Old Master Ling pondered for a moment, his scrutinizing gaze falling upon Second Master Ling. "If you still consider yourself a descendant of the Ling family and heed the admonishments of our ancestors, then from this moment onward, you are to cease all dealings with the Third Prince. You are forbidden from taking any further action until the Crown Prince ascends the throne!"
This was his final show of tolerance for his unfilial son, and also his final warning. If he continued to be obstinate and refuse to change, Old Master Ling vowed he would no longer tolerate his reckless behavior.
For the sake of the entire Ling family, he had to make a choice, and that choice was to abandon Second Master Ling.
"Father... why don't you understand my good intentions? What I'm doing is for the future of the Ling family... Father!"
Having reached a venerable age, he had achieved nothing, holding only a third-rank official position in the capital, drifting through life aimlessly. If he continued like this, his life would amount to nothing.
His decision was also for his own benefit. Humans die for wealth, birds die for food. He had to think carefully for the second branch of the family.
Therefore, he would absolutely not sever ties with the Third Prince. He had placed all his hopes on the Third Prince, and this was his final plan.
"You are still intent on clinging to your misguided ways!"
Old Master Ling felt bitter about not being able to mold his son into something better. If this unfilial son were to ruin the achievements that generations of Ling ancestors had painstakingly built, how could he face them in the afterlife?
"Father, just trust your son this once. I will absolutely not make the wrong choice!"
"You... you..."
Seeing Second Master Ling's utter refusal to change his ways, Old Master Ling felt heartbroken. How could he have given birth to such a son?
A surge of anger washed over him, leaving him dizzy and faint. It took him a while to recover.
Looking at his son kneeling before him, Old Master Ling took a deep breath and, after a long pause, made his decision.
"Guards, escort this unfilial son to the ancestral hall! No one is allowed to let him out without my permission. Those who disobey will be killed without mercy!"
Old Master Ling made this decision with great pain in his heart, as if his heart were being sliced by a knife. His own son, to have to make such a decision, his heart ached more than anyone else's.
"Father, you... you're really going to lock your son up? You don't want me anymore?"
Second Master Ling looked at his father, seated on the high throne, with disbelief. He shouted with all his might, accusing his father of truly abandoning him.
"Guards, take him away!"
Second Master Ling looked at his father's resolute face, his heart completely broken. Dejected, he was led away.
Only after Second Master Ling had left did Old Master Ling, holding back his tears, allow them to wet his eyes. His face, creased with wrinkles, was etched with heartache and reluctance.
"Grandfather..." Ling Mohan called out tentatively.
"Send men to surround the ancestral hall and the outside of the Ling manor. Do not let your guard down."
Despite his usual obedient and respectful demeanor, Second Master Ling was actually quite stubborn. Now that he had been harshly punished, he would surely harbor resentment and might see his misguided path through to the very end.
Only by increasing the guards and securing the Ling family's defenses both inside and out could he feel some peace of mind.
"Yes, Grandfather." Ling Mohan cupped his hands in acknowledgment. After a moment's pause, he asked, "Grandfather, and how should we explain to Mu Zhu?"
"Just tell her the truth. I believe that child will understand this matter."
Compared to before, Ling Mu Zhu had been like a different person recently. He was sure she would understand this situation, and there was no need to keep it from her any longer.
As people grow up, they inevitably have to face hardships; they cannot live forever under the protection of others.
Rather than letting him face immense tribulations outside and be molded by others, it was better to let him experience it properly here at home.
"Yes, Grandfather. Your grandson will take his leave now."
Seeing that the situation was not right, Feng Jin quickly left with Ling Mohan.
Worried that Old Master Ling might become too melancholic after dealing with his son, she specifically left Da Bao and Er Bao to keep him company.
"Why must your second uncle collude with such a treacherous villain like Chu Yan Xi? Speaking of which, the Emperor is the most unbelievable one. He has so many sons, yet he favors the most worthless one..."
Feng Jin felt a pang of pity for Emperor Xuan Wen. If he knew that his most beloved son was such a scoundrel, wouldn't he be heartbroken?
Ling Mohan's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing Feng Jin's words. If the Emperor heard these words, it would surely infuriate him to death.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"
What she had just said was clearly the truth, and not a single word was incorrect.
"It's nothing, my lady speaks the truth. There is no fault to be found, no fault at all."
Feng Jin glared fiercely at Ling Mohan. She could clearly see a hint of displeasure in his eyes. He was definitely thinking about something he shouldn't be.
"Forget it, I won't argue with you over these useless matters. I haven't asked you yet, where have you placed those palace maids?"
Having only returned to the Ling manor for two days, she felt as if her information channels had been completely cut off. She knew nothing.
"The驿站 (yì zhàn - post station/guesthouse)."
"The 驿站 can accommodate these people? And isn't the Western Liang princess also at the 驿站? By doing this, aren't you allowing them to connect?"
"The Western Liang princess has already been admitted into the palace to learn etiquette and will not be allowed to leave the imperial palace until her marriage."
The Western Liang princess was sent to the palace early on. As for Baili Xi, he too was now confined within the palace, his hands and feet restrained.
"Your strategy is indeed brilliant. You've directly confined them within the imperial palace, making it easier for you to operate outside."
The imperial palace was heavily guarded, truly the best way to isolate information from the outside world. Furthermore, given the Western Liang princess's special status, extra guards would undoubtedly be assigned to look after her. With more people, and many eyes watching, they would be even less likely to make any rash moves.
Feng Jin sincerely admired Ling Mohan's cunning schemes and gave him a thumbs-up, expressing her admiration.
"This is also due to my lady's excellent guidance."
Feng Jin's eyes instantly narrowed, and she cast a displeased glance at Ling Mohan. Was he indirectly calling her cunning and treacherous? He was indeed very quick to pass the blame. He was the most insidious and cunning one, yet he insisted on maintaining the demeanor of a gentleman. Did he really think she didn't know?
"Do you really think I don't know about the wicked schemes in your head? You can fool others, but don't try to fool me."
Feng Jin ruthlessly exposed the man's hypocrisy and concealment. She understood these matters better than anyone and knew exactly what kind of person Ling Mohan truly was.
"What have I lied to you about? I won't be burdened with fabricated accusations and have them forced upon me."
Ling Mohan adamantly refused to admit it, putting on an extremely innocent expression and doing his best to maintain appearances, while secretly plotting how to shift the blame.