Chapter 1: A Family with Twins
Although the young lady says this, she must still be somewhat concerned about the young master in her heart. Xiao Liu said with a smile, "The young master has been in the Qi Kingdom's Guangnei Mansion for nearly half a year now, and we don't know how he is doing over there."
She pretended to be unconcerned as she walked over to the desk, pulling out a long stick from beneath it. She said, "It seems that Xiao Liu hasn't returned yet; I might as well go out myself and find Doctor Shangguan!" As the last syllable of "Doctor" fell from her lips, she suddenly struck the long stick towards the direction of the screen. The glass-made floral screen shattered instantly under the force, and a scream was heard from behind it.
First, when we were young, I pretended to be you, but you would not pretend to be me. Would you be willing to wear women's clothing? If I were to attend the academy in your place, you would have to stay at home to take my place. Second, we can make an exchange, but Yang Liu cannot be exchanged. Do you want Xiao Yang to serve me? I cannot live that kind of life. Lin Wenqing sighed and said. Although she longed to see the vast collection of books in the Guangnei Mansion, thinking of these difficulties, she could only sigh.
"Strolling around! Why did you choose to go out today! I told you three days ago that the young master of the Zheng family would be coming to our house. You are clearly trying to avoid him!" Qi Huijun was not fooled by her and continued to chase after her.
Linjiabao is built on the scenic mountain to the west of Hongcheng, from which one can overlook the entire landscape of Hongcheng. It perfectly embodies the classic manor layout of being nestled between mountains and water. It was designed and constructed by the Lin family patriarch to celebrate the birth of his precious son, Lin Wenqing. The fortress features beautiful scenery, encompassing famous attractions from various regions, with each pavilion and room designed intricately and masterfully. Many dignitaries and nobles who visit Linjiabao often find themselves reluctant to leave. As Lin Wenqing approached the prominently displayed three characters "Linjiabao," his mood shifted from cheerful to gloomy.
"It hurts, it hurts. Sister, could you please let go of me?" Lin Wenjing pleaded, extending his hand, injured by the shattered glass, in front of Lin Wenqing.
Xiao Liu shot her a displeased glance and said, "Miss, we have been wandering around the market for a whole day. If we don't head back soon, are you planning to walk home at night?"
No, not this sentence
"Heavens. How many years has the back door been here? That creaking sound is enough to make my teeth ache," complained the woman in a light yellow long dress.
That must have cost quite a bit of silver. Xiao Liu tilted her head, thought for a moment, and said, "I remember last year, someone auctioned a signed book by Mr. Qingchuan in the county town, and it sold for five hundred taels."
Lin Wenqing saw his younger brother getting more and more excited, so he casually picked up a nut and threw it over, angrily scolding, "This is all you amount to."
Lin Wenjing, feeling aggrieved, rubbed his chin and asked, "So, sister, will you help or not"
In fact, Lin Wenqing had long been moved. Upon seeing her younger brother willing to impersonate her, she was almost ready to agree. However, on the surface, she still maintained an indifferent demeanor and challenged him, saying: "What can you do to repay me? With your frail and unremarkable physique, what can I expect from you?"
... ...
***
However, Lin Wenqing looked at Xiaoliu with tears in her eyes, trying to evoke her sympathy with a pitiful expression
... ...
Xiao Liu took a deep breath and thought to herself: Forget it. It's not the first day I know that the Lin family is wealthy. After all, they are the richest in the world. People cannot be compared to one another
But don't you think? Xiao Jing really looks quite like a woman in drag, doesn't she? I never thought about it, but he actually suits being a woman so well, " Lin Wenqing said, wiping the corner of her eyes with her sleeve.
3. Lin Wenjing guarantees that after becoming the head of the family, he will transfer all the land of the Lin family in the southern Wuyi County to his sister Lin Wenming.
"Then I will head back now." Lin Wenjing replied with a silly nod.
Under the cover of night, the back door of the Lin family creaked open, and four figures stealthily emerged.
