Chapter 053 Ling Li's visit, another accident happened

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When Ling Jingxuan returned home, he was surprised to find Ling Lishi, his aunt, waiting at the door. Unlike the previous day when the other family members were causing a ruckus, Ling Lishi stood quietly in the sunlight. In her forties, she appeared well-maintained, slender, and youthful, Indeed she is his mother's sister-in-law but she looks much younger than his mother.

 

"Jingxuan, you're back? I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I thought you might be out foraging wild vegetables. Didn't expect you back so soon. Is this the child from Zhao Dalong's family? He's adorable," Ling Lishi greeted with a gentle smile, her demeanor overly kind as if Ling Jingxuan hadn't been ostracized from the Ling family.

 

She reached out to touch Tie Wazi's face, but Ling Jingxuan instinctively moved away, creating distance between them. His voice turned cold as he addressed her, "Auntie Ling?"

 

In the original owner's recollection, Ling Lishi was a paragon of virtue, filial to her parents, kind to her descendants, and had excellent relationships with her in-laws. Yet, Ling Jingxuan couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Despite her apparent perfection, she had never shown any concern for him during the years he was cast out of the family. Now, her sudden appearance and uncle-like attitude seemed suspicious.

 

"Hmm? Oh, it's nothing," Ling Lishi replied, clearly taken aback by Ling Jingxuan's indifference. Recalling what her husband and son had told her, she discreetly tightened her hands hidden in her sleeves. Putting on another gentle smile, she continued, "I heard about the argument with your mother and the others yesterday. Even your younger sibling called Xiaowen. I wanted to come and check on you and the children. You've already taught them a lesson, so please forgive them. After all, they're your direct relatives, aren't they? We're all family."

What is this? A relationship with him?

 

Ling Jingxuan narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Ling Lishi. This woman's sudden appearance was suspicious. Just yesterday, Ling Qiyun had made it abundantly clear that he wanted nothing to do with him. Now, less than a day later, Ling Lishi, the proud eldest daughter-in-law, had shown up at his doorstep. Ling Jingxuan couldn't believe it was a coincidence. Reflecting on his encounter with Ling Jingpeng in town the previous day and the latter's hesitant behavior, Ling Jingxuan was almost certain that they were scheming something, though he couldn't discern their intentions just yet.

 

Suddenly, the closed door behind him creaked open, revealing Ling Wen's thin frame. Ling Lishi's eyes lit up momentarily before she composed herself. Unbeknownst to her, Ling Jingxuan caught the subtle change in her expression, a mocking smirk playing on his lips. Were they planning something involving his child?

 

"Daddy, you're back! And Tie Wazi is here too. Come inside quickly. Daddy, who is she?" Ling Wen's voice interrupted the tense atmosphere as he joined Ling Jingxuan, his gaze fixed on Ling Lishi.

 

Sensing Ling Lishi's intention to reveal her identity, Ling Jingxuan stepped between them and gently put down Tie Wazi, saying, "This is Aunt Ling from the old Ling family. She has nothing to do with us. You can take Tie Wazi inside to play. I'll be there shortly."

 

"Okay, hurry up, Dad. I've memorized all the three-character scriptures you taught me yesterday. The uncles haven't returned yet, so you can continue teaching me," Ling Wen replied eagerly, clearly disinterested in Ling Lishi once he heard she was from the old Ling family.

 

He pulled Tie Wazi and started to lead him inside. Ling Jingxuan rubbed Ling Wen's head gently before reminding him, "Make sure to include Tie Wazi in your studies."

 

With a nod, the two children entered the house together, leaving Ling Jingxuan alone with Ling Lishi. Turning to face her, his tone turned cold as he said, "Aunt Ling, please leave. Your presence here from the old Ling family won't change anything. If you linger, it might cause unnecessary trouble. I'm sure you understand."

 

Regardless of whether Ling Lishi's intentions were aimed at him or the child, Ling Jingxuan had no interest in finding out. In his mind, it was best to keep his distance from the old Ling family if they disagreed with each other.

 

When Ling Lishi heard his firm dismissal, a flicker of anger crossed her face before she forced a smile. "Very well, I'll leave for today then. I'll come to visit another day," she said awkwardly before turning to depart.

 

Observing her retreating figure, Ling Jingxuan's narrow, charming eyes darkened with a hint of sharpness. It seemed his methods hadn't been severe enough, as some people clearly hadn't learned their lesson.

 

Despite the brief encounter, Ling Jingxuan remained cautious. Little did he expect that someone within the old Ling family had mustered the courage to make a move, capitalizing on his momentary lapse in vigilance.

 

Following Ling Jingxuan's instructions, Ling Jingpeng helped him acquire two piglets, fifty chicks, and five egg-laying hens. Upon his return, Ling Chenglong and his wife arrived. Together, they constructed a simple pigsty and chicken coop in the backyard. Baozi, filled with excitement, chased after the old hen, while Tie Wazi's enthusiastic participation added to the chaos. Meanwhile, Ling Jingxuan spent time digging for earthworms under the shade of a large tree.

