Ling Wu's social engagements were numerous, every day he received invitations and went out, either to drink with friends or to appreciate literature with them, along with a group of wealthy and idle famous scholars, going to brothels, painted boats, or the pear garden, not returning until midnight, sometimes staying out all night without it being unusual.

  Although they are biological father and daughter, Ling Jingyu and Ling Wuya are not close. They may not see each other for several days. Even when they do meet, they don't exchange more than a few words.

  These days, due to Old Lady Ling's birthday banquet, Fifth Master Ling has been unusually well-behaved and stayed in the mansion for several days. Every morning, he would lead his wife and children to Yonghe Hall in a grand procession. At noon, he would accompany his rarely returned brother and brother-in-law to drink wine and chat idly. Occasionally, when he was in high spirits, he would invite Lu An to the study to play chess.

  Ling Wu was good at playing chess, and Lu An was also a mid-to-high-level player. The two were evenly matched in their game, and they got along quite well.

  "I lost!" Ling Wu Ye held the black piece and hesitated for half a day, finally admitting defeat: "Brother-in-law's chess skills are indeed superb, I willingly concede."

  Lu An smiled and casually knocked over the chessboard: "Uncle Wu is intentionally letting me win, I just barely won this round." Seeing that Ling Wu was not satisfied, he smiled again and said: "It's still early, why don't we play another round?"

  Ling Wu nodded with a smile: "Alright."

  Just as he was about to rearrange the chessboard, a young servant came in to report: "Master, Miss has arrived and says she has an urgent matter to see you."

  Ling Wu Ye was somewhat surprised.

  Ling Jingxian rarely took the initiative to find him, in his impression, this daughter had always been gentle, quiet and obedient. Today she came on her own, it seemed that there was really something important.

  A young lady who was raised in a secluded boudoir usually did not meet outsiders. However, Lu An was her uncle by blood, so there was no need to avoid him.

  "Let her in!" Old Man Ling shouted.

  The little servant responded with a sound and quickly retreated. After a moment, Ling Jingxu pushed open the door and entered the study.

  Ling Jingxu didn't expect Lu An to be there too, and she slightly furrowed her brow, quickly recovering as usual. With a calm expression, she walked forward, bowed her head, and greeted them: "Greetings, Father, greetings, Uncle."

  "We're all family, no need for so much courtesy." Lu An said with a warm and gentle smile.

  Lu An, although already over thirty years old, was born with a handsome and elegant demeanor, exuding the air of a mature man in every gesture. Sitting next to him, Ling Wuya, who was known as the number one scholar of Dingzhou for his dignified appearance, seemed slightly inferior by comparison.

  Ling Jingxu thanked and stood up, her expression unchanged.

  Ling Wu Ye smiled and asked: "Ah Shu, you came to find me on purpose, saying there's something important. What is it?"

  Ling Jingxu didn't say a word, and in her autumn-water-like eyes, some difficulty and hesitation floated up.

  Facing a pair of eyes that could speak, Lu An's slight displeasure immediately dissipated, and he stood up with a smile: "I suddenly remembered I had some things to attend to, I'll take my leave first."

  ......

  After Lu An left, the smile on Ling Wu's face also disappeared, and he said somewhat unpleasantly: "What is it that even your uncle can't hear?"

  For this naturally cold-blooded biological father, Ling Jingxu had long lost her expectations and affection. Hearing such chilling words only made her feel ridiculous.

  However, she has come this time for something more important and must get the approval and support of Ling Wu Ye, so it's not convenient to turn her back on him.

  "Yes, daughter has something very important to say, but it can only be told to father. Even if mother were here, I wouldn't say it."

  Ling Jingyu's serious tone made Ling Wuya's attitude more solemn: "There are only the two of us, father and daughter, in this study. Without my permission, no one will dare to intrude. Whatever you have to say, just go ahead."

  Ling Jingxian took a step forward and suddenly knelt down: "My daughter has something very important to ask for, I hope father will agree."

  Ling Wu's father was taken aback, and his heart became even more puzzled: "What is it after all? If you have something to say, stand up and say it, don't kneel."

  Usually indifferent, after all, she is the only biological daughter. Seeing her kneeling on the cold hard ground, a hint of heartache flashed through Ling Wu's mind.

  Ling Jingxu originally had no intention of kneeling for long, stood up with the momentum and explained her intention: "Father, I came to find you today because of Ah Xiao's illness."

  "He fell and hit his head at the age of eight, losing consciousness and waking up to find himself blind. He was originally clever and quick-witted, with a talent for reading, but after going blind, everything came to an end. He could no longer read or take the imperial exams, nor could he take care of himself or venture out as a guest. Every day was spent stuck in the inner courtyard..."

  Without intentionally being sentimental, Ling Jingxu said as she spoke, her eyes became moist.