Then... let the young lady have her fill for now, " Xiao Yang said with a bitter smile
Xiao Yang felt a cold sweat on his forehead and stammered, "It's not..."
Unfortunately, Xiao Liu was not swayed by this. She continued to pull the little donkey up the mountain and replied, "I am timid and cannot walk at night. You can either go down the mountain by yourself or come back with me."
Lin Wenqing and Lin Wenjing are a pair of twin siblings. At the time of their birth, a couple among the Lin family's servants also gave birth to twins. In his delight, Master Lin immediately promoted that couple from the lowest rank of stable hands to the position of estate managers, assigning the twin siblings to serve as a scholar's attendant and a maid for the two children. Therefore, when Lin Wenqing, who enjoyed dressing in male attire for outings, left with Xiao Liu, Lin Wenjing and Xiao Yang secretly returned, and no one at home would notice.
"Alright. Alright. We are setting off," Lin Wenqing said as he leaped onto the horse
"When I become the head of the family, I will build you a grand study and help you collect books from all over the world. Also, wasn't your ideal to remain unmarried for life? I will support you for a lifetime. As for your mother pressuring you to go on blind dates, I will take care of that. In six months, when you return, I promise your mother will no longer pressure you. From then on, you can live comfortably the way you want to live" Lin Wenjing promised.
Of course. Lin Wenqing said, shaking the book in his hand in a boastful manner, "This is a handwritten work by Mr. Qingchuan."
Xiao Yang did not expect that the usually carefree young master, after dressing in women's clothing, actually had a certain charm. ... At least ... . .. Xiao Yang glanced sideways at the young lady before him, thinking: at least she looks more like a lady than the young lady herself.
Lin Wenqing turned the person's face to align eye to eye, nose to nose, and exclaimed, "Lin Wenjing! What are you doing in my room! Aren't you supposed to be studying at the Guangnei Mansion? It's neither a holiday nor a festival, how did you come back!"
Sister, let's do it this way. You can go back and study in my place. After all, when we were young, we often swapped places, and even our parents couldn't tell us apart, let alone others
Just now? I said, if there is something to learn and you don't learn it, what is the point of staying at home
Fourth, Lin Wenjing guarantees to build a large residence for his sister Lin Wenqing in Wuyi County, according to the existing scale of the Lin Family Fort.
Hmph! Lin Wenqing was merely putting on a show and had no real intention of betraying her brother. She turned around and gave Lin Wenjing a sharp snap on the head, scolding, "Let this be a warning to you not to threaten me in the future!"
"If there is something to learn and you don't learn it, what is the point of staying at home? If I were you, I can't imagine how happy I would be." Lin Wenqing snorted and sat down
Lin Wenjing said with a sense of grievance: "I really do not want to read those classics and historical texts anymore, nor do I want to practice archery and horsemanship. I would rather stay at home."
Indeed. This book cost me 5,000 taels. Lin Wenqing held the book high, and under the sunlight, the black and white characters, which seemed to still emit the fragrance of ink, appeared so delightful. This made her good mood dance with joy
However, although the young master is somewhat spoiled, he has not engaged in any heinous acts like the eldest son of the Zhang family in the east of the city or the second son of the Xu family in the west. He simply enjoys playing and has little regard for money. As she spoke the last point, Xiao Liu's voice unconsciously weakened. She looked at the young lady in front of her, who could spend five thousand taels to buy a book, and felt that her understanding of money was likely not much better than that of the young master.
Lin Wenjing also knew that his request was unreasonable, but thinking of the strict rules of the academy, he immediately jumped up and said, "I don't care. You must help me find a way. Otherwise, I will run away from home to show you!"
... ...
Upon hearing her brother's threatening remarks, Lin Wenqing's brows furrowed tightly together. If looks could kill, Lin Wenqing believed that this foolish brother, who was oblivious to his own good fortune, would have already been slain by her gaze.
