If this matter reached His Majesty's ears, he would certainly suspect the Ling family's loyalty. If His Majesty became enraged, could the Ling family remain unscathed?
Or perhaps his father had backed the wrong person. If the Third Prince did not ascend to the throne, would the new emperor still heavily rely on the Ling family, which had sided with the Third Prince?
"Mu Zhu, you have been studying with your master these past days, and you have also served as a local official for a period. You know a thing or two about court affairs. You should understand the stakes involved. Your father has indeed gone too far this time. A single misstep could ruin the entire Ling family…"
"Grandfather did this also from a broad perspective, for the sake of the entire Ling family. You shouldn't resent Grandfather for this."
Feng Jin advised earnestly. After all, Second Master Ling was Ling Mu Zhu's biological father. The bond of blood could not be easily severed.
She only hoped that Ling Mu Zhu could see the situation clearly, not harbor resentment over this matter, and thus ruin his own future.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, please rest assured. I am no longer someone who acts impulsively. I understand these matters in my heart."
Ling Mu Zhu suppressed his voice, which was filled with bitterness. Although he understood the risks, his own father was involved, and his heart still ached faintly.
"It is good that you understand. Second Uncle and Grandfather have a father-son relationship. Grandfather will not be harsh on Second Uncle for these matters. Keeping him locked up now is to prevent Second Uncle from continuing to associate with the Third Prince. Once something happens, the entire Ling family will be irrecoverably ruined. When Second Uncle comes to his senses, Grandfather will definitely release him."
"Mu Zhu, you don't need to worry too much. The urgent matter now is the imperial examination. You have worked hard for so long, waiting for this day. All your focus should be on this. The imperial examination is imminent, and you cannot be distracted by this matter."
The imperial examination was just around the corner. If Ling Mu Zhu's performance was affected by this incident, he would surely regret it immensely later.
Feng Jin could not bear to see Ling Mu Zhu's hard work ruined because of this.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, things have priorities. I understand these matters. Eldest Sister-in-law need not worry about me anymore."
"I am relieved that you think this way."
Seeing that Ling Mu Zhu could think like this, Feng Jin felt much more at ease.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, can you take me to see my father?"
"This..."
Feng Jin hesitated. Ling Mu Zhu had strictly forbidden the Black Armored Army from guarding the ancestral hall, precisely to prevent Second Master Ling from contacting the outside world.
Even she might not be able to see Second Master Ling, and what's more, they had just had a disagreement. She did not want to incur Ling Mo Han's displeasure again.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, please, just take me to see my father."
Ling Mu Zhu pleaded, pulling at Feng Jin's sleeve, leaving Feng Jin unsure of what to do.
Unable to resist Ling Mu Zhu's pleas, Feng Jin finally relented at the last moment.
"Alright, I'll take you, but only for a short while. You know your eldest brother's temper. If you truly anger him, even I will be punished along with you."
"Eldest Sister-in-law, please rest assured. I will only say a few words to my father and will absolutely not cause you any trouble."
Ling Mu Zhu quickly promised. He just wanted to see his father, bring him some warm clothes, and also ask him why he had acted in such a manner.
"Good."
Feng Jin nodded slightly and led Ling Mu Zhu towards the ancestral hall.
The ancestral hall was surrounded by the Black Armored Army, both inside and out. It was Feng Jin's first time seeing such a grand formation, and she was momentarily awed by the imposing aura emanating from the Black Armored Army.
Upon arriving here, Feng Jin regretted her momentary soft-heartedness in agreeing to take Ling Mu Zhu to see Second Master Ling.
After all, Ling Mo Han had gone to great lengths to uncover Second Master Ling's collusion with the Third Prince and had him imprisoned. He had even increased the guard of the Black Armored Army to cut off Second Master Ling's contact with the outside world.
By bringing Ling Mu Zhu here to see Second Master Ling, wasn't she openly provoking Ling Mo Han?
"Eldest Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
Seeing Feng Jin stop and not move, Ling Mu Zhu asked.
"It's nothing, let's go in."
Feng Jin withdrew her wandering thoughts. Since they had already come this far, there was no turning back. She could only brace herself and enter.
After taking two steps forward, they were stopped by the Black Armored Army.
"Young Madam, the Young General has ordered that no one is allowed inside the ancestral hall. Young Madam, please return."
Feng Jin did not get angry at being stopped; this was their duty.
She took out a token from her embrace and presented it to them.
"Do you recognize the Young General's token?"
"This subordinate recognizes it." The soldier who stopped Feng Jin immediately became respectful upon seeing the token.
This token was the Young General's personal possession, and none of the Black Armored Army brothers were unfamiliar with it.
"It is good that you recognize it. The Young General has ordered me to bring the Second Young Master in to see the Second Master. Open the door to the ancestral hall."
Feng Jin lied without blushing, appearing even calmer than when she spoke the truth.
"This subordinate obeys. Young Madam, please."
The soldier quickly opened the door to the ancestral hall and respectfully invited Feng Jin in.
Feng Jin walked forward with her head held high and her chest out, without any guilt from lying.
On the contrary, Ling Mu Zhu's heart was trembling, afraid that things would be exposed. He cautiously followed Feng Jin into the room.
"What are you afraid of? Hold your head high and walk in confidently. This way, you are more likely to arouse suspicion."
"Yes, Eldest Sister-in-law."
Ling Mu Zhu took a deep breath and walked in with feigned composure.
Second Master Ling, who was confined in the ancestral hall, heard the noise at the door and thought it was someone bringing food. Without even looking up, he said disdainfully, "Take that thing away, I'm not eating it!"
"Father, it's me..."
Ling Mu Zhu's voice reached Second Master Ling's ears. His heart trembled instantly. Second Master Ling abruptly lifted his head, staggered to his feet, and turned to see Ling Mu Zhu.
"Mu Zhu, how did you get in?"
With the Black Armored Army all around, Ling Mu Zhu didn't have time to think about how he got in. Second Master Ling grabbed Ling Mu Zhu's hand and asked with concern, "How did you get in? Did the people outside trouble you?"
"I'm fine, everything is well. Eldest Sister-in-law brought me to see you."
Hearing Ling Mu Zhu say this, Second Master Ling noticed Feng Jin standing to the side. He raised his eyelids to glance at her, his disgust evident.
Feng Jin also disliked Second Master Ling and did not look pleased. If Ling Mu Zhu hadn't begged her, she wouldn't have come.
"Mu Zhu, time is short. Let's make it brief, we need to leave quickly."
They had sneaked in, and once people outside realized, it would be difficult for them to leave.