Chapter 16: Big Brother, You Really Are Such a Straight Man!

Page 1/3

They soon arrived at the Lin residence. Lin Yue’s mother, Madam Jiang, and her sister-in-law, Madam Yang, had been waiting outside for some time. As for Lin Yue’s father, Lin Qing, and her eldest brother, Lin Yan, they were still on duty at the palace and had yet to return.

Lin Qing was currently the deputy minister of the Ministry of Revenue, holding the rank of Third Grade Left Vice Minister. Lin Yan served in the Ministry of Works as an assistant director, holding the fifth rank.

With two men in official positions, the Lin family was not wealthy but comfortably well-off. Moreover, Madam Yang was the daughter of a wealthy merchant from Suzhou, bringing a generous dowry, and Madam Jiang came from a scholarly family with extensive social connections. The Lin family’s fortunes were currently quite favorable.

Of course, if the original protagonist continued down her self-destructive path, the Lin family’s decline would not be far behind.

Madam Jiang’s eyes reddened as she saw her daughter so emaciated that her clothes barely hung on her. Tears welled up and fell.

“I never agreed to your marriage at first. The prince has been away for three years now, look at you—you’re withered and worn out.”

Lin Yue quickly comforted her mother. “I went to the palace yesterday and heard the prince is returning soon.”

Madam Jiang was half-doubting. “Really?”

Madam Yang chimed in eagerly, “It must be true! Little sister, you’ve come home to bring good news, haven’t you?”

Lin Yue nodded swiftly. “Yes, Mother. Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of my health from now on.”

“Oh! I remember the last time you made ginseng chicken soup; it was delicious. Could you make it again today?”

Madam Jiang’s face brightened with joy. “Yes, last time it was made with fresh ginseng—I’m surprised you remember.”

“Mother, I’ll send someone to the herb shop later to ask if they have fresh ginseng. If not, we’ll have to use dried ginseng.”

“That’s fine, I love both,” Lin Yue replied.

Seeing her daughter regain her appetite, Madam Jiang finally relaxed and smiled.

By the hour of Shen (late afternoon), Lin Qing and Lin Yan returned from duty, but the two men argued fiercely all the way back to the residence.

Lin Qing frowned. “Money, money, money—you only care about money! The Ministry of Revenue is the state treasury, not our personal piggy bank!”

Lin Yan retorted, “We’re only asking for ten thousand taels, not a penny more. Improving the harrowing of fields greatly benefits the common people—it’s a good thing for the country. Everyone knows you’re my father; I came to you hoping you’d show some respect.”

Lin Qing snapped, “Get lost!”

“Father, brother,” Lin Yue intervened, “why are you two arguing so suddenly?” She was still eating the crispy pastries her mother had just made, perfect for listening to some family gossip.

Lin Qing’s eyes brightened at the sight of his daughter but then darkened with a cold expression. “You still know how to come back?”

Lin Yan, unlike their father’s harsh tone, was genuinely happy. “Little sister, you finally returned, but you’re way too thin now. You don’t look good at all.”

Lin Yue teased, “Brother, you’re such a typical straight man.”

Lin Yan looked puzzled. “What do you mean by straight man?”

Lin Yue smiled, “Go look in a mirror and you’ll understand.”

“Hmph, it can’t be anything good,” Lin Yan grumbled.

“But I’m really glad you’re back, brother. What do you want to eat? I’ll cook it for you.”

Lin Yue suddenly recalled that her eldest brother was quite handy at everything, especially cooking. Their childhood was full of mischief—fishing in the river, raiding bird nests in the mountains—and he often got scolded or beaten.

Yet he was clever. After only a few years of study, he was recommended to the Ministry of Works because he invented a tool for clearing river debris.

Lin Yue smiled. “No need. Mother already made me ginseng chicken soup.”

Lin Yan said, “That’s good. You definitely need to nourish yourself. Even our second sister looks better than you now.”

Page 2/3

Lin Yue’s second sister, Lin Jiao, was famously beautiful. But before Lin Yue became so skeletal, she was even more attractive than her sister. No wonder her eldest brother said that.

Just then, the steward hurried in with news. “Master, the Fourth Prince is here to pay a visit.”

Lin Qing frowned. “The Fourth Prince? What’s he doing here? We’ve never been close.”

Lin Yan’s eyes lit up. “Maybe he knows our Ministry of Works is short on funds and has come to help. I’ll go greet him.”

After saying this, Lin Yan quickly rushed out.

Lin Qing sneered. “Your brother’s Ministry of Works isn’t short on money; they’re short on brains.”

Lin Yue was speechless. “No wonder he’s my father; always speaking with double meanings.”

But the Fourth Prince’s arrival was indeed unusual.

Lin Yue said, “I’ll go see. With me here, he won’t dare bully my brother.”

In truth, Xiao Huaizheng had learned that Lin Yue had returned home from the Lin residence and deliberately waited until Lin Qing and Lin Yan had finished their duties before rushing over.

Fortunately, Huo Renli had previously helped him win favor with some Ministry of Works officials, so he was quite familiar with Lin Yan.

“Your Highness, you’ve come on account of our Ministry of Works’ matters? We’re truly grateful you left the palace so late to show your concern.”