Why is it half a year
Lin Wenqing looked up at the home far atop the mountain, threw herself onto the little donkey, and playfully said, "Xiao Liu, let's take another stroll around the market. Let's not go back just yet"
"Old Ying," Lin Wenqing slid down from the donkey and leaned close to Lin Ying's ear, softly asking, "Is Mother at home now? Has she been invited away by Aunt Li?"
"What countermeasures can I have?" Lin Wenqing said indignantly, "Father values your education and academic achievements, aiming to bring glory to the family, even more than his business. He prioritizes your matters over money; who can persuade him otherwise?"
"Miss, have some tea. Calm down a bit." Seeing that the battle had subsided, Xiao Liu immediately presented a cup of clear tea and handed it to Lin Wenqing.
Lin Wenqing is in a very good mood today. She happily rode her little donkey, holding the books she just acquired from the bookstore owner.
Oh. Lin Wenjing touched his forehead, feeling that since his return on this day, there were several more bruises on his face and body, all thanks to his fierce sister
Lin Wenjing did not respond as she had expected, cowering in submission; instead, he displayed an unusual stubbornness. He sat up, turned his head in anger, and said: "Even if my father wants to kick me out of the house, I will not continue my studies."
Lin Wenqing immediately called Xiao Liu to go to the study to get some paper, and she picked up a pen to write down her conditions
Madam ... ..." Lin Ying urged Lin Wenqing with desperate blinks, signaling her to pay attention to what was behind.
"Hi, Mom." Lin Wenqing waved her small hand, took a few small steps back, and planned to slip into the house immediately.
Lin Wenqing is likely accustomed to wearing men's clothing, and there is always a hint of heroism in his brows and eyes. In contrast, Lin Wenjing, who has always had a somewhat timid personality, displays a natural shyness on his face. After the roles of these two individuals are switched, they surprisingly appear to be quite harmonious.
"Mother, Mother, spare me, spare me!" Lin Wenqing pleaded while running, shouting, "I just felt too stifled at home. I only wanted to go out for a stroll."
"What is that?" Lin Wenqing asked, while secretly rubbing her little bottom and muttering softly, "It hurts so much. Mother was too harsh."
Xiao Liu watched as her young lady transformed into a streak of light, letting out a long sigh. She turned and led the donkey inside, instructing the doorman waiting by the entrance, saying, "Take good care of A Mao. It is the young lady's treasure." After giving her instructions, she whistled and walked towards her room. She knew that the chase between the young lady and the madam would likely take quite some time. She just wondered how many lashes the young lady would receive this time. It would be wise for her to go to Doctor Shangguan and get some medicine for injuries in advance.
Stop it! Sisterーーー
I understand. Lin Wenjing said with annoyance, "That is why I disguised myself as you to sneak back. I just wanted to discuss a countermeasure with you"
Lin Wenqing looked at the boy who bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Liu, furrowing her brows. She released Lin Wenjing, pointed at him, and asked, "Xiao Yang, what is going on? Why are you two back? Why is Xiao Jing still sneaking around in my room?" Suddenly, a light bulb went off in her head, and she exclaimed, "No wonder Old Ying just said I was back again. It was you two impersonating me and Xiao Liu."
"Stop right there!" Mrs. Lin, Qi Huijun, urged her horse directly towards Lin Wenqing's backside, chasing and scolding, "How many times have I told you? You are not allowed to wear boys' clothes and pretend to be a boy. You are 16 years old! Not 6!"
Hearing the sound, Xiao Liu burst in with a food basket, and was taken aback by the scene before her
As she casually made her way to the table, pouring herself a cup of tea without yet noticing Xiao Liu's presence, she began to sense that something was amiss. Lin Wenqing straightened up and walked towards the inner room, calling out, "Xiao Liu, Xiao Liu." After taking just a few steps inside, she felt as though there was another person's presence in the room. Indeed, as she entered the inner room, she saw two feet protruding from behind the screen. Judging by the size and style of the shoes, it was clearly a man. A chill ran through Lin Wenqing's heart as she thought to herself: Could it be that my mother is forcing me into an arranged marriage and has simply let someone in to cook the rice before it is even harvested?
