"Don't threaten me by mentioning the Ling family ancestral hall every time. If you dare to use private punishment and take me to the sinking pond, this father and sons, I won't really survive today. So what if I hit her? Please, get your facts straight. They were the ones who intruded into my house, committed violence, and looted. Don't say today that you won't let it go, I won't let it go either. Tomorrow morning, I'll go to the county town to seek the magistrate's judgment. I want to see what crime they'll be charged with for intruding into a private residence."

 

In the past, Ling Jingxuan would probably have been frightened and weak, but now, he didn't have the word "fear" in his dictionary. He would be satisfied as long as others don’t bully him. But if others bully him…?”

 

"Is what he said true?"

 

Other people might not know the law, but Li Zheng understood it well. Once he heard Ling Jingxuan intended to sue, Li Zheng couldn't continue to blindly support their side. He sternly looked at his elder sister-in-law and the others. They blamed themselves for rushing here without understanding the details. They had heard that the old lady had a conflict with her second son, but they didn't have time to know the detailed situation, which left Ling Jingxuan with no way out.

 

"Why didn't he mention that Second Brother and Jingpeng catch fish every day and sell them for money to support him? Who in the village doesn't know? All those new things at his house were bought with the money earned by Second Brother and Jingpeng. Our family hasn't divided the assets, so why can't I take them back? They belong to our Ling family."

 

The old lady stubbornly insisted that those things were bought with the money earned by Ling Chenglong and his wife, glaring at them with her venomous eyes as if she wanted to tear them apart.

 

"You're talking nonsense. Those fish were caught by my father every morning from Yuehua. Grandparents and Uncle are just helping us sell them."

 

Before Ling Jingxuan and the others could respond, Ling Wen, with a swollen half of his face, suddenly rushed out from behind his father. Whenever it came to money, Ling Wen seemed to have boundless courage.

 

"You little bastard!"

 

"If you don't want to spend your old age lying on your bed, I suggest you stop right now."

 

The old lady instinctively wanted to slap them, but Ling Jingxuan skillfully broke away from Yan Shengrui's hand, blocking in front of his son. His crimson phoenix eyes were full of coldness and warning. The old lady subconsciously took two steps back, feeling inexplicable fear towards him.

 

"Bang!"

 

At this moment, Ling Chenglong, who was usually honest and filial pulled his wife, came forward and knelt in front of his father and Ling Qicai. Looking up at them with a nearly pleading look, he said, "Father, Second Uncle, it's true that Jingxuan caught those fish himself. I just helped him sell them at the village market during our break time. Jingxuan is our eldest son, even if he is driven out of the Ling family, he is still our son. We can't really abandon him. If Mother can't accept this, then I'm being unfilial. Please, Father and Second Uncle, make a decision and let us live in a separate household."

 

As he spoke, the couple bowed to them, and they seemed to have given up on life, showing complete despair towards their own mother and the rest of the family.

 

"Bastard, your father is not dead yet. You want to make a fuss about breaking up the family. Let me tell you, there's no way!"

 

"Shut up." The old lady yelled at them furiously but was frightened by Ling Qiyun's eyes.

 

Looking at the wounds on the forehead and face of the second child, Ling Qicai knew who did it without asking. Ling Qicai couldn't help feeling a little sad. Come on, they are all their sons. Although he doesn't like them because of Ling Jingxuan's matter, he doesn't hate them. The second child has always been honest and filial, but the old woman forced them out.

 

"Second Brother, don’t dare to talk nonsense. Your father is still alive, how can you separate and live on your own?"

 

To be honest, Ling Qicai was also taken aback. He was not surprised if anyone broke up, except for the second couple. He watched them grow up, how they worked hard and were filial to their parents. They didn't ask for a separate household even when their eldest son was expelled from the Ling family five years ago. Now they wanted to separate because of this? Alas, this time, Big Sister-in-law probably hurt Second Child’s heart.

 

"Separate? Second Brother, why are you talking nonsense? Those things in Jingxuan's house were not bought with your money. Is this enough to cause a separation? It's ridiculous. Hurry up and get up. As a family, we can discuss everything behind closed doors when we go back. Nothing cannot be resolved with Father making the decision."

