The Old Master Ling had already ordered the punishment of Ling Yan. A woman would eventually marry into another family, so even if she were spoiled by Second Master Ling, it would not harm the Ling family.
However, Ling Muzhu was different. As a man, every action and every word he spoke was closely tied to the Ling family. If Ling Muzhu did anything out of line, the entire Ling family would not escape blame.
Second Master Ling had always doted on him, which led to Ling Muzhu's lawless personality. His mind was also somewhat troubled, making him easily instigated.
If, one day, he were exploited by someone with ulterior motives, it would truly be too late to regret.
Precisely because they knew that Ling Mohan cared about the Ling family's reputation, the Old Master Ling specifically ordered them to tutor Ling Muzhu. Even if they couldn't guide him onto the right path, they could at least serve as a deterrent and make Ling Muzhu restrain his behavior.
"Young General, Madam, Second Master Ling has arrived with a cartload of packages."
Cai Qing was startled by their grand entrance and hurried to report.
What was bound to happen had happened. Feng Jin was extremely reluctant to meet the people from the second branch. She looked at Ling Mohan and said, "Aren't you going to go see your second uncle? After all, he is..."
"No, you go ahead, my dear wife. It's your burden," Ling Mohan replied without hesitation. He couldn't be bothered to deal with his uncle's family.
Feng Jin's mouth twitched twice. She glared at Ling Mohan with resentment and gritted her teeth, saying, "Cai Qing, let's go."
The sound of the door slamming shut followed. Ling Mohan was startled, and his hand holding the brush trembled, leaving a very discordant mark on a nearly completed landscape painting.
What a shame, such a good painting.
When Feng Jin reached the main hall, she heard the sound of sobbing.
Zhao Shi held Ling Muzhu's hand, tears in her eyes, looking reluctant. Anyone who didn't know would think it was a scene of parting until death.
"Ahem..." Feng Jin coughed lightly to alert everyone.
"Greetings, Second Uncle, Second Aunt," Feng Jin said, walking up to them and bowing with a forced smile.
Second Master Ling responded with a smile, kicked Ling Muzhu in the backside, and gestured with his eyes.
"Greetings, Eldest Sister-in-law," Ling Muzhu called out reluctantly.
"Muzhu is young. If there are any shortcomings in the future, please bear with us."
Second Master Ling was also pitiable. He was already in his thirties, yet he had to humble himself to Feng Jin for his unpromising son.
Second Master Ling was not successful as an official, and his son was not particularly filial. However, as a father, he failed to guide him properly and did not fulfill his duty to teach. But his willingness to defend his son without reason was commendable.
To have such a father who protected him at all times, Ling Muzhu was indeed lucky.
"Second Uncle, you are too kind. I am under the grandfather's orders to tutor Muzhu, and I will naturally do my best."
"Just don't try to trick him behind my back and torment my son, and I'll be grateful."
Zhao Shi said sarcastically, tightly clutching Ling Muzhu's hand. She knew that Ling Muzhu was to be tutored by Feng Jin and Ling Mohan, and she had fainted from anger. She had only just woken up.
That black-hearted Feng Jin already had a grudge against them.
Now that her poor son had fallen into her hands, would he have a good life? She was sure that under the guise of tutoring, Feng Jin would secretly take revenge and bully her precious son.
"What nonsense are you speaking? How could Feng Jin be like that? Do you think everyone is as narrow-minded and intolerant as you? Feng Jin will definitely repay kindness with virtue and teach Muzhu well."
Feng Jin smiled coldly, appreciating the couple's performance. One played the good cop, the other the bad cop. Second Master Ling, under the guise of scolding Zhao Shi, was showering her with praise.
By publicizing this matter, even if she intended to make things difficult for Ling Muzhu, she would have to consider her reputation before making a decision.
"Second Uncle, Second Aunt, if you are worried that my husband and I will bully Muzhu while tutoring him, you can go to Grandfather and ask him to take back his order."
If they could truly persuade the Old Master Ling to change his mind, then they would be truly grateful.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Second Master Ling's face, and he quickly changed the subject, saying, "Second Uncle naturally believes in the character of you two. I am more than happy for you to tutor Muzhu, truly happy..."
Then he turned his gaze to Ling Muzhu and began to lecture in a teaching tone, "Muzhu, you must listen to your elder brother and sister-in-law's teachings from now on. Do not be lazy and willful as before. If you dare to make mistakes again, I will not spare you. Have you all understood?"
"Your son remembers your teachings, Father."
"It's good that you remember. Your mother and I will take our leave now."
Zhao Shi pulled Ling Muzhu, sobbing, "My son, with your mother not by your side, you must take good care of yourself..."
Feng Jin sat on the chair, witnessing this scene of a parent's separation. She suddenly felt like the culprit who had forcibly separated them, and a hint of guilt arose. But when she saw Ling Muzhu's annoying face, it vanished without a trace.
"Let's be clear. What exactly do you want to do to me? Just do it!"
Ling Muzhu had long anticipated his fate and put on a brave front, as if ready to fight to the end.
Feng Jin raised an eyebrow. This kid... his spirit was somewhat commendable.
"Cai Qing, move all his belongings to his room first, and then have him wash the vegetables in the backyard and chop the firewood..."
Ling Muzhu immediately bristled. Feng Jin was treating him like a servant. "Grandfather sent me here not to be a servant. If you treat me like this, aren't you afraid I'll report you to Grandfather, and he'll blame you."
"Go ahead and report me. I wish you would report me. It's best if you move out immediately. Do you really think I'm idle and willing to tutor you? With someone like you, I'd rather teach a three-year-old child."
Feng Jin's disdain for Ling Muzhu was evident. She wished she could pack him up and throw him out, just to get him out of her sight.
"You... you ugly woman, wicked woman, you're simply unreasonable..."
"Yes, I am unreasonable. Not only am I wicked, but I am also cruel-hearted. If you fall into my hands, you won't have a good time. You can endure it slowly. If you don't want to suffer, then quickly beg the Old Master to let you leave."
Feng Jin's aggressive words rendered Ling Muzhu speechless.
"Alright, Cai Qing, take him away. I can't stand the sight of him. He's bothering me enough." Feng Jin quickly sent him away, fearing she might have a heart attack if she looked at him any longer.
The thought of having to see Ling Muzhu every day from now on made Feng Jin feel stifled.
Even looking at Ling Mohan made her feel displeased.
"My dear wife is back." Ling Mohan didn't notice Feng Jin's change in mood and eagerly went up to her, speaking solicitously.