TFWYH – Chapter 368 Continuous Growth

As for his little sister, he could only say she deserved the hardship.

Ling Yue watched Ling Yu leave, her head drooping in disappointment.

So… was she really wrong?

She turned and walked back toward the house, only to see Ling Chen sitting atop the artificial rockery, happily gnawing on a big chicken drumstick while watching her with great interest.

Ling Yue instantly felt embarrassed at being seen like that and snapped at him, “Eat, eat, eat — all you know is eating! So many people down the mountain don’t even have food, and you’re here chomping on a drumstick.”

Ling Chen rolled his eyes. “Other people going hungry — what’s that got to do with me?”

Ling Yue frowned. “A‑Chen, how can you say that?”

Ling Chen replied, “Then what should I say? I’m not their parent — why should I take care of them? I think you just got a bit of money and want to show off your sense of importance. Yeah — just like Sister‑in‑law said — your ‘saint syndrome’ is acting up. Why don’t you think about when we had nothing to eat or wear — who helped us then?”

Ling Yue: “…You think I was wrong too?”

Ling Chen snorted. “Of course you were wrong — completely wrong! I think Sister‑in‑law spoiled you too much and made you all soft in the head. We’re just ordinary people — it’s enough to live our own lives well. As for others, there’s the emperor above and officials below — they’ll send relief and handle disasters. Since when is it your job to worry about everything? If you keep this up, you might as well forget being a merchant. One day even Sister‑in‑law will be disappointed in you. Just wait and see.”

Ling Yue bit her lip tightly, finally realizing she might really have been mistaken.

“Sister‑in‑law is good to her own people, but she’s not exactly soft with outsiders. Instead of learning from her, you’re copying Ling Xiaofang’s fake, sugary act. Honestly, your pretentiousness is making me sick.”

Ling Chen made a face at her, jumped down from the rockery, and disappeared in a flash.

Ling Yue felt even more miserable.

If one person says you’re wrong, maybe they’re mistaken. If everyone around you says you’re wrong — then you’re probably truly wrong.

Especially that last comment — saying she was like Ling Xiaofang.

Damn it — that alone disgusted her.

No matter what, she absolutely refused to become someone like Ling Xiaofang.

Madam Su was right — a merchant needed a harder heart, with self‑interest as the foundation of all decisions.

Having made up her mind, Ling Yue began seriously thinking about who she should sell the remaining grain to once prices rose.

Everyone grows through setbacks — regardless of status or wealth. Ling Yue was no exception.

And she was growing quickly — before long, this small sapling would grow into a towering tree.

Tang Wan, meanwhile, had no idea her family’s words had pushed Ling Yue in a different direction. After finishing her work, she suddenly realized she hadn’t seen a single injured person from Qingyuan Yashe the entire time.

Remembering what her husband had said, she felt somewhat reassured — but still decided to make a trip to the Flower Street.

The usually lively street was now nothing but broken beams and rubble. A few courtesans sat on the ground in tears, faces streaked with dust. Some severely injured people lay in open areas groaning in pain. Several constables were clearing debris and rescuing survivors, and rows of bodies were laid out nearby.

Still, three or four brothels remained standing — Qingyuan Yashe among them.

Tang Wan arrived in a hurry and didn’t bother with makeup or appearances. She climbed straight in through the back courtyard wall.

The moment she landed, a killing‑intent‑filled voice rang out: “Who’s there?”

Tang Wan turned around. The speaker had already taken a fighting stance, eyes cold and sharp.

“Get out — or don’t blame me for being ruthless.”