  Ling Wu Ye listened to these words, and his heart wasn't feeling good either. He sighed and said: "Ah Jiao, you and Ah Xiao are twins, your feelings for each other are much thicker than others. You're naturally heartbroken for him. As a father, don't I feel heartbroken for him too? All these years, we've invited so many famous doctors to come, but none of them could cure his eyes. This is his fate! We can only accept it."

  "No, I don't accept this fate."

  Ling Jingxian's eyes flashed with tears, her voice firm: "In the past, we've always invited doctors from Dingzhou City. Their medical skills may not be particularly impressive. The real masters of medicine are mostly in the Imperial Hospital in the capital. I heard Yantang sister say that there is a Wei Taishan in the Imperial Hospital, whose medical skills are superb, especially good at treating difficult and complicated diseases. Maybe he can cure Ahxiao's eyes, I want to take Ahxiao to the capital."

  Ling Wu furrowed his brow and said in a deep voice, "No! Not to mention whether Wei Taiyi is willing to treat Ah Xiao or not, nor can he be cured. You are a young lady who has never been out of the house before, and the journey to Beijing is long. I really don't feel at ease with you taking Ah Xiao to Beijing."

  "Father's worries are reasonable. I accompanied Xiao to Beijing alone, and it was indeed very inconvenient."

  Ling Jingyu was well-prepared and immediately took over the conversation: "Fortunately, Uncle's family has all returned. They will be heading back to Beijing soon, and Ah Xiao and I can set off with them. Once we arrive in Beijing, we'll stay at Uncle's house for a while before finding an opportunity to return to Chuntang and ask Dr. Wei to treat Ah Xiao's illness."

  "In the capital city, there are many famous doctors. If Imperial Physician Wei can't cure her, I'll seek out other famous doctors. In short, as long as there's a glimmer of hope to save Ah Xiao, I won't give up."

  Ling Jingyu looked at Ling Wuya, her eyes full of entreaty: "Father, I'm not acting on impulse. I've thought it through carefully. If we go to the capital, the worst that could happen is that Ah Xiao's eyes won't be cured, and things will remain as they are now. But if by chance there really is a famous doctor who can cure Ah Xiao's eyes, he'll be able to continue studying and take part in the imperial examination to achieve success and bring honor to our family."

  "Ask father to grant daughter's request."

  Ling Wu's furrowed brow slowly relaxed: "It's rare that you're so thoughtful and considerate, thinking only of Ah Xiao. As a father, if I didn't agree, it would be inhumane."

  Ling Jingxuan let out a silent sigh of relief, and her eyes showed joy: "Thank you, Father."

  "This matter needs to be carefully considered. Ling Wu Ye pondered for a moment and said: 'Going to the capital this time, it will take at least several months, staying in your uncle's house is safe and convenient. However, there will inevitably be many troubles. I need to go and talk to them myself. Also, when traveling outside, we need to bring more money for safety. And also for Ah Xiao's illness and seeking medicine, the expenses will be even greater. This matter needs to be agreed upon by your grandmother."

  Ling Jingxu immediately replied: "As for Father's side, it would be best if Father went himself. As for Grandmother's place, I'll go!"

  She paused for a moment, then said in a low voice: "Father, I have one more thing to ask of you. The matter of me and Ah Xiao going to the capital, don't tell anyone about it for now. Not even Mother or Big Brother."

  What does this mean again?

  Ling Wu's eyebrows furrowed reflexively again: "Why keep this news a secret?"

  Ling Jingyu was silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice, "Father, you care about Ah Xiao and are naturally happy to see that there is hope for his eyes to be cured. However, with many people in the manor having different thoughts, not everyone may think this way. If news gets out, it's likely to lead to other troubles."

  Ling Wu's expression changed: "What do you mean by saying these things? Are you suspecting your mother and brother?"

  Facing Ling Wu's intimidating anger, Ling Jingyu's expression remained calm: "Please, Father, calm down. I'm not trying to suspect anyone, I just don't want any unnecessary trouble and I don't want to take any risks."

  Without waiting for the Fifth Master to speak, he said lightly: "If Father doesn't believe me, it's not too late. Let's wait until I and Ah Xiao are about to leave before announcing this matter, and see how the people around us react. Everything will be clear then."

  Old Man Ling was so angry that he couldn't speak.

  Thinking of the gentle and considerate Li, Ling Wu Ye couldn't believe that she would do anything to harm Ling Xiang. But Ling Jing Xiu's words were so certain, it didn't seem like he was joking...

  Ling Wu thought for a while and finally made up his mind: "Forget it, before you leave, I won't tell anyone about this. You should be at ease now."

  Ling Jingyu persuaded Ling Wuya and let out a sigh of relief, raising the corners of her lips: "Thank you, Father."

  Having settled this matter, there was another more troublesome one waiting for her.

  ......

  －－－－－－－－－－－－

  Ajiao's counterattack has officially begun! ~O(∩_∩)O~