Yin Wen remained in a coma, his clothes stripped off to reveal the blood-red whip marks covering his body. This shocking sight brought tears to Yin Jingshan’s eyes.
Yin Yong examined the whip marks one by one, shaking his head. He turned to his son and remarked, “As you can see, Liao Shisan showed mercy. If he had struck more severe areas, a dozen lashes would have left Ah Wen crippled, if not dead. The injuries he sustained, painful as they are, are primarily superficial and should heal in time.”
Yin Jingshan couldn’t hold back his bitterness and responded, “He thought of your kindness, so he shouldn’t have acted this way! You should never have saved him back then!” As long as the eldest son was still there, he didn’t bother to say a word to the second son.
Mr. Fang and his wife, Mrs. Fang, arrived. Mrs. Fang went to care for Mrs. Zhao, and Mr. Fang examined Yin Wen’s injuries. His assessment echoed Yin Yong’s, and he prescribed the medicine. While it might leave scars, Yin Wen was expected to recover within ten days to a couple of weeks.
After confirming that the eldest grandson’s injuries were not life-threatening, Yin Yong began to relax. He wanted to rest on the couch for a while, and he asked Yin Hui, “Aren’t you in a hurry to return home? We’re fine, so don’t be concerned.”
Yin Hui silently climbed onto the couch and knelt beside her grandfather to massage his shoulders. Yin Yong sensed that his little granddaughter had something to share.
While she massaged, Yin Hui looked at her grandfather and began, “Grandfather, haven’t you wondered why I treat Qiuniang so well? I rented a prime location for her store and arranged for two skilled maids with martial arts skills to protect her.”
Yin Yong’s tired expression became serious, and he leaned forward, indicating that she should continue. Yin Hui lowered her gaze and spoke softly, “Let me explain everything, and then you can ask questions.”
Yin Yong nodded in agreement.
Yin Hui held her grandfather’s wrinkled hand, which provided her with comfort. She began to share her story, saying, “Before last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, I had a nightmare. I dreamt that Qiuniang’s family was still living in their old place, and my elder brother sneaked into their home while Uncle Liao was away. In that dream, my brother assaulted Qiuniang. Aunt Liao was bedridden and helpless when she heard my brother’s actions. She eventually succumbed to illness, and Qiuniang followed her to the grave, consumed by sorrow.”
“After the burials of Qiuniang and her daughter, Uncle Liao secretly searched for the murderer and attempted to assassinate my elder brother. He knew the threat Uncle Liao posed, so he pushed you in front of him at the critical moment.”
Yin Hui, her voice quivering, continued, “I woke up from that dream, knowing it was just a dream, but it felt so real. I asked Uncle De if there was a guard named Liao Shisan in our house, and he confirmed it. He also told me that Liao Shisan had a sick wife and daughter. I was overwhelmed, so I asked him to find an excuse to bring Qiuniang over. And when she arrived, she was exactly as I had seen in my dream.”
“Grandfather, you can ask Uncle De; he will confirm that this isn’t a fabrication on my part.”
Yin Yong’s thoughts were in turmoil. He asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about this dream sooner?”
Yin Hui replied, “I was afraid that you would think I was deliberately trying to create discord between you and my elder brother. I was afraid you might like my elder brother more, and if you got angry, you wouldn’t allow me to come back. Other people’s granddaughters can’t compare with grandsons. You love me so much, but I didn’t want to take a chance. I just thought that whether or not my elder brother loved Qiuniang, she was only thirteen years old at the time, so young. I decided to protect her first. Even if it was a futile effort, it didn’t matter. And who knows, my elder brother actually…” She didn’t need to finish the sentence.
Yin Yong gazed intensely at his granddaughter, who was trembling with anxiety.
Yin Hui grew more flustered and held onto the old man’s hand, saying, “Grandfather, I��ve told you this because I’m so afraid that something might happen to you, and I didn’t mean anything else. You’re the one I’m closest to and care about the most, apart from Xiao Heng. Both my parents passed away early. I’m afraid that if I didn’t do or say anything, you might really leave me.”
“Grandfather, Second Uncle and Second Aunt suspect that I have my eye on our family’s wealth. I truly don’t, and I’m even willing to return all the dowry money you gave me just to make you believe me.”
Yin Hui continued to speak, tears flowing down her face. She talked about her thoughts and fears until her grandfather stretched out his arms and embraced her tightly, saying, “Ah Hui, don’t cry, don’t cry. I believe in you. I know that you’re not that kind of person.”
Yin Hui’s tears continued to flow, but being embraced by her grandfather brought her immense comfort. She had carried the weight of her memories and the responsibilities of protecting her family for many years. It was a heavy burden, and at times, she longed to return to the simpler days of her childhood when her only concerns were eating, drinking, and playing. But she knew her grandfather was getting older, and the time had come for her to protect him in return. Despite the burdens and anxieties, she felt reassured by her grandfather’s belief in her.
As she gradually calmed down, Yin Hui thought about her role and responsibilities. She didn’t mind the challenges as long as her grandfather believed in her.
Yin Yong had also been contemplating their conversation, and he gently patted his granddaughter’s thin shoulder. He said, “Ah Hui, I understand what you mean. You must not have ill intentions toward others, but you also need to be vigilant. Sometimes, even close relatives can turn against each other for the sake of money or power. However, even if your elder brother were to act against me in the future, I wouldn’t abandon him without considering everything carefully.”
Yin Hui nodded vigorously and said, “I understand. You care for him just as much as you care for me, and you wouldn’t give up on him easily.”
Yin Yong agreed, saying, “Yes, but I’ll be more cautious in the future. Your focus should be on nurturing Lang.”
Yin Hui turned her head and teased, “Why are you talking about Brother Lang now? It’s as if everything I said was just to help Brother Lang win favor.”
Yin Yong smiled and said, “Of course, you’re not. Yes, I myself want to nurture Lang. Your elder brother lost his way. I hope he can correct his mistakes and return to the right path, but I must be prepared.”