At midnight, the moon is bright and clear, with waves of silver surging towards the sky. The lanterns on the corner towers at the river mouth seem like a bright star from afar. Several grassy islets appear to be quiet beasts crouching on the surface of the lake.

  A gentle breeze and a clear moon, with no waves stirring. Lin Xie and Zhang Yu Bo sat facing each other in the cabin of the boat, drinking wine and discussing national affairs, sighing incessantly.

  They stopped at Chaotianyi Ferry to send Gao Zhongting and Liang Wenbo ashore when the latest Tang report came back from the north. The city of Wuhexian, between Shiliang and Xuzhou, was also captured by Liu An'er's troops this afternoon, and in just three or five days, countless refugees gathered under Liu An'er's command, with Liu An'er claiming to have an army of 100,000 men.

  Although it's an exaggeration to say 100,000, there were still tens of thousands of disorganized people.

  Lin Xie had experienced the battle of Rao Yang Lake, and in Shanglin, he also came into contact with Hong Chui's daughter Liu Miao Zhen. Although the leaders of the Water Fortress were not all good, the fleeing bandits and refugees who were attached to them were also disorderly, but Liu An Er, Liu Miao Zhen and others had a high level of military training. Today, the three to five million mobs at Hongze Pu are still not a major threat, but if they are given time to get their act together, it's hard to say that they won't become a real threat to the Jianghuai region.

  "Gao Zongting didn't point out the danger of the riverbank today, but in a few days, Liang Wenbo will also reveal his own shortcomings. After all, Gu Tung County cannot produce unruly children, this responsibility Liang Wenbo cannot bear..." Zhang Yuber said.

  "Not necessarily," Lin Xian shook his head and said, "Liang Wenbo has been the county magistrate of Gutan County for three years, and the Liang family's new garden in Gutan County has merged with the fields to have five or six thousand mu. More than half of them are located at the northeast corner of the post station, separated from the river beach outside by a post road. If you want to relocate the refugees from the river beach, you will need to temporarily requisition his Liang family's land... The property is temporarily requisitioned, and there is no defense against it. I think Liang Wenbo is more worried that the refugees will occupy his Liang family's land and not leave. Maybe Liang Wenbo hopes that the Hongze Pu riot can be settled before the flood season."

  "It's really treating the affairs of state as a joke." Zhang Yubo sighed softly, turned his head and took a look, they had left the ferry terminal far away, and even the figures on the shore could not be seen clearly.

  Lin Xian gazed at the distant lake water, silent and unresponsive. At this moment, he didn't dare to have any expectations for this imperial court or its officials.

  ********

  The tower's lanterns guided the way, and sailing through the Zhāotiān Lake at night did not lead to a wrong direction. Arriving at the south bank was already dawn, Zhang Yubao had something to return to Jiangning, after landing, he went to Donghua Gate under the escort of his entourage.

  The riverbank was quiet, and the Lin family and the refugees from Upper Lin were all asleep. Although the conditions were harsh and chaotic, about 1,300 people had temporarily settled down with their families. Lin Xuan listened to Lin Jingzhong's brief report on the settlement situation and said, "Finally home," before going into a deep sleep in the back house of the thatched cottage.

  Lin Xie hadn't had a good rest for half a month since leaving Jiangning. He slept until noon, and when he woke up in a daze, he heard the sound of people quarreling outside his room, and it seemed like there was also a woman crying. Lin Xie didn't know what had happened again, so he lay in bed and listened for a while. The sounds from outside were very mixed, with women crying, but the voices were small and unclear, making it impossible to tell who was speaking. Since no one came in to disturb his sleep, it probably wasn't anything important. Lin Xie wanted to turn over and go back to sleep, but the bed creaked as he moved. Xiaoman heard the sound and walked in, saying: "The old master of the Lin family has passed away. The few madams have come to report the news and are waiting for you outside..."

  "Lin Tingxun is dead?" Lin Xian was startled, sat up with a bare upper body, and took the clothes handed to him by Xiao Man. In his heart, he pondered whether Lin Tingxun's death in Jiangning at this critical juncture was a good or bad thing.

  Xiao Man saw that he was just holding his clothes in his hand and walking around thinking about other things, so she asked him to open his hands and help him put them on.

  It was already May, and the weather had gradually become sweltering. Liu Yue'er and Xiao Man had started wearing lightweight silk dresses, but Lin Xie didn't like to wear silk shirts, so he wore a robe close to his body. When Xiao Man helped Lin Xie put on his clothes, she saw the copper coin-sized scar on his arm from the penetrating wound, and her heart ached as she gently stroked the scar with her finger, asking softly, "Does it still hurt?"

  "The scab doesn't hurt anymore," Lin said.

