Chapter 181 Madam's Conspiracy

‘It's happening, it's happening,’ Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ‘Isn't this obviously a temptation? Asking me about my opinion of the Second Miss, is she planning to matchmake me with her? But for the mother-in-law to personally play matchmaker, that's not according to the custom, it sounds inappropriate.’

Feigning sincerity, Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "The Second Miss? Everyone has always found her to be delightful, lively and innocent, beautiful and kind, everybody adores her."

He stated it as though it were a fact. If the maids and servants of the Xiao family had heard his words, they would have been furious. Everyone knew well what the Second Miss was like before Brother San arrived at the Xiao mansion. How could he speak as though they had always been close?

The Madam smiled and glanced at him, "I was asking what you think of her?"

"Ah, well, madam, my relationship with the Second Miss has always been quite cordial." Lin Wanrong responded vaguely, a thin layer of perspiration forming on his forehead. The Madam's question was a bit too direct, he wasn't prepared for it yet. Though he had a thick skin, he found it difficult to broach this topic.

Seeing his unnatural expression, the Madam couldn't help but laugh, "Lin San, this is the first time I've seen you so shy. Could it be that I've been ignorant in the past?"

‘How dare you flirt with me just because you're the mother-in-law, that's really unfair,’ Lin Wanrong thought indignantly. He was no pushover either and chuckled, "Madam, in truth, people have misunderstood me. They only see my wild and unrestrained exterior, but they don't know that my true self is very fragile and in need of comfort."

Even though Madam Xiao was typically serious, she couldn't help but laugh at his audacious reply. After a while, she said, "Lin San, I have often heard Yuruo say that you have a silver tongue. I didn't quite believe it until now."

Seeing her laugh so charmingly, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ‘Of course, this is the first time you've seen me talk like this. This is the unique Lin Wanrong style, unparalleled in the world. Where else would you hear it, if not from me?’

"Lin San, where are you from? Who is in your family?" Madam Xiao asked again.

If he remembered correctly, this was the second time Madam had asked this question. The first time was when he first entered the mansion. Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I am from Jingchu. I have no land or house, no wife or food, only myself left."

Madam softly said, "You are quite pitiful." After a sigh, she continued, "Although you're pitiful, my Xiao family isn't much better off than you."

Lin Wanrong didn't respond, simply listening to her continue, "My Xiao family, a widowed mother and fatherless daughters, have been striving for many years. Though we have achieved some success, every step is still fraught with difficulty. We have no one in the court and no men in the house. No matter how diligent Yuruo and I are, we are still a laughingstock to others."

A shadow of despair flickered across the Madam's face. In this era, business people were already of low social status. And after the death of the patriarch, the Xiao family had no more male members. They were in dire straits, relying solely on the women of the family to hold everything together. No matter how strong the Madam and her daughter were, how could they not be ridiculed in this tide?

Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking to himself, ‘All this talk is pointless. You should be hurrying to find a husband, or perhaps let the Eldest Miss attract a prospective son-in-law. As for plans regarding the Second Miss - I, a Lin, will never stoop to marrying into her family. It's right and proper for Yushuang to marry into the Lin family.’

The Madam sighed deeply, then lifted her head and laughed, "Why am I discussing these things with you, spoiling the mood? Let's talk about Yushuang instead. Lin San, you're a clever man. I know that Yushuang harbors some feelings for you."

The Madam paused at this point, glancing at Lin Wanrong as if to gauge his reaction.

But Lin Wanrong was a seasoned man who couldn't be easily swayed by her words, so he acted as if he hadn't heard her, waiting for her to continue.

Seeing his lack of response, the Madam sighed, "I wasn't very supportive of this initially. Yushuang is still young, it's not time for her to be involved in these matters. Moreover, the difference in your social statuses is too great. If word gets out, I'm afraid it will be an even greater cause for ridicule."

‘What rubbish about status,’ thought Lin Wanrong. ‘Your fancy words are just an excuse those so-called noble families use. In my eyes, status is nonsense. What's wrong with me having feelings for the Second Miss? It's fashionable for a servant to romance the Eldest Miss. I enjoy it. Worst comes to worst, I'll just quit this job, elope with the Second Miss, and then we'll see what you have to say about status.’

Noticing his contemptuous look, Madam Xiao seemed to understand his thoughts and laughed, "Don't be impatient. Those were my previous thoughts. As a mother, I naturally consider my daughter's best interests. I hope you can understand that. But recently, I've noticed your speech and conduct. Although they're not exactly by the book, you do have some talent-"

She paused, then continued, "During your time in our Xiao family, you've truly put in effort and provided many ideas. Not to mention the soaps and perfumes, your rescue of Yuruo alone was deeply touching. Your recent triumph over the Tao family in Hangzhou has restored our family's honor. Your achievements are commendable. If I were to unreasonably hinder you, it would not only be overly oppressive, but also unjustifiable."

