Ling Muzhu glanced at the heavily guarded ancestral hall. Even if he had wings, it would be difficult to get in to see his father. As a son, this was all he could do. He could only wish his father a comfortable stay inside.
"It's good that you can distinguish priorities. Do not let what has happened delay your future. If you can win first place in the imperial examination, your father will surely be pleased."
Within the Eastern Chu, if one wanted to make a name for themselves, it was imperative to rely on one's true talents and knowledge. Relying solely on the glory of one's ancestors would only bring temporary wealth and would ultimately not amount to much.
Ling Muzhu had already worked so hard for so long, and now was the most crucial moment. Any further delays would likely lead to lifelong regret.
"Eldest sister-in-law's teachings are all noted," Ling Muzhu nodded in agreement. His demeanor was now as refined and pure as clear jade, having long since shed the fierce hostility he displayed upon their first meeting.
"Good... Let's go back now. Be sure to get enough rest these past two days. The weather is turning cold, so wear more clothes in the mornings and evenings. With the imperial examination so close, you must not catch a cold these few days."
"Yes, Eldest sister-in-law..."
Feng Jin, like a worried mother, couldn't help but nag a few extra words.
It wasn't until they reached Ling Muzhu's residence that Feng Jin stopped her nagging, but her worry about Ling Muzhu's imperial examination did not diminish in the slightest.
She had to quickly ask Ling Mohan to tutor Ling Muzhu more in these past two days. There could be no slackening at the final moment.
Upon entering the room, Feng Jin pestered Ling Mohan about the matter.
Hearing this, Ling Mohan put down his book and turned his gaze to Feng Jin. "Why are you so concerned about young Ling Muzhu's affairs now?"
A woman's heart is truly an unfathomable thing. Feng Jin's transformation was remarkably swift, and her attitude towards Ling Muzhu had completely changed.
"I just can't bear to see him fall short after working so hard. He's only just begun to study earnestly, and if he loses his motivation because of these troubles, wouldn't that be too much of a pity?"
It was difficult enough to mold him into a decent person; to have him revert to his old self would be a true shame.
Therefore, this time, she had to support Ling Muzhu wholeheartedly and do her best to help him pass the examination.
She had long heard that Ling Mohan was the top scholar, possessing vast knowledge. If he were to personally guide Ling Muzhu, the hope of passing the examination would naturally be greater.
"Are you going or not?"
Seeing that he had not agreed for a long time, Feng Jin couldn't hold back and asked.
Flipping a page of his book, Ling Mohan's gaze fell upon Feng Jin. He said in a deep voice, "What if I refuse?"
"No, you have to agree even if you don't want to. You have no right to object!"
Feng Jin's tone was firm. Today, Ling Mohan had to agree, whether he wanted to or not. She had already made up her mind when she came, determined to force Ling Mohan to comply.
"In that case, do I still have a chance to object?"
"You do not!"
Feng Jin directly reached out and pulled the seated Ling Mohan up, dragging him out.
"Just this once, consider it doing me a favor and tutor Ling Muzhu properly. In fact, by doing this, I am also acting in the best interest of your Ling family. You must understand that if Ling Muzhu passes the examination this time, it will be a great help to you in court..."
She exhausted all her persuasive skills to make Ling Mohan teach Ling Muzhu diligently.
"Think carefully, by helping Ling Muzhu today, you are essentially helping yourself and the entire Ling family. Therefore, you must tutor Ling Muzhu with all your heart."
Ling Mohan listened quietly to Feng Jin's lengthy discourse, without offering any opinion.
In his view, his opinion had no bearing on the matter. Even if he had a thousand reasons, he couldn't change Feng Jin's mind. So, he simply remained silent. Following Feng Jin's wishes was ultimately the right course of action.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
Feng Jin turned to look at the man beside her. His silence made her feel quite awkward.
"Whether I speak or not has no effect, and I cannot change your decision."
What he said did have some logic. Feng Jin furrowed her brow slightly, but his bluntness felt rather disrespectful.
Clearing her throat lightly, Feng Jin adjusted her emotions. "In short, all you need to know is that I am doing this for your sake."
Saying too much would be redundant. The most important point was this.
With the message delivered, Feng Jin felt relieved. She had to make Ling Mohan realize that everything she was doing was for his benefit.
"Alright... I understand. Everything you do is for my sake. I will surely remember my wife's kindness."
Only after Ling Mohan said this did Feng Jin feel completely satisfied, a smile uncontrollable on her lips.
"It's good that you understand. Let's hurry over. Time is of the essence, and we cannot afford any more delays."
The imperial examination was fast approaching. They were already cramming, so the more time they could gain, the better.
Feng Jin, holding Ling Mohan's hand, hurried forward, effectively halving the travel time.
When they arrived, Ling Muzhu was engrossed in his studies. Seeing them, he put down his book and stood up, cupping his hands in a salute. "Greetings, Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law. Eldest Brother, what brings you here today?"
He was not surprised by Feng Jin's presence. However, Ling Mohan was always busy with official duties, rarely appearing, to the point where he would rarely see Ling Mohan even once a month. His sudden visit today made him feel somewhat overwhelmed.
"It's like this, your eldest brother is here to teach you a bit..."
Feng Jin spoke before Ling Mohan could, then turned to the man behind her, signaling with her eyes for him to continue.
Ling Mohan, who was already a man of few words, merely nodded lightly. The air instantly became awkward.
Ling Muzhu dared not speak, standing timidly to the side, afraid to even move, like a child who had made a mistake.
"Time is pressing, so let's begin quickly."
It was Feng Jin who finally broke the silence. Ling Mohan then opened his mouth and uttered a few words: "Let's begin."
With that, he walked straight ahead and sat down opposite Ling Muzhu's desk, his posture as stern as a schoolteacher.
Ling Muzhu had always been afraid of Ling Mohan, and now his timidity unconsciously grew a bit more.
He sat down obediently, every movement exceptionally careful, lest he do something wrong and be reprimanded.
Feng Jin did not leave, instead sitting comfortably to the side, a stark contrast to the two men.