It was just Mr. Mei who made a mistake.
Although they were war comrades for many years, that was in the past. Now, the two have long had different aspirations...
"Erqing, our Lin Family is more than just my branch. Compared to deep roots, if you count back fifty years, the position of our Old Lin Family in the Capital City goes without saying. Although Iāve been far away in Z City these years, our branches in the Capital City are not just here for a free ride. Although my big brother died early, my two nephews are in the Capital City. They may not be able to compare with your Mei Family, but you must know that a dying camel is still bigger than a horse, not to mention we havenāt reached that level yet. My son-in-law from the Lin Family is our pride, and today Iāll lay it on the lineāif he wants to acknowledge your family, weāll support him without a word. If he doesnāt want to, you canāt blame our Lin Family for not getting involved."
Mr. Lin Senior had long been displeased with Mei Erqingās actions, but ultimately, because of the distance, he didnāt want to ruin the original friendship.
Today, since Mei Erqing came to persuade them, he had to make things clear to him.
No war camaraderie, however important, outweighs his family. Thatās the Lin Family, where family ties always come first.
Throughout the years, thatās how he taught the children.
"Brother Sen, donāt speak too assertively. Look at meāIām all this age. I donāt worry about the second family, but the eldest has never given me peace of mind all these years. Heās made plenty of mistakes and has learned from them. Now that we know our Mei Family has a child out there, whatever it takes, we canāt let him wander out there."
Mr. Lin laughed twice. "How can you say heās wandering? Xiao Yi has Mom and Grandma. He grew up with Mom, has a name and identity. Frankly, your fault is not paying him any attention these years. People have pride and strength and donāt need you. Donāt force it. Youāve ignored him all these years, so continue to act as if he doesnāt exist."
Mr. Linās straightforward and hurtful words spared no courtesy, which might lead those unaware of the situation to think of him as a harsh person.
But today, the Lin Family present didnāt find it harsh. Instead, harshness seemed more fitting for the Mei Family.
"Though you say that, we know itās our fault. Havenāt we been trying to make amends all this time? He doesnāt give us a chance. That childās temper resembles mineāa stubborn mule. Fits my taste. You know, the eldestās one committed something and is still in there. I donāt have many years ahead, growing old, valuing family more. Like Brother Sen, I yearn for that feeling of grandchildren around the knees."
"Erqing, I know about your grandsonās affair. To be fair, the issue your grandson stirred up this time isnāt minor. Young and impetuous, kids inevitably make mistakes. Knowing mistakes and being able to correct them is our blessing. In the future, he can still achieve great things, still have numerous offspring. Also, your grandson excels over here at the military quarters, the district is excellent. Heard that kid has found someone, and as a grandfather, youāre not far from holding great-grandchildren. Itās a matter of turning the year, just a couple more years."
"Junzi, that child has been obedient and outstanding since young, just like my familyās second child. I donāt worry about them. Ah... Brother Sen, I know you value this grandson-in-law, wanting justice for the child. Rightly so. Today, I promise Brother Sen, as long as the child agrees to return to the Mei Family, any condition will be accepted."
Mr. Lin raised his eyebrows in surprise, frowned and pondered for a moment, it seems the Mei Family is willing to pay heavily this time.
The Mei Familyās eldest only had one son, now causing trouble, the military quarters, the career is basically over, and the future is uncertain. Hence, they thought of Han Yi, the illegitimate child. Han Yi has been alone in the military quarters and camp, earning considerable military merits, who in the district doesnāt know him.
With such an outstanding child, the Mei Family certainly wants to recognize him back. In the future, he will surely bring honor to the Mei Family.
The eldest family has Mei Lang Yi, the second has Mei Lang Jun. With two rising young generals, the Mei Family will occupy half the sky in the military world.
Mei Erqing indeed knows how to calculate.
"The children have grown up, each having their ideas, and the Lin Familyās power has long been given to the eldest. At home now, Iām nothing but an old man needing their care. Of course, when things come up, I can still say a few words. Anyway, weāre all for the childrenās good. This matter, Iāll promise you to help talk about it. However... ultimately, it depends on Han Yiās decision."