Elder Master Ling pondered for a moment, his scrutinizing gaze falling upon Second Master Ling. "If you still consider yourself a descendant of the Ling family, and if you still heed the reprimands of your ancestors, then from this moment on, you are to cease all contact with the Third Prince. You are forbidden from taking any further action until the Crown Prince ascends the throne!"
This was his last act of tolerance towards his disappointing son, and also his final warning. If he continued to be obstinate, Elder Master Ling would no longer tolerate his reckless behavior.
For the sake of the entire Ling family, he had no choice but to make a decision. With Second Master Ling, there was only the choice of abandonment.
"Father... why don't you understand my good intentions? I am doing all this for the future of the Ling family... Father!"
Having reached his fifties, he had achieved nothing, only managing to secure a third-rank official position in the capital, living a muddled life. If he continued like this, his life would remain unremarkable.
He made this decision for his own sake as well. Humans die for wealth, birds die for food. He had to consider the best interests of the second branch of the family.
Therefore, he would never break ties with the Third Prince. He had staked everything on the Third Prince, and this was his final plan.
"Do you still intend to persist in your foolishness?"
Elder Master Ling was filled with frustration, regretting having such an unfilial son. If this unfilial son ruined the achievements accumulated over generations by the Ling family ancestors, how could he face them in the afterlife with any honor?
"Father, believe your son just this once. I will absolutely not make the wrong choice!"
"You... you..."
Seeing Second Master Ling's utter obstinacy, Elder Master Ling felt a pang of heartache. How could he have such a son?
A surge of anger rose in his chest, and he immediately felt dizzy. It took him a while to feel a little better.
Looking at his son kneeling before him, Elder Master Ling took a deep breath. After a long pause, he made his decision.
"Guards, take this unfilial son to the ancestral hall. No one is allowed to let him out without my permission. Those who defy this order shall be killed without mercy!"
Elder Master Ling made this decision with a heavy heart, feeling as if his heart was being cut by a knife. His own flesh and blood, making such a decision, his heart ached more than anyone else's.
"Father, you... you really intend to lock your son up? You've abandoned me?"
Second Master Ling looked at his father, who was seated on the high seat, in disbelief. He cried out hoarsely, "Has my father truly forsaken me?"
"Guards, take him away!"
Second Master Ling looked at his father's resolute face, his hope completely dashed. With a heart full of despair, he was led away.
Only after Second Master Ling had left did Elder Master Ling's suppressed tears moisten his eyes. His wrinkled face was etched with pain and reluctance.
"Grandfather..." Ling Mo Han called out tentatively.
"Send people to thoroughly surround the ancestral hall and the outside of the Ling residence. Do not let your guard down."
Although the second son appeared obedient and respectful on the surface, he was actually very stubborn. He had punished him severely today, and he would surely bear a grudge, possibly going down a path of no return.
Only by dispatching more men to guard the Ling family's interior and exterior could he feel at ease.
"Yes, Grandfather." Ling Mo Han cupped his hands in response. After a pause, he asked, "Grandfather, how should we explain this to Mu Zhu?"
"Tell him the truth. I believe that child will understand this matter."
In recent times, Ling Mu Zhu had changed completely compared to before. He would surely understand this matter, and there was no need to continue hiding it from him.
When people grow up, they eventually have to face hardships; they cannot live under someone's protection forever.
Rather than letting him face all sorts of hardships outside and be trained by others, it was better for him to experience it properly at home.
"Yes, Grandfather. I shall take my leave now."
Feng Jin, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly left with Ling Mo Han.
Worried that Elder Master Ling might be overcome with sadness after dealing with his son, she specifically left Da Bao and Er Bao to accompany him.
"Why on earth did your second uncle have to collude with a treacherous villain like Chu Yan Xi? Speaking of which, the Emperor is truly the most remarkable. He has so many sons, yet he favors the most despicable one..."
Feng Jin suddenly felt a bit of pity for Emperor Xuan Wen. If he knew that his most beloved son was such a worthless wretch, wouldn't he be heartbroken?
Ling Mo Han's brows furrowed slightly upon hearing Feng Jin's words. If these words reached the Emperor's ears, wouldn't they enrage him to death?
"Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"
What she had said was clearly the truth. Not a single word was incorrect.
"It's nothing, my lady. Everything you said is true, without any mistakes, without any mistakes."
Feng Jin glared fiercely at Ling Mo Han. She could clearly see a hint of displeasure in his eyes. He was definitely thinking about something he shouldn't be.
"Forget it. I won't argue with you over these useless matters. I haven't asked you yet, where did you arrange for those palace maids?"
She had only been back at the Ling residence for two days, and she felt as if her access to information had been cut off, knowing nothing.
"The post station."
"Can those people stay at the post station? And isn't the Princess of Xi Liang also at the post station? Wouldn't that allow them to connect?"
"The Princess of Xi Liang has already been brought into the palace to learn etiquette and will not be allowed to leave the imperial palace until her wedding."
The Princess of Xi Liang was brought into the palace early. As for Baili Xi, she was now confined within the palace, her hands and feet bound.
"This move of yours is indeed brilliant. You've directly confined them within the imperial palace, making it easier for you to act outside."
The imperial palace was heavily guarded, which was indeed the best way to isolate them from outside information. Moreover, given the Princess of Xi Liang's special status, many more people would be assigned to care for her. With so many eyes and ears, they would be even less likely to act rashly.
Feng Jin sincerely admired Ling Mo Han's cunning schemes and gave him a thumbs-up, expressing her admiration.
"This is also due to my lady's excellent tutelage."
Feng Jin's eyes instantly narrowed, and she looked at Ling Mo Han with displeasure. Was he indirectly calling her cunning and treacherous? She was the one who taught him such sly tactics.
He was so quick to shift the blame. He was clearly the most cunning and treacherous person, yet he insisted on presenting himself as a gentleman. Did he really think she didn't know?
"Do you really think I don't know your mind is full of schemes? You can fool others, but don't expect to fool me."
Feng Jin unceremoniously exposed his hypocrisy and deception. She understood these matters better than anyone and knew what kind of person Ling Mo Han truly was.
"What did I lie to you about? You're trying to pin imaginary crimes on me. I won't accept it."
Ling Mo Han stubbornly refused to admit it, feigning an innocent expression and maintaining his outward pretense perfectly, while secretly plotting how to shift the blame.