The Patriarch of the Ling Family! Besieged!

Beijing, Ling Family, In the chamber of the Patriarch.

Ling Zhen, the current Patriarch of the Ling Family, was sitting on an antique chair as he regarded his eldest son, Ling Hao.

The Ling Family was one of the seven big families in Beijing. They had strict house rules. Ling Hao had to prostate himself respectfully in front of his own father since they were in the Patriarch's chambers.

"Ling Hao, aren't you having a rough time of late?"

It seemed like an eternity before Ling Zhen finally asked what was on his mind.

Ling Hao's heart beated wildly as he chose his words carefully. "Dad…"

"This is the chamber of the Patriarch. Address me respectfully as the Patriarch," Ling Zhen interrupted Ling Hao.

"Yes, Patriarch, I…" Ling Hao did not know where to start when he saw his father's businesslike manner.