 

Ling Chengcai put on the air of an older brother. He no longer called Ling Jingxuan a bastard at this critical moment. Because the second brother is honest and rushes to do everything, he can be comfortable as the eldest brother. If he really separated from the family, who would take care of the dozens of acres of farmland at home? The third son was even more cunning than him. He couldn't rely on him.

 

"Let's go back home first and discuss it later."

 

Seeing that Ling Chenglong and his wife were still stubbornly not saying anything, looking determined, Ling Qiyun had to temporarily suppress the matter. He looked at Ling Jingxuan and said, "Even though you are the outcast child of our family, you still carry the Ling surname. The same blood as ours will always be flowing in your bones. Today's matter was caused by the old lady not understanding the situation. Let's call it even for now. Later, I will have Chenglong send you a small gift as compensation. Now you can tell me what happened to the third child?"

 

If possible, Ling Qiyun would never bow his head to this grandson who was driven out of the family. However, they were indeed in the wrong this time. If he let him make a big fuss and go to the county government, his old face would be completely lost. Moreover, he had to consider the second son and his wife. Regardless of the situation, as long as he was alive, he would never agree to their separation from the family.

 

Ling Jingxuan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he folded his arms and evaluated the situation. He was surprised that his parents had taken the initiative to suggest separating the family. He even had the idea of fueling the fire. However, this current opportunity was not strong enough. It seemed that dividing the family was not so easy. For the sake of his parents and brothers, he had to compromise for now.

 

"I have one condition. As long as you promise me, I will tell you how to save him."

 

After a moment, Ling Jingxuan raised his head. For the sake of his parents and brothers, he finally chose to compromise for the time being. Otherwise, the more trouble he made, the harder it would be for his parents who were trapped in the Ling family. Since the parents have already realized the necessity of separating, he’ll just find a way to make it happen in the future. He was not in a hurry at this moment.

 

“Explain.”

 

The old man was obviously impatient, and Ling Jingxuan didn't bother to argue with him. He opened his mouth and said, "Your Ling family is too 'noble,' and I admit I can't measure up to that. Please, old man, restrain your family members from coming to me for no reason. Today, I'll let it go for your sake. But if anyone dares to intrude again in the future, don't blame me for being ruthless. I'll tie them up and take them to the authorities."

 

He compromised, but it didn't mean he would be inferior.

 

"That suits me."

 

"Very well, after you return, mix sheep urine with water and give it to Third Young Master to drink. After two hours, he will be fine. You can leave now."

 

With that, Ling Jingxuan turned around, clearly showing disdain for them. Ling Qiyun was angry and gave a fierce glare at the trouble-making old lady. He gestured to his eldest son and several grandsons to lift up Ling Chenghu, and the group left Ling Jingxuan's courtyard in anger.

 

With the performers gone, there was no reason for the villagers who were watching the play to stay outside. Soon, the crowded courtyard was left with only Ling Jingxuan's family of four and Ling Chenglong's family of three.

 

"Hmm."

 

Suddenly, Yanshenrui, who had been standing proudly, slumped weakly onto Ling Jingxuan's body. His bright tiger eyes showed a listless expression. Being seriously injured and still holding on until now was already a miracle. Ling Jingxuan supported him with one hand while feeling his pulse with the other, confirming that he was just exhausted and had no serious injuries. Only then did he deeply exhale a breath of relief.

 

"Dad, what's wrong with him?"

 

Ling Wen, holding his little brother's hand, looked at Yanshenrui, whose face was as pale as paper. He was obviously worried but reluctant to admit it.

 

Ling Jingxuan shook his head helplessly, "Nothing, he just needs to rest for a while. Jingpeng, help Mom and Dad to the hall. I'll be right there."

 

Saying that, Ling Jingxuan didn't wait for their response and directly helped Yan Shengrui into the house by himself.

 

" A patient should behave like a patient. From now on, I don't need you to interfere in my affairs. I can handle them myself." After placing Yan Shenrui on a straw stack, Ling Jingxuan couldn't help but add some words before leaving.

 

"I'm willing to help. Regardless of whether you admit it or not, they are also my sons, and I have a responsibility to protect them."

 

Yan Shengrui's eyes, which were previously listless, suddenly opened. After today's events, his determination to stay and protect them became even stronger. With him around, he would not allow such things to happen again.

