Chapter 55: Lin Jiaojiao’s Eldest Brother Is Alive

"Ten taels again? Can't you give us a bit more each month? Are you handing out alms to beggars with this measly sum? You live in the General's Mansion, indulging in all the finest food and drink, with servants at your beck and call. And this is how you treat us? Let me tell you, Lin Jiaojiao, the day your father and I appear at the gates of the General's Mansion will be the day your good fortune ends."

Shen Zhao paused in surprise. Wasn't Lin Jiaojiao an orphan? Aside from her elder brother who died in battle, hadn't her parents perished years ago while fleeing famine?

Suppressing her doubts, Shen Zhao leaned out just far enough to catch sight of Lin Jiaojiao and a plump woman. The woman's rich attire clashed starkly with the humble courtyard—Shen Zhao recognized the fabric at once; it was from the garments sent by the General's Mansion to the western garden for Lin Jiaojiao. The woman now stood, hands on her round waist, blocking Lin Jiaojiao with an air of overbearing authority.

"Ten taels isn't enough? Second Mother, ten taels would last an ordinary family a whole year," Lin Jiaojiao replied, her tone sharp with anger. Her usually pallid face flushed with agitation.

Lin Jiaojiao glared at her stepmother, grinding her teeth in hatred. This woman was her father's new wife, brought into the Lin family a few years ago—a shameless shrew, dragging two burdensome children with her. Every month, she demanded ten taels. It used to be manageable; Lin Jiaojiao could quietly siphon silver from the General's accounts without anyone noticing. But no longer; that wretched Madam Shen had changed the rules just yesterday. Today, when she sent her maid to the accounts room, she wasn't given even a single tael. That morning, the old matron had summoned her for a dressing down. She still needed to save for her own dowry—how could she have any silver left to feed these wolves?

"From now on, one tael per month. I'll deliver it on time. This is the last time you'll get ten taels—make it last, Second Mother."

The woman erupted. "One tael! Lin Jiaojiao, you heartless little wretch! It's bad enough you won't give us more, but now you're cutting ten taels down to one? Don't even think about it! What can one tael buy? Your second brother is about to get married—how can this shabby courtyard house so many people? Your father and he have been looking everywhere for a new place, and they've settled on a two-courtyard house that'll cost over a thousand taels. You'd better start preparing the money!"

Shen Zhao could see Lin Jiaojiao's face turning from crimson to ashen. Who wouldn't? This woman was truly shameless.

A thousand taels!

But the woman was far from finished. "And my precious youngest son is about to start his education. Your father and I have decided to send him to Qingshan Academy. Just tuition is fifty taels a year, not to mention brushes, ink, paper, and so on. Altogether, it’ll cost at least a hundred taels annually. Jiaojiao, the Lin family depends on you now. You can't just enjoy your own good life and ignore your father and brothers."

Lin Jiaojiao struggled to hold back a tidal wave of rage. Qingshan Academy? She really dared to dream! Only sons of powerful and wealthy families studied there. The Lin family was nothing more than ordinary folk now.

"Your eldest brother—"

Shen Zhao perked up at this mention. Lin Jiaojiao's elder brother had died in battle saving Chu Mu—his body never recovered. Why would the stepmother bring up a dead man out of nowhere?

"Second Mother, watch your tongue!" Lin Jiaojiao's voice rose sharply, clearly rattled at the mention of her brother.

The woman scoffed. "What are you afraid of? Who could be listening? Let me tell you, Lin Jiaojiao—your brother is a cripple now, needing constant care. Just feeding him costs a fortune. I give him the best every day. The only reason you enjoy your life in the General's Mansion is because of the gratitude owed to your brother. If you dare withhold the silver, I'll have your father and brother carry him right to the General's gates. But it wasn't even your brother who saved Chu! The real savior is long dead—your brother deserted the battlefield, a coward and a disgrace, yet you siblings dare to claim he was the hero. Shameless! I've never seen anyone so brazen. Push me too far and I'll see your reputation in ruins, and your days as a 'young lady' will be over."

Shen Zhao was stunned by what she heard. So the one who saved Chu Mu wasn't Lin Jiaojiao's brother at all, and he wasn't dead—he was a deserter, reviled by all. This upended everything she thought she knew. After all, Lin Jiaojiao's current place in the General's Mansion rested entirely on her brother's supposed heroism.

Lin Jiaojiao's eyes reddened with rage. For the first time, she wished her brother had actually died, had truly saved Brother Mu—then she wouldn't now be at the mercy of this shrew, living in daily fear and anxiety.

She feared being exposed, feared Brother Mu's scorn, and dreaded being cast out from the General's Mansion. She had grown accustomed to a life of luxury, waited on hand and foot. To return to poverty was utterly out of the question.

But she wouldn't let them bleed her dry, either.

"Second Mother, there's no need for threats. If it comes to it, we'll go down together. If I can't live as a young lady, neither you, nor Second Brother, nor Third Brother will enjoy your easy days. We're all grasshoppers tied to the same rope. If you destroy me, their good fortune ends too. Without my money, what will Second Brother do with his gambling and drinking? Could you still wear fine clothes? Eat meat every meal? Don't push me—I'm not above dragging your whole brood to hell with me."

"You—you little wretch, how dare you! Aren't you afraid I’ll stop caring for your crippled brother, or abandon your drunkard father?"

Shen Zhao watched the scene below. Lin Jiaojiao had clearly been driven to desperation.

Lin Jiaojiao sneered coldly. "Second Mother, do as you wish. My brother should have died a hero, shouldn't he? And don't think I'm some naïve girl. If you want to leave my useless father, go right ahead. There are plenty of women eager for a free tael a month; if you don't want this blessing, someone else will. I doubt Father would mind replacing you with a younger, prettier wife—don't you think so?"

Such sharp words—Shen Zhao realized she had underestimated Lin Jiaojiao, who now left her stepmother speechless, trembling and gasping for breath, unable to utter a word.

With a huff, Lin Jiaojiao turned toward the gate.

Finally, the plump woman managed to choke out, "You wicked brat—your turn will come soon, just you wait!"

Shen Zhao took note of the little courtyard, determined to bring Chu Mu one day to thank his savior properly. How could she let Chu Mu be an ungrateful ingrate?

Watching the woman stomp her feet, a calculating gleam flashed in Shen Zhao's eyes. Such a useful pawn—how could she let her go unused? With that, she darted after Lin Jiaojiao.