Lin Bonian had been in prison for nearly twenty days. His hair and clothes were in a mess, and he was haggard and thin. At this time, he was lying on the ground in pain, and his clothes were covered with dust. In addition, tears were flowing freely, and there were a lot of snot and tears on his beard, and his whole body was even more...
He looked like a homeless man on the street. Compared with the previous appearance where he was wearing silk and satin, he attached great importance to his image. Seeing this image of Lin Bonian, and listening to his heart-wrenching words of regret, the Lin family
No matter how much resentment everyone had in their hearts, they all turned into compassion.
Especially Lin Boyong, after all, the brotherhood is deep. In the past few decades, Lin Boyong has always been proud of his second brother. The second brother has supported the face of the Lin family, and he has indulged and supported him. As the saying goes, an elder brother is like a father.
Lin Boyong had a little bit of fatherly love in his heart. Therefore, even if he knew that some of the things Lin Bonian did were against the rules, his choice was to turn a blind eye and indulge in it. Just like how he indulged his sons.
, this is the biggest weakness of Lin Boyong’s character.
Although Lin Bonian betrayed him last year and took away his position as the head of the family. Logically speaking, Lin Boyong should hate Lin Bonian. However, Lin Boyong finally chose to forgive. Once he reflected on himself, he was indeed the head of the family.
There were a lot of mistakes. Especially the case of Lin Ke colluding with bandits, which was his responsibility to educate and supervise. The Lin family almost fell into danger of destruction. He, the head of the family, should also be responsible and should step down. Secondly,
After the death of his eldest son Lin Ke, Lin Boyong blamed himself. At the same time, he was also a little discouraged and wanted to quit. Therefore, the loss of the head of the family did not make him feel particularly angry.
"Bo Nian, Bon Nian. Get up, don't be like this, don't be like this. Get up quickly." Lin Boyong burst into tears and leaned over to pull Lin Bonian up.
"Brother, Bonian has no face to see you, and no one in the Lin family. Bonian wishes he could have died in prison. It's over, everything is over. I've ruined everything in the Lin family, how can I still live with dignity."
Lin Bonian was crying to himself. It was not that he was pretending, but this time he was really in pain and guilty. Part of his crying was the guilt for his family, and the other part was also a lament for the turning point of his own fate. After so many years
He worked hard and carefully maintained the relationship. Although he could not go any further, as the deputy envoy of the Third Division, this was already a position that was enough to honor the ancestors and be envied by the world. But now, everything was ruined. He lost
He lost everything worth showing off, and after losing everything, who was he in the Lin family? Not only did he lose everything, but the Lin family also paid a huge price for it. In the future, the Lin family will face the danger of collapse at any time. This is all
Because of his personal fault.
Lin Bonian knew all this very well, and he couldn't help but feel sad and howl.
"Bo Nian, everything has passed. It's good to be alive. The green hills are still there, so you don't have to worry about running out of firewood. Bon Nian, let's just start over. My Lin family has experienced difficult times, and there is nothing to be afraid of.
Although you did something wrong, part of the reason why you were convicted was for the Lin family. Therefore, this responsibility should not be borne by you alone, but by the Lin family together. Don't blame yourself too much. Everything is over.
." Lin Boyong said, wiping his tears.
Lin Bonian felt a little relieved, but he still couldn't stop crying. Lin Boyong wiped his tears and shouted to Lin Chang and Lin Sheng: "Why don't you help your father get up and get in the car?"
Lin Chang and Lin Sheng hurriedly stepped forward to lift Lin Bonian up and walked towards the carriage. The young masters of the Lin family stepped forward to salute one by one. Lin Bonian felt so guilty that he did not dare to raise his head. He only closed his eyes slightly and allowed the two brothers to hold him half-way.
He was half dragged towards the carriage house.
Lin Jue and Fang Dunru witnessed all this at the rear yamen gate. Lin Jue was filled with emotion. Lin Bonian was considered a person, but he ended up in such a miserable state. He almost lost his life, harming others and himself. But
It was an extreme failure. With his resources, he could have done more and gone further. Unfortunately, he failed to do so. This may be due to the constraints of his wisdom, or to the flaws in his character. If this is the case,
If the government can teach him a lesson, it may not be a bad thing for him. But for the Lin family, Lin Bonian's fall may not be harmful to the overall situation. Although it will bring a huge crisis in the immediate future, in the long run,
Lin Jue was most worried that the two brothers Lin Bonian and Lin Boyong, who were responsible for the last crisis of genocide, could no longer influence the direction of the Lin family.
