because he was so obese, he looked more like a bundled-up ball, appearing nothing like his tall, handsome older and younger brothers.
"Ruyan, if there are difficulties, just say so." Second Uncle Lin looked at her with a smile, though his eyes were full of smugness and mockery. "If that fool Xiao Chen is holding you back, don't take him to such banquets next time."
"Difficulties? Holding her back? I think the eldest brother’s daughter simply doesn't know her place!"
Although Second Uncle Lin did not resemble the other two Lin brothers, his temperament was similar to the eldest—even when he despised someone, he maintained a refined air. Third Uncle Lin, however, had a temper like a firecracker. He glared at Lin Ruyan, looking as if he wanted to strike her.
"Your father let you manage the household, and this is how you do it? We finally got a chance to attend such a banquet, and you didn't find out anything! It’s already difficult for us to associate with officials, and you’ve wasted such a precious opportunity!"
The two brothers chimed in, one after the other, while their wives and sons, standing to the side, cast looks of disdain at Lin Ruyan. This caused her parents' expressions to darken in embarrassment.
"Oh, Third Brother, calm down. What is the point of saying all that?" Second Uncle Lin waved his hand to interrupt. "Let’s think about the task at hand. Once spring comes and the river thaws, our ships have to start moving! How can we proceed without knowing the new tax laws?"
"My son happened to be drinking at Zuihua Tower and struck up an acquaintance with the son of the Minister of Rites." He took the opportunity to steer the conversation toward his eldest son, Lin Yuhai. His tone shifted, "He paid for Young Master Zhou’s drinks, and the two are now fast friends."
Second Uncle Lin chuckled, his fat face projecting a false sense of humility, though his eyes were gleaming with triumph.
"Yuhai even has plans to go out with Young Master Zhou again! Wouldn't finding out about the commercial tax be easy as pie? Young Master Zhou even said he would let Yuhai help him make money. When that happens, how many favors could he grant us?" Second Aunt Lin chimed in, her face beaming.
Listening to this, Xiao Chen only found it ridiculous. Although the original host had been slow-witted, he had spent every day following Lin Ruyan and had overheard many things. Now, as he sifted through his memories, he realized just how much the second branch was exaggerating.
Setting aside whether the Minister of Rites' son was legitimate or illegitimate, or whether he actually understood court secrets, the current Emperor was notoriously strict about official integrity. Any official daring to engage in commerce would face severe punishment. How could a government official's son openly claim a willingness to partner with the Lin family in business?
Yet, besides him, no one else in the Lin family seemed to notice the problem, and they even continued to shower Lin Yuhai with praise.
"The second branch really has a promising child! I remember Yuhai is quite old; he’s actually only a few months younger than Ruyan, isn't he?" Third Uncle Lin asked, pretending to be thoughtful.
"Only two months difference. Yuhai has been sensible since he was a child; he’s already several years more mature than his actual age!" Second Uncle Lin replied immediately.
The implication in his words could not have been clearer. Lin Yuhai was more capable than Lin Ruyan, and he wasn't any younger than her. Even though he was from the second branch, he was qualified to inherit the Lin family business.
The family should not let a "useless" person like Lin Ruyan inherit it! Especially when this useless woman was being dragged down by a fool for a husband!