 

"Up to you. As long as you can make the two little brats agree, I will let you stay. However, I advise you not to set your mind on me. I may want the kids, but as for their father, I'll pass. I'm not fortunate enough to enjoy that."

 

In contrast to his previous coldness, Ling Jingxuan's attitude softened a bit because he had taken over protecting the two little brats today. Nevertheless, he remained uncompromising when it came to their matters.

 

"That's a deal!"

 

Seeing his back, Yan Shenrui weakly smiled. If he could handle the kids, he probably wouldn't have trouble dealing with their father.

 

Okay, these two people have their own ideas, and it seems like there will be some struggles in the future.

 

In the main hall, Ling Jingxuan had already helped Ling Chenglong and his wife. Ling Wen clean their wounds and applied medicine. Looking at the heavily injured family, Ling Jingxuan felt a surge of anger and regretted not handling those people more harshly.

 

"Brother, why did you agree to him? You finally managed to propose the division of the family, but you let it go just like that?" The spirited Ling Jingpeng couldn't help but feel frustrated. It was such a great opportunity, and they missed it.

 

"Do Mom and Dad also think like this?"

 

With a wry smile, Ling Jingxuan didn't answer him but looked at Ling Chenglong and his wife, who were sitting together in a daze.

 

"What happened? Well, Jingxuan, what do you think? Also, what's wrong with Third Young Master? Why did he have to drink sheep urine?"

 

Ling Chenglong didn't react. He was probably still grieving. On the other hand, Ling Wangshi looked at her eldest son curiously. Ling Jingxuan had been clever since he was a child; otherwise, he wouldn't have passed the child scholar examination at the age of thirteen. She believed he couldn't have failed to see the determination they had made at that time, using almost all their courage for it. However, as Jingpeng mentioned, everything was in vain now. Ling Qiyun would never agree to the family division again.

 

"I didn't think much about it. I just felt it wasn't appropriate today. Mom and Dad, as long as you have the intention to separate from the family, I have a way to make it happen. Don't worry, soon you will be separated. Before that, we should first treat Jinghan. As for Third Young Master, hehe... I just used a bit of poison I concocted myself. He'll be fine after three hours. The sheep urine was a free gift."

 

"Really? Jinghan can be saved?"

 

The mischievousness of her son made Ling Wangshi unable to suppress her laughter. She heard that Jinghan might be saved, and she forgot about the family division for a moment. Although Jingxuan had said a few days ago that he could save Jinghan, they didn't dare to hope too much at that time since he had just awakened. Now, when he brought it up again, it seemed like he was quite confident, and she couldn't help but get excited.

 

Even Ling Chenglong, who had been in a daze, looked up. It was evident how much they hoped for Jinghan's recovery. Ling Jingxuan didn't play games with them and smiled, saying, "Yes, in fact, I stewed snow pear with rock sugar last night. I bought the medicine when I went to the market today and brewed it before leaving this morning. When you go back later, take it with you. I'll have Jingpeng bring the daily dose of medicine for you. Don't worry; within half a month, Jinghan will definitely be well."

 

"That's great! Brother Long, did you hear that? Jinghan can be saved!"

 

"Good, great!" The couple Ling Chenglong and his wife were excited, tears of joy filling their eyes. Their elder son was fine, and their second son would be fine soon. Finally, the heavens had opened their eyes.

 

"Mom and Dad, when I went to buy the medicine today, I happened to encounter someone infected with the plague. This is a medicine to prevent the plague. Both of you should drink a bowl." Ling Jingxuan got up and brought out the medicine that had been prepared and cooled in the kitchen, pouring a bowl for each of them.

 

Hearing the word "plague," Ling Chenglong and his wife didn't dare to hesitate. They each picked up the bowl of medicine and drank it in one gulp. Afterward, the family chatted for a while. Ling Chenglong and his wife were concerned about Jinghan's condition, so they left soon with the medicine. Before they left, Ling Jingxuan especially reminded them not to let the Ling family know even if Jinghan recovered. Although the couple didn't understand why, they nodded in agreement.

 

After seeing them off, Ling Jingxuan patted Ling Jingpeng's shoulder, who was still sulking. The two brothers got busy, one repairing the broken door, and the other burying himself in a pile of wild grapes.