Chapter 88
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Chapter 88 A Lifetime Promise?
"What?" Lin Wanrong yelled, pulling on his cloth shoes and rushing out. What on earth was going on? The Madam was usually so fond of the second young miss, how had things come to this in just a few days?
"Xiaoju, quickly tell me what's happening. Hey, stop crying and tell me what's going on!" Lin Wanrong urged anxiously.
Xiaoju sobbed, "I don't know exactly what happened. Early this morning, I heard that the Madam and the Eldest Miss had called a meeting with all the managers. Somehow, the second young miss stormed into the meeting hall, and it seemed like there was an argument. The Madam was furious and ordered the second young miss to be caned."
"Caning for entering the meeting hall? Damn, what the hell is this?" Lin Wanrong cursed.
"Brother Lin, you don't understand the rules of the Xiao family. The meeting hall is the most important place in our family, where all major decisions are made. Without permission, no one is allowed to barge in. Otherwise, according to the rules set by our ancestors, they must be caned. The second young miss is not yet a manager, and she entered in front of everyone, so the Madam wants to cane her. The second young miss sent me to find you, she said you would definitely save her. Brother Lin, you must save the second young miss!"
Lin Wanrong was both moved and furious. This young girl trusted him so much in such a dangerous situation, it really touched him. As for his anger, it was directed at Madam Xiao. What kind of stupid family rule was this? Even willing to harm her own daughter, was the Madam going through menopause or something?
After a few rushed steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that he didn't know where this stupid meeting hall was. If he was any later, the young girl would get caned. ‘Damn it, why does the Xiao family need such a huge house? Is it for convenience in a battle?’ In a moment of panic, he didn't know which direction to go.
"Lin San, over here, over here." Just as he was at his wit's end, Guo Wuchang appeared from nowhere, "Lin San, you must save cousin Yushuang, I beg you."
‘A lifesaver!’ Lin Wanrong wished he could hug Guo Wuchang and give him a big kiss, but there was no time to talk now. He quickly asked, "Where? Lead the way."
Knowing the urgency of the matter, Guo Wuchang didn't waste time talking and led Lin Wanrong straight to the main courtyard of the Xiao family.
They hadn't gone far when they saw a two-story building. The door was half-open, Lin Wanrong looked inside to see dozens of managers, Madam Xiao standing tall with a furious face, and Eldest Miss Xiao kneeling on the ground, tearfully clinging to her mother's dress as if pleading. Beside them, Yushuang was lying on the ground, and a servant's big board was just being lifted--
‘Damn it!’ Lin Wanrong was filled with rage. He didn't know where he got the strength from, but he rushed forward, kicked the door wide open, and yelled, "Who dares to hit--"
Everyone in the room froze at once, only to see a servant standing panting at the door, his hat askew and his clothes disheveled. His intense anger seemed to shake the heavens.
"Lin... Brother Lin—" Xiao Yushuang cried out in surprise, only to break down in tears again.
A man who seemed to be a manager stood up and shouted, "Where did this impudent servant come from?"
"Where did this wild dog come from, spewing filth from his mouth?" Lin Wanrong retorted with a dark expression. ‘Damn it. If you want to play a war of words, I'm the master at this game.’
The manager didn't expect such insolence from a servant, and he trembled in anger. He turned to Madam Xiao, "Elder Sister-in-law, this is your well-trained servant?"
‘Elder Sister-in-law?’ Lin Wanrong was puzzled. As far as he knew, the master of the Xiao family didn't have any close brothers. ‘Could it be a distant relative?’
Sure enough, Madam Xiao quickly said, "Fourth brother, please don't be angry. You and my husband share the same ancestry, so what's ours is also yours. Let me teach this servant a lesson."
Her face hardened as she turned to Lin Wanrong and demanded, "Lin Wanrong, what are you trying to do?"
"Madam, what are you trying to do?" Lin Wanrong took a couple of steps forward, glaring at Madam Xiao.
