Chapter 9: Family (2)

Minister Feng is over fifty years old, tall and imposing, with a well-maintained appearance and neatly trimmed beard under his chin. He still wears his official attire, and his deep and sharp eyes exude a commanding presence.

In Feng Shaoyun's heart surged an overwhelming sense of hatred.

He was her biological grandfather.

And also the person she hated the most in this world.

In her previous life, she returned to the Feng Mansion with joy and longing, full of affection for her grandfather. Never did she expect that the person who pushed her into the fire pit was him!

The Queen of Qin, hindered by the Feng family, originally had no intention of killing her. It was Minister Feng who actively suggested her to be buried with him.

In Minister Feng's heart, nothing was more important than wealth and prospects.

He was even willing to betroth his beloved daughter to the Duke of Kang County, let alone a granddaughter he hadn't seen in over a decade.

She escaped from the Qin Mansion, but none of the people around her survived; they all died in the Qin Mansion. All this blood debt would be counted on Minister Feng.

In this life, she would make Minister Feng pay with his blood, even if it meant dying again.

Minister Feng's gaze swept across the faces of the people and landed on Feng Shaoyun, showing a smile. "Shaoyun, come and let your grandfather have a look."

The more Feng Shaoyun hated, the sweeter her smile became as she politely said, "Shaoyun pays her respects to Grandfather."

Minister Feng had been in the court for many years and had a deep understanding, far beyond what Lady Feng could compare to. Upon hearing the words "Grandfather," he did not frown, and even praised with a smile, "According to the etiquette, you should indeed call me Grandfather. The Cui family has raised you very well."

He then looked at Cui Yuanhan and said with a smile, "You must be Yuanhan! You have traveled a long way; stay in the capital for a few more days and let the Feng family show their hospitality."

The dignity of a high-ranking official and the kindness of an elder made people admire him.

Cui Yuanhan hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, "Yuanhan pays his respects to Minister Feng."

Minister Feng smiled and said, "You are Shaoyun's cousin, so you can call me Grandfather along with Shaoyun."

Cui Yuanhan's eyes lit up, and he promptly changed his address to Grandfather.

It was no wonder Cui Yuanhan was so excited.

The Cui family was a wealthy merchant family in Pingjiang Prefecture, far richer than ten Feng families combined. However, in the Great Qi Dynasty, merchants had a low status, especially in front of officials and nobles.

Compared to Lady Feng's arrogance, Minister Feng was much more approachable and amiable.

Minister Feng's expression darkened when he scanned the faces of the people and frowned unhappily, "It's Shaoyun's first day back at the mansion, and a family banquet is arranged. Why hasn't Er Lang returned yet?"

In the Feng Mansion, Minister Feng, as the head of the family, held supreme authority.

When Minister Feng's expression turned stern, Yao shivered and had to speak up to cover for her husband, "Second Master went to attend a literary gathering today. It seems that he was inspired to write poetry and couldn't make it back in time."

Inspired to write poetry?

It was probably more likely that he was drinking and carousing with a courtesan!

With all the grandchildren present, he should at least give his second son some face. Minister Feng suppressed a cold snort and said to everyone, "I will go change into casual clothes and come back."

After a while, Minister Feng returned in casual clothes and called Feng Shaoyun to him, saying gently, "Shaoyun, you have lived in the Cui family for many years, and now that you have grown up, you have returned to the Feng Mansion. From now on, you can settle down in the Lotus Fragrance Courtyard and not worry about your daily life."

"With Grandfather here, no one can bully you."

In terms of acting, Minister Feng was top-notch.

Feng Shaoyun's warmth and a hint of artificiality, combined with the hidden affection in Minister Feng's eyes and the warmth in his sternness, made it difficult for anyone to see through this hypocritical face to his ruthless heart.

Feng Shaoyun sneered inwardly but showed a perfectly appropriate affection on her face, "I will remember Grandfather's words."

Minister Feng looked at the beautiful Feng Shaoyun before him and flashed a satisfied look in his eyes.

The short-lived Cui family had given birth to a good daughter!

With such beauty, how could the Queen of Qin not be interested?

Even if the Queen of Qin wasn't interested, he could still marry Feng Shaoyun into a good family.

"Master, the eldest miss and Master Xue have returned," a servant ran in to deliver the news.

It was Feng Shaomei who had returned with her husband.

The Ministry of Personnel's residence was just a few streets away in the Golden Fish Alley in Chengqing District.

Lady Yao's face lit up, and she took the initiative to greet them. Soon, Feng Shaomei and her husband Xie Huai entered the Yonghe Hall.

Feng Shaomei got married at sixteen and was now eighteen, the prime of a woman's charm. She was slender and graceful, with a gentle and charming smile on her lips.

Xie Huai also had a good appearance, dressed in a brocade robe, exuding the air of a noble young man. It was a pity that he walked with a limp in his right leg, a flaw in the jade, which was regrettable.

The meeting was lively and cheerful.

Minister Feng was quite satisfied with his granddaughter's husband, Xie Huai.

As the legitimate eldest grandson of the Ministry of Personnel, if it weren't for his slight leg injury, this marriage would not have fallen to the Feng family.

Lady Feng's mood, which had been gloomy for most of the day, also improved a lot. She smiled and said, "Master, the family banquet is ready. Miss Yun hasn't returned yet. Should we send someone to urge the Shen family?"

The person Lady Feng referred to as Miss Yun was none other than the eldest Miss Feng.

When Miss Feng was married, Minister Feng was just a principal official of the Ministry of Rites. As a daughter of a fifth-rank official, she was not stunning in appearance and had a modest dowry, making it difficult to secure a good marriage.

When the young captain of the Jin Yiwei, Shen Ma, came to propose, Minister Feng hesitated for a few days before agreeing.

Miss Feng married into the Shen family and gave birth to three sons in a row, living a smooth life.

In the past twenty years, Shen Ma had risen from a captain to a commander. There were many military officers in the capital, and a captain of the Jin Yiwei was not considered prominent. Moreover, civil officials considered themselves lofty and often looked down on military officers. Shen Ma felt uncomfortable returning to his wife's family, and their visits were not frequent.

Lady Feng intentionally or unintentionally sowed discord between Miss Feng and the Shen family.

Minister Feng seemed a little displeased and said lightly, "There's no need to rush. Coming so late, he must be busy. Prepare a banquet!"

Unexpectedly, Young Master Feng spoke up, "Granduncle, please wait a moment! Perhaps, Aunt and Uncle Shen will arrive in the carriage shortly."

In the Feng residence, Minister Feng's words carried great weight, and no one dared to speak out of turn.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Minister Feng's brow, and everyone looked at him with subtle glances.

Young Master Feng remained calm and composed as he said, "When my father encountered bandits on the way to the capital, he met a tragic end. Uncle Shen and his men helped retrieve and bury my father's body. I have always remembered this kindness."

"Tonight, when Uncle Shen returns, I must express my gratitude in person."

He also intended to settle some old scores and see some familiar faces from his past.

Minister Feng's brow relaxed, and his gaze held a hint of approval. "You do know how to be grateful. Very well, we'll wait a little longer."

Madam Feng quietly furrowed her brow and coldly snorted in her heart, feeling even more disdain for Young Master Feng.

Young Master Feng remained unmoved.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the elder Feng and Shen Mao finally arrived.

Accompanying them were two young men.

Young Master Feng's eyes flashed slightly as he gazed steadily at them.