Volume One, Chapter Two: Joys and Sorrows Among Families

Behind the noble youth, two figures emerged one after another, and the sound of their joyful conversation could be faintly heard. These two were none other than Lin Ting, head of the Lin family, and his wife, Jiang Su.

However, when the three saw Lin Mu standing at the doorway, their smiles instantly vanished, replaced unconsciously by expressions of disdain.

Lin Ting cleared his throat lightly and spoke coldly, “You’ve come? Just in time. Your belongings are all packed. Your mountain-dwelling birth parents are about to arrive as well. Take your things and get out.”

As he finished speaking, a servant stepped forward and tossed a tattered bundle onto Lin Mu’s feet as if throwing away trash.

“Xiu’er has already told you, hasn’t she? From today onward, you are no longer allowed to use the Lin family name. If I find out you dare to steal our name and deceive others, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

A powerful aura erupted from Lin Ting, forcefully pushing Lin Mu several yards away.

The youth in splendid clothes sneered at the scene, openly showing disdain. “A bastard is still a bastard. No matter how long you stay in this golden nest, you’ll never become a phoenix!”

Jiang Su promptly agreed, “Xiao’er is right. How could a rustic village bumpkin compare to our Xiao’er? He isn’t even worth a toe of yours. You are the true son of your parents!”

Upon hearing this, Lin Mu glanced at Lin Xiao, dressed in finery.

Seeing this, Lin Xiao immediately cast a provocative look, lifting his head arrogantly with pride.

There was no doubt—this young man was the true heir of the Lin family!

“Hmph.”

Words failed to bridge the gulf between them.

Lin Mu ignored Lin Xiao’s cruelty and simply responded to Lin Ting.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, Jiang Su stopped him.

“Wait! Though you are not my biological son, you have contributed to the Lin family these past few years. Take this gold and spend it. For your poor mountain home, this should sustain you for the rest of your life.”

With that, Jiang Su waved her hand, and a servant immediately brought forth a piece of gold and handed it to Lin Mu.

Yet Lin Mu only glanced at the gold before turning and walking away, not even picking up the bundle at his feet.

“No need. I won’t take anything from the Lin family!”

He walked forward without looking back, ignoring Jiang Su’s scolding behind him.

Not long after, Lin Mu reached the doorway, his gaze drawn to a horse-drawn carriage.

The coachman, upon seeing Lin Mu come out and sizing him up, approached.

“You are... Lin Mu?”

Lin Mu nodded, also assessing the man before him.

It seemed this was the person sent to fetch him, but he did not know what relation this old man had to him.

Upon confirmation, the coachman’s face brightened. “Young master, it truly is you. You are as handsome as the master himself. Please, get in!”

Lin Mu was taken aback, somewhat surprised. “Sir, isn’t my family supposed to be deep in the mountains? How is there a carriage...?”

The coachman seemed to misunderstand Lin Mu’s meaning and lowered his head apologetically. “Young master, I’m terribly sorry. Miss Second’s original arrangements were different, but something went wrong along the way...”

“Young master? Miss?”

Lin Mu was confused, feeling lost. Could it be that his family circumstances were not as the Lin family claimed?

The coachman seemed to understand Lin Mu’s puzzlement, chuckled warmly but did not answer, instead helping Lin Mu into the carriage and driving northward.

Along the way, seeing the coachman’s meaningful smile, Lin Mu could not help but ask, “Sir, is my family really just poor mountain farmers?”

“Just call me Old Chen, young master.”

Old Chen cracked his whip and then considered for a moment before replying, “Sort of. Your family does have some influence locally. You have seven older sisters, and your home is quite large.”

Lin Mu was stunned. A large estate and seven sisters? Could his family be wealthy?

Even so, compared to the Lin family, it was indeed nothing. Lin Mu did not ask further.

Seeing him deep in thought, Old Chen continued, “Young master, the master and madam, as well as several young ladies, have spent much effort searching for you. Now that they finally have news, they are overjoyed. But due to special circumstances, they cannot come personally. Please don’t blame them.”

Lin Mu smiled faintly and nodded, warmth unconsciously stirring in his heart.

For this family, whom he had never met before, he felt a flicker of hope.

No matter who his biological parents were, at least the coachman in front of him gave a comforting feeling.

Yet, regrettably...

He suddenly remembered the doctor’s words and sighed quietly.

All men must meet their end.

Returning to his birth parents’ home, he thought, was like a fallen leaf returning to its root.

...

Jing’an City.

The Lin family.

After sending off Lin Mu and welcoming back Lin Xiao, Lin Ting gathered the clan members in the square for a family meeting.

“Clear the way!” Lin Ting cleared his throat.