"Xiao Yushuang trespassed into the meeting hall. According to our ancestral laws, she will receive fifty heavy beatings." Madam Xiao gritted her teeth, "As for you, Lin Wanrong, not only did you barge into the meeting hall, but you also caused a commotion and showed no respect for your elders. You'll receive one hundred heavy beatings."
"Mother, please no," Xiao Yushuang pleaded, clinging tightly to her mother's legs, "Lin Wanrong only came in because of me. If you must punish someone, punish me."
"Mother, please don't punish my sister. I am willing to take the punishment for her." Xiao Yuruo also clung to Madam Xiao, crying and begging.
Seeing Xiao Yuruo willing to take the punishment for her sister, Lin Wanrong's impression of her slightly improved. At least the sisters seemed to have some affection for each other.
Madam Xiao was caught in a whirl of emotions as she saw her two daughters kneeling before her and begging. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suppressing her grief, she said, "Yushuang, even though you're my daughter, you trespassed into the meeting hall and showed disrespect. According to our ancestral rules, you must be punished. Today, in front of the elders of our family, I will teach you a lesson. Come, take Yushuang and this Lin Wanrong away, and give them one hundred heavy beatings."
‘Damn, truly impartial indeed.’ Lin Wanrong both respected and hated Madam Xiao. He shouted, "Wait—"
Madam Xiao snapped, "What else do you have to say?"
Lin Wanrong gave a small smile, "Since the second young miss is a precious daughter, I'll take her beatings as well."
"Lin-Lin San, don't—" Xiao Yushuang cried out, struggling. Xiao Yuruo quickly held her tightly and cast a grateful look at Lin Wanrong. No matter what kind of person this Lin Wanrong was, his concern for Yushuang was genuine.
Madam Xiao hadn't expected Lin Wanrong to make such a proposal. However, if he took the punishment, Yushuang wouldn't have to suffer. She sighed softly and waved her hand, "Since you're willing, then let it be one hundred and fifty beatings."
"Hold on, Madam. I can take the one hundred and fifty beatings, but I need a valid reason. According to the rule of the Xiao family's ancestors you mentioned earlier that is meant for punishing the second young lady, when exactly was this rule established?" Lin Wanrong asked.
Madam Xiao responded, "This rule was established when the old master was alive. What, are you planning to go against it?"
"Ha ha—" Lin Wanrong burst into laughter. "Rules are made by people, and they can also be abandoned by people. The old master, when he was alive, set up such a rule to punish those with ulterior motives. But now, the second young lady is only trying to fulfill her filial duty and expand the Xiao family's influence. How can she be compared to those petty criminals? The second young lady is the old master's descendant. If she were to be punished by you, it would imply that she has ulterior motives. Where would that put the old master? I believe that even if the old master were alive, he would not want to see such a scene, right, Madam?"
Madam Xiao was momentarily speechless, taken aback by this servant's words. She had already delegated all of the Xiao family's management affairs to the eldest young lady, but today, when they were discussing a crucial plan concerning the survival of the Xiao family, Xiao Yushuang barged in and had a heated argument with the managers. With no other choice, she had to overstep the eldest young lady and directly punish the second young lady as an elder.
Seeing her mother wavering, Xiao Yuruo quickly grabbed her hand and said firmly, "Mother, you've already said that all matters of the household, big or small, are to be managed by me. Today, although Yushuang was in the wrong, she was also thinking about the Xiao family. She hasn't committed any serious misdeeds. Furthermore, she is a member of the Xiao family, she naturally has the right to know the details of this matter concerning the survival of the family."
Seeing her mother not saying anything, Xiao Yuruo turned around and coldly glanced at the managers, asking, "I wonder what the managers think?"