"Alright, alright. You should go back to your room quickly. There's no need to see me off, lest Mother comes to check and can't find me." Lin Wenqing looked at her brother, who was dressed in women's clothing, and couldn't help but twist her lips into a strange shape.
Xiao Yang pursed his lips, wanting to remind the young master that the document made no mention of what the young lady should do for him, only stipulating his actions. However, under Lin Wenqing's stern gaze, he immediately swallowed his words. It was not that he lacked loyalty in protecting his master, but rather... Compared to the innocent young master, the clever and unpredictable young lady was much more difficult to handle. In any case, the young master would not suffer greatly; for the sake of his own safety, it was better to remain silent. Compared to the innocent young master, the clever and unpredictable young lady was much more difficult to handle. In any case, the young master would not suffer greatly; for the sake of his own safety, it was better to remain silent.
"Xiao Liu, I am in excruciating pain. Please bandage me quickly." After Lin Wenjing gained his freedom, he immediately walked to Xiao Liu's side, extending his hand, which had a superficial cut, in front of her.
Lin Wenqing took a breath, accepted the teacup, and looked at Lin Wenjing, who was lying on the ground pretending to be dead. Annoyed, she kicked him hard and scolded, "Stop pretending. You are to return to the Guangnei Prefecture tomorrow. If you keep talking nonsense about not studying, be careful that Father will skin you alive"
Miss, you don't need to be so exaggerated, do you?" Xiao Yang sighed helplessly
Xiao Liu and Xiao Yang have been attending to these two for quite some time. They immediately divided their tasks: Xiao Yang went to explain the situation to Lin Wenqing, while Xiao Liu took the ointment and cotton cloth just obtained from Doctor Shangguan to dress her young master's wound
"If I were you, I don't know how happy I would be..." Lin Wenqing repeated impatiently, and as soon as she finished speaking, she was also taken aback
Ah! Lin Wenqing heard that familiar voice and immediately tilted the long stick slightly, causing it to strike fiercely against the side of the person's face. Upon feeling the stick create a dent in the wooden floor, and imagining the consequences of the stick landing on himself, the person's face turned pale, and he trembled as he said: "Sister, you are indeed still so fierce."
Lin Wenjing turned to look at Yang Liu, then glanced at himself and his sister, and indeed abandoned the thought of having Yang Liu swap with them. The two siblings were both exceptionally beautiful, and their faces would not seem out of place to anyone, regardless of gender. However, Yang Liu did not possess that type of appearance; although the two were similar, they each had distinct features, making it impossible to simply exchange clothes and fool others. When they had just entered, Xiao Yang had also partially covered her face to deceive Lin Ying.
5. If Lin Wenqing believes that Lin Wenjing's actions are inappropriate in any way, he has the right to terminate the transaction at any time
"It hurts so much." Lin Wenqing, in a manner quite unbecoming of a lady, rubbed her backside as she stumbled into her boudoir, calling out, "Xiao Liu, quickly bring the fragrant ointment."
As soon as Lin Wenjing and Xiao Liu entered, Lin Wenqing couldn't help but burst into laughter, even to the point of tears.
"Young Master, we have brought back some food..." A voice came from outside the door. Upon seeing the shattered glass scattered all over the room and Lin Wenqing gripping Lin Wenjing, the newcomer immediately exclaimed, "Miss, what do you intend to do with the Young Master?"
"Miss is back again!" The doorkeeper, Lin Ying, called out loudly upon seeing Lin Wenqing and Xiao Liu
Lin Wenqing pondered for a moment, pouted, and said: "What you say does make sense. That spendthrift at least knows how to restrain himself."
