"Grandfather, I've already said it, you shouldn't dote on him like this. If you satisfy their every whim now, what will you do when they grow up and their demands exceed your capabilities? This will only spoil them completely. If you continue like this, I'll have no choice but to forbid you from seeing the children!"
Feng Jin's tone was resolute and unyielding. For the sake of her children's future, she would absolutely not soften her heart.
"We live in the same courtyard, and you're telling me I can't see them? These are Ling family children, and I have the right to see them. Besides, how have I spoiled them? I've merely indulged their requests when playing with them. If you deny them everything, you'll be failing them. When they grow up and see what others have, they'll be envious!"
"I've raised many children from a young age. I've eaten more salt than you've traveled roads. Naturally, I know how to raise children. If you don't believe me, leave the children with me, and you'll see if the children I raise aren't better than yours!"
Elder Master Ling resorted to provocation, but he hadn't anticipated that Feng Jin wouldn't fall for it at all.
"Grandfather, spare me these tricks. My mind is made up. I will no longer allow you to see the two children every day. If you continue to have Steward Wu bring people to guard the courtyard day and night, I will take the children and live elsewhere."
As soon as she stepped out, she encountered Steward Wu leading several young servants guarding the entrance. It seemed they intended to monitor her constantly.
If Elder Master Ling continued like this, she would have to take the children and move out. She had plenty of other residences outside, so they would have a place to live.
As for Ling Mo Han, if he didn't want to leave, she wouldn't force him.
"You want to take the children and move out? That's outrageous!" Elder Master Ling shouted angrily. "You are a wife of the Ling family, and the children are the bloodline of the Ling family. As long as I have a breath left in me, you will not take the children away!"
He then turned his gaze to Ling Mo Han, who stood silently beside him, and glared fiercely at him. "Don't you have anything to say?"
"Grandfather, if Feng Jin insists on taking the children to live elsewhere, I have no objection. I can even move out with them!"
Ling Mo Han's few words nearly killed Elder Master Ling with anger. He pointed furiously at Ling Mo Han, his eyes burning with rage. "You ungrateful brat! You married a wife and forgot your mother, only siding with your wife. I'll teach you a lesson!"
Elder Master Ling grabbed his walking stick, preparing to strike Ling Mo Han. He felt he had raised him for nothing, only for him to become a husband devoted to someone else.
"Grandfather, what are you saying? In the end, I still have to spend my life with my wife. If I only follow your wishes, I'll be the one suffering."
Ling Mo Han was clear-headed at this moment, choosing the side most beneficial to him. He would rather offend Elder Master Ling than dare to offend Feng Jin.
If he angered Feng Jin and she took the children away, he would be left alone. Wouldn't he be the pitiable one?
"You... you..."
Elder Master Ling pointed at Ling Mo Han in anger, shouting, "Get out! Get out!"
He truly didn't want to look at Ling Mo Han anymore, feeling a surge of rage burning within him.
"Grandfather, I'm leaving now."
Ling Mo Han said without hesitation, turned, and then pulled Feng Jin and the two children to walk out.
"You're going against your grandfather's wishes like this. Aren't you worried he'll seek retribution later?"
Feng Jin looked at the man beside her, who appeared calm. He had become quite bold this time, openly confronting the old master. This was the first time.
Didn't he always go along with Elder Master Ling's wishes before? What was different this time?
"I'm worried that if Grandfather gets too angry, and then comes looking for trouble with you, I'll just redirect his anger onto myself."
Ling Mo Han's words sounded righteous, as if he were considering Feng Jin's well-being. In reality, he was genuinely worried that Feng Jin might actually take the children and leave. He didn't want to be alone, so he chose to stand with Feng Jin and oppose his grandfather.
He would wait until his grandfather's anger subsided, then apologize and seek forgiveness. Being caught in the middle was indeed difficult.
"Is that so?" Feng Jin's voice rose slightly, her gaze falling on Ling Mo Han with suspicion. She found his words highly unbelievable.
"Of course!" Ling Mo Han responded without hesitation, his expression sincere, giving no indication of any dishonesty.
For a moment, Feng Jin couldn't tell whether Ling Mo Han was telling the truth or not. She couldn't be bothered to ponder it further, as it wasn't important anymore.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you speaking?"
Seeing Feng Jin fall silent for a long time, Ling Mo Han's gaze shifted to her, observing her quietly, and he asked with slight unease.
"Nothing..."
Feng Jin shook her head indifferently and continued to walk forward.
She had nothing more to ask, so she naturally didn't say anything further.
After a pause, Ling Mo Han continued, "How did you know I took the children to Grandfather's?"
"From the moment you left, I anticipated you would take the children to Grandfather. I didn't say much, intending to turn a blind eye and pretend nothing had happened. But as soon as I opened the door, I ran into Steward Wu and his men blocking the entrance."
"They had the entire courtyard surrounded so tightly that not a drop of water could get through. If I were to tolerate this further, I would be a fool. Now, I must make Grandfather remember this lesson and see if he dares to do this again in the future."
Actually, she hadn't intended to prevent Elder Master Ling from seeing the two children initially. It was just that this time, the old master had gone too far, directly dispatching people to guard her door. This was essentially surveillance, and she absolutely could not tolerate such a thing.
"I'll listen to you this time. Whatever you say, I'll do." Ling Mo Han hastily expressed his loyalty. This time, he was determined to stand firmly by Feng Jin's side, without the slightest waver.
After escorting Feng Jin and the children back, Ling Mo Han did not leave. He stayed with the mother and children until late at night. Once he was sure Feng Jin had fallen asleep, Ling Mo Han tiptoed out of bed and cautiously walked out.