Chapter 13: Old Cases (2)

Under the bright candlelight, Feng Shaojun's eyes were deep and mysterious, emitting a resolute aura that belied her young appearance.

Steady and experienced like Shen Mao, his heart couldn't help but quicken for a moment. Quickly regaining his composure, he spoke in a gentle tone, "The matter from years ago has long been settled."

"Those two hundred greenwood bandits have all been beheaded. If your father is aware of this underground, he can rest in peace."

"Shaojun, you are still young and have not experienced the pain of separation and death. It's natural to feel sorrow for your father's death. However, the deceased are gone, and the living must continue to live well..."

"I understand. There's no point in delving into it further. My father will not come back."

Feng Shaojun's eyes were cold, and her voice carried a chill as she continued, "But I am my father's only daughter. I cannot let my father suffer unjustly and die in vain, bearing the stigma of greed even after death!"

In just a few sentences, it was like a thunderclap in Shen Mao's ears.

Shen Mao was startled, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

Feng Shaojun fixed her gaze on Shen Mao and continued in a solemn tone, "My father was not a greedy man. The family estate of the Feng family and my mother's dowry were enough for generations to come. If he were truly greedy, he could have focused on the Yue family's estate and taken advantage of the Cui family's wealth."

"He served as the salt inspector in the Two Huai regions because he had his own ambitions and wanted to make a name for himself in his career. Even if my father were greedy, he would never dare to openly extend his hand to the salt tax."

"This case is suspicious from beginning to end."

"Someone must have deliberately framed him, using the Wei family to set a trap for him, and then killed him on his way to the capital, leaving him unjustly dead and innocent."

"Uncle must have noticed something when he personally handled my father's funeral and affairs. He should have been aware."

Shen Mao: "..."

Shen Mao's temples throbbed, and his throat suddenly tightened. But he dared not hesitate and immediately replied, "Shaojun, you are overthinking. If there were any doubts about this matter, would your grandfather turn a blind eye?"

Would a father, knowing that his own son died under suspicious circumstances, willingly ignore it?

A hint of mockery flashed in Feng Shaojun's eyes as she said in a calm voice, "I have lived with my father and mother in Qingzhou since I was born. Later, we lived in Pingjiang Prefecture for six years. In these fourteen years, I have never seen my grandfather and do not know his temperament. I believe my uncle must be clear about it."

The sarcasm in her words made Shen Mao's eyebrows twitch.

He couldn't let Feng Shaojun continue to question further.

Shen Mao quickly made a decision, his expression stern as he spoke with a hint of severity, "Enough! How can a young lady like you question your own grandfather in such a manner! If this were to spread, it would be seen as disobedience and unfilial. With such a reputation, how can you marry in the future?"

There was no need for further questions.

Shen Mao's reaction was enough to explain everything.

Indeed, there was more to the death of her father, Feng Lun.

In her previous life, she had unwavering trust in Feng Shilang and never doubted his words. Later, when she learned of Feng Shilang's true nature, she began to doubt the case of her father's tragic death.

Unfortunately, by that time, several years had passed, and the people involved were either dead or imprisoned. There were no more clues to investigate.

In this life, she was determined to investigate the case thoroughly, clear her father's name, find the person who framed him, and seek justice for her father's unjust death. It was a way to comfort her father's spirit in the afterlife.

Feng Shaojun's eyes flashed, and her tense expression suddenly relaxed, and she smiled, "I was just asking casually earlier. Why is Uncle so nervous?"

Her change in demeanor was as swift as flipping a page.

From being sharp and intimidating a moment ago, she now smiled warmly and gently.

Shen Mao had served in the Jin Yiwei for many years and had seen and experienced a lot. However, the young girl in front of him still deeply shocked him, and he inexplicably felt a sense of wariness.

"I was just talking to Uncle in private. Uncle, please don't tell Grandfather about it. Otherwise, Grandfather will be angry with me."

Shen Mao: "..."

Shen Mao felt as if something was stuck in his throat and took a while before he said, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Feng Shaojun smiled and thanked him, "Thank you, Uncle."

Shen Mao silently looked at the smiling girl and inexplicably had a thought.

This Feng Shaojun was definitely not an ordinary person.

In the future, he wondered what kind of man would dare to marry her.

Unaware of the thoughts in Shen Mao's mind, Feng Shaojun smiled and said, "I feel at ease with Uncle. In the future, I will have to visit the Shen family often. I hope Uncle won't mind my frequent visits."

Shen Mao composed himself and replied with a smile, "Feel free to come whenever you want. Your aunt has given birth to three sons, and with Ah You, she has raised four boys. She has always hoped for a daughter. If you, her niece, visit her often, she will be very happy."

Shen Mao and the Feng family had been close for many years, and speaking of the Feng family softened Shen Mao's rugged face.

Feng Shaojun smiled ambiguously and said, "I hope Aunt will like me."

With everything said, Shen Mao didn't linger in the courtyard of the young lady's house and bid his farewell.

Feng Shaojun personally escorted Shen Mao out of the courtyard before turning back.

Finally finding a moment to talk to her mistress, Zheng Mama asked in a low voice, "How was your day at the Feng family, Miss?"

Zheng Mama was from the Cui family and naturally had some reservations and distance from the Feng family.

Feng Shaojun sensed the concern in Zheng Mama's tone and casually smiled, "There's no need for you to worry, Zheng Mama. I can handle it."

Feng Shaojun was raised by Zheng Mama, and her temperament was well understood by her. Since she said so, it meant that there were no problems.

Mrs. Zheng was also straightforward, smiling as she mentioned the matter of organizing the storage boxes and cages: "The storage room is not enough, so we opened an empty house and managed to squeeze everything in. However, the boxes and cages still need to be unpacked and organized, which will take at least five or six days."

However, Feng Shaojun said, "There's no need to unpack the boxes and cages. In a few days, we will move out of the Feng residence."

What?

Move out of the Feng residence?!

Mrs. Zheng was shocked and quickly looked at her mistress, "What does Miss mean by this?"

In front of Mrs. Zheng, Feng Shaojun had nothing to hide and whispered, "The Feng family is not a place to stay for long. I need to move out and find another place to live. Tomorrow, I will leave the residence to buy a house."

Mrs. Zheng furrowed her brows, "Establishing a separate household for a woman is not an easy task."

In Daqi, a woman can establish a separate household, provided that there are no blood relatives within three generations. Feng Lun was adopted into the Feng family's second branch, and Feng Shilang is also a close elder relative according to the family's customs.

Feng Shilang is a third-rank official serving in the Ministry of Rites, and he has many relatives in the capital. It would be difficult for Feng Shaojun to leave the Feng residence.

Feng Shaojun raised an eyebrow and smiled, "The house will be purchased under the name of the Cui family."

The Feng family cannot unreasonably occupy the Cui family's house.

Mrs. Zheng felt a little relieved.

Feng Shaojun continued in a leisurely manner, "Also, I should start planning for my marriage."