LOT – Chapter 170 The Lin Family’s Great-Aunt Married the Grand Marshal; Lin Mo Calls the Grand Marshal “Brother”

This time, Lin Mo actually noticed the speechless look in her sister’s eyes. She began speaking up for her precious golden peony hairpin.

“Sis, what’s with that look? Isn’t my peony beautiful? They say a blooming flower brings wealth—this is a golden peony! A golden peony!”

Lin Ran replied, “So what? You’re going to give this enormous golden peony to someone else? It’s bigger than their face! What kind of occasion even calls for carrying a peony this huge?”

Nowadays, jewelry trends lean toward delicate designs. While this peony was crafted with care, anything made too large ends up looking bulky. Something medium-sized is always best.

Even Bai Xiao couldn’t help but advise Lin Mo: “Mo Mo, you’d better keep this golden peony for yourself. Listen to your sister. And the fact that she’s preparing a gift for you means you don’t have to spend your own money. That’s a good thing!”

Ah, that actually made sense—no need to spend her own money.

Lin Mo’s mood instantly brightened, and she happily took her golden peony back.

“Sis, thanks for preparing the gift for me. Next time, I’ll make you an exquisite headdress! I’ll save up for you, just wait!”

Lin Ran twitched at the corner of her mouth but nodded.

Save up for you? Her monthly allowance barely lasted, and she spent all her salary. Thankfully, Bai Xiao could go out and earn some money with fortune-telling. Taking tiny bits from her each month to make a headdress? She’d be waiting a lifetime.

Actually, their parents had left estates for all three siblings—Lin Mo, Lin Qi, and Lin Ran—split equally.

Except for Lin Mo’s, which Mrs. Lin still managed, Lin Qi and Lin Ran had long managed their own shares.

Lin Qi, involved in social duties at court, had enough sense to manage his own expenditures.

A man may oversee external matters, but that doesn’t mean he should be clueless about family estates. Not doing is one thing, not understanding is another; ideally, one should both manage and understand.

Giving Lin Ran her share early was meant to train her abilities. After marriage, she would inevitably deal with her dowry and her husband’s family matters. This was just laying the groundwork.

As for Lin Mo, her parents never expected her to marry off. With a son-in-law already living in, even if he hadn’t fully matured yet, there was no rush. This little rascal still hadn’t “come to his senses.”

Giving her estate management would only lead to bankruptcy. She might be brilliant at gossip, but in business, she had zero talent.

Their parents figured: both daughters could marry a live-in son-in-law. With estates divided, no conflicts would arise later.

Recently, Lin Shangshu also bought the two neighboring mansions—one for Lin Ran, one for Lin Mo.

When the girls married, they could choose to stay at home or move to their own place. If there were disputes between the sisters-in-law, this arrangement could prevent conflicts.

Their parents truly worried about their children and had thought of everything.

Of course, their eldest son and the County Princess Hua Yao probably didn’t care about these minor details.

Indeed, the relationship between Lin Qi and the princess was progressing well. Lin Mo spent her days gossiping throughout the capital, while Lin Qi seized every opportunity to court his fiancée.

And Lin Mo, when dressed up, really looked good—definitely not inferior to her sister.

Usually, she went out bare-faced, and people would only notice she looked exactly like Lin Shangshu, almost as if carved from the same mold. But with makeup, her feminine features became more pronounced—no longer so androgynous.

“Hmm, truly my little sister—so pretty.”

Lin Ran cupped Lin Mo’s face, eyes full of affection. To a parent, their child is always beautiful.

Lin Mo giggled awkwardly, unused to this attention. She wanted to wipe her face, and her hairpins felt heavy! She didn’t understand how her sister managed to wear these daily—it was uncomfortable just for a short while.

She preferred a simple bun and no makeup. Luckily, this was only for one day; if she had to dress up daily, she wouldn’t even be in the mood for gossiping.

Seeing the two sisters come out, Lin Shangshu, Mrs. Lin, and Lin Qi’s eyes lit up.

Lin Ran was always impeccably dressed, so they were used to it, but this was the first time the younger sister had been so carefully adorned. Even at the previous birthday banquet, she hadn’t been this finely made-up. This time, every detail was done by Lin Ran.

She had long wanted to help her sister with makeup, especially on a face so similar to their father’s. In a way, it was like helping him with makeup too.

“Not bad, not bad. Today you actually look like a proper young lady. When you go to the Grand Marshal’s residence, chat with the bride, and make sure all the gift etiquette is ready.”

For the first time, Mrs. Lin felt what it was like to have two daughters instead of two sons and a daughter.

“Don’t worry, mother. Everything’s ready, including Mo Mo’s.”

Lin Ran had two maidservants bring over two wooden boxes.

Lin Mo said, “Actually, I had prepared something myself, but my sister said it wasn’t suitable.”

Lin Shangshu looked at his eldest daughter. “What did she prepare?”

Lin Ran paused for two seconds, then said, “She prepared an enormous golden peony hairpin. It’s bigger than a person’s face and quite heavy.”

The Lin family collectively thought: …Well, don’t expect much from your gifts.

“All right, let’s get going. Ran’er, take care of yourself and your sister.”

Subtext: Keep an eye on Lin Mo!

Lin Ran nodded. It’s just a wedding banquet—what could possibly go wrong?

The Grand Marshal’s residence was already bustling with joy. When the Lin family arrived, the Grand Marshal personally came out to greet them.

“Hahaha! The three Lin family members are here! Please, come in!”

“Little Miss Lin, you’re positively radiant today.”

Lin Mo smiled shyly. “Thank you, Brother—you look splendid today as well.”

The moment she said “brother,” the atmosphere froze for two seconds.

Lin Mo looked around—why were their gazes so strange?

“Xiao Bai, why are they looking at me like that?”

Bai Xiao, hiding in her sleeve, said: “I don’t know. Maybe you look exceptionally good today. But you and the Grand Marshal really seem like different generations. Your great-aunt married his great-grandfather; his great-grandmother is your great-aunt. The generational gap here… is really something.”

The Grand Marshal’s smile nearly froze. The Lin family lowered their heads, biting their lips. There was no denying it—the girl’s generation placement was correct. Calling him “brother” wasn’t wrong.