Feng Jinxu’s expression was stern, and he was not joking at all.
Feng Jinlin shivered inwardly, even imagining a gruesome scene of himself being skinned and his tendons pulled out.
“Absolutely! But not everyone around me is like Su Cheng; I also have close friends like Yin Canwen. His scholarship has even been praised by academicians. If you don’t believe me, ask Fourth Uncle.”
Bai Chaohe, suddenly named, immediately nodded. This Yin Canwen was indeed quite renowned at Yunqi Academy. If not for his shallow family background and having to study while working part-time, his scholarship would likely have reached even greater heights.
“He is indeed a rare talent. I fear he has a chance of ranking among the top three.”
Such high praise reminded Feng Jinyao of something. If it could be utilized well, the Wen family might be in great peril.
Thinking of this, the smile on her lips deepened.
“It’s truly rare that he doesn’t mind your dissolute appearance. Learn from him properly, do you understand?”
“I understand,” Feng Er replied listlessly.
To be honest, their eldest brother was even more terrifying than their father, especially when he put on a stern face. He was exactly like their maternal grandfather in his youth, so serious that it made one feel guilty.
While he was lecturing, a man dressed as a guard hurried over.
After whispering a few words into Feng Jinxu’s ear, his expression turned displeased. He immediately instructed,
“Both of you, behave yourselves. A’yao, keep an eye on Xiao Er, don’t let him drink any more. After this matter is settled, escort him back to the manor. I will personally send him back to the academy tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
He then cupped his fists and bowed to his Fourth Uncle, “Then, regarding Yunhe’s entry into the academy, I will trouble Fourth Uncle to take care of it.”
“Don’t worry, that child is highly gifted. Once he enters the academy, the dean will likely favor him even more than I do.”
“That’s excellent. Then I won’t keep you company, Uncle. I have matters to attend to ahead, so I’ll take my leave first.”
With that, he turned and left in a hurry.
Feng Er finally let out a long sigh of relief, while Feng Jinyao stared at their retreating backs for a long time.
“What’s wrong? What are you looking at?”
“Nothing.”
Feng Jinyao found it strange. She seemed to have seen that guard somewhere before, but she couldn’t recall where for the moment.
“Is Fourth Uncle planning to go to Shou Kang Yuan? I heard the other aunts are also there. After a lively gathering, it must be time for family to have a heart-to-heart talk, right?”
“More or less. Your Fourth Aunt sent someone to say so. What’s the matter, are you two coming with me? Or will you take advantage of the last day to go find your dissolute friends for some fun?”
Bai Chaohe enjoyed teasing Feng Jinlin the most, and seeing him flustered made him incredibly happy.
Feng Jinyao knew that although this Fourth Uncle was not interested in court affairs, he had the lecturing demeanor of a teacher.
It was no wonder that at such a young age, he had become the youngest scholar at Yunqi Academy and was deeply favored by the dean.
If nothing unexpected happened, the next position of academician at Yunqi Academy would surely belong to this Fourth Uncle.
“Hmph, Fourth Uncle is not loyal. He clearly accepted several paintings from the former dynasty’s renowned scholar Xu Da from me and promised to keep it a secret. Yet, he turned around and told Big Brother. Look at his expression just now. If you all weren’t here, he might have eaten me alive.”
He patted his chest with lingering fear, as if he had been scared to death.
He tapped Feng Er’s head with his folding fan, “You brat, you’ve been skipping school for months and you’re still enjoying yourself. The spring imperial examination is less than four months away. If you don’t return to the academy and focus, I think you really want to fail, don’t you?”
“Alright, Second Brother, hurry back to the academy tomorrow. Be careful not to truly anger Father and Big Brother, or you won’t be able to handle it. Moreover, Yunhe will also be entering the academy. As his second uncle, you should set an example for him instead of just chasing cats and dogs all day. Aren’t you afraid your nephew will follow your example? He is the most promising child in our family. If you corrupt him, be careful Father seeks retribution from you!”
With a long sigh, his happy days were over.
Fine, he would burn the midnight oil for a few months. Once he got through this, it would be fine.
The few of them took a shortcut and soon arrived at the entrance of Shou Kang Yuan.
Before they even entered, they could hear laughter and merriment from within.
“Grandmother has a good spirit. I haven’t even come in yet, and I can hear your laughter.”
Feng Jinlin and the others filed in. Indeed, many people were seated inside, lively and cheerful.
“Greetings to Mother, greetings to the Madams.
“May Grandmother live a thousand years, may the Duke’s wife live a thousand years. May the Grand Madam live a thousand years.”
At the head were Madam Bai, the wife of the Duke of Zheng, and the Grand Madam of the General of Cavalry’s manor. Below them sat Eldest Aunt Madam Lin, Fourth Aunt Princess Wenyi, Bai Siruo, Xu Mingyue, and several young ladies whom they had only met once before.
“Good, good, all good. Come in quickly. It’s very cold outside. Cui Gu, serve Fourth Master and A’yao a cup of milk tea. I remember it’s their favorite.”
“Yes.”
After arranging for the two, Madam Bai beckoned to Feng Jinlin.
“Here comes that monkey of yours. Quick, let everyone have a look.”
He was no longer young, turning eighteen after the New Year. He had always been suppressed by his son-in-law, Feng Hai, who said that without official status, he should not discuss romantic matters.
Therefore, he had not even arranged a marriage.
Now, the ladies present were all from families with unmarried daughters or were related to them. Naturally, they had to praise him well.
There were also unmarried young ladies present. The entry of two external males might harm their reputation.
Thus, Eldest Aunt Madam Lin found an excuse, saying she wanted to take them around to see the plum blossoms that had been transplanted a few days ago.
With that, she led the unmarried young ladies away from Shou Kang Yuan.
Feng Jinyao sat next to Bai Siruo and asked in a low voice, “What are you talking about that’s so happy?”
“You don’t know yet? I heard that after the Lantern Festival, envoys from various countries will come to the court to pay tribute. This is a grand event that only happens once every three years. I only saw it once when I followed Mother to a night banquet. Those people are truly different from the people of our Great Jin Dynasty. Some have golden hair and blue eyes, some have red hair and blue eyes, and some are entirely black. I’ve never seen them before.”
Feng Jinyao was not surprised. In her previous life, after she got married, she had also seen a grand tribute from foreign vassals once, albeit from the window of Changchun Tower.
“Oh? Then why are you so happy?”
Bai Siruo lowered her voice, “The ones responsible for this tribute are the Duke’s wife’s legitimate son and eldest grandson. Both hold positions in the Ministry of Rites. From the tone, it seems they are about to be promoted.”
The Ministry of Rites had always been responsible for the sacrifices, foreign vassals, and the imperial examination arrangements of the Great Jin Dynasty. Although it seemed to have no real power on the surface, it handled important matters. If they performed well, the Emperor would be delighted, and promotion would be exceptionally easy.
It was indeed the Duke of Zheng who had foresight, arranging a path to success for his descendants.