Luo Ziling had several times felt the intimidating aura emanating from Ling Jinhua and Ling Mingrui.
This aura was suffocating, a pressing sensation that was overwhelming.
Yet, Luo Ziling’s expression showed no change; he confronted Ling Mingrui with calm composure.
However, he did not continue speaking.
"Do you think it’s realistic to destroy the Chen Family now?" Ling Mingrui asked Luo Ziling in an unprecedented tone, "Do you believe you can wipe out the Chen Family with one blow?"
"No!" Luo Ziling shook his head, "But we can scatter the Chen Family, making them lose the strength to contend with other prominent families, eventually degenerating into a second or third-rate family."
"Explain your thoughts!" Ling Mingrui seemed to sense something, retracted his aura, and allowed Luo Ziling to express his ideas.
Luo Ziling had already thought about how to proceed, and thus he revealed his plan to deal with the Chen Family.
He informed Ling Mingrui that Chen Yining’s case was still undecided, which meant whether Chen Yining would go to prison, and the nature of his crime largely depended on the stance of the plaintiffs like them.
Chen Yining was the sacrificial pawn thrown out by Chen Ruchang; both Chen Ruchang and Chen Yijing wanted to exchange Chen Yining’s downfall for the safety of the Chen Family.
Chen Yining must be filled with resentment about this.
There were already disputes between Chen Yining and Chen Yijing, and this incident would further intensify those conflicts.
If Chen Ruchang dies and Chen Yijing encounters problems, then the Chen Family would be akin to a headless dragon.
At that moment, if Chen Yining can be freed, he would be the one to manage the Chen Family’s affairs.
If one could win over Chen Yining, the Chen Family would not be the same as before.
Hearing Luo Ziling’s words, Ling Mingrui’s face showed signs of surprise.
He glanced at Luo Ziling, then at Ling Ruonan, hesitated for a moment, and finally asked, "Is this your idea?"
This question was directed at Ling Ruonan.
Ling Ruonan shook her head. "It’s his own idea!"
Then, Ling Ruonan also briefly explained how Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping approached them, seeking cooperation, hoping the Ling Family and Luo Family could help them control the Chen Family’s situation.
Previously, Ling Ruonan had never mentioned these matters to Ling Mingrui.
After discussing these topics, Ling Ruonan awkwardly said, "Since I haven’t explicitly promised anything to Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping, neither did I mention these matters to you. I felt that Chen Yihe and Chen Yiping couldn’t control the Chen Family as long as Chen Yining and Chen Yijing are still around; they wouldn’t have the opportunity."
"But your father-in-law, Ziling’s grandfather, hopes that either Chen Yihe or Chen Yiping can control the Chen Family, right?" Ling Mingrui’s face revealed a playful smile, "The relationship between Luo Liansheng and Chen Rushan is quite good, and Chen Yihe, Chen Yiping regard Luo Liansheng as a relative."
"That’s indeed the case!" Luo Ziling answered the question on behalf of Ling Ruonan, "Grandfather said that he wants to fulfill a promise he made to grandmother and therefore intends to help Chen Rushan’s sons."
Ling Mingrui looked at Ling Ruonan, then asked Luo Ziling, "Why don’t you choose to support them?"
"We can help them a bit, stir up more chaos in the Chen Family, making it easier to deal with afterwards." Luo Ziling answered directly, "The strongest fortress is easiest to breach from within. Once internal strife erupts within the Chen Family, coupled with massive external blows, it will surely weaken swiftly."
"And then you plan to find a way to control the Chen Family, turning them into your backup?"
Ling Mingrui asked so directly that Ling Ruonan and Luo Ziling were both taken aback.
Luo Ziling answered with a wry smile, "Grandfather, your question is too sharp. Given our capabilities and strength, how could we control the Chen Family? Even if Chen Ruchang dies, with either Chen Yining or Chen Yijing continuing to manage the Chen Family, it would still be regarded as a significant, influential family by many. A family with so many allies, how could it be controlled by us?"
Ling Mingrui gave a meaningful look to Luo Ziling but said nothing more.
Ling Ruonan, who had been hesitating all along, couldn’t help but interject, "I think Ling’er’s idea isn’t bad!"
Ling Mingrui nodded affirmatively but remained silent.
After the three sat in silence for a while, Luo Ziling was the first to speak: "Grandfather, what’s your opinion? How do you see the situation after this incident, and how should we deal with the Chen Family?"
"Since you have your ideas, go ahead with your plans." Ling Mingrui said indifferently, "Don’t mention these matters to the patriarch or anybody else. Keep your mouths shut."
Ling Mingrui’s words let Ling Ruonan breathe a sigh of relief: "Dad, I understand!"
Ling Mingrui’s instructions carried a special implication, which Ling Ruonan naturally picked up on.
She also believed that her father would support their plan.
She and Ling Mingrui were father and daughter, and over the years she had frequent contacts with her parents, gaining a deep understanding of her father.
From her father’s manner of speaking and attitude, she could essentially discern his viewpoint on a matter.
Precisely because of this understanding of Ling Mingrui, Ling Ruonan’s position within the Ling Family remained quite stable over the years.
She would observe her father’s expressions and cater to his preferences.
Today, hearing Ling Mingrui speak this way, she felt confident about planning the next steps against the Chen Family alongside him.
After basically understanding Ling Mingrui’s stance, Ling Ruonan added, "Dad, regardless of whether we can bring down the Chen Family, we must maximize our benefits, not stand idly by while others take advantage. We shouldn’t make wedding gowns for others."
"During this time, be extra cautious, avoid getting into trouble, and evade others’ concocted traps." Ling Mingrui solemnly urged, "The recent events require thorough reflection; once grasped, we’ll discuss them further. Also, remember not to quarrel with Zhengping during this period, minimize interactions, and be accommodating as much as possible. Next year, the situation might become clearer. As for Zhengping, having gone through certain experiences, he might realize his errors."
This cryptic remark from Ling Mingrui left Ling Ruonan taken aback.
But wisely, she refrained from asking further, only lightly nodding.
Luo Ziling couldn’t help but ask, after hesitating briefly, "Grandfather, do you think the Ling Family might have been involved in this incident?"
"They likely weren’t involved!" Ling Mingrui asserted confidently, "They too need to consider the Ling Family’s interests."
After thinking for a moment, Luo Ziling posed another question, "What if they express dissatisfaction in the future, even scheming assassination attempts against us, how should we respond?"
"Are you suggesting that if such events occur, you’ll reciprocate double?"
"I indeed do!"
"Then show outstanding performance during this incident and put an end to their audacity!"
"..."