Chapter Thirty-Two: Persuading the Lin Family in Progress

Lin quickly fell into Yan Heru’s trap. Her face blossomed with smiles, and even her attitude toward Yan Heru became noticeably kinder. “Child, you’re always so sweet-tongued—if others hear such words, what would they think? If you want to learn these things, let your mother teach you.”

As she spoke, Lin actually went into her room and brought out a ledger. “Let’s start with teaching you how to keep accounts.”

Yan Heru couldn’t help but twitch her lips in helplessness—she hadn’t truly meant to come here to learn how to manage a household. She hadn’t expected Lin to be so easily flattered and genuinely willing to teach her.

But this couldn’t go on; it would simply be a waste of time. So she said, “Mother, there’s no rush for these matters. I’ll be staying in the manor for some time yet. The weather is so fine today—why don’t I accompany Mother for a stroll instead?”

“Child, now that your mother’s willing to teach you, you don’t want to learn?” Lin sounded rather displeased.

“Mother, you’re mistaken. I only thought that such wonderful weather shouldn’t be wasted on my trivial affairs and cause Mother any delay. Today is truly perfect for a walk.” Yan Heru spoke softly and gently.

Lin hadn’t really wanted to teach her bookkeeping anyway; she was simply annoyed at being contradicted. Now, with Yan Heru’s agreeable words giving her an easy way out, Lin naturally took it.

“Since you’re so filial, let’s go out for a walk together,” Lin replied with a smile.

She had no intention of truly taking Yan Heru out for her own sake; she simply wanted others to see that she was a generous and magnanimous matron. Yan Heru’s reputation was known throughout the capital, and she—as the head matron—was not only unashamed of her, but even took her out in public. What grace that showed!

Beyond this, Lin also relished the thought that with Yan Heru’s current reputation, she would surely be the subject of gossip if she appeared in public—and that brought Lin no small measure of satisfaction.

Whatever her reasons, Lin eventually took Yan Heru out, and Yan Heru was ready to use the opportunity to probe Lin’s intentions.

Once they left the Yan residence, Lin no longer had so many intimidating servants to protect her. Yan Heru intended to find a secluded spot and deal with Lin just as she had dealt with Yan Hemiao.

Lin brought only two old servant women with her this time—dealing with the two of them would be a simple matter.

“Madam, come and see our newly steamed buns—they’re delicious!”

“Madam, here are the latest hair ornaments from our shop—would you like to come in and have a look? They’re truly exquisite!”

Because Yan Heru had married into the Ninth Prince’s household, the people of the capital had gradually come to recognize Lin as well. Moreover, Lord Yan had recently received a promotion, so the city’s merchants were all eager to curry favor with Lin.

Basking in such flattery, Lin was in high spirits. “Heru, do you see? As long as you manage your household well, your good name will spread, and you’ll win the respect of all.”

“…” Yan Heru was at a loss for words. “I understand, Mother. Thank you for your guidance. Mother, I’d like to have a look at that little shop—would you accompany me? After all, your discerning eye won’t be easily deceived, whereas I, new to all this and newly wed, fear I might fall for the shopkeepers’ tricks.”

“Child, you do have a point, but I can’t always be by your side. I’ll take you in this once—watch and learn well.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Lin straightened her clothes and led Yan Heru to a nearby shop—a place Yan Heru had already arranged before returning to the Yan residence.

It had originally been a small shop with little business, so Yan Heru simply bought it and made it her own. Before taking Lin out, Yan Heru had instructed Mo Yi to disguise herself as the shopkeeper.

“Madam, please come inside.” Mo Yi, dressed in coarse linen, looked nothing like her usual valiant self.

“The young shopkeeper is quite youthful. Heru, see if there’s any fabric you like,” Lin said, chin slightly raised, looking down on everyone in the shop.

Yan Heru smiled but didn’t immediately begin choosing fabrics. Instead, she walked over to Lin’s two servant women and first said to Lin, “Mother, I noticed that the clothing on the two old ladies by your side is getting rather worn. Since it’s rare for me to return home, I’d like to buy some new clothes for them. They take such good care of you—they deserve a reward.”

Hearing Yan Heru speak so considerately in public, Lin was naturally pleased—and since it didn’t cost her anything, she was more than happy to agree. “You are indeed thoughtful.”

Lin turned to the two servant women. “Since the Sixth Miss is so kind, you may each pick out some fabric you like.”

Yan Heru added, “Please choose freely—there’s a variety of fabrics, and I’ll pay for both of you.”

The two women, being mere servants who rarely received any decent reward, were delighted at these words. They immediately dove into the fabric piles, determined to pick the finest materials.

Lin sat leisurely on a chair, sipping tea, while Yan Heru moved to her side and said with a bright smile, “Mother should also pick out some clothes—let this be a token of my filial respect.”

Lin was extremely satisfied by Yan Heru’s words. With forced modesty, she stood and coughed twice, then began selecting fabric for herself.

During this time, Yan Heru gradually and subtly guided her toward the back door. At a glance from Yan Heru, Mo Yi went to the two servant women’s side. While they were still distracted, she swiftly jabbed each of their necks with a silver needle.

The two women immediately collapsed, Mo Yi catching them to prevent their heads from hitting the floor.

Yan Heru, meanwhile, acted in concert. At the very instant Mo Yi made her move, Yan Heru did as well.

Lin was even more oblivious than the two servants. Just as Yan Heru raised her hand, Lin turned to ask, “What do you think of this fabric? Doesn’t it suit me well?”

Yan Heru quickly hid her hand behind her head, pretending to scratch absentmindedly. “Mother, with your matchless beauty, you look good in anything.”

Lin couldn’t hide her pleased smile. “You do have a silver tongue—when did you learn to speak so sweetly?”

With that, she turned back around, contentedly continuing to select fabric. Seizing the moment, Yan Heru lightly jabbed a needle into Lin’s neck, causing her to faint instantly.