  Xiao Man also found that Lin Xie had a shallow wound on his chest, and her fingers touched it. As soon as her cool, smooth fingers like jade stone touched him, Lin Xie subconsciously shrank back, Xiao Man laughed: "How old are you, still afraid of itching!" Then she deliberately stretched out her small hand to scratch under Lin Xie's armpit, her arms almost embracing Lin Xie's naked body.

  "Haven't you woken up yet?" Liu Yu'er pushed open the door and came in, seeing Lin Xie and Xiao Man like this, she teased, "The old master of the Lin family has passed away, but you two are hugging each other."

  "What nonsense? I'm helping the young master get dressed." Little Man said with embarrassment, his small face flushing red, he quickly stood up straight and bowed his head to help Lin Mo put on his clothes seriously, thinking that the feeling of touching his skin was really comfortable, but at this time he didn't dare to touch him intentionally.

  "Hurry up and get dressed, Seventh Lady and Manager Lin are outside, I'll go fetch some water for washing." Yueliang turned around and walked out.

  Lin Xie lowered his head and looked at Xiao Man, who was seriously adjusting his collar with her head tilted. Her black hair was soft and smooth, her small face was exquisite, her cheeks were like bright pearls, and her lips were slightly upturned, like a clear spring. Lin Xie suppressed the thoughts in his heart and stood upright, letting Xiao Man help him put on his clothes properly. After washing his face with the water brought by Liu Yue'er, he went to the outer hall.

  Gu Ying stood in the corridor between the front hall and the back house, wearing a plain white dress. She was crying, her eyes red and puffy, but her face looked even more delicate and charming. It was as if she embodied the phrase "a woman's beauty is enhanced by mourning". The simple white dress set off her pale skin, which was like fine white jade, and her lips were a deep pink, like rouge. Her hair was slightly disheveled, adding to her allure.

  Gu Yingru looked at Lin Xie with a hint of sadness in her eyes, and said in a low tone: "The old master has passed away, please ask Lin Xiuzai to come over and discuss what to do next..."

  Lin tied walked past, grasped her hand in his and gave it a light squeeze before quickly letting go, then walked into the front hall.

  Lin Zhan walked into the outer hall, where Third Lady, Fourth Lady, Fifth Lady and Sixth Lady were all present with Young Master Lin Xuxi, all of whom were crying sorrowfully.

  Lin Tingxuan had been bedridden and unable to move or speak for over half a year. Everyone was mentally prepared for his passing, but the past few days of fleeing in panic and being temporarily settled in harsh conditions at the river mouth were extremely difficult for them. They were used to living in luxury and had never suffered like this before. Lin Tingxuan's death gave them an outlet to vent their emotions together, and their mood was naturally filled with grief.

  At the moment Lin Xie walked in, several ladies let out loud wails, disregarding their demeanor.

  Lin Jingzhong, Lin Mengde and three elderly members of the Lin family, as well as Lin Xuhong, a nephew who was closest to Lin Tingxuan, were all present. When they saw Lin Zhan walk in, they all stood up to greet him.

  Lin Jie said: "The bad news came one after another, the master of the house is the pillar of the Lin family. Now that the pillar has collapsed, the three ladies, four ladies, five ladies, six ladies, seven ladies, young master and three uncles are asked to mourn and change. Many things in the Lin family still need to be decided by everyone. If there's anything that needs to be done by Lin Jie, just give an order." He invited three clan elders to sit down and discuss matters, then bowed to Lin Mengde and said: "As for the funeral arrangements, let the ladies and uncles decide. If there's anything to be done, just instruct Jingzhong to take care of it; please accompany me, Uncle Mengde, to pay our last respects to the master..."

  The second enclosure on the river side has been completed, and the Lin family came to Jiangning to take refuge. Lin Jingzhong squeezed out five separate courtyards and temporarily settled the Lin family inside.

  Unlike the exquisite courtyards of the Lin family's mansion, the separate courtyards in the surrounding houses were very simple, with earthen walls and thatched roofs. There were only three main rooms and two wing-rooms in each courtyard, which could barely accommodate ordinary families. For the Lin family, who were used to enjoying grand mansions, it was truly a great hardship.

  The ordinary refugees who escaped from Shanglin Li had even more difficult living conditions, usually a family of several people crowded into a small and simple hut to shelter from the wind and rain; however, ordinary civilians were also easily satisfied, they could still have hot meals on their escape route, they could still have huts to shelter from the wind and rain, which was already reassuring for them.

  Of course, the Lin family's industries in Jiangning are not small either. It is also possible to prepare one or two large courtyards in the city to accommodate several madams at any time. Moreover, the Ji Yun Ju in the city is empty. However, Lin Mengde and others remembered that Lin Fu had instructed them to wait for his return to make decisions on various matters when he was in Gutang County, so they found many excuses with Lin Jingzhong and others to let everyone temporarily stay in the river mouth.

  Lin Tie returned at dawn, when everyone was still asleep. He himself was exhausted and hadn't had a chance to worry about the Lin family's living arrangements or the refugees who had escaped to Upper Lin Village.

