Lin Can's joy upon hearing this is another matter.
These past few days, the situation at Lin Shu's home has been very tense.
Lin Zhongfu, as a clan elder, also tried to persuade her, but Lin Ke'an's family was adamant and refused to let Lin Shu stay at home any longer. The clan could do whatever it wanted, but it couldn't interfere with other people's marriages.
Lin Shu refused to follow the clan's advice—she cut her hair and went to a nunnery. She had done nothing wrong, so why should she be sent to a nunnery?
The situation is currently at a stalemate, but the Lin clan members believe that, given Lin Shu's personality, she will ultimately be unable to persuade her sister-in-law to give in. She will have to choose between getting married and entering a nunnery.
Li Qingyao suggested that Lin Can's mother act as an intermediary to first inquire about Lin Shu's wishes. If she was willing, Li Qingyao would then examine Lin Shu's academic abilities. If she was indeed talented, the matter would be settled.
Lin Can was overjoyed; how could he not know how outstanding Sister Lin Shu was?
He quickly went to tell his parents about it, and Lin Can's mother was indeed willing to cooperate and went to invite Lin Shu to come over.
After all, it wouldn't look good if a group of men went to Lin Shu's house looking for her; it would be better if Lin Shu came to her door.
When Lin Shu received the invitation from Lin Can's mother, her sister-in-law was at home making a scene. Lin Shu was truly relieved when someone from the Lin family came looking for her.
Her parents had passed away, and she was a widow who had returned home, so her brother and sister-in-law could control her life.
My elder brother is weak-willed, while my sister-in-law is capable and shrewd. She was the one who handled most of our parents' funeral arrangements.
In this respect, my sister-in-law's actions were beyond reproach. Being divorced and sent home damaged my niece's reputation, and she was also extremely distressed.
Her sister-in-law couldn't tolerate her anymore, and her pleas were useless.
But she really didn't want to get married again. Why should she have to choose between getting married and going to a nunnery? Couldn't she have other options?
Is death really the only option for her? She was unwilling to accept it.
Lin Shu felt angry and pained.
The eldest brother was caught in the middle, in a dilemma. That's just his nature, so Lin Shu didn't blame him.
Why blame the eldest sister-in-law? The eldest sister-in-law loves her daughter dearly; she's just not important enough to her. Besides, she heard that the matchmaker her sister-in-law found was the best in Changfeng County. The eldest sister-in-law's vision only allowed her to do so much.
Blame herself? She couldn't.
After thinking it over and over, there was no one to blame, which was extremely funny.
“Sister-in-law, my aunt asked me to come over; she must have something to tell me.”
Lin Shu cautiously reported to her sister-in-law, but her sister-in-law kept a long face and ignored her.
Lin Shu didn't expect a response from her, and after saying that, she was about to leave the house.
“As the eldest sister-in-law, your elder brother and I have the right to interfere in your marriage. Think it over carefully and give me an answer within three days.”
Just as Lin Shu was about to step out of the house, her sister-in-law gave her an ultimatum from behind.
Lin Shu didn't stop walking; she went to Lin Can's house with a heavy heart.
"Shuniang, there is good news today. Li Xiucai, Can'er's classmate, is staying at my house these days."
I've heard of your exceptional talent. The Li family is currently seeking a female tutor, primarily to provide early education for the girls in the village. Are you interested?
"Auntie, is it Li Xiucai?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Shu's haggard face brightened, and her eyes sparkled.
"Have you ever heard of the Li family workshop in Shao County? That's their place. If you're interested, Scholar Li would like to have a chat with you."
If it's feasible, their family is willing to hire you as their tutor, and the clan will provide for you in your old age.
"I do!"
This must be considered impatient. Lin Shu never expected to hear such good news from her aunt.
“I knew you would agree. Please wait here with me for a moment. The maid has already gone to invite that scholar, Li.”
Lin Can's mother was also deeply moved.
"You've really met a benefactor, kid."
——————
"Greetings, Young Master Li."
Before long, Li Qingyao followed Lin Can up with the servants.
"Is Lady Lin well?"
Lin Shu felt nervous. This child was young, and it was uncertain whether he could make the decision. Although she agreed to take the test, she still felt that Li Qingyao was being somewhat hasty and did not dare to fully trust him.
"Young Master Li, can you really make that decision?"
"Please forgive me, Madam Lin. When I heard about your deeds, I wrote home and received a positive reply the day before yesterday."
"Really?! I am a divorced woman, a jinx to my husbands, and your family doesn't mind?"
"Yes, absolutely."
Li Qingyao did not give a perfunctory answer; he gave a sincere and affirmative reply.
Lin Shu felt as if she had finally seen the sunlight after the fog had cleared from the world.
It turns out that she really did have other paths to take.
Li Qingyao seriously posed some questions, and Lin Shu truly lived up to the reputation of being a talented woman, as Lin Can had described.
He can readily cite classic historical facts and speak eloquently about them.
She was very confident when talking about these things. Yes, Li Qingyao used the word "confident" to describe Lin Shu's answering of the questions.
It's hard to imagine that such a woman would be treated this way by her husband's family and her own family.
It was difficult for the woman.
After answering questions for about 15 minutes, Li Qingyao stopped asking questions, a smile on his face.
"Lady Lin, that's enough."
"Young Master Li, may I?"
"Madam Lin, here is the contract. You can take a look at it first. Tomorrow, we will come to your home to formally invite you to be our tutor."
Lin Shu stepped forward and took the contract, her hands trembling.
"That's great, Sister Lin Shu, congratulations!"
After offering his congratulations, Lin Can left with Li Qingyao.
Lin Can's mother nudged Lin Shu, bringing her back to her senses.
"Hurry home and explain this to your brother and sister-in-law."
"Yes, yes, thank you very much, Auntie."
The Li family saved me from dire straits, and I will never let them down.
Lin Shu flew out of the Lin residence like a little bird and returned home.
From then on, the sky was high and the sea was wide, allowing her to roam freely.
That day, Lin Shu told her brother and sister-in-law about the family that had hired her to be their tutor.
"Is that really true?!"
“Indeed, brother. Tomorrow that family will formally come to our door to propose marriage. From now on, the Li family will take full responsibility for your well-being, health, and death.”
"Great, Ashu, this is exactly what you wanted!"
“Ah Shu has been talented since childhood. When her father was still alive, he often said that it was a pity that Ah Shu was not born a boy. This family really has a discerning eye.”
Lin Shu's elder brother, Lin Ke'an, was pacing around the house, overjoyed that his sister had such good fortune.
On the other hand, he was being coerced by his wife. Torn between his younger sister, with whom he had grown up, and his daughter's reputation, he was truly torn.
He wasn't a good older brother, but at this moment, he truly breathed a sigh of relief; there couldn't be a better ending.
"Who is this Li family? Are they trustworthy? Where do they live? How did they find us?"
Unexpectedly, Lin Shu's sister-in-law didn't say anything else after hearing this, but only asked for information about Lin Shu's employer, as if she was afraid that Lin Shu would be deceived.
Lin Shucheng, out of gratitude, told the two of them everything she knew.
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