Xiao Zhao lazily sprawled on Feng Ninghe's shoulder, occasionally lifting an eyelid to observe their surroundings, muttering softly.
Countless people wished to become their master's disciple.
This little girl's aptitude was indeed excellent; she would not be inferior if nurtured well.
Master, do you wish to take her as a disciple?
The answer was, naturally, no.
Bai Niannian looked at her eagerly, about to speak when Bai Hongyu, standing beside her, stopped her. "Niannian, Father just woke up, and we still have many things to do. It's not convenient to stay here any longer."
Only then did Bai Niannian swallow the words that had reached her lips. Her eyes, however, darted around in their sockets.
Everyone was in Li Country, so finding Feng Ninghe wouldn't be difficult; there was no rush.
The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
The news of Feng Ninghe publicly humiliating Bai Xixi spread like wildfire.
Feng Tongtong, fearing the world wouldn't be chaotic enough, embellished the story.
"This Feng Ninghe, she just got her hands on the Feng family's power and is already acting like a tyrant. Does she want the entire Feng family to be ruined because of her!"
Feng Guangyao reprimanded her sternly, his gaze flickering, harboring hidden intentions.
Upon learning of this matter, he had already summoned the Feng family elders, intending to use this opportunity to tarnish Feng Ninghe's reputation.
Several elders of the Feng family sat in the main hall, their faces etched with worry.
Feng Tongtong glanced at everyone, concealing the ruthlessness in her eyes, and said softly, "The Bai family's status in Li Country is not to be underestimated. Bai Xixi is the adopted daughter of the Bai family's patriarch and holds a certain position within the family. Offending her will do us no good."
The Bai family was the head of the four great families, and no one wished to offend them.
The First Elder lowered his gaze and said softly, "When Ninghe returns, we will question her properly and naturally understand the whole story."
Feng Tongtong let out a muffled snort. "For years, our Feng family and the Bai family have been on good terms. We cannot let one Feng Ninghe damage the relationship between the two families."
"Exactly!"
Feng Guangyao spoke first. "She has only just taken power and is already causing such a commotion. We must carefully consider whether she is fit to lead the Feng family."
"I didn't expect my uncle to care so much about me."
At this moment, a clear female voice entered the main hall.
Feng Ninghe's eyes were slightly cold, a hint of aloofness flickering in her gaze.
Her arrival successfully captured everyone's attention.
Feng Guangyao glanced at her and grunted, "It concerns the safety of my Feng family, so naturally, I need to be concerned."
Feng Ninghe found it all rather noisy. She gently rubbed her ears and casually chose an empty seat, saying, "Since the Feng family is under my leadership, I will naturally consider the family's best interests. My uncle need not worry about this matter."
Her relaxed demeanor carried a hint of languor.
Feng Guangyao's face turned ashen with anger, and he warned her with a look full of menace, "Feng Ninghe, the Feng family is not yours alone. You'd best be careful. If the Feng family suffers because of you, don't think you can shirk responsibility."
Madam Zhang grumbled from the side, "You openly provoked Bai Xixi. Where does that leave the Bai family's dignity? If the Bai family seeks retribution, do not implicate the Feng family!"
The Feng family elders did not rush to speak, their expressions calm as they patiently waited, clearly expecting a reasonable explanation.
"Bai Xixi provoked the dignity of my Feng family. My actions to discipline her are both reasonable and justifiable. Elders, please rest assured, this person was handed over to me by the Bai family themselves. The Bai family naturally knows what I intend to do and will not seek retribution."
Feng Ninghe explained softly.
However, her explanation sounded like a mere excuse to Feng Guangyao.
Feng Guangyao scoffed dismissively and mockingly questioned, "Even if she offended you, the Bai family is a noble lineage. How could they easily hand someone over to you for punishment? Moreover, Bai Xixi is the adopted daughter of the Bai family patriarch!"
Under normal circumstances, the Bai family would indeed not easily hand someone over.
Bai Xixi had nearly caused the death of Old Master Bai and had repeatedly spoken disrespectfully to Feng Ninghe, her savior. This situation was different, and thus, could not be compared.
"Indeed. The Bai family holds immense power. Even the Feng family elders would be respectful when facing the Bai family. What great face do you have to make the Bai family hand someone over to you?"
Feng Tongtong sneered coldly, her gaze, tinged with scrutiny, sweeping over Feng Ninghe inch by inch.
Feng Ninghe picked up the warm tea and took a sip, then casually raised her eyes to glance at Feng Tongtong. "If you don't believe me, why not go to the Bai family and inquire?"
Feng Tongtong, enraged, abruptly stood up, her eyes glaring fiercely at Feng Ninghe. "Your attitude is so nonchalant! As the acting head of the Feng family, how can you disregard the Feng family's dignity like this..."
*Slap!*
A crisp sound of a slap echoed, interrupting Feng Tongtong's words.
Her cheek began to swell visibly.
The perpetrator of this was calmly leaning back, sipping her tea.
"You dare to hit me!"
Feng Tongtong's face turned red, her eyes wide with fury.
Feng Ninghe calmly raised her eyes and looked at her, her gaze as serene as the sea. "As the head of the Feng family, how can I allow others to speak so presumptuously? This was merely a small punishment today."
Madam Zhang could not stand it any longer and stepped forward, accusing Feng Ninghe. "Tongtong was speaking the truth. How dare you abuse your authority and strike her! Today, I, her aunt, will teach you a good lesson."
Feng Ninghe raised an elegant eyebrow and snapped her fingers. A surge of spiritual energy swiftly flew towards Madam Zhang's cheek.
Madam Zhang gasped. "You... you hit me too?"
She clutched her aching cheek, unable to believe she had been slapped.
"Feng Ninghe! You have no respect for your elders! Do you still have any regard for your uncle?!"
Feng Guangyao's face was ashen, and he glared at Feng Ninghe, his anger simmering.
The Feng family elders were stunned.
They had never expected Feng Ninghe to be so decisive and swift.
At this moment, a servant hurried in, exclaiming, "Elders, someone from the Bai family has arrived!"
Madam Zhang, clutching her aching cheek, glared fiercely at Feng Ninghe. "Now the Bai family has come to settle the score. I'd like to see how you will handle this."
Feng Ninghe did not even look at her, quickly instructing the servant, "Please invite them to the main hall."
The servant hesitated slightly, looking at the elders seated in the main hall.
Feng Ninghe had publicly humiliated Bai Xixi, and the servant feared that the Bai family had come to demand an explanation.
Not only the servant, but the Feng family elders were equally apprehensive.
"What should we do?"
The Third Elder anxiously ran a hand over his forehead, beads of sweat forming.
Even if Feng Ninghe was telling the truth, her actions were too disrespectful of the Bai family's dignity.
The First Elder gritted his teeth and quickly told the servant to go and invite the guests. "Since they are here, let's bring them in quickly. What is meant to be will be."
Only then did the servant quickly turn and leave.
The First Elder did not forget to admonish Feng Ninghe. "Ninghe, what you did today was indeed a bit excessive. Even if Madam Feng and Miss Sai spoke disrespectfully, was there a need to slap them? We won't discuss this matter for now. Be polite when you meet the people from the Bai family later."
The Second Elder nodded repeatedly. "Indeed. After this incident, no matter what, your humiliation of Bai Xixi is a fact. Being respectful to the Bai family members will not be wrong."
Feng Tongtong watched everything with schadenfreude, her crimson lips curving into a triumphant smile. "Now you deserve it. Everyone must take responsibility for their own actions. Don't drag the Feng family down."