Ling Jinhua didn’t show any unusual signs and even had a couple of drinks with Luo Ziling over dinner.
As he drank, he asked Luo Ziling what he did in Europe.
Luo Ziling answered truthfully.
"Joining the army is quite a good choice; promotions come quickly, but your mother won’t agree," Ling Jinhua said with a laugh after taking a sip of wine, "You’ve started at a decent point as it is. As long as you don’t stir up trouble or make mistakes, reaching a certain height is still quite achievable."
"Great Grandfather, to be honest, I haven’t really figured out what I want to do in the future!" Luo Ziling said sincerely, "I know both my grandfather and my mom want me to pursue a political career. But I’m really not that interested in becoming an official—having to watch what I say and do would make life tasteless. Someone like me would definitely be a public enemy in politics, especially since now isn’t the Prosperous Tang era."
"There’s gain with loss, that’s life. You need to adapt to the times and not expect the times to change because of you! There’s a saying: only the fittest survive. You must remember that." Ling Jinhua took another sip of wine and put down his glass, "Your grandfather is an example; he likes to live as he pleases, so despite his potential influence, he ended up like this. I’m sure he has regrets, especially after your family was forced to separate. But he couldn’t change himself and could only pin his hopes on you. You know how much he’s done for you; several times, he came directly to demand things from me and your grandfather. He hopes you won’t be like him, giving up many real-world things for the sake of living freely."
After a pause, Ling Jinhua added earnestly, "Don’t you want to build your own powerful family? If you have such an ambition, then plan your life well and don’t give up halfway! As a grandson of the Ling Family, even if you pursue a career as an official, you can still speak and act freely, as you said, as long as you don’t go too far, everyone will accommodate you."
"Great Grandfather, your words reminded me, maybe my mother and I can really change an era. I don’t appreciate the atmosphere where everyone just stays comfortable. I admire Ma Zhou and Wei Zheng, as well as Wen Yanbo and Xiao Yu, who dared to scold the emperor and still lived well. I believe in the spirit of Dayu controlling the river—better to guide than block. I also appreciate my grandfather’s character," Luo Ziling said, raising his glass toasting Ling Jinhua, "Thank you for the encouragement, Great Grandfather. I will plan my life well! I’m very grateful for your guidance; my life now has a goal to strive for!"
Hearing Luo Ziling express this, Ling Jinhua was a bit surprised but ultimately just smiled without saying anything.
When Luo Ziling was so impassioned, Ling Ruonan didn’t interrupt.
She was slightly worried, feeling Luo Ziling was a bit too "arrogant" and concerned that his unrestrained words might anger Ling Jinhua, but she ultimately didn’t stop him. She agreed with what Luo Ziling said; mother and son’s personalities were quite similar.
Ling Ruonan has always been a person who dares to act and speak honestly. Although her temperament changed a bit with age, she still recognized those who spoke the truth and did things seriously. The people she promoted were mostly like that.
Her standard for selecting people was that they should be hardworking, daring, and responsible, and on this basis, loyal to her.
She believed those who couldn’t even dare to act or speak truthfully, their loyalty was only lip service.
Despite Luo Ziling’s bold remarks, Ling Jinhua didn’t get angry, so she let it go and didn’t intervene.
Many of Ling Jinhua’s words today were very thought-provoking, leading Ling Ruonan to feel it was a signal.
A signal of a change or improvement in their status within the Ling Family.
By the time they left the Ling Family Old Mansion, it was already 8:30 PM.
On the way back, Luo Ziling puzzledly asked Ling Ruonan: "Mom, both Grandfather and Great Grandfather behaved unusually today, didn’t you feel that way?"
"Of course I did!" Ling Ruonan nodded, "I too am puzzled why they were so generous today, treating us so well!"
"Could it be because you’re getting married, and they think they should show some goodwill and give you some benefits to keep their reputation?"
Ling Ruonan gave Luo Ziling a look but didn’t deny his words: "That could be one reason, but it’s not the main reason."
"Is it possible that Great Grandfather and Grandfather think you can still represent the Ling Family in the future, so they’re willing to give you more resources and opportunities?" Luo Ziling curiously asked. "They no longer see us as outsiders?"
"There is such a possibility!" Ling Ruonan nodded, "But this matter can’t be confirmed."
Luo Ziling curiously asked Ling Ruonan, "What do you think Great Grandfather will give you as a gift or dowry?"
"I can’t guess!" Ling Ruonan gave a wry smile, "A dowry or gift usually involves money and items, but your Great Grandfather already said he wouldn’t give me money or items or properties, so it must be something else. But what it could be, I can’t figure out, not even guess... I can’t even guess."
"I can’t figure out what it might be either!" Luo Ziling was a bit frustrated, "Could he announce publicly that the Ling Family sees you on par with their sons and daughters in status, and they’ll give you more care? Or perhaps, give you a treasured heirloom of the Ling Family to show you’re the true heir and let everyone know you’re the one he favors most?"
"Forget it; let’s not speculate anymore!" Ling Ruonan sighed softly, "No matter what, yesterday your grandfather’s gestures, and today your Great Grandfather’s words, showed their favor to us. There is a clear change in their attitude which I clearly felt. Let’s hope it’s a good thing; otherwise, it would be too hard to accept."
"If this is a sincere gesture from them, what do you think the real reason is? Is it disappointment in Ling Zhengping, and some hope is placed on you as the Ling Family’s daughter?" Luo Ziling brought the topic back to its original direction, hoping Ling Ruonan would analyze further.
"I’ll find an opportunity to have a good chat with my parents, and hopefully, I’ll sense something in conversation with them." Ling Ruonan sighed again, "While you were away in Europe, Ling Zhengping seemed to behave for a bit. People around your Great Grandfather said a few times Ling Zhengping came to the Old Mansion and was reprimanded by Great Grandfather. We also heard something similar from Li, that Ling Zhengping was reprimanded by Great Grandfather again yesterday. It seems the old man isn’t happy with Ling Zhengping’s actions. Perhaps he sees the capability of our mother and son and is willing to see the Luo Family become stronger. As long as the powerful Luo Family helps rather than threatens the Ling Family, they would welcome it!"
Luo Ziling nodded, agreeing with Ling Ruonan’s analysis.