Chapter 419: Despair

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After the other party explained what “Yun” was all about, he almost didn’t hesitate to join.

The imperial court had killed the entire Si family, including his own family. With such a deep-seated grudge, how could he not seek revenge?

Once he joined “Yun,” he dedicated himself entirely to planning for his master. During that time, “Yun” had grown significantly, and he successfully secured an opportunity to carry out a mission in the capital city.

The plan to expand the “Yun” faction to the capital city was, in fact, his idea. Initially, Master Yun only wanted to tighten his grip on his own territory, but ambitious men couldn’t resist the temptation of power. Eventually, Master Yun wavered.

Over the course of a year or so, their power had been developing smoothly, and no one even knew about the existence of such a clandestine force in the capital city.

However, just as they entered a critical phase, a traitor emerged, leading to a confrontation with Chu Qingzhi, causing their entire plan to crumble.

Upon hearing this, Tang Jinghong felt complex. He felt sympathy, regret, and helplessness. If it were him, he might have done the same for the sake of seeking revenge and justice.

But now, his attention was drawn to Master Yun’s identity. “You were the butler of the Si family. Do you know the young masters of the Si family?”

“I do. I watched every one of them grow up, and I even held them in my arms when they were just born. I’m quite familiar with them,” Si Shijiang replied with a hint of curiosity, finding the question odd.

“Do you know Si Yingzong?” While speaking, Tang Jinghong observed Si Shijiang’s reaction closely.

Si Shijiang was momentarily stunned, then excitedly asked, “You know Young Master Yingzong?”

Tang Jinghong continued, “He, like you, was planning for revenge. When we were in the Northern Border, I recruited him as one of my subordinates. He’s now helping me develop crossbows and arrows in Shuiyun County.”

Si Shijiang was overjoyed. “Young Master Yingzong is alive! This is great!…”

Tang Jinghong added, “Do you want to see him? He asked me to find his nephew for him. The Young Si you mentioned should be his nephew, right?”

Si Shijiang’s eyes lit up. “Can I see him?” He knelt down. “General Tang, please arrange for us to meet. I’ll tell you Young Si’s whereabouts immediately.”

“I’ll arrange for you to meet him tomorrow.” Tang Jinghong instructed his men to go to the military camp and bring Yingzong to the capital.

“Thank you, General Tang.” Si Shijiang knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face. He couldn’t believe that he’d have a chance to see Young Master Yingzong before he died. Heaven had been kind to him!

Fengxin County • Lin Family.

Sounds came from the study…

Second Madam Lin spoke with a mixture of helplessness and regret, “Second Master, Wanning has been abducted, and her innocence is probably lost. It’s better to hurry and marry her off. What’s the use of dragging this out?”

Second Madam Lin was the second wife and also Lin Wanning’s biological mother’s cousin. Lin Wanning had been raised by her since she was young.

After Second Master Lin heard this, he nodded. “Indeed, the entire Fengxin County knows about this incident now. To preserve the family’s reputation, we should marry her off early. What if she becomes pregnant…”

Second Madam Lin, sensing that Second Lord Lin had thought further ahead than her, smiled secretly. “Second Master, speaking of marriages, there is a good family in the county.”

Second Master Lin asked, “Which family?”

Second Madam Lin laughed lightly. “The Bai family on the east side of the city. The Bai family has two sons. The elder son may be a bit slow, but the younger son is excellent. He has already passed the county examination and is currently preparing for the next level. I have a close relationship with Madam Bai, and she is currently looking for brides for her sons.”

The Bai family was wealthier than the Lin family, and this was just one of their branches. The main branch was in the capital, and they had family members serving in the imperial court.

Second Master Lin was very tempted. “Are you serious?”

Second Madam Lin confidently said, “Absolutely. Madam Bai has clearly expressed her desire to have Wanning marry her elder son and Wanqing marry her younger son.”

Second Master Lin was very excited. “In that case, you should go and inquire more tomorrow. If it’s feasible, we should make arrangements immediately.”

Second Madam Lin suppressed a smile. “Yes, Master.”

Little did they know that their conversation had been overheard by Wanning, who was incensed and humiliated. How could her parents treat her like this? She was innocent!

Unable to bear the indignity and disgrace, she pushed open the door heavily, her voice trembling as she cried out, “I am innocent, Father! How can you marry me off like this? I’m innocent!”

Second Master Lin frowned. “This matter is not up to you to decide. It just so happens that you’re almost 15 years old. It’s time to discuss marriage.”

Lin Wanning’s tears fell in large drops, splashing onto the ground and shattering into tiny water droplets. She pleaded, “Father, I’m your own daughter. How could you marry me off to a fool?”

In the county, who didn’t know that Eldest Young Master Bai was a simpleton?

Second Master Lin rebuked, “Although Eldest Young Master Bai is a simpleton, he is more than suitable for you, Wanning. You should be content.”

Wanning weakly defended herself, “Father, I truly am innocent. If you don’t believe me, you can invite a midwife to verify. Please don’t marry me off to a simpleton.”

“Invite a midwife to verify?” Second Master Lin was furious. “Do you want to bring disgrace to the family? By doing that, how will your sisters ever find suitable husbands?”

Lin Wanning knelt down, using all her strength to plead, “Father, I implore you to believe me. I’ve not done anything to disgrace the Lin family. I haven’t lost my innocence.”

Seeing Lin Wanning like this, Second Master Lin wavered. If Wanning was truly innocent, then marrying her to a simpleton would indeed be unfair.

At this moment, Second Madam Lin spoke, “Wanning, enough of that. Even if you want to marry Eldest Young Master Bai, he might not be willing, given your current reputation.”

Her words were a subtle reminder to Second Master Lin that Wanning’s innocence was no longer important, and the key issue was her damaged reputation. Marrying into a good family was now unlikely.

Second Master Lin finally realized it and softened his tone. “Wanning, listen to your mother. Go back.”

“Father…”

“Go back!”

Lin Wanning grabbed her sleeve tightly. After a while, she slowly let go of her fingers. Her heart was desolate. Even her own father did not believe her. Hehe, what was the point of living?

She stood up and left the study like a walking corpse.

Lin Wanning returned to her room and sat in front of the dressing table in a daze.

She sat there for two hours, her eyes slowly dead. She put on beautiful makeup, put on her favorite bun, and changed into a brand new white dress. She took out three feet of white silk from the wardrobe and left through the back door.

She walked aimlessly until she came to a forest. She chose a tall tree and hung it with white silk.

“Mother, I’m coming to accompany you.”

Tears streamed down her face as the moonlight cast a cold and desolate glow upon her. She resolutely kicked away the stone beneath her feet.

The suffocating feeling was painful, like drowning, but she accepted her death calmly, with almost no struggle..

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