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Jiangyin Marquis casually responded with a "hm," signaling that it was time to leave. Attendant wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and exited.
Jiangyin Marquis withdrew his gaze, silently leaning back against the chair, memories of his youth flooding back. A sense of anger and humiliation gnawed at him, stemming from being a secondary son who was looked down upon even by the servants.
As the legitimate eldest son, Feng Hongrui had everything one could desire. Although his elder brother treated him well, it could not mend the twisted and deformed feelings he harbored. From that moment on, he vowed to become the master of Duke of Yan's Residence at any cost!
He then thought of his five-year-old son, Feng Yinxiao. His cold and ruthless expression softened slightly, a glimmer of light shining through his gloomy eyes. However, when he thought of his wife, Yang Yulan, the rare smile faded from his face. If anyone were to discover the secrets hidden within him, even ten heads would not be enough to lose! He recalled several years ago when his nephew Feng Yinxiao returned to Duke of Yan's Residence with reckless ferocity and brutality. Feng Hongwen, sitting steadily in the chair, suddenly trembled all over, shaking uncontrollably…
He felt that he could no longer wait; he needed to accelerate his plans.
Fu Yihang wandered aimlessly down the road, disoriented and anxious. He had finally spoken to the person he longed for but ended up in such an awkward situation. He wondered how Feng Yinxiao would treat Yun Kexin. Would he hit her? Curse her? Divorce her? Or continue to dote on her as before?
He realized that if she were unhappy, he would feel heartbroken; if she were happy, he would still feel bitter. In this contradictory confusion, he had already arrived at the door of his bedroom.
Fu Yihang weakly knocked on the door. From inside came Feng Yulu's voice laced with cold laughter: "Come in; the door isn't locked."
As Fu Yihang pushed the door open, he was met with Feng Yulu's mocking expression.
Just as he turned to close the door behind him, her derisive voice followed: "My dear husband has returned. So, did you satisfy your infatuation today? Did she even glance at you?"
This time she learned to be clever and referred to her as "she" instead of "Sister-in-law."
Fu Yihang paused slightly before forcefully shutting the door. He walked over to the table and poured himself a drink, ignoring Feng Yulu's taunts. Seeing him silent made Feng Yulu think she had hit a nerve; jealousy and anger surged within her.
"Aren't you coming out? Or is it that we have nothing to say to each other? After all, you're thinking about someone else while facing a wife you reluctantly married. What could there be to talk about?"
The teacup that was about to reach Fu Yihang's lips paused above the table as he frowned impatiently: "Have you had enough?!"
"What? Caught red-handed by someone else's husband and come back to take it out on your wife? Fu Shizi, you really are something," Feng Yulu sneered, her words striking like venomous fangs aimed at Fu Yihang. "If you had this ability back then, why couldn't you compete with your elder brother—" The rest of her sentence was abruptly cut off by Fu Yihang's icy glare. She licked her lips and cautiously changed her tone, "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to poke at your wounds."
Only then did Fu Yihang slowly lower his eyelids and continue drinking tea in silence. Feng Yulu grew anxious again; he could yell at her or scold her but should not remain so tight-lipped. A couple should spend a long time together; if they started off with such "divided hearts," how would they endure those long years ahead? She would either suffocate or be stifled!
Thinking about it, Feng Yulu's expression softened, and with a sorrowful tone, she said, "Husband, is there really nothing to say to me? Do I really annoy you that much?"
Fu Yihang's heart was not made of iron, and since he indeed had been rude earlier, he softened his tone: "No, I just spoke a few words with Yun Kexin. Unexpectedly, I ran into my elder brother. I..." Fu Yihang paused, his face showing embarrassment and a hint of shame. "I was worried that they might develop misunderstandings or distance between them."
Feng Yulu felt disdain in her heart: having done what they did, why worry about being found out! However, on the surface, she appeared understanding and magnanimous as she said, "Husband need not worry. My elder brother's feelings for Sister-in-law are definitely not as fragile as you and I imagine; they are not easily shaken." Her sincerity was evident, yet it always seemed to carry a sharpness that poked at others' wounds. "From the moment Sister-in-law entered the door until now, I have seen more clearly than anyone else that my elder brother truly cherishes Sister-in-law."
Fu Yihang recalled the earlier incident in the kitchen when Yun Kexin wanted to explain but was stopped by Feng Yinxiao. She gently brushed her shoulder without any hint of doubt or blame. Listening to Feng Yulu's words that seemed to stab at his heart only deepened his pain, leaving him feeling drained of energy.
"That's good," he said listlessly while staring at the teacup in his hands. "I can see that my elder brother treats Yun Kexin very well."
Feng Yulu witnessed Fu Yihang's suffering from love and felt a mix of resentment and regret for hastily agreeing to this marriage arrangement. Now she found herself unwilling to even play the role of a shadow.
Forcing a smile, she changed the subject: "Enough of this, husband. I heard you plan to take a concubine?"
Fu Yihang thought of Yun Ran and felt a chill run through him. He forced a smile: "Yes."
However, Feng Yulu did not notice the strange expression on Fu Yihang's face; she only knew that his actions would damage her dignity as the legitimate wife. "Husband cannot choose not to take a concubine?"
"Cannot!" Fu Yihang raised his eyes and replied stiffly, "It's already settled."
