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Feng Yinxiao felt as if she were lost in a cloud of mist: what was the connection between her past feelings and Aunt Zhuo, especially so soon after the passing of the lady of the house? It felt so out of place.
“Father, Son doesn’t understand,” Feng Yinxiao said, confused.
Feng Hongrui smiled faintly and explained, “Feng Yinxiao, I once told you that it was your Uncle who suggested I legitimize Aunt Zhuo.”
“So what?” Feng Yinxiao replied, her tone a bit sharp, filled with regret.
Wanting to apologize, the Duke of Wind spoke softly, “He knew my feelings for the Yue Clan, and he knew quite a bit. At that time, my close friend Yun You had passed away, and your Uncle wouldn’t let me attend. It was because many people knew that both he and I liked Yue Clan. If I went to pay my respects, it would surely lead to gossip. I held back; then, shortly after your Mother passed away, he insisted I legitimize her. His reasoning was that this way, no one would suspect my feelings for Yue Clan, and it would also relieve the pressure on Feng Yinxiao—”
“How ridiculous!” Feng Yinxiao shouted angrily, slamming her fist on the table. Her face turned from pale to green, her voice trembling. “I suspected he was involved in this; I didn’t expect it to be true. There’s an old score from years ago that I haven’t settled with him yet. He’s asking for trouble!”
“Feng Yinxiao!” Yun Kexin grasped Feng Yinxiao’s hand. She turned to look at her and inexplicably calmed down, though her expression remained grim.
“Father, I’ve never told you this, but I’ve dreamed of Mother many times…” Feng Yinxiao lowered her voice slightly.
Feng Hongrui’s eyes widened in surprise as he squinted for a moment before saying, “Feng Yinxiao, I’ve always suspected that your birth wasn’t solely due to her (referring to Zhuo Min). The Imperial Physician once said that she was weak and it was difficult for her to conceive. However, with two or three years of proper care, she could become pregnant. I remember that was when Aunt Zhuo arrived.”
“Father, then why didn’t you do anything? Why did you take a concubine back then?”
“I was so overjoyed by your birth,” Feng Hongrui replied calmly. “I didn’t think much about the details until after your mother passed away when doubts began to arise—not only about your mother but also about the incident involving Yun You. That too must be connected to her.”
“Then why did you legitimize her?” Feng Yinxiao asked sorrowfully, her face changing. “You let her continue living freely in the manor as if she had nothing to fear—”
“Feng Yinxiao!” Feng Hongrui interrupted with a furrowed brow, remaining calm. “You only see that I legitimized her; have you ever seen me share my heart with her?” Meeting Feng Yinxiao’s bewildered gaze, his expression darkened. “It’s been several years since I legitimized her, yet I have never allowed her even a single step into my bedroom.”
The couple stood stunned for a moment, suddenly realizing why all these years, Zhuo Min had not borne any more children for the Duke of Wind.
Understanding dawned on Yun Kexin, who nodded and said, “Duke, your daughter-in-law understands now. Your actions were not only for my Mother, but also to make the Zhuo Family lower their guard and reveal more?!”
Feng Hongrui looked at Yun Kexin with appreciation and said, “Child, it is your father-in-law who has wronged you and your family.”
Feng Yinxiao looked at Duke of Wind apologizing to Yun Kexin, feeling deeply moved and saddened: “Father…”
“Duke, don’t say that. I have also doubted you before,” Yun Kexin said, her eyes slightly red. “But that was a long time ago, because Mother had unwavering faith in your character.”
Feng Hongrui trembled slightly, suddenly looking at Yun Kexin, a vague and indescribable surge of emotions swirling in his heart. His lips moved as if he had just come to his senses and said, “Yue Clan, is that really true?”
Yun Kexin smiled calmly and nodded heavily.
“She is still the same as before,” Feng Hongrui said with a light laugh.
Such a happy smile had not been seen on Father's face since Ling Chen passed away, not even during Feng Yinxiao’s wedding. It was a joy and satisfaction stirred by old feelings and trust.
Yun Kexin knew she shouldn’t disrupt the atmosphere but decided to inquire further. After thinking for a moment, she asked, “Duke, have you found any new evidence so far? I’m sorry, but Father’s body is still warm—”
Feng Hongrui immediately reined in his smile and waved his hand, saying, “I understand. It’s more than just a few clues.” He paused, his gaze becoming sharp, and his words turned harsh: “The Zhuo Family not only bears two lives on their hands but also had illicit relations early on and produced an illegitimate child!” As he spoke, the paper beneath his hand had turned to shreds.
Feng Yinxiao stared wide-eyed in shock and exclaimed, “Father… what illicit relations? What illegitimate child? With whom did they have relations, and where is this illegitimate child?”
Yun Kexin also widened her eyes, her mind racing. The unusual concern and inexplicable accusations and grievances flashed through her thoughts, leading her back to an incident five years ago when she accidentally stumbled upon something at the Duke of Yan's Residence… Five years?! She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand!
It seemed that Feng Hongrui also noticed Yun Kexin's odd reaction and said calmly, “Yun Kexin, you have always been sharp-witted. After being in the residence for several months, haven’t you noticed anything?”
The words and actions of Duke of Wind struck at the doubts that Yun Kexin had been harboring in her heart. She felt a thunderous shock within—given Feng Yinxiao’s nature and his infrequent presence in the residence, if he were to learn this truth, she couldn’t believe he would react like this! But she had underestimated his keen intuition and insight. She saw Feng Yinxiao first freeze in surprise before curling his lips into a cold smile: “What audacity!” Then he glanced at Feng Hongrui, as if they shared an unspoken understanding. “Son truly admires how Father can endure such humiliation. If it were me, I would definitely chop off the heads of those two scoundrels and their illegitimate child to honor Mother!”
