For Lin Min, this incident was not a great matter; she had people handle it, and afterward, Father Lan would naturally clean up the mess, ensuring it would never implicate her. However, for an affair she thought was secured, the final slip-up not only caused her to lose face in front of her husband but also left her deeply frustrated in the presence of her daughter-in-law, Ning Yunhuan.

Having grown quite weary of staying at the Lin residence recently, she instigated this drama, only for Lin Maoshan to ground her, forbidding her from running around. Although concealing the political scandal of the Su family somewhat eased Lin Maoshan’s mind—since what he desired was the return of central authority, not the destabilization of Huaxia—Lin Min was simply too willful, even going so far as to hire someone to run over a pregnant woman. Lin Maoshan felt his daughter was becoming increasingly intolerable. After decades with Father Lan, she was more headstrong than when she was a young girl. He couldn't fathom what Father Lan had done to brainwash her into acting with such arrogance now.

Lin Min held a certain measure of fear towards Lin Maoshan, but unwilling to remain confined, she simply called Ning Yunhuan over to keep her company, perhaps have some tea, and enjoy a beauty treatment to pass the time more quickly.

Just finished with their spa treatments, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, both glowing, sat in the main hall wrapped in bathrobes, too lazy to change, sipping floral tea and chatting. Lin Min frowned:

“It’s much more comfortable at home. Coming back to my parents’ house, I’m treated like a criminal instead of a guest.” Lin Maoshan had scolded her with a dark face several times recently. Lin Min hadn't been chastised like this since getting married, and naturally, she couldn't stand it. Coupled with Father Lan having ongoing business in Huaxia that required his presence, Lin Min complained a little. Ning Yunhuan, knowing exactly what she referred to, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle: "Grandfather means well. You didn't believe me then, but I told you, this Miss Gu possesses a kind of magical ability to turn danger into safety. Forget being hit by a car; even if a building exploded, she’d likely be the sole survivor."

Lin Min’s mouth twitched. While she still found the situation bizarre, having personally experienced such an event, she was less inclined to refute Ning Yunhuan’s words than before, leaning toward a state of half-belief.

“Forget about her. But I’m coming over to your place tomorrow, and I’ll call your mother too. We can all four play mahjong together.” Lin Min felt bored again, touching her cheek. “The techniques at the Lin family now are getting mediocre; they don't even compare to when we were abroad.” She was referring to the manual skills of the estheticians during beauty and body treatments. Ning Yunhuan remained quiet; this was an obvious point. Although the Lin family had deep roots for many years, their focus was on the work of the Head of State. After spending time with the Lin family, Ning Yunhuan could sense the ancient, principled virtues in the older generation, especially Lin Maoshan—many of their practices relied on domestically produced items, and Lin Maoshan truly did not crave luxury or indulge in sensuality.

In Ning Yunhuan’s view, while her maternal grandfather’s methods were indeed formidable, his fairness and impartiality—though partly motivated by family interests—meant he wouldn't excessively plunder Huaxia's wealth, making him a far better Head of State than those driven by personal greed. The Lin family had accumulated wealth over a century, but they were not like the Lan family, whose lineage stretched back hundreds of years.

Moreover, the Lan family engaged in activities like robbery, smuggling, and all sorts of clandestine businesses—who didn't know how profitable such ventures were? Father Lan had been exceedingly generous just to have Ning Yunhuan change her son’s surname to Lin. The Lan family was undoubtedly far wealthier than the Lin family, so it was only natural that some things from the Lin family wouldn't measure up to the Lan family's standards. Lin Min understood this, and Ning Yunhuan knew that her complaining was actually rooted in her desire to leave, having been pressured by Lin Maoshan.

As they were speaking, a maid in a pristine white uniform hurried in from outside: “Miss, the Mu family has arrived.”

Hearing this, Lin Min waved a hand languidly, “I’m not going.”

“I heard the Mu family head has taken a mistress now…” Before the maid could finish, Lin Min sprang up, quickly pulling Ning Yunhuan to her feet, while simultaneously ripping her clothing with a swish: “Hurry and change clothes for my daughter-in-law!”

Having spent time together, Ning Yunhuan knew her mother-in-law had a fiery temperament. Although she could be maddeningly infuriating when they were at odds, once she accepted and protected someone, she was absolutely wholehearted. Sometimes Ning Yunhuan actually felt her mother-in-law lived a rather fortunate life—unaware of many things, acting on impulse without needing to compromise herself, living more simply and transparently than anyone else.

Just as she was awkwardly trying to cover her chest, a group of women swarmed her, patting and touching her to get her dressed quickly.

The place where the two women had been getting treatments was still about a four or five-minute walk from the main Lin residence. Lin Min was now sprinting in her high heels, and Ning Yunhuan, wearing soft lambskin boots, couldn't keep up. Pulled along by Lin Min, she was gasping for breath, sticking out her tongue to ask, “Mom, why are we running so fast?”

