Ling Muzhu glanced at the heavily guarded ancestral hall. Even if he had wings, it would be difficult to enter and see his father. As a son, this was all he could do. He only wished his father could be more comfortable inside.
"It's good that you can distinguish priorities. Do not let past events derail your future. If you can win first place in the imperial examinations, your father will surely be pleased."
Within Dong Chu, to achieve prominence, one had to rely on one's own talents and knowledge. Relying solely on ancestral blessings would, in the end, only bring temporary wealth and would not lead to any significant achievements.
Ling Muzhu had been working hard for so long, and now was the most crucial moment. Any further delay might lead to lifelong regret.
"Elder sister-in-law's teachings are all noted," Ling Muzhu replied, nodding. His demeanor was now as gentle and pure as fine jade, having shed the戾气 (lìqì - malevolent aura) that was present when they first met.
"Good... Let's go back. You must pay attention to resting these past two days. The weather is turning cooler, so wear more clothes in the mornings and evenings. With the imperial examinations approaching, absolutely do not catch a cold these few days."
"Yes, elder sister-in-law..."
Feng Jin, like a concerned mother, couldn't help but nag a few more words.
Only when they reached Ling Muzhu's residence did Feng Jin stop her words, but her worry about Ling Muzhu's imperial examinations did not diminish one bit.
She had to quickly have Ling Mohan tutor Ling Muzhu more in these two days. There could be no slackening at this final hour.
Upon arriving at the room, Feng Jin pestered Ling Mohan about the matter.
Ling Mohan heard her, put down his book, and turned his gaze to Feng Jin. "Why are you suddenly so concerned about this young man Ling Muzhu?"
A woman's heart is as unfathomable as the deep sea. Feng Jin's transformation was truly swift, and her attitude towards Ling Muzhu had undergone a complete reversal.
"I also saw how long he had worked hard and couldn't bear to see him fail at the last hurdle. He has only just begun to study seriously, and if he were to lose the drive to learn because of these matters, wouldn't that be too regrettable?"
It would be a shame to revert him back to his original state after finally transforming him so much.
Therefore, this time, she had to support Ling Muzhu wholeheartedly and do her best to help him succeed.
She had long heard people mention that Ling Mohan was the top scholar, possessing vast knowledge. If he could guide Ling Muzhu diligently, his chances of passing would naturally be greater.
"Are you going or not?"
Seeing that he had not agreed for a long time, Feng Jin could not help but ask.
Flipping a page of his book, Ling Mohan's gaze fell on Feng Jin. He said gravely, "What if I am unwilling?"
"No, you must be willing even if you are unwilling. You have no opportunity to refuse!"
Feng Jin's tone was firm. Today, even if Ling Mohan was unwilling, he had to agree. When she came, she had already decided that she would force Ling Mohan to agree.
"Since that is the case, do I still have a chance to object?"
"You do not!"
Feng Jin directly reached out and pulled Ling Mohan, who was sitting there, up. She dragged him out.
"Just this once, consider it helping me and tutor Ling Muzhu well. In fact, I'm doing this for the sake of your Ling family. You must know that if Ling Muzhu can pass this time, it will be a great help to you in court..."
She had to use all her persuasive powers to make Ling Mohan tutor Ling Muzhu wholeheartedly.
"Think carefully, helping Ling Muzhu today is equivalent to helping yourself and the entire Ling family. Therefore, you must tutor Ling Muzhu with all your heart."
Ling Mohan listened quietly to Feng Jin's long speech, without expressing any opinion.
In his opinion, his own opinion was of no use. Even if he had ten thousand reasons, he couldn't change Feng Jin's mind. Thus, he simply remained silent. Following Feng Jin's wishes was ultimately the right course of action.
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
Feng Jin turned to the man beside her. His silence made her feel very awkward.
"Whether I speak or not has no effect, and I cannot change your decision."
What he said seemed to have some reason. Feng Jin's brows furrowed slightly, but saying it so directly was indeed not giving her face.
Clearing her throat, Feng Jin adjusted her emotions. "In short, you just need to know that I am doing this for your own good."
Saying too much is all useless. The most important meaning is this.
Having made her point clear, Feng Jin felt relieved. She had to make Ling Mohan realize that what she was doing was for his benefit.
"Alright... I understand. Everything you do is for my own good. I will definitely remember my wife's kindness."
Only with Ling Mohan's words did Feng Jin feel completely satisfied, unable to hide the smile on her lips.
"It's good that you understand. Let's go quickly, time is short, and we can't afford to delay any longer."
The imperial examinations were fast approaching. They were already trying to cram at the last minute, so the more time they could gain, the better.
Feng Jin held Ling Mohan's hand and walked forward hurriedly, effectively halving the travel time.
When they arrived, Ling Muzhu was studying. Upon seeing the two, he put down the book in his hand and stood up, cupping his fists and bowing. "Greetings, elder brother and elder sister-in-law. Why does elder brother have time to visit today?"
He was not surprised that Feng Jin had come. However, Ling Mohan was always busy with official duties and was rarely seen. He would rarely see Ling Mohan even once a month. His sudden visit today made him feel a little flattered.
"It's like this, your elder brother is here to guide you a little..."
Feng Jin spoke before Ling Mohan could, then turned to the man behind her, gesturing with her eyes for him to continue.
Ling Mohan, who was already taciturn, simply nodded faintly, and the air instantly became awkward.
Ling Muzhu dared not speak, standing timidly to the side, not even daring to move much, like a child who had done something wrong.
"Time is short, so let's begin quickly."
It was Feng Jin who ultimately broke the awkward silence. Ling Mohan then opened his mouth and said a few words, "Let's begin."
With that, he walked straight forward and sat opposite Ling Muzhu's desk, sitting upright with an even more serious demeanor than a teacher.
Ling Muzhu had always been afraid of Ling Mohan, and now his timidity increased unconsciously.
He sat down obediently, every movement appearing extremely cautious, for fear of doing something wrong and being reprimanded.
Feng Jin did not leave, sitting to the side. Compared to the two of them, she was unusually relaxed.