Chapter 14: Past (1)

Shen Mao stood outside the He Xiang courtyard for a moment, composing himself before bidding farewell to his father-in-law.

Feng, the attendant, led Shen Mao into the study and casually asked, "What did Shaojun say to you?"

In Shen Mao's mind flashed the image of a gentle and sweet young girl's face, along with the words, "I just had a private conversation with my uncle. Uncle, please don't tell grandfather."

The words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed.

"Shaojun asked me about the burial of my third younger brother," Shen Mao answered quietly.

Feng's eyes flickered and he said in a low voice, "The matters of the past have been settled. There's no need to bring them up again."

Shen Mao nodded quietly.

The memory of his wrongfully deceased third son caused a sharp pain in Feng's heart.

Among his three sons, Feng Lun was the most talented and intelligent in his studies. He had achieved the top honors at the age of eighteen, bringing great pride and hope for the future.

However, this rebellious son was too stubborn and independent. He refused to obey his parents' orders to break off his engagement and insisted on marrying Cui, which resulted in losing the chance to marry Princess Ning Hui, a wealthy and prestigious prospect.

Princess Ning Hui's father, Prince Fu, was the younger brother of Emperor Long'an from the same mother and held a position in the Imperial Household Department. Having been raised by the mother of the palace, the Dowager Cao, Princess Ning Hui was highly favored and held a status not much inferior to that of a princess.

When Feng Lun met Princess Ning Hui on his way to the capital, she was immediately taken by his handsome appearance and outstanding talents. After Feng Lun won the top honors, Prince Fu's confidant came to the Feng household, subtly indicating the intention to arrange a marriage.

The whole Feng family was overjoyed.

However, to everyone's surprise, Feng Lun was unwilling to break off his engagement and marry someone else. With his youthful pride, he went to see Prince Fu and informed him that he was already engaged.

The forced marriage turned sour. Prince Fu quickly arranged another marriage for Princess Ning Hui.

Feng, reluctant to see his son unhappy, and with the financial support from the Cui family, managed to secure a good position as the salt inspector in the Two Huais. Unexpectedly, once Feng Lun found success, he offended someone and was framed, leading to his tragic death.

Feng couldn't seek vengeance for his son and had to swallow his pride and quickly resolve the matter, even having his granddaughter Feng Shaomei married off to the Xie family.

That was how the Feng family preserved their official positions and status.

These events from the past should be left buried and not be brought up again!

After Shen Mao and the elder Mrs. Feng left with Shen Jia and Shen You, Feng cleaned himself up a bit and went to the bedroom of Mrs. Feng.

As an old couple, there was hardly any affectionate display during their meeting. Mr. Feng went straight to the point, "Regarding that girl Shaojun, you need to properly teach her manners. Make sure she doesn't disrespect her elders in public."

Mrs. Feng was irritated as soon as the topic was brought up.

"This girl may seem delicate, but she is sharp-tongued and quick-witted. She talks back to her elders on a regular basis," Mrs. Feng angrily recounted the day's incidents. "If I had known, I wouldn't have let her go to the Cui family in the first place. The Cui family has spoiled her and turned her into a disrespectful and unfilial person!"

Mr. Feng frowned and glanced at Mrs. Feng, "When Mrs. Cui passed away, you refused to send someone to bring Shaojun back to the family. Three years ago, you also didn't send anyone. Now you blame the Cui family. How can you shamelessly say such things?"

Mrs. Feng remained quiet.

It was difficult for Mrs. Feng to contain her frustration.

Mr. Feng softened his tone, "You despise Mrs. Cui, so you have never welcomed Shaojun at home, and you are unwilling to bring her back to educate her. I know all about it."

"Now that Shaojun has come back, we should let the past go."

"Shaojun has the Feng family name and is our granddaughter. As a grandmother, you should teach her manners. There's no room for disagreement on that."

"If you are committed, Shaojun can be taught manners within three to five months."

"Shaojun is so beautiful and comes with a substantial dowry. She will catch the eye of the Prince of Qin."

Mrs. Feng's temper eased a bit and she couldn't help but sarcastically remark, "Husband, I can't accept such flattery."

Mr. Feng gave Mrs. Feng another look, "As for the matters of the household, you have been managing them diligently. If you feel tired and overwhelmed, you can delegate the trivial matters to Mrs. Zhou."

Mrs. Zhou was the eldest daughter-in-law. In the future, most of the household responsibilities and management should be handled by her.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Feng, who was at this age, was too lazy to feel aggrieved. After escorting Mr. Feng out of the room, she retired to rest.

At this moment, Mrs. Feng and Shen Mao were in the carriage on their way back.

The distance from the Shen residence to the Chengqing district was quite far, and it was fortunate that Daqi did not have a curfew; otherwise, they would have had to stay at the Feng residence tonight.

Mrs. Feng lifted the curtain to take a look at her son Shen Jia, riding next to the carriage, and a smile couldn't help but appear on her face. "Look at our third son, always so lively."

Shen Mao, lost in thought, casually commented, "He is not that young anymore; he's fifteen and should begin serving as an attendant. His temperament also needs to be properly honed."

The eldest Mrs. Feng doted on her youngest son the most. Upon hearing this, she immediately said, "Don't push him too hard. He didn't make it to the Jin Yi Grand Examination this year, but he can try again next year."

Shen Mao helplessly glanced at the eldest Mrs. Feng and said, "Indulging him too much will only spoil him. Look at Ah You, who is just a month younger than him. Not only is he more agile, but also more steady and reliable in character."

How could they be the same?

The eldest Mrs. Feng lowered her voice and muttered, "The fourth son has a peculiar temperament and doesn't like to talk. I forced him to come with us to the Feng family."

Shen You had been raised in front of her since he was three years old, and in the eyes of the eldest Mrs. Feng, there was little difference between this nephew and her own son.

Unfortunately, Shen You had a cold and reserved nature, hardly speaking more than a few words a day, which made him quite reclusive.

The eldest Mrs. Feng doted on her nephew, and needless to say, Shen Mao only had praise for him: "What's wrong with being quiet? It shows stability. Unlike the third son, who is mischievous and lacks discipline, when will he ever grow up?"

Of course, the eldest Mrs. Feng favored her own son even more and immediately spoke up for Shen Jia, "I prefer the third son's personality."

After a pause, she chuckled softly and said, "By the way, you also met Shao Jun's girl today. I never expected her to grow up so beautifully. Do you think if I ask Father, he would agree to let Shao Jun be our daughter-in-law?"

Shen Mao: "..."