Zhu Yunfei immediately frowned, her gaze indifferent as she stared at Su Jinhua, scoffing, "Sister-in-law, what you said is wrong. Surname is not important; righteousness will get you far."
What was Su Jinhua implying?
Wasn't it a reminder to the old master and old madam that they were the ones of direct lineage, and they shouldn't harm their own kin for an outsider?
Unfortunately, while the Ling family was protective, they wouldn't disregard facts.
Wrong was wrong, and right was right.
Su Jinhua was not someone who would easily give up.
She cried, "Yunfei, I know you have resentment in your heart, but after all, your niece wasn't seriously harmed, whereas Yuhong is so badly injured.
He's still going to jail. We are all family, why be so stubborn? Yuhong must know he was wrong."
Zhu Yunfei laughed in anger, her expression extremely grim.
"My niece was acting in self-defense. Whether it was wrong or not is for the law to judge, not for you or me to decide. The surveillance footage is undeniable, and the facts speak for themselves."
Su Jinhua collapsed onto the floor, looking at her pitifully and saying, "Must you be so heartless? Completely disregarding family ties.
Of course, you're protecting your own niece, and the Ling family descendants have nothing to do with you."
This statement was clearly manipulative.
But unfortunately, Old Master Ling, though old, was not senile.
And at this critical juncture, Old Madam Ling was exceptionally clear-headed.
The expressions of the two figures at the head of the table grew increasingly somber. Su Wanling, observing their expressions, quickly interjected, "Enough, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Su Jinhua fell silent, only wiping her tears in secret.
Old Madam Ling spoke at the opportune moment, "Alright, everyone sit. It's not a good look for things to be so chaotic. If there's anything to discuss, we can all sit down and talk it through as a family."
Her demeanor was composed, her gaze sharp, showing no signs of senile dementia.
This caused the members of the second branch to put away many of their petty thoughts, especially since Old Madam Ling had not been a simple woman in her youth.
After the people from the second branch had taken their seats at the ends of the rows, Old Master Ling finally spoke.
His voice was deep and resonant, carrying an irrefutable sternness.
"Second son, speak for yourself. Is this grandson of yours behaving properly?"
Ling Chengzhi felt the pressure emanating from the head of the table, and all his arrogance vanished. He stammered, "Yuhong did wrong..."
In front of the first branch, the second branch had always been suppressed.
Old Master Ling's gaze was piercing as he continued to press him, "Then tell me yourself, if such a wicked person were to escape punishment with the Ling family's help today, and future generations followed suit.
What would become of the Ling family?"
Ling Chengzhi remained silent.
Old Master Ling continued, "Do you still remember your father's teachings from back then? For the Ling family to prosper for generations to come, we must not do things that go against our conscience.
Wrong is wrong, and right is right.
Especially with the children, one mistake can lead to another. If the descendants are corrupt, then the very foundation will be ruined!"
The living room fell into deathly silence.
Su Wanling spoke up, "Eldest brother is right. Yuhong deserves what he gets."
Su Jinhua turned to her in disbelief, her heart sinking to the bottom.
She understood; her son had been abandoned.
Old Madam Ling curved her lips, her eyes looking clearly at Su Wanling, and said, "The second branch still has Yuxiang. That child is good. Let him learn from Yuchen for a few more years before taking over the business."
A hint of a smile appeared on Su Wanling's face.
"Very well, I'll thank you on behalf of Yuxiang, Eldest Sister-in-law."
The atmosphere seemed to lighten instantly. With the conversation having reached this point, Ling Yuhong was no longer important.
The purpose of the second branch's visit today seemed to be to plead for Ling Yuhong, or perhaps for something else.
Su Wanling turned to Zhu Yunfei and said, "Yunfei, I apologize on Yuhong's behalf to your Liyue. I hope she doesn't take it to heart."
Facing her elders, Zhu Yunfei maintained the respect due to them.
"It's alright, Auntie-great-grandmother. I feel bad that this matter caused you to rush here so late at night."
"The child was foolish, not thinking straight after a bit of drink. I only hope he can repent and reform."
Zhu Yunfei nodded and replied with a faint smile, thinking to herself:
Reform or not, that's a matter for a few years later.
Things change, and by the time he gets out, the second branch will have already established Ling Yuxiang. As for Ling Yuhong, what waves can he possibly make?
The second branch had arrived with great force, and left dejectedly.
But at least Ling Yuhong's situation hadn't affected the second branch's already meager assets, so their trip wasn't entirely in vain.
Su Jinhua, no matter how unwilling, could only accept her fate.
After leaving the old residence, Su Jinhua said indignantly, "Is that how Ling Yuhong's matter is settled?"
Su Wanling glanced at her sideways and sneered, "And what do you want to do? They have the leverage. If you want to lose everything, keep making a fuss."
She saw things clearly. Their usual petty squabbles were minor matters, but when it came to a real confrontation, the second branch was like an egg hitting a rock compared to the first branch.
Strength was the ultimate principle; who else but them had capable descendants?
Su Jinhua was speechless, fully understanding her mother-in-law's meaning.
She still had another son; she couldn't let the second branch lose everything.
Ling Chengzhi and Ling Junmo were both useless, so naturally, they had nothing to say.
At this moment, Ling Yuhong lay on his hospital bed, having lost half his life, completely unaware that his own family had abandoned him.
One of his testicles had been kicked badly. Fortunately, he still had one, and its function was preserved; otherwise, his happiness in this life would have been lost.
Furthermore, a piece of one ear was damaged, and he didn't know if it would grow back. He was truly a sight to behold.
Despite being so grievously injured, he still faced the looming threat of imprisonment!
...
After the people from the second branch departed.
Old Madam Ling looked at Gong Zhi Jing and Zhu Yunfei and instructed, "I don't know when I'll be lucid again. This household will have to be handed over to you from now on.
The people of the second branch live their lives content with what they have. Help them when you should, but if something like today happens, show no mercy when necessary.
But remember one thing: malicious acts, and actions that violate the law,
cannot be tolerated. Otherwise, you are cutting off your own path."
She then looked at Gong Zhi Jing, emphasizing, "Especially you. Your father holds a high position, and it cannot bear any blemish. The Gong family and the Ling family are now inseparable."
Her words were all earnest and from the heart.
Zhu Yunfei and Gong Zhi Jing both replied seriously, "Yes, we understand."
Compared to other families, the Ling family was relatively simple, with only two branches, which meant less scheming and power struggles.
As it was getting late, they soon retired to their rooms to rest.
The first branch knew the second branch would come and were waiting for them.
Now that the matter was resolved and the second branch's emotions appeased, it was considered a major concern concluded.
It wouldn't look good for such matters to be aired publicly, as family shame should not be spread.
The best way to handle relationships was a combination of grace and power, reasoning with people!