"Don't worry, there's no need to be nervous," Feng Yinxiao turned around calmly. "Since it's a matter of fate and not intentional, how could I blame you? However," recalling the scene in the kitchen, he paused slightly and said, "You three remember this: no matter who comes looking for you in the future, one of you must stay by Yun Kexin's side. If anyone asks, just say it's my order."
The three maids were surprised that they had passed through so easily; they thought Feng Yinxiao would question them in detail. On the way back, they heard Mama Li and Yun Kexin in the kitchen, and then saw Fu Yihang coming from that direction, scaring them into thinking they would be reprimanded by Feng Yinxiao. To their surprise, the Young Lord only gave a calm reminder without any extra words. Suddenly remembering his style of "trusting those he employs and not employing those he doubts," they nodded seriously in agreement and began to divide tasks to prepare for the two masters' washing up and bedding.
Back in the bedroom, Yun Kexin placed the candied pork knuckle on the table, waiting for Feng Yinxiao to question her. Unexpectedly, he silently sat down, lifted the lid of the bowl, took a spoon, and started eating. Yun Kexin, however, was not as relaxed as Feng Yinxiao; she kept observing his reactions, waiting for him to ask questions. But he was enjoying his meal so much that he didn't even look up. She felt anxious and conflicted about whether to take the initiative. Just as she called out "Husband," Feng Yinxiao looked up with a smile in his eyes and asked, "What's wrong, Yun Kexin?"
"Forget it, let Feng Yinxiao eat first," Yun Kexin couldn't gauge whether Feng Yinxiao would lose his appetite due to their upcoming conversation, so she decided to hold off for now. "This pork knuckle will taste bad if it gets cold."
Feng Yinxiao smiled and picked up a piece with his chopsticks, bringing it to Yun Kexin's mouth. "Open your mouth."
Yun Kexin was a bit surprised; she didn't understand why Feng Yinxiao was acting oblivious. Fu Yihang's words in the kitchen had clearly reached his ears, but why did he not mention them at all? It was as if nothing had happened. She recalled her previous life when Fu Yihang had become jealous because another man had given her gifts. He cornered her with questions and not only got angry enough to throw away those gifts but also demanded that she accept no gifts from other men in the future. She always thought this was Fu Yihang caring for her and liking her because of such behavior; thus, every time this situation arose, she had to explain herself at great length until Fu Yihang was satisfied.
But what about Feng Yinxiao? He said nothing at all. Was it possible that he didn't like her that much? Did he not care who she interacted with? Was he not angry? Yun Kexin felt increasingly confused.
With Shanling and others still moving around nearby, Yun Kexin held back her words and simply ate the pork knuckle that Feng Yinxiao brought to her mouth.
"Is it good? Try your own cooking," he looked at her and noticed she was staring at him intently. He smiled and added, "Is it because my eating is too much to watch? It's just that the candied pork knuckle made by Yun Kexin is too delicious. I wish I could finish it all in one bite."
Yun Kexin's face turned slightly red as she lowered her eyelids and replied softly, "If Feng Yinxiao likes it, I will often cook snacks or late-night meals for you in the future."
Feng Yinxiao put down his chopsticks and reached out to hold one of Yun Kexin's delicate white hands. He smiled and asked, "Is that true?"
When she shyly nodded in agreement, his expression suddenly became serious. "But won't that tire you out?"
Yun Kexin shook her head with a smile. "No, it's just making something for my husband. It won't take much time."
"Then let's eat together..." Feng Yinxiao smiled.
Thus they chatted while eating casually until Shanling and others reported that their tasks were completed and took their leave outside the door. Only then did Yun Kexin walk over to Feng Yinxiao's side and say:
"Why don't you ask about what happened just now?"
"What happened just now?" Feng Yinxiao asked in confusion while folding his clothes and placing them on the bedside table.
Yun Kexin felt anxious. She wondered if he was pretending to be indifferent because he didn't want to bring it up, but she didn't want that. If there were any "misunderstandings" between them as a couple, it was better to clear them up; the longer they dragged on, the worse it would get.
"The matter in the kitchen, some things you heard," Yun Kexin said frankly, "Aren't you going to ask for clarification?"
It seemed that Feng Yinxiao finally understood the implication of Yun Kexin's words. His eyes showed an expression of realization as he looked into her somewhat bewildered gaze. With a gentle smile, he said:
"Why should I ask for clarification? Everything you say and do tells me what kind of person you are; is there really a need to ask?"
"No, what I mean is—" Yun Kexin felt embarrassed. At this point, she felt like she was being overly cautious and blurted out, "Do you really not mind at all about Fu Shizi's words and actions just now? Don't you care about how he treats me—"
"If he dares to touch a single hair on your head," Feng Yinxiao's expression darkened, and a glint flashed in his smiling eyes, "I will take one of his hands."
"No, I mean—"
Her next words were silenced by him as he kissed her. After a moment, he reluctantly let go.
"I have always followed the way we interacted when we first met," Feng Yinxiao blinked and pondered, "If you don't ask, then I won't either. For many things, those who trust you only need a word; those who don't trust you won't be convinced no matter how much you talk."
