If His Majesty were to hear of this, he would surely suspect the Ling family's loyalty. If His Majesty were to fly into a rage, could the Ling family remain untouched?
Or perhaps Father bet on the wrong person, and the Third Prince would not ascend to the throne of the Son of Heaven. By then, would the new emperor still heavily rely on the Ling family, who had attached themselves to the Third Prince?
"Mu Zhu, you have been studying with your master these days, and you have served as an official for a period. You know a thing or two about court affairs, and you should understand the serious consequences of this matter. Your father has indeed gone too far this time. If you are not careful, the entire Ling family will be ruined..."
"Grandfather did this also from a broad perspective, for the sake of the entire Ling family. Don't resent Grandfather because of this matter."
Feng Jin persuaded him earnestly. No matter what, Second Master Ling was Ling Mu Zhu's biological father. The bond of blood could not be easily severed.
She only hoped that Ling Mu Zhu could see the situation clearly, not harbor resentment because of this matter, and ruin his own future because of it.
"Eldest sister-in-law, please rest assured. I am no longer the impulsive person I used to be. I understand these matters."
Ling Mu Zhu suppressed his voice, his tone filled with bitterness. Although he knew the serious consequences, it was, after all, his own biological father, and his heart still ached subtly.
"It's good that you understand. Second Uncle and Grandfather have a father-son relationship. Grandfather will not be ruthless to Second Uncle because of these matters. The reason he is imprisoned now is to prevent Second Uncle from continuing to be involved with the Third Prince. Once something happens, the entire Ling family will fall into an abyss of eternal damnation. When Second Uncle comes to his senses, Grandfather will definitely release him."
"Mu Zhu, you don't need to worry too much. The most important thing now is the imperial examination. You have worked hard for so long, waiting for this day. All your energy should be focused on this. The imperial examination is imminent, and you cannot be distracted by this matter."
The imperial examination was just around the corner. If Ling Mu Zhu's performance in the imperial examination were affected by this matter, he would surely regret it immensely afterward.
Feng Jin could not bear to see Ling Mu Zhu's long-term efforts ruined because of this.
"Eldest sister-in-law, matters have priorities. I understand these things. Eldest sister-in-law need not worry about me anymore."
"I am relieved that you can think this way."
Seeing that Ling Mu Zhu could think this way, Feng Jin was much relieved.
"Eldest sister-in-law, can you take me to see my father?"
"This..."
Feng Jin hesitated. Ling Mu Zhu had strictly ordered the Black Armored Army to guard the ancestral hall, preventing Second Master Ling from having any contact with outsiders.
Even she might not be able to see Second Master Ling. Moreover, they had just had a disagreement, and she did not want to incur Ling Mo Han's wrath.
"Eldest sister-in-law, please, just take me to see my father."
Ling Mu Zhu pleaded, holding Feng Jin's sleeve, making Feng Jin unsure of what to do.
Unable to resist Ling Mu Zhu's plea, Feng Jin finally relented at the last moment.
"Alright, I promise to take you, but only for a little while. You know your eldest brother's temper. If you really anger him, even I will be punished along with you."
"Eldest sister-in-law, please rest assured. I will only say a few words to my father and will absolutely not cause trouble for eldest sister-in-law."
Ling Mu Zhu hurriedly promised. He just wanted to see his father, bring him some warm clothes, and ask him why he did such a thing.
"Good."
Feng Jin nodded slightly and led Ling Mu Zhu toward the ancestral hall.
The ancestral hall was surrounded by the Black Armored Army, both inside and out. It was Feng Jin's first time seeing such a grand display, and she was momentarily awed by the oppressive aura emanating from the Black Armored Army.
Upon reaching this point, Feng Jin began to regret her momentary soft-heartedness in agreeing to take Ling Mu Zhu to see Second Master Ling.
After all, Ling Mo Han had taken great pains to uncover the matter of Second Master Ling colluding with the Third Prince and had imprisoned him, even reinforcing the guards with the Black Armored Army to sever Second Master Ling's contact with the outside world.
Was she not openly provoking Ling Mo Han by bringing Ling Mu Zhu to see Second Master Ling?
"Eldest sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
Seeing Feng Jin stop in her tracks, Ling Mu Zhu asked.
"It's nothing, let's go in."
Feng Jin withdrew her wandering thoughts. Since they were already here, there was no turning back. She could only brace herself and go in.
As they took two steps forward, they were stopped by the Black Armored Army.
"Young Madam, the Young General has ordered that no one is allowed to enter the ancestral hall. Young Madam, please return."
Feng Jin did not get angry at being stopped; it was their duty.
She took out a token from her怀 and displayed it to them.
"Do you recognize the Young General's token?"
"Your subordinate recognizes it." The soldier who stopped Feng Jin immediately became respectful upon seeing the token.
This token was the Young General's personal item, and none of the Black Armored Army brothers did not recognize it.
"Good that you recognize it. The Young General has ordered me to bring the Second Young Master in to see Second Master. Open the ancestral hall door."
Feng Jin lied with a straight face, calmer than when she spoke the truth.
"Your subordinate obeys. Young Madam, please."
The soldier quickly opened the ancestral hall door and respectfully invited Feng Jin in.
Feng Jin walked forward with her head held high and chest puffed out, showing no sign of guilt for lying.
On the contrary, Ling Mu Zhu's heart was trembling. He was afraid that things would be exposed again and cautiously followed Feng Jin into the room.
"What are you afraid of? Walk in confidently with your head held high. This way, you will be more likely to arouse suspicion."
"Yes, eldest sister-in-law."
Ling Mu Zhu took a deep breath and pretended to be calm as he walked in.
Second Master Ling, who was locked in the ancestral hall, heard the noise at the door and thought it was someone bringing food. He did not even lift his head and said dismissively, "Take that thing away, I won't eat it!"
"Father, it's me..."
Ling Mu Zhu's voice reached Second Master Ling's ears. His heart trembled instantly. Second Master Ling abruptly raised his head, staggered to his feet, and turned to see Ling Mu Zhu.
"Mu Zhu, how did you get in?"
With the Black Armored Army all around, Second Master Ling didn't have time to think about how Ling Mu Zhu got in. He grabbed Ling Mu Zhu's hand and asked with concern, "How did you get in? Did anyone outside trouble you?"
"I'm fine, everything is good. Eldest sister-in-law brought me to see you."
Upon hearing Ling Mu Zhu's words, Second Master Ling finally noticed Feng Jin, who was standing to the side. He lifted his eyelids to glance at her, his disgust clearly visible.
Feng Jin also disliked Second Master Ling and did not show any good expression. If Ling Mu Zhu hadn't begged her, she would never have come.
"Mu Zhu, time is of the essence. Let's make it brief, we need to leave quickly."
They had snuck in by deception. Once the people outside realized it, it would be difficult for them to leave.