"Lin Jue, I'm afraid everyone in the Lin family hates me." Next to him, Fang Dunru's gentle sigh reached his ears.
Lin Jue came back to his senses and said with a smile: "Where did Mr. think of it? How could our Lin family hate Mr.? It's too late to be grateful."
Fang Dunru said in a deep voice: "Don't lie to me. I just saw it from their eyes. They harbor hatred towards me. They must think that I am not selfish and have forced your Lin family to get to where they are today."
Yes. Just now, none of them came forward to greet me. Hey, I knew it would be like this."
Lin Jue sighed secretly and thought to himself: It's good that you know that no one in the Lin family has a good impression of you. But he said: "Sir, you are worrying too much. There is no such thing as this."
While they were talking, Lin Quan, who was standing next to the carriage, shouted in this direction: "Second brother, why aren't you leaving yet? What else is there to talk about? With a person like that."
When Fang Dunru heard this, his face changed color and his brows furrowed.
Lin Jue smiled bitterly in his heart, cupped his hands and said, "Mr. is busy with work, so I won't disturb you. I'm going to take my second uncle home with you."
Fang Dunru said in a voice: "Are you leaving now? I still want to say a few words to you."
Lin Jue cupped his hands and said, "Let's talk about it next time. We can't let them all wait for the students. Besides... Sir, you are so busy now, and the students don't dare to delay your time. You'd better say goodbye, student."
Fang Dunru obviously felt that Lin Jue felt a little distant from him, and he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. But what a strong person he was. Although he knew that the relationship between him and Lin Jue was indeed not as good as before, after this incident
, the relationship between master and disciple is no longer as harmonious and comfortable as before, but Fang Dunru does not have any regrets. He cannot regret it. Since he has chosen to return to the court, he can't care too much.
"That's fine, you can go ahead." Fang Dunru regained his composure and said calmly.
"Farewell, student!" Lin Jue bowed and saluted, turned around and left.
"That..." Fang Dunru looked at Lin Jue's back and muttered.
"What?" Lin Jue stopped and turned around and asked.
"Well... your master's wife asked me to give you a message, asking you to come and sit at home often when you have nothing to do. After you have been busy for a while, you can go and see your master's wife. She has not been in a good temper recently. And your junior sister,
Although...well...you can't be too distant, right?"
Lin Jue nodded and said with a smile: "Sir, don't worry, I will go when I have time, but I follow your advice and it's better to go less often. Take care, sir. Lin Jue is leaving."
Lin Jue turned around and left, returning to the Lin family. Fang Dunru looked at Lin Jue's figure blankly for a long time, and finally turned around and strode away with his hands behind his back.
In Lin Jue's mansion, a meeting involving the main figures of the Lin family was going on. Lin Boyong and Lin Bonian were sitting in the upper and left seats, but the main seat in the middle was Lin Jue's seat. This was not just because Lin Jue was
The owner of this house is also because Lin Jue is already the head of the Lin family.
Lin Bonian had already bathed and changed his clothes. Although his face was still pale and his eyes were still red and swollen, he was not as decadent and slovenly as before. Lin Chang took Lin Bonian's changed clothes and burned them outside, inside and out.
It is said that this can remove the bad luck of being imprisoned.
Lin Bonian's old wife, Mrs. Yuan, didn't blame Lin Bonian too much. She just told him about things at home. The big house near Taiping Xingguo Temple has been sealed up and confiscated, and all the land and manors purchased outside the city have also been confiscated by the court.
.The servants and maids at home have been dismissed. Now, the ones brought here by Lin Jue to live together are Lin Boyong's wives and concubines, several of Lin Chang and Lin Sheng's wives and concubines, and a few serving maids.
Naturally, Mrs. Yuan also wanted to tell Lin Bonian about the fact that several of the concubines were clamoring to leave after Lin Bonian was imprisoned. Lin Bonian sighed repeatedly when he heard this, and finally gritted his teeth and wrote several letters of divorce and called the concubines.
Send them away one by one, and it will be over.
After lunch, everyone in the Lin family sat down together. This was a meeting called by Lin Jue. Everyone knew that this meeting would determine the future of the Lin family. Because the Lin family had too many things to solve now and it was too urgent. Lin Bonian returned safely.
