"Grandfather, please forgive me. Your grandson admits his mistake."
Ling Mo Han quickly confessed and, after composing himself, recounted the events slowly.
From the moment he left the capital to his arrival back within its walls, he informed the elder Master Ling of everything that had transpired, omitting no detail.
Though Feng Jin had experienced these events firsthand, hearing them retold by another still sent shivers down her spine. The journey had been fraught with peril. A single misstep could have cost her life.
A sense of relief at having survived washed over Feng Jin's entire being.
Upon hearing Ling Mo Han's account, Elder Master Ling's expression changed drastically, the knuckles of his hand resting on the armchair turning white.
He had never anticipated such a string of setbacks and hardships. Even less had he expected the Western Liang's wolfish ambition, covertly cultivating so many spies, constantly seeking to annex Eastern Chu.
And then there was the Third Prince. So noble in his station, yet he would collude with the Western Liang, capable of treason and usurpation.
"This is absurd, utter chaos! He, a prince, capable of such treason, is he worthy of our ancestors and the people of Eastern Chu!"
Elder Master Ling lamented bitterly. If even a prince colluded with the Western Liang, was Eastern Chu doomed to fall?
His heart filled with indignation, his breathing grew laboured. Elder Master Ling suddenly coughed violently, his vision darkened, and he nearly lost his balance, stumbling a few steps.
Fortunately, Ling Mo Han reacted swiftly, catching him and carefully helping him to a chair.
Feng Jin also sensed something amiss and quickly stepped forward, placing her hand on Elder Master Ling's pulse. "There is no serious harm, merely anger overcoming him."
Saying this, Feng Jin produced a pill and placed it in Elder Master Ling's mouth. "Grandfather, hold it under your tongue, do not swallow."
Then, using acupuncture, she stabilized Elder Master Ling's heart.
"Grandfather, please do not be angered. Your grandson will handle this matter and ensure the Western Liang's plot does not succeed!"
Ling Mo Han vowed, reassuring Elder Master Ling to relax. His grandfather had dedicated his life to the nation, his loyalty to the Emperor unwavering. He certainly would not wish to see their prosperous land disrupted by the Western Liang.
"Good... good..." Elder Master Ling placed his hand on Ling Mo Han's shoulder. With Ling Mo Han by his side, all would be well. This was the grandson he had nurtured and watched mature; he would not be disappointed.
Elder Master Ling steadied his emotions, but his worries did not diminish. He turned his gaze to Feng Jin, who had remained silent by the side.
"This matter, it was fortunate you were there to guide Han'er. You did well."
This granddaughter-in-law was indeed an excellent choice. It seemed the master had spoken the truth; Feng Jin and Han'er were indeed destined for each other.
Since marrying into the Ling family, everything Feng Jin had experienced proved that her fate was indeed auspicious for Han'er. He believed that with Feng Jin by Han'er's side, all would proceed smoothly.
Startled by the praise, Feng Jin blinked in surprise. After a moment, she responded, "Grandfather flatters me. I am but a woman, how could I understand such matters? It is all my husband's merit."
She dared not claim credit. If simply put, it was praise for her intelligence; if interpreted more deeply, some might say she was a hen crowing at dawn, meddling in state affairs.
Such talk could lead to beheading. She did not want this credit and only wished this matter would not spread.
"What are you afraid of?"
"Granddaughter-in-law... granddaughter-in-law is not afraid..."
Confused by Elder Master Ling's question, Feng Jin hesitated for a moment and instinctively denied it.
"I know your little thoughts well enough. Are you not worried that if word gets out, someone will say you interfered in state affairs, causing gossip, and the Emperor will hold you accountable?"
Feng Jin's expression faltered, her secret revealed. Elder Master Ling was truly as astute as a spirit, understanding her thoughts completely, leaving no room for her to hide.
"Since Grandfather knows, could you please not make a fuss? A woman meddling in politics, if it were to spread, it would ultimately be... not good..."
Her reputation was already less than stellar. If such a matter were to surface, she would truly sink to the lowest depths.
"What are you worried about? You are the daughter-in-law of my Ling family. Even if you were to interfere in politics, no one would dare utter a word."
Elder Master Ling spoke with absolute confidence, dismissing Feng Jin's concerns.
She was a member of his Ling family; who dared speak ill? Anyone who did would be dragged away and beheaded.
Being timid and fearful was what truly shamed the Ling family.
Feng Jin was momentarily bewildered. His words were a bit too ostentatious. If this were to spread, they might be accused of rebellion.
"Grandfather, you are... too arrogant..."
Feng Jin muttered softly, and immediately regretted speaking.
Elder Master Ling laughed heartily, his robust laughter echoing throughout the room.
She was truly the granddaughter-in-law he had chosen, perfectly suited to his taste and temperament. Feng Jin was destined to be part of his Ling family.
"Excellent, excellent. Your disposition truly suits me. From now on, you need only remember that you are a member of my Ling family. Do whatever you wish, and do not mind anyone."
Feng Jin smiled and nodded. She finally understood why Ling Mu Zhu had been so fearless, acting without restraint without anyone to discipline him. It turned out the root was here, inherited.
It was just that Ling Mu Zhu had inherited only useless flaws, while Ling Mo Han had inherited all the virtues.
Ling Mu Zhu, who was engrossed in his studies, sneezed three or four times in a row. Thinking he had caught a cold, he hurried back to his room to add two more layers of clothing. The imperial examinations were imminent; he could not afford to fall ill.
"Grandfather, there is one more matter. Your grandson believes it is best to inform you beforehand."
After much deliberation, Ling Mo Han decided to inform his grandfather of this matter. After all, it concerned the Ling family, and he needed to consult with his grandfather before making a decision.
"What is it? Speak."
"Grandfather, it is about Second Uncle..."
"Your Second Uncle? What has that brat done now?"
Knowing one's child is a father's duty. He knew his incompetent son's character better than anyone and immediately suspected he had stirred up trouble outside.
"I have discovered that Second Uncle has been close with the Third Prince and has also accepted bribes from him."
Chu Yan Xi was now colluding with the Western Liang, and Second Master Ling was colluding with the Third Prince. If the Third Prince fell, Second Master Ling would not escape implication, and then the entire Ling family would be implicated.
After careful consideration, Ling Mo Han decided to inform his grandfather first. The ultimate decision rested with his grandfather.
"That scoundrel... worthless fellow. I originally thought him merely dull-witted, but I never imagined... I never imagined he would do such a thing."