Chapter 82 Bones and Flesh Separated

Old Master Ling had already ordered Ling Yan to be dealt with. A woman would eventually marry into another family, so even if she were ruined by the Second Master Ling, it would be of no consequence to the Ling family.

However, it was different for Ling Muzhu. As a man, his every move and word were closely tied to the Ling family. If Ling Muzhu were to commit any misdeeds, the entire Ling family would be held accountable.

Second Master Ling had always doted on him, which had led to Ling Muzhu's lawless nature. He also had some mental issues and was easily incited.

If he were to be exploited by someone with ulterior motives one day, it would truly be too late to regret.

Having shrewdly grasped that Ling Mohan cared about the Ling family's reputation, Old Master Ling had specifically sent them to teach Ling Muzhu. Even if they couldn't guide him onto the right path, at the very least, it would serve as a deterrent and make Ling Muzhu curb his temper.

"Young General, Young Madam, Second Master Ling has arrived with a large number of people and packages."

Cai Qing, startled by their presence, hurried to report.

What was bound to come had finally arrived. Feng Jin was extremely reluctant to see the Second Branch family. She turned her gaze to Ling Mohan and said, "Aren't you going to see your Second Uncle? After all, he is..."

"No, I won't. It's your task, my wife," Ling Mohan replied without a second thought, declining outright. He couldn't be bothered to deal with his Second Uncle's family.

Feng Jin's lips twitched twice. She glared at Ling Mohan with resentment and gritted her teeth, "Cai Qing, let's go."

Immediately after, the sound of a door slamming shut echoed. Ling Mohan, startled, let his brush hand tremble, and a landscape painting that was nearing completion was marred by a jarringly out-of-place stroke.

What a shame, such a good painting.

When Feng Jin reached the main hall, she heard the sounds of sobbing.

Zhao Shi, holding Ling Muzhu's hand, had tears in her eyes and a reluctant expression on her face. If one didn't know better, they would think it was a scene of profound parting.

"Cough... cough..." Feng Jin cleared her throat to signal their presence.

"Greetings to Second Uncle and Second Aunt," Feng Jin said, walking up to them and bowing with a forced smile.

Second Master Ling responded with a smile and kicked Ling Muzhu's rear, gesturing with his eyes.

"Eldest Sister-in-law, greetings," Ling Muzhu called out unwillingly.

"Muzhu is young. If there are any shortcomings in the future, please bear with us."

Second Master Ling was truly pitiful. At his age, he still had to grovel to Feng Jin for his unfilial son.

Second Master Ling was not successful as an official, nor was his son particularly filial. As a father, he lacked the ability to guide and teach. However, his unwavering protection of his son was commendable.

To have such a father who shielded him in all matters, Ling Muzhu was indeed lucky.

"Second Uncle is too kind. I am acting on Grandfather's orders to teach Muzhu, and I will naturally do my best."

"As long as you don't play dirty tricks and torment my son, I'll be grateful," Zhao Shi said sarcastically, clutching Ling Muzhu's hand tightly. She knew that Ling Muzhu was to be taught by Feng Jin and Ling Mohan, and she had fainted from anger just then, only recently waking up.

That black-hearted Feng Jin, who already had a grievance with them.

Now that her poor son had fallen into her hands, could he expect a good life? She was certain that under the guise of teaching, Feng Jin would secretly exact revenge and bully her precious son.

"What nonsense are you speaking? How could Feng Jin be like that? Do you think everyone is as narrow-minded and unforgiving as you? Feng Jin will surely repay unkindness with kindness and teach Muzhu well."

Feng Jin watched the couple's performance with a cold smile. One played the good cop, the other the bad cop. Second Master Ling, under the guise of scolding Zhao Shi, was flattering her.

By publicizing this matter, even if she intended to make things difficult for Ling Muzhu, she would have to consider her own reputation before making a decision.

"Second Uncle, Second Aunt, if you are worried that my husband and I will not teach Muzhu well and will bully him, you can go to Grandfather and ask him to withdraw the order."

If she could really persuade Old Master Ling to change his mind, she would be eternally grateful.

A flicker of embarrassment flashed across Second Master Ling's face. He quickly changed the subject and said, "Second Uncle naturally trusts your character and integrity. We would be delighted if you taught Muzhu, absolutely delighted..."

He then turned his attention to Ling Muzhu and spoke in a admonishing tone, "Muzhu, you must heed your elder brother and sister-in-law's teachings from now on. Do not be as lazy and willful as you were before. If you dare to make another mistake, I will not spare you. Have you taken all this to heart?"

"Your son remembers Father's teachings."

"It's good that you remember. Your mother and I will take our leave now."

Zhao Shi pulled at Ling Muzhu, sobbing, "My son, your mother won't be around. You must take good care of yourself..."

Feng Jin sat on the chair, witnessing this dramatic separation of kin. She suddenly felt like the culprit who had forcefully separated them, and a pang of guilt arose. But the moment she saw Ling Muzhu's infuriating face, it vanished without a trace.

"Let's be upfront. What exactly do you want to do to me? Just do it!"

Ling Muzhu had long anticipated his fate and adopted a posture of desperate defiance.

Feng Jin raised an eyebrow. This kid... he had some backbone after all.

"Cai Qing, first move all his belongings to the room, then have him wash the vegetables in the backyard and split the firewood..."

Ling Muzhu immediately bristled. Feng Jin was treating him like a servant. "Grandfather sent me here not to be a servant. If you treat me like this, aren't you afraid I'll report you to Grandfather and he'll blame you?"

"Go ahead and report me. I wish you would. I'd be best if you were sent away immediately. Do you really think I have nothing better to do than teach you? With someone like you, I'd rather teach a three-year-old."

Feng Jin's disdain for Ling Muzhu was palpable. She wished she could pack him up and throw him out immediately to get him out of her sight.

"You... you ugly woman, wicked woman, you're simply unreasonable..."

"Yes, I am unreasonable. Not only am I wicked, but I am also heartless. You'll have a hard time if you fall into my hands. You'd better endure it, or beg Old Master to let you leave quickly if you don't want to suffer."

Feng Jin's relentless words left Ling Muzhu speechless.

"Enough. Cai Qing, take him away. I can't stand the sight of him. He's too much of a bother." Feng Jin hastily dismissed him, feeling that another glance would give her a heart attack.

The thought of having to see Ling Muzhu every day from now on made Feng Jin feel suffocated.

It even made her look at Ling Mohan with annoyance.

"My wife is back," Ling Mohan, oblivious to Feng Jin's mood, eagerly approached her and said solicitously.