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墨書 Inktalez
Yun Kexin was initially startled; Fu Yihang actually called her "cousin" in front of everyone. What was he thinking? This was truly insane! Just as she was about to retort, she heard Fu Yihang's apologetic voice ahead:
"I'm sorry, big brother, I'm used to calling out like that, and I can't change it all at once."
Indeed, facing Yun Kexin, Fu Yihang found it impossible to say "Sister-in-law."
"The brother-in-law should learn to adapt and change his way of speaking quickly," Feng Yinxiao casually threw out a warning, sarcastically adding, "This habit is very inappropriate and shows great disrespect." He paused slightly, his gaze becoming even sharper. "Otherwise, the Duke of Yan's residence will not welcome you and your sister-in-law back home."
As soon as these words were spoken, they stirred up a storm in the hearts of everyone present. Feng Yulu's expression immediately turned indifferent as she secretly blamed Fu Yihang for being too reckless. With this remark, didn't it confirm his "affection" for Yun Kexin? Although it annoyed Sister-in-law, which she found amusing, it also involved Fu Yihang, making her feel reluctant. She couldn't help but wonder how her proud husband would react. Just as her conflicting emotions were battling within her, she saw Fu Yihang stand up, nodding respectfully with a humble expression: "Yi Hang has been rude; I hope big brother and Sister-in-law can forgive me. I will never make such a mistake again."
Upon hearing this, Zhuo Min finally relaxed her tense heart. However, Feng Hongrui's initial good impression of his son-in-law was greatly diminished because of this incident. He understood the sincerity of his son-in-law's feelings but believed that since there was no hope for them, one should "keep it in their heart and adhere to propriety," following the rules of etiquette rather than behaving in such an unseemly manner without considering Yun Kexin's reputation.
He must be a selfish person! Feng Hongrui couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment and sighed inwardly.
Feng Yinxiao cast a cold glance at Fu Yihang and said, "I hope so."
Yun Kexin looked straight ahead without glancing at Fu Yihang and calmly said, "Fu Shizi, please take a seat. Today is Sister Yu Lu's return day; let's not make things unpleasant for everyone and let her enjoy herself."
"Yes." Fu Yihang sat down but lacked the courage to look at Yun Kexin again.
Even so, that word "Sister-in-law" was still extremely difficult for him to utter.
Next came the presentation of the meeting gifts. The Feng family went to Xiangshan Pavilion—the study where the Duke of Yan usually read and worked. He took out the antique calligraphy and painting he had prepared in advance to show Fu Yihang. He smiled and said:
"Son-in-law, these are my treasured Four Treasures of the Study from Canglan Country that I've collected for over ten years," Feng Hongrui pointed at the ink brush set on the table. "Especially this inkstone and brush washer; they are quite valuable. And this calligraphy and painting is by Bi Yun, a renowned painter from Yue Country. I present these rare treasures to you; please don't find them lacking."
Fu Yihang had never been particularly interested in the Four Treasures of the Study. His interests lay in swordplay; he had only been forced to read and write when he was younger. As he grew older, he became more focused on fishing than studying. If it weren't for the maidservants regularly maintaining the study's Four Treasures, they would have gathered a layer of dust.
However, in order to make up for the bad impression he had previously left on the Yue family, Fu Yihang forced a smile and respectfully accepted them. He flattered with a grin: "Thank you, esteemed father-in-law; these are indeed rare items. I will cherish them properly and remind myself to strive for success in my studies."
Feng Yulu glanced at the antique calligraphy and painting in Fu Yihang's hands with disappointment on her beautiful face: she had expected her father to prepare ancestral items or family heirlooms for her husband—perhaps a priceless diamond ring or pearl jewelry—but instead received these "stuffy and shabby" Four Treasures of the Study. She recalled how delighted Feng Yinxiao had been when he proudly showcased the ancestral Seven Stars Longyuan Sword gifted by the Yue family upon their return home; even now it made her feel deeply envious.
Now, her father actually gifted her something that she considered worthless, merely a means for literary men to show off their elegance. She felt a wave of indifference wash over her, her face turning pale, but she noticed Fu Yihang wearing a fawning smile, completely different from the proud and aloof demeanor he had shown during their wedding night. She couldn't help but scoff.
Zhuo Min noticed her daughter's anger and disdain and quickly shot her a warning glare to tone it down. Feng Yuluo coldly smiled and turned her face away, pretending not to see.
After lunch, Feng Yinsiao had to leave in a hurry due to military matters in the palace. Before leaving, he specifically instructed Shansheng and the others to protect Yun Kexin and let him handle any issues that arose.
In the evening at Wu time, when Feng Yinsiao had not yet returned home, Yun Kexin decided to prepare some snacks for him herself. When Mama Li saw this, she hurriedly declined:
"Madam, you absolutely must not! With your delicate constitution, how can you go into such a messy place and get all disheveled? Let me do it instead."
Yun Kexin smiled lightly and said, "Mama Li, as a Consort, it is my duty to personally prepare food for my husband. You needn't worry about me; just start the fire for me."
Seeing that Yun Kexin was insistent, Mama Li did not press further. She secretly doubted whether the delicate Consort Jun could really cook. However, once the water boiled and she saw Yun Kexin skillfully adding ingredients and seasonings, she couldn't help but admire her. Before long, a fragrant bowl of candied pork knuckle was ready.
"Madam, you are truly capable," Mama Li said while looking at the plate of snacks in her hand with admiration. "If the Marquis knew that you made this yourself, he would surely be very pleased."