The Xiao family was large and had many businesses. The managers were all relatives, which was why the eldest young lady had gathered them to discuss the matter. They were somewhat afraid of Xiao Yuruo's swift and decisive handling of affairs. When they saw her glance at them, they all lowered their heads. Even the ones who had been the loudest earlier didn't dare to say anything.
Xiao Yuruo snorted internally, then took her sister's hand and said, "Yushuang, since you're here, it's just as well. You're my sister, and you have a share in the Xiao family. Sit beside me and listen to the discussion with our uncles."
Xiao Yushuang hummed softly in response, sneaking a glance at Lin Wanrong. Her face was filled with gratitude and joy. Remembering Lin Wanrong's words, she was no longer afraid of the uncles' gaze. She looked at her elder sister and loudly said, "Sister, our Xiao family cannot collaborate with the Tao family."
Xiao Yuruo sighed, "Little sister, you're still young. These matters aren't as simple as you think. We have to do whatever benefits the Xiao family."
As the sisters were speaking, the manager that Lin Wanrong had reprimanded suddenly said, "Eldest young lady, the second young lady is a member of our Xiao family. Her presence in the council hall is naturally acceptable. However, this servant not only trespassed into a forbidden area, but also spoke rudely and insulted the master. If we do not punish him, it will be hard to uphold the dignity of our Xiao family."
Seeing that Xiao Yushuang was now safe, Lin Wanrong was about to quietly slip away when he heard the manager target him. He was secretly annoyed. This damn manager, unable to win the argument, was resorting to dirty tricks.
Although Xiao Yuruo appreciated Lin Wanrong's righteous help for her sister, her overall impression of him couldn't fundamentally change. Seeing the manager seizing the opportunity to make trouble, she shot Lin Wanrong a cold glance but remained silent.
"Eldest young lady, if we do not deal severely with such an arrogant servant, I'm afraid our Xiao family will never have peace," the manager lamented.
"Lin San, your loyalty to the Madam is admirable. However, you trespassed into an important meeting area and spoke insultingly. If we don't punish you, it will be hard to convince others. Do you have anything else to say?" Xiao Yuruo glanced at him, her face expressionless.
Lin Wanrong sneered, "Eldest Miss, this Xiao residence is large and imposing. What does punishing a servant or two amount to? You don't need to do anything. From today, I quit."
"Lin San—" Xiao Yushuang anxiously interrupted him, her beautiful eyes filled with tears. She went to his side, grasped his sleeve, and said, "Lin San, you promised me that you would help my sister. Our Xiao family cannot collapse."
She turned her face to Xiao Yuruo and her mother, a captivating blush rising to her cheeks. Shyly, she said, "Mother, sister, Lin San is actually not an outsider. He and I have already—" She bit her lip and glanced at Lin Wanrong, continuing in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, "—agreed to marry."
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Chapter 88 A Lifetime Promise?
"What?" Lin Wanrong yelled, pulling on his cloth shoes and rushing out. What on earth was going on? The Madam was usually so fond of the second young miss, how had things come to this in just a few days?
"Xiaoju, quickly tell me what's happening. Hey, stop crying and tell me what's going on!" Lin Wanrong urged anxiously.
Xiaoju sobbed, "I don't know exactly what happened. Early this morning, I heard that the Madam and the Eldest Miss had called a meeting with all the managers. Somehow, the second young miss stormed into the meeting hall, and it seemed like there was an argument. The Madam was furious and ordered the second young miss to be caned."
"Caning for entering the meeting hall? Damn, what the hell is this?" Lin Wanrong cursed.
"Brother Lin, you don't understand the rules of the Xiao family. The meeting hall is the most important place in our family, where all major decisions are made. Without permission, no one is allowed to barge in. Otherwise, according to the rules set by our ancestors, they must be caned. The second young miss is not yet a manager, and she entered in front of everyone, so the Madam wants to cane her. The second young miss sent me to find you, she said you would definitely save her. Brother Lin, you must save the second young miss!"
