"Father, I have managed the family affairs for many years. While my judgment may have been flawed at times, I have always done so with my utmost effort and diligence, never daring to slacken. Father, how could you be so heartless, so utterly negate my years of dedication!"
Ling Erye never expected that Old Master Ling would strip him of his managerial authority.
His years of effort were ruined in an instant. In the entire Ling family, would anyone still regard him with respect?
"You are not fit to manage the family. If it weren't for the eldest son being stationed at the border for years and Han'er being too young, I would never have handed over the family's management to you. Your actions over these years have utterly disheartened me!"
He had handed over the family management to Ling Erye with only a tentative hope. However, Ling Erye's behavior throughout these years had left him profoundly disappointed.
To prevent the Ling family's century-old foundation from being destroyed, there was no other choice.
Ling Erye was struck as if by lightning and collapsed onto the ground, exclaiming with grief and indignation, "Father, in your eyes, I am always inferior to my elder brother. I am merely a pawn to you; you have never treated me as a son!"
From childhood, he could never match his elder brother in anything. In his father's eyes, there was only his elder brother; he had never had any existence.
"You scoundrel, you are still arguing about this? You are too focused on gains and losses, always striving for supremacy and to stand out!"
One's true nature is difficult to change. Even with constant admonishment and guidance, his fundamental nature remained unaltered.
Old Master Ling felt a suffocating anger in his chest. "You had best abandon your schemes. If I discover them, you can get out of the Ling family and establish your own estate!"
Once he left to establish his own estate, he would completely forfeit his inheritance rights.
"Father, your son knows his mistake. I will strictly adhere to my duties from now on and discipline my children, ensuring you never have to worry again. Father is advanced in years and cannot be without care; let your unfilial son remain by your side to serve you!"
Ling Erye hurriedly knelt down to beg for mercy. If he were expelled from the Ling family, he would lose all chance of inheritance.
He would stay, humbling himself, in hopes of an opportunity to regain the position of family head in the future.
Old Master Ling's anger had somewhat subsided. After all, he was his own son. Coupled with his advanced age, he yearned for familial affection even more, ultimately unable to mete out severe punishment. A minor correction would suffice. Little did he know that this moment of leniency would nearly bring disaster upon the Ling family.
"From now on, you must regulate your words and actions, cultivate your character, and not make even the slightest mistake..."
Old Master Ling's words were filled with a warning to Ling Erye. This son caused him the most worry, and he spent more effort on him than anyone else, yet he remained so disappointing.
"Yes, Father. Your son has noted it all. I will certainly regulate my words and actions from now on!" Ling Erye's face was full of deference, but inwardly, he continued to scheme.
"By the way, what happened to Yan'er was ultimately her own doing. Once her face has healed a bit, it will be time to arrange a marriage. In the meantime, have your wife discipline Yan'er well. Once she is in her husband's home, no one will indulge her anymore!"
The child Ling Yan had been spoiled beyond redemption. It was better to marry her off quickly, and the Ling family could have some peace.
"Your son has noted it all."
"You may leave now. Tidy up the household tokens, keys, seals, and account books, and send them to Han'er."
After Ling Erye left, Old Master Ling specifically kept the other two.
"Han'er, Feng Jin's incident today was handled unfairly by your uncle. However, he is your elder. Moreover, this matter arose because Ling Yan was injured, and he was anxious, which led to unfair judgment. Please do not hold it against him."
He was old, his health not as good as before, and even his temperament had softened considerably.
During his lifetime, he did not wish to witness scenes of familial strife among his children.
He had been constantly mediating and easing their conflicts, hoping that after his death, they would still live in harmony.
"Your grandson understands."
Ling Mohan had been raised by Old Master Ling since childhood, naturally showing him more respect. He had always been obedient and had never disobeyed.
"Feng Jin, what Ling Yan did today was indeed wrong, and she is now reaping what she sowed. Your uncle will discipline her strictly from now on. Let this matter be dropped. In the future, we are all family and will see each other frequently; we must live in harmony."
Harmony? Feng Jin couldn't help but roll her eyes. Old Master Ling's heart was truly biased.
"Grandfather, if it were me who was injured by Ling Yan today, would you also advise me to downplay the matter? If Ling Mohan were injured by someone from the second branch, what would you do?"
Old Master Ling's face suddenly turned ugly, and he was at a loss for how to answer.
"Feng Jin!"
Ling Mohan reprimanded in a low voice, reaching out to pull Feng Jin behind him.
"Grandfather, this matter is considered past. Feng Jin is my wife. If Ling Yan dares to harm her again, I will show no mercy."
This time, for the sake of his grandfather, he chose to de-escalate.
But he would never allow anyone else to harm Feng Jin.
Feng Jin's heart trembled, and she looked up at Ling Mohan's resolute jawline, a complex emotion stirring within her.
Before Feng Jin could react, Ling Mohan directly pulled her away.
Upon returning to their room, Ling Mohan called Caiqing to help Feng Jin clean her wounds.
"Young Madam, it's done."
Caiqing helped Feng Jin put on her clothes and then tactfully packed her things and left, leaving the space to the couple.
"Thank you for today!"
Feng Jin said casually, turning her head away, no longer looking at Ling Mohan.
"It was Ling Yan's fault, and you shouldn't have suffered injustice. Do you blame me for not pursuing Ling Yan further..."
Ling Mohan cautiously probed. His grandfather had spoken today, and it was not appropriate for him to disobey. He felt a surge of guilt towards Feng Jin.
"It's alright. After all, Old Master has spoken, and it's not easy for you to disobey." She was very grateful for Ling Mohan's protection today.
"Besides, I didn't suffer any losses, and I won't blame you, don't worry!"
Ling Mohan smiled faintly. With Ling Yan's meager abilities, she stood no chance against Feng Jin and could gain no advantage.
"Here is some medicine for you." Ling Mohan placed the white porcelain bottle on the table and then directly left.
After he left, Caiqing, who had been waiting outside, entered the room.
"Young Madam, the small kitchen made some bird's nest and seaweed soup. Have some before you sleep."
Caiqing served Feng Jin her meal. While changing her dressing, she glanced at the white porcelain bottle and exclaimed, "Young Madam, did the young general give you this medicine?"
Feng Jin nodded indifferently, "Yes, is there anything wrong with this medicine?"
"Young Madam, this is the Hundred Flower Dew Cream. It has excellent healing effects and leaves no scars after application. This small bottle alone is worth a fortune. The young general giving you this medicine must mean he has deep affection for you!"
Feng Jin smiled lightly and flicked Caiqing's smooth, fair forehead with her finger.