Xiao Huaizheng was perplexed; what problems did the Ministry of Works have?

“Is there some difficulty at the Ministry?”

Lin Yan was surprised. “You don’t know? We’ve been researching harrowing techniques and need some technical funding, but the Ministry of Revenue won’t release it.”

So, why had he come?

“Brother,” Lin Yue whispered, signaling him to stop causing trouble. Xiao Huaizheng clearly wasn’t here out of concern for a small technical department.

Seeing Lin Yue approach, Xiao Huaizheng noticed the time of day and could clearly see the royal aunt’s appearance.

She looked far more haggard than before, thin and bony, her former beauty seemingly gone—she resembled someone suffering from consumption.

Yet, her eyes shone brightly, softening her appearance.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. I wish you good health and everlasting beauty.”

Lin Yue asked, “Why are you not in the palace at this hour? Why have you left?”

[Probably tricked by that old Huo Renli. But why come to my house? You better not set your sights on my family, or you’re doomed!]

Xiao Huaizheng’s lips twitched, but with a respectful expression, he said, “I still remember the life-saving kindness from yesterday. I came today specially to thank Your Majesty.”

He then produced a gift box.

Opening it, two night pearls the size of eggs were inside. It was daytime, so they didn’t glow much, but Lin Yan immediately recognized them and exclaimed, “Night pearls!”

Lin Yue happily took them. “Why all this formality for family?”

[So it’s not too much to accept, right?]

[If I don’t accept, and the Fourth Prince dies later, it’ll be a loss for that old Huo Renli.]

[No, what if it’s from the villain? I can’t accept it then.]

[System, come out! Can I accept the night pearls? Don’t cause trouble again—I still feel pain in my ankle from last night.]

System: [Accept it. This is a gift of gratitude; no problem.]

Lin Yue smiled immediately. [Good.]

“Ahem, then I will accept it.”

Xiao Huaizheng hurriedly nodded. “I’m glad Your Majesty does not mind. If any trouble arises, you can always call on Huaizheng.”

[He’s curious about how his mother and sister died, and Your Majesty seems wary of him. It’s related to his fate; he must change gradually.]

[That old Huo Renli, he’ll pay dearly one day.]

Unconsciously, Xiao Huaizheng’s aura darkened, and a murderous aura surrounded him.

He didn’t notice it himself, but Lin Yue was startled by the system’s alarm, her legs weakening, and she hastily threw the night pearls away.

Fortunately, Lin Yan caught them swiftly, shocked. “Little sister, what are you doing?”

“Night pearls are worth a fortune. This pair alone is worth at least ten thousand taels.”

Lin Yue, still unsettled, said, “Didn’t you say your Ministry is short on money? Here you go!”

“What?” Lin Yan thought he heard wrong.

Lin Yue seriously said, “I’ve thought it through. I can’t keep the night pearls. What would people say if word got out? They’re for your Ministry. Sell them for silver and use it as you wish. Stop begging the Ministry of Revenue like dogs.”

Begging like dogs?

Ridiculous!

They were worse off than dogs—dogs only wag their tails and get food, but the Ministry of Works had to kneel before the Ministry of Revenue and still couldn’t get even one tael.

“Your Highness, may I… accept this?” Lin Yan asked, watching Lin Yue toss the hot potato.

Xiao Huaizheng’s throat tightened as he saw her reaction; the earlier rage felt like a storm beating his face.

He did not want to become a villain.

“Of course. But tomorrow at the morning court, you must petition the emperor, saying this is a donation from Your Majesty to the Ministry of Works, to help them focus on serving the court and the people. Understand?”

Lin Yan nodded eagerly, almost in tears.

Converted to silver, it was at least twenty thousand taels. The Ministry of Works brothers would be moved to tears, bowing and praising him.

Wow, just thinking about it felt great! Lin Yan was lost in self-admiration.

Lin Yue glanced curiously at Xiao Huaizheng, who gave a faint, somewhat helpless smile. “That should please His Majesty, right?”

Lin Yue pondered. [I don’t know if the emperor is pleased, but your actions suggest you’re trying to win my favor.]

[System, he smiles so sadly; does he not seem villainous?]

System: [He is still a villain, and his aura remains strong. It’s best not to get close.]

Lin Yue gave up. [Alright then.]

“It’s late; I must return to the palace. Your Majesty, please have your dinner and rest early—lest the censors gossip again.”

The Fourth Prince nodded slightly and left.

Lin Yan wanted to invite him to dinner but was pulled back by Lin Yue.

Her excuse was unthinkable—since it was late, who would dare stop him from returning?

Lin Yan remained immersed in self-importance. “When our Ministry successfully promotes the harrowing machine to every household, the people will be grateful to you. You’ll be heroes of the Great Wei Dynasty!”

Lin Yue snapped, “Shut up, or I’ll make you harrow fields by hand right now!”

Lin Yan: “...?” Startled, he thought she was going to take back the night pearls.

Clutching the night pearls tightly, from this moment on, he was no longer just Lin Yan the little mantis of the Ministry of Works; he was Lin Yan the golden toad of the Ministry of Works!

Page 3/3