 

"Daddy, what are you doing?" the three children inquired, curiosity shining in their eyes as they observed Ling Jingxuan's activities.

 

With a chuckle, Ling Jingxuan explained, "I'm digging earthworms. They're good for feeding the chicks and helping the hens lay eggs."

 

"Really? Then I have to dig too. The chick will grow up quickly, and I will have more eggs than I can eat."

 

Excited by the prospect of more eggs, Ling Wu snatched the shovel from his father, eager to join in the task. Tie Wazi also volunteered to help, his simplicity endearing him to Ling Jingxuan.

 

"Uncle, I want to help too."

Tie Wazi, always true to his word, diligently joined in the task alongside Ling Wen and Ling Wu. Despite Ling Wen's less overt enthusiasm, his movements were just as swift as his siblings'. Ling Jingxuan watched them with a mixture of amusement and fondness, shaking his head helplessly as he observed their industrious efforts. Rising to his feet, he interrupted their work to offer some advice.

 

"I just remembered that I know how to raise earthworms myself. Don't feed the ones you dig up to the chickens. I'll teach you how to raise them later," Ling Jingxuan instructed before stepping away.

 

"Okay, Dad, leave it to us," the children replied in unison, their voices echoing with determination as they resumed their task. Soon, they found themselves reciting the Three Character Classic while digging for earthworms, their voices mingling in a comforting rhythm.

 

As dusk settled in, Ling Jingxuan left his parents and Tie Wazi to dine at home, enlisting Ling Wen and Ling Wu to escort Tie Wazi back before nightfall. Ling Chenglong and his wife remained behind to chat with Ling Jingxuan in the main room.

 

"Incorporate some jasmine tea and boil it. It'll be a showstopper. Goat milk is nutritious and will be perfect for nourishing Xiaowen and the others. Once you move here, I'll buy another cow so we can enjoy fresh milk every day and ensure our health," Ling Jingxuan suggested, his thoughts drifting to his earlier plans to purchase cows.

 

Though initially considering buying cows outright, Ling Jingxuan opted for a dairy goat first, prioritizing land purchase. Plus, with a cow now, they'd have more milk than they could consume daily, as Baozi pointed out.

 

"Really? That sounds wonderful. If it helps eliminate the bad smell, goat milk would indeed be a fantastic addition. Jingxuan, I know you might not like hearing this, but I still want to say it: now that you're earning money, spend it wisely. Don't buy things you don't need. There will be plenty of expenses in the future. It's important to have some savings. Your parents might not be able to help your brothers much, but you should always keep them in your heart," Ling Chenglong's wife advised earnestly, her words tinged with concern for her son.

 

Ling Wangshi was unaware that Ling Jingxuan had only earned one hundred taels of silver that day. Seeing him buying pigs and chickens, she couldn't help but nag once more.

 

However, Ling Jingxuan remained patient, gently taking her hand and interrupting her. "Mom, what are you saying? With parents like you and Dad, we brothers are already blessed beyond measure. How could we not be happy?" he reassured her. “Mother, haven't you had your period for a long time?" Suddenly, Ling Jingxuan's expression changed as he pressed his hand against the table, his fingers lightly resting on her pulse.

 

His sudden focus on menstruation caught Ling Wangshi off guard, causing her to blush and stammer, "Yes, I haven't had it for almost two months. My menstruation has always been irregular. It should be nothing, right?"

 

With a smile, Ling Jingxuan withdrew his hand and clasped his fists at them. "Congratulations, Mom and Dad. You're going to be parents again," he announced joyfully. Their family would soon welcome another little prince or princess.

 

Both Ling Chenglong and his wife were stunned, their mouths agape in disbelief. Ling Jingpeng, still a bit dazed, recovered and exclaimed happily, "That's wonderful, Mom and Dad. You're giving us another sibling—a little sister. We have something to look forward to."

 

The Ling family's eldest and third households already had daughters, and Ling Jingpeng had longed for a little sister since childhood. Now, his wish was coming true.

 

"Oh, I'm so embarrassed. Getting pregnant at this age," Ling Wangshi murmured shyly, covering her face with her hands, her ears turning pink.

 

Her sons quickly reassured her, "There's nothing to be ashamed of, Mom. You and Dad are only in your thirties. It's perfectly normal to have children. We're happy for you."

 

"Yes, mother, you don't know how much I want a little sister."

 

"What are the two brats talking about, Long, look at them."

 

Seeing Ling Wang's embarrassment, she turned to Ling Chenglong for support, but he could only scratch his head in confusion. "This is a good thing. You should be happy," he mumbled awkwardly.