Lin Wanrong felt a surge of happiness inside, although he didn't show it on his face. Madam Xiao's words were much more pleasant to his ears, unlike the unreasonable and harsh Eldest Miss who even taught Yushuang some self-defense techniques against 'wolves', clearly indicating her suspicion of him, causing him to be on tenterhooks.

Madam Xiao then said solemnly, "However, Lin San, don't think that I've given in to you. Yushuang is still young and can't discern many things clearly. I hope to see her develop freely, making her own choices, and you mustn't resort to force."

‘Good, I'd be worried if you didn't allow her freedom,’ thought Lin Wanrong. In fact, he had already considered all that Madam Xiao had said. When courting a woman, he detested using force. First, steal the heart, then steal the person - this was his personal maxim.

The Second Miss was only sixteen, the age when feelings of love first stir, and also an age that was easy to deceive. Lin Wanrong was confident that as long as he treated the Second Miss kindly and spoke a few sweet words, he could make her follow him devotedly. He had absolute faith in his skill of charming women.

Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, smiling and saying, "Madam is too kind to me. I'm truly grateful. If you weren't so young, I would have placed you on an altar and worshipped you regularly."

Madam Xiao smiled charmingly and said, "Lin San, don't try to fool me with the same tricks you use on others. I'm not falling for them."

Seeing her smiling like a blooming flower, cheeks faintly flushed, it was clear that his flattery had hit the mark. He chuckled to himself, thinking, ‘You're not falling for it? If I believed that, I'd be the fool.’

"Then I thank you, Madam," Lin Wanrong replied modestly.

Madam Xiao shook her head, saying, "Don't rush to thank me yet. I must clarify my earlier statements. I believe you understood my meaning. As for the matter between you and Yushuang, I neither support nor oppose it."

Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, Madam Xiao continued, "Yushuang is young, and she has her older sister, Yuruo, above her. The sisters have a deep bond and Yushuang respects Yuruo greatly. If you hope for a good outcome between you and Yushuang, you must find a way to win over Yuruo. I will not interfere either way. Whatever attitude Yuruo adopts toward your relationship, I am powerless to influence."

Lin Wanrong let out a long, "Oh." Damn, a plot, a grand scheme. Madam Xiao had circled around so much, and it turned out to be a game of Tai Chi. She had seemingly handed the initiative to the Eldest Miss, requiring Lin Wanrong to utilize all his strategies to win over Xiao Yuruo. But in essence, she wanted Lin Wanrong to work tirelessly for the Xiao family.

Snaring Lin San with the Second Miss and controlling her through the elder sister was indeed a masterstroke. The intention at the heart of it all was to tie Lin San, a talented individual, to their household. It could be said now that success or failure hinged on the Eldest Miss. Her role had never been this pronounced.

Madam Xiao had said so much, but in reality, it amounted to saying nothing. Yet, she managed to make it seem like she had done Lin Wanrong a great favor. Truly, her years of managing the Xiao family were evident in her shrewdness.

Lin Wanrong, an experienced hand, saw through the situation in a glance. ‘Using Yushuang as bait for me? Heh, it's not yet certain who's baiting whom.’ Dealing with the elder sister was a greater challenge and offered more intrigue, and he liked that. No matter what schemes she had, as long as it involved a lady, he was never one to back down.

Seeing the faint smile on Lin San's face, Madam Xiao knew she couldn't fool this astute man. She managed a bitter smile, thinking to herself, ‘If only our Xiao family had even half a man like Lin San, I wouldn't need to resort to these tricks.’

Madam Xiao sighed, "Lin San, I heard that you met Master Wenchang in Hangzhou. I also heard that he thinks highly of you. I hope he is doing well?"

Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Xu is doing well. He even asked me to convey his regards to you, Madam."

Madam Xiao looked out the window, sighing gently, "It's rare that Master Wenchang still shows such concern. Since we parted in the capital, twenty years have passed, yet there's no date set for our reunion. Time can be so heartless."

Seeing the Madam so sentimental, Lin Wanrong wondered if she had an old flame left in the capital. Observing her expression, though tinged with melancholy, her gaze was clear and bright. It didn't seem like she was reminiscing about a particular person, but more of a general reminiscence. Madam Xiao truly was a woman of stories, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.

When he stepped out of the room, the Eldest Miss was pacing outside. Seeing him emerge, she quickly asked, "Lin San, what did my mother talk to you about?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Nothing much, just some talk about marriage."

The Eldest Miss paused, "What marriage?"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Madam suggested marrying the Second Miss to me."

Xiao Yuruo's face changed, scoffing, "In your dreams!"

Just as he expected, her reaction was predictably negative. Lin Wanrong laughed helplessly. But before he could speak, he saw Si De running in from outside, panic-stricken and yelling, "Brother San, Eldest Miss, disaster has struck!"