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“Father, the answer will come soon,” Feng Yinxiao said with a confident smile, “Son seems to think that Yang Family Aunt still holds some hope, so she keeps saying one thing after another. As long as we break through her mental defenses, the truth will come to light.”
Yun Kexin quietly placed her hand in Feng Yinxiao's, feeling a warmth in her heart as he grasped it in return.
However, Feng Hongrui still seemed doubtful and said, “Although this is how I arranged it, the grandson has just been born. Wouldn’t this be inauspicious?”
“It’s fine, Duke,” Yun Kexin replied calmly and gently. “If the inner residence is not peaceful, then life cannot be tranquil. How can we talk about auspiciousness? The daughter-in-law supports her father-in-law.”
Upon hearing this, Feng Hongrui had no more concerns and said to Feng Yinxiao, “Feng Yinxiao, success or failure hinges on this one move. Strive to take down Yang Family as soon as possible, but do it secretly.” He paused for a moment, contemplating, “I will find an opportunity to make it convenient for you.”
Feng Yinxiao nodded in understanding.
After discussing it with Yun Kexin, they decided to name Son “Feng Yiling” with the nickname “Ling Lang.” A few days before Feng Yiling’s hundred-day celebration, Feng Hongrui invited everyone in the household to go to the market to buy some necessities for his soon-to-be-celebrated grandson and some congratulatory gifts. Only Yang Family and a few servants were left behind while Feng Yinxiao was busy in the palace and Yun Kexin stayed with the Nursemaid to take care of the child.
As night fell, Yang Yulan sat alone at the table in her room, staring blankly at the oil lamp: how strange, why was the atmosphere so odd tonight? The entire Feng Family went out to the market together, yet she was left alone. If they had just left her behind to care for the child, that would be one thing; but they took everyone else along—even the servants—except for her. Wasn’t she a daughter-in-law of the Feng Family? Suddenly recalling that couple, a strange and mocking smile appeared on her lips, which quickly turned into an expression of humiliation and anger, leaving her bewildered.
The sound of knocking at the door interrupted her thoughts. She turned to look towards the door: hadn’t everyone from the Feng Family left? Who could it be? Could it be a servant left behind to watch over the house? Remembering that she had seen Yun Kexin seemingly staying in the residence earlier, could it be her? With that thought, Yang Yulan got up to open the door and was genuinely startled to see Feng Yinxiao and his wife standing there. What were they doing here?
“Oh, it’s Young Lord and his wife. What brings you here?” asked Yang Family, with a tone of inquiry mixed with caution.
“Greetings, Aunt,” said Feng Yinxiao, nodding politely. “I just returned from the palace and learned that you did not go out with everyone from the Feng Family. I brought Yun Kexin along to visit you and chat about family matters.”
Last time, Feng Yinxiao had only sent someone to test the waters without coming personally; this time he was determined to take action himself without showing any signs.
“Yes, Aunt, I wanted to go too,” said Yun Kexin, smiling. “But little Nursemaid ‘Ling Lang’ has not been feeling well lately, so I stayed behind to take care of him. He just fell asleep when I came with my husband.”
Seeing that their expressions did not seem fake, Yang Yulan allowed them both inside.
“Come in, Young Lord, Madam; please have a seat while I prepare some tea for you.”
Since most of the people in the residence had gone out, only a few maids remained who were also sent away by her. Thus, Yang Yulan had no choice but to do these things herself. Unexpectedly, once Feng Yinxiao and his wife sat down, they stopped her from serving them. Such tasks were meant for servants; how could she trouble Auntie? They planned only to sit for a moment and exchange a few words before leaving. Although something felt off about this situation for Yang Family, they couldn’t pinpoint what was strange and thus temporarily set aside their suspicions.
“Aunt, are you comfortable living here?” asked Feng Yinxiao, smiling lightly. “I remember you used to live in your old home; it took quite a few years for Uncle to bring you here.”
The members of the Yang Family had a good impression of this Nephew. He treated her with respect and did not look down on her simply because she was a secondary wife. So without hesitation, she smiled back and replied: “Wherever my nephew goes is fine; the residence of the Duke of Yan is renowned throughout the capital—one of the top noble households—lacking nothing at all. It’s just that since entering this residence, I’ve been rather idle.”
Yun Kexin chuckled lightly and seemingly casually asked, "Aunt, why did you marry into the Feng Family but continue to live in your old home? How could Uncle bear to leave you alone?"
Upon hearing this, Yang Yulan seemed to recall something, her face filled with anger, but it quickly faded as she smiled and said, "Isn't it because your Uncle is worried that I, a woman, would cause trouble for the Duke's Residence? It's just that it's difficult for sisters-in-law to get along, especially since I'm a concubine..."
Feng Yinxiao's lips curled into a faint, cold smile: If that's the case, why has she come now? Isn't she worried about the issues between sisters-in-law? Could it be because Mother has passed away?! His hand in his sleeve instantly clenched into a fist.
"Uncle is truly considerate and thinks so much about the Duke's Residence," Feng Yinxiao said with an expressionless cold sarcasm. "But his concerns seem a bit excessive. Moreover, he has lived in the Duke's Residence for so long; doesn't he know Mother's character? How could he not see how she treats concubines and illegitimate children!"