Yun Kexin's face flushed slightly as she smiled gently: he knew she could cook fried rice and other dishes and had always looked forward to her making a meal for him. When she first entered the household, it was always Mama Li who did the cooking; she never had the chance until now.
"Mama Li, could you go outside and see if Young Lord has returned?" Yun Kexin asked with a smile. "If not, I will put the pork knuckle back in the pot to keep it warm so it doesn't lose its flavor."
Mama Li nodded with a smile and went out.
Yun Kexin stared at the golden-brown candied pork knuckle in the bowl, lost in thought as she imagined Feng Yinsiao enjoying it with a silly grin on his face. She couldn't help but chuckle when suddenly Fu Yihang entered the kitchen and said jealously:
"I never expected you would personally cook for him."
Yun Kexin was surprised by Fu Yihang's presence. She placed the bowl on the stove and turned around with a sarcastic smile:
"Fu Shizi, Feng Yinsiao is my husband; I am his beloved wife. Is it not only natural for a wife to cook for her husband?"
Fu Yihang listened to Yun Kexin, who kept calling him "husband" and "beloved wife," feeling increasingly bitter. He glanced at her, his eyes filled with reluctance and envy. After a moment, he spoke softly:
"Don't misunderstand, I just... truly envy my elder brother for having such a gentle and virtuous wife."
Yun Kexin avoided his gaze and coldly replied, "Heir Apparent, you just married Sister Yulu; you shouldn't say such inexplicable things. If this gets out, I will be misunderstood because of you!"
"I'm sorry, I only expressed my heartfelt words because I see how devoted you are to him," Fu Yihang said, feeling embarrassed. "I didn't mean to implicate you. It seems your newlywed life is quite happy."
The latter part of his statement caused him pain in his heart.
Yun Kexin turned a deaf ear, wanting to grab some snacks and leave. Suddenly, she recalled Fu Yihang's strange Marriage and the ambiguous relationship between the Fu Family and Zhuo Min—
"The Duke of Yan's residence has treated me well; my husband need not worry," Yun Kexin decided to ask Fu Yihang something, so her tone softened as she calmly said, "I'm just curious about how my mother knows the Duchess."
Fu Yihang certainly didn't think too much about Yun Kexin's question's "intent." He smiled lightly and said:
"Don't you know? Aunt and the lady mother-in-law are distant relatives from Jiangnan. Aunt married to the capital earlier than the lady mother-in-law. They hadn't been in touch for several years but later reconnected in the capital... This time, the marriage between the Han Wangfu and the Duke of Yan's residence was also thanks to them." Fu Yihang blushed slightly, almost revealing his feelings. Yun Kexin remained expressionless, but her heart was in turmoil: the Fu Family was actually distant relatives with Zhuo Min. They had even been in contact in the capital, and she had no idea! Thinking back on how the Fu Family had been going out to play mahjong every few days over the past few years, perhaps they were meeting with Zhuo Min!
Suddenly, Yun Kexin's face turned pale, and she trembled all over.
Seeing her sudden change in color, Fu Yihang asked in surprise, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No," Yun Kexin stared blankly at the corner of the room and murmured, "I'm just a bit tired."
"...To be honest with you, the reason I agreed to this engagement is all for you," Fu Yihang no longer wished to hide his feelings and decided to speak freely while they were alone. "I can't have you, but if I can become a relative and have a chance to see you occasionally, that wouldn't be bad..."
This "confession" from Fu Yihang startled Yun Kexin, who angrily retorted, "Fu Shizi, please take those words back. I'll pretend you never said them. I'm sorry; I need to attend to my husband now."
In her anger, Yun Kexin stormed off, forgetting to take the candied pork elbow with her. As she tried to walk past Fu Yihang, she looked up and saw someone, exclaiming softly: "Husband..."
Fu Yihang suddenly turned around and saw Feng Yinxiao standing tall in front of him. He felt a sense of dread and wondered if his earlier words had reached her ears.
Yun Kexin was about to explain when Feng Yinxiao took her arm and asked with a smile, "I just returned to the residence and heard that Mama Li personally cooked for me. So, I came to see what delicious food she made, hmm?"
"Oh, it's braised pork with rock candy," Yun Kexin said, turning around in confusion to present the dish she almost brought out as a snack. She softly added, "I don't know if it will suit your taste, my lord."
"As long as you made it, I like it," Feng Yinxiao replied tenderly. "Let's eat in our room." He wrapped his arm around Yun Kexin's shoulder and walked away. As they passed by Fu Yihang, he casually asked, "Brother-in-law, would you like to join us and taste Sister-in-law's cooking?"
Feng Yinxiao's intention in asking this was to remind Fu Yihang not to forget his identity.
Fu Yihang immediately felt embarrassed and hurriedly waved his hand to decline, "No, it's getting late. I won't disturb your rest. I'll take my leave."
Before Feng Yinxiao could continue being "polite," Fu Yihang had already briskly exited the kitchen. Yun Kexin allowed Feng Yinxiao to guide her back to the Yihe Garden. Shansheng, Shanying, and Shanyue rushed over, drenched in sweat.
"Young Lord, Madam, I'm really sorry," Shanying reported anxiously. "After dinner, the Marquis of Jiangyin first came to ask us questions, which took some time. Then he was called away by the Duchess and instructed us to do some work around the residence, so we couldn't pay attention..." (To be continued)
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