The joy that followed was diluted by this heavy pressure in a short period of time. Therefore, after sitting down, everyone's face looked extremely serious.
Lin Jue had a smile on his face. After asking Lin Boyong and Lin Bonian to take their seats, Lin Jue slowly sat down in his seat. The eyes of everyone in the Lin family fell on Lin Jue, and they also saw Lin Jue's thumb for the first time.
Wearing the shiny purple ring that symbolizes the head of the Lin family.
"Uncle, second uncle, brothers. It is a rare thing for the whole Lin family to be reunited here today. The second uncle has returned safely, which is the greatest joy. Let us congratulate the second uncle together." Lin Jue said loudly.
road.
After hearing this, everyone stood up and bowed their hands to Lin Bonian. Lin Bonian blushed and stood up hurriedly. His face was full of shame, and his eye circles were red again.
"Thank you, head of the family, thank you eldest brother, thank you all nephews. I made a big mistake and implicated you all. I would not regret it even if I died in prison. However, you still rescued me and made me feel the power of the family.
, and even more ashamed and self-blame. I know that no matter how much I apologize, it will be difficult to make up for the harm to the Lin family. I am willing to be punished by family law. From now on, I am willing to do anything for the Lin family, even if it is sweeping the floor, carrying water, feeding the horses and chopping firewood.
, and willingly. Because I want to make up for my mistakes with my own actual actions. My life was given to me by everyone in the Lin family, and I will do my best for the Lin family until my last breath. Today you all will bear witness for me, Bonian
Be true to your word and never break your word."
Lin Bonian's words were extremely sincere, and this was indeed his state of mind at the moment. After causing such a great loss to the Lin family, he really hoped to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lin family. Many times, if a person does not experience a major
Lin Bonnian lived for more than fifty years, and he may have truly enlightened himself today.
"The second uncle's words are serious. The second uncle should not blame himself too much. I have said that no one in my Lin family should be given up, not to mention that the second uncle is a person who has made great contributions to the Lin family. He sells iron, kneels down and begs for permission.
I must also rescue my second uncle. This is the oath I have sworn. I would like to reiterate again that all the children of the Lin family, regardless of direct descendants, should understand one thing: the Lin family is the strongest backing for all of us. As long as you do not commit the crime
It is a heinous crime that is not tolerated by the world. The Lin family will not give up on you and will do their best for you. This is my first admonition after becoming the head of the family and I hope to inform all the brothers. Let them know this.
"
Lin Jue's voice was clear, but his words were firm. There was an air of no doubt. Everyone at the table finally got into the role and realized that it was the head of the family who was lecturing them. They couldn't help but straighten their backs and sit upright to show respect.
"What the head of the family said is true. Bonian's escape from death was due to the strength of the whole family. Although he paid a heavy price, the green hills left behind are still there, and he is not afraid of running out of firewood. I would like to express my opinion here. From now on
From now on, I am willing to obey the master's instructions, even if it is sweeping the yard or watering the flowers, I will do my best." Lin Boyong said solemnly.
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Thank you very much, uncle, but how could our Lin family be reduced to the point where the first and second uncles are required to work as handymen? Isn't that because Lin Jue is incompetent? But having said that, he has to compare the current problem with
Everyone. In fact, I don’t need to say more. We all understand the huge crisis that our Lin family is currently facing. Although we have reached an agreement with Prince Liang’s Mansion, the huge burden of 550,000 taels of silver every year is definitely a huge mountain on our heads. Facts
It’s not just 550,000 taels of silver. My Lin family’s livelihood and various expenses are also huge. I made a rough estimate and found that at least 50,000 taels of silver should be spent on various expenses every year.
.In other words, the goal is 600,000 taels. This is definitely a huge challenge."
Everyone in the Lin family was speechless, and everyone felt as if a huge stone was weighing on their hearts. How easy is it to earn 600,000 taels of silver a year? The Lin family's property is already huge, but the annual net income is less than 200,000 yuan. At present,
Some business volume needs to be tripled, so how can it be achieved?
Lin Bonian even lowered his head and sighed. He knew that this huge debt was caused by saving himself. So when he heard this, he felt even more depressed and turned pale.
