Chapter 250: When Will You Find a Wife?

Chapter 250: When Will You Find a Wife?

Lin Nuo’s mother was named Xia Hanmo, a small-class noble by birth, who had received a fine education from a young age. One could say she was a well-read and cultured lady—in the eyes of commoners, at least.

However, those small-class nobles like Xia Hanmo held a lowly status within the Lin family.

Xia Hanmo was a soft and fragile woman, often found sitting alone at the far end of the corridor, patiently embroidering.

She shared a somewhat similar experience with Lin Nuo; both felt marginalized and alone, often stitching away in a corner.

He, too, would hide away and write in his diary.

Of course, he wasn’t doing anything weird; writing a diary was pretty normal.

Hearing approaching footsteps, Xia Hanmo instinctively looked up.

She saw three figures walking toward her, and in the center was the familiar boy who increasingly occupied her thoughts.

“Nuo’er? Is that really you?”

The embroidery needle slipped from Xia Hanmo’s hand as she stood up excitedly.

It was her child, Lin Nuo.

Right, it was a festive occasion for the Lin family; the child would return to celebrate—what a joyous day for the family!

Who was beside Nuo’er?

Oh, it’s Ruo’er, the diligent and capable maid who served her child.

And next to her?

Xia Hanmo was seeing Su Kexin for the first time and thought she looked quite sweet and adorable.

Is this the girl Nuo’er brought back?

“Nuo’er, you’re back! Come and sit!”

“Mm, Mother, I’m back.”

Lin Nuo stopped in front of Xia Hanmo and spoke softly.

Xia Hanmo’s face appeared somewhat haggard and weary, but upon seeing Lin Nuo, her expression brightened, regaining some elegance.

“Nuo’er, it’s been a long time! You’ve grown taller and stronger! Nuo’er is doing well, being summoned to the renowned Xuanyun Sect to study under a respected Master—Mother is really happy.”

In truth, Xia Hanmo didn’t understand much and had little information. She only knew the Xuanyun Sect was a place sought after by the common people, and being called there was undoubtedly a moment of family pride.

She always thought Lin Nuo was an amazing child and had always been proud of him.

With not much else to concern herself with, this child was her only attachment.

“Hello, Lady~”

“Hello, Auntie~”

Ruo’er and Su Kexin greeted politely, their soft and sweet voices bringing comfort to Xia Hanmo.

“Hello, Ruo’er! Thank you for taking such good care of my Nuo’er. And who might this young lady be?”

“Hello, Auntie, my name is Su Kexin. I’m Junior Martial Sister to Lin Nuo. I’m very grateful for the guidance he’s given me. I heard about the Lin family celebration and came specially to join. This is our first meeting; I brought a small gift since I didn’t know what you would like—please don’t mind me.”

Su Kexin took a beautiful, shining jade hairpin from her dress and handed it to Xia Hanmo.

Originally, she intended to gift Lin Nuo’s parents both, but due to the crowd at the family gate, she felt embarrassed to present her small offering.

Now, she thought not gifting them was the right choice.

She had a faint sense that Lin Nuo had some distance from his father, and he seemed reluctant to converse with him.

Perhaps there were underlying conflicts or family troubles better left unspoken; sending gifts might complicate things further.

Gift-giving to his mother should be acceptable; after all, Master Nuo had initiated the visit to his mother.

This hairpin was a significant purchase for her, as her savings weren’t ample, and this lavish gift was a real stretch.

“No, no, Miss Su, your presence is already a delight—there’s no need for gifts.” Xia Hanmo quickly declined.

“No, Auntie, this is just a small token of appreciation; please accept it.”

“No, you really should take it back.”

“Please, Auntie, accept it.”

The two went back and forth, one wanting to give and the other to return, the hairpin going to and fro, making Lin Nuo dizzy.

Are you two practicing Tai Chi? Even the square-dancing aunties don’t do this!

“Just take it, okay?”

Lin Nuo snatched the jade hairpin from Su Kexin’s hand and stuffed it into Xia Hanmo’s hands, and gently nudged Su Kexin aside to create some space, so they wouldn’t keep pushing it back and forth.

“Nuo’er, it’s not good to cause a girl to spend for her first visit. Quickly, take it back.”

“Alright, alright, just keep it. It’ll bring you good luck.”

Exactly! It’s a gift from the protagonist, a divine blessing from above—how could one turn it down? That would be a disaster!

Achievement unlocked: scored a free protagonist’s hairpin! Time to jot this down in my diary.

“How’s everything at the Lin family lately?” Lin Nuo asked.

“Pretty good! Everyone has treated me well. I chat and drink tea with other noble ladies, and it’s quite enjoyable,” Xia Hanmo said with a warm smile.

Lin Nuo stated plainly:

“If it gets unpleasant, you can move out.”

“Ah, Nuo’er, what are you saying? No, it’s lively here, and I’m living just fine without moving out.”

“The foster mother of Ruo’er has already been settled for you. If you worry about being lonely, you can move in with her. We’ll hire servants, and you can still enjoy a noble lifestyle.”

“Nuo’er, really don’t! I’ve been living here for many years…”

Xia Hanmo forced a smile, pushing away Lin Nuo’s good intentions.

“The past can’t be changed, but the future can.”

Lin Nuo continued, ignoring his mother’s words.

“That person doesn’t care about you, and neither does the family. It’s pointless staying here. They wouldn’t care if you left. Just say you want to return to visit your family and don’t come back after that.”

“Mm…”

Xia Hanmo was momentarily speechless.

Indeed, her husband had a whole harem, and they were of higher status than her; she had been isolated for a long time.

She knew that as long as she stayed in this house, she’d have a chance to see her child, especially during festive celebrations, when Lin Nuo would come home to visit her.

“Nuo’er, it’s not as simple as wanting to leave. Your father may not care about me, but my absence would greatly affect his reputation. I seek nothing more than to see you safe and sound.”

“Submitting to oppression and passively enduring will only lead to greater exploitation. If he seeks trouble with you, I won’t stand by.”

“Alright, alright, you just got back—let’s not talk about this.”

Xia Hanmo hurriedly interrupted Lin Nuo and helped him sit down, as standing all the time wasn’t good.

“Nuo’er, you’ve been on your journey for quite a while and at your age now—you see, the children born in the same year are already settling down. If you’re worried about your mother feeling lonely, find a wife, so I can hug my grandchild!”

Xia Hanmo patted Lin Nuo’s hand earnestly.

“Speaking of which, have you found a girl you like? If not, I can introduce a few good and virtuous ladies!”

Upon hearing this, both Su Kexin and Ruo’er felt a great upheaval in their hearts.

A wife? A grandchild?

I can do it!