Chapter 13: Unyielding Strength

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Chu Pianran no longer argued with her unreasonable behavior and turned to Zhao Xuerou, handing over the ledger. "Madam, please take a look. See whose names are on it, who borrowed the most, and who has the thickest skin! Everything is clear and obvious here."

"When borrowing things, they smiled and flattered, but after borrowing for so long, they not only failed to return them but also acted arrogantly—shamelessly behaving like scoundrels and ruffians!"

"From now on, no matter who wants to borrow my things again, even if they kneel before me and break their forehead, I will not soften my heart in the slightest."

"They show no gratitude and resort to tricks—how can they claim to be noble ladies from official families? They are even worse than local thugs and hooligans, utterly disgraceful! They have completely shamed the Lin family ladies and tarnished the family’s reputation and dignity."

Lin Pianran’s face was full of ridicule, looking at the Lin family ladies as if they were nothing but buffoons.

The repeated accusations of "scoundrels" and "hooligans" made everyone from the Lin family blush with shame, wishing they could disappear into the ground.

Lin Chuyan saw how disgraceful the situation had become and anxiously tried to smooth things over. "We are all good sisters. Sisters often share jewelry just for a change. Sixth sister, please don’t misunderstand!"

"Given our deep sisterly bond, why should such a trivial matter be taken so seriously?"

Lin Pianran sneered, "Oh? So the 'good sisters' who grab all the best things for themselves, take advantage of others, and then falsely accuse people? Such sisters are truly shameless and have no sense of decency!"

"Madams, since you are both here, let’s settle this ugly matter face-to-face, so your daughters won’t deny their wrongdoings or refuse to pay their debts later. Otherwise, don’t blame me for showing no mercy and reporting this to the authorities."

"If things escalate, let’s see who ends up more disgraceful!"

"You dare! You little wretch, you really don’t know your place! The authorities won’t care about your petty troubles! Besides, stirring up trouble only damages the Lin family’s reputation—how does that benefit you?" Lin Chuyao retorted angrily.

"Furthermore, you’ve been living off the Lin family, using their resources, yet you dare to threaten us with official intervention? That’s utterly outrageous—heartless and ungrateful, a true ungrateful 'white-eyed wolf.' How can someone as ruthless and unfilial as you deserve to live among decent people?"

Lin Pianran stepped forward without hesitation and struck her hard across the face. Instantly, five red finger marks appeared clearly on Lin Chuyao’s fair and delicate cheek.

Everyone was stunned by Lin Pianran’s imposing presence.

The coldness in her eyes was unmistakably genuine.

No one expected her to resort to violence without hesitation.

Moreover, she dared to show her sharp claws openly in front of the two madams, without fearing offending the Lin family at all.

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She seemed unconcerned about any future reprisals from the two madams or any attempts to sabotage her.

She utterly disregarded everyone.

It was sheer madness!

Lin Chuyao finally lost control and rushed up to Zhao Xuerou, pointing at Lin Pianran loudly, "Mother, look at this little wretch! She has become lawless and utterly disrespectful. She dared to hit me right before your eyes—she’s gone too far!"

"Mother, she’s only an adopted daughter of the Lin family, yet she acts so wildly and doesn’t respect you at all. You must punish her severely—ideally beat her half to death with sticks and throw her out of the Lin family so she starves outside! That’s the only way to ease my hatred!"

Zhao Xuerou gently stroked her daughter’s slightly swollen cheek with a face full of pity and scolded, "Even if your sister’s actions were inappropriate, how can you resort to violence?"

"A lady should be tolerant and virtuous, not so impulsive and rude. Have you forgotten the etiquette you’ve learned all these years? Behaving like this makes you seem ill-bred..."

Lin Pianran dismissed her words as nonsense.

She didn’t listen at all.

She continued confidently, "Madam, the Lin family is a family of officials. My foster father is the Minister of Rites. If our own children fail to observe proper etiquette and are criticized, and the Censor’s Office files a report, my foster father’s career will be ruined!"

"Moreover, Lin family daughters have been taught strict etiquette since childhood. Your eldest daughter’s foul-mouthed behavior is unacceptable!"

"Besides, isn’t your eldest daughter clearly lacking in virtue? Or are you trying to protect her?"

"Our Lin family is even related to the imperial clan. We must not let others ridicule us or disgrace the Virtuous Consort—that would be disastrous!"

Lin Chuyao’s heart pounded nervously. Mentioning the Virtuous Consort made both Zhao Xuerou and Wang Yanwan’s expressions grow serious.

The Virtuous Consort was their sister-in-law, highly favored by the emperor after entering the palace, and the Lin family’s greatest support.

If her image and status in the emperor’s eyes were damaged, the consequences would be unimaginable.

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The Lin family, like a tall building, could collapse in an instant.

Zhao Xuerou felt pained for her daughter, but this matter was indeed her daughter’s fault. She could only advise gently, "Yao’er, hurry and return everything you borrowed. It’s not worth much silver. Don’t be so petty and spoil the harmony between sisters!"

"Don’t let this become a stain on your reputation. If any bad rumors spread, your marriage prospects will be severely affected. It will be extremely difficult to find a suitable husband!"

This advice was ostensibly for her daughter but was also a subtle warning to Lin Pianran, urging her not to be too petty.

It was also a quiet reminder to the other young ladies that they were of marriageable age and must protect their reputations.

Lin Pianran pretended not to hear and pointed to the densely filled ledger. "Madams, look at what your well-taught children have done. Surely you won’t protect them and let them deny everything openly, right?"

Zhao Xuerou did not expect Lin Pianran to show no respect or mercy, prepared to fight to the end without backing down.

If this matter escalated, the Lin family’s reputation would be ruined, their dignity utterly destroyed.

She was caught in a dilemma—neither scolding nor staying silent seemed right.

She felt quite conflicted.

When Zhao Xuerou carefully examined the ledger, her expression turned extremely unpleasant, even ashamed.

Her face alternated between pale and flushed, full of complexity.

After a quick glance, she hurriedly handed it to the second madam, Wang Yanwan, whose daughter had also borrowed a significant amount—not as much as the eldest daughter’s, but still considerable.

Wang Yanwan was also speechless after seeing it, her face darkening.