Chapter 28: Nonsense

When Lin Jingyao returned to the Lin family, Lin Gengshi received the news and immediately went to his courtyard.

“Big Brother, what did Doctor Wang say? Can Mother’s headache be completely cured?” His expression was anxious.

Lin Jingyao’s face showed no emotion.

“Doctor Wang said he’ll do his best.”

Lin Gengshi frowned. “That’s it?”

Lin Jingyao hummed. “The doctors in town have limited skills. I plan to invite a doctor from the county to see Mother.”

Lin Gengshi sighed. “Alright. Zhaozhao has also been feeling unwell these past few days. The doctor couldn’t find anything wrong. The Song family’s life is difficult.  She might have some underlying illness from her childhood. When we invite a doctor from the county, we can have him check her too.”

Lin Jingyao hummed again and looked up at Lin Gengshi.

“I met Táng’er when I came back today.”

Lin Gengshi’s expression turned serious. “Táng’er came to town again? Did she pester you?”

Lin Jingyao shook his head. “She didn’t pester me. I saw her first.  I haven’t seen her for more than half a month, and she’s changed a lot.”

Thinking of the scene where he met Song Yuntang in the East Street market, a hint of impatience flashed in Lin Gengshi’s eyes.

“She has changed, but who can guarantee she isn’t playing hard to get?”

Lin Jingyao had often studied abroad for years and had seen many people and things.  Judging from Song Yuntang’s expression, she didn’t seem to be playing hard to get.

“Let’s see. Táng’er might not be as bad as we think.”

“She’s not bad?”

Lin Gengshi snorted and sat down on the mat opposite Lin Jingyao.

“I saw her selling clothes and jewelry in East Street the other day. Thinking she was having a hard time, I asked Zhaozhao to visit her in Rongshu Village. Who knew she would hit someone? Zhaozhao cried so sadly when she returned that day, and her body started feeling unwell again.”

Lin Jingyao picked up the teacup and poured himself a cup of tea. “Is Zhaozhao feeling better these days?”

Lin Gengshi also took a cup and passed it to his older brother.

“Her complexion looks much better.”

Lin Jingyao poured him a cup of tea.

“I’m often away from home. Take care of her emotions.”

“Of course.” Lin Gengshi said, taking a sip of tea.

Lin Jingyao put down his teacup and asked, “When you asked Zhaozhao to go to Rongshu Village, did you take anything for Táng’er?”

Lin Gengshi nodded. “Before she went, I secretly gave her a silver ingot. She said Táng’er was so upset that she forgot about it.”

Lin Jingyao understood. “So she didn’t give it to her?”

Lin Gengshi pursed his lips and began to defend his sister.

“It’s not Zhaozhao’s fault. Táng’er likes to be jealous. It’s good for her to suffer a little.”

Lin Jingyao calmly said, “Don’t go too far. Although Táng’er has no blood relation with us, she was our sister for over ten years. It’s understandable that she can’t accept the change.”

Lin Gengshi looked at him strangely. “Brother, you’re speaking up for her today.  You wouldn’t have taken her nonsense seriously, would you?”

Lin Jingyao was stunned.

“What nonsense?”

“She said she would become Big Brother’s concubine if she could return to the Lin family.”

Táng’er had admired Big Brother since she was young and said she would marry him when she grew up. Everyone thought it was just a child’s joke. When she said this again to return to the Lin family, not only were the brothers shocked, but the Lin parents were also stunned.

The daughter they had carefully raised for more than ten years had said such things, which made them very disappointed.

Lin Jingyao used his folding fan to tap Lin Gengshi’s head.

“You know it’s nonsense, yet you still said it!”

Lin Gengshi covered his head. “I’m worried that Big Brother will take it to heart.  Even without a blood relation, it’s still gossip.”

Lin Jingyao nodded calmly.

“Don’t worry, she’s just my sister.”

Outside the courtyard, Lin Zhaozhao, who had come to see her brothers, heard their conversation and clenched her fists.

That Huang Heyu was useless!

She had told someone to reveal Song Yuntang’s whereabouts to him, but he still hadn’t dealt with it.

She looked at Fenghong, who was following behind her.

“Find a servant to go to Shili Village and inquire about the Huang family’s situation.”

Fenghong bowed. “Yes.”

After Fenghong left, a cold smile curled Lin Zhaozhao’s lips.

“She’ll never be able to return to the Lin family!”

…

After Song Yuntang had eaten her fill, she put on her backpack, walked out of Cile Town under the scorching sun, passed a bun stall, and bought ten large meat buns for twenty coins.

Although she didn’t find a job as a resident physician, she did get a handkerchief order.

Although she didn’t earn much, it was already quite good considering her current circumstances.

Take it slow, everything will get better.

From afar, Old Man Sun, who was resting in the tea shed, greeted her. “Miss Song, you’re a bit early today.”

Song Yuntang smiled and entered the tea shed.

“Old Man Sun, when are we leaving?”

“It’s hot today, and not many people came to town. We can leave as soon as the time comes.” Old Man Sun pointed to the opposite seat. “Miss, sit with me. I’ve already paid for the tea.”

“Thank you.”

Song Yuntang put down her backpack and sat opposite him.

The sun was strong, but it was shady under the tea shed, which was slightly cooler.

There weren’t many people in town today. On the way back, only Song Yuntang was on the ox-cart.

When they arrived at Rongshu Village, Song Jinsheng was already leaning against the big banyan tree at the village entrance.  Seeing the ox-cart stop, he quickly went over, helped Song Yuntang down, took the backpack, and waved to Old Man Sun.

“Thank you, Old Man Sun.”

“You’re welcome.” Old Man Sun smiled and drove away.

Song Yuntang looked at Song Jinsheng. For a moment, she felt that this brother wasn’t so bad after all.

As Song Jinsheng led Song Yuntang home, he asked, “Táng’er, did you eat lunch?”

“I did.” Song Yuntang took one of the oil paper packages tied to the strap of Song Jinsheng’s backpack, opened it, took out a meat bun, and handed it to him. “Here, I brought some for you. Try one first.”

Song Jinsheng didn’t reach out to take it but looked at her in surprise.

Song Yuntang stuffed the bun into his hand.

“Eat it.”

Song Jinsheng’s eyes welled up with emotion as he looked at the still-warm meat bun.

“Thank you, Táng’er.”

“How’s the waterwheel coming along?” Song Yuntang asked.

Song Jinsheng broke the bun in half and gave half to Song Yuntang. “It’s faster than expected. It should be finished in about ten days. Let’s eat together.”

Song Yuntang smiled and took it.  As they walked and ate, people along the way watched enviously, their mouths watering.

Song Yuntang swallowed the last bite of the bun, lifted her sleeve, and said without emotion, “Second brother, someone’s grabbed my arm, leaving red marks.”

It wasn’t because her arm hurt—she’d long since stopped feeling it—but because she felt wronged and wanted to confide in someone.

Song Jinsheng seemed to care about his sister, making him the perfect confidant.