After hanging up the phone with Luo Ziling, Ling Ruonan's car drove into Ling Mingrui's villa.

To Ling Ruonan's surprise, her eldest brother, Ling Zhengping, the instigator of this incident, had arrived at Ling Mingrui's villa before her.

Ling Zhengping was still serving in Yangcheng; people in his position certainly couldn't just come and go as they pleased; travel had to be reported and work arranged accordingly.

For a high-ranking official like him to come to Yanjing, the procedures must have been even more complicated.

Ling Ruonan knew that Ling Zhengping was panicking.

She didn't express anything particularly, just greeted him lightly before entering the house.

Seeing Ling Ruonan coming in, Xie Enhua, who was helping in the kitchen, came out.

She greeted Ling Ruonan, saying, "Nannan, sit down and chat for a bit first."

She pointed at Ling Zhengping, "Zhengping also returned to Yanjing today, it's rare for our whole family to sit together for a meal."

"Mom, where's Dad? Hasn't he returned?" Ling Ruonan sat beside Xie Enhua and said softly, "Is he coming back for dinner today too?"

"Yes, he'll be back a bit later." As Xie Enhua spoke, she held Ling Ruonan's hand, "It's just the three of us for now, let's talk first."

Ling Ruonan said nothing, lowered her eyes and sat up straight, looking at no one.

"You are all the biological children of your father and me; as parents, our greatest wish is to see the family live in harmony and help each other. No matter what, parents and children, brothers and sisters, are the closest people in this world. Blood ties are irreplaceable by anything else. When it comes to familial affection, Nannan has done better than anyone. Here, I must also say something to Zhengping."

Xie Enhua said, looking very seriously at Ling Zhengping who was sitting there with his head down, "You place too much importance on personal gain. Ruonan is your biological sister, and Ziling is your real nephew, our real grandson. Before he came to Yanjing, he hadn't met you, let alone done anything unfair to you. But how did you treat him? How did you view him? You repeatedly belittled and insulted him."

"The grudges of the past have long been over; the Yang Family no longer holds a grudge, but you? You're still brooding over this matter. Ruonan not marrying Yang Yunfeng didn't affect your life at all. What you were supposed to gain, you can still gain. However, you see your own sister as a threat, not only plotting against her but also trying to drive your own nephew to death. Have you thought about it, if Ziling were harmed by you, would Ruonan forgive you? Sibling strife, no matter the outcome, how do you expect your father and me to think?"

Ling Ruonan was a bit surprised that Xie Enhua would say such things, but she quickly realized that her mother was putting on a show for her.

Reprimanding Ling Zhengping in front of her was a hope that she could forgive her brother and resolve the issue peacefully under parental mediation.

As a mother, Ling Ruonan fully understood her mother's intention. What parent would want their children to fight to the death? They would certainly be more pained than anyone else.

However, Ling Zhengping went too far, and she couldn't just let it go. This incident couldn't be resolved so easily.

She also knew that if she let it go this easily, Ling Zhengping would surely try more schemes in the future, and one day she and her son might be completely ruined by him.

But she didn't interrupt before Xie Enhua finished her words.

"Don't set your eyes on the Northern Group; your dad has already decided to give the Northern Group to Ruonan as a dowry. The Northern Group was entirely built by Ruonan, it's all her hard work. Your father and I have nothing else to give, so we'll give her the business she fully invested herself in as her dowry." At this moment, Xie Enhua was no longer the gentle old mother but had become the imposing matriarch of a great family, more formidable than the matriarch in 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' "You have already obtained more than Ruonan. Please don't covet what we are willing to give her. Moreover, for your share, you still need Ruonan's help; without your biological sister's help, do you think your chances of success will increase or decrease? Ruonan won't fight with you for title or status, but what about other members of the Ling Family? They will surely contend with you. If your siblings can unite and work hard together, who do you think could threaten you?"

These words surprised both Ling Zhengping and Ling Ruonan; no one expected the old lady to speak so plainly.

Xie Enhua did not mind Ling Zhengping's surprised look and continued, "Don't underestimate that child Ziling; if he hardened his heart, you, as his uncle, might have long been dead. Both he and Ruonan are aware of how many times you've tried to take his life. If he didn't consider family ties, or didn't respect us two elders and Ruonan, it would be entirely possible for him to kill you cold-heartedly. Even if you weren't siblings or uncle and nephew but just ordinary acquaintances, there should still be a line you'd not cross. You've lost face once, haven't you learned your lesson? You still want to stir up trouble? If this matter gets out, do you think you can maintain your current position? It's not just you that would be ruined; you'd drag the entire Ling Family down with you."

After saying this, Xie Enhua then looked at Ling Ruonan, "It's still Ruonan who understands the bigger picture. She didn't spread this matter around; she first came to us for advice. If only you had half of Ruonan's mind, you wouldn't have done such a foolish thing. Nannan, you should say a few words. If you want to scold your brother, go ahead; mom will back you up. Feel free to put forward any requests, don't worry about him feeling embarrassed. To do such disgraceful things, don't concern yourself with his dignity."

Ling Ruonan sighed inwardly. She knew her parents still favored Ling Zhengping.

So many words, though criticizing Ling Zhengping and speaking up for her, were essentially urging her to make some requests.

After meeting those requests, she should let the matter rest.

The punishment for Ling Zhengping would be akin to making him drink three cups of wine.

But she could also understand why parents behaved this way.

After all, Ling Zhengping is their son. Regardless of societal progress, the position of the males in the family is still higher than that of women. Women marry out and become part of other households, while men do not, so in any matter, they are inclined to side with their son.

Todays' high expectations and easy release from responsibility by Xie Enhua is testament to that mindset.

She believed that Xie Enhua knew she'd understand the reason behind it, and when Ling Mingrui returned, his intent would be similar.

However, she still wasn't willing to easily state a position on this matter, so she responded neither firmly nor softly to Xie Enhua: "I will listen to what Zhengping has to say."

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