Early the next morning, Luo Ziling received a report from Wuyue, saying that after they left last night, Ling Mingrui went to the old mansion.
Early this morning, Ling Zhengping also went to the Ling Family Old Mansion.
Hearing this situation unexpectedly, Luo Ziling was stunned for a while.
He instinctively thought that something big was about to happen, otherwise Ling Mingrui and Ling Zhengping wouldn’t be in such a hurry to go to the old mansion.
However, he didn’t hear Wuyue mention any major events—apart from the Ling Family father and son going to the old mansion.
Luo Ziling called Ling Ruonan to inquire about this matter.
"It should be that after Ling Zhengping left, he called your Great Grandfather and complained a bit. After his complaints, your Great Grandfather then called your grandfather over. They talked for quite a while, probably discussed many things. The things we did last night, they must have exchanged opinions on. Early this morning, Ling Zhengping went over, probably to ask your Great Grandfather’s attitude, or was called over by your Great Grandfather for a face-to-face discussion."
"I thought something huge had happened." Luo Ziling knew that when Ling Ruonan said this, she must have received a relatively certain report, possibly Ling Mingrui had called her, therefore his worry was immediately lifted, "It looks like last night Great Grandfather and Grandpa must have talked about quite a lot of crucial things."
"In time, your grandfather should tell us about these things." Ling Ruonan advised Luo Ziling not to worry; if something were really to happen, there would definitely be signs, and careful observation would give a sense of it.
She would also think of ways to probe Ling Mingrui, trying not to remain in the dark.
"I’ll have Wuyue and Wang Zhenjun watch a bit more closely so that any situation can be grasped immediately."
"Be mindful of your actions, don’t let them misunderstand." After a moment of silence, Ling Ruonan instructed.
"I understand!" Luo Ziling agreed wholeheartedly, promising repeatedly that there would be no mistakes.
While Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan were on the phone, inside the Ling Family Old Mansion, Ling Zhengping was accompanying Ling Jinhua for tea.
Time passed eight o’clock, originally by this time Ling Zhengping was prepared to go to work.
But early today, he received a call from Ling Jinhua, asking him to come over for a chat.
Ling Zhengping knew that Ling Jinhua definitely had something to tell him, and the complaints he voiced last night had made an impact.
Therefore, he immediately gave his secretary a few instructions, letting the secretary go to the office first, prepare what needed to be done, and inform others that he’d be late arriving at the office today.
When Ling Zhengping arrived at the Ling Family Old Mansion, Ling Jinhua, accustomed to rising early, was already sitting in the garden having tea.
The weather in Yanjing in late November wasn’t too cold. Because the air was dry, even though the temperature had dropped below ten degrees, it didn’t feel that cold.
The garden of the old mansion where Ling Jinhua lived was exposed to sunlight early in the morning, and sitting there with extra clothing, feeling the sun, was still very pleasant.
"Grandfather, you wanted to see me?" After sitting down opposite Ling Jinhua, Ling Zhengping very attentively poured tea for Ling Jinhua and immediately asked, "Did Dad come here last night?"
"I called him over!" Ling Jinhua looked at Ling Zhengping with a serious expression, "I suppose last night our meeting as father and son startled many people?"
"Not exactly!" Ling Zhengping laughed awkwardly, "Grandfather and Dad are both influential people, and your every move is under the spotlight. Even ordinary actions by you would draw special attention and various interpretations from others."
"I called you today to talk about this matter." Ling Jinhua spoke seriously, "Over the past period, your performance hasn’t been satisfactory, neither your father nor I were very pleased."
Ling Jinhua labeled his deeds over this period right at the start, which made Ling Zhengping uncomfortable inside, but he didn’t dare to show it.
He sat with a humble demeanor and listened quietly to Ling Jinhua’s reprimands.
Ling Zhengping understood his grandfather’s temperament; Ling Jinhua didn’t like people interrupting when he was speaking unless he actively asked for opinions, otherwise, he might get angry.
"You want to compete with Ruonan, don’t want her to get so many resources; I understand that." Ling Jinhua sipped tea and continued, "But you never learned your lesson. After doing so many things, unable to handle Ruonan and her son, you should reflect promptly. Pursuing your personal anger blindly without considering your father’s advice is a very irrational behavior."
"Grandfather’s admonition is right, I will definitely keep it in mind." Ling Zhengping knew he should make a statement at this moment, hence he spoke up.
Ling Jinhua ignored Ling Zhengping’s statement and continued, "No matter what, Ruonan is a daughter of the Ling Family. The achievements she obtains will be regarded as the accomplishments of the Ling Family, not as those of a Luo Family daughter-in-law. From this period’s observation, I believe that even if Ruonan achieves more, she will continue to uphold the Ling Family’s interests, not act against them."
Ling Zhengping wanted to say, isn’t that why you expressed your stance so clearly at the wedding?
But such words, he dared not utter, only sat humbly as if being taught.
Ling Jinhua continued, "Since the Northern Group has already been handed to Ruonan, don’t covet it. Your father and I are clear on the priorities and won’t get confused over these matters. Focus on what has been entrusted to you. Don’t be envious of what hasn’t been given to you. If you want to compete, don’t compete with family, compete with outsiders, seizing from others what originally doesn’t belong to you, that is the real capability."
"There’s a saying that’s been repeated so many times it’s become cliché, yet it’s a truth. That is: The strongest fortress, once internal disorder arises, will be conquered. Our Ling Family, brilliant for decades, is still developing well, I hope our glory can last even longer, breaking the curse of ’wealth does not last beyond three generations.’ And to achieve this, you siblings must unite wholeheartedly. Among your peers, you and Ruonan are the most talented and capable. If the two of you work in harmony, the future of the Ling Family will certainly be better."
"Thank you for the reminder, Grandfather, I will definitely remember your teachings." Ling Zhengping agreed, "In the days to come, I will dispel trivial thoughts, re-evaluate everything, and in whatever action, keep the Ling Family’s overall interests at the forefront, in the most important position."
"It’s good you think that way." Ling Jinhua acknowledged that knowing Ling Zhengping’s temperament, it’s clear that his grandson would not be persuaded to change his mind easily. But since Ling Zhengping expressed himself in front of him, at least outwardly he would act accordingly.
Having stated his position clearly, Ling Zhengping should at least remember something, many things he couldn’t mess up openly.
Therefore, he didn’t speak further and let Ling Zhengping go.