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Yang Yulan's face flushed, as if she were enduring something, and she lightly bit her lip and said:
"To report to the Duchess, it's not like that. Xiang'er is too greedy and has ruined his teeth. He was in so much pain that he couldn't eat. A while ago, I had the Imperial Physician prescribe some medicine, which helped a bit, but it won't be long before he wants to eat candy again."
Yun Kexin felt puzzled: the Yang Family was Feng Hongwen's original wife and the birth mother of Feng Yinxiao. Why did she act so submissively in front of Zhuo Min, like a servant?
Feng Hongwen noticed Yun Kexin's look of suspicion and hurriedly cleared his throat a few times, looking at the Yang Family and saying:
"The lady is right; it is indeed Xiang'er who is greedy and doesn't like to eat. Come over for dinner."
Yang Yulan glanced at Zhuo Min with a hint of jealousy, but saw Zhuo Min holding Feng Yinxiao's hands, smiling gently as she coaxed the child. Upon hearing Feng Hongwen's words, Zhuo Min reluctantly looked up as if given an order and said:
"I'm sorry, Sister-in-law. I just checked Yinxiang's teeth, and they really are bad. He is also in pain," I shouldn't blame you; we are all family, so there's no need to keep mentioning 'Duchess.' Let's eat."
Zhuo Min lazily apologized and then lowered her gaze again, kindly coaxing Feng Yinxiao while feeding him. A trace of disdain crossed the faces of the Yang Family as they sat down beside Feng Hongwen with gloomy expressions.
"Duke, I have someone propose marriage for Fei'er to the State of Yue King," after a moment, Zhuo Min remembered something important and turned to Feng Hongrui with a smile, "I also want to set a date; if you have no objections, Consort can start preparing."
Feng Yinfai, who had been focused on his meal, looked up and smiled: "Mother, I think we should wait until next year after Sister-in-law gives birth before proposing marriage and setting a date."
"Next year?" Zhuo Min was surprised and displeased, saying, "That's too long! Besides, setting a date for engagement isn't a big deal; there's no wedding involved. What's the harm in doing it quietly?"
"After all, it's going to happen anyway; what's the rush?" Feng Yinfai chuckled.
"Shut up!" Zhuo Min glared at him angrily and said sternly, "You're already grown up; why aren't you a bit more anxious?!"
Feng Yinfai sighed helplessly, suppressing his smile, and glanced at Zhuo Min and Feng Hongrui before saying, "To be honest, Father, Mother, I think we should forget about this marriage."
"What do you mean?!" Zhuo Min gasped in shock, her hands trembling with the chopsticks she held. "Forget it? Why?"
Feng Yinfai remained silent. Zhuo Min pressed on anxiously, while Feng Hongrui calmly said, "Don't rush; let Fei'er figure it out for himself."
Yun Kexin was also somewhat confused. Feng Yinfai was already sixteen, and it was indeed time to be engaged. He initially used her as an excuse to decline, and now he suddenly wanted to call off the marriage—what was going on? She lifted her gaze to him just as he looked over—his eyes were sometimes dark and sometimes clear, making her feel uneasy.
Soon, Feng Yinfai averted his gaze and said calmly, "It's nothing; I just remembered that my elder brother wasn't married at my age either. I think—"
Feng Yinxiao quickly interjected, "But that's not the same! I had known Yun Kexin for three years by your age; I was already committed, while you still—"
"So I want to find someone I know myself," Feng Yinfai interrupted before Feng Yinxiao could finish. "I want to choose my own partner without my parents interfering."
His words were filled with dissatisfaction and resentment, along with a sense of determination.
Yun Kexin began to understand. In wealthy families, marriages are mostly arranged by parents and matchmakers, leaving little room for personal choice. Feng Hongrui and Ling Chen were open-minded yet eager for their son's happiness, which is why they allowed Feng Yinxiao to choose his own partner and waited five years for her. Feng Yinfai likely envied Feng Yinxiao's "freedom" and wanted a piece of it for himself, thus clashing with his elder brother.
Yun Kexin sympathized with Feng Yinfai, but recalling the hardships he had caused for both the Duke of Yan's Residence and Feng Yinxiao in her previous life made her shiver with reluctance to say anything on his behalf. So she pretended not to hear their conversation and continued eating quietly.
Zhuo Min was furious. The last time she had carefully selected three daughters from prominent families for him and had even personally chosen the fourth daughter of the State of Yue King. She thought everything was finally settled and looked forward to marrying her off soon so they could have children early and prevent Feng Yinxiao and his wife from gaining an advantage—especially after learning that Yun Kexin was pregnant. Now that everything was finally in motion, Feng Yinfai suddenly pulled this stunt; it was truly baffling.
"Then who do you like? Which family’s daughter have you set your sights on?" Zhuo Min suppressed her anger and forced herself to remain calm. "I'll send someone right away."
"I haven't," Feng Yinfai replied indifferently, "I will definitely inform my parents when I find a suitable partner."
"You..." Zhuo Min trembled with anger, directly slamming the chopsticks onto the table, saying, "Unfilial child, do you really want to upset your mother?"
"Son dares not," Feng Yinfai said leisurely, "I am merely following the example of my elder brother. When he met Sister-in-law, he was already a well-known Young Marquis and had achieved the position of Palace Front Commander. As for me, I have accomplished nothing to this day; what qualifications do I have to discuss marriage?"