Mentioning concubines inevitably reminded Feng Yinxiao of Zhuo Min, the concubine and stepmother he had always regarded as a benefactor of the Duke of Yan's Residence. In that moment of realization, his sanity nearly crumbled. If it weren't for his beloved wife, he truly couldn't believe what extreme actions he might take.
Yang Yulan was taken aback and forced a smile, saying, "Nephew, please don't misunderstand. Perhaps it's because the Consort comes from a humble background and fears bringing shame to the Duke's Residence. Plus, Master is very career-oriented; I wouldn't want to delay him."
"Aunt is so understanding and gentle; I’m sure Uncle and Aunt's relationship is enviable," Yun Kexin interjected at just the right moment, intentionally emphasizing their feelings. "No wonder even though the niece has known Young Lord for five years, she still doesn't know Aunt well; you've been wronged."
The Yang Family frowned slightly, a dark cloud rising in her eyes. Hearing Yun Kexin's words about feelings, her lips twitched as if she completely didn't understand and smiled awkwardly, "Isn't it just 'marrying a chicken follows a chicken, marrying a dog follows a dog'? Since the Consort married Master, she naturally must follow arrangements. As a woman, it's only right to 'take her husband as her priority.'"
"That's certainly true," Yun Kexin thought she understood the real situation regarding Feng Hongwen and the Yang Family. She then said with sparkling eyes, "The Consort should also prioritize Young Lord; however, there's one thing I don't understand: why was Brother Yinxiang brought back to the residence only when he was four or five years old? Logically speaking, Aunt giving birth at home must have been difficult. Even if you needed to rest for a year or so, Uncle should have brought you back to enjoy some comfort—after all, you need proper care."
The Yang Family immediately shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her vigilance mixed with anger: "Madam, how could I possibly understand a man's thoughts? In any case, whatever he does is what the Consort must do..."
The conversation seemed to hit a bottleneck; however, Feng Yinxiao remained calm and composed as he continued without letting up: "Aunt shouldn't mind; you don't understand Yun Kexin's temperament—she tends to ask whatever comes to mind out of concern." He paused slightly and glanced at the Yang Family before unexpectedly changing the subject. "Actually, Nephew has a question too. I remember that several years ago, the Duchess was also absent from the residence for some time. After a year of investigation by Nephew, I learned that she went to Aunt's old home. Is this true?"
The Yang Family suddenly jumped up like a dog whose tail had been stepped on and exclaimed: "Young Lord, is this Aunt's intention? How would the Consort know where the Duchess went?" Realizing she had lost her composure, she quickly concealed her emotions. "Consort dares to ask what business Young Lord and Madam have visiting tonight; surely it's not just for casual conversation?"
Yun Kexin narrowed her eyes and curled her lips: Let’s see how long you can keep pretending.
"Aunt, you're overthinking," Feng Yinxiao stood up gracefully and lightly brushed his sleeves aside. "Nephew just couldn't stand it anymore."
"Couldn't stand it?" Yang Yulan's tone became sharp. "What do you mean by that?"
"Brother Yinxiang is clearly Uncle and Aunt's child; yet some people act more like mothers than your own biological mother," Feng Yinxiao paused slightly before delivering his words with sarcasm and sharpness. "It's really as if they are trying to take the child away! As someone who has just become a father, Nephew deeply understands Aunt's feelings—one can only feel hatred."
Unexpectedly, Yang Family let out a cold laugh: "Young Lord, what you said is beyond my understanding!"
Feng Yinxiao waved his hand, indicating he wouldn't hold it against her: "Aunt, let me tell you a story: Once there was a woman, very virtuous and understanding. Even when her husband treated her harshly, she never complained. But little did she know that this 'Chen Shimei' not only had an affair with a Concubine behind her back but also fathered a child. In the end, he wanted this woman to help cover up and take care of the Concubine's child, while her own flesh and blood was kept from her for years. Isn't that unheard of?"
"Enough!" Yang Yulan's earlier calmness turned into shock and anger; her face flushed red then pale as she said, "Young Lord, Madam, you both have said enough. It's getting late, and my husband will be back soon. It would be inconvenient. If there's nothing important—" Yang Family unceremoniously issued an eviction order.
"Husband?" Feng Yinxiao sneered coldly, his words dripping with disdain as he continued with harsh words, "This virtuous woman probably doesn't know that her husband has already plotted against her because his family has set their sights on him. And in such matters, the fewer people who know, the better. Only the dead won't speak."
Yang Yulan's eyes widened in an instant, her face turned pale, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She trembled as she spoke:
"Young Lord, how do you... know this?"
"There is nothing I don't know; only things I don't want to know!" Feng Yinxiao replied indifferently. Yet inside, he felt immense regret; if he had been more decisive and family-oriented, perhaps such family disgrace could have been avoided, and Mother wouldn't have passed away with resentment.
"Aunt, this is our last chance for you," Yun Kexin calmly took over the conversation, speaking coldly, "I know you are not an evil person; many things may not concern you. Why suffer for others and bear their burdens? How could you die without understanding? You still have a long life ahead."
The last line of defense in Yang Family's heart was finally breached. She knelt down with a thud beside Feng Yinxiao's legs, crying bitterly: "Young Lord, Young Lord, please save Consort! I can’t live like this anymore..."
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