Lin Wanrong was both moved and furious. This young girl trusted him so much in such a dangerous situation, it really touched him. As for his anger, it was directed at Madam Xiao. What kind of stupid family rule was this? Even willing to harm her own daughter, was the Madam going through menopause or something?
After a few rushed steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that he didn't know where this stupid meeting hall was. If he was any later, the young girl would get caned. ‘Damn it, why does the Xiao family need such a huge house? Is it for convenience in a battle?’ In a moment of panic, he didn't know which direction to go.
"Lin San, over here, over here." Just as he was at his wit's end, Guo Wuchang appeared from nowhere, "Lin San, you must save cousin Yushuang, I beg you."
‘A lifesaver!’ Lin Wanrong wished he could hug Guo Wuchang and give him a big kiss, but there was no time to talk now. He quickly asked, "Where? Lead the way."
Knowing the urgency of the matter, Guo Wuchang didn't waste time talking and led Lin Wanrong straight to the main courtyard of the Xiao family.
They hadn't gone far when they saw a two-story building. The door was half-open, Lin Wanrong looked inside to see dozens of managers, Madam Xiao standing tall with a furious face, and Eldest Miss Xiao kneeling on the ground, tearfully clinging to her mother's dress as if pleading. Beside them, Yushuang was lying on the ground, and a servant's big board was just being lifted--
‘Damn it!’ Lin Wanrong was filled with rage. He didn't know where he got the strength from, but he rushed forward, kicked the door wide open, and yelled, "Who dares to hit--"
Everyone in the room froze at once, only to see a servant standing panting at the door, his hat askew and his clothes disheveled. His intense anger seemed to shake the heavens.
"Lin... Brother Lin—" Xiao Yushuang cried out in surprise, only to break down in tears again.
A man who seemed to be a manager stood up and shouted, "Where did this impudent servant come from?"
"Where did this wild dog come from, spewing filth from his mouth?" Lin Wanrong retorted with a dark expression. ‘Damn it. If you want to play a war of words, I'm the master at this game.’
The manager didn't expect such insolence from a servant, and he trembled in anger. He turned to Madam Xiao, "Elder Sister-in-law, this is your well-trained servant?"
‘Elder Sister-in-law?’ Lin Wanrong was puzzled. As far as he knew, the master of the Xiao family didn't have any close brothers. ‘Could it be a distant relative?’
Sure enough, Madam Xiao quickly said, "Fourth brother, please don't be angry. You and my husband share the same ancestry, so what's ours is also yours. Let me teach this servant a lesson."
Her face hardened as she turned to Lin Wanrong and demanded, "Lin Wanrong, what are you trying to do?"
"Madam, what are you trying to do?" Lin Wanrong took a couple of steps forward, glaring at Madam Xiao.
"Xiao Yushuang trespassed into the meeting hall. According to our ancestral laws, she will receive fifty heavy beatings." Madam Xiao gritted her teeth, "As for you, Lin Wanrong, not only did you barge into the meeting hall, but you also caused a commotion and showed no respect for your elders. You'll receive one hundred heavy beatings."
"Mother, please no," Xiao Yushuang pleaded, clinging tightly to her mother's legs, "Lin Wanrong only came in because of me. If you must punish someone, punish me."
"Mother, please don't punish my sister. I am willing to take the punishment for her." Xiao Yuruo also clung to Madam Xiao, crying and begging.
Seeing Xiao Yuruo willing to take the punishment for her sister, Lin Wanrong's impression of her slightly improved. At least the sisters seemed to have some affection for each other.
Madam Xiao was caught in a whirl of emotions as she saw her two daughters kneeling before her and begging. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suppressing her grief, she said, "Yushuang, even though you're my daughter, you trespassed into the meeting hall and showed disrespect. According to our ancestral rules, you must be punished. Today, in front of the elders of our family, I will teach you a lesson. Come, take Yushuang and this Lin Wanrong away, and give them one hundred heavy beatings."