What a good line: "Those who trust you only need a word; those who don't trust you won't be convinced no matter how much you talk."
Yun Kexin's eyes brightened: When did she become so nervous about him? He always held her dear, afraid of any mishap. Every time he went to the palace, he would remind the maids to take good care of her. The first thing he did upon returning home was to find her and bring her all sorts of new and interesting things. All she had to do was smile, and he would be as happy as a child receiving an award... With such importance and kindness shown to her, how could she doubt whether he truly cared for her? She must have been out of her mind.
Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, Yun Kexin took a step closer and nestled into Feng Yinxiao's embrace, pressing her flushed face against his broad chest. "Feng Yinxiao, thank you."
Feng Yinxiao held Yun Kexin tightly in his arms, recalling her previous slightly "resentful" and adorable demeanor. A smile appeared on his lips as he began to get a little "unruly" with her. Perhaps sensing his intentions, she shyly tried to escape from his embrace, but he tightened his hold on her.
"Yun Kexin, I'm doing well," Feng Yinxiao said with a mischievous grin. "If you keep being so distant and always saying 'I'm sorry' and 'thank you,' I might have to 'punish' you."
Yun Kexin looked up at him, fully aware of what that "punishment" entailed, and her face turned red to the roots of her ears.
"Feng Yinxiao, this isn't being distant," Yun Kexin squirmed in his arms, her small fists hanging down. "Mutual respect is always necessary between husband and wife."
"I don't care," Feng Yinxiao interrupted stubbornly, then released her from his horizontal hold and placed her on the bed. "I don't like it this way, so Yun Kexin has to accept the punishment."
Underneath him, she endured his incredibly gentle "discipline." In no time, Yun Kexin's face was flushed, repeatedly begging for mercy. Feng Yinxiao did not stop; he merely lowered his head to nibble on her ear, his voice husky as he said, "Yun Kexin, Yun Kexin, I really want children—many children that belong to us, each one as beautiful and smart as you..."
Yun Kexin was taken aback: children? She wanted that! Somehow, she really wanted to have a child for Feng Yinxiao. In her previous life, even when she was deeply in love with Fu Yihang and they were at the stage of discussing marriage, she had never thought about this issue. Why did such a strong desire arise in this life? Perhaps he had already taken root in her heart, making her want to have something they could call their own.
"Feng Yinxiao, I... I like you," Yun Kexin stammered. "I’m willing to have children for you."
Upon hearing this, Feng Yinxiao suddenly paused before responding with increasingly passionate movements.
At this moment, in the dimly lit Study, Jiangyin Marquis was absentmindedly flipping through a book and writing notes with little enthusiasm, occasionally glancing towards the door—at this time, they should be back.
Lost in thought, he noticed someone resembling an attendant at the door saying, "Marquis."
Feng Hongwen looked up and quickly replied, "Come in and close the door."
The attendant complied swiftly, entering like a gust of wind and shutting the door behind him.
"How's the inquiry going?" Feng Hongwen asked calmly despite feeling impatient inside.
"After inquiring, my lord," the Attendant said with a bow, "the Four Elders and his sister-in-law from the Yue Clan have no unclear relationship. It's just that when he was young, he received protection from his brother, Yun You, and thus feels grateful, which is why he takes special care of Seventh Sister. However, it is indeed suspicious that he has not married yet."
"Suspicious?" The Jiangyin Marquis straightened his back, a heavy darkness in his murky eyes.
Even though there were only two people in the room, the Attendant looked around as if he had ears everywhere. He walked over to the Jiangyin Marquis and whispered a few words. Feng Hongwen jumped in shock, his voice trembling: "Is this true? Don't just listen to rumors; such matters are no joking matter."
"Absolutely no falsehood!" The Attendant nodded affirmatively. "This is what I managed to find out with great effort. According to the Four Elders, there is a hidden guard monitoring them at the shop. I went there and it turned out to be true."
"I never expected that the people from the Duke of E State Mansion would be so bold as to steal right next to the Sovereign," Feng Hongwen said casually, as if discussing something trivial over tea. However, a hint of eerie cunning and ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. "He must either be out of his mind or tired of living!"
"What does my lord mean..." The Attendant's face was filled with flattering servility.
Feng Hongwen sneered: "No rush; these two might be 'secretly plotting.' We just need to wait for them to act out of impatience. At that time, we will report to the Sovereign for a decision, completely crushing the Yun Family, and—"
"In that case, Consort Jun will lose her family's support, and Young Lord will lose his prestige," the Attendant added smoothly. "At that point, the Feng Family's century-old foundation will also need my lord to 'manage.'"
The Jiangyin Marquis smiled "humbly," waved his hand, and said: "It's still early for this matter; we cannot speculate recklessly." Seeing the Attendant nodding in agreement and preparing to leave the room, he revealed a chilling gaze. "You must not mention this to anyone. If even a word gets out..."
"My lord can rest assured; if it leaks, you can kick my head like a ball." The Attendant hurriedly replied, instinctively touching his neck. (To be continued)
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