Moreover, Ling Muzhu had been protected since childhood, and apart from his trip to Yingzhong Commandery, he had never ventured far from home. He worried about the dangers of the outside world and the possibility of trouble.
"Since you've made up your mind, then go ahead. Daring to act is the way of us Ling family men."
Ling Mohan was very supportive of Ling Muzhu's decision. A man should not live his life in mediocrity; he must venture out to be true to himself.
"Yes, elder brother." Ling Mohan's words undoubtedly gave Ling Muzhu immense confidence, making him even more convinced that his decision was right.
Seeing Ling Mohan's firm resolve and with a supporter behind him, the Ling Old Master knew that no amount of persuasion would change his mind.
"You must think carefully. The places where officials are sent are mostly harsh and cold, unlike the capital. Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back."
"Grandfather, my mind is made up." Ling Mohan's tone was firm. He was no longer the impetuous Ling Muzhu of the past. He now held his own beliefs in his heart.
Feng Jin also felt that the current Ling Muzhu was completely different from the one she knew before. He had truly grown a lot after the incident in Yingzhong Commandery.
Late at night, Feng Jin sat in the pavilion, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. The cool night breeze felt slightly chilly on her skin. She looked up at the bright moon in the sky.
A wave of homesickness washed over her. She now understood why the ancients gazed at the moon and thought of their homeland.
"Eldest sister-in-law, it's late. Why are you still awake?"
Ling Muzhu's voice came from behind. Feng Jin turned her head and saw Ling Muzhu standing there in white robes.
The scene of their first meeting flashed in her mind. He had seemed to be carrying a sword, wanting to vent his anger for Ling Yan, and had even threatened to drive her out of the Ling family.
To hear Ling Muzhu respectfully address her as eldest sister-in-law now made Feng Jin feel a sense of unreality.
This was mainly due to the drastic change in Ling Muzhu. She couldn't quite accept it for a moment.
"I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some air. Why are you still in the East Courtyard? Didn't you go back to Second Uncle's place?"
"I'm used to living in the East Courtyard. Going back suddenly feels a bit uncomfortable, so I moved back. Besides, it's quiet here, which is conducive to my studies and exam preparation. Are you annoyed with me and want me to leave?"
"Of course not. I just feel that since you've finally returned, you should spend more time with your father. He has been very concerned about you these days."
Although Feng Jin disliked Second Master Ling, she had to admit that he was a good father and treated his children well.
Compared to Ling Mohan, who was left at home from a young age and lived with his grandfather, Ling Muzhu, who had his parents' company and care, was truly enviable.
"I know, but..."
As soon as his father saw him, he would pressure him to beg his grandfather to bring his mother back. He couldn't refuse, so he could only hide to seek some peace without hurting their father-son relationship.
"Eldest sister-in-law, my mother and Ling Yan have committed many wrongdoings, but they have now received their due punishment. I implore you to be magnanimous and not hold it against them anymore."
"For your sake, as long as they behave themselves and do not cause trouble, I will not make things difficult for them. Rest assured."
Feng Jin's principle was always to mind her own business. As long as Ling Yan and Madam Zhao stayed out of trouble, she would not be idle and seek them out.
"Thank you, eldest sister-in-law. I will definitely advise them in the future." Ling Muzhu thanked her repeatedly. Ling Yan would be married in a few more days. As long as she behaved herself, there wouldn't be any more incidents.
However, Ling Muzhu was still worried. After a hasty farewell to Feng Jin, he rushed to find Ling Yan.
As he reached the door and was about to knock, his hand stopped in mid-air, and he froze.
It had been several months since he last saw Ling Yan. After that incident, he had been unable to get over it and had been avoiding Ling Yan, intentionally or unintentionally.
After a long internal struggle, Ling Muzhu finally raised his hand and knocked on Ling Yan's door.
He lingered at the door for a moment, and the door was opened from the inside.
Their eyes met. They were startled at first, then both felt a sense of awkwardness on their faces, and finally, they both lowered their heads in silence.
After a pause, Ling Muzhu broke the silence, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Ling Yan's expression faltered. She looked up at Ling Muzhu and quickly made way, inviting him in.
"Have some water first. When did you get back?" Ling Yan handed a cup of water to Ling Muzhu. She was confined to her room until her wedding day, so she didn't know when Ling Muzhu had returned.
"I just got back today. Have you been well all this time?"
"Well... how could I be well?"
Ling Yan snorted, her eyes filled with even deeper hatred. "My appearance is ruined, and I have to marry far away from the capital. My fiancé is known to frequent courtesans. Marrying him is like stepping into a coffin with one foot. I might as well die."
Ling Muzhu's gaze was calm. In the past, he would have been provoked by Ling Yan and would have rushed to beg his father or grandfather to not let Ling Yan marry him.
It was just that he had believed and protected... the sister he had for years, and it was all in vain.
"Muzhu, Mother is gone. In this Ling family, you and I are the only blood relatives. Help me. Beg Father or Grandfather for me, and don't let me marry so far away."
Far from the capital, where the emperor's reach was limited, if she suffered any great injustice in the future, who in the Ling family would know? She absolutely could not go.
Her mother had been driven out of the Ling family, and her father only had Ling Muzhu, his son, in his heart. He wouldn't care about her fate. Originally, she had already resigned herself to her fate and lost hope.
But Ling Muzhu's appearance reignited the spark of hope in her heart. This younger brother had always been the most obedient to her.
As long as she appeased Ling Muzhu properly, he would surely come forward for her.
"Your marriage was decided by Grandfather and Father. I am powerless to help. You should prepare for your wedding with peace of mind. On your wedding day, I will ask Father to prepare more dowry for you so that you can live more comfortably in the future."
Having witnessed Ling Yan's heartlessness and cruelty, Ling Muzhu had long seen through her true nature. Ling Yan's kindness towards him was motivated by her desire for him to stand up for her and use him as a pawn.
"What are you saying? I am your own sister. Have you forgotten how I nursed you day and night when you had a high fever?"
"Who was responsible for my high fever? It was you who pushed me into the water to win the rowing competition."