‘Damn, truly impartial indeed.’ Lin Wanrong both respected and hated Madam Xiao. He shouted, "Wait—"
Madam Xiao snapped, "What else do you have to say?"
Lin Wanrong gave a small smile, "Since the second young miss is a precious daughter, I'll take her beatings as well."
"Lin-Lin San, don't—" Xiao Yushuang cried out, struggling. Xiao Yuruo quickly held her tightly and cast a grateful look at Lin Wanrong. No matter what kind of person this Lin Wanrong was, his concern for Yushuang was genuine.
Madam Xiao hadn't expected Lin Wanrong to make such a proposal. However, if he took the punishment, Yushuang wouldn't have to suffer. She sighed softly and waved her hand, "Since you're willing, then let it be one hundred and fifty beatings."
"Hold on, Madam. I can take the one hundred and fifty beatings, but I need a valid reason. According to the rule of the Xiao family's ancestors you mentioned earlier that is meant for punishing the second young lady, when exactly was this rule established?" Lin Wanrong asked.
Madam Xiao responded, "This rule was established when the old master was alive. What, are you planning to go against it?"
"Ha ha—" Lin Wanrong burst into laughter. "Rules are made by people, and they can also be abandoned by people. The old master, when he was alive, set up such a rule to punish those with ulterior motives. But now, the second young lady is only trying to fulfill her filial duty and expand the Xiao family's influence. How can she be compared to those petty criminals? The second young lady is the old master's descendant. If she were to be punished by you, it would imply that she has ulterior motives. Where would that put the old master? I believe that even if the old master were alive, he would not want to see such a scene, right, Madam?"
Madam Xiao was momentarily speechless, taken aback by this servant's words. She had already delegated all of the Xiao family's management affairs to the eldest young lady, but today, when they were discussing a crucial plan concerning the survival of the Xiao family, Xiao Yushuang barged in and had a heated argument with the managers. With no other choice, she had to overstep the eldest young lady and directly punish the second young lady as an elder.
Seeing her mother wavering, Xiao Yuruo quickly grabbed her hand and said firmly, "Mother, you've already said that all matters of the household, big or small, are to be managed by me. Today, although Yushuang was in the wrong, she was also thinking about the Xiao family. She hasn't committed any serious misdeeds. Furthermore, she is a member of the Xiao family, she naturally has the right to know the details of this matter concerning the survival of the family."
Seeing her mother not saying anything, Xiao Yuruo turned around and coldly glanced at the managers, asking, "I wonder what the managers think?"
The Xiao family was large and had many businesses. The managers were all relatives, which was why the eldest young lady had gathered them to discuss the matter. They were somewhat afraid of Xiao Yuruo's swift and decisive handling of affairs. When they saw her glance at them, they all lowered their heads. Even the ones who had been the loudest earlier didn't dare to say anything.
Xiao Yuruo snorted internally, then took her sister's hand and said, "Yushuang, since you're here, it's just as well. You're my sister, and you have a share in the Xiao family. Sit beside me and listen to the discussion with our uncles."
Xiao Yushuang hummed softly in response, sneaking a glance at Lin Wanrong. Her face was filled with gratitude and joy. Remembering Lin Wanrong's words, she was no longer afraid of the uncles' gaze. She looked at her elder sister and loudly said, "Sister, our Xiao family cannot collaborate with the Tao family."
Xiao Yuruo sighed, "Little sister, you're still young. These matters aren't as simple as you think. We have to do whatever benefits the Xiao family."
As the sisters were speaking, the manager that Lin Wanrong had reprimanded suddenly said, "Eldest young lady, the second young lady is a member of our Xiao family. Her presence in the council hall is naturally acceptable. However, this servant not only trespassed into a forbidden area, but also spoke rudely and insulted the master. If we do not punish him, it will be hard to uphold the dignity of our Xiao family."