“Today is a great day for the Lin family. First, Xiao’er, who has been missing for many years, has finally returned. Second, an important figure will arrive tomorrow to test Xiao’er’s talent. If he passes, he will have the chance to join the supreme Xuantian Dao Sect.”

“Xuantian Dao Sect?!” The clan’s young members were stunned, clearly not expecting Lin Ting to announce such a significant matter.

“The distinguished visitor tomorrow is the personal attendant of the Sect Master of the Xuantian Dao Sect, the elusive Qianyun Envoy. She is a formidable expert of the Tongtian realm. Her visit to our Lin family is due to her recognition of Xiao’er’s talent. Were it not for an urgent matter forcing Sect Master Jiang to seclude himself, he too would have come personally. Such honor will surely multiply the fame of the Lin family tenfold!”

At this, the square erupted in astonishment, whispers spreading disbelief.

The Sect Master’s attendant of the Xuantian Dao Sect actually deigned to come to Jing’an City?

This was almost unbelievable!

Many clan youths were still stunned, unable to recover.

“Damn! The Xuantian Dao Sect is one of the greatest powers in the northern region. The Sect Master’s attendant… normally only monarchs of various dynasties would have the privilege to meet her, right?”

“Exactly. It’s been over a thousand years since anyone from the Great Qian Dynasty entered the Xuantian Dao Sect. If Young Master Lin Xiao makes it in, the Lin family will surely become the greatest family in the dynasty!”

“When the Lin family prospers, we mustn’t forget Young Master Lin Xiao’s contribution. Even if he doesn’t care for the clan, no one in Jing’an City will dare to provoke us anymore!”

“That’s right. Lin Xiao is not the ungrateful type like Lin Mu. That guy only made some money on the family’s prestige and thought himself a big shot. He even dared to talk back to madam—shameless!”

“Enough, enough. We must prepare properly for the arrival of the Qianyun Envoy. We can’t afford to offend her.”

Listening to the bustling chatter, Lin Ting was proud and waved his hand, his tone stern.

“Enough idle talk. Go quickly and clean your courtyards thoroughly. If any of you leave a bad impression on Lady Qianyun, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

“Yes, sir!”

The crowd responded in unison and then dispersed to tidy and arrange their homes.

On the east side of the Lin estate, Lin Xiu had just returned to the courtyard when she saw the steward waiting. He immediately approached.

“Miss, you finally returned. The master has ordered all clan members to thoroughly clean and refurbish their courtyards.”

The steward repeated Lin Ting’s announcement from the square.

“Such a trivial matter—do I need to do it myself?” Lin Xiu frowned, annoyed, and blurted out.

“What about Lin Mu? Shouldn’t he do this kind of work instead of me?”

Uncle Song lowered his head and hesitated. “Miss... you forgot, Lin Mu was just kicked out of the Lin estate.”

Lin Xiu was momentarily stunned.

She had almost forgotten!

She had always relied on him whenever she needed something. Now, suddenly without someone to boss around, she felt somewhat unsettled.

However, she quickly regained her composure and continued, “If there aren’t enough hands, I can pay someone to do it, right? There are plenty of servants on the street.”

Uncle Song bowed his head even further.

“Miss, our branch currently has no surplus silver. You have been going out often this month and have already used up the funds allocated by the clan. We simply can’t afford to hire servants.”

Hearing this, Lin Xiu’s expression showed slight surprise.

She furrowed her brow, about to question Uncle Song about the lack of money, when she suddenly recalled something: she had been spending lavishly outside, but it seemed she had always been using Lin Mu’s money.

The clan’s funds barely covered daily expenses. Even as the legitimate princess, Lin Ting would not overly favor her, given the many young members in the family. Generally, if anyone needed money, they had to earn it themselves or take on clan tasks.

Because of her relationship with Lin Mu, she had never worried about money.

Only now did Lin Xiu realize that money was indeed hard to come by.

Thinking of the important visitor arriving tomorrow, Lin Xiu steeled herself, took out a gem from her pocket, and handed it to the steward.

“Pawn this treasure, get some money to hire help, and buy a beautiful set of clothes at Yuchun Boutique.”

The steward hesitated upon seeing the gem, but upon meeting Lin Xiu’s unwavering gaze, he reached out and took it.

“Yes, Miss. I will do it right away.”

Without another word, Uncle Song hurried out of the courtyard toward the pawnshop.

Lin Xiu stood still, recalling the past Lin Mu.

Having such a money-making tool wasn’t without its benefits!

However...

Since he was gone, there was no need to miss such an unremarkable fellow.

Right now, what mattered most was to cultivate a good relationship with Lin Xiao. If he could join the Xuantian Dao Sect, her standing in the clan would be unshakable.

With that thought, Lin Xiu resolved firmly.