Chapter 87: Reward and Punishment.

In the Ink Abyss Pavilion, two sibling pairs were sitting together for dinner.

After Lin Jingyuan went to the Ministry of Rites to deliver a message to his second uncle, he went to the Imperial Academy. His sister did not allow him to procrastinate on his studies, and afterwards, all the information was told to him by Yu'an. Please note that @ matches have been maintained in the translation.

“姐，朱子玉不是你派人去打的吧？”林景元想到姐最近几日行踪诡异。

林晏晏嗔了他一眼：“我倒是想，还没来得及腾出手。”

Lin Jingyuan was skeptical: "Can the Ten Princes and Prince Lu truly determine the murderer?"

I reckon even if they find out, they won't reveal it.

"They don't have the time to investigate such a minor case, they still haven't solved the massacre yet. The Emperor wants them to solve it quickly."

Lin Jingyuan nodded: "That's right, if this case isn't solved soon, rumors will spread and people will become even more fearful."

"What rumors have you heard?"

Lin Jingyuan said solemnly: "It's been circulating outside that this case was committed by the notorious airborne thief from many years ago. This person is extremely ruthless, killing and robbing without leaving any survivors. Everyone says that stealing is just a casual act for the airborne thief, his true passion lies in taking lives..."

Lin Yannan was speechless. This doesn't make sense at all. The Flying Thief only kills corrupt officials, okay? When have they ever killed innocent civilians? I don't know if these rumors were fabricated by the common people themselves or if someone intentionally spread them to confuse the public. But it doesn't matter anyway, they have already identified the murderer as Guo Yongli, and the evidence is conclusive. They will announce it when the time is right.

"Just listen to these rumors for entertainment, don't take them seriously. The case will definitely be solved."

"Sis, did Tenth Prince share the inside story of the case with you?" Lin Jingyuan's eyes lit up.

"Since it's an insider secret, it's not to be spoken of. Don't go prying around, what you need to know will naturally be revealed to you. Focus on your studies. I heard that every month end at your National Academy, there's an assessment. If you don't perform well, you'll be demoted from Class B. Watch how I'll deal with you."

Lin Jingyuan frowned and wrinkled his nose, "If I do well and move up to class A, will there be any rewards?"

"Yes."

"What reward?"

Lin Yanyan smiled mysteriously, "I'll tell you who beat Zhu Ziyu. Don't get any ideas, it definitely wasn't me."

After dinner, Lin Yannan was flipping through the almanac, looking for an auspicious day. Jin Xin came to report: "Miss, Madam Sanfu, Lu Yu, sent a message saying that Miss Er has been brought back by Lord Er. The dowry has also been transported back, and the money owed by the Zhu family will also be returned. They also sent 3,000 taels of silver, saying it's for you to reward as you please."

Carrying a box in his hand, Jin Xin confidently revealed its contents. It goes without saying that it was filled with silver notes.

Tan Yun was overjoyed and exclaimed, "This time we've hit the jackpot. The Zhu family has essentially dug their own grave."

"It is all thanks to our young lady's brilliant strategizing." Jin Xin understood it clearly. If it wasn't for the young lady's decision to hire someone to incite public outrage and arrange a way for Zhao Xin and the others to confront the Zhu family during their conflict, it would be difficult to say whether the Lin family would suffer losses today."

"That's what I mean." Tan Yun chuckled.

Lin Yannan opened the box and took out three hundred taels of silver to hand to Jinxin: "Take it and give it to Aunt Li, let her distribute it as a reward. Everyone at Muyuan Ge deserves a share. In addition, starting from this month, everyone's monthly allowance will double."

"Miss, we don't really need that much. Firstly, you have already been very generous to the servants, while the Fourth Master needs money for his studies. Secondly, if the people on the other side find out, they might feel envious and resentful. It would become difficult for Madam San to manage the servants, after all, Moguange is still a part of the Lin family." Jinxin hesitated as she expressed her thoughts, anxiously looking at the young lady, unsure if she was right or not.

Lin Yan admired Jin Xin's ability to take charge and be like a competent mother, thinking about saving money and considering the overall situation of the Lin family.

"Jin Xin, everything you said is correct. Rewards must be given for achievements, and punishments must be given for mistakes. Having clear rewards and punishments can motivate everyone to do their best and serve as a warning. As for the salary increase, you don't have to worry. It is within my capabilities. As long as everyone does their job well, I won't let those who follow me suffer. However, you've reminded me of something important. Let's instruct Li Mama to keep the salary increase confidential. This is to avoid causing difficulties for Madam San."

Jin Xin received affirmation, which greatly encouraged her: "Yes, I'll take care of it right away."

Tan Yun couldn't help feeling a bit envious of Jin Xin. She noticed that Jin Xin had changed recently and was speaking and acting in a way that pleased the young lady. She couldn't help but feel useless, as if she was always making unnecessary fuss. - "Yes, I'll take care of it right away."

Lin Yannan handed three hundred taels to Tan Yun: "Tomorrow, you go find Mr. Liu again and settle the accounts for hiring people. If it's not enough, make up for it. The remaining amount should be recorded on the account of Tongyuan Building by Mr. Liu."

Tan Yunyi changed her playful expression and said seriously, "Miss, I guarantee that I will handle the matter perfectly."

Lin Yanyan laughed and said, "It's not a big deal, but it's rare to see you so serious. I encourage you to do every little thing well if you want to get more important tasks in the future."

“嗯！奴婢会努力的。”檀云发誓一般的郑重，她也想跟锦心一样得到小姐的肯定，不，她要比锦心做的更好。

林蓁蓁一回来就去拜见了祖母，老夫人本来觉得接蓁蓁回家有欠考量，嫁出去的女儿泼出去的水，哪有再回来的道理，除非成了寡妇，也该在婆家守寡，可一看到林蓁蓁双眼红肿，额头一片乌青，整个人瘦了一大圈，这才过了几日？好好的一个闺女送出去就变成这副模样了？说不心疼是假的，毕竟是自己的亲孙女。

"It's good to be back." The old lady spoke, acknowledging the situation between Zhenzhen and Li.

Lin Zhenzhen threw herself into the old lady's arms and burst into tears, releasing a torrent of grievances.

On that day, she begged her father to take her home, but her father shook his head and left her behind. At that moment, she felt desperate and wished she could die on the spot. But she couldn't bring herself to actually die, as the Zhu family was watching her closely. So she had no choice but to go on a hunger strike... These past few days have been like being trapped in hell - truly unable to live, yet unable to die.

I didn't expect my father and third uncle to come to the Zhu family today and ask her if she wants to go back to the Lin family. Of course, she wants to go back. She can't stay in the Zhu family for even a moment.

As a result, she and Zhu Ziqiao smoothly divorced, and no one from the Zhu family even said a challenging word.

Returning to the Lin family feels like a dream.

"Alright, it's all in the past, stop crying." The old lady felt heartbroken seeing Lin Zhenzhen cry.

Zhou, on the other hand, advised, "Zhenzhen, your grandmother is still sick. Please don't upset her anymore. It's good that you're back, so from now on, stay peacefully at home."

Lin Zhenzhen finally stopped crying.

Grandmother, in the future, your granddaughter will serve you in the Ci'en Hall and won't go anywhere else.

She already knew why the Zhu family had deceived her into marriage, all because of her mother's fault. She couldn't face her mother and would rather stay in the Ci'en Hall. Moreover, she was well aware that her mother was no longer the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, and she had been abandoned by her father. As a divorced daughter returning home, she could only hold on tightly to her grandmother, the only shelter for a peaceful life.