Didn’t Love You Enough 128

Chapter 128 – Temporary Imperial Residence, Part 5 (42.1)

Lin Jia Bao felt energetic after taking a nap.

He went to the courtyard where his parents were staying in and saw his mother, eldest sister, second sister, and younger sister. His mother told him that the crown prince had called his father and eldest brother away to introduce them to some officials.

Four children were chasing each other around and frolicking in the courtyard. The two older children, Lin Jia Cai and Lin Xiu Er, also joined in. Their laughter filled the courtyard. Lin Jin Er, Lin Li Er, and Wu Qiao Lan watched over them from the sidelines. The children’s laughter infected Lin Jia Bao and put him in a good mood. He talked and laughed. He even started to act coquettishly towards his mother.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Unfortunately, not long after, this warm and happy scene was broken by three uninvited guests. Lin Li Er looked at Ke Mei Li and her two daughters, and frowned. She had a feeling that they were up to no good. She ran over to them and straight up asked, “What did you come here for?”

“Li Er, you little girl*, why are you so rude! How can your husband’s family tolerate you with such a personality!”

[*T/N: She calls her 丫头 yatou, which can mean “girl” or “servant girl.” It’s used deprecatingly, but sometimes it’s also used as a term of endearment.]

Zhang Hui Niang pushed Lin Li Er to one side and had her watch over the children together with Wu Qiao Lan. “Forget it, she is your aunt after all. You should change your temper.”

Zhang Hui Niang could see that Ke Mei Li and her daughters had something to say, so she led them over to a nearby pavilion where they all sat down. Lin Jin Er saw this and also went over to join them.

Ke Mei Li was very envious when she saw that there was an exquisite and beautiful pavilion in Zhang Hui Niang’s courtyard. She thought that if she could successfully persuade Jia Bao in the following conversation, then in the future her and her daughters would be treated like Zhang Hui Niang. Thus, she said in a fawning tone, “Jia Bao, your Chun Er-jiejie* told me about it. She really put you in a hard place. I already scolded her, so don’t take offense, okay?”

[*T/N: 姐姐 jiejie means “older sister” and can apply to any woman that is older than you, but is also used as a way to express familiarity or to create a sense of closeness. Ke Mei Li purposely said “your Chun Er-jiejie” as opposed to “my daughter, Chun Er” to make the listener, which is Lin Jia Bao, feel closer to the person being talked about, which is Lin Chun Er.]

Lin Jia Bao really hadn’t taken it to heart. “It’s all right.”

Zhang Hui Niang and Lin Jin Er were very angry when they heard that Lin Chun Er had begged their Jia Bao to ask the crown prince for an official position for her father-in-law. This was clearly making trouble for their Jia Bao!

Ke Mei Li saw that they were angry and immediately pretended to wipe her tears. “Alas! Our Chun Er has a hard life. Even now her stomach is not showing any signs of life. Her days are tough in the Wang family! If her parents-in-law tell her to do something, she can only do it. Alas! She still doesn’t know how to report back when she returns! You guys, don’t blame our Chun Er anymore.”

Upon seeing this, Zhang Hui Niang’s side felt like they couldn’t say anything more.

Seeing that their attitudes have improved, Ke Mei Li continued talking. “Speaking of children, ah! I’m also worried about your Jia Bao. Jia Bao is a ger. It’s bound to be difficult for him when it comes to bearing children…”

Translations by Vanilla Muse. Read on vmnovels [dot] com

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hui Niang and her daughter immediately yelled angrily, “Ke Mei Li, what nonsense are you spouting!”

Ke Mei Li disregarded their anger and continued talking, “Sister-in-law, you guys, don’t be angry. I’m just speaking the truth. I only came to you to talk about this because I thought of a plan.”

“What kind of plan can you come up with?” Lin Jin Er said disdainfully.

Ke Mei Li pulled Lin Xia Er in front of her. “Look, our Lin Xia Er is about to reach marriageable age*. Wouldn’t it be great if she can also become a concubine of His Royal Highness? Xia Er and Jia Bao are cousins. When Xia Er gives birth to children, they can look after each other. Then everything would be great!”

[*T/N: 及笄 jíjī – a girl reaches marriageable age on her fifteenth birthday]

“You certainly have a beautiful imagination!” Lin Jin Er didn’t believe Ke Mei Li’s words. If they really succeeded, how could they truly have the sincerity to take care of her younger brother? It’s already good enough if they didn’t purposely harm Jia Bao.

“Scram! Get out of here!” How could Zhang Hui Niang not understand what they were really after.

Lin Li Er, who was eavesdropping on the side, jumped out and cursed at Lin Xia Er, “You, Lin Xia Er, how dare you set your sights on His Royal Highness! Reflect on your morality and conduct. You’re not even worthy of being Jia Bao’s maid! Get out and keep dreaming!”

“How am I not worthy? Whether I’m worthy or not is up to the crown prince.” Lin Xia Er said to Lin Jia Bao, “Jia Bao-gege*, please introduce me to His Royal Highness. In the future, His Royal Highness will definitely have a lot, a lot of women. I’m your cousin, so I will always be on your side. Jia Bao-gege you don’t have to worry, okay?”

[*T/N: 哥哥 gege means “older brother.” It’s used in the same way as “older sister.” Refer to a previous translator’s note. Lin Xia Er is trying to create a sense of psychological closeness with Lin Jia Bao to get him to let his guard down.]

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