Chapter 9: At the same time, they are also devils

Lin Chong's voice seemed to carry a hint of shyness: "My lady, why do you speak of me in such a manner... I... I... I am merely..."

Zhou Tong observed the performances of Yue Fei and Yue Fan, and could not help but sigh inwardly. If only some of Yue Fei's bold character could be transferred to Yue Fan, then Yue Fan would truly lack nothing. This composure, this self-control, this ability to respond, is indeed of the highest caliber. Yue Fei's innate talent is already exceptional; not only is Yue Fan not inferior to him, but he also possesses a good disposition. However, what he lacks the most is courage

Young people should be youthful and reckless; if not now, when will they be? Youth is the capital for making mistakes. Having made mistakes, they are still young! There is still an opportunity! Should one wait until they are in their seventies or eighties to reminisce about their youthful recklessness?

Yue Fei suddenly came to his senses; in fact, he had met Lin Niangzi before, otherwise she would not have known that he was "Wu Lang." However, at that time, he was only ten years old and had not yet reached the age of being interested in women. Now, three years have passed, and Yue Fei has begun to mature and develop an interest in women. His attraction to his ten-year-old hometown companion, Xiao Cuicui, is a manifestation of his excess hormone secretion. Yue Fan is quite dissatisfied with this and hopes that his master, Zhou Tong, will handle the matter properly.

Yue Fan smiled politely and bowed to Lady Lin, saying, "Thank you, sister-in-law, for your praise"

Having adjusted my trousers, I stepped out of the latrine. I intended to follow the same path I took on my way here, but for some inexplicable reason, I found myself taking a different route. Perhaps I wished to take the opportunity to admire the unique scenery within the Lin residence. As I walked, I was enjoying the sight of a blooming peach blossom when I suddenly heard the voice of Lady Lin— "My lord, you have gone to the market to purchase these provisions by yourself again. As a man, how can you do such a thing? If others were to find out, who knows how they would ridicule me? I have been married to you for three years and we have yet to have any offspring. There are already many rumors circulating among outsiders, and I truly..."

It is interesting to consider that the name of Shi Nai'an, when reversed, becomes An Nai Shi, which seems to carry a certain flavor within it

However, this matter has yet to be confirmed, while another issue has unexpectedly caught Yue Fan off guard

Indeed, what stands out most in Lin Chong's residence is not the grandeur of the mansion, but rather the lady of the house, Madam Lin Zhang Ruozhen. When Yue Fan first read "Water Margin," he felt only sorrow for the tragic ending between Lin Chong and Madam Lin. However, as he continued reading, he began to perceive deeper meanings. It was not until he fortuitously discovered some related fragments among the old books in the library that he developed a keen interest in these secrets and was captivated by the exquisite techniques of ancient literati regarding this Madam Lin.

Lin Chong smiled and did not take it to heart, respectfully welcoming his master, Zhou Tong, into the main hall. He asked Lin's wife to prepare tea and snacks, and invited Yue Fei and Yue Fan to join them in enjoying the abundant food that Yue Fei had impulsively purchased. With so much food, it would take at least three to five people to finish it all. This was Yue Fei's first time seeing the bustling and prosperous capital of Dongjing, and with extra money in hand, his youthful spirit could not be contained. There was no blame; they would all eat together. It was just right that they would skip dinner today, waiting for tomorrow when Lin Chong's father and his father-in-law's family would be invited, allowing the whole family to gather and celebrate together.

