"Alright... that's enough of that. Let's go back for some peace and quiet, soak up some sun. There's nothing for me here anymore. When one is old, they just get in the way. You old thing, you've worked hard for so many years, it's time to rest."
Old Master Ling walked with a shuffling gait. Watching these children grow up one by one, he also noticed how much he had aged, and how some things were beyond his strength.
It was true, one couldn't defy old age. Fortunately, these children were all promising, and life in the manor was getting better by the day. He could finally enjoy some peace and quiet in his twilight years.
...
"Eldest Sister-in-law, should we go out and see?"
Ling Wan saw that Feng Jin had been inactive for a long time and couldn't help but ask.
The entire Sheng family was kneeling outside the manor. It was easy to imagine that the area outside the manor must be packed with people. If they didn't find a way to disperse them, the Ling family would surely be thrust into the spotlight.
With the situation about to escalate, why was Eldest Sister-in-law still looking so relaxed, as if she didn't care at all?
"Eldest Sister-in-law..."
Ling Wan wanted to say more, but Feng Jin raised her hand to interrupt. "I know what you want to say. Wait for another incense stick's worth of time. When the time comes, I'll go out and take a look immediately."
She could roughly guess why the Sheng family had come, but the time was not yet right. They had to wait a little longer.
As soon as the time for an incense stick passed, Ling Wan anxiously turned to look at Feng Jin. Her brow furrowed tightly, her breathing even shallow, as she silently waited for Feng Jin to speak.
"Young Madam... it's bad... Young Madam, the Sheng family... the Sheng family is trying to force their way in!"
A young servant rushed in, his words stuttering as he reported.
Feng Jin's hand, which was holding a teacup, paused slightly. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. They had finally lost their patience. It was time for her to make an appearance.
Setting down the teacup, Feng Jin rose and tidied her skirt. Her gaze swept over Ling Muzhu and Ling Wan beside her, and she said lightly, "You two will come with me."
"Yes, Eldest Sister-in-law!" Ling Muzhu readily agreed. He had already been planning how to go out and see, and he didn't expect Eldest Sister-in-law to understand his intentions so well. He was naturally overjoyed.
Ling Wan, however, was the opposite. Her face was full of hesitation, and she was slow to step forward. It was Ling Muzhu who stepped forward and pulled Ling Wan out.
"Second Sister, come on. What are you waiting for? Let's go see and broaden our horizons!"
With that, Ling Muzhu grabbed Ling Wan's wrist and hurried forward.
"Oh! Muzhu..."
Pulled abruptly, Ling Wan exclaimed in a daze, but her feet moved forward obediently.
Outside the Ling manor's gate stood a dense crowd of onlookers. Servants formed a human wall, guarding the entrance, while facing them were Master Sheng and Madam Sheng, each flanked by a younger woman leaning on their arms.
"Master Sheng and Madam Sheng, your esteemed presence graces our humble abode. We apologize for not welcoming you sooner. Please forgive us."
Feng Jin slowly walked to the gate, her gaze calmly resting on the four members of the Sheng family. A hint of a mocking smile played on her lips, showing no intention of inviting them into the manor.
Ling Muzhu and Ling Wan followed closely, appearing at the gate, both scrutinizing the Sheng family members before them.
"Is this how you Ling family treats guests? We've been outside the manor for so long, and not one of you has come out to greet us. You even have servants guarding the door, preventing us from entering. You Ling family is going too far!"
As the words fell, the surrounding onlookers began to point and whisper.
Some of the words were so unpleasant that even the good-natured Ling Wan couldn't stand it and was about to retort, but Feng Jin stopped her with a look.
"May I ask who this lady is?" Feng Jin smiled instead of getting angry. Her tone was so arrogant, she seemed like a formidable character.
"I am the eldest daughter-in-law of the Sheng family."
Feng Jin couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Who in the capital doesn't know that the Sheng family has strict rules and values propriety above all else? Yet, to see you today, you seem like hypocrites, all show and no substance."
"You dare to insult us like this... your Ling family is truly vulgar and disrespectful..."
"Shut your mouth. How well-mannered are you? Your own in-laws are still here, and they haven't spoken yet. Where do you get off speaking?"
Feng Jin's words struck her dumb, her face turning extremely displeased. Master Sheng, however, was a sensible man. He stepped forward and said, "Young Madam Ling, our family has come with a matter of great importance, and we beg Young Madam to..."
"Master Sheng, you flatter me. I already told Madam Sheng beforehand that the Ling family and the Sheng family have no further ties. My Ling family will never enter the Sheng family's doors again, and your Sheng family will never enter the doors of my Ling family."
"This... Young Madam, my wife spoke carelessly. I beg Young Madam to..."
"Master Sheng, scholars value their promises the most. Since a promise has been made, do not break it. Master Sheng and Madam Sheng, please return!"
Feng Jin's tone was resolute. She had made up her mind not to have any more dealings with the Sheng family.
Master Sheng's face darkened considerably. He was filled with anxiety and glared fiercely at Madam Sheng, roaring, "This is all your doing! If Xu Bai has an accident, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"
"I... I... it's all my fault. Xu Bai... Xu Bai, it's your mother's fault..."
Madam Sheng's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, which flowed uncontrollably. She was filled with regret, her heart turning black with remorse.
After a moment of composure, Madam Sheng, as if possessed, rushed forward and knelt before Feng Jin.
This sudden action stunned Feng Jin and the other two. Feng Jin was utterly speechless. She stepped forward, intending to help Madam Sheng up. "Madam Sheng, kneeling to me is useless. 'A promise is worth a thousand gold,' those words still echo clearly. For Madam Sheng to break her promise now is truly slapping herself in the face."
Feng Jin's eyes were filled with sarcasm. "If you knew this day would come, why did you act that way in the first place?" Her tone was also laced with mockery. "For the sake of your last shred of dignity, Madam Sheng, please return!"
"Close the manor gates. Don't let the Sheng family in. You must know that the Sheng family values their reputation and credibility the most. If you let the Sheng family in today, you will be harming them. Once a scholar loses face and betrays their promise, they are harmed. Do you all understand clearly!"