Upon returning to the mansion, she heard Ling Yan's tearful complaints. Her appearance and reputation were ruined by Feng Jin, leaving her with no prospects for a good marriage, only able to match scholars or merchants from humble families.
Moreover, Feng Jin had seized the authority of managing the household from their second branch. Ling Muzhu looked at Feng Jin with eyes full of resentment.
"Your grandfather personally ordered you to go to the estate to study. Did you report to your grandfather when you returned to the mansion without permission!"
Feng Jin's words struck Ling Muzhu dumb, leaving her stammering and unsure how to respond.
It was Second Master Ling who reacted quickly, "Your grandfather is not well. He dotes on Muzhu the most, and he was just mentioning Muzhu's name. That's why I privately decided to let Muzhu return to the mansion. If Father blames me, I will personally ask for his forgiveness."
His words were well-crafted and presented Ling Muzhu's unauthorized return as an act of filial piety and respect for her elders, truly painting himself in a good light.
At times, Feng Jin had suspected how such a thoughtful and astute person as Second Master Ling could have produced children like Ling Muzhu and Ling Yan, whose minds were clearly flawed. Perhaps it was truly a genetic mutation.
Genes were indeed a marvelous thing.
"Is that so? Muzhu is truly filial. Then go to the ancestral hall to pray for your grandfather. Copy a hundred scriptures of the Diamond Sutra and present them before the Buddha at Ling An Temple to accumulate blessings for your grandfather."
Since Ling Muzhu was so filial, it was only right for her as the elder sister-in-law to fulfill her wishes.
"What did you say? You want me to go to the ancestral hall..."
Before Ling Muzhu could finish speaking, Second Master Ling interrupted, "Your elder sister-in-law is right. Go to the ancestral hall to pray for your grandfather and copy a hundred scriptures of the Diamond Sutra to be presented at Ling An Temple. It is also a way to remember your grandfather's affection for you."
"Father... she's deliberately making things difficult for me..."
"Slap!"
Before Ling Muzhu could retort, a solid slap landed on her right cheek.
"You incorrigible wretch! After so long on the estate, your temper hasn't improved. Your elder sister-in-law is doing this to accumulate blessings for your grandfather, and you are still so unfilial. I shouldn't have let you come back!"
Second Master Ling was filled with anger, frustrated by his son's lack of progress. He should have let him endure hardship on the estate.
He had finally managed to get him back by taking advantage of the Old Master's serious illness, only for him to be so ungrateful and unwilling to restrain himself. kuAiδugg
"I know I was wrong, Father. I'll go to the ancestral hall to pray for grandfather now."
After receiving a beating, Ling Muzhu left with resentment.
Feng Jin sighed inwardly. Ling Muzhu was truly mud that couldn't be plastered onto a wall. It was a pity that Second Master Ling had schemed so hard for his son, but he was incapable of handling matters, rendering all his efforts in vain.
"Second Uncle, I'll go in to see Grandfather. Please take care of things here, Second Uncle."
"It's nothing. We're family, speaking like this is too formal."
Feng Jin nodded in agreement. Second Master Ling's attitude had changed too quickly today, and she found it hard to adjust.
Feng Jin entered the room and asked the physician, "How is the Old Master's condition?"
"Reporting to Young Madam, the Old Master is suffering from acute anger and his blood circulation is unstable. He is showing signs of a stroke!"
A stroke, so serious...
This old man seemed quite robust usually. To be this serious this time, it seemed he was truly angered to the point of illness.
"Doctor, please prescribe some medicine to help him recuperate."
"I'll go and get the medicine now."
After seeing the physician out, Feng Jin reached out and felt the Old Master's pulse.
The pulse was irregular, and evil energy was rushing straight to the Heavenly Spirit Acupoint. It truly was a sign of a stroke.
She took out the silver needles hidden in her sleeve, then used them to prick the Old Master's fingers, toes, and earlobes, releasing the stagnant blood.
Subsequently, she used the Thirteen Needles of the Ghost Doctor to unblock the congested nerves.
After the acupuncture, the unconscious Old Master Ling gradually regained consciousness and woke up.
Feng Jin took a medicinal pill from a bottle, dissolved it, and helped the Old Master Ling drink it.
After taking the medicine, the Old Master Ling weakly asked, "Han'er... how is Han'er?"
"The Young General is unharmed and has woken up. However, the mastermind behind this assassination attempt has not been identified yet. Thus, false news was released to mislead the enemy. Old Master, please rest assured and recuperate."
Feng Jin told him the truth. She was also worried that with the Old Master's advanced age, he might not be able to withstand the shock and pass away.
Moreover, the Old Master Ling truly loved and cherished Ling Mo Han; he would never do anything that would harm him.
"That's good... that's good!"
Upon confirming that Ling Mo Han was safe, the Old Master Ling's hanging heart finally relaxed.
"Feng Jin, I entrust Han'er to your care!"
The Old Master Ling had never bowed his head to anyone in his life, but today, for Ling Mo Han, he was willing to beg a junior.
"Of course. Old Master, please rest first. This bottle of pills, take one dissolved in water in the morning, noon, and evening daily. Be sure not to take any medicine sent by anyone else."
Feng Jin worried that someone in the mansion might try to harm the Old Master.
"Girl, don't worry. I'm not senile. If they want to make a move on me, they'll have to weigh it carefully. Go back and take good care of Han'er. This old man's bones won't die yet."
The Old Master Ling dismissed Feng Jin. Their target was Han'er, and they wouldn't make a move on this old man unless it was absolutely necessary.
After dealing with the people in the mansion, Feng Jin went outside the residence. There was still a group of demons and monsters waiting for her to face.
Lu Shi was getting a headache from their noise. The dignified and polite officials and nobles, who appeared so refined normally, were now worse than market fishwives.
If it weren't for the soldiers guarding the gate, their group would have already rushed in.
"Young Madam, why are you here?" Lu Shi hurried forward when he saw Feng Jin.
"If I don't show up, who will send these people away? Keeping the gates of Ling Mansion closed forever isn't a solution."
These people were incited by the mastermind, their goal being to force them to reveal Ling Mo Han's current condition.
"Lu Shi, open the gate."
"Yes, Young Madam." Lu Shi bowed and ordered the guards to stand in front of Feng Jin.
"Open the gate!" Lu Shi shouted, and the tightly shut gate opened from within.
Seeing the gate open, the crowd gathered outside surged forward. If it weren't for the soldiers guarding the entrance, the threshold of Ling Mansion would have long been trampled by these people.
Feng Jin appeared before the crowd with an air of composure, a gentle smile on her lips.
"It's the Young Madam. Young Madam, I am the officer in charge of the Capital Prefecture, specifically sent by my superior to inquire about the Young General."
"Does a mere officer deserve to see the Young General? Young Madam, I am the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Hearing of the Young General's assassination, I am unable to rest, and I request Young Madam to facilitate my entry to visit the Young General."
"Young Madam, the Young General saved my life in the battle in Cangnan Country. Please, Young Madam, allow me to enter and see the Young General."
There were at least a hundred people outside the mansion gate, blocking the surroundings of Ling Mansion so tightly that not a drop of water could pass.