Wen Mengsheng, his pride wounded, glared at Feng Er with the ferocity of a starving wolf, his chest burning with rage. All reason and decorum were cast aside as he spat out each word, fixing his gaze on Feng Er.
"Brother Feng, be careful. This whip might strike the wrong person and bring trouble to your family!"
"Young Master Wen, rest assured. Though this whip is unruly, it's quite discerning. It only strikes those who deserve it!"
He uttered the words "deserve it" through gritted teeth. Wen Mengsheng chose not to argue further, suppressing his anger as he turned to Feng Jinyao beside him.
"Third Miss, I beg your pardon. I must return to my studies and cannot linger. Once I achieve success, I will certainly visit your manor for a drink."
He was remarkably shameless, saying such things without a hint of embarrassment.
Feng Er wanted to lash out again but was stopped by Feng Jinyao. She smiled charmingly at him and said, "Then we shall await Young Master Wen's good news."
Seeing her demeanor, he became even more certain.
This Feng family was likely interested in him. With a smug glance at the carriage behind him, he could tell, even through the wooden door, that his disdain was directed at someone.
After bowing, he mounted his horse and rode away.
This infuriated Feng Er. He turned to Feng Jinyao and asked, "Why were you so pleasant to him today?"
"A dying man deserves a pleasant face, wouldn't you agree?"
Feng Jinyao smiled, a chilling smile.
Even someone as close as Feng Er felt a shiver down his spine. He had never seen such an expression on his sister's face before.
"Dying? What do you mean?"
Before he could press further, Yin Canwen alighted from the carriage with Feng Yunhe, interrupting their conversation.
Yunhe, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, had grown considerably. Though still a child, his manners, etiquette, and bearing were beyond compare to his past self. The foremost academy in the Great Jin was indeed worth the visit!
"Nephew pays respects to Aunt."
"Yin Canwen pays respects to Third Miss."
Both offered clasped-hand salutes, and Feng Jinyao returned a half-bow.
"Mother knows you are coming. She has prepared a banquet at Jiuyatang. The family is reunited today, and even Eldest Brother's illness has improved enough for him to join us for the meal."
Feng Er raised an eyebrow. Others might not know, but he did.
Eldest Brother wasn't ill; he was away on business. Feng Yunhe and Yin Canwen, kept in the dark, were more worried.
Especially Feng Yunhe, who, after saying, "I'll go see Father," darted away, leaving Yin Canwen behind, filled with emotion.
"Blood is thicker than water. I've rarely seen Yunhe so anxious."
His words echoed Feng Er's thoughts.
"Let's go. We should head inside too."
Upon entering the manor, Feng Jinyao made an excuse about needing to discuss something with Feng Er. Yin Canwen, understanding, returned to Feng Er's courtyard. He had stayed there for quite some time before, so he navigated the familiar path to his former room with ease.
Feng Er, looking at Feng Jinyao curiously, asked, "Ayao, what do you want to discuss?"
"Second Brother, two days ago, we caught another mole at home who was harming Mother."
"What! Weren't they all sent to the estate? How is Mother now? Is she in danger?"
Feng Er was anxious. Poisoning, then drugs, and now a mole. How deep was the animosity towards their family, that they wouldn't rest until Mother was dead?
"Mother is fine. It was Chi Ling who sniffed out the mole by scent. It was Ding Dong, who serves Mother, along with her parents. I've already disciplined them with a beating, but they still refuse to confess. I've sent them to the estate. Second Brother, when you interrogated Amber and the gardener last time, did you find any clues?"
Feng Er shook his head. His methods had been harsh, yet he hadn't expected them to be so tough and refuse to admit anything.
Especially Amber. If pressured further, she might have taken her secrets to the grave. Fortunately, she was rescued, and people were assigned to watch her constantly to prevent her from succeeding.
"In that case, I can only inform Eldest Brother. He might have a better way to make Amber talk."
"Yes. That's the only option for now."
The siblings' faces were grim due to this matter, but they had to maintain appearances for the family banquet that evening, so they pushed their worries aside.
While the Feng family was having a lively reunion, the Wen family on the other side began their own machinations.
After hearing Feng Jinyao's words, Wen Mengsheng became even more determined to pass the imperial examinations. Firstly, to show Feng Er, whom he looked down upon, who was truly capable. Secondly, to gain the attention of the Feng family and thus secure his marriage to Feng Jinyao.
Upon returning, he hurried to the study to see his father.
"Father, have the arrangements for the examination papers been finalized?"
Although father and son spoke in the study, their voices were low. This matter concerned the future of many and their own lives, so it could not be treated lightly.
Wen Jingsong nodded, opened a box before him, and pushed it towards Wen Mengsheng. "Look, these are from officials in the court. If this succeeds, we will offer double the amount afterward. This method is quite undetectable. Although we can only earn this much once a year, it is quite substantial."
Inside were thick stacks of thousand-tael silver notes, which made Wen Mengsheng's blood boil.
"Son truly did not expect the position of Assistant Minister of Personnel to yield such wealth. Father is truly wise to devise this method of exchanging examination papers. By replacing talented but impoverished scholars with sons of influential families, we not only strengthen ties with colleagues in court but also greatly benefit the Wen family. It is indeed a plan that kills two birds with one stone."
Listening to his son's praise, Wen Jingsong couldn't help but smile.
He had been Assistant Minister of Personnel for over a decade. Initially, he had served the country conscientiously. However, after secretly helping Prince Yu's nephew exchange examination papers for a favor once, he discovered this lucrative path!
The replacement candidates didn't need to be top-ranked; they only needed to pass.
For the family, gaining the opportunity to serve in the court was enough. Their future promotions and wealth would be arranged by their families.
For those impoverished scholars, it was merely a year's setback; they could retake the exam the following year.
For him, there was little risk. It was merely a matter of a few gestures, as the final vetting was always done by the Assistant Minister of Personnel.
Thus, year after year, more influential families sought him out, and he reaped immense profits.
Father and son exchanged knowing smiles. Then, Wen Jingsong said to Wen Mengsheng.
"Son, just focus on taking the exam. You will surely be on the list this year."
If he passed on his own, that would be best. But if he didn't, there was always a way to replace him.
He felt no sympathy for scholars from impoverished backgrounds. Who told them their birth was inferior, destined to struggle harder than others to turn their lives around?