Lin Qiaoqiao saw Lin Yuanyong talking to Zhang Fang and decided to drop her reservations. She boldly exclaimed, “Thank you, Young Master Zhang, for saving me that night!”
When they took the initiative to speak, Zhang Fang could no longer ignore them and casually replied, “I can save you once, but that doesn’t mean I can save you every time. People must rely on themselves. On the road of exile, you will encounter various people, so be cautious and take care of yourselves.”
The two sisters looked at each other in shock, unsure of how to respond. They had thought Zhang Fang would protect them continuously, but it seemed he implied he would not look after them anymore!
Lin Yuanyong and Lin Qiaoqiao were not the only ones unsettled; Madam Lin also grew anxious. She coughed twice and pitifully said to Zhang Fang, “Please protect these two girls. They’ve been raised in the boudoir and do not know of the dangers in the world. For a young lady, purity is paramount; if they are sullied, they will have no face to live on… If Young Master Zhang deems them worthy, they are willing to serve you…”
Zhang Fang immediately rejected her request: “My family values purity just as much. If my father knew I had been sullied by someone else, he certainly would not accept it! I hope to return home one day to take care of him; I don’t want to be barred from entering the door.”
Madam Lin: …
Lin Qiaoqiao and Lin Yuanyong were also left speechless, stunned by Zhang Fang’s words.
Zhang Fang began to enlighten the ladies of the Lin family, teaching them that women must empower themselves and that relying on men is futile. A woman must be strong to take control of her own fate.
After this speech about empowerment, the Lin ladies were left astonished, as a new perspective opened up for them.
Lin Yuanyong and Lin Qiaoqiao looked at Zhang Fang with admiration, like infatuated fans.
When Lin Zheng instructed them to seduce other male criminals for the Lin family’s protection, they felt conflicted but couldn’t refuse. They feared disobeying their father and neglecting their family ties.
But why should they be the ones to sacrifice? Even though they were raised by the Lin family, they could repay the family in other ways without having to sacrifice their dignity. Why did Lin Zheng perceive a woman’s greatest value as being her beauty? This made Lin Yuanyong and Lin Qiaoqiao feel humiliated regarding their gender. Despite their anger at Lin Zheng’s actions, they could not wrap their heads around the core issue.
It was Zhang Fang who provided them with clarity! He helped them understand the essence of their situation and the oppression women faced in a patriarchal society. What shocked them the most was that Zhang Fang actually encouraged them to resist patriarchy and fight against injustice— to be independent, strong, and brave!
Previously instilled notions dictated that a woman should obey her father at home and her husband after marriage, yet now someone was telling them that women could be their own masters and could challenge patriarchal authority. How could this not inspire a new hope for life and the future? Zhang Fang’s place in their hearts transformed from an object of admiration to a savior-like figure for their spirits!
After speaking so much, Zhang Fang’s throat became dry. He drank two cups of tea and lay down to sleep.
The women of the Lin family fell into deep thought. Madam Lin’s sister-in-law could not help but mutter softly, “Young Master Zhang’s views are utterly absurd. Women are to obey their fathers at home and their husbands when married. How can they go against their fathers and husbands? Wouldn’t that disrupt the rules?”
Her words led Lin Yuanyong and Lin Qiaoqiao to glare at her. Lin Qiaoqiao immediately retorted, “Young Master Zhang said that rules are set by the strong. When men are strong, they oppress women; naturally, they set rules for women, taming them into what they want. As long as we women become strong, we can resist male oppression and take charge of our own lives!”
Lin Yuanyong nodded in agreement, saying, “Exactly!”
The rebuffed aunt was momentarily stunned, feeling humiliated by being challenged by the younger generation. She could only turn to Madam Lin to complain, “Look at these two; they have become confused by Young Master Zhang’s words, casting aside all the rules they learned before! What, will you two no longer listen to your father?” She believed neither sister would dare to defy Lin Zheng, as he was the head of the Lin family.
Lin Qiaoqiao let out a cold laugh while Lin Yuanyong remained expressionless.
Madam Lin closed her eyes, pretending to rest, and did not respond.
The atmosphere grew uncomfortable, and the aunt huffed disdainfully, “You young ladies know nothing. An outsider can say a few words and mislead you. If you dare to defy your elders and disrupt the rules, with no one to protect you, you’ll soon be mistreated by other criminals!”
This threat was malicious, instantly reminding Lin Qiaoqiao of the terror from the night she was assaulted by the officials, making her tremble.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Fang spoke up.
“The highest-ranking man in a household oppresses those below him, and the men below oppress women, while the elder women oppress the younger ones—how ridiculous. You dare not confront those in higher positions but bully those who are weaker, not allowing any resistance. Once the weak think of fighting back, they must unite against them. Since you think I, as an outsider, cannot be trusted, then do not eat my food or rely on me. Continuing to rely on your family’s men—let’s see if they can protect you.”
The Lin family aunt’s face changed in fright, and her expression grew stiff. She became terrified of offending Zhang Fang, fearing that the Lin family would lose its support and face future humiliation, unable to survive. She wanted to explain, to apologize, but felt that would damage her dignity, leaving her utterly at a loss.
The other Lin ladies were intimidated by Zhang Fang’s words, fearing he would disregard the Lin family and stared angrily at the aunt, awkwardly apologizing to Zhang Fang, “Young Master Zhang, she often speaks nonsense and doesn’t think straight. We apologize on her behalf!”
As they spoke, some discreetly pinched the offending aunt, urging her to apologize to Zhang Fang.
The Lin family aunt, also scared of offending him, nervously said, “It was my foolish remarks; please don’t take them to heart, Young Master Zhang.”
Zhang Fang closed his eyes and casually replied, “You know in your hearts whether what you said was foolish. You bow to me now because I have a father who is a prime minister, and you fear losing this support, knowing life would be hard without it. Ultimately, you kneel for your own benefit. I need to rest; please be quiet.”