Old Master Ling was filled with rage, regretting giving birth to such a useless son, who had utterly shamed the Ling family.
To have committed such an act, as if he would only be content after dragging the entire Ling family down with him.
"Someone, someone!"
"Old Master..." The butler, having heard the commotion outside, hurried in.
"Go... go find that useless second son of mine, go... hurry!"
"Your old servant will go immediately."
The butler quickly agreed and then rushed out to find Second Master Ling.
"When he arrives, I... I will break his legs, so he doesn't go out and harm others anymore..."
Old Master Ling retrieved his walking stick and placed it beside him, waiting for Second Master Ling to appear so he could break his legs.
Ling Mohan sat to the side, his expression very calm, quietly awaiting the appearance of Second Master Ling. He was quite eager to see how his grandfather would deal with his uncle.
Not long after, the butler brought in the bewildered Second Master Ling.
"Son greets Father." Second Master Ling bowed respectfully as always. Upon seeing Ling Mohan, he said, "Mohan is back. You've accomplished great deeds this time, truly bringing honor to our Ling family."
"You scoundrel, kneel for me!" Old Master Ling shouted angrily, making Second Master Ling tremble all over. He quickly turned around.
"Father, you this..."
"Kneel!"
Old Master Ling roared again, his eyes blazing as he glared at Second Master Ling.
This was the first time Second Master Ling had seen his father so furious. He immediately realized things were not simple and quickly knelt on the ground.
"Are you colluding with the Third Prince!"
"This..." Second Master Ling instantly became nervous. How did his father know about this? He had been so discreet.
"Father, your son is a subject, and the Third Prince is the ruler. Even if there has been some interaction, it has all been official business, and it certainly doesn't amount to collusion..."
Second Master Ling explained cautiously, beads of cold sweat appearing on his forehead. If his father continued to question him, he truly didn't know how to answer.
Moreover, he was still unsure if his father knew about his other dealings, and if he did, how should he respond.
"No collusion? You still refuse to tell the truth even now!"
Old Master Ling pressed him, finding it hard to believe he had done such a thing and still wouldn't tell the truth. "Do you truly wish to drag the entire Ling family down with you, only to regret it later?"
"Father, Father... your son has never done such a thing. I implore Father to investigate with clarity."
Second Master Ling quickly knelt and begged for mercy, but he still refused to admit it. As long as he adamantly denied it, his father wouldn't be able to do much to him.
"How much bribery did Second Uncle accept from the Third Prince? Do I need to elaborate for you?"
Ling Mohan stated directly, wanting to see how much longer his uncle would quibble.
"Mohan, what nonsense are you spouting? What bribery? You mustn't speak such words carelessly?"
"Nonsense! Does Second Uncle insist on not admitting it! Where has the Third Prince hidden the beauty he sent you..."
At this, Second Master Ling's expression suddenly changed, his face paling and his gaze constantly shifting away.
"Does Second Uncle need me to continue?"
Ling Mohan asked indifferently, his expression placid as he looked at Second Master Ling.
Old Master Ling observed Second Master Ling's expression and instantly understood.
"You scoundrel! You still try to hide it even now! I intended to give you some face and let you confess yourself, but I never expected you to be so obstinate, needing the fig leaf to be torn off and thrown to the ground before you would admit it!"
Old Master Ling's anger boiled over, and he became even more enraged at Second Master Ling. He brought his walking stick down heavily, striking Second Master Ling's back.
"Father... Father, your son knows his mistake, Father..."
Having never endured such a beating, Second Master Ling was knocked to the ground by the blow, sweat all over his forehead, grimacing in pain.
Old Master Ling seemed not to hear, feeling unappeased. He struck several more times. If Ling Mohan hadn't stepped forward to stop him, fearing he would beat the man to death, Second Master Ling would have suffered much more.
"You scoundrel! How could I have given birth to such a useless thing as you! Have you forgotten even the ancestors' admonishments? If you commit a grave mistake, what face will you have to meet the ancestors!"
"Father, your son acted this way after considering the future of the Ling family."
From beginning to end, he did not believe he had done anything wrong. Currently, more than half of the officials in the court were leaning towards the Third Prince.
And the Third Prince was only one imperial decree away from becoming the Crown Prince. Once the Emperor's decree was issued, the Third Prince would be the legitimate heir. His current actions were merely a matter of timing.
When the Third Prince became Crown Prince, it would be too late to curry favor. Furthermore, the Third Prince also intended to win over the Ling family. He believed his actions were not wrong at all; rather, they were helping the Ling family.
"You... you utter fool!"
Even now, he remained so unrepentant. Old Master Ling, with all his might, slapped Second Master Ling fiercely across the face, attempting to awaken him.
"The ancestral laws admonish that no descendant of the Ling family shall participate in the struggle for the throne, but shall be loyal only to the Emperor. By doing this, you are showing no regard for your ancestors. Do you know that the Third Prince is only outwardly benevolent, but in reality, his heart is insidious and cruel? He is absolutely not a candidate for Crown Prince."
"You are so eager to attach yourself to the Third Prince. Have you ever considered what you would do if the Crown Prince were not the Third Prince, and how the Ling family would fare? Your actions are placing the entire Ling family in dire straits!"
After hearing these words, Second Master Ling's confidence wavered. He indeed had not considered this aspect. However, given the current situation, who else could become Crown Prince besides the Third Prince?
Although Prince Jing's legs had recovered, he had lost the Emperor's favor. In the past two days, he had also received the Emperor's reprimand. To become Crown Prince, he pondered over and over, and only the Third Prince had hope of becoming Crown Prince.
"Do you know..." The Third Prince's collusion with Xiliang. Old Master Ling ultimately did not utter the remaining half of the sentence.
Such a major affair could absolutely not be known to Second Master Ling. Not to mention his timid nature, he could not bear such significant news, and considering his current unwavering devotion to the Third Prince, if this major matter were revealed,
It was possible that he would turn around and inform the Third Prince, at which point all of Ling Mohan's plans would be in vain.
"Father, what about the Third Prince?"
As soon as Second Master Ling heard anything about the Third Prince, he became instantly nervous. In his eyes, only the Third Prince mattered now. His future glory and wealth were all entrusted to the Third Prince.