Arrogant and domineering because of his good looks: His Majesty always pretends to be righteous

The Lin family's daughter-in-law didn't refuse. She knew that her brother-in-law Zhao had been very successful in his official career over the years, which could be seen from their clothing and appearance. Although her family wasn't wealthy and her dowry wasn't much, she wasn't the kind of person who was stingy or jealous of others' good fortune. Besides, she had already prepared a gift for the child's first meeting today.

Upon hearing this, the clever little green dog immediately ran to the east room and brought back a string of Buddhist prayer beads. The Lin family's daughter-in-law smiled and said, "This was obtained from Furong Mountain not long ago. It has been offered to the Buddha for a full forty-nine days, and Master Tianwu was invited to chant sutras and bless it. It is most suitable for the child to wear."

Sure enough, Madam Zhao's eyes lit up: "Master Tianwu! She rarely bothers with these mundane matters. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her for several years." Her words were tinged with emotion.

Lin's daughter-in-law's smile became even more sincere: "No rush, in a couple of days, we'll go up the mountain together to pray for blessings. Actually, I don't have much face to offer; it was Master Tianwu who, upon hearing that it was for my brother's sake, volunteered to chant sutras and pray for blessings!"

Before her marriage, Madam Zhao was in poor health and spent some time at Furong Temple, where Master Tianwu personally taught her for several years. Unfortunately, she later went to Shaanxi to take up a post with her husband, and that was seven years later.

Madam Zhao's eyes reddened, and a few tears fell. Seeing this, Rang Ge, who was standing nearby, became restless and started clamoring for his mother to hold him. Madam Zhao quickly wiped away her tears, hugged Rang Ge, and looked gratefully at Lin's daughter-in-law: "Thanks to you, sister-in-law, I will definitely go up the mountain to visit Master Tianwu another day."

Although Xia's mother didn't particularly like Lin's daughter-in-law, she now found her thoughtfulness in handling matters, and her expression softened considerably. Unexpectedly, several more figures appeared at Xia's door at that moment.

The two elders of the Lin family and the eldest brother of the Lin family arrived. Xia Yaotao's eyes lit up as soon as she saw the eldest brother of the Lin family.

Lin Yi, also known as Brother Lin, looks exactly like the brother of the Lin family's wife. It's not that he's particularly handsome, but rather that familiar aura makes it clear that they share the same mother.

Lin Yi was tall and upright, carrying two bags of rice on his back. He was slightly sweating, and he smiled before even speaking. His sunny and cheerful demeanor made him even more likable.

Even Xia's elderly mother smiled slightly: "Oh dear! Our in-laws have arrived!"

The Lin family elders were honest men who had spent their lives farming, and their greetings were simple and sincere. Lin Yi, however, was clever and insightful. Seeing many unfamiliar women in the courtyard, he put down the rice and tried to pull Xia Xiucai to the study to discuss scholarship.

Xia's elderly mother waved her hand with a smile: "Hey! We're just a small family, we don't have so many formalities. This is my youngest daughter. She's been living with her husband in Shaanxi for the past few years, and this year she finally got transferred to a neighboring province. She's just here for a few days and then she'll be leaving, so there's no need for formalities. Guifang, these are your sister-in-law's parents and brother."

“That’s right, you’re all family, no need to stand on ceremony.” Madam Zhao also spoke up to persuade them to stay: “This is Rang’s brother, and this is my sister-in-law, she’s already engaged, it’s alright.”

Hearing Madam Zhao say this, Lin Yi, who was already easygoing, smiled and said, "My parents heard that my sister had given birth and were very worried about her health. Since I was in town, I thought I would come and visit her, and also attend Yin Yin's first birthday celebration."

As he spoke, Lin Yi's gaze fell on Xia Yaotao. Xia Yaotao especially liked this handsome uncle, and she stretched out her little hands, calling out in her childish voice, "Uncle!"

Everyone in the courtyard laughed. Lin's wife smiled and handed Xia Yaotao to Lin Yi, pinching her little nose: "You already know about beauty and ugliness at such a young age."

Lin Yi laughed heartily, teased Xia Yaotao for a while, and then suddenly asked, "Has Yin Yin's formal name been chosen yet?"

The Xia family looked embarrassed, but the Lin family's daughter-in-law said gently, "No rush, let's wait until we choose a name for the girl. It will help us retain our good fortune."

Lin Yi sensed something was amiss and adjusted his position while holding Xia Yaotao: "She'll be a year old in the blink of an eye. Brother-in-law, you're so talented, haven't you thought of a single name yet?"

Xia Zhishu, Xia Yaotao's father, coughed, but before he could speak, Xia's mother interrupted him, saying, "Why didn't you think of that? I've already decided. We'll name her Zhaodi."

“Our Xia family has had only one son for three generations, and Zhishu still doesn’t have a son. This is no joke. As the saying goes, of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no descendants. It’s not that I don’t love Yinyin, it’s just that the Xia family can’t wait any longer!”

Upon hearing this, the Lin family members' expressions turned sour. The Xia family matriarch repeatedly emphasized the Xia family's status as the only son in the family, clearly indicating she didn't want the Lin family to interfere. The two Lin elders immediately frowned, only Lin Yi remained unmoved.

“Indeed, carrying on the family line is a big deal, and we all know about my brother-in-law’s family situation. It’s just a girl’s name. Has my brother-in-law decided yet? If he has, he should tell me in advance so I can prepare a first birthday gift for my niece.”

Knowing her mother's temperament well, Madam Zhao quickly smiled and smoothed things over: "Mother, what are you joking about! Only those ignorant families would choose a concubine like that!"

"Although we are the only son in our family, my younger brother and sister-in-law are still young and healthy. Giving them such a name would make us a laughing stock!"

Unfortunately, the Xia family's mother had already made up her mind. Ever since Lin's daughter-in-law gave birth to a daughter, she had been holding a grudge. A few days ago, she told Lin's daughter-in-law about the name, but Lin's daughter-in-law firmly disagreed. Today, she finally seized the opportunity.

This is a matter for the Xia family; the Lin family's presence won't make a difference!

No matter how open-minded Lin's wife was, she couldn't ignore matters concerning her daughter's entire life. The couple had discussed it privately before, and at this moment, she glanced at Xia Zhishu with tears in her eyes, making Xia Zhishu feel a pang of sorrow.

Upon seeing this exchange of glances, Xia's elderly mother felt a surge of old and new resentment: "What kind of look are you giving Zhishu! Don't I have a say in this family?! Listen to me, the name is Xia Zhaodi!"

This is clearly displaced anger! Utter displaced anger!

Xia Yaotao felt ashamed of her small stature and limited voice, and struggled to lift her head in Lin Yi's arms. Lin Yi calmly lifted Xia Yaotao up and smiled, "Grandma, don't be anxious, let's hear what your brother-in-law has to say first."

In an instant, all eyes were on Xia Zhishu. Xia Zhishu was extremely embarrassed, but still braced herself, enduring the gaze of her elderly mother, and said, "No, Yinyin is a good girl. I'm only in my twenties; why should I give her such a shabby name? It will hurt the children's feelings when they grow up. In my opinion..."

Xia Zhishu looked around and suddenly saw the pear tree in full bloom beside the well in the courtyard. The pear blossoms had a delicate fragrance. He clapped his hands and laughed, "Pear blossoms in the courtyard, the moon shining softly; willow catkins by the pond, a gentle breeze... how about we call it Rongliu (Melting Willow)?"

The Lin family's daughter-in-law secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Zhao quickly put her arm around Xia's elderly mother and secretly squeezed her palm. Xia Yaotao, who was in Lin Yi's arms, also breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back into Lin Yi's arms.

Good heavens, if she really did call Xia Zhaodi, she might as well just kill herself and be reborn!