He did not look down on Ling Muzhu, but his reputation was known to all. Moreover, the matter of staying in Yingzhong Commandery was of great importance, how could it be entrusted to such an unreliable person as Ling Muzhu.
"He has changed a lot now, no longer the person he was before. Humans are not saints, who can be without fault? As long as they can bravely recognize their mistakes and correct them in time, we should all give him a chance to start anew!" kuAiδugg
Ling Mohan was also a little moved, but he was still a little uneasy about Ling Muzhu.
"Don't hesitate. Even if you don't trust Ling Muzhu, don't you trust me? How could the person I trained be ordinary? Moreover, you should at least ask Ling Muzhu for his opinion before making a decision."
As Feng Jin finished speaking, the tightly closed tent flap was pushed open from the outside. Ling Muzhu strode in, his face solemn, and knelt before Ling Mohan.
"I admit that in the past, I was ignorant and caused a lot of trouble for the Ling family, bringing shame upon us. But now, I truly wish to reform. I implore my elder brother to give me a chance to stay in Yingzhong Commandery. I will govern it well, ensure the people do not suffer, and never disgrace the Ling family."
Ling Muzhu's words were truly inspiring. This was undoubtedly the most commendable speech he had ever given.
"He has expressed his determination so strongly. For the sake of the old master, give him a chance to temper himself properly!"
Feng Jin also spoke in favor of Ling Muzhu, saying that it would be unfair to negate all his future efforts just because he made a mistake for a moment.
Ling Mohan's gaze shifted back and forth between the two. After a moment, he said with some hesitation, "On account of your sister-in-law pleading for you, you may stay. However, you must be extremely cautious in your affairs and avoid giving anyone leverage. Otherwise, the Ling family will not be able to protect you. Do you understand?"
"I understand everything. Please rest assured, elder brother. I will definitely manage Yingzhong Commandery well!" Ling Muzhu's words were earnest, and his eyes were filled with determination.
Ling Mohan was still a little uneasy and personally accompanied Ling Muzhu to familiarize himself with all the affairs of Yingzhong Commandery.
He stayed in Yingzhong Commandery for another two days. Only after confirming that Ling Muzhu had taken full charge did he decide to depart.
"Young Madam, the luggage is all packed and ready. We can depart at any time." Cai Qing placed all the packed items into the carriage.
Feng Jin nodded slightly and looked at Ling Muzhu, grabbing his ear and fiercely warning him, "I bragged to your elder brother that you would be able to manage Yingzhong Commandery well. If you dare to act recklessly and cause trouble, I will punish you severely and cripple your legs. Do you understand?"
"I understand!" The pain in his ear was burning. Ling Muzhu clutched his ear and quickly begged for mercy, "Sister-in-law, let go. Otherwise, you'll really pull my ear off."
"If you dare to cause trouble, I'll pull off both your ears and make you a man without ears!"
After a fierce warning, Feng Jin reluctantly released her grip.
Ling Mohan rubbed his burning, aching ear. He dared to say that his ear must be red and swollen beyond recognition.
He could only say that Feng Jin's grip was truly fierce; she almost pulled his ear off.
"I understand, sister-in-law. Don't worry, I will never disgrace you or elder brother. I will govern Yingzhong Commandery well!"
This rare opportunity was his only chance to prove himself.
"Muzhu, be careful with everything. If anything happens, send me a carrier pigeon immediately."
To be honest, Ling Mohan was still feeling uneasy, fearing that Ling Muzhu would cause trouble. He suddenly had the urge to take Ling Muzhu with him.
"Yes, elder brother!"
"We've given all the instructions. We should leave now, otherwise, we won't reach the inn before dark!"
Feng Jin stepped forward, linked her arm with his, and signaled him that it was time to go.
"Are you two still not leaving? I'm almost asleep in the carriage!" Gu Beichen's impatient voice rang out. What was there to be so hesitant about? He had been sitting in the carriage for nearly half an hour, and had already finished all the pastries, yet these two still showed no signs of leaving.
Feng Jin rolled her eyes and glared fiercely at Gu Beichen, thinking that he should have been left behind, to spare her from his incessant chatter along the way.
"Elder brother, sister-in-law, it's getting late. We should depart!"
"Let's go!" Ling Mohan helped Feng Jin into the carriage, while he mounted his horse and rode ahead.
Inside the carriage, Feng Jin's thoughts were in turmoil. She lifted the curtain and looked into the distance. When she first arrived in Yingzhong Commandery, she had encountered a famine and war. The houses were dilapidated, and the wails filling the city presented a scene of utter desolation.
Following that, there was an epidemic. She had witnessed the vicissitudes of life here and had stayed for two months. As she was leaving, Feng Jin couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance in her heart.
"Young Madam, please don't look anymore. It will only increase your sorrow."
Feng Jin sighed, lowered the curtain, and sat back down, wishing that the people of Yingzhong Commandery would be safe and sound in the future.
The advancing carriage suddenly stopped, which puzzled Feng Jin. She frowned slightly, lifted the curtain, and asked Lu Shi, who was following behind, "What's wrong, Guard Lu? Why has the carriage stopped?"
"Reporting to Young Madam, the people of Yingzhong Commandery are blocking the road ahead. They wish to see the Young General and the Young Madam."
Seeing her... Feng Jin lowered her eyes, stood up, and got out of the carriage.
"Slowly!" Ling Mohan helped Feng Jin down from the carriage, and they walked directly in front.
Upon seeing the two of them, the people of Yingzhong Commandery knelt down in unison.
"Villagers, please rise. I cannot accept such a great honor!"
Ling Mohan quickly stepped forward to help them up.
"The General and Madam saved the lives of all the people in our city. You are our benefactors. Please accept our bows!"
"Please, do not do this. My wife and I truly cannot accept it."
With so many people kneeling before them, Feng Jin felt a little flustered. Wouldn't this shorten her lifespan? She hadn't lived long enough yet.
"It's thanks to Madam for curing the plague. Otherwise, if we didn't die by the hands of natural disasters and war, we would have perished from the epidemic. We thank Madam for saving our lives."
Yun Yun, upon hearing that Feng Jin was leaving, hurried over and knelt before Feng Jin with a thud, kowtowing.
This left Feng Jin feeling bewildered. Were their only way of expressing gratitude kowtowing? Couldn't they find another way?
As the saying goes, a man's knees are made of gold. Even if a woman's knees aren't made of gold, they should be made of silver. Is it really appropriate to kneel down so readily? Aren't they afraid of shortening their lifespan? She was afraid of not being able to bear it.
"You first," Feng Jin stepped forward and helped Yun Yun up. She then looked at the others and said, "Everyone, please rise as well."