Now, whenever he thinks of this matter, he feels regret.
Outside the door, Madam Li was also pale with anger. When she thought of the past events, she felt suffocated. At that time, the Lin Family had the favor of the head of the family, who was almost always at her bidding. Her son was tutored by Linâs brother, which was the deepest pain in her heart.
Of course, she hated her own weakness back then even more, for feeling inferior due to her background and thus, conceding to Aunt Lin, who had a scholar for a father, and for not protecting her son well.
Suppressing the anger in her heart, Madam Li didnât immediately enter the room, fearing she wouldnât be able to contain her emotions.
Inside, Yan Zhigao looked at Aunt Lin with dissatisfaction, âAlright, youâve paid your respects and offered your congratulations. If thereâs nothing else, you may leave.â
Aunt Linâs face changed. She knew bringing up the matter of the boysâ beginning studies would displease the master, but she needed a pretext. For her sonâs future, she could no longer care about that much.
âEldest Master will undoubtedly bring honor to our family, but as the old saying goes, âA single tree does not make a forest.â Over the years, the master has faced many difficulties in his official career, and I have seen it all.â
âOur Yan Family has a shallow foundation, and although the master has accumulated some connections, in the future, when Eldest Master enters the officialdom, he will certainly not have the secure support of his own kin.â Daohua was quite impressed by Aunt Linâs words.
She was clever, not directly asking for a position but instead taking such a big detour around it.
Aunt Lin, with somewhat reddened eyes, looked at Yan Zhigao with a pleading gaze, âMaster, you are aware of Wenbinâs talent and learning. If he could be of any help to Eldest Master in the future, that would be my greatest wish.â
As she spoke, Aunt Linâs gaze turned towards Daohua.
Daohua had been watching Aunt Linâs performance. Seeing her look over, she straightened her demeanor, straightening her back a bit, thinking to herself that here it comes, after that big speech, the topic has finally shifted to her.
âMiss, I know that as a concubine, I am of low status and should not stand out in front of you and upset you. In the future, I will definitely keep my distance and not disturb you.â
âHowever, for the sake of Second Master and Wenbin, who have the same Yan Family blood flowing in them as you do, and who also wish to contribute to the prosperity of the Yan Family, please help them.â As she spoke, she was about to kowtow to Daohua, which frightened Daohua into jumping up and dodging to the side.
âGrandmother!â
Daohua hurriedly sought help from Old Madam Yan.
Old Madam Yanâs face was ashen with fury. She scolded, âAunt Lin, what are you trying to do?â
At this moment, Madam Li lifted the curtain and walked in, her face grim as she coldly spoke to Aunt Lin, âAunt Lin, are you deliberately trying to ruin my daughterâs reputation or not?â
Aunt Lin looked scared, her face showing panic as she shook her head repeatedly, âIt wasnât my intention, please calm your anger, Madam.â
In contrast to the furious Madam Li, Aunt Lin on her knees seemed too pitiful. Daohua glanced over and saw her stepfather beginning to show a look of pity, feeling a bit speechless and impatient.
âFather.â
Daohua stepped forward and gave Yan Zhigao a respectful salute.
âFather, since Aunt Lin is your concubine, as a junior, I should not interject, but almost every word from Aunt Lin has been directed at me, so I have something to say.â
Yan Zhigao looked at his eldest daughter, then at Aunt Lin, and finally at his furious mother and wife, and sighed, âGo on.â
Daohua first helped Madam Li to sit, then stood beside her, looking indifferently at Aunt Lin, who was still kneeling on the ground.
âAunt Lin, I donât know what you truly think. As you said, my younger brother, my younger sister, and I should get along harmoniously as siblings. Yet, from your actions, it seems like you canât wait for me, my brother, and my sister to become more estranged!â
Aunt Lin wanted to deny it, but Daohua didnât give her the chance to, continuing to speak.
âAs their mother, my brother and sister would naturally strive to defend you, but every time you face me, you beg, kneel, and kowtow. Watching all this, I suppose theyâve already come to hate me, havenât they?â
âActually, Iâm a bit confused by you. How does it benefit you all if my relationship with my brother and sister deteriorates?â
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Daohua raised her hand to interrupt Aunt Linâs defense, âYour purpose in coming here today is clear to everyone, but I still want to ask you, have you developed the habit of getting things without working for them? Do you think that as long as you ask, someone will satisfy your request?â
At these words, Yan Zhigaoâs face could hardly hide his embarrassment.
Daohua continued without regard, âYouâre smart, bringing up my second elder brother because that could increase your chance of success. Even if it doesnât work out, at least it will leave me at odds with my second uncle and aunt.â
Upon hearing this, Aunt Lin, still kneeling, had her eyes flickering in uncertainty, as she was indeed harboring that intention. She didnât expect the eldest miss to see through her.
Daohua turned to Yan Zhiyuan and the Sun Family, âSecond Uncle and Aunt, I know that my second brother not getting to attend Wangyue Academy has upset you, but itâs not something I could decide!â
Yan Zhiyuan hastily said, âDaohua, Second Uncle doesnât blame you. But seeing how close you are with the Little Prince, asking him for another place for your second brother shouldnât be difficult, right?â
Daohuaâs expression was unchanged, and she replied with a faint smile, âYes, the Little Prince gave me some face because we once saved him. But our statuses are not equal.â
âIf he is willing to volunteer his help, that shows his kindness and loyalty. But if he doesnât wish to, with my status, what right do I have to ask him for anything? Canât you see that even Dong Ge has to tread carefully in front of the Little Prince?â
With that said, she gave a meaningful look at her stepfather.
âAlso, shouldnât we learn to be content with what we have?â
âInitially, Grandmother, I, and Third Brother saved the Little Prince, and now he has given us three spots, isnât it only fair?â
âWhy does everyone think that if I ask, the Little Prince will surely help?â
âFurthermore, if he does help, what can our Yan Family offer in return?â