“The excitement surrounding my cousin isn't something to miss. Run faster, and we can see more of it.” Because of Mu Jinyan, Lin Min harbored resentment towards the Mu family and now eagerly wished to witness their downfall. Having vented her own anger, she wanted Ning Yunhuan to watch too. Although Father Lan had mentioned that Ning Yunhuan might not know the full story of her own kidnapping, Lin Min still felt indignant.

The spectacle surrounding the Mu family was likely the kind of gossip only someone of Lin Min's status dared to attend. Ning Yunhuan stopped talking, letting herself be dragged along for a few more steps until they reached the main Lin residence. In the cold weather, both women were flushed from running. As soon as she entered, Lin Min handed her scarf and coat to a servant, then proceeded with elegant steps into the room. Ning Yunhuan handed over her clothes too. Inside, she saw Tian Yuxin sitting on the sofa next to Mu Mingli, crying with an expression as if struck by lightning.

Since Lin Maoshan resumed his position as Head of State, he didn't stay at his office every day. The old fox no longer handled everything personally, instead delegating tasks to trusted and familiar subordinates. Governing Huaxia under him appeared more orderly than it had under Father Su. Where his predecessor saw a mountain of chaotic official duties, Lin Maoshan, wielding his authority like scissors, swiftly streamlined everything.

Consequently, while Lin Maoshan devoted some effort to public affairs, the rest went toward Lin Yi. Judging by the way Lin Maoshan frequently held Lin Yi in his arms, many descendants of the Lin family seemed to have grasped something significant. Suddenly, the third-generation heirs, regardless of whether they had finished enjoying their youth, were either rushing to find spouses or being pressured by their parents into arranged dates. Given the Lin family's status, many were eager to attach themselves. However, even though these third-generation members were anxious, the Lin family's standing meant not just anyone could marry in. Thus, while some engagements were announced, the actual wedding awaited Lin Maoshan's final decree.

“Enough.” Lin Maoshan had only just returned home that day and immediately encountered this. Tian Yuxin’s weeping was giving him a headache. Fortunately, Lin Yi, sitting securely in his arms, was unaffected by this woman’s distress. Lin Maoshan felt satisfied, and his affection for Lin Yi deepened. Initially, he had only intended for Lin Yi's existence to serve as motivation for the Lin descendants and as a potential catalyst for cooperation with Father Lan. But unexpectedly, this contingency plan had blossomed into genuine affection for his nominal great-grandson.

Lin Yi was clever and adorable, much like Lan Lingyan in her youth. Furthermore, Lin Maoshan didn't need to maintain the stern demeanor in front of Lin Yi that he showed the other Lin descendants. And because of their blood tie, he didn't have to fear that spoiling Lin Yi might cause Lin Yi’s parents to harbor ill intentions towards the Lin family. As a result, Lin Maoshan poured all the boundless affection of a doting grandparent onto Lin Yi. Currently, he was likely the most cherished child among the elder Lin couples.

“Cousin-in-law, what is the meaning of this? Shao Hua has actually…” Tian Yuxin wept tearfully while her eyes showed a hint of blame. “He was always so decent. It’s only because everyone during the election was related, and Cousin-in-law didn't speak a good word for him, leaving him in an awkward position, that he went out and found that vixen to spite me…”

Since Mu Shaohua’s parents were gone and Mu Mingli was the only elder aunt he had, Tian Yuxin sought Mu Mingli to uphold justice, and Mu Mingli was willing to address Mu Shaohua's behavior—it was indeed unbecoming for someone of his age to act this way.

However, the implication in Tian Yuxin's words—suggesting Mu Shaohua’s current state stemmed from Lin Maoshan not yielding the position to him—made Mu Mingli feel uneasy.

Dignity and reputation are not bestowed; they are earned. Tian Yuxin sought others’ acknowledgment and support without considering what qualifications she possessed. Despite being married into the Mu family for years and bearing two sons, one lacked guile entirely, and the other was overly guileless. Mu Mingli, whose own sons were often overlooked by her husband, suddenly seemed to grasp Mu Shaohua's mindset. Lin Maoshan’s inner conflict was similar to Mu Shaohua’s, but Lin Maoshan could demand rigor from himself; at most, he would adopt a child and raise him personally, unlike Mu Shaohua, who remained somewhat pedantic, believing a biological son was better than letting the Mu family fall into outsiders' hands.

In that instant, Mu Mingli felt a surge of irritation. She understood Mu Shaohua, yet felt his actions were too rash. If this matter were to be exposed, especially while the fallout from the Su family was still settling, it could deliver a heavy blow to the Mu family from political rivals.