Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1388 - 569: Wives and Concubines at War

Normally, Tingzheng speaks pleasantly, but after all, he is the head of the Lian family. Now, Tingzheng has handled matters promptly and effectively, immediately intimidating the servants of the household.

In a fit of anger, Lin Qinghan returned to her parental home with Wanting and Brother Xin.

Tingzheng was completely unaffected, in fact, Lin Qinghan’s departure from the Lian family made it more convenient for him to deal with the affairs of the rear courtyard.

Lin Qinghan had not even stayed half a day at her parental home before she received news that Tingzheng had dismissed all the steward ladies. These steward ladies were all her trusted aides, and Tingzheng was clearly aiming to sever her support.

Lin Qinghan could no longer bear to stay.

Lady Lin worried that Lin Qinghan might lose her temper and argue with Tingzheng again, so she accompanied Lin Qinghan back.

Tingzheng ignored Lin Qinghan’s angry expressions, even when faced with Lady Lin’s persuasion, he had ample reasons to refute her: "Mother-in-law, such a major incident happened in my sister’s family, and she dared to imprison the chief steward, preventing him from conveying this news to me? Mother-in-law should know that I was raised by my sister since childhood; if a crisis occurs in my sister’s family and I remain indifferent, how would outsiders view me? How would I continue to conduct myself?" Outsiders wouldn’t believe he hadn’t received the news; they would just assume he was opportunistic, a ungrateful villain.

In Lady Lin’s mind, Tingzheng has always been very easy to speak with. Now, Tingzheng suddenly showing assertiveness left Lady Lin unexpectedly caught off guard.

Lady Lin was unaware Lin Qinghan had imprisoned the chief steward, but she knew her daughter intended to sit by and watch. She didn’t advise against it, for a simple reason: An Zhichen had mobilized troops without an order, which was a taboo, a serious crime. If the relationship was good, they could help, but the relationship between her daughter and Lian Yueyao was almost at the breaking point. Under such circumstances, it was naturally best to be a bystander. What Lady Lin didn’t expect was the extent of Tingzheng’s anger.

This time, Tingzheng didn’t even spare Lady Lin’s face, and did not leave Lin Qinghan any dignity just because of her presence.

Lady Lin’s face couldn’t hold her composure, she returned with a sullen expression.

After Lady Lin left, Tingzheng said to Lin Qinghan: "From today forth, you need not manage the household affairs. Think carefully about what you’ve been doing all these years." After these words, Tingzheng went out.

Soon after, Lin Qinghan learned that Tingzheng had handed the management rights over to Lady Yue. Lin Qinghan immediately cursed under her breath: "That wench." Originally thought to be obedient and gentle, yet unexpectedly was a hidden venomous snake.

Lady Lin, though very angry, was greatly worried. Tingzheng’s drastic change was not good news for her daughter. That same evening, Lady Lin informed her husband about the change in Tingzheng.

Lord Lin had previously urged Lady Lin many times to persuade Lin Qinghan to restrain herself, unfortunately to no avail, even after he criticized Lin Qinghan numerous times, it had no effect.

Upon hearing Lady Lin, Lord Lin asked: "If I recall correctly, before we became in-laws, you always praised Madam Lian."

Lady Lin’s expression changed multiple times: "How was I to know back then that she was so hard to deal with." If she had known Lian Yueyao was so difficult, she wouldn’t have proposed the marriage.

Lord Lin however, brought up an unrelated matter: "Back when the Old Marquis of Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion arranged a marriage for An Zhichen, none of the prominent families were willing to offer their legitimate daughters to An Zhichen. But ultimately Madam Lian chose An Zhichen over the accomplished Heir to Marquis Yongding."

Lady Lin was bewildered: "What does this mean, my lord?" Lady Lin did not believe Madam Lian had keen insight, she thought Madam Lian merely got lucky.

Lord Lin looked at Lady Lin and said: "After An Zhichen’s incident, Minister of Revenue Lord Li, Vice Prime Minister of Ministry of Central Secretariat Lord Zhuang, and Heir to Marquis Weiyuan Guan Jingshuo all submitted memorials to plead for leniency for An Zhichen; even Prince Duan spoke favorably before the emperor on An Zhichen’s behalf." What Lord Lin said represented the connections on Yueyao’s side, those on An Zhichen’s side weren’t included. Among them, Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion and Marquis Jingning’s Residence in Lord Lin’s eyes were considered to be part of An Zhichen’s network.

Lady Lin was not familiar with external matters, mainly because the men of the Lin family were not accustomed to discussing court affairs with women. Listening to these words left Lady Lin somewhat stunned: "An Zhichen’s crime is significant, yet these people dared to submit memorials pleading for him?"

Lord Lin couldn’t help but sigh: "From this incident, we can see Madam Lian is highly astute." The people Madam Lian befriends either wield large power or hold distinguished positions, most importantly, after An Zhichen’s trouble, everyone stepped forth to argue on his behalf; this level of acumen and ability, even he had to admire.