"Father, I have managed household affairs for many years. While there have been occasional missteps, I have always done so with utmost dedication and without a moment's slack. Father, how can you be so heartless, so utterly dismissive of my years of effort!"
Lord Ling the Second had never imagined that Old Master Ling would strip him of his authority as steward.
His years of effort were now in vain. In the Ling family, would anyone ever respect him again?
"You are not cut out for managing the household. Had your elder brother not been stationed on the border year-round, and had Han'er not been too young, I would not have handed over the reins of the household to you. Your actions over the years have utterly broken my heart!"
He had initially given the stewardship to Lord Ling the Second with a trial mindset. However, Lord Ling the Second's conduct over the years had led to his profound disappointment.
To prevent the hundred-year foundation of the Ling family from being destroyed, this was the only way.
Lord Ling the Second felt as if struck by lightning, collapsing onto the ground in despair. With a heart filled with grief and indignation, he cried, "Father, in your eyes, I will always be inferior to my elder brother. I am merely a chess piece to you. You have never truly considered me your son!"
From childhood to adulthood, he could never match his elder brother in anything. In his father's eyes, only his elder brother existed; when had he ever been acknowledged?
"You scoundrel! You're still arguing about this? You are too focused on gain and loss, always striving to compete and stand out!"
His nature was ingrained. Despite constant admonishments and guidance, his fundamental character remained unchanged.
Old Master Ling suppressed a sigh of frustration. "You had best abandon your schemes. If I discover them, you will be expelled from the Ling family to establish your own residence!"
Once he left to establish his own residence, he would completely forfeit his inheritance rights.
"Father, your son knows his mistake. I will henceforth abide by my duties and discipline my children, ensuring you have no further worries. Since Father is advanced in years and needs someone by his side, let your unfilial son remain to serve you!"
Lord Ling the Second quickly knelt and pleaded for mercy. If he were driven out of the Ling family, he would lose all hope of inheritance.
By staying, he could humble himself and wait for an opportunity to regain the position of family head in the future.
Old Master Ling's anger had somewhat subsided. After all, he was his own son. Moreover, with his advanced age, he yearned more for familial affection and ultimately could not bring himself to be overly harsh. A small punishment would suffice. Little did he know that this leniency would almost bring disaster upon the Ling family.
"From now on, you must conduct yourself with propriety, cultivate your mind, and not make even the slightest mistake..."
Old Master Ling's words were a clear warning to Lord Ling the Second. This son was the most troublesome, requiring more of his attention than anyone else. Yet, he remained so disappointing.
"Yes, Father. Your son has noted it all. I will surely conduct myself with propriety henceforth!" Lord Ling the Second's face was full of deference, but his mind was churning with calculations.
"And regarding Yan'er's matter, it was ultimately her own doing. Once her face has healed, it will be time to arrange her marriage. Have your wife diligently guide Yan'er during these days. Once she is in her husband's home, no one will indulge her any longer!"
Ling Yan was already a lost cause. It was better to marry her off quickly, allowing the Ling family some peace.
"Your son has noted it all."
"You may leave now. Please gather the household tokens, keys, seals, and account books, and deliver them to Han'er."
After Lord Ling the Second departed, Old Master Ling specifically kept the other two.
"Han'er, Feng Jin, what happened today was handled unfairly by your uncle. However, he is still your elder. Moreover, this incident occurred because Ling Yan was injured, and he was anxious, leading to his unfair judgment. You two should not hold it against him."
He was growing old, his health not as robust as before, and even his disposition had softened considerably.
During his lifetime, he did not wish to witness any more fratricidal strife among his children.
He had always strived to mediate and ease the conflicts between his children, hoping they could live in harmony even after his death.
"Your grandson understands."
Ling Mo Han had been raised by Old Master Ling since childhood, naturally showing him more respect and always obeying him without defiance.
"Feng Jin, Ling Yan was indeed in the wrong today, and she is facing the consequences of her actions. Your uncle will discipline her strictly in the future. Let this matter rest. We will all see each other frequently, and it is important to live in harmony."
Harmony, Feng Jin couldn't help but roll her eyes. Old Master Ling's heart was truly biased.
"Grandfather, if today it were I who was injured by Ling Yan, would you similarly advise me to downplay the matter and let it go? If Ling Mo Han were injured by someone from the second branch, what would you do?"
Old Master Ling's face suddenly darkened, and he was at a loss for words.
"Feng Jin!"
Ling Mo Han reprimanded her softly, reaching out to pull Feng Jin behind him.
"Grandfather, consider this matter settled. Feng Jin is my wife. If Ling Yan dares to harm her again, I will show no mercy."
This time, for his grandfather's sake, he chose to de-escalate.
But he would never allow anyone else to harm Feng Jin.
Feng Jin's heart trembled slightly. She looked up at Ling Mo Han's firm jawline, a complex emotion stirring within her.
Before Feng Jin could react, Ling Mo Han directly pulled her away.
Upon returning to their room, Ling Mo Han summoned Cai Qing to help Feng Jin tend to her wounds.
"Young Madam, it is done."
Cai Qing helped Feng Jin put on her clothes and discreetly gathered her things before leaving, giving them privacy.
"Thank you for today!"
Feng Jin said casually, turning her head away and avoiding Ling Mo Han's gaze.
"It was Ling Yan's fault anyway. You shouldn't have suffered injustice. Are you perhaps angry with me for not pursuing Ling Yan further..."
Ling Mo Han tentatively probed, his gaze filled with concern. His grandfather had spoken, and it was difficult for him to disobey. He felt a sudden surge of guilt towards Feng Jin.
"It's alright. After all, Old Master has spoken, and it's not easy for you to go against him. You didn't betray me, and I won't blame you, rest assured!"
Ling Mo Han smiled gently. With Ling Yan's limited abilities, she was no match for Feng Jin and could never gain any advantage.
"This medicine is for you." Ling Mo Han placed the white porcelain bottle on the table and then left.
After he left, Cai Qing, who had been waiting outside, entered the room.
"Young Madam, the small kitchen has prepared some bird's nest and seaweed soup. Please eat some before you sleep."
Cai Qing served Feng Jin her meal. While changing her dressing, she caught sight of the white porcelain bottle and exclaimed, "Young Madam, is this medicine from the Young General?"
Feng Jin nodded nonchalantly. "Yes. Is there something wrong with this medicine?"
"Young Madam, this is Bai Hua Yu Lu Gao. Its healing effect is excellent, and it leaves no scars after application. This small bottle alone is worth a thousand gold pieces. The Young General giving you this medicine undoubtedly means he holds deep affection for you!"
Feng Jin smiled faintly and flicked Cai Qing's smooth, fair forehead with her finger.