Upon returning to the manor, Feng Jin heard Ling Yan's tearful account of how her reputation and appearance were ruined by Feng Jin, leaving her with no suitable marriage prospects beyond scholars or merchants from respectable but less affluent families.
Furthermore, Feng Jin had also stripped their branch of the family's authority to manage household affairs. Ling Muzhu's gaze towards Feng Jin was now filled with intense hatred.
"Your grandfather personally ordered you to return to the manor for your studies; did you inform him of your unauthorized return?"
Feng Jin's sharp retort left Ling Muzhu speechless, stammering, unsure how to respond.
It was Second Master Ling who reacted swiftly. "Your grandfather's condition is not good, and he dotes on Muzhu the most. He was just mentioning Muzhu's name earlier, which is why I privately decided to let Muzhu return. If Father blames me, I will personally take responsibility."
His words were carefully crafted and eloquent, portraying Ling Muzhu's unauthorized return from the estate as an act of filial piety and respect. He truly knew how to flatter himself.
At times, Feng Jin wondered how such a cunning and tactful man as Second Master Ling could have such dull-witted children as Ling Muzhu and Ling Yan. Could it truly be a genetic mutation?
Genetics were indeed a peculiar thing.
"Is that so? Muzhu is truly filial. Then go to the ancestral hall to pray for your grandfather, and transcribe one hundred copies of the Diamond Sutra to be offered at the Buddhist altar of Ling'an Temple, accumulating blessings for grandfather."
Since Ling Muzhu was so full of filial piety, it was only right for her, as the eldest sister-in-law, to fulfill her wishes.
"What did you say? You want me to go to the ancestral hall..."
Before Ling Muzhu could finish speaking, Second Master Ling cut her off, "Your eldest sister-in-law is right. Go to the ancestral hall to pray for your grandfather, and transcribe one hundred copies of the Diamond Sutra to be sent to Ling'an Temple. This is also a remembrance of your grandfather's affection for you."
"Father... she's deliberately making things difficult for me..."
*Slap!*
Before Ling Muzhu could retort, a solid slap landed on her right cheek.
"You insubordinate brat! After being at the estate for so long, you still haven't curbed your temper. Your eldest sister-in-law's actions are to accumulate blessings for your grandfather, and you are still so ignorant. You shouldn't have been allowed back!"
Second Master Ling's heart was filled with anger and disappointment. He should have let him suffer more hardship on the estate.
He had finally managed to get him back by taking advantage of the Old Master's grave illness, yet the boy was so ungrateful and unwilling to restrain himself.
"I know I was wrong, Father. I will go to the ancestral hall to pray for grandfather immediately."
After receiving a beating, Ling Muzhu left in great dissatisfaction.
Feng Jin sighed inwardly. Ling Muzhu was truly a hopeless case, a piece of mud that could not be plastered onto a wall. It was a pity that Second Master Ling had painstakingly schemed for his son, only for him to be incapable of handling affairs, rendering all his efforts futile.
"Second Uncle, I'll go in to see Grandfather. Please keep an eye out here, Second Uncle."
"No trouble at all. We are family, so there's no need for such formalities."
Feng Jin nodded in agreement. Second Master Ling's attitude had changed too quickly today; she found it difficult to adjust.
Feng Jin entered the room and inquired of the physician, "How is the Old Master's condition?"
"Reporting to Madam, the Old Master is suffering from a surge of anger and his blood circulation is unstable. He is showing signs of a stroke!"
A stroke, that serious...
The old man seemed quite robust usually. This time, it was so severe, it seemed he was truly angered.
"Doctor, please prescribe some medicine for his recuperation."
"I will go and prepare the prescription now."
After the doctor left, Feng Jin gently placed her hand on the Old Master's pulse.
The heart meridian was disordered, and evil qi was rushing towards the Heavenly Spirit acupoint. It was indeed a sign of a stroke.
Taking out silver needles hidden in her sleeve, Feng Jin deftly pricked the Old Master's fingers, toes, and earlobes to release the stagnant blood.
Then, she used the Ghost Doctor's Thirteen Needles to unblock the congested meridians.
After the acupuncture, the comatose Old Master gradually regained consciousness and woke up.
Feng Jin took a pill from a bottle, melted it, and helped the Old Master drink it.
After taking the medicine, the Old Master weakly asked, "Han'er... how is Han'er?"
"The Young General is unharmed and has awoken. However, the mastermind behind this assassination attempt has yet to be identified. We spread false news to mislead them. Please rest assured and focus on your recovery, Old Master."
Feng Jin told him the truth, worried that the Old Master, being elderly, might not withstand the shock and pass away.
Moreover, the Old Master genuinely cared for and cherished Ling Mo Han, and would never do anything detrimental to him.
"That's good... that's good!"
Upon confirming that Ling Mo Han was safe, the Old Master's worried heart finally settled.
"Feng Jin, I entrust Han'er to your care!"
The Old Master had never bowed his head to anyone in his life, yet today, for Ling Mo Han, he willingly pleaded with a junior.
"Of course. Old Master, you should rest first. This bottle of pills, dissolve one in water and take it daily, morning, noon, and night. Be sure not to take any medicine sent by anyone else."
Feng Jin was concerned that someone in the manor might try to harm the Old Master.
"Girl, you can rest assured. I'm not senile yet. If they want to make a move against me, they'll have to weigh their options carefully. Go back and take care of Han'er. This old bone of mine won't die."
The Old Master dismissed Feng Jin, knowing that their target was Han'er, and they wouldn't resort to harming him, an old man, unless absolutely necessary.
After dealing with the people in the manor, Feng Jin went outside, where a host of demons and monsters awaited her.
Lu Shi was almost driven mad by their clamor. The noble officials and dignitaries who usually appeared refined and courteous were now more aggressive than shrewish fishwives.
If not for the soldiers guarding the gate, these people would have already stormed in.
"Madam, why have you come?" Lu Shi, seeing Feng Jin, quickly stepped forward to greet her.
"If I don't show up, who will get rid of these people? The Ling manor cannot remain shut forever."
These people were incited by the mastermind, aiming to force them to reveal Ling Mo Han's current situation.
"Lu Shi, open the gate."
"Yes, Madam." Lu Shi bowed his head in acknowledgment and ordered the guards to stand in front of Feng Jin.
"Open the gate!" Lu Shi commanded, and the closed gate was opened from the inside.
Seeing the gate open, the crowd that had surrounded the manor surged forward. If not for the soldiers guarding the entrance, the threshold of the Ling manor would have long been trampled.
Feng Jin appeared before the crowd with a calm and composed demeanor, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
"It's Madam. Madam, I am an official from the Jingzhao Prefecture, sent by my superior to inquire about the Young General." httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"A mere official is worthy of seeing the Young General? Madam, I am an official from the Ministry of Revenue. Hearing that the Young General was assassinated, I was deeply concerned. I beg Madam to facilitate my entry into the manor to visit the Young General."
"Madam, the Young General saved my life in the battle of Cangnan Country. I implore Madam to allow me to see the Young General just once."
There were more than a hundred people gathered outside the manor gate, completely surrounding the Ling manor, making it impossible to get through.