 

The two brothers burst into laughter at their parents' bewildered reactions. Ling Wang shot her husband a playful glare, a smile tugging at her blushing cheeks. It seemed like a string of fortunate events had unfolded recently. Were their good days finally arriving?

 

"Mom, you shouldn't do any farm work or housework anymore. Let the others handle it. The first three months of pregnancy are crucial. It's better to be cautious. I'll pick up some anti-abortion pills for you when I go to town tomorrow. Your body has suffered from giving birth to Jinghan. We can't take any chances with this pregnancy," Ling Jingxuan advised seriously, his tone sobering.

 

The light-hearted mood shifted as Ling Jingxuan expressed his concerns. He couldn't shake the fear lingering from yesterday's events. Thankfully, everything had turned out fine, but he couldn't shake the thought of what could have happened.

 

Ling Wang reassured him, "Don't worry. We've thought things through. We won't do anything we shouldn't. We'll continue as before."

 

With their minds made up, Ling Chenglong and his wife were determined to take care of themselves and their growing family, grateful for Ling Jingxuan's guidance and concern.

 

After yesterday's incident, Ling Wangshi could clearly see that no matter how hard they worked for that family, they would never be forgiven, let alone appreciated. Whether they did something or not, it didn't matter much; it was better to take it easy.

 

"That's right. The weaker you seem, the more they think you're easy to bully. Mom, Dad, I'm not saying don't respect our elders, but there's a right way to do it. Blindly obeying isn't filial piety. The most important thing is to let others express their filial piety too," Ling Jingxuan remarked, lightening the mood with a slightly teasing question. The family of four laughed together before parting ways. Ling Jingxuan couldn't help feeling a bit concerned, so he walked his parents home.

 

"What? They left a long time ago?"

 

When Ling Jingxuan knocked on Zhao Dalong's door, Han Fei revealed that the two buns had left immediately after bringing Tie Wazi back. Ling Jingxuan's expression changed instantly, his eyes stormy. Ling Jingpeng and Ling Chenglong, who were with him, mirrored his seriousness. Zhao Dalong's expression darkened upon hearing the news, sensing trouble, and he looked at Ling Jingxuan with worry, alongside Han Fei.

 

"Damn it! Jingpeng, do you know anything about Ling Jingwei?"

 

Whirling around, Ling Jingxuan exuded a palpable aura of menace. He had been attentive on the way here, afraid of losing Xiao Baozi. Since Han Fei claimed they had left long ago, the only plausible explanation was that they were forcibly taken away. Ling Jingxuan suspected the eldest family of the Ling household was behind it. How else could they explain this unusual turn of events?

 

"Jingwei? Have you seen him?"

 

Ling Wangshi stepped forward, her brow furrowed in concern, suggesting she might know something. Ling Jingxuan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "I saw you at the market yesterday, Mother. What are you keeping from me?"

 

"No, Mother didn't intentionally hide it from you. They probably mentioned it casually. I didn't take it seriously," Ling Jingxuan reassured his mother before getting to the point. "So, what's the matter?"

 

Growing impatient with their dilly-dallying, Ling Jingxuan's tone grew stern. Ling Jingpeng, sensing his mother might struggle to explain, intervened quickly. "Brother, you see, Brother Jingwei and Sister-in-law have been married for years without children. It's reasonable to consider remarrying or taking a concubine, but her father opposed it. About two or three months ago, they asked to adopt your child. Our parents refused outright. Could Brother Jingwei really resort to this?"

 

It felt like a daylight robbery. How could they do such a thing?

 

"That's about it. Aunt Ling visited me this morning, trying to sway me. Knowing my temper, I didn't give her the chance. She's shrewd; she must have informed Ling Jingwei or discussed it with Boss Ling, thinking I wouldn't agree to adoption. So, they resorted to force," Ling Jingxuan concluded, his voice brimming with determination. "Jingpeng, wait here. Let's head to town."

 

With resolve, Ling Jingxuan turned to Zhao Dalong and his wife. "Brother Zhao, please take us to town."

 

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Zhao Dalong nodded, handing Tie Wazi to Han Fei before leading the way to the backyard.

 

"Jingxuan, should we go back to Ling's house first? Maybe the children are there?" Ling Wangshi interjected anxiously, never imagining such audacity.

 

"Impossible. Mrs. Ling Li wouldn't risk bringing real children home. The children must be with Ling Jingwei in town. Parents, act normal when you return. Don't alert them. I'll bring the children back safely," Ling Jingxuan assured them.

 

If he dared to kidnap his children under his nose, he wanted to see if they really had the guts to eat ambitious leopards. "If anything happens, report it to the police. I can't believe they're so lawless," Ling Chenglong advised.

 

"I understand, Father. You and Mother head back first," Ling Jingxuan replied, turning swiftly towards home. If he was going to the town to 'visit relatives,' he couldn't return empty-handed. This time, they'd learn not to mess with him.