Ah. It is the young master’s favorite, Mr. Qingchuan, who stopped writing five years ago. Sensing that the stubborn donkey was inclined to stop, Xiao Liu skillfully pulled on the rope in his hand to urge it to continue moving forward
"No discussion. I am not charming enough for my father to give up his dream of having a top scholar." Lin Wenqing took a rope and tied her brother's hand to her bedpost, saying leisurely, "You stay put, and I will go outside to find a few servants to tie you up. Xiao Yang, if you dare to let him go, I guarantee that tonight, Xiao Liu will have to kneel in the courtyard until dawn"
The moon in the sky gently gazes down upon the earth, reflecting the faint green mountains and the winding waters, as well as the joyful stories of a pair of lovely children. However, for now, everything is just beginning, and even Lin Wenqing herself does not know what kind of future awaits her
Hmph. Lin Wenqing snorted and muttered, "Anyway, my father is so poor that all he has left is money. I won't let him spend this money; sooner or later, it will be squandered by that prodigal son."
Why?
Amid the unified cheers of the siblings, this unfair contract was officially established. Only Xiao Yangliu harbored a strong sense of unease about the master she would have to serve in the future
Isn't it the case that the rules of the Guangnei Court dictate that a debate is held once every year? The scholars have never looked upon me favorably anyway, so when the time comes, you can act a bit more foolishly during the debate, making Minister Zhu completely dislike you. Then Lin Wenjing can be dismissed, right? The Guangnei Court is the last academy that my father holds in high regard. If this doesn't work out, my father will surely give up. From then on, I can do whatever I please
After pondering for a long time, Lin Wenqing still shook his head and said, "It won't do."
Qing'er! As the saying goes, "Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Lin Wenqing felt a chill run down his spine. Turning his head, he indeed saw his mother smiling at him while holding a leather whip, with prominent veins clearly visible on her forehead.
Lin Wenjing excitedly looked at her sister and exclaimed, "I knew there was a way. We look exactly alike. Why can't you be Lin Wenjing and I be Lin Wenqing! After all, you have loved reading since you were little!"
Good. Good. Lin Wenjing, seeing her sister agree, did not realize that she was taking the opportunity to extort, and hurriedly agreed.
During Lin Wenjing's stay at home, all matters must be directed by Xiao Liu, and a daily life report must be submitted to the Guangnai Palace every ten days
Lin Wenqing rolled up the book, rested his chin on it, and said: "Who would miss him? I would rather he go further away. I prefer to have some peace and quiet."
The main issue is that the young master has run into the muzzle of a gun. Ever since the young master left six months ago, the madam has been pressuring the young lady to go on blind dates. She is quite furious about it. Xiao Liu whispered, "Inviting the madam over will only add fuel to the fire. Perhaps, behind the scenes, the young master will suffer even more physical torment."
Wow! Sister, please spare me. If you help me this time, I will help you escape from our mother's matchmaking pursuit. Lin Wenjing saw that his sister was not joking and hurriedly cried out for mercy.
"I, I can wear women's clothing." Lin Wenjing gritted his teeth and said, "As for the issue with Yang Liu... Sister, I beg you to help me endure for half a year. Once I get through this, I will definitely repay you well."
1. During Lin Wenjing's stay at home, he must not go out for leisure, must not harbor improper thoughts towards Xiao Liu, must not step into the forbidden area of the study, and must not wear male clothing
Lin Wenqing paused, and she also began to seriously consider the feasibility of this matter
"Young Master, you seem very happy today?" The maid, Xiao Liu, who was leading the donkey, turned her head and asked her young lady with a smile.
The young lady does not wish to miss the young master. However, Liu'er somewhat misses Brother Yang. Little Liu let out a soft sigh, raised the whip in her hand, and urged the donkey to move forward
Lin Wenqing was quite surprised to see her usually weak-willed younger brother so resolute. She sighed and said seriously: "... do you know how high our father's expectations are for you? You say you won't study, and you just run back like this; how worried do you think mother will be?"
