Ling Mingrui quickly stepped forward, and together with Huang Chen, helped Ling Jinhua onto the stage.
After stepping onto the stage, Ling Jinhua shook off Ling Mingrui’s hand and only allowed Huang Chen to support him.
Ling Mingrui and Xie Enhua didn’t step down; they stood beside Luo Liansheng on the edge of the stage.
In front of other guests, they are respected elders, but in front of Ling Jinhua, they are juniors and can only stand by his side.
Before retiring, Ling Jinhua rarely attended such kinds of banquets.
Among the many descendants of the Ling Family, except for the wedding of Ling Zhengping as a grandchild, he didn’t attend the weddings of other grandchildren.
He also rarely attended the weddings of his children’s generation.
In the past twenty years, he has rarely appeared publicly, almost leaving no trace in the media.
Today, his attendance at his grandchild’s wedding at the age of over ninety has been interpreted by many as creating momentum for Ling Ruonan.
When Ling Ruonan transferred from the Northern Group to a ministry role, many believed this was a cue from the Ling Family to promote Ling Ruonan.
Today, they believe it even more.
Ling Mingrui’s behavior just now was too obvious, even those with slow minds could sense it.
Many people were eager, wanting to see what Ling Jinhua would say when he took the stage, hoping to catch some message he might convey.
Ling Jinhua, supported by Huang Chen, stood in the middle of the stage, with Huang Chen holding the microphone to his lips.
He surveyed the entire audience then began speaking in a calm voice: "Today, being able to stand here and attend my granddaughter’s wedding is truly rare. Last autumn and winter, I became gravely ill, nearly went to meet Marx. Fortunately, my great-grandson pulled me back from Ghost Gate Pass. Thanks to his treatment, I have the opportunity to attend his mother’s wedding!"
Ling Jinhua’s words shocked everyone.
Ling Jinhua started off by praising Luo Ziling, and by extension, his mother Ling Ruonan, making his intentions very clear.
Many in the Ling Family felt a surge of jealousy, very uncomfortable.
But no one dared to express any dissatisfaction.
The most uncomfortable was Ling Zhengping, who could only look expressionless at his grandfather continuing to speak on stage.
"I’m over ninety now, perhaps I might attend my great-grandchildren’s weddings, perhaps see five generations under one roof. However, attending my granddaughter’s wedding today is a must. This wedding has been delayed for many years because of my and her father’s lack of action. We both feel very guilty about it. Her father mentioned it earlier, so I won’t repeat it."
When Ling Jinhua said this, Yang Yuanshan and Yang Yunlin were very uneasy.
Ling Mingrui and Ling Jinhua spoke very bluntly, directly revealing past grudges, making it hard for them to step down.
Many present were aware of the past grievances, understanding that Ling Ruonan’s tragedy was caused by the Yang Family. It was because of the Yang Family’s rigidity that Luo Xusheng and Ling Ruonan were forced apart, and a young Luo Ziling had to follow Luo Liansheng to the Northwest. Today, the Yang Family also attended the wedding, with Ling Jinhua and Ling Mingrui candidly addressing past events—seems like the past resentments have truly been resolved.
"Attending a wedding, of course, requires a gift. As the bride’s grandfather, I can’t use an ordinary gift to fool them." Ling Jinhua’s speaking style today was unlike his usual self, appearing somewhat spontaneous, "Her father left his current residence to her, so I, as her grandfather, can’t be lacking."
Ling Jinhua paused here.
The entire audience was in uproar.
Ling Mingrui’s courtyard is very large, and in others’ minds, it holds a special significance.
That priceless courtyard in others’ eyes was actually given to Ling Ruonan as a dowry.
Many were greatly surprised, especially those with extraordinary status like Yang Yuanshan, Fang Xiang, Lin Zeping, Wang Zhengqiang, etc. They didn’t expect Ling Mingrui to do so, nor did they expect Ling Jinhua to say this.
Ling Mingrui giving his residence to Ling Ruonan as a dowry is easy to understand.
The courtyard can simply be considered a real estate property.
When a daughter gets married, parents gifting her a piece of property is very normal.
However, the grand gift from Ling Mingrui and his wife was quite shocking.
This grand gift, Ling Mingrui didn’t inform everyone, but Ling Jinhua revealed it—and in front of so many people.
Ling Jinhua is definitely not showing off; there’s only one purpose for doing so, and that is to support his granddaughter strongly.
Ling Jinhua’s disclosure aimed to let everyone know they treat Ling Ruonan exceptionally.
Ling Jinhua and Ling Mingrui father and son strongly supporting Ling Ruonan leaves many wondering what her future would be.
Some are curious if the Ling Family is abandoning Ling Zhengping, the legitimate heir, in favor of promoting a married-out daughter?
Others understand it as the Ling Family wanting both Ling Zhengping and Ling Ruonan siblings to advance.
If successful, the Ling Family’s prestige will certainly increase.
Some believe Ling Jinhua and Ling Mingrui are doing this to foster the Luo Family, helping them rapidly grow.
Although minds were complex, no one spoke up, instead, everyone listened intently to Ling Jinhua’s continued speech.
After a pause, Ling Jinhua continued: "I promised Ruonan a lavish gift but haven’t told them yet. I said I would announce at the wedding what kind of wedding gift I am giving her. Now, let me reveal the answer and join me in wishing her a happy marriage."
When Ling Jinhua finished speaking, someone started applauding.
Leading the applause was Luo Ziling, with Yang Qingyin following suit.
Seeing Luo Ziling applaud, the group including Cao Jianhui, Dong Xiaowan, and others immediately responded.
Others followed suit, with applause and cheers echoing loudly.
Among the seven prominent figures, apart from Chen Ruchang who did not attend, the others were present and seated at the same table.
This scene resembles a high-level meeting.
Though they weren’t the protagonists today, while attention often fell upon them, when Ling Jinhua was speaking on stage, everyone’s focus was entirely on the stage.
Lin Zeping, Wang Zhengqiang, Yang Yuanshan, Fang Xiang, and Wu Dongfang also focused their attention on the stage, as did Ling Mingrui standing there.
They didn’t know what lavish gift Ling Jinhua would give Ling Ruonan for the wedding, but they knew it certainly wasn’t light.
Perhaps, it’s heavier than the courtyard given by Ling Mingrui.
Could it be that Ling Jinhua is giving the Ling Family Old Mansion to Ling Ruonan as dowry?
If so, that would be truly terrifying.
Ling Zhengping was most nervous.
When he learned that Ling Mingrui would give the residence he lived in for over twenty years to Ling Ruonan as dowry, he was very angry.
Ling Mingrui not only gave the Northern Group to Ling Ruonan but also this courtyard with special meaning.
He knew what this meant.
He felt a sense of crisis.
But he thought he could still rely on his grandfather, believing he wouldn’t favor Ling Ruonan, the Ling Family daughter, but now it seems he was wrong.