Ultimately, ending up in such a predicament was her own doing. Ling Yan being sent away for marriage was already her grandfather showing leniency.
Leaving the Ling family was the best outcome for Ling Yan.
"That is your mother and your own sister, your blood relatives. Yet, for the sake of unrelated people, you would slander and abandon your own kin. You are truly heartless and cold now!"
Second Master Ling could not believe his son had turned into this. He felt like he was looking at a stranger. Was this the son he had raised for over a decade?
"Father, it's not that I am heartless and cold. It's that Mother and Sister have done wrong. Just because they are my blood relatives, does that mean I should be devoid of right and wrong, blindly protecting them, and acting recklessly with them? Father, do you truly expect me to become such a person?"
Ling Muzhu's words left Second Master Ling speechless, unsure how to respond.
"But you shouldn't treat your mother like this. After all, she gave birth to you and raised you. You should at least plead for her, beg your grandfather to let your mother come home."
"I actually think it's best for Mother to return to the Zhao family. If we bring her back, can Father guarantee that Mother will stop targeting Eldest Sister-in-law? If Mother makes another grave mistake, what will Father do? Will he continue to shield and plead for her, or will he act with her? Or perhaps, to hell with it all, he'll just eliminate Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law altogether."
Ling Muzhu knew his mother's character. His mother was always narrow-minded and vindictive. She would never let go of the offense she suffered from Eldest Sister-in-law. Bringing his mother back would only lead her to find other opportunities to deal with Eldest Sister-in-law.
If she committed another grave mistake then, it would not be the outcome they saw today.
"You talk about your mother as if she were a stranger. That is filial impiety!"
Second Master Ling simply could not believe that Ling Muzhu could say such things.
"Father, every word I speak is from the bottom of my heart. I've said all I can. If you insist on going your own way, then I will have to..."
"What, you intend to denounce your own kin? My son, we are your blood relatives! You would abandon your own parents for someone unrelated to you!"
Ling Muzhu remained unshaken in his conviction. "I never forget the grace of my parents' upbringing. But I also have my own beliefs."
The few short days in Yingzhong County had benefited him greatly, as if he had been reborn. He now possessed the ability to discern right from wrong. He was no longer the Ling Muzhu who blindly followed others' arrangements and could be easily manipulated by a few words.
"Muzhu, how could you..."
"Father, there's no need to say more. Grandfather is waiting for me in the hall for dinner."
After speaking, Ling Muzhu turned to leave. As he reached the doorway, his steps paused slightly. He turned back to look at Second Master Ling and said, "Father, from today onwards, I will focus on my studies to participate in this year's autumn imperial examination. If I am fortunate enough to succeed, I will request to be posted outside the capital."
"What did you say? You want to leave the capital? You've never left since you were born. Muzhu, you can't be acting on a whim. Even if you're upset with me, you can't do this. Being posted outside is no small matter; you can't act impulsively."
"I have made my decision, Father. There's no need to persuade me."
With that, Ling Muzhu turned and left, leaving Second Master Ling stunned in place, sinking onto the chair, dejected.
How had he become so alone? His wife of many years had been divorced, his daughter was soon to be married off, and even his most beloved son wanted to be posted outside the capital. The entire family was left with only him.
"Master, the Old Master sent someone to summon you," the servant said, trembling.
After a long while, Second Master Ling said in a low voice, "Go back and tell the Old Master that I am feeling unwell, have taken medicine, and am resting."
"Yes, Master."
...
"Old Master, a message has arrived from the Second Household stating that the Second Master is unwell, has taken medicine, and is asleep."
The butler rushed in to report.
Old Master Ling's face instantly darkened. He slammed the chopsticks in his hand onto the table. "Since he's ill, let him rest well. Go to the Ministry of Revenue and request leave for him. Let him go to the Ministry of Revenue once he has recovered."
"Old Master, this... isn't this somewhat inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate about it? Just do as I say."
Old Master Ling's voice carried a hint of anger and authority that immediately intimidated the butler.
"Yes, Old Master. I'll go now." The butler hurried away.
"Grandfather, Father..."
"You don't need to say any more. I understand your father's character. He has always been this way, ultimately a hopeless case. I won't bother with him."
Having raised his son for decades, how could he not understand his disposition? He had warned him countless times, both directly and indirectly, but it had no effect. He didn't have many years left and was too lazy to be bothered by these matters. Thus, he decided to let him be. As long as he didn't do anything outrageous, he would just turn a blind eye.
After a pause, Ling Muzhu spoke again, "Grandfather, I wish to participate in this year's autumn imperial examination."
Old Master Ling's hand holding the chopsticks froze, then he placed them on the table, his surprise evident. "You want to participate in the autumn imperial examination?"
He had never urged Ling Muzhu to participate in the imperial examinations before, but he had always been unwilling. Now, for him to proactively bring it up surprised him greatly.
"Yes, Grandfather."
Ling Muzhu's tone was firm, indicating he had made up his mind.
"Since you've decided, then study diligently," Ling Mohan said sternly. "It just so happens that Scholar Zhuang will return to the capital in a few days. I have some acquaintance with him, so I will send someone to invite him to teach you. You must study well."
"Scholar Zhuang."
When he was studying previously, he had heard of Scholar Zhuang's reputation. He was the most learned great scholar in Dongchu. Being taught by Scholar Zhuang was a dream for many aspiring scholars. Today, such a great fortune had fallen upon him, and he had to cherish it.
"Your Eldest Brother has invited Scholar Zhuang to teach you. You must learn from him diligently. Once you achieve success in the examinations, Grandfather will find a way to secure a good position for you in the capital."
"Grandfather, I do not wish to remain in the capital. If I truly succeed, I will request to be posted outside to serve as a parent-official for a prefecture or county, protecting the people. That is my aspiration."
When he was in Yingzhong County, he had accompanied the common people in rebuilding houses and farming together. It was then that he truly understood what it meant to be an official. If he were to become an official, he would be a parent-official who protected the people.
"After being posted outside, you will be far from the capital. It is possible you may never return to the capital in your lifetime."
Old Master Ling had spent many years in official circles and had seen many officials posted outside the capital who never returned. He truly did not want Ling Muzhu to endure such a fate.