"Master, I would like to make a suggestion. The expenses of each of our houses should be reduced to the minimum level. The monthly money and daily expenses should be reduced. The whole family should be frugal and frugal, and we should be able to save a lot of money. The monthly monthly bills in my house
Reducing it to twenty taels can save thousands of taels of silver for the family in a year. If every house does this, the household expenses can be reduced to about 10,000 taels a year. The amount of silver saved is not small." Lin Boyong
said in a deep voice.
"Yes, we will save a lot of money by cutting down expenses in each house. Also, the gold and silver jewelry, antiques, calligraphy and paintings at home can be sold off to meet urgent needs." Lin Song shouted.
"Agree, agree." All the young masters said one after another. The Lin family was still united at the critical moment, and no one dared to say they disagreed.
Lin Jue smiled and waved his hands and said: "Saving money is naturally a good thing, but it is not a good idea. The calligraphy, paintings, antiques and so on in the house are all bought and passed down by the ancestors and cannot be touched. It is easy to sell them, but you must also think about the ancestors back then.
It was not easy to buy, but it was passed down but was sold to us. Aren’t we the prodigal sons of the Lin family? The method of deducting the monthly payment is also not feasible. To be honest, the monthly payment for each house in my Lin family is not high. Many of the houses are based on
We can live on a few taels of silver per month. Even if it is deducted, it is not much money and it will not help the overall situation, but it will be a disaster for the people in these houses. They may not even be able to eat. Then we decided
What’s the point of trying our best to preserve the Lin family’s industry? Isn’t it just to preserve the industry and benefit the entire Lin family?”
Everyone nodded silently. Indeed, doing so would make the Lin family uneasy. In this difficult time, people should not be panicked, otherwise they might cause trouble.
Lin Jue pondered: "In my opinion, increasing revenue and reducing expenditure is the most important thing. Of course, we must also put an end to those extravagant and wasteful behaviors in the past. But increasing revenue is to open up new business and income sources. What we need most right now is this
.If the Lin family's current business structure is to earn 250,000 taels of silver every year, it will be an eye-opener for God. Therefore, there must be new sources of income. Once the source is alive, the whole business will be alive, this is my idea
.”
"Lin Jue, when you say that, do you already have some ideas? Why don't you talk about it? Don't beat around the bush. You are the head of the family, and we will support whatever decision you make." Lin Boyong said.
Lin Jue smiled slightly, nodded and said: "Uncle, I have really thought a lot these days. Everyone has entrusted me with the heavy responsibility of the Lin family, so naturally I can't live up to the family's expectations. I do have a plan, and I need it today
Let’s discuss this with you.”
"Oh?" Everyone in the Lin family suddenly became energetic. Lin Jue already had a plan, but he didn't know what kind of open source plan could solve the Lin family's crisis.
But when Lin Jue stood up, he cupped his hands and said, "Please wait a moment, I'll ask two people to introduce you."
Lin Jue stood up and left, leaving everyone in the Lin family staring at him.
Lin Bonian stood up and came to Lin Boyong's side, whispering: "Brother, is there anything Lin Jue can do?"
Lin Boyong said softly: "If he can't do anything, no one in my Lin family can do anything. Your matter is a fatal situation, and we are all helpless, but Lin Jue still rescues you safely. I don't believe anyone now, I just
Xin Linjue."
Lin Bonian nodded slowly and said: "Yes, except Lin Jue, no one can save my Lin family anymore. I hope it is a good plan. What I hope most now is that there is a way to reverse the situation and atone for my sins."
.”
Lin Boyong waved his hand and said: "Second brother, don't keep saying such things. Now it is no longer your problem, it is the whole Lin family's problem. We must also fully support Lin Jue now. The Lin family needs absolute unity now."
Lin Bonian nodded repeatedly and went back to sit down.
The waiting time was not long, and soon Lin Jue appeared beside the screen at the back door of the hall. There were indeed two people who came in with him, and they were two women. Most of the Lin family knew these two people.
Women, they are Xie Danhong and Xie Yingying from the original Wangyue Tower in Hangzhou.
"Let me introduce to you, this is Ms. Xie Yingying Xie, and this is Ms. Xie Danhong. Actually, everyone knows them, right? After all, they are all from Hangzhou. Sister Yingying, Sister Danhong, these are my Lin family
"This is my uncle, this is my second uncle, these are the sons of the eldest, second and third bedroom..." Lin Jue smiled and introduced them to both parties.
