The Moonlit Mirror

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Aunt Mu cried for a full quarter of an hour before gradually calming down.

Lin Zhiqing had initially wanted to comfort her, but Aunt Mu was the first to grab her hand: "Miss, you must never tell anyone about your memory loss!"

"Those people are just waiting for you to die. They'll definitely use this as an opportunity to cause trouble," Aunt Mu said through clenched teeth.

Lin Zhiqing nodded. Even without Aunt Mu's warning, she knew better than to reveal this. What was more important now was something else:

"Aunt Mu, my memories of the Lin family are completely blank. I'm not entirely confident about what's going to happen in three days."

Aunt Mu motioned for Lin Zhiqing to sit on the bed: "Miss, you need to listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you."

Her eyes kept darting to the door, and she leaned forward slightly, as if observing her surroundings or guarding against someone.

Then she sat on the low stool by the bed and let out a heavy sigh: "The Great Sheng Dynasty has existed for over a thousand years since its founding..."

The founding emperor had established the empire on horseback, valuing military prowess over civil officials.

The Lin family had produced several top scholars in the past, always following the path of civil service.

It wasn't until the old Marquis, Lin Qingshan, abandoned civil service for the military and defeated the Liang Kingdom—a long-standing enemy of Great Sheng—that the Lin family's status began to rise rapidly.

However, what rises must eventually fall.

The old Marquis suffered from injuries sustained over years of warfare and could no longer take to the battlefield. With the rise of young generals like the Duke of Pei and the Earl of Dingbei, the Lin family's influence in the military gradually waned.

It wasn't until the third son of the old Marquis, Lin Congrong, emerged that the Lin family's precarious situation was salvaged.

The old Marquis had three sons: the eldest was skilled in household management, the third, Lin Congrong, excelled in martial arts, and the fourth made significant achievements in civil service.

Lin Congrong was a prodigy. At fifteen, he secretly joined the military without the old Marquis' knowledge. During a campaign against the southern Wala tribes under the Duke of Pei, he distinguished himself with outstanding achievements, quickly rising to become a rising star in the capital. Enemy forces trembled at the mention of his name.

Noble ladies in the capital vied for his attention, and even the princess favored him.

But Lin Congrong made a grand gesture by marrying a commoner and securing a noble title for her.

Five years ago, during a war against the Liang Kingdom, Lin Congrong led a unit that was completely annihilated, and he was presumed dead.

The Lin family had no choice but to erect a cenotaph for him.

But a year later, Lin Congrong returned to Great Sheng with the head of an enemy general.

The emperor was so pleased that he granted Lin Congrong the unprecedented title of "Marquis of Wangshu."

The military hierarchy of Great Sheng was unique, with ranks divided into Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron.

Moreover, the laws of Great Sheng stipulated that only one member of a family could hold the title of Marquis or Earl.

The Lin family, with two marquises, was at the height of its glory.

However, disaster struck without warning.

During the investiture ceremony for the Marquis of Wangshu, the Imperial Censor suddenly accused Lin Congrong of treason and presented solid evidence.

The eldest son of the Lin family, in a show of righteousness, sacrificed his brother to ensure the safety of the rest of the family.

After Lin Congrong's death, his wife committed suicide in their home, and the Lin family's fortunes took a sharp downturn.

At this point, Aunt Mu sighed and got up to rummage under the bed.

After a while, she handed Lin Zhiqing a brocade box, gesturing for her to open it.

Lin Zhiqing had a vague premonition. She took the box and opened it.

To her surprise, inside lay a small bronze mirror, no larger than the palm of her hand.

"So, this Marquis of Wangshu... was my father?" Lin Zhiqing asked as she picked up the mirror.

Aunt Mu nodded: "Yes, Miss. Your father was Lin Congrong."

"This bronze mirror is the heirloom he and your mother left for you. It's called 'Wangshu.'"

In ancient times, mirrors were called "jian."

"Wangshu" means "moonlight."

Lin Zhiqing's grip on the mirror tightened.

So, this mirror held great significance for the original owner.

She flipped the mirror over, and her fair skin came into view.

Lin Zhiqing couldn't help but gently touch her face. It was an extraordinarily beautiful face.

