Ultimately, her ending was her own doing, and Ling Yan's eventual marriage to a distant land was already a great leniency from her grandfather.
Leaving the Ling family was the best outcome for Ling Yan.
"That is your mother and your own sister, your blood kin. Yet, for the sake of unrelated people, you slander and abandon your own blood. You are so cold-hearted now!"
Second Master Ling truly could not fathom that his own son had become this way, making him feel like a stranger. Was this the son he had raised for over a decade?
"Father, it's not that I am cold-hearted, but that Mother and Sister have committed wrongdoings. Just because they are my blood relatives, should I disregard right and wrong, blindly protect them, and join them in their recklessness? Do you, Father, expect me to become such a person?"
Ling Muzhu's words left Second Master Ling speechless, unsure how to respond.
"But you shouldn't have treated your mother like that. After all, she gave birth to you and raised you. You should at least plead for her, beg your grandfather to let your mother return home."
"I actually believe that letting Mother return to the Zhao family is the best choice. If we bring her back, can Father guarantee that Mother will stop targeting Eldest Sister-in-law? If Mother makes another grave mistake, what will Father do then? Continue to shield her and plead for her, or conspire with her, or perhaps, go all the way and eliminate Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law directly?"
Ling Muzhu knew his mother's character well. His mother was always narrow-minded and vindictive. Having suffered a loss at Eldest Sister-in-law's hands, she would absolutely not let it go. If his mother were to return, she would surely find other opportunities to deal with Eldest Sister-in-law.
At that point, if she made another grave mistake, the consequences would be far worse than the present situation.
"You speak of your mother as if you were gossiping; that is filial impiety!"
Second Master Ling truly could not believe that Ling Muzhu would utter such words.
"Father, every word I speak is from the bottom of my heart. I have said all I can. If you insist on going your own way, then I will have to..."
"What, you want to uphold justice against your own kin? My son, we are blood relatives. You would abandon your own parents for someone unrelated!"
Ling Muzhu's conviction remained unshaken. "I dare not forget my parents' nurturing grace for a moment, but I also have my own convictions."
The few short days in Yingzhong Commandery had benefited him immensely, as if he had been reborn. He had long since developed the ability to discern right from wrong. He was no longer the Ling Muzhu who blindly followed others' arrangements and was easily provoked by a few words.
"Muzhu, you child..."
"Father, there is no need to say more. Grandfather is waiting in the main hall for me to dine."
Ling Muzhu turned to leave. At the doorway, he paused slightly, then turned back to Second Master Ling and said, "Father, from today onwards, I will focus on my studies to participate in this year's Autumn Examination. If I am fortunate enough to pass, I will request an appointment to a post outside the capital."
"What did you say? You want to leave the capital? You've never left since you were this tall. Muzhu, you can't be acting on impulse. An external appointment is no trivial matter. You cannot be rash."
"I have already decided. Father need not try to persuade me."
With that, Ling Muzhu turned and left, leaving Second Master Ling stunned in his spot, slumped dejectedly onto the chair.
How had he become so alone? His wife of many years had been divorced, his daughter would soon be married off to a distant land, and even his most beloved son was requesting an external appointment. His entire family was left with only him.
"Master, Old Master sent someone to fetch you," the servant said tremblingly.
After a long moment, Second Master Ling said in a deep voice, "Go back and tell Old Master that I am feeling unwell, have taken medicine, and am resting."
"Yes, Master."
...
"Old Master, a message has come from the Second Household stating that Second Master is feeling unwell and has taken medicine and is resting."
The housekeeper hurried in to report.
Old Master Ling's face instantly turned grim. He slammed his chopsticks heavily onto the table. "Since he is ill, let him rest well. Go to the Ministry of Revenue and request leave for him. He can return to work after he has recovered."
"Old Master, this... isn't this somewhat inappropriate?"
"What is inappropriate about it? Do as I say."
Old Master Ling's voice carried a hint of anger, his authority immediately subduing the housekeeper.
"Yes, Old Master. I will go now." The housekeeper left in a hurry.
"Grandfather, my father..."
"You don't need to say anything more. I understand your father's nature. He has always been this way, ultimately a disappointment. I will not quarrel with him."
Having raised his son for decades, how could he not understand his character? He had tried to guide him countless times, both openly and covertly, but to no avail. He didn't have many years left and was too weary to trouble himself with these matters. Thus, he decided to let him be. As long as he didn't do anything outrageous, he would turn a blind eye.
After a pause, Ling Muzhu spoke, "Grandfather, I wish to participate in this year's Autumn Examination."
Old Master Ling's hand, holding chopsticks, froze. He then placed them on the table, his surprise evident: "You wish to participate in the Autumn Examination?"
He had never urged Ling Muzhu to participate in the imperial examinations before, but he had always been unwilling. That he would now take the initiative to bring it up surprised him greatly.
"Yes, Grandfather."
Ling Muzhu's tone was firm, indicating he had made up his mind.
"Since you have decided, then study diligently," Ling Mohan said in a deep voice. "It so happens that Scholar Zhuang will be returning to the capital in a few days. I have some acquaintance with him. I will send someone to invite him to teach you. You must study well."
"Scholar Zhuang."
When he was studying before, he had heard of Scholar Zhuang's reputation. He was known as the most learned great scholar in the Eastern Chu. To be guided by Scholar Zhuang was a dream for countless scholars. This incredible opportunity falling upon him today, he must cherish it well.
"Your Eldest Brother has invited Scholar Zhuang for you. You must study diligently under him. When you pass the examination, Grandfather will find a good position for you in the capital."
"Grandfather, I do not wish to remain in the capital. If I truly pass the examination, I will request an appointment to a post outside the capital, to serve as a parent official for a prefecture or county, protecting the people. This is my greatest wish."
When he was in Yingzhong Commandery, he had accompanied the people in rebuilding their houses and working the fields. It was then that he truly understood what it meant to be an official. If he were to be an official, he would be a parent official who protected the common people.
"After an external appointment, you will be far from the capital, and it is possible you will never return to the capital in this lifetime."
Having spent many years in officialdom, Old Master Ling had seen numerous capital officials appointed to posts outside the capital, never to return. He truly did not want Ling Muzhu to endure such a fate.