Chapter 95: Chapter 95: No One Is a Fool!

“Is it really that bad? How poor can they be?”

“After all, it’s the Emperor’s edict, and Lin Qingqing has put on such a compassionate act. If she’s going to send shoes made from old clothes to the border soldiers, that’s too disgraceful, belittling them!”

“Indeed, soldiers can certainly afford a pair of cotton shoes themselves, why would they need worn-out shoes from her?”

“Especially since General Gu personally inspects them. If they dare to send shoes made from old clothes, General Gu won’t let them off easily!”

“Who knows, that girl from the Lin family might have some mental issues, otherwise why would she make such a fuss over this during the New Year celebrations?”

“Indeed, what started as a charitable act has become a fiasco because of her. Neither the Emperor nor the Empress would appreciate her gesture now.”

These words gradually reached Lin Qingqing’s ears, causing her face to flush red with embarrassment.

At this moment, the three members of the Lin family tacitly chose to remain silent.

It had already become a joke; they didn’t want to create an even bigger one.

Mr. Lin and Mrs. Lin held their tongues until they boarded the carriage. Unable to contain his anger any longer, Mr. Lin slapped Lin Qingqing as soon as they entered, “Can you calm down already!”

“I used to think you were truly capable, but now, it seems the situations you cause escalate further every time!” Mr. Lin raged, “Are you planning to lose my official position for me?”

Mrs. Lin added, “I earnestly advised you this morning not to strive so hard; some things just can’t be achieved through sheer effort, but you refused to listen! Your eagerness has backfired on you.”

“Yet, that’s still not enough; you even drag your mother and me down with you,” Mr. Lin said furiously.

Lin Qingqing, covering her face in grievance, said, “It’s clearly Fu Mingzhu targeting me. If not for her words, things would have developed as I envisioned. Father, you would have received praise from the Emperor like Mr. Fu did.”

“You still don’t realize your mistake,” Mr. Lin fumed, “Do you think it’s just because of Fu Mingzhu’s few sentences?”

“If there were no one supporting her, her words wouldn’t have made an impact.” Though Mr. Fu’s position isn’t high, he’s well-connected in the court.

At today’s palace banquet, the reactions of those present were crystal clear to him.

“Clearly, others have had enough of you always using charity as an excuse and expecting them to join you. In the end, others spend the money, but you garner the good reputation.” Mr. Lin stated, “No one is foolish! Do you think you’re the only smart one, and others can’t see through it?”

“People naturally aren’t willing to be just the ones helping you make charitable gains, so they sided with Fu Mingzhu.” Mr. Lin sneered, “You often mock Fu Mingzhu for being stupid, but in my opinion, you’re the truly foolish one.”

“Is Fu Mingzhu really stupid?” Mr. Lin shook his head, “Today, she judged the situation well, not only gaining the title of Lady, but also allowing Mr. Fu to receive praise from the Emperor, much to the Emperor’s delight.”

“She dared to propose doing charity individually without involving others, because she already saw the others’ dissatisfaction.” Mr. Lin continued to realize Lin Qingqing’s foolishness, “She knew as long as she mentioned it, someone would definitely agree.”

“Those people just lacked someone to speak up first.” Mr. Lin explained, “No one wants to be the first one to risk appearing less charitable and displeasing the Emperor and Empress.”

“But Fu Mingzhu knew she had nothing to fear.” Mr. Lin hadn’t thought so clearly initially.

Only as he analyzed further did his mind become clearer, and he now understood Fu Mingzhu’s tactics.

“Because she’s done many charitable acts, the Emperor and Empress already approved of her.” Mr. Lin explained, “Even if she speaks out, no one would think of her as selfish, disregarding others.”

“Therefore, with her stepping up, others naturally echoed her sentiments.” Mr. Lin said, “Mark my words, those people will undoubtedly thank Fu Mingzhu today.”

“They’ll understand what Fu Mingzhu did, and after understanding, they’ll only be more grateful to her, treating her even better than before. They’ll realize Fu Mingzhu isn’t one to hoard benefits alone.”

“Once they realize Fu Mingzhu’s generosity, those ladies will naturally be more willing to associate with her,” Mr. Lin stated.

“Fu Mingzhu managed to figure out the situation in such a short time and act decisively.” Mr. Lin remarked, “But you still don’t get it.”

Lin Qingqing responded, “I just don’t have as much money as she does!”

“Why do I always have to involve others? Isn’t it because I lack enough silver coins?” Lin Qingqing never felt she was doing anything wrong. “If I could be like Fu Mingzhu with enough silver coins to do as I please, I could donate to the charitable hall, I could donate cotton clothes to the army.”

Isn’t it only because her family was failing that she had to find ways to achieve the maximum return with the least expense?

“Besides, this time, the Emperor and Empress didn’t seem displeased,” Lin Qingqing replied, “We actually helped the soldiers in a meaningful way, what’s wrong with that?”

“Mother had a good reaction today, suggesting you personally sew the shoes, showing more genuine intent,” Lin Qingqing concluded, “That’s much better than Fu Mingzhu just knowing how to spend money.”

“Qingqing.” Mrs. Lin remarked coldly, “It’s not just me sewing, it’s us.”

Lin Qingqing froze in disbelief, “What?”

“I used to indulge you too much,” Mrs. Lin continued, “Although our family isn’t affluent, considering your social endeavors and your association with Master Xiao, we needed to keep up appearances. So I never let you do anything exhausting, allowing you to maintain a refined demeanor, keeping your hands delicate. Spending our hard-earned silver coins on new clothes and jewelry for you, fearing you’d be looked down upon outside.”

“But now, since everyone knows our family’s situation, dressing you lavishly won’t make them regard you any higher,” Mrs. Lin mocked with a tug at her lips, “Furthermore, those ladies already know I keep wearing patched clothes at home.”

“Since that’s the case, even though your mother remains frugal, you shining so brightly isn’t suitable.” Mrs. Lin stated, “Today, when we return home, you’ll join me in sewing cotton shoes. Ensure a hundred pairs are completed within ten days.”

“You heard what those people said; we can’t use old clothes for sewing, we need to buy sturdy leather and cotton cloth,” Mrs. Lin declared, “But once we’ve bought these, there won’t be anything left.”

“This year, you won’t be purchasing any new clothes. Keep using the finer clothes from before for social occasions.” Mrs. Lin advised, “Wear more old clothes at home, and when they are worn out, just patch them up to continue wearing. After all, there’s no need to see others outside, no fear of anyone noticing.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep