The Paranoid Male Lead’s "White Moonlight" Has Reborn - Chapter 23.1

As soon as the Old Madam spoke, Lin Rui lost his temper immediately. He roared in fury, “Even if my sister beat him to death, it wouldn’t be considered excessive!”

Only then did the Old Madam clearly see Lin Rui and his companions standing behind Madam Jiang (née Lin). Startled, she hesitated until Jiang Zuoling whispered beside her, “It is Yue-niang’s elder brother.”

The Old Madam’s expression and tone softened significantly. “So, it is our esteemed in-law. Since we are in-laws, we are one family. If there is something to say, why can’t it be discussed calmly instead of making such a scene? Zuoling is injured, after all. Why must you be so overbearing?”

Turning to Madam Jiang, she added, “Yue-niang, you have gone a bit too far. No matter how Zuoling treats you, it is a matter of our Jiang family. Why must you trouble your brother?”

Although Madam Jiang was filled with rage, she had originally intended not to completely break ties with the Jiang family. She forced herself to moderate her tone as she addressed the Old Madam, “Mother, I am acting this way for a reason. Zuoling has been keeping a mistress outside and even has an illegitimate son…”

Before she could finish, the Old Madam interrupted her: “What? Zuoling has an illegitimate son?”

She turned to Jiang Zuoling with a look of pleasant surprise. “Zuoling, is this true?”

Jiang Zuoling’s face looked grim. “Mother, I do not.”

However, the Old Madam’s gaze shifted, catching sight of Jiang Yaozong standing nearby. Her eyes lit up. She quickly reached out, pulled Jiang Yaozong to the front, and examined him carefully. Grinning from ear to ear, she said, “Isn’t this wonderful news? I was just saying that at your age, having only one son isn’t enough to secure the family line. Now that there’s another son, it’s simply a blessing from Heaven! Heaven has taken pity on our Jiang family’s sparse lineage!”

Madam Jiang’s face turned deathly pale in an instant.

Lin Rui roared, “You actually intend to bring this damn illegitimate brat into the Jiang Manor?”

He drew his blade and swung it toward Jiang Yaozong. The Old Madam let out a shrill scream; her legs gave way in terror, and she collapsed backward, caught just in time by her maidservants.

Yet, Jiang Yaozong did not dodge. He stood there stoically, allowing Lin Rui’s blade to slash toward his face.

Surprised by such a reaction, Lin Rui pulled back his strike just in time.

His son quickly grabbed his arm and whispered, “Father, it is not suitable to shed blood right now. Please, endure for a moment.”

Lin Rui pretended to stop only because his son had given him an out. He snorted coldly, “Consider yourself lucky! Otherwise, I would have hacked you into pieces sooner or later!”

The mistress screamed and lunged forward, weeping, “My son, thank heavens you are alright…”

Jiang Yaozong remained indifferent as she embraced him, a flash of mockery crossing his eyes.

This subtle change did not escape Madam Jiang’s notice. her eyelashes trembled slightly as a seed of doubt suddenly took root in her heart.

The Old Madam, having recovered from the fright, looked on with a hideous expression. “Dear in-law, what is the meaning of this? Do you think our Jiang family has no one left to defend it?”

Lin Rui looked at her with blatant irritation. “Sister, look at these people. Even with me standing here, they are all thinking of climbing over your head. If you have any spirit left in you, you should divorce him! How can a sister of Lin Rui suffer such bullying? Damn it all—he says one thing to your face and does another behind your back. These petty merchant families are all the same. Why make things difficult for yourself?”

He continued irritably, “Do you have any idea how heartbroken Father and Mother were when you married into this decaying merchant house? Over the years, they’ve pulled countless strings for Jiang Zuoling. Without them, would the Jiang family have this wealth and glory today? He’d likely still be a manager of a breakfast stall. But look at them! They’ve received the favor of the Lin family and your kindness, yet they dare to bark at you!”

Ignoring those trying to block him, he delivered another savage kick to Jiang Zuoling, who let out a howl of pain.

Lin Rui looked at Madam Jiang and asked loudly, “Sister, just one word: will you divorce him or not?”

Initially, Madam Jiang had not considered divorce. She had only intended to pressure Jiang Zuoling into sending the mother and son away so they would never meet again. She hadn’t expected things to escalate to this point.

Divorce? She felt a stir in her heart.

Regarding affection, she actually felt very little for Jiang Zuoling anymore. Her only hope had been for him to be a good father, but even in that, he had failed. In the past, he always used excuses like checking accounts or tending to the shops to avoid his responsibilities. When he couldn’t deflect anymore, he would give Jiang Chaoyun some trinkets to appear caring, coaxing the boy into happiness. The child never noticed the impatience hidden in his father’s heart.

She even had to nag him just to visit their son.

As Madam Jiang’s thoughts were in turmoil, Lin Rui said, “Are you still worried about Chaoyun? Lin Shiyan, go and invite your cousin over.”

Madam Jiang gasped, “Big Brother!”

Lin Rui fixed his gaze on her. “This time, listen to me!”

Madam Jiang argued, “Chaoyun’s health is poor…”

Before she could finish, Lin Shiyan had already squeezed through the crowd and vanished in a flash.

Seeing the situation turning dire, the Old Madam immediately changed her tune. She spoke to Lin Rui in an exceptionally gentle tone, “Dear in-law, there is no need to make such a fuss. Yue-niang and Zuoling have been married for over ten years; Chaoyun is already seventeen. If they divorce over such a small matter, wouldn’t it make us a laughingstock?” Seeing Lin Rui’s face darken again, she quickly added, “How about this: we won’t bring this illegitimate son into the Jiang Manor. We’ll support him outside, and we won’t enter him into the family genealogy. The Jiang family’s future estate will still be handed to my eldest grandson, Chaoyun. What do you think of that?”

Jiang Zuoling finally lost his temper. “Mother, enough! I’ve said it—I don’t know this woman, and it’s impossible for me to have an illegitimate son!”

He turned to Madam Jiang. “Yue-niang, every word I say is the truth. I truly did not betray you!”

Madam Jiang did not look at him. Her peripheral vision remained fixed on Jiang Yaozong; she felt there was something profoundly strange about this child.

On the other side, Lin Shiyan barged into Jiang Chaoyun’s courtyard. Bixin couldn’t stop him and scolded him anxiously, “What are you doing!”

Lin Shiyan asked, “Is your Young Master in? I’m looking for Jiang Chaoyun.” Seeing Bixin still blocking him, he explained, “I am his cousin.”

Bixin froze and couldn’t help but look Lin Shiyan up and down with surprise. However, she didn’t dare stare for long and quickly ran into the room to inform Jiang Chaoyun.

Jiang Chaoyun knew he had three older cousins and one younger cousin. He had met them a few times when he was a child, but they hadn’t seen each other since reaching adulthood due to the long distances between them. Hearing that his cousin had come to find him, he was naturally surprised.

He hurriedly dressed and placed a hand warmer inside his cloak before following Bixin out.

Upon stepping out, he saw Lin Shiyan’s tall silhouette. “…Cousin… Cousin.”

Having not met for many years, Jiang Chaoyun felt a bit shy and stuttered.

Lin Shiyan turned and smiled. “Cousin, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”

Jiang Chaoyun gave a bashful smile. “I’ve been very well. Thank you for your concern, Cousin.”

He stole a glance at him, noticing that his cousin was much taller than himself. He couldn’t help but wonder perhaps people from the capital just grew taller more easily?

While he was lost in thought, Lin Shiyan said, “Cousin, I have an urgent matter. Can you come with me? I’ll explain on the way.”

Jiang Chaoyun snapped back to attention and quickly agreed.

Not long after, Han Jiangmu, who was on patrol with Old Man Liu, seemed to sense something and stopped in his tracks. Sure enough, he saw Jiang Chaoyun and a strange man walking hurriedly along the corridor. His eyes darkened. He changed direction and began following them.

Old Man Liu called out to him, but he ignored it. In a few blinks of an eye, he had vanished, leaving Old Man Liu staring blankly.

Jiang Chaoyun didn’t know someone was following them. He had already heard from Lin Shiyan about what was happening in Jiang Zuoling’s courtyard.

Finally, Lin Shiyan asked him, “Cousin, Aunt is actually very unhappy in the Jiang family. If she wants to divorce your father, would you be willing?”

Jiang Chaoyun was stunned. He stood silent for a long time.

Lin Shiyan felt a bit disappointed, but considering Chaoyun’s young age, he showed more patience. “Cousin, think carefully for your mother’s sake. If they really want to divorce, you must not try to persuade her otherwise. Consider it a favor to me.”

Jiang Chaoyun came to his senses and gave a bitter smile. “Cousin, you don’t need to say that. If my mother wants to divorce my father, I will naturally stand by her side.”

Lin Shiyan was incredulous. “Truly?”

Jiang Chaoyun sighed. “Naturally. My mother has toiled for the Jiang family for so many years that her hair has turned gray. Yet she is only thirty-three, still so young. If divorce can make her happy, then as her son, I naturally support it.”

He just couldn’t understand how things had reached the point of divorce.

But understanding or not, his mother could not be wrong. Therefore, the one at fault could only be his father.

Whatever Madam Jiang decided, he would stand by her.

When Jiang Chaoyun and Lin Shiyan arrived at the courtyard, the main hall had become very quiet. Everyone was seated, staring at one another in a cold, stagnant atmosphere.

Chaoyun’s appearance eased the tension significantly. The Old Madam called out affectionately, “My dear grandson, come here.”

Jiang Zuoling also beckoned to him. “Chaoyun, come here. Father has something to say to you.”

However, as soon as he spoke, Lin Rui said gruffly, “It’s not your turn to speak!” His tone softened as he looked at Jiang Chaoyun. “Chaoyun, I am your uncle.”

Looking at Lin Rui’s bearded, tall, and fierce appearance, Jiang Chaoyun felt him very unfamiliar. In his memory, Lin Rui was supposed to be a handsome man.

But so many years had passed; it was understandable he had changed.

He was momentarily dazed, which caused a slight delay. Just as Lin Rui was about to become dissatisfied, he saw Jiang Chaoyun ignore both Jiang Zuoling and the Old Madam and walk straight to him.

A smile appeared on Lin Rui’s face. He said to Madam Jiang, “This child still favors you.”

Madam Jiang looked heavily burdened, her expression toward Chaoyun filled with confusion and worry.

Jiang Chaoyun misinterpreted her look, thinking she was heartbroken over the illegitimate son. The slight trepidation in his heart began to dissipate.

He knew he wouldn’t live much longer, but his mother had a long life ahead. If she was disappointed in Jiang Zuoling and the love was gone, then they truly should divorce.

As he was thinking this, Lin Rui asked him, “Good lad, I want to ask you: if your mother divorces your father, what will you do?”

Jiang Zuoling couldn’t help but interject, “Yue-niang, must you bring this up in front of the child? You said yourself he cannot be without me, but he likewise cannot be without a mother!”

Lin Rui roared, “There is no place for you to speak here! Shut your mouth!”

Having lost face in front of his son, Jiang Zuoling’s face flushed with anger. Yet he dared not say anything. Lin Rui’s official rank was high; even if he were a millionaire, he was as lowly as an ant before a high-ranking official.

He didn’t dare provoke Lin Rui, but in his heart, he hoped Chaoyun would side with him. He had never been bad to this son; even if he was occasionally negligent, he was mostly caring. Surely the boy would favor him.

Even if the boy didn’t speak up for him, at the very least, he shouldn’t let them divorce. He asked himself—he had fulfilled every request Madam Jiang had ever made. Whatever she asked, he did. She forbade him from taking concubines, and for all these years, he truly hadn’t. As for this woman and this illegitimate son—

Heaven and Earth be his witness, he had absolutely no memory of them!

Yes, while everyone else believed Jiang Yaozong was his child, Jiang Zuoling was the only one who didn’t remember a thing!

What he said was true; he really didn’t know this woman or this child!

But Lin Rui and the others didn’t believe him. Even the Old Madam thought the boy was his the moment she saw him.

But he truly wasn’t!

Even if the child did bear a certain resemblance to him…

Amidst Jiang Zuoling’s chaotic thoughts, Jiang Chaoyun’s voice rang out: “I will support my mother.”

Jiang Zuoling: “…”

He was stunned.

Lin Rui was somewhat surprised and asked happily, “Truly?”

Madam Jiang also showed a look of surprise. She looked at Chaoyun, appearing as if she wanted to say something, but before the words could come out, her eyes turned red.

Jiang Chaoyun said, “Truly. If divorce makes Mother happy, then let it be so.”

Jiang Zuoling reacted immediately, his breathing becoming labored. “Chaoyun! Your mother wants to divorce me—I never considered it! When you say this, have you considered my feelings as your father? I am not willing!”

Jiang Chaoyun said with some guilt, “Since Mother wants to divorce, Father, please just fulfill her wish.”

Lin Rui said with great vigor, “Exactly! Jiang Zuoling, even the child says so. Be a man and sign the ‘Letter of Release’ for your wife! Also, our Lin family has supported the Jiangs for years. Besides my sister’s dowry, you must give her 600,000 taels of silver as compensation!”

Jiang Zuoling fumed, “I am not willing!! I will not divorce Yue-niang! Chaoyun! Have I not been good to you? Do you have the heart to watch your father lose his beloved wife? Can you be as happy in a home without a mother as you were before? Chaoyun, think about it again—if I divorce your mother, I won’t be happy!”

Jiang Chaoyun tried to speak, but before he could, his face suddenly changed, and his whole body began to tremble.

Madam Jiang cried out, “Chaoyun!”

Darkness slammed into Jiang Chaoyun’s vision, and he collapsed straight forward. Fortunately, Lin Shiyan was beside him and quickly reached out to catch him.

“A doctor! Go get Doctor Ma! Chaoyun’s cold affliction has flared up! Go quickly!” Madam Jiang was so anxious her lips trembled and her face turned pale. Large teardrops fell from her eyes. At this moment, she was merely a pitiful mother, devoid of any matriarchal dignity.

It was then that Han Jiangmu appeared. He pushed everyone aside, his gaze locked on Jiang Chaoyun. He strode over and snatched the boy from Lin Shiyan’s arms.

Lin Shiyan didn’t mind the intrusion and asked hurriedly, “Where is Doctor Ma? I’ll go find him!”

Madam Jiang, still mindful of Jiang Zuoling’s face, hadn’t brought any maids today, only Lin Rui and his son. Now that she needed someone to run an errand, she couldn’t find anyone, so she looked toward the Old Madam. “Mother, quickly tell Tao Hong to fetch Doctor Ma!”

The Old Madam replied, “What’s the rush? Chaoyun’s illness flares up every year—every year is a fright. Since you want a divorce, don’t trouble us; go fetch him yourself.”

Jiang Zuoling said disapprovingly, “Mother!”

The Old Madam, failing to read the room, grumbled, “She wants to divorce you, yet you still favor her. I think your son might just be faking it…”

Before she could finish, Lin Rui delivered a slap that sent her and her chair tumbling to the floor. Her ears rang, and a red handprint quickly swelled on her face!

Jiang Zuoling roared, “Lin Rui! You dare hit my mother!”

With a dark face, Lin Rui backhanded Jiang Zuoling with a resounding slap of his own. “I not only dare to hit your mother, I dare to hit you! If you don’t get a doctor right now, I’ll take your life!”

Dazed by the blow, Jiang Zuoling didn’t speak. Behind the Old Madam, Tao Hong was so terrified she began kowtowing repeatedly. “I’ll go! I’ll go!”

With that, she grabbed her skirts and ran out.