Her skin was almost flawless, with delicate willow-leaf eyebrows that added a touch of softness, balanced by clear, autumn-water-like eyes.

Judging by her appearance, the original owner was as graceful and gentle as the moon, with a hint of coolness when she wasn't smiling.

It seemed the original owner's parents must have been exceptionally good-looking to have given her such a captivating face.

Moreover, Lin Zhiqing was slightly surprised. She had expected the bronze mirror to be dim and blurry, unable to clearly reflect a face.

But this mirror was remarkably clear, even showing the fine lines of her skin.

In addition, it was small and exquisite, with gold threads inlaid on the frame, forming delicate floral patterns. The craftsmanship was exquisite.

Seeing Lin Zhiqing caressing the mirror, Aunt Mu smiled faintly: "This mirror was obtained by your father after his first victorious battle. The fourth master of the family wanted it for a long time, but your father never relented."

"He gave it to your mother, and she left it to you."

Lin Zhiqing tightened her grip on the mirror: "My fourth uncle?"

As she spoke, the candle wick crackled and popped.

Aunt Mu picked up a pair of scissors and trimmed the wick, causing the candlelight to flicker.

"Indeed, the fourth master is exceptionally handsome, but his personality is rather unrefined. He's the only one in the Lin family who pursued a civil official career. Recently, he's been busy with the flood disaster in the eastern part of the city and hasn't been around."

"The eldest master, Lin Congli, lives up to his name—strict and rule-abiding. He has only one daughter, your cousin Lin Yangyang."

Lin Zhiqing nodded thoughtfully and put the mirror away: "What about my father? Isn't treason a crime punishable by the extermination of the entire family? Didn't the Lin family investigate the truth to clear his name?"

"The Lin family is full of cowards. They were afraid the truth might not be what they wanted, so they let Lin Congli sacrifice your father to save the rest of the family." Aunt Mu clutched her chest, speaking as if every word took immense effort.

Lin Zhiqing gripped the quilt tightly. The original owner's life had been so tragic.

Regardless of whether her father had truly committed treason, the original owner's position in the Lin family was precarious.

Both parents dead, alone and helpless, the child of a disgraced official.

Each of these factors ensured her isolation.

But these were already established facts. Lin Zhiqing quickly processed the information and turned to another key figure:

"Aunt Mu, is Jiang Liuyun my fiancé?"

At the mention of Jiang Liuyun, Aunt Mu's mood calmed, and she even managed a faint smile:

"Yes, the Marquis of Zhenyuan, Jiang Liuyun's father, came from humble beginnings. He once served as a deputy under your father, and the two were like brothers. You were betrothed to Jiang Liuyun when you were still in swaddling clothes."

"The Marquis of Zhenyuan is a man of principle. He didn't break off the engagement because of your father's downfall. Instead, he has shown you great care."

"Out of respect for the Marquis of Zhenyuan, the Lin family has never mistreated you openly."

Lin Zhiqing nodded slowly. Not mistreated openly, but what about in secret?

She didn't need Aunt Mu to tell her. A glance at the shabby furnishings in the room told her all she needed to know about the original owner's treatment.

However... Lin Zhiqing's gaze fell on the swords and sabers hanging on the cabinet.

Did the original owner know martial arts?

Noticing Lin Zhiqing's gaze, Aunt Mu sighed softly: "Those were gifts from Miss Yangyang."

"Miss Yangyang has always felt guilty about what happened to your father. But she's simple-minded and only knows how to wield swords and spears. Whenever she finds a good blade, she sends it over."

"But what use are they? A few quilts or some copper coins would be far more practical."

Then, as if afraid Lin Zhiqing might misunderstand, she quickly added: "Though Miss Yangyang's gifts aren't useful, her heart is in the right place. She often stands up for you when others bully you."

"Miss, I believe you won't harm Miss Yangyang." Aunt Mu's gaze was firm.

Lin Zhiqing smiled faintly: "Of course I won't."

Aunt Mu's words had given Lin Zhiqing a basic understanding of the situation, but she wouldn't take everything at face value.

Human hearts are hard to read. Without firsthand experience, who could tell who was truly good or bad?

For the rest of the night, Aunt Mu shared everything she knew with Lin Zhiqing.

Neither of them slept a wink.

[--------------------------------------------]

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