Feng Jin roared, "This Ling Muzhu’s mind is filled with mush. He was easily fooled by a few words and foolishly became the one to stick his neck out."
Ling Muzhu, startled by Feng Jin's imposing presence, subconsciously took a step back. However, he retorted stubbornly, "This courtyard, Grandfather… Grandfather previously promised it to me. It’s not right for them to move in without permission…"
"Is that so? When did the Old Master say that? Do you have any proof, any witnesses, any written evidence to support your claim!" Feng Jin was not one to humor him.
"This matter was spoken of by Grandfather, and Grandfather's word is as good as gold. It naturally cannot be false," Ling Yan said, stepping forward first, worried that the foolish Ling Muzhu wouldn't know how to respond.
"Yes, that's right. Grandfather personally told me," Ling Muzhu asserted forcefully, though his heart was in a panic.
Feng Jin’s gaze flickered between the two. Not bothering to reason with these two fools, she directly asserted her authority as the matriarch of the household, "Even if Grandfather promised it to you back then, I have now given the courtyard to Concubine Bai, so it is her courtyard."
"Don't even think about it! This courtyard belongs to our second branch, and we are taking it today," Ling Yan declared, undeterred. She then said to a servant by her side, "Whoever drives these people out, I will reward you with ten taels of gold. Whatever happens, our second branch will bear the responsibility."
Ten taels of gold was not a small sum. They could work a lifetime in the Ling family and still struggle to save ten taels of gold.
The servants were tempted, hesitating for a moment before slowly picking up the sticks from the ground.
"Money truly makes the world go round," Ling Yan mused inwardly. "This saying is indeed true."
"Drive them out and smash everything!"
Ling Muzhu's courage surged. He grabbed a stick, ready to strike.
Suddenly, a heavy force struck his wrist, causing intense pain. The stick fell to the ground.
"Ah…" Ling Muzhu clutched his swollen wrist, tears welling up from the agony. The culprit who injured him was an inconspicuous pebble lying on the ground.
"What are you doing!" a deep, commanding voice boomed. Old Master Ling strode forward with vigorous steps. His eyes fell upon the mess, and the thick sticks in hand. His face gradually turned ashen as he immediately understood what had transpired.
"Scoundrels! You dare to resort to violence in my house with your servants? Do you take me for dead!"
"Grandfather… I… I was only taking back my courtyard. Didn't you say you were giving the courtyard to me before? Why are they, mother and daughter, living here?"
"Yes, Grandfather, you already gave the courtyard to Muzhu, so it's…"
"Insolent fools!" Old Master Ling roared, his eyes blazing with anger, a surge of fury rising in his chest.
How could the second branch raise such vicious and cruel children?
"As long as I am alive, this Ling family will not be dictated by you. What do you mean by 'our things'? Every blade of grass, every brick and tile in this Ling family, I earned. Your eldest uncle guards the border and fights for the country, your elder brother was appointed Imperial Tutor, and through years of campaigning, he brought unparalleled glory to our Ling family. Your third uncle is an upright official serving the people diligently…"
"As for your second branch, your father’s official post was one I begged for with a thick skin. None of you amount to anything. Ling Yan, you are a woman, so arrogant and overbearing, what kind of family would dare to marry you? And you, you are a man, but you lack both literary and martial skill. Keeping you will only bring shame to the Ling family. I might as well expel you from the Ling family!"
Old Master Ling was filled with resentment. How could the second branch raise such abominations? They would undoubtedly bring great disaster to the Ling family sooner or later.
"Grandfather, I know I was wrong. You can't drive me away, Grandfather!" Ling Muzhu, terrified, quickly knelt down, tugging at Old Master Ling's robes and pleading for mercy.
"If I keep you, you will eventually ruin the Ling family!" Old Master Ling said sternly, his mind made up.
"Father, show mercy! Father!"
Master Ling the Second, having received the news, rushed over hastily, his outer robe untied. He immediately knelt before Old Master Ling, "Father, my son only has Muzhu as a male heir. Father, I beg you, spare him this time."
"His actions are outrageous and defy heaven. I have already given you chances to discipline him, but you did not cherish them. Furthermore, you have done many things behind my back. Second son, you spoil your son as if you are killing him!"
"Father, all the mistakes are my fault. Please, for Muzhu's youth and frail health, spare him this time. I will strictly discipline him. Father, I am useless, unlike my eldest brother, and I don't have the fortune to have a child like Mo Han. Please spare Muzhu this time and let him enjoy a life of wealth and honor."
Despite his less-than-stellar character, Master Ling the Second was a good father. His willingness to sacrifice for his unworthy son was quite admirable.
"Grandfather, I truly know I was wrong. Please spare me, don't drive me away, Grandfather, your grandson begs you." Ling Muzhu wept profusely, his expression filled with sincerity.
"Do you truly know you were wrong?"
One was his son, the other his grandson. Old Master Ling ultimately couldn't bring himself to be utterly ruthless.
"I truly know I was wrong. If I err again, may I be expelled from the Ling family and never return to the capital for the rest of my life." Ling Muzhu made a solemn vow this time.
Although Old Master Ling did not particularly favor Ling Muzhu, he was, after all, his own grandson. He softened, "It will be as you say. If you err again, you will be directly expelled from the Ling family and banished from the capital."
"I understand, Grandfather," Ling Muzhu breathed a sigh of relief, having narrowly escaped, and said repeatedly.
"Alright, get up."
Having received a reprieve, Ling Muzhu pulled Ling Yan, who was kneeling beside him, to stand.
"Who told you to get up? Get back down on your knees!" Old Master Ling roared. Ling Yan's legs went weak, and she immediately knelt on the ground.
"Grandfather, please let my sister get up."
After all, they were full siblings. Seeing his sister being punished, Ling Muzhu felt a pang in his heart.
"Get out of here!" Old Master Ling exclaimed in exasperation, lamenting the child's simplicity. "No wonder you can be so easily deceived."
"You incited Muzhu to confront your elder sister-in-law and Concubine Bai. What are your intentions? I tolerated your spoiled nature because you are a girl, but I never expected you to do something like this. Muzhu is your own brother; you instigated him to disrespect his elder sister-in-law and assault an elder. Do you truly wish to ruin him?" Old Master Ling had long seen through Ling Yan's petty schemes. She merely wanted to use Ling Muzhu’s hand to retaliate and suppress Feng Jin and Concubine Bai, to vent her own spleen. If he hadn't arrived in time to stop it today, and Ling Muzhu had truly been instigated, he would have harmed Feng Jin, Concubine Bai, and Ling Wan.