Chapter 36: Father Against Husband
The moment she saw him, she could tell he was a strict man. Years on the battlefield had left their mark on him. His sharp eyes and commanding presence alone were enough to make most people lower their heads. He looked like the kind of father who wouldn’t hesitate to smack his children if they stepped out of line.
Yet, the longer she looked at him, the stranger she felt.
Lin Zhengfeng looked remarkably similar to her father in the modern world. They even shared the same name, along with the same stern expression and rough personality.
The only difference was that the Lin Zhengfeng in this world had never laid a hand on the original Lin Xueyi because he wanted to protect her appearance. The Lin Zhengfeng from her modern world, on the other hand, hadn’t even cared when his own daughter was left with a long stitched wound across her temple.
[If he were my late father, he would definitely slap me for getting my brother thrown into prison.] Lin Xueyi thought. [Then again... maybe this one wouldn’t hesitate to do the same since I married a prince they all consider "useless."]
That was exactly why Lin Xueyi insisted on keeping Rong Shuyan in the room. She even reached out and lightly grabbed the hem of his robe, making sure he wouldn’t wheel himself too far away.
After all, no matter how "useless" Rong Shuyan looked in the eyes of the nobles, no one would dare lay a hand on him openly. Not after the incident that had earned Princess Consort Rui so much sympathy.
"Xueyi, how are you feeling?" Lin Zhengfeng asked, starting with a simple greeting. His sharp eyes slowly swept over her, taking in her pale face and slightly tired appearance.
"I’m still cold, but I’m feeling much better than before, Father," Lin Xueyi replied.
Lin Zhengfeng took a deep breath before walking over to the bedside. Judging from his expression alone, he didn’t seem to be genuinely concerned about his own daughter, who had nearly drowned.
"Since you’re feeling better, I suppose you can finally begin to use your brain properly," Lin Zhengfeng said without warning.
Lin Xueyi frowned. She was about to respond, but Rong Shuyan spoke first. "What is that supposed to mean, Grand General?" he asked calmly. "I don’t believe there has ever been anything wrong with my wife’s brain."
Certainly, there was something wrong. But just because something was wrong didn’t mean it was a bad thing.
On the other hand, Lin Zhengfeng’s eye twitched. He hadn’t expected Rong Shuyan to step in and defend Lin Xueyi so quickly. To be honest, he still couldn’t understand why the prince had stayed in the room instead of leaving the father and daughter alone.
"With all due respect, Your Highness," Lin Zhengfeng said, "I would like a few moments alone with my daughter. There are some family matters I wish to discuss with her in private."
[No, Yanyan, don’t leave me alone!] Lin Xueyi cried inwardly. [Who knows what this devil will do if you leave me alone!]
It wouldn’t be surprising if Lin Zhengfeng tried to pressure her emotionally until she had no choice but to help Lin Chenghao get out of prison.
[Damn it! He looks way too much like my father!] she complained inwardly. [I’m scared that if he pressures me even a little, I’ll end up giving in without even realizing it.]
Therefore, she really needed Rong Shuyan to stay in the room with her.
On the other side, Rong Shuyan remained calm. His expression did not change as he gently rested one hand on the armrest of his wheelchair.
"I’m afraid I cannot agree to that, Grand General," he said calmly.
Lin Zhengfeng frowned slightly. Meanwhile, Rong Shuyan continued in the same polite tone. "Xueyi is no longer only your daughter. She is also my wife."
"According to tradition, a married woman follows her husband. As her husband, it is my responsibility to care for her well-being." He glanced at Lin Xueyi, whose face was still pale from the cold. "The Imperial Physicians instructed her to rest and avoid emotional distress. They specifically warned against anything that might tire her body or mind."
Rong Shuyan looked back at Lin Zhengfeng and inclined his head slightly. "I hope the Grand General will forgive my discourtesy, but I cannot allow my wife to discuss matters concerning other people at this moment."
His meaning was clear. Whether it was Lin Chenghao, the Lin family, or today’s incident, none of it would be discussed while Lin Xueyi was still recovering.
"I believe whatever needs to be said can wait until she has fully regained her health," he added.
Lin Zhengfeng gritted his teeth, though he was still trying to calm himself down. "Your Highness, this is an urgent matter. I don’t want a small misunderstanding to turn into something she’ll regret in the future."
[Regret what?] Lin Xueyi rolled her eyes. [How can a father know that his son pushed his own sister into freezing water and still think it’s just a simple misunderstanding?]
[Lin Chenghao might not have actually pushed me, but he could have done something even worse!]
[After all, he even threatened to knock me unconscious and drag me somewhere shady. Who knows what that devil was planning to do to me!]
Rong Shuyan’s pupils widened slightly upon hearing this for the first time.
He had initially planned to merely pretend to be angry, but now he genuinely wanted to burn Lin Chenghao alive.
"Grand General," Rong Shuyan said, his tone gradually growing colder. "Your son pushed my wife into freezing water. That is what the witness said. That is what my wife told me. With all due respect, if you still believe this is nothing more than a small misunderstanding, then I’m afraid I cannot allow you anywhere near my Xueyi."
"Guards!" Rong Shuyan shouted.
Lin Zhengfeng’s face darkened with anger. "Your Highness, I’m her father! Don’t I have the right to stay by her side?!"
Rong Shuyan met his furious gaze without flinching. "And I’m her husband."
He then turned to the guards waiting nearby. "Please escort Grand General Lin out," he ordered calmly. "Princess Consort Rui needs more rest."