Seeing that Xiao Yushuang was now safe, Lin Wanrong was about to quietly slip away when he heard the manager target him. He was secretly annoyed. This damn manager, unable to win the argument, was resorting to dirty tricks.
Although Xiao Yuruo appreciated Lin Wanrong's righteous help for her sister, her overall impression of him couldn't fundamentally change. Seeing the manager seizing the opportunity to make trouble, she shot Lin Wanrong a cold glance but remained silent.
"Eldest young lady, if we do not deal severely with such an arrogant servant, I'm afraid our Xiao family will never have peace," the manager lamented.
"Lin San, your loyalty to the Madam is admirable. However, you trespassed into an important meeting area and spoke insultingly. If we don't punish you, it will be hard to convince others. Do you have anything else to say?" Xiao Yuruo glanced at him, her face expressionless.
Lin Wanrong sneered, "Eldest Miss, this Xiao residence is large and imposing. What does punishing a servant or two amount to? You don't need to do anything. From today, I quit."
"Lin San—" Xiao Yushuang anxiously interrupted him, her beautiful eyes filled with tears. She went to his side, grasped his sleeve, and said, "Lin San, you promised me that you would help my sister. Our Xiao family cannot collapse."
She turned her face to Xiao Yuruo and her mother, a captivating blush rising to her cheeks. Shyly, she said, "Mother, sister, Lin San is actually not an outsider. He and I have already—" She bit her lip and glanced at Lin Wanrong, continuing in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, "—agreed to marry."
Chapter 88 A Lifetime Promise?"What?" Lin Wanrong yelled, pulling on his cloth shoes and rushing out. What on earth was going on? The Madam was usually so fond of the second young miss, how had things come to this in just a few days?"Xiaoju, quickly tell me what's happening. Hey, stop crying and tell me what's going on!" Lin Wanrong urged anxiously.Xiaoju sobbed, "I don't know exactly what happened. Early this morning, I heard that the Madam and the Eldest Miss had called a meeting with all the managers. Somehow, the second young miss stormed into the meeting hall, and it seemed like there was an argument. The Madam was furious and ordered the second young miss to be caned.""Caning for entering the meeting hall? Damn, what the hell is this?" Lin Wanrong cursed."Brother Lin, you don't understand the rules of the Xiao family. The meeting hall is the most important place in our family, where all major decisions are made. Without permission, no one is allowed to barge in. Otherwise, according to the rules set by our ancestors, they must be caned. The second young miss is not yet a manager, and she entered in front of everyone, so the Madam wants to cane her. The second young miss sent me to find you, she said you would definitely save her. Brother Lin, you must save the second young miss!"Lin Wanrong was both moved and furious. This young girl trusted him so much in such a dangerous situation, it really touched him. As for his anger, it was directed at Madam Xiao. What kind of stupid family rule was this? Even willing to harm her own daughter, was the Madam going through menopause or something?After a few rushed steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that he didn't know where this stupid meeting hall was. If he was any later, the young girl would get caned. Damn it, why does the Xiao family need such a huge house? Is it for convenience in a battle?' In a moment of panic, he didn't know which direction to go."Lin San, over here, over here." Just as he was at his wit's end, Guo Wuchang appeared from nowhere, "Lin San, you must save cousin Yushuang, I beg you."A lifesaver!' Lin Wanrong wished he could hug Guo Wuchang and give him a big kiss, but there was no time to talk now. He quickly asked, "Where? Lead the way."Knowing the urgency of the matter, Guo Wuchang didn't waste time talking and led Lin Wanrong straight to the main courtyard of the Xiao family.They hadn't gone far when they saw a two-story building. The door was half-open, Lin Wanrong looked inside to see dozens of managers, Madam Xiao standing tall with a furious face, and Eldest Miss Xiao kneeling on the ground, tearfully clinging to her mother's dress as if pleading. Beside them, Yushuang was lying on the ground, and a servant's