Yue reminisced about the Water Margin he had read, and it seemed that the characters matched up, but was it really so? Was there truly a Gao Yanei, was there truly a Lu Qian? Did Liangshan really exist? Were Song Jiang and Wu Yong real? At the time of the Jin soldiers' southward advance, would there really be a Water Margin at Liangshan? The events of the Water Margin are not recorded in detail in the original text, suggesting that Shi Nai'an intentionally avoided the parts that could not be elaborated on, such as the Jingkang Incident

Furthermore, the primary role of a woman in marrying her husband is to continue the family lineage, and Lady Lin, having not given birth for three years, would indeed face immense pressure

Yue Fan felt a slight warmth on his face and realized it was time for him to leave. He turned around and quietly departed, but in his heart, he had gained a deeper understanding of Lady Lin. Furthermore, he had also come to know about Lin Chong's character to a considerable extent. It seemed that what was said in the ancient text of "Water Margin" was indeed true. If at that moment a certain official's son or a certain constable were to appear, Yue Fan would have to devise a good plan for Lin Chong. Lady Lin was certainly not a woman of loose morals, and Yue Fan would never stand by and watch Lin Chong meet a tragic end.

Lady Lin seems to be complaining that Lin Chong went to the market to buy vegetables himself instead of sending her. This also leads to the topic of her not being pregnant for three years. Yue Fan thinks this is indeed the case. In ancient times, especially during the Song Dynasty, it was advocated that gentlemen should stay away from the kitchen. Such tasks were naturally not suitable for men. If a man were to go to the market to purchase vegetables, unless he were a child, it would be a source of ridicule if he were an adult. Lin Chong's household is not without servants, which is why Lady Lin makes this remark.

Courage is not something that can be acquired in a short time, nor can it be learned from books. Zhou Tong could not think of any solutions and could only take one step at a time. Naturally, Zhou Tong needed to fulfill the role of a guide in order to properly address Yue Fan. Zhou Tong did not understand why Yue Fan was like this, but he realized that correction was the most important thing. Zhou Tong began to contemplate how to rectify Yue Fan's negative and timid attitude towards people and matters.

Zhou Tong agreed, and both Yue Fei and Yue Fan had no objections. Thus, five or six people gathered together to indulge in eating, drinking, and chatting. Since they were all familiar with each other, there was no issue of women not being allowed at the table. Lin Chong had always cherished his wife, so he naturally had no such thoughts. However, when they sat down, it was unclear whether Lin's wife did it intentionally or unintentionally, but she ended up sitting next to Yue Fei, looking at him with amusement, which made Yue Fei's face turn red and left him feeling quite uncomfortable. This also caused Lin Chong and Zhou Tong to laugh heartily, while only Yue Fan, despite joking on the surface, felt a strange sensation in his heart. Naturally, he had no related thoughts, but when they sat down, it was unclear whether Lin's wife did it intentionally or unintentionally, but she ended up sitting next to Yue Fei, looking at him with amusement, which made Yue Fei's face turn red and left him feeling quite uncomfortable. This also caused Lin Chong and Zhou Tong to laugh heartily, while only Yue Fan, despite joking on the surface, felt a strange sensation in his heart.

Lady Lin seems quite happy, having forgotten the sorrow of being childless. Her voice is rather charming, causing Yue to feel restless: "Well then, my lord, you must keep a close watch on me. If anything goes wrong, as a mere weak woman, how could I possibly resist... giggle giggle giggle"

"Why is Wugong staring at his sister-in-law like that? Could it be that he has an eye ailment? In that case, we must have your senior brother find a good doctor to treat it!" Lin Niangzi noticed Yue Fei's dazed expression and found it somewhat amusing. She smiled gently, and with that smile, she sent half of Yue Fei's soul flying away. Yue couldn't bear to watch any longer and kicked Yue Fei in the rear, saying, "Brother, this is your sister-in-law!"

Faced with the teasing of Lin Chong and Lin Niangzi, Yue Fei, who had just begun to feel inexplicably towards the opposite sex, felt extremely embarrassed. His mind went blank as he realized that he had actually looked at his sister-in-law in such a way. It was simply absurd, utterly disrespectful, and a great disservice to the immense kindness and virtue of Master Lin. However, his sister-in-law was truly enchanting

Lady Lin, upon hearing this, laughed charmingly, causing Yue Fei to blush and lower his head in silence. It was then that Lady Lin shifted her gaze to Yue Fan, revealing a sense of admiration: "Sixth Brother has indeed grown quite a bit. The name of the young master of the Yue family is well-known, and at such a young age, he has already gained the appreciation of the county magistrate. I believe it won't be long before he is called at Donghua Gate. Sister-in-law should congratulate Sixth Brother!"