“Does Feng Yinxiao think I can endure this humiliation?!” Feng Hongrui's brows furrowed instantly as he said coldly, “If it weren’t for worrying about startling the snake in the grass, I would have you go chop them up right now!”
“Then do you mean…” Feng Yinxiao hesitated slightly, “to wait until we have solid evidence before they can’t speak out?”
Feng Hongrui did not answer but merely glanced at Feng Yinxiao and his wife meaningfully: “Feng Yinxiao, I cannot pry open the mouths of the Yang Family. I’ll leave that to you.”
The coldness and sarcasm in the words of Duke of Wind made Feng Yinxiao’s heart tremble. He replied, “Understood.”
"Be mindful of the approach," Feng Hongrui said lightly, "it's best not to let that pair of adulterers, the Concubine, catch on to anything. I want to catch them off guard."
"Yes, Father," Feng Yinxiao nodded, sincerely agreeing.
"And what about Miao Yu? Has she told you anything?" Feng Hongrui asked casually, though his gaze held eagerness and hope.
"Miao Yu indeed carries Mother’s instructions," Feng Yinxiao replied calmly, "and it is not out of disrespect for Yun Kexin. Ever since Yun Kexin became pregnant, she has been attentive in her service and care."
"What else?" Feng Hongrui asked pointedly. "I have asked her privately several times, but she always remains silent."
Yun Kexin knew that Feng Hongrui might be inquiring about Ling Chen's passing, so she interjected, "Miao Yu hasn't said much about the Duchess's death, but I feel she has her reasons for withholding information."
Feng Yinxiao's eyes brightened as he turned to Yun Kexin and said, "Yun Kexin, you mean Miao Yu has concerns, which indicates she still doesn't trust us, including Father?"
"Yes," Yun Kexin took a deep breath and analyzed calmly. "Not long after the Duchess passed away, the Duke quickly legitimized Aunt Zhuo. This left a very bad impression on Miao Yu; at least she doesn't trust the Duke because she can't gauge how deep the Duke's feelings for his mother-in-law truly are. If his feelings were deep, he wouldn't have acted this way. In other words, Miao Yu holds a prejudice against the Duke and thinks he is useless."
"No wonder Miao Yu has always kept her distance from me. Even when sent to the kitchen, she is unwilling to come to me to cry or plead for mercy. It turns out that in her heart, I have become a heartless man," Feng Hongrui said with a self-deprecating smile.
"Duke, do not blame yourself or feel sad," Yun Kexin gently advised. "Miao Yu is loyal to the Former Duchess, but after all, she is just a maid and does not understand the pain and hardships of her masters. She can only 'assume' things based on what she sees. Therefore, my lord, you must remain at ease."
"I was indeed a bit frustrated before," Feng Hongrui smiled and said, "but after talking with both of you for a while, I have come to terms with everything. Now I am just waiting to 'net' them and clear out the inner residence."
The confidence and pride in Feng Hongrui's words merged with the imposing image of Father that Feng Yinxiao remembered from his past, stirring up emotions within him.
"Father, you are not alone; we are here with you," Feng Yinxiao said emotionally as he wrapped an arm around Yun Kexin's waist gently.
Feng Hongrui relaxed his brow and smiled as openly and calmly as he did at first: "Without you two, I truly wouldn't be able to stay in this Duke of Yan's Residence... Feng Yinxiao, take good care of Yun Kexin and ensure she safely gives birth to the child while also providing a clean and peaceful home for the baby."
At those last words, Yun Kexin felt her eyes redden: in two lifetimes, apart from Second House Elder, who else had ever cared for her like this?!
"Yes, Father, Son is also someone who will become a Father, so he must be very cautious," Feng Yinxiao said. "You can just relax and wait to be a grandfather."
Feng Hongrui raised the corners of his lips but suddenly seemed to remember something and reined in his smile, saying:
"Feng Yinxiao, the Sovereign's health is not what it used to be, and the Crown Prince's succession is imminent. You need to pay more attention."
Yun Kexin felt a storm brewing in her heart: Is the Emperor's health declining? So soon! In her previous life, Emperor Qin Yan's health was indeed poor, but no unfavorable news had surfaced until the Yun Family incident. This time, things seem to be happening much faster... She wondered what the situation in the palace was like now. Lost in thought, she heard Feng Yinxiao say, "Son understands. Recently, I have been coming and going early and late, just keeping watch over the Imperial City."
Feng Hongrui nodded. "As for me, I have also been visiting the Empress Dowager frequently to pay my respects. My words are naturally cautious; I absolutely do not mention the Crown Prince's succession... It’s getting late; you should rest early."
Feng Yinxiao and her husband nodded and bowed before bidding farewell to Feng Hongrui.
The night enveloped everything, including the Duke of Yan's Residence. The maidservants and attendants carried lanterns, leading the way one after another.
Feng Yinxiao stopped and took the lantern from a servant's hand, saying, "My wife and I would like to stroll around the residence for a bit longer; you may all leave now."
The maidservants and attendants complied and withdrew. The couple each held a lantern and walked leisurely. Yun Kexin noticed that there were no servants nearby and whispered, "Feng Yinxiao, about that matter with the Duke earlier—"
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