Chapter 12: Old Cases (1)

Shen Jia saw Feng Shaokun in such a "miserable" state, feeling both distressed and annoyed. She immediately looked at Feng Shaozhu and said, "You bumped into Shaokun's cousin, why didn't you apologize?"

In the past, Jia's cousin was very close to her, always smiling at her.

Now, Jia's cousin actually scolded her for the sake of Feng Shaokun!

Feng Shaozhu couldn't believe it, staring at her with a sense of grievance and embarrassment, "I didn't do it on purpose, why are you scolding me!"

She did it on purpose, so what can she do!

Shen Jia, rarely angry, frowned and looked displeased.

Just as she was about to speak, she heard Feng Shaokun say softly, "Cousin Jia, Fourth Sister-in-law didn't mean it, and I wasn't really hurt. Today is a family banquet, everyone should be happy, let's not argue over a small matter."

Shaokun's cousin is so understanding and gentle!

Shen Jia's expression softened a lot, "Shaokun's cousin is right, I was too impulsive."

Feng Shaozhu: "..."

Feng Shaozhu was so angry that her eyes turned red.

Feng Shaolan was not in the mood to watch the excitement caused by Feng Shaozhu. She furrowed her brows and quietly glanced at Shen You. Seeing Shen You's indifferent and unresponsive expression, she breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, the Feng family and Mrs. Feng exchanged a few pleasantries and then waved and beckoned to Feng Shaokun with a smile, "So this is Shaokun! Come over quickly and let your aunt have a good look at you."

Feng Shaokun smiled and approached, bowing, "Shaokun pays his respects to Aunt."

Mrs. Feng carefully looked at him, took his hand, and praised with a smile, "Back then, your Third Aunt was a beauty, and Shaokun is even more handsome than his own mother. Just one look and I can't help but like you from the bottom of my heart."

Among the Feng family, Feng Shaokun only had some goodwill towards Mrs. Feng.

Mrs. Feng was not particularly beautiful, with an average appearance and no outstanding talents or intelligence. However, she had a kind and gentle temperament, and never had any ulterior motives.

Just by observing how Mrs. Feng treated Shen You, one could tell her character.

"Aunt's praise, I will humbly accept it." Feng Shaokun was not shy, and replied with a smile.

Mrs. Feng looked at her beautiful niece and thought of her youngest son who had not yet settled down, and her heart suddenly stirred. She smiled even more warmly, "You have been living in the Cui family for so many years, and now you have finally returned. When you have some free time in the future, come and stay at the Shen family for a few days. We, aunt and nephew, should also get closer."

Mrs. Feng immediately joked, "I have already told my mother, eldest sister, don't compete with me."

As a concubine-born daughter, she had always yielded to her legitimate sister since she was young. Upon hearing this, she laughed, "Yes, yes, I'll wait."

As they joked, Feng Shaokun walked up to Shen Mao and solemnly bowed, "Three years ago, Uncle took care of my father's funeral. I am deeply grateful. Please accept this bow from me."

Shen Mao was somewhat surprised and reached out to help him up, "Your father and I were close as friends, taking care of his affairs is only natural. We are family, there's no need for formalities."

Back then, Feng Lun was reported by the wealthy salt merchant Wei family for corruption and bribery, which shocked the court.

As a seventh-rank official, Feng Lun held a low but important position, overseeing the salt trade in the two Huai regions, a lucrative position. After serving as the magistrate of Qingzhou for several years, Feng's family used a large sum of money to secure this position with the help of Feng's official connections.

Unfortunately, before Feng Lun had been in office for three years, he was accused by the salt merchant Wei Qidao in Yangzhou.

The accusation was filled with tears and blood, accusing Feng Lun of extorting numerous salt merchants, taking huge bribes, and even embezzling two-tenths of the salt tax in the two Huai regions.

Emperor Long'an was furious and ordered Feng Lun to come to the capital for trial. Unexpectedly, Feng Lun encountered bandits on the way and lost his life.

A high-ranking court official was unexpectedly killed by bandits, and the news spread to the capital, enraging Emperor Long'an. He immediately sent the commander of the Jin Yiwei, Xue Lin, to thoroughly investigate the case.

Shen Mao went to Xue's house in the middle of the night and presented a valuable gift. The commander agreed to let Shen Mao accompany him.

Shen Mao personally took care of Feng Lun's body and buried him in the ancestral tomb of the Feng family in Pingjiang Prefecture.

Commander Xue solved the case in just seven days, capturing the gang of bandits. The next day, more than two hundred heads rolled. The execution ground was filled with blood.

Shen Mao brought the head of the bandit leader to Feng Lun's grave, offering a blood sacrifice to his deceased brother-in-law, fulfilling his duty and showing his loyalty.

With Feng Lun's death, the case of corruption was also closed.

Feng Lun's death had a significant impact on Feng's official career.

Thanks to Feng's quick thinking, he married his granddaughter, Feng Shaomei, to the Minister of Personnel's household, using the marriage to secure his position as a minister. Feng's family also spent a large sum of money to ensure the marriage alliance with the Xie family.

Feng Shaokun raised his eyes and met Shen Mao's gaze, "After the family banquet, may I ask Uncle to come to the Lotus Fragrance Courtyard? I have something I want to ask Uncle."

Shen Mao's eyebrows twitched imperceptibly.

Feng's official smiled and said, "If you have any questions, you can ask now."

Feng Shaokun whispered, "It's a private matter, I would like to ask Uncle in private. Please forgive me, Granduncle."

Feng's official seemed to think of something, and his gaze became somewhat obscure. He glanced at Shen Mao, who nodded slightly. Feng's official did not say anything more.

Mrs. Feng smiled and broke the silence, "Master, the family banquet is ready."

Feng's official regained his composure, beckoned to everyone, and got up to leave first.

More than ten members of the Feng family, young and old, moved to the dining hall together.

In the spacious dining hall, two tables were set up. The men sat at one table, and the women at the other. The family banquet was informal and there were no screens. Feng Shaokun sat next to Feng Shaolan, and when he looked up, he happened to see Shen You at the neighboring table.

Feng Shaojun deliberately smiled at Shen You.

Shen You remained impassive.

Feng Shaojun withdrew his gaze with satisfaction.

...

An hour later, the family banquet came to an end.

Xiao Feng returned to the Kang Wang Mansion, while Da Feng spoke with Shen Jia and Shen You in the inner hall.

Shen Mao followed behind Feng Shaojun at a steady pace and entered the Lotus Fragrance Courtyard.

Nanny Zheng greeted them with a smile and was taken aback when she saw the tall and sturdy Shen Mao. She couldn't help but be surprised.

Who was this burly warrior? Could it be Young Master Feng?

"This is Uncle Shen," Feng Shaojun whispered. "Nanny Zheng, guard the door. Don't let anyone disturb me while I talk to Uncle Shen."

Nanny Zheng nodded quietly.

After Feng Shaojun and Shen Mao entered the small study, Nanny Zheng closed the door and stood guard about five or six meters away.

Nanny Zheng looked at the delicate and graceful appearance of a woman from Jiangnan, but in reality, she was extremely skilled. Three to five strong men would not be her match.

The small study was tidy and clean, with tall bookshelves, a desk, and chairs. The lit candlesticks cast a bright and soft light in the study.

"Uncle, " Feng Shaojun composed his expression, furrowed his brows, and looked steadily at Shen Mao as he slowly asked, "How did my father really die three years ago?"