The elderly Master Ling, having nothing else to occupy his days, now doted on the two children, frequently finding excuses to have Feng Jin bring them to him.
"Ling Mo Han, get up and take the children to your grandfather," she said.
She was simply too exhausted, longing only for a good sleep. She thus sent Ling Mo Han to take the children over.
Ling Mo Han readily agreed, and with the two children in his arms, he left.
Feng Jin then enjoyed a second sleep. When she awoke, the room was empty. What time was it that Ling Mo Han still hadn't returned with the children?
Worried, Feng Jin got up, changed her clothes, and went to find her children.
Upon arrival, she happened to see the elder Master Ling amusing the children, while Ling Mo Han sat to the side, leisurely sipping tea.
"Awake? Are you hungry? What do you want to eat? Tell the kitchen to prepare it," Ling Mo Han asked with great concern as he noticed Feng Jin's presence, putting down his teacup.
"I'm not hungry yet. We can eat it together for lunch."
At this hour, if she ate now, she wouldn't be able to eat much at lunchtime.
"What do you mean 'eat it together for lunch'? You must eat on time. You are still raising my two precious grandchildren, so you must eat more. Steward, go and instruct the kitchen to prepare some food and bring it over."
"Yes, Elder Master," the steward replied with a hasty nod.
"Grandfather, there's no need for such trouble. I can have some snacks to tide me over."
"What trouble is there? Eat when I tell you to eat."
Elder Master Ling's tone was unyielding, directly ordering Feng Jin to eat.
This was the first time she had been coerced into eating, and the feeling was indescribably strange.
Since the birth of the two children, elder Master Ling's concern for her seemed to have increased significantly, making Feng Jin somewhat uncomfortable.
"By the way, how is Mu Zhu doing in Ying Zhong County? Have you received any news?" elder Master Ling asked Ling Mo Han, who was sipping tea.
"Mu Zhu sent a letter a few days ago saying that everything is well in Ying Zhong County. During the spring plowing, the wheat seeds have been sown, and the harvest should be good this year."
"With the spring plowing completed and the common people harvesting grain to have enough to eat, Ying Zhong County will finally be stable. Mu Zhu, after growing up this much, has finally done something worthwhile. He hasn't lived in vain all these years. All of this is also due to your efforts in guiding him onto the right path. Otherwise, if he had relied on your second uncle's guidance, he would have been ruined long ago."
Elder Master Ling was greatly relieved that they had gone to teach Ling Mu Zhu. Otherwise, there would be no repentance today.
Now, seeing Ling Mu Zhu gradually improve and achieve success, his heart finally felt at ease.
"Grandfather, you are too kind. In fact, this is all Feng Jin's credit. Mu Zhu has been taught by her during this period, and it was Feng Jin's idea to have Mu Zhu stay and manage Ying Zhong County. I was initially worried that Mu Zhu would not be able to manage Ying Zhong County well and cause trouble. Now it seems Feng Jin's idea was correct."
Ling Mo Han consciously attributed all the credit to Feng Jin.
"Yes, Feng Jin is the greatest contributor to this matter. Tell me, what reward do you want?"
Before Feng Jin could speak, Ling Mo Han preempted her, "Grandfather, how about giving me your authentic 'Wild Geese Returning' painting by Lin Bai Nan as a reward for our diligent teaching of Mu Zhu?"
Elder Master Ling snorted disdainfully, "Didn't you just say this was all Feng Jin's credit? Then Feng Jin should name the reward. What is it to you? Go cool off somewhere else and don't be an eyesore here, distracting me from doting on my great-grandson."
"Grandfather, aren't you showing favoritism? If it weren't for me, Feng Jin wouldn't have taught Mu Zhu, and you wouldn't have great-grandchildren to hold."
"You impudent brat, you have quite a few tricks up your sleeve. If I hadn't helped you arrange the marriage, you probably wouldn't even have a wife by now."
If he hadn't worked so hard, Ling Mo Han would probably still be alone, and he wouldn't have had the chance to hold his great-grandchildren until death.
Speaking of which, it was also thanks to the master's divination. Feng Jin's birth chart truly matched Ling Mo Han's, and Feng Jin's destiny could aid the Ling family.
After getting married, Ling Mo Han's illness was cured, she gave birth to twins for their Ling family, and guided Mu Zhu onto the right path.
"Thanks to Grandfather, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to marry Feng Jin." Ling Mo Han would never argue with elder Master Ling on this matter.
It was truly thanks to his grandfather's keen insight that he had been able to arrange the marriage with Feng Jin, allowing him to have such a wonderful wife.
If there had been a mistake and Feng Ruoyan had been brought home, it would have been truly terrible luck for eight lifetimes.
"Alright, you two, say a little less," Feng Jin chided playfully. She felt a little embarrassed by Ling Mo Han's words, as this man now spoke without any restraint.
"What's wrong with me praising my wife? Who is it bothering?"
"You... really..." Feng Jin's face was filled with speechlessness. Who could take Ling Mo Han away and make him disappear immediately?
Elder Master Ling watched their interaction, a loving smile on his lips. Seeing his juniors safe and sound and the family harmonious was his greatest wish in life.
"Elder Master, Young Master Mu Zhu has returned," the steward rushed in to report.
"Where is he? Quickly tell him to come over."
"Grandfather!"
Before seeing him, Ling Mu Zhu's voice was heard from outside the door.
He then saw a figure dressed in white, exuding an air of confidence, walk in.
"Your grandson greets you, Grandfather." Ling Mu Zhu knelt on one knee before elder Master Ling.
"Good, good, good, get up quickly."
Elder Master Ling hurried forward and helped Ling Mu Zhu up. "Didn't you say you wouldn't be back for over a month? Why are you back so soon? And why have you lost so much weight?"
"Grandfather, I haven't lost weight. My body has become stronger. Look closely."
"You rascal, sigh... It's good that you're back, good that you're back."
In his twilight years, elder Master Ling was no longer as stern as before, and his heart softened when it came to his children and grandchildren.
"Mu Zhu, since you're back now, have you finished handing over the affairs in Ying Zhong County?" Ling Mo Han asked calmly.
"Greetings, elder brother, elder sister-in-law. The county magistrate appointed by His Majesty has already arrived in Ying Zhong County. I have completed the handover of duties with him. I heard that elder sister-in-law has given birth and I couldn't wait to hurry back."
The restless aura that once emanated from Ling Mu Zhu had long since vanished. Now, he appeared much more composed, and his demeanor in speaking and acting bore some resemblance to Ling Mo Han.
"It's good that you've returned safely. Since you're home, don't lecture Mu Zhu anymore. Come, Mu Zhu, quickly go see your two little nephews."
Elder Master Ling, as if presenting a treasure, pulled Ling Mu Zhu to look at the two children in the cradle.