  Walking out of the thatched cottage, towards the surrounding house where Lin Tingyun was staying, Lin Xie asked Lin Mengde: "Why did everyone come to the thatched cottage?"

  Lin Tingxuan's passing itself is not particularly surprising, the key is how his aftermath will be handled.

  Lin Tie is a collateral descendant who has already set up his own household, and he cannot be in charge of the funeral. Even if the various madams and three clan elders consider that the river mouth is his territory, they can just send someone to report the death and invite him to discuss the aftermath together, there is no need for them to come to the grass hall together to discuss the funeral.

  "The master of the house was lucid for a moment before he passed away, and had several madams, clan elders, and me called over, but didn't have time to notify you..." Lin Meng said.

  "There's no need to inform me, I already know," Lin Xie said, "does the master of the house have any last words?"

  "The master of the house knew that he was going to pass away soon and told everyone to support the young master with all their might. He also said that you are still a member of the Lin family, and hoped that after his death, the ladies and elders would persuade you to agree to let the Ji Yun Society return to the Lin family!" Lin Mengde said.

  "Huh," Lin Xie stopped in his tracks, looking at Lin Mengde, and asked, "Is it true or false?"

  "Can this be lied about?" Lin Meng said with a bitter smile, "It's not just me who was present."

  Lin Xie's hands were tied behind his back, and he was supporting his chin. After two groups of people walked by, looking at him strangely, Lin Xie realized that he had been distracted. He continued walking forward, asking Lin Mengde, "Do you think the Second Master and the Young Master will be suspicious?"

  "What suspicions could the Second Master and the Eldest Young Master have? What suspicions could they have?" Lin Meng asked back.

  "Lin's family can't afford to be tossed around..." Lin Jian sighed, "Things won't be that simple either."

  Lin Mo didn't expect that Lin Tingxun had been bedridden for half a year, unable to speak or move, but his mind was clear. After all, he didn't know what Lin Tingxun thought before he died and made such a decision.

  Shanglinli fell, and most of the Lin family fled to Jiangning. If Jiyun Society could return to the Lin clan at this time and support the 11-year-old Lin Xuexi as the head of the household, then Lin Xian would naturally be able to take charge of all matters of the Lin family in a legitimate manner, controlling the Lin family with his own hands.

  If only things were that simple.

  The most critical issue now is no longer whether Lin Tingxun's will is true or false, but whether the two old masters, Lin Tingli and Lin Xuwen, will recognize such an arrangement; secondly, Lin Zonghai has been jumping up and down for more than half a year to control the power of the Lin family, can he just sit back and watch as he gives his daughter away in marriage?

  As he walked into the temporary mourning hall prepared for Lin Tingxun, Lin Tingxun had already been changed into a shroud when he passed away, and was now lying on the door plank of the hall; Lin Xie looked at Lin Tingxun's emaciated body, which was nothing but skin and bones, and couldn't guess what he had thought before making such a decision.

  Lin Xuan stretched out his hand and touched Lin Tingxun's hard and icy wrist, before making up his mind to say to Lin Mengde: "Since the master said that everyone should support Young Master, then we'll follow the master's will; however, I won't participate in any major or minor matters of the Lin family. It's not time for the Ji Yun Society to return to the Lin family yet..."

  "Why?" Lin Meng asked in puzzlement, "The Lin family has suffered a great setback, and I think no one is more suitable than you to lead the Lin family out of trouble. Even if the two old masters and the eldest young master will have doubts, but the words of the deceased head of the household were heard by several madams and clan elders, it's true and can't be faked; no matter what happens in the end, I will stand on your side."

  Lin Mengde was anxious in his heart, over the years, although he had been in charge of Jiangning, he always thought that he was just a collateral branch, and did not have a deep sense of belonging and self-satisfaction with his position in the Lin family. Rather than supporting the young and ignorant young master, he would rather assist Lin Xuan in grasping the power of the Lin clan.

  It was the best time for Lin Xie to take control of the Lin family, with the support of heaven and earth, and the will of the former master Lin Tingxuan. However, he did not expect that Lin Xie would retreat instead.

  The Lin family suffered a great loss when Shanglinli fell, but the wealth of gold and silver that had arrived in Jiangning was worth no less than 200,000 taels. The Lin family's industries in Jiangning, managed by Lin Mengde, were also substantial. Even if Shanglinli was occupied by bandits and rebels, even if the Lin family's mansion and all their valuables were looted or destroyed, the Lin family still owned two thousand hectares of good land around Shanglinli and hundreds of hectares of property within it. Once the government recaptured Shanglinli, these properties would naturally return to the Lin family.

  Lin Mengde never thought that Lin Xie would retreat at such a good opportunity, and he hastily said to Lin Xie: "You are a decisive person, why are you hesitating now?"

  Lin tied up quietly looked at Lin Mengde and asked: "Uncle Mengde, can I trust you?"