However, in just a moment, Yue Fei had no other thoughts. This is ultimately a real world, and he exists vividly within it. Yue Fei stood beside him, staring blankly at Lin Niangzi as if she had lost her soul. Undoubtedly, this is a tangible world. Lin Chong, Lu Junyi, and Zhou Tong may not be the Lin Chong, Lu Junyi, and Zhou Tong described in "Water Margin," but in any world, there are such people. If not, how could the author have conjured such characters out of thin air?

A group of people were eating and drinking, and as Lin's wife had a small appetite, she stood up to take her leave. Lin Chong followed closely behind, seemingly wanting to share a private word. Zhou Tong smiled and suggested that the young couple handle their own matters. Yue Fei finally felt a sense of relief; when Lin's wife was sitting beside him, he felt an unbearable heat all over, his heart racing like a startled deer, making it impossible for him to eat the food he had previously craved. After Lin's wife left, he felt a sense of loss, but ultimately, he regained his appetite. Yue Fei finally felt a sense of relief; when Lin's wife was sitting beside him, he felt an unbearable heat all over, his heart racing like a startled deer, making it impossible for him to eat the food he had previously craved. After Lin's wife left, he felt a sense of loss, but ultimately, he regained his appetite

It is only that the husband does not wish for his wife to be so weary. In passing, it was done. The world is not at peace; within the city of Tokyo, there are countless high officials and nobles. If one is not careful, it could lead to... As for the child, hehe, there is no rush, no rush... Lin Chong wanted to say something but did not voice it. However, Yue heard Lin Niangzi's laughter again: "Could it be that the gentleman fears my delicate appearance, being pursued by some rascals..."

However, everything is still uncertain; how can one rashly speculate? Yue Fan's cautious mindset was unmistakably revealed at this moment. He decided to stop thinking about these trivial matters and focused intently on the delicious food before him. Yet, as he ate, he felt a sudden pain in his abdomen, likely indicating the need for a bowel movement. Thus, he apologized to Zhou Tong and got up to find the restroom. Upon locating it, he relieved himself with a satisfying "pīpā hōng, huālālā" sound, clearing the pressure in his intestines, and immediately felt a sense of comfort throughout his body

Lin Chong did not show much expression, merely smiling, likely accustomed to the appearance of his wife. He was also used to the reactions of men who saw Lin's wife for the first time, and he did not seem to blame Yue Fei. Instead, he squatted down and playfully teased Yue Fei: "Little Wu has grown up too. This time when you return, you should ask your master and your father to discuss a marriage proposal. It doesn't have to be an immediate wedding, but it would be good to make a reservation first; otherwise, who knows where you might go to cause trouble for good families' daughters!"

To speak frankly, Yue Fan found Lin Niangzi to be very beautiful, with a delicate face and almond-shaped eyebrows, her eyes sparkling, skin as smooth as snow, a slender waist, and a tall, graceful figure. She was exquisitely attractive, exuding an alluring charm, reminiscent of a blooming snow lotus. However, at the same time, it seemed instinctual; Yue Fan always felt somewhat uncomfortable when he saw Lin Niangzi. Despite Zhou Tong's continuous praise of Lin Niangzi's grace and virtue, declaring her to be an exceptional and rare supportive wife, Lin Chong, although married to Lin Niangzi for many years without offspring, still had no intention of taking a concubine to continue the family line.

It is said that after Lin Chong spent a considerable sum to purchase the Four Treasures of the Study and a batch of books for Yue Fei and Yue Tan, he brought them along with his master to his home. Yue Tan had long known that the Zhao family emperor liked to use money to influence people, but he never expected that being wealthy meant this. Lin Chong, as a drill instructor for the Imperial Guard, was not a high-ranking military official, yet his residence was far superior to the new house of the Yue family. It became clear that this piece of prime property was indeed very lucrative, no wonder the Jurchens were so envious.