Chapter 1769: Chapter 1769: Different Attitudes
(Chapter 7)
Luo Ziling first went with Luo Liansheng and Luo Xusheng to see Ling Jinhua.
The three carried gifts.
Huang Chen welcomed them into the old residence and quietly reminded them, “The chief is a bit angry; don’t be impulsive.”
Luo Ziling thanked Huang Chen and casually asked when his mother would arrive.
“She should be here in a couple of days; I’ll contact you then,” Huang Chen said briefly, leading them into the yard.
Ling Jinhua was enjoying the sun in the courtyard.
Upon seeing the three enter, he gave no special acknowledgment, not even a glance in their direction.
But as they approached him, he asked calmly, “Three generations coming together; is this a coup?”
“Great Grandfather, the three generations of us have come to see you; this is the first time,” Luo Ziling quickly answered. “Truthfully, our three generations should have come to see you much earlier.”
Ling Jinhua opened his eyes, looked at Luo Ziling, then closed them again and pointed at the chairs beside him to indicate for them to sit down.
Luo Liansheng sat down, but Luo Ziling and Luo Xusheng did not.
“Xusheng came to Yanjing for business, and I asked him to come visit you,” Luo Liansheng began. “As your grandson-in-law, it’s only right for him to come and see you. When he returns to Yanjing, I will make sure he visits more often.”
“Sir Luo, your spirit remains youthful,” Ling Jinhua chuckled, “forcing someone to agree to your requests, and being so straightforward about it.”
“I just want my son and grandson to have a complete family, to live a normal life. As you’re aware, your granddaughter is still living the embarrassing life of an unmarried mother. Don’t you want her to have an officially recognized identity as a wife and mother?” After saying this, Luo Liansheng laughed, “Actually, today we’re just here to see you, nothing else. I’ve vented my anger, not trying to force you, nor is anyone able to force you.”
“On my ninetieth birthday, I dared to fight; what else wouldn’t I dare?” Ling Jinhua said with sharper eyes as he looked at Luo Ziling.
“I just don’t want to be bullied; even a rabbit bites when cornered.” Luo Ziling replied unflinchingly, appearing quite innocent, “Besides, I grew up in remote village areas, not knowing much about etiquette. Those who grew up in Yanjing, receiving top-tier education, know even less about etiquette than I do. When they insulted me and my mom, I taught them a lesson without hesitation.”
Unexpectedly, Luo Ziling said this, and Luo Liansheng glanced at him in surprise before laughing, “Mountain folk speak straightforwardly; both my grandson and I are alike; we can’t talk as tactfully as city folks. If the old man is angry, just scold us.”
“Alright, you’ve seen me. You must have other matters to attend to, so go ahead,” Ling Jinhua waved his hand, signaling them to leave.
“Then we’ll leave,” Luo Liansheng didn’t mind, got up, and said, “I’ll have Ziling come to help with your treatment in a couple of days. Once he’s back, I won’t bother you, old man, anymore, so you won’t be annoyed. As spring returns, your health will progressively improve.”
“Go, go,” Ling Jinhua waved his hand again, indicating no further comments.
After leaving the old residence, Luo Ziling quietly asked Luo Liansheng, “Grandpa, what did Great Grandfather mean by that?”
“If he didn’t get angry, he’s silently agreed to everything,” Luo Liansheng laughed again, “Having thick skin is sometimes beneficial.”
Luo Xusheng, entirely inexperienced with these matters, remained silent, but upon hearing Luo Liansheng, he finally said, “I hope the old man won’t blame us.”
“He wants to use us, so we can use him a bit,” Luo Liansheng’s expression became serious, “Since an old man of ninety still values interests more than family relationships, we must learn from him. He doesn’t want to lose out, so we shouldn’t lose out either.”
Luo Ziling didn’t know what to say, so he just nodded lightly.
Luo Xusheng didn’t know what to say and remained silent.
When they arrived at Ling Mingrui’s other courtyard, it was already half-past ten.
Ling Ruonan had arrived a moment earlier, and as Luo Ziling and the others entered, she was talking with Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua.
Upon hearing that Luo Liansheng, Luo Xusheng, and Luo Ziling had arrived, Xie Enhua promptly stood up to greet them.
She and Ling Ruonan together greeted them in the courtyard.
Ling Mingrui stood in the hallway.
After being expelled from Yanjing, Luo Xusheng was visiting Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua openly for the first time.
He seemed very awkward, unsure of how to address Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua.
“Dad, please come inside,” Ling Ruonan came over to hold Luo Liansheng’s hand and gestured to Luo Xusheng.
“Father-in-law, mother-in-law, your son-in-law greets you,” Luo Xusheng said, blushing and bowing as he handed over his gifts.
“Oh, you’ve come, but what gifts have you brought?” Xie Enhua chuckled and reached to hold Luo Xusheng’s arm, “It’s been so many years; we might not even recognize you if we met otherwise. Please visit often with Nan once you’re back in Yanjing.”
“Sure,” Luo Xusheng agreed quickly and felt slightly relieved.
“In-laws, sit inside,” Ling Mingrui said with a smile to Luo Liansheng, “Let’s have lunch here, and the two of us can enjoy a few drinks. So many people today, it’s quite lively.”
Then he turned to Luo Xusheng who was behind him and said, “Xusheng, since it’s your first time here, it’s rare, so you should have a few drinks.”
“Okay,” Ling Mingrui also treated him kindly, making Luo Xusheng feel even more at ease.
Neither Ling Mingrui nor Xie Enhua showed any intention to make things difficult for Luo Xusheng, allowing Ling Ruonan to relax.
During the meal, the four men drank.
For the first time, Luo Ziling behaved himself and didn’t make any comments during the meal but instead played the role of listener.
Soon, Luo Liansheng and Ling Mingrui got to discussing Luo Xusheng’s trip to Yanjing, and Ling Mingrui straightforwardly suggested that Luo Xusheng should take over Dragon Rise.
Regarding this, Luo Ziling was still too conservative; he thought Ling Mingrui wouldn’t directly intervene in this matter, but unexpectedly, Ling Mingrui directly stated his position. Though thinking back, it made sense; Li Haiyang was Ling Mingrui’s confidant, and Li Haiyang was leaving, so having another trustworthy person to take over was naturally expected.
From Ling Mingrui’s tone, it seemed this was the only option; he wouldn’t accept anyone else.
This reassured Luo Xusheng, Ling Ruonan, and Luo Ziling.
Later, Ling Mingrui earnestly instructed Luo Xusheng, once back in Yanjing, to take good care of Ling Ruonan while managing Dragon Rise properly, ensuring no mistakes. No matter the circumstances, he must surpass Li Haiyang’s tenure as Dragon Rise leader and prove to all the doubters who is truly most suitable to be Dragon Rise’s Sect Leader.
With this clear message from Ling Mingrui, everyone felt a sense of relief.
Of course, aside from Ling Mingrui himself, none of the attendees knew that the struggle over Dragon Rise’s leadership was still ongoing and quite intense.