Chapter 12: The Dragon Jade Pendant

Lin Qinghuan’s expression softened. If there was anyone who truly cared for her, Erniu was one.

They had grown up together since they were kids. Erniu was sturdy and bold, and had always stood up for her.

“Pah! What business is it of yours, you little slut? I was kindly arranging a match for her, but she doesn’t appreciate it and insists on severing ties with the Lin family. Such an ungrateful little beast! Why should I give her any grain?” Old Madam Lin planted her hands on her hips, spittle flying as she cursed.

Her triangular eyes darted around, a sly grin spreading across her face. “Could it be you who put her up to this? Then you’ll bear full responsibility. If they can’t afford to eat in the future and come to you for grain, don’t you dare refuse!”

Erniu clenched her fists in anger, itching to rush up and land a couple of punches. That old hag was twisting the truth and spewing nonsense.

Lin Qinghuan stopped Erniu. Getting angry at someone like that wasn’t worth it. There would be plenty of chances to deal with them later. She also didn’t want Erniu to dirty her hands, especially with Ma Weiping present.

“Don’t waste words on her. From now on, I’m free. I have nothing to do with the Lin family. Let them have their moment of triumph.”

Lin Daguo snorted coldly. “Qinghuan, after today’s severance, you won’t have a natal home to return to. If you suffer grievances in your husband’s house, you’ll have to endure them. Of course, your grandmother and I are not unreasonable. If you return the ten taels of silver and kowtow step by step to our doorstep to apologize, perhaps we might forgive you.”

Before Lin Qinghuan could respond, Erniu jumped up as if a cat had stepped on her tail. “Pah! Shameless old thing! You’ll have to wait until next life!”

Just then, another voice called out: “Pretty big sister!” Two little bundles squeezed through the crowd with difficulty, finally reaching Lin Qinghuan.

“Why are you here?” Lin Qinghuan asked in surprise.

“Father sent us. From now on, we’re all family. Father said we can’t let you be wronged, so he asked us to bring you something.” Da Bao mysteriously pulled a small cloth bundle from his chest, unwrapping it layer by layer to reveal an exquisitely intricate dragon-patterned jade pendant.

It looked priceless, like something from a wealthy family. Everyone was stunned for a moment. They had thought Xiao Hanting was just a poor scholar with nothing to his name, crippled to boot.

They never expected he could casually produce such an astonishing jade pendant.

No one regretted it more than Old Madam Lin. If only she had let Lin Qinghuan marry Xiao Hanting, then she could have gotten the pendant and pawned it for more than just a little silver.

Her eyes gleamed with greed as she stared fixedly at the dragon jade.

“Qinghuan, this Jiadong is your brother too. He can’t be shabby when he marries. This jade pendant of yours would be perfect as a betrothal gift. Then he won’t be looked down upon. What do you say…”

At these words, not only Lin Qinghuan but even the onlookers were left speechless. They had just severed ties, and already she was coveting someone else’s dragon jade pendant. How could anyone be so shameless?

Lin Qinghuan and Ma Weiping shot her cold glances, their meaning clear: What business is it of yours? Who do you think you are?

Old Madam Lin wasn’t ready to give up, but Lin Daguo stopped her with a look. How stupid! Even if she wanted the pendant, she shouldn’t show it now, especially in front of the official.

Anyway, they were all in the same village. After Lin Qinghuan suffered a few days of hardship, she would remember their kindness. Then not only the pendant, but those ten taels of silver would be returned as well.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

Creating a Hidden Ending Side Story

DramaFantasyRomance

Read Now →
Not interested