Xie Yingying was very nervous, her face turned slightly red, and she held a handkerchief in her hand and saluted everyone in the Lin family one by one. Although Xie Yingying had also seen big scenes, she would not be so nervous. But this was Xie Yingying's first time.
This was the first time I met everyone in the Lin family. I was going to marry Lin Jue in the future, so I felt like an ugly daughter-in-law meeting her parents-in-law, and she was extremely nervous.
Xie Danhong became even more nervous. Xie Danhong was born in a brothel, and eventually became a brothel madam. She was born in a lowly family, no matter how good the scenery was, she always felt that her enemies were inferior in her heart. The Lin family in Hangzhou was originally one of the largest families in Hangzhou.
, is considered a high-class person in Hangzhou, but when meeting these people, he will be three points shorter for no reason. At this moment, seeing the faces of the Lin family, old and young, staring at her, Xie Danhong was naturally extremely nervous.
For Lin Jue's sake, everyone in the Lin family maintained polite respect and returned the favor one by one. However, everyone was a little confused. What did Lin Jue want to do by letting these two women attend an important family meeting? It was a bit confusing.
Puzzling.
Lin Jue ordered people to arrange chairs for Xie Yingying and Xie Danhong to sit aside. Then he turned to everyone and said: "Uncle, second uncle, brothers. You should know that I opened a small business outside, and it was with these two
The Jiangnan Grand Theater is a joint venture. This Jiangnan Grand Theater specializes in performing performances for the public, similar to our Wase Theater in Dazhou. Someone in my Lin family has also seen it, so I won’t explain too much. In short,
Well, this is a business."
Lin Boyong frowned and said in a deep voice: "Lin Jue, don't you think...you want our Lin family to open a grand theater like this?"
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Uncle, you guessed it right. This is exactly what I had in mind. Otherwise, why would I have invited two Miss Xie here to do this?"
Lin Boyong pondered and said: "Lin Jue, I must remind you that my Lin family is not involved in this type of industry. I'm afraid this won't work."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Why can't we get involved? How come it doesn't work?"
Lin Boyong frowned and smacked his lips: "In short... it's just... inappropriate, very inappropriate. My ancestors of the Lin family have never done this kind of business."
Lin Jue laughed and said: "Uncle, my ancestors of the Lin family only relied on farmland and shops. Later, didn't they also do business overseas? Later, didn't they also start a shipping company? It was all done step by step, just adjusting the business strategy according to the situation.
It doesn't make sense for you to use this as a reason. I actually understand what uncle means. You just think this kind of business is immoral. Uncle said it bluntly, why bother beating around the bush."
Lin Boyong nodded and said: "As long as you understand, my Lin family does not engage in evil business."
Lin Jue sighed and said: "Uncle, what you said is not right. This is a serious business, and the people who engage in it are also serious people. Not all industries that entertain people are not serious. We
This Grand Theater is just writing scripts for people to perform the joys, sorrows, sorrows and joys of the world, so how can it be unseemly? If you don’t believe me, ask other people in your family if the Grand Theater is an unscrupulous business?"
Lin Boyong looked at everyone in the Lin family. Lin Bonian put his head in and whispered: "Brother, this is a serious way of making money through acting, not selling skin and flesh."
Lin Boyong frowned and said, "How do you know?"
Lin Bonian smacked his lips and said: "I...I have gone to see it. I have seen the Grand Theater opened by Lin Jue and others in the capital. It is very beautiful and attractive."
Lin Boyong rolled his eyes, turned to the others and asked, "Who among you has gone to see it?"
"I."
"And I."
"Dad, we've seen it too."
Almost everyone nodded for a while. Lin Boyong was stunned for a while and said: "It turns out that I am the only one who hasn't seen it. It seems that I thought wrong."
Lin Jue chuckled and said: "Yes, uncle used to be very strict with our children, and he naturally refused to go to such occasions, so it's normal that he hasn't seen it. I must take a look at it someday to avoid making a joke.
"
Lin Boyong smacked his mouth, touched his beard and said, "I always feel it's not appropriate."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Then uncle thinks it is appropriate for the royal family of Prince Liang to open a brothel?"
"this……"
"The two million taels of silver given to us by Prince Liang's Mansion may include the money earned from the brothel. Does the uncle think that the money is unclean? But the court did not feel afraid to enter, and it saved the second uncle's life.
.Do you think this silver should be used?" Lin Jue said with a smile.