"It hurts so much. Sister, be gentle, be gentle." Lin Wenjing was beaten to a state of disarray and was forced to flee, yet he did not dare to dodge carelessly due to Lin Wenqing's established authority.
"Oh! Sister, what did you just say?" Lin Wenjing felt as if some important information had just slipped past his ears, so he asked.
"Five, five thousand taels..." Xiao Liu stumbled slightly, nearly tossing aside the whip used to drive the donkey. "Miss, that much money could support many impoverished families for a lifetime. No, it could support them for ten lifetimes!"
Miss, it is like this. Xiao Yang helped Lin Wenqing to sit down aside
"I just don't want to study anymore," Lin Wenjing immediately replied loudly. "I don't want to stay in the academy; I want to go home. I am simply not cut out for studying. Whenever I see books, I feel dizzy, and the sound of reading makes me want to sleep. When I practice archery, I end up hurting myself; even the gentlest horse doesn't suit me. Yet, my father believes that dead fortune teller's words, claiming that our family has the talent of a top scholar, insisting that I must take the exams. This time, I have thought it through clearly; I want to go home and never study again... Yet, my father believes that dead fortune teller's words, claiming that our family has the talent of a top scholar, insisting that I must take the exams. This time, I have thought it through clearly; I want to go home and never study again..." As soon as Lin Wenjing finished speaking, he turned around and saw Lin Wenqing holding a cushion, looking at him with a terrifying expression. He immediately jumped up from his seat, backing away while trembling and asking, "Sister, sister, what are you doing!"
The donkey walked along the uneven mountain path, making a "de de de" sound
Xiao Yang was so frightened by the furious Lin Wenqing that he dared not speak, quietly moving to Xiao Liu's side and whispering, "Why is Miss particularly fierce today? Should we invite the lady over?"
"You actually dare to tell me that you won't study! You actually dare to say it!" Lin Wenqing furiously struck Lin Wenjing on the head with a cushion, "Hit, hit, hit! Let's see if I can't beat you, you prodigal son! I've been telling you to study since you were little. You’ve memorized the Analects for three years, and you've driven away nearly a hundred teachers. Because of you, no one in the ten-mile radius dares to come teach at our Lin family fortress, and I have no good teacher to guide me. I sent you to the academy to study, from Tianlu Pavilion to Guangnei Prefecture, the five great academies of the world, do you think it's your own backyard? You think you can come and go as you please? Especially Guangnei Prefecture, with so many books, I want to go but can't! You've wasted so much of your father's money, and you still have the face to say you won't study! Won't study! I tell you not to study!"
This time, it is nothing at all. " Xiao Yang said, casting a sidelong glance at his young master with a dark expression.
Speaking of that spendthrift, I am filled with anger. Lin Wenqing suddenly thought of her younger brother, clenched her fists, and exclaimed: "He has no sense of masculinity and only knows how to indulge in a life of debauchery. Yet, our parents still dote on him. I really don't understand what they are thinking."
"Shut up!" The man, dressed in a diamond-patterned tunic, snapped his fingers at the woman's forehead and scolded, "Do you want to wake everyone at home?"
"Please sign here." Lin Wenqing said, flicking the pen.
"Oh dear." As Lin Wenqing's bottom touched the chair, he immediately let out a strange cry. Xiao Yang, seizing the opportunity, quickly brought a cushion from the bed to place under the chair. After Lin Wenqing sat down with a frown, he asked, "Speak up. What exactly happened? Did you accidentally pull on the master's beard, or did you inadvertently break the master's favorite antique? Or perhaps you accidentally set fire to the academy's building?"
Lin Wenqing snorted and said, "I do not require you to support me for a lifetime. However, we need to draft a document stating that once you become the head of the family, you will transfer all the Lin family's land in Wuyi County, southern Tang, to my name, and also assist me in building a residence in Wuyi County."
Indeed. Lin Wenqing smiled as she closed the book, cradling it like a treasure in her arms, and said, "This is a collection of Mr. Qingchuan's writings, along with his handwritten annotations"