(Fourth Update)

Most of the accompanying leaders did not understand the subtle relationship between Luo Ziling and Ling Jinhua.

They witnessed what happened just now, but their understanding of the situation was entirely different.

They thought that Luo Ziling was deeply favored by Ling Jinhua, therefore, he wrote such an inappropriate message at the memorial hall without being blamed. Moreover, Ling Jinhua wanting to keep Luo Ziling's calligraphy fully demonstrated the extent of his favor.

They looked at Luo Ziling with newfound respect.

Everyone praised Luo Ziling's calligraphy as excellent and hoped he could write something for them.

The request from these people made Luo Ziling very embarrassed, but he couldn't refuse, so he agreed, saying that after returning to the hotel, he would write a few pieces, and if they found them acceptable, they could take them away. If they thought the calligraphy was too poor, they could throw them in the trash bin.

Luo Liansheng and Luo Xusheng had completely different thoughts.

Luo Liansheng felt a bit regretful. Luo Ziling's somewhat aggressive tactic did not work on Ling Jinhua; instead, it made Luo Ziling gain more attention.

If Ling Jinhua truly wanted to cultivate Luo Ziling and hoped he would have a better future, that would be a good thing.

The key is, Ling Jinhua's intentions are not that simple. He just wants to use Luo Ziling, and after using him, he might discard or even destroy him.

Thus, Ling Jinhua's actions were equivalent to pushing Luo Ziling to a higher position, making him more of a target.

Luo Xusheng's thoughts were slightly different from Luo Liansheng. He thought that Ling Jinhua was already angry with Luo Ziling, but just didn't show it in front of so many people. After going back, Ling Jinhua would surely reprimand Luo Ziling, and Luo Ziling's impression in Ling Jinhua's heart would worsen.

Luo Ziling also knew that the move he just made had no effect, but he could only accept the loss and didn't care about it with Ling Jinhua anymore.

By the time the visit ended, it was already after five o'clock in the afternoon, around dinner time.

Ling Jinhua declined the local officials' arrangements to accompany him and insisted on returning to the hotel for a buffet, citing fatigue and refusing to meet anyone.

Huang Chen had informed Ling Jinhua that many local prominent figures and numerous media reporters wanted to meet him, but Ling Jinhua declined everyone.

Ling Jinhua spoke the truth; after sitting for several hours on the high-speed train and walking for more than an hour during the visit, although someone was supporting him, it was still exhausting.

If he were to attend any events that evening, even Luo Ziling felt it would be inappropriate.

Therefore, Luo Ziling also recommended that Ling Jinhua take a walk after dinner and then rest early.

Luo Ziling initially wanted to suggest massaging Ling Jinhua to relieve his fatigue but ultimately didn't bring it up.

It was actually Luo Liansheng who made the suggestion, saying that he would administer a treatment to Ling Jinhua before bed so he could sleep well.

Dinner was a buffet, and Luo Ziling, Luo Liansheng, and Luo Xusheng accompanied Ling Jinhua to eat together.

They also drank a bit of alcohol.

During dinner, Ling Jinhua pointed at Luo Ziling and said to Luo Xusheng, "Your son is much stronger than you, his mind is very agile."

Luo Xusheng felt a bit embarrassed and after thinking for a while, replied dryly, "He's young, with active thinking."

Luo Liansheng took over the conversation, proudly praising Luo Ziling, "My grandson is indeed excellent, not only is his mind agile, but he is also multi-talented. Whatever he does, he does well. Old man, to be blunt, my grandson is much stronger than your several great-grandsons."

"In the future, he will also be stronger than my grandsons," Ling Jinhua did not deny what Luo Liansheng said, glanced at Luo Ziling, and then added, "However, your grandson often acts on impulse."

Luo Liansheng was indifferent, "If a young person doesn't act on impulse occasionally, that would be abnormal. Young people should have their own character, be full of energy, and say or do what they want. Unlike us old guys, who hesitate to say what we think and ponder over what we want to do."

Ling Jinhua glanced at Luo Liansheng but said nothing further.

Luo Ziling couldn't help but retort to Ling Jinhua with a few words: "Great Grandfather, let me raise a historical issue. Emperor Taizong of Tang became emperor at the age of twenty-nine. This age is when one starts to become stable yet still full of ambition. The Great Tang, under his leadership and with the assistance of capable ministers, achieved the illustrious Zhenguan governance. Imagine if during the early Zhenguan period, Li Yuan continued as the emperor, I believe the situation of traveling a thousand miles without carrying food and the people living happily wouldn't have occurred in the third or fourth year of Zhenguan. The mindset and ambition of policymakers directly influenced national governance. Li Longji also just ascended the throne at that age and through great effort achieved the Kaiyuan prosperity. The Tang Dynasty, renowned in history, had two prosperous eras, both initiated by young emperors."

"Are you suggesting that we, the elderly, should give our positions to you young folks?" Ling Jinhua's eyes gleamed as he looked at Luo Ziling, "Are you so strongly desirous of power?"

"Whether I desire it or not doesn't matter, I just want to express that in our youth, everyone has ambition and pioneering spirit. Therefore, many things I do now shouldn't surprise you; you can understand them if you consider them with a youthful mindset."

Ling Jinhua didn't respond to Luo Ziling's words but cited another historical figure's story: "Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, also ascended to the throne young; he too was full of zeal in wanting to drive back the Xiongnu. His generals, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, achieved remarkable success on his behalf, ultimately crushing the Xiongnu, who fled to Europe. However, the wealth accumulated by Emperors Wen and Jing was squandered by him. In his later years, witnessing the people's hardships, he issued 'The Edict of Repentance' to confess his mistakes."

"However, wars do not necessarily lead to poverty. For instance, during the Zhenguan period, the Great Tang launched major military campaigns every four to five years. In the early third year to mid-fourth year of Zhenguan, they launched the northern campaign against the Tujue; from the eighth to ninth year of Zhenguan, they destroyed Tuyuhun; in the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, Hou Junji led a campaign to destroy Gaochang; in the nineteenth year of Zhenguan, Tang's army annihilated Xue Yantuo; and in the twenty-second year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong personally led a campaign against Goryeo. Apart from these large-scale wars, there were smaller wars almost every year at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty. War is the most money-burning activity, yet in the early Tang, despite wars, the state did not become poor but rather richer, just like the Americans now. Moreover, each victory was an opportunity to enhance national strength and prestige. The glory of the Great Tang was forged by the Tang army, just like the Korean War, those two foreign aid anti-American wars brought Huaxia fame, and no one dared to underestimate us anymore." By this point, Luo Ziling finally voiced his criticism of Ling Jinhua, "So, I think, Great Grandfather, you were too timid. When you were in office, you didn't make the decisions that needed to be made. Now, with old age, you've lost your boldness and spirit, so now even a poem like 'The Barbarians are Gone' you don't dare to let everyone see."

Luo Ziling's words successfully angered Ling Jinhua, and his expression changed.

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