big board was just being lifted--Damn it!' Lin Wanrong was filled with rage. He didn't know where he got the strength from, but he rushed forward, kicked the door wide open, and yelled, "Who dares to hit--"Everyone in the room froze at once, only to see a servant standing panting at the door, his hat askew and his clothes disheveled. His intense anger seemed to shake the heavens."Lin... Brother Lin" Xiao Yushuang cried out in surprise, only to break down in tears again.A man who seemed to be a manager stood up and shouted, "Where did this impudent servant come from?""Where did this wild dog come from, spewing filth from his mouth?" Lin Wanrong retorted with a dark expression. Damn it. If you want to play a war of words, I'm the master at this game.'The manager didn't expect such insolence from a servant, and he trembled in anger. He turned to Madam Xiao, "Elder Sister-in-law, this is your well-trained servant?"Elder Sister-in-law?' Lin Wanrong was puzzled. As far as he knew, the master of the Xiao family didn't have any close brothers. Could it be a distant relative?'Sure enough, Madam Xiao quickly said, "Fourth brother, please don't be angry. You and my husband share the same ancestry, so what's ours is also yours. Let me teach this servant a lesson."Her face hardened as she turned to Lin Wanrong and demanded, "Lin Wanrong, what are you trying to do?""Madam, what are you trying to do?" Lin Wanrong took a couple of steps forward, glaring at Madam Xiao."Xiao Yushuang trespassed into the meeting hall. According to our ancestral laws, she will receive fifty heavy beatings." Madam Xiao gritted her teeth, "As for you, Lin Wanrong, not only did you barge into the meeting hall, but you also caused a commotion and showed no respect for your elders. You'll receive one hundred heavy beatings.""Mother, please no," Xiao Yushuang pleaded, clinging tightly to her mother's legs, "Lin Wanrong only came in because of me. If you must punish someone, punish me.""Mother, please don't punish my sister. I am willing to take the punishment for her." Xiao Yuruo also clung to Madam Xiao, crying and begging.Seeing Xiao Yuruo willing to take the punishment for her sister, Lin Wanrong's impression of her slightly improved. At least the sisters seemed to have some affection for each other.Madam Xiao was caught in a whirl of emotions as she saw her two daughters kneeling before her and begging. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suppressing her grief, she said, "Yushuang, even though you're my daughter, you trespassed into the meeting hall and showed disrespect. According to our ancestral rules, you must be punished. Today, in front of the elders of our family, I will teach you a lesson. Come, take Yushuang and this Lin Wanrong away, and give them one hundred heavy beatings."Damn, truly impartial indeed.' Lin Wanrong both respected and hated Madam Xiao. He shouted, "Wait"Madam Xiao snapped, "What else do you have to say?"Lin Wanrong gave a small smile, "Since the second young miss is a precious daughter, I'll take her beatings as well.""Lin-Lin San, don't" Xiao Yushuang cried out, struggling. Xiao Yuruo quickly held her tightly and cast a grateful look at Lin Wanrong. No matter what kind of person this Lin Wanrong was, his concern for Yushuang was genuine.Madam Xiao hadn't expected Lin Wanrong to make such a proposal. However, if he took the punishment, Yushuang wouldn't have to suffer. She sighed softly and waved her hand, "Since you're willing, then let it be one hundred and fifty beatings.""Hold on, Madam. I can take the one hundred and fifty beatings, but I need a valid reason. According to the rule of the Xiao family's ancestors you mentioned earlier that is meant for punishing the second young lady, when exactly was this rule established?" Lin Wanrong asked.Madam Xiao responded, "This rule was established when the old master was alive. What, are you planning to go against it?""Ha ha" Lin Wanrong burst into laughter. "Rules are made by people, and they can also be abandoned by people. The old master, when he was alive, set up such a rule to punish those with ulterior motives. But now, the second young lady is only trying to fulfill her filial duty and expand the Xiao family's influence. How can she be compared to those petty criminals? The second young lady is the old master's descendant. If she were to be