"Since that is the case, then issue my decree. Feng Jinlin is to be appointed Governor of Liangzhe, and his wife shall be enfeoffed as a first-rank lady of the court. They are to come to the capital in the next few days to receive their honors."
"Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!"
When the Feng family learned of this, they felt both the emperor's boundless grace and a sense of being too conspicuous.
"Xiao Er has truly made a name for himself. Fortunately, he is still considered an outsider. If he were to return to the capital, with three father and sons serving in the imperial court, I fear that within half a year, memorials of impeachment would pile up on His Majesty's desk."
Feng Hai said this as a jest, but his meaning was entirely serious.
Feng Jinxu, having gone through years of experience, had become even more steadfast.
His maternal grandfather's timely retirement had given him some ideas. As his family was all present today, he spoke up.
"Father's words are wise. To ensure the safety of the Feng family, I believe it is best for me to also leave the capital and take up an external post."
"You are leaving too?"
"Yes, Grandfather also thinks so. Becoming too entangled with the new emperor is not a good thing. All honor can become a handle for others. Staying in the capital is mostly a concern for the noble families. Rather than wasting years in power struggles with others, it is better to be appointed as an official in a region, truly doing practical things for the people."
Hearing his eldest son speak thus, Feng Hai understood. He was not surprised by his son's thoughts, especially with his father-in-law's approval. He felt it was a good idea.
However, with three sons, none were by his side in his old age, which made him feel a bit sad.
And his wife, if she knew that their eldest son's family was also preparing to leave, anger would be the least of it. He feared she would worry about her grandchildren and be unable to let go.
The grandsons were fine, studying at the academy and protected by their fourth maternal uncle, the Bai family. No major accidents were expected.
But his granddaughter had been watched over by his wife since childhood. Her departure would surely be difficult for her.
He sighed and said,
"Taking an external post is a good thing, but I fear your mother will be heartbroken."
"This is also why I wanted to discuss it with you, Father. In three years, you will also reach the age to retire. Would you be willing to return to civilian life? Then, I can take you both with me when I go to my post?"
Feng Hai had never considered this. He was stunned when Feng Jinxu suddenly brought it up.
Accompanying his son to an external post was not impossible.
He just didn't know what his wife would think.
Before he could even speak, Madam Feng walked in from outside, smiling, and said,
"That would be wonderful. When you retire, Master, we will go with Ah Xu. If his post is near Jinling City, wouldn't that be even better? We could then visit Xiao Er and A Yao. We can't be confined to this Eastern Capital for our entire lives, constantly comparing husbands and sons with other ladies, or gossiping about jewelry. It's so dull!"
Madam Feng was naturally a cheerful person. She had lived in the capital for most of her life, and now that she had the opportunity to enjoy freedom, how could she refuse?
Madam Wen, with Feng Yunluo beside her, also looked at her husband with a faint smile.
She had always supported Feng Jinxu's decisions. Moreover, leaving the Eastern Capital would be more liberating.
She was only a little worried about the two children, but fortunately, water transport was now convenient, and meeting them would only take a few days.
Therefore, she did not voice any objections.
Three years was enough time for the family to prepare.
Seeing everyone's attitude, Feng Hai burst into laughter.
"Good, good, good! My son has such ambition. As your father, I will naturally not be a hindrance. After the New Year, I will submit my retirement memorial. If I submit it for two or three years, I will surely find a successor. Then, I can leave with a clear conscience!"
"Yes, Father, you are right!"
The family harmoniously discussed their future plans.
They had not yet informed Feng Jinlin and Feng Jinyao of their decision when, half a month later, they received a mysterious letter.
Madam Feng was initially puzzled. Xiao Er was being too bored. They were to meet in two days, yet he had to send a letter. Upon opening it, she realized that Feng Jinyao, heavily pregnant, had secretly returned with Prince Ding and Elder Xu.
They were currently staying at Prince Ding's private residence.
"Nonsense, utter nonsense! She is so far along, she could give birth at any moment. Instead of resting properly, she's running around everywhere!"
While scolding, she ordered people to pack. She was going to Fahua Temple to offer incense and rest for two days.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival only a few days away, many officials and commoners were visiting Fahua Temple to offer incense. Thus, their arrival did not attract any attention.
When Madam Feng and her entourage arrived at Fahua Temple, guards from Prince Ding's mansion were already there to meet them and escort them into the private residence.
Returning here after many years, Madam Feng felt a sense of wistful emotion.
But when she saw Feng Jinyao, before the scolding words could even reach her lips, tears began to stream down her face.
"Daughter is unfilial, causing Mother to worry."
Feng Jinyao said this and was about to kneel, but her belly was so large, how could she kneel so easily?
Madam Feng rushed forward to help her, terrified.
Xiao Tingyi was also startled by her sudden attempt to kneel. He immediately supported her waist, fearing any mishap.
"You, you are so old, yet you still don't make it easy for your mother. To dare to run to the capital at this time, aren't you afraid of..."
The word "trouble" was deeply swallowed back, fearing it might be an ill omen.
Seeing her daughter's tearful smile, she could no longer bear to scold her.
Xiao Tingyi stepped forward to defend his wife.
"Esteemed Mother-in-law, please do not be angry. I had a midwife with us throughout the journey, and besides, Shou Bo and the wet nurse were also present. There was no danger."
"They came too?"
Madam Feng was surprised.
"More than that. This time, the Prince's maternal grandfather and maternal aunt and uncle have also come. We can all have a good family reunion."
Upon hearing this, Madam Feng's smile widened.
With so many people arriving in the capital in such a grand manner, weren't they afraid of being discovered?
If nothing else, Emperor Ren would be the first to know.
As if sensing Madam Feng's doubts, Feng Jinyao pulled her to sit down and then explained.
"We borrowed the Chi family's fast boat and came directly to this residence without entering the capital. So, others are not aware."
No wonder.
Since the Grand Jin's canals were all built using Bai Shanwei's methods, not only were the river channels widened, but the number of river transport ships also increased.
Some were so fast they could travel a thousand li a day.
No wonder their group, so conspicuous, went unnoticed.
It had to be said that the Chi family's capabilities were growing by the day.
However, no matter how great their capabilities, Prince Ding kept them in check in Jinling City. Thus, for every five parts they earned, they had to give back three for acts that benefited the country and its people.
They had not become overly arrogant!