Zhuo Min seemed to understand the implication in Feng Yinfai's words. After a moment of thought, she calmed down and said, "It is certainly good that Fei'er has such thoughts. Which parent does not wish for their child to succeed and establish a family? But can’t one establish a career before starting a family?"
Feng Yinfai firmly replied, "Son's mind is made up. Until I have established my career, discussions of marriage are off the table. I hope Father and Mother can understand."
Zhuo Min was slightly taken aback. Was her son under some kind of spell? She knew he was stubborn by nature, but he had never been this obstinate before. He didn't seem to be sulking or upset; rather, it felt like he genuinely wanted to prove himself. If Feng Yinfai could achieve success and marry well, it would indeed be more impressive and prevent him from being at a disadvantage. She decided to support his wishes.
"Since Fei'er wishes to emulate his elder brother and strive for success, how can parents not agree?" Feng Hongrui interjected before Zhuo Min could speak. "I support you."
Zhuo Min expressed her reluctance, saying, "I support you too, but Fei'er must also weigh his own capabilities and not push himself too hard."
What was meant to be a common piece of advice ignited anger in Feng Yinfai. Did that mean he was so inferior to his elder brother Feng Yinxiao? His elder brother could have both family and career; so could he! Thus, the family continued their meal with each harboring their own thoughts. During this time, Yun Kexin noticed Zhuo Min's rare patience towards Feng Yinxiao and found it puzzling. It was almost always like this; as an Aunt, she cared more about the children than the Yang Family did, while Feng Hongrui, as an Uncle, seemed completely indifferent and even wore a mocking expression.
Feng Hongwen sensed something unusual and quickly cleared his throat several times before turning to Yang Yulan and saying, "Madam, why is Sister-in-law feeding the children? What happened to all the servants and maids?"
The Yang Family seemed unable to hold back any longer; one corner of their mouth twitched as they sarcastically replied, "How does Master know that Consort is not feeding the children? Can't you see Aunt is holding the child and giving affection? Those who don't know might think Xiang'er is her biological son!"
At this remark, the atmosphere at the table fell sharply! Both Feng Yinxiao and Yun Kexin felt the sudden tension in the air. Zhuo Min froze as if struck by lightning, her face filled with rage. Feng Hongwen frowned deeply and scolded the Yang Family:
"What kind of nonsense are you talking about, you old woman? How dare you say such things in front of my brother-in-law? I see you really don't want to live anymore. Apologize, quickly!"
Yang Yulan was initially a bit scared of her own reckless words, but when she caught sight of Feng Hongwen giving her a cold look, she suddenly became unwilling. The apology that was on the tip of her tongue turned into:
"Master, why are you getting so angry? Consort was just expressing some feelings after seeing Sister-in-law's affection for Xiang'er. Besides, Xiang'er has indeed been preferring Aunt over her own mother lately. Is it not allowed for Consort to feel 'jealous'?"
Upon hearing this, Zhuo Min forced a smile, still holding Feng Yinxiao's hand, but it lacked the strength from before: "Sister-in-law, you can eat freely, but laughter should be cautious; be careful not to bring trouble upon yourself."
The Yang Family was startled by Zhuo Min's subtle warning. When they met her icy gaze again, their hearts couldn't help but race.
"Consort has taken note; Sister-in-law is overthinking," Yang Yulan forced a calm smile and said, "Sister-in-law is not laughing; I truly appreciate Sister-in-law's care for our family, especially the affection shown to Xiang'er. Even I, as her biological mother, admit I can't compare..."
"Madam, you don't need to come to the Dining Room for meals anymore," Feng Hongwen finally couldn't hold back and interrupted, "I'll have someone bring it to your room so you can eat with Xiang'er before going out."
The Yang Family's faces were as cold as if they had just come out of an Ice Cellar. They softly replied, "Yes, we will listen to Master."
****
After dinner, Feng Hongrui called Feng Yinxiao and his wife to the back garden's Zitan Garden—where he usually read and wrote.
"Feng Yinxiao, Yun Kexin, our household is in disarray; I apologize for making you witness this farce." The Duke of Wind stood behind the desk and sighed, "I wonder if Ling Chen will laugh at my cowardice when he finds out."
The group exchanged glances. Feng Yinxiao said, "Father, Son has had a knot in his heart and hopes you can speak frankly."
Feng Hongrui's furrowed brows relaxed and then furrowed again, as if he had mentally prepared himself, and said:
"Feng Yinxiao, feel free to ask whatever you want to know."
"Father's deep affection for Mother is evident, so why did he marry Aunt Zhuo shortly after Mother's passing?"
Feng Yinxiao's gaze was intense as he stared at the Duke of Wind. He saw the older man's graying temples and sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy. However, this was a knot that had been tied for years, and it had to be untied today.
Feng Hongrui did not answer immediately. Instead, he silently walked to the wall cabinet on the west side, took out a scroll of painting, and spread it out on the table. When the painting was fully revealed, Feng Yinxiao and Yun Kexin gasped in surprise:
"Mother-in-law!"
"Mother!"
Feng Hongrui calmly faced the astonishment of his son and daughter-in-law, unreserved and without any signs of concealment.
"For her!" The Duke of Wind's gaze remained fixed on the elegant woman depicted in the painting as he spoke with composure.
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