Chapter 7 Acting Skills

The woman, around thirty years old, had black hair, long willow-like eyebrows, and beautiful eyes. There was a red mole between her eyebrows, and her smile was enchanting.

She was the second wife of the Marquis of Kang County, surnamed Feng.

The Marquis of Kang County was the nephew of Emperor Long'an and held real power as the Marquis in the imperial family.

When the Marquis of Kang County's first wife passed away, leaving behind two sons and a daughter, he was nearly forty years old, only three years younger than Feng, a fourth-rank official. Despite being ridiculed behind her back, Feng was not afraid of gossip.

Her daughter became the Marquis's wife, and the Feng family and the Marquis's family became relatives. Feng was promoted from a fourth-rank official to a third-rank official, and her son-in-law, the Marquis, gained a lot of support.

The benefits were tangible, so idle gossip meant nothing.

Two years ago, Feng arranged for her eldest granddaughter, Feng Shaomei, to marry the grandson of the Minister of Personnel. This son-in-law of the Minister of Personnel came from a distinguished family and was handsome, but he had a congenital leg disability and could not take the imperial examination.

This marriage furthered Feng's career in the officialdom.

Feng tasted the sweetness of such marriages. Therefore, when the matter of the marriage with the Prince of Qin's mansion was mentioned, Feng immediately took action and wrote a letter to the Pingjiang Mansion.

Once this marriage was settled, it would not be difficult for him to become a Minister, and he might even enter the Imperial Cabinet.

Feng wanted to arrange this marriage not only for the Feng family but also for her own selfish reasons.

Emperor Long'an had no legitimate sons, and all four princes were born of concubines. The Prince of Qin was the eldest and held the most power in the court, and he was highly favored by Emperor Long'an.

By betting on the Prince of Qin early, Feng's daughter-in-law, Feng, always tried to please the Prince's wife. Now she had set her sights on her niece from her maiden family.

Marrying into the Prince of Qin's mansion had many benefits.

In the future, if the Prince of Qin ascended to the throne, his wife would become the Empress of Daqi. Even if Feng's granddaughter became a widow, she would still be the Empress's mother-in-law. The Feng family would be connected to the Prince of Qin's mansion, ensuring a prosperous future.

As for Feng herself, she could establish a close relationship with the Prince's wife in the Marquis of Kang County's mansion.

All in all, it was a profitable venture.

In terms of status, Feng Shaolan and Feng Shaozhu were more suitable. However, the Zhou and Yao families would surely not allow their own daughters to jump into the fire.

Feng Shaomei was the best choice.

With both her parents deceased, the matter of her marriage should be decided by Feng, her father. Even if the Cui family had a lot of money, they were just merchants and could not support Feng Shaomei.

Once Feng Shaomei entered the Feng mansion, she would be like a fish on a chopping board, completely at their mercy.

Feng had already planned everything, and her gaze fell on Feng Shaomei's delicate and beautiful face, feeling even more satisfied.

With such a beautiful appearance, she was sure to catch the eye of the Prince of Qin's wife.

Feng Shaomei approached with a smile, "You must be Shaomei! It's been so many years, and you've grown so lovely."

Feng Shaomei felt that Feng's gaze was like that of a tender lamb.

Feng Shaomei had malicious intentions, and Feng and her husband went along with it. Everything started with Feng Shaomei. Of course, in her previous life, Feng Shaomei did not end well.

Feng Shaomei had an affair with the steward of the Marquis of Kang County's mansion and was "coincidentally" caught by the Marquis. Enraged, the Marquis killed Feng Shaomei.

Feng Shaomei sneered inwardly, but her smile was even warmer than Feng's as she bowed, "Shaomei pays her respects to Aunt."

On the way here, Feng Shaomei had already known that there had been an unpleasant incident between Feng and Feng Shaomei.

Feng Shaomei did not show any anger at the news and even helped Feng Shaomei up, sighing deeply, "When Third Brother was adopted by Second Uncle, I had just been born. Later, when Third Brother was taken to Pingjiang Mansion to grow up, we siblings were often apart. However, we frequently corresponded by letter, and our relationship was very good."

"Three years ago, Third Brother died unexpectedly, leaving no word behind. This was a heart-wrenching pain for the entire Feng family. Mother fell seriously ill, and I don't know how many tears I shed."

"Poor you, losing your birth mother and father, and living in your maiden family for six years before returning."

As she spoke, Feng Shaomei's eyes reddened, and her voice became even softer, "Good child, you've just arrived and are not familiar with your relatives. It's natural to feel a little estranged. After living here for a while, everything will be fine."

"I know you grew up in the Cui family and have deep feelings for your maiden family. But blood is thicker than water, and you bear the Feng surname. This is your home and your roots."

"Whether you call me Aunt or Aunt-in-law, it's just a form of address. Whatever you want in the future, just tell Aunt. Even if you want the stars in the sky, Aunt will have them picked for you."

Seeing Feng Shaomei's affectionate demeanor and hearing her "heartfelt" words, even the maid and the nanny were moved. They couldn't help but feel fortunate for their young lady, who had encountered such a reasonable and gentle aunt.

Feng Shaomei's acting was top-notch, and Feng Shaomei was also quite skilled.

Feng Shaomei's eyes glistened with tears as she threw herself into Feng's embrace, choking out, "Aunt, you're so good to me."

(Note: This translation is an adaptation of the original text to make it more suitable for English readers.)

"I don't want the stars in the sky. I just ask Aunt Tang to tell Grandmother Bo that the things in these boxes are the dowry left to me by my parents, and also the items given to me by my maternal grandmother. It would be best if the Feng family doesn't have any other thoughts."

Xiao Feng Shi: "..."

Everyone: "..."

An awkward silence filled the air.

It felt as if something was stuck in Xiao Feng Shi's throat.

Suddenly, she understood the feeling of Mrs. Feng being extremely angry.

Mrs. Zhou forced a stiff smile and dryly chuckled, "Xiao Jun, this girl just loves to joke around."

Xiao Feng Shi took a deep breath, exerting all her self-control, and managed to squeeze out a gentle smile, "Xiao Jun, listen to your aunt's advice. Don't say such things in the future. It would be laughed at if it spreads."

"It's not proper for a young lady to keep mentioning her dowry."

Feng Xiao Jun raised his eyes, showing a shy expression, "Aunt Tang just said that blood is thicker than water. My surname is Feng, and this is my home. When speaking at home, I should say whatever I want. Why should I play tricks with my own family?"

Xiao Feng Shi was almost choked, but she managed to force a smile, "That makes sense."

Feng Xiao Jun pursed his lips and smiled, "Since Aunt Tang has agreed with me, I can rest assured."

Xiao Feng Shi: "..."