Chapter 159: The Mohist Dispute (2)

Hearing the commotion, everyone rushed over again. Seeing the scene and hearing Qian Yin’s harsh words, they all felt a heavy weight in their hearts. What was Old Master Mo trying to do? The household was already in chaos, yet he still had the nerve to start internal conflicts. Had he taken the wrong medicine? Such a thoughtless man. They couldn’t understand how the venerable Old Master Mo, renowned throughout his life, could have raised such a foolish son.

Each of them muttered silently, their eyes darting around anxiously. No one stood by Old Master Mo. He was so furious that he pointed a trembling finger at Qian Yin but remained silent, seemingly struggling to catch his breath.

“Everyone, quiet down. If you have matters to discuss, take them outside. Don’t disturb Old Master Mo’s rest,” Elder Xian stepped forward and checked the pulse, completely ignoring those present. After finishing, he dismissed everyone without further ado.

Upon hearing this, the servants dispersed, no longer paying attention to the scene and returning to their tasks. Privately, they whispered about Old Master Mo’s unfilial son. They had never noticed this before, but then again, they hadn’t been here long enough to understand the family dynamics.

Mo Lan cast a reluctant glance at Old Master Mo being half-supported by An Feng as he was led away. Her heart felt heavy. Reflecting on past events, she realized she was ultimately an outsider.

Once everyone had settled in the living room, Mo Lan finally lifted her gaze to look at the father she had once longed for—a man she had hoped would love her. She carefully rose from beside An Feng, her face icy as she stared at Old Master Mo, her voice cold and sharp.

“From today onward, you are no longer my father. The company was never handed to you for management, so you have no right to dictate how I handle things. If you have any objections, wake Grandpa and discuss it with him face to face. Furthermore, if anyone in the company contacts you again, and you dare to leak any secrets from here, I will immediately cast you out of this family. I mean what I say.”

“You—” Old Master Mo angrily pointed at Mo Lan, his eyes wide with both shock and fury. He had never expected his usually obedient daughter to grow so defiant, boldly speaking her mind like this.

Qian Yin applauded enthusiastically from the side, “This is the Mo Lan I know. Except for Old Master Mo, I don’t care about the rest of the Mo family. Only someone as commanding as her can survive here.”

The others didn’t join in the applause. Such behavior was too brazen and might give the servants the impression they were trying to seize control. Yet inwardly, they admired Mo Lan’s courage. Old Master Mo was truly ignorant of his limits; helping him had only brought ingratitude.

Infuriated by the applause, Old Master Mo’s face reddened as he glared at Mo Lan, seemingly about to slap her again. But Mo Lan would no longer give him the chance. She seized his hand and, with all her strength, delivered a sharp slap.

She poured all her resentment into that single slap. Once it landed, their bond was broken beyond repair; she would no longer recognize him as family.

Old Master Mo, still not fully recovered, lost his footing from the force and fell two meters away, crashing against a table before coming to a stop. His eyes burned with hatred and murderous intent.

In an instant, the room turned into a battlefield. The others became mere spectators, with Mo Lan as the protagonist and Old Master Mo the antagonist. This act reached a definitive conclusion.

“Someone, help me carry Old Master Mo to his room and lock him in there. Feed him on schedule, water included. Confiscate all communication devices—he is not to step outside that door. Until Grandpa wakes up, no one is allowed to let him out.” Mo Lan turned away without another glance at the man who once called himself her father. Her heart had died along with her mother’s.

“Yes,” two servants immediately lifted Old Master Mo off the ground and supported him toward the room.

Old Master Mo struggled desperately, shouting, “You unfilial daughter! Let me go! What right do you have to lock me up?”

Mo Lan ignored him, closing her eyes quietly until his voice faded away. Despite her resolve, her heart still ached deeply, tormenting her until she found some semblance of calm.

The others watched quietly, respecting Mo Lan’s decision without intervening. Qian Yin thought Mo Lan was right—people like Old Master Mo, who failed to understand reason and acted foolishly, should be confined to prevent further trouble.

Saving him once was their good fortune. Who could guarantee such luck twice? No one could constantly rescue them while ensuring neither was harmed—such fortune simply did not exist in this world.

Knowing Mo Lan was hurting inside, Qian Yin gently patted her shoulder and spoke softly, “Rest early. Check if your affairs are settled, then we’ll head to West Gate City. Leave this place to the others to manage.”

Mo Lan nodded silently, clearly wanting everyone to leave her in peace. She wished to think quietly, contemplating her next move and whether she should continue living in the Mo household.

Everyone understood. They rose and walked toward Elder Xian’s courtyard, intent on playing chess and admiring the moon. Their words caught in their throats; they wished to comfort her but did not know how.

An Feng also patted Mo Lan’s shoulder before following them. Indeed, she needed time to be alone. Many things had happened recently. No one could decide for Mo Lan or think within her perspective. Without experiencing it firsthand, true empathy was impossible.

Silence settled over the room. Mo Lan sat quietly on the sofa, clutching a pillow tightly as she gazed at the array of lights in the house. It was beautiful and luxurious, yet lacked the warmth of days gone by. Though everyone was present, the one thing missing was love.

When had the family grown so distant? Where had it all gone wrong? If she had never returned to the Mo household, would this have happened?

Her thoughts grew more confused, pain intensifying. She buried her face deeper into the pillow as silent tears began to flow, wetting the fabric. Gentle sobs escaped her nose, yet no one dared approach to comfort her.

The servants passed quietly, casting cautious glances at her sorrowful figure. From a distance, they sighed, lamenting that Miss Mo was a pitiful soul.

After crying quietly for a while, Mo Lan set the pillow down, feeling emptiness in her mind. She said nothing, moving like a puppet step by step toward Old Master Mo’s room. Sitting beside his bed, she took his hand and held it to her cheek.

Tears dripped from Old Master Mo’s hand onto the bed, pattering softly. Mo Lan looked at his tightly closed eyes and worn expression, sobbing softly as she spoke.

“Grandpa, please wake up soon. The household is in chaos. Without you, things truly can’t go on.”

Old Master Mo remained unconscious, just as when Qian Yin had been in a coma—there was no awareness, no hearing of Mo Lan’s weeping, no sense of where he was, only darkness as if he had merely fallen asleep.

“Grandpa, please wake up soon. I want to leave the Mo family. This place isn’t right for me. Maybe I’m just an outsider after all.” Her voice broke as she spoke, tears flowing freely.