punished by you, it would imply that she has ulterior motives. Where would that put the old master? I believe that even if the old master were alive, he would not want to see such a scene, right, Madam?"Madam Xiao was momentarily speechless, taken aback by this servant's words. She had already delegated all of the Xiao family's management affairs to the eldest young lady, but today, when they were discussing a crucial plan concerning the survival of the Xiao family, Xiao Yushuang barged in and had a heated argument with the managers. With no other choice, she had to overstep the eldest young lady and directly punish the second young lady as an elder.Seeing her mother wavering, Xiao Yuruo quickly grabbed her hand and said firmly, "Mother, you've already said that all matters of the household, big or small, are to be managed by me. Today, although Yushuang was in the wrong, she was also thinking about the Xiao family. She hasn't committed any serious misdeeds. Furthermore, she is a member of the Xiao family, she naturally has the right to know the details of this matter concerning the survival of the family."Seeing her mother not saying anything, Xiao Yuruo turned around and coldly glanced at the managers, asking, "I wonder what the managers think?"The Xiao family was large and had many businesses. The managers were all relatives, which was why the eldest young lady had gathered them to discuss the matter. They were somewhat afraid of Xiao Yuruo's swift and decisive handling of affairs. When they saw her glance at them, they all lowered their heads. Even the ones who had been the loudest earlier didn't dare to say anything.Xiao Yuruo snorted internally, then took her sister's hand and said, "Yushuang, since you're here, it's just as well. You're my sister, and you have a share in the Xiao family. Sit beside me and listen to the discussion with our uncles."Xiao Yushuang hummed softly in response, sneaking a glance at Lin Wanrong. Her face was filled with gratitude and joy. Remembering Lin Wanrong's words, she was no longer afraid of the uncles' gaze. She looked at her elder sister and loudly said, "Sister, our Xiao family cannot collaborate with the Tao family."Xiao Yuruo sighed, "Little sister, you're still young. These matters aren't as simple as you think. We have to do whatever benefits the Xiao family."As the sisters were speaking, the manager that Lin Wanrong had reprimanded suddenly said, "Eldest young lady, the second young lady is a member of our Xiao family. Her presence in the council hall is naturally acceptable. However, this servant not only trespassed into a forbidden area, but also spoke rudely and insulted the master. If we do not punish him, it will be hard to uphold the dignity of our Xiao family."Seeing that Xiao Yushuang was now safe, Lin Wanrong was about to quietly slip away when he heard the manager target him. He was secretly annoyed. This damn manager, unable to win the argument, was resorting to dirty tricks.Although Xiao Yuruo appreciated Lin Wanrong's righteous help for her sister, her overall impression of him couldn't fundamentally change. Seeing the manager seizing the opportunity to make trouble, she shot Lin Wanrong a cold glance but remained silent."Eldest young lady, if we do not deal severely with such an arrogant servant, I'm afraid our Xiao family will never have peace," the manager lamented."Lin San, your loyalty to the Madam is admirable. However, you trespassed into an important meeting area and spoke insultingly. If we don't punish you, it will be hard to convince others. Do you have anything else to say?" Xiao Yuruo glanced at him, her face expressionless.Lin Wanrong sneered, "Eldest Miss, this Xiao residence is large and imposing. What does punishing a servant or two amount to? You don't need to do anything. From today, I quit.""Lin San" Xiao Yushuang anxiously interrupted him, her beautiful eyes filled with tears. She went to his side, grasped his sleeve, and said, "Lin San, you promised me that you would help my sister. Our Xiao family cannot collapse."She turned her face to Xiao Yuruo and her mother, a captivating blush rising to her cheeks. Shyly, she said, "Mother, sister, Lin San is actually not an outsider. He and I have already" She bit her lip and glanced at Lin Wanrong, continuing in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, "agreed to marry."