"Could it be that husband has feelings for Eldest Sister as well?" Feng Yulu couldn't afford to rush; when she did, her thoughts would run wild and her words would slip out carelessly. She coldly smiled and said, "Husband truly is a 'sentimental person.'"
"Sentimental? Do you think I have feelings for Yun Ran?" It was Fu Yihang's turn to sneer, his eyes filled with undisguised disdain. He retorted sharply, "She isn't even worthy of carrying your shoes!"
Feng Yulu was taken aback; she hadn't expected Fu Yihang to respond this way. However, from his tone and demeanor, it was clear he didn't feel the same way about Yun Kexin. Feeling somewhat relieved in her heart, she smiled and asked, "When does husband plan to bring Eldest Sister into the house?"
"Is it almost time?" Fu Yihang took another sip of tea, indifferent. "We'll talk more after we return to the Han Wang Mansion."
Yun Kexin and Yun Ran were a source of worry for Feng Yulu. The former was someone she could do nothing about, so she had to endure for now; as for Yun Ran, a mere Concubine Daughter, she had been specifically mentioned by Fu Yihang to be brought back to the mansion. This made her suspicious, wondering if Fu Yihang was in love with both sisters from the Third House. Although she had an unpleasant encounter with Fu Yihang today, it cleared her doubts: Fu Yihang regarded Yun Ran as insignificant! But why would he go through the trouble of taking a concubine? Wasn't that contradictory?
Regardless, since Yun Ran was not someone Fu Yihang cared about, it meant that she, as the legitimate wife, could deal with Eldest Sister without restraint, especially after hearing her express such "deep feelings" for Fu Shizi!
Thinking of this, a smug smile appeared on Feng Yulu's beautiful face.
"Husband, it's getting late. Let's rest; the Consort is here to serve you."
"No, that's not necessary," Fu Yihang replied blandly. "I need to get up early tomorrow to pay my respects."
Yun Ran entered the Han Wang Mansion shortly after Fu Yihang and his wife returned. It seemed the mansion intended to make things difficult for her; only a few tables were set up for friends and relatives to celebrate, which felt rather dismissive. Yun Ran felt resentful but had to face the reality of being a concubine. She could only hope that Fu Yihang would show her some favor in the future and not treat her as harshly as Dai Chun Ni.
That night, Fu Yihang stayed in Yun Ran's room for only a short while before preparing to leave. Panicking, Yun Ran stood up and grabbed his wrist. "Husband, could you stay a little longer?"
Fu Yihang coldly stared at her hand gripping his arm, his eyes warning her. Yun Ran quickly withdrew her hand in fright.
"I need to go see the lady first," Fu Yihang said impatiently, frowning. Suddenly remembering something, he added, "And from now on, please call me 'Heir Apparent,' not 'Husband.'"
"Why?" Yun Ran exclaimed in surprise, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"You are merely a concubine bought with money for the Han Wang Mansion," Fu Yihang said sternly. "Do you think you deserve that title?"
"But..." Yun Ran stammered, feeling parched and speechless due to the weight of her thoughts. She stopped abruptly when Fu Yihang turned away coldly. With a bitter smile, she said, "Yes, Heir Apparent. Please convey my regards to your sister; I will go pay my respects first thing tomorrow morning."
Fu Yihang brushed past her without a word, and a cold wind rushed in behind him, causing Yun Ran to shiver. How could this be? How had Fu Yihang changed so completely since he proposed taking a concubine at the E Guo Gong Mansion? Back then, she had been so pleased that her years of affection had finally softened his heart enough for him to take the initiative in proposing marriage; she thought once he married his legitimate wife and it was her turn as a concubine, their new life in the Han Wang Mansion would begin and he would surely repay her "deep feelings." Instead, what greeted her was this unfamiliar and cold face of Fu Yihang—truly baffling!
Could it be because of Feng Yulu? That woman who couldn't tolerate any sand in her eyes and was so narrow-minded?!
Yun Ran grew more and more afraid, retreating step by step until she sat down on the bed behind her.
The next day, when Yun Ran got up and went out, she felt embarrassed, constantly sensing the disdainful gazes of those around her, including the servants. She endured it and headed straight to the main hall.
She bowed to King Han, the Queen, the Heir Apparent, and Consort Heir, then took the tea handed to her by a maid and offered it respectfully, completing the formalities.
"Get up," the Queen said casually, glancing at Yun Ran still kneeling before her. "Now that we are family, there is no need for excessive courtesy."
"Your Highness," Fu Yueze said expressionlessly, "Yun Ran, please rise."
Just as Yun Ran was about to stand up, she glanced at Fu Yihang and Feng Yulu before lowering her head again.
"Sister Ran, since Father and Mother have spoken, why are you still kneeling?" Feng Yulu had dressed up specially today and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Do you expect the Heir Apparent and me to come over and help you up?"
Her tone seemed playful, but to others' ears, it was as unpleasant as gravel in rice.
Yun Ran slowly raised her head and pretended to be calm as she said, "I wouldn't dare think that way about my sister. Although I am cousins with the Heir Apparent, you are the true Consort Heir and deserve my respect."
Yun Ran's words seemed to warn Feng Yulu not to take advantage of her position as the legitimate wife to act arrogantly. After all, her maternal family was also related to the Han royal family.
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