The Grand Elder raised an eyebrow, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face.
This marriage had been meticulously orchestrated by Feng Tongtong, and now she was the one seeking to annul it.
If anyone was to blame for the ensuing trouble, it certainly wasn't others.
On the bustling street.
Si Xin Xin, having played to her heart's content, drooped her eyelids, her delicate cheeks etched with clear weariness.
"Xin Xin, it's getting late. You should go back and rest. I'll play with you again next time."
Feng Ning He stopped walking and looked down at the small figure before her, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Si Xin Xin, drowsy, nodded obediently, fighting off sleep. "Pretty sister, don't keep me waiting too long."
Si Jian Ye and Ah Xi found themselves unable to interject into their conversation.
Seeing Si Xin Xin on the verge of sleep, Si Jian Ye swiftly scooped her up and held her close.
Feng Ning He didn't linger, turning to leave.
As he watched her retreating figure, Si Jian Ye's gaze deepened imperceptibly.
Ah Xi clicked his tongue, his eyes filled with admiration. "This eldest daughter of the Feng family is truly skilled."
With a few subtle maneuvers, she had pitted Bai Li Ye and Feng Tongtong against each other.
The betrothed couple had publicly fallen out.
With their wedding date fast approaching, they were now in such a state.
To everyone involved, it was undoubtedly a grand spectacle.
Si Jian Ye's eyes turned cold, and he spoke in a measured tone, "For the Feng family to have such a person is their good fortune."
At that moment, he also thought of Feng Qing Cheng, who was at the Immortal Sect.
Five years ago, Feng Qing Cheng had brought Si Xin Xin, seeking wealth and status.
Feng Ning He had also been schemed against five years ago.
The Feng family was indeed quite lively.
He paid little mind to these trivial matters, his only concern being Xin Xin's well-being.
The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
The moment Feng Ning He stepped into the mansion, a servant rushed forward to report, "Eldest Miss, the Family Head requests your presence. Several elders are also here."
Though the servant hadn't specified the reason, Feng Ning He already knew what they wished to discuss.
She nodded calmly and followed the servant.
In the main hall.
Several elders were gathered, engrossed in discussions on how to handle the situation.
Feng Guang Yao and Madam Zhang looked anxious.
Feng Ning He's arrival drew everyone's attention.
"The Eldest Miss has arrived."
Madam Zhang's eyes flickered, and she displayed a rare smile, instructing a maid to serve tea. "Quickly, serve the Eldest Miss a cup of hot tea."
The maid dared not delay, promptly preparing tea for Feng Ning He.
The fragrant steam from the tea was refreshing.
It was good tea.
But excessive kindness often hid ulterior motives.
Feng Ning He calmly picked up the cup and took a sip. "Aunt, you are quite attentive today. May I ask why the elders have gathered?"
Madam Zhang, unable to contain her anxiety, moved her lips and blurted out, "Tongtong doesn't want to marry the First Prince. You petitioned the Emperor to set the wedding date, and only you can persuade the Emperor to retract his decree."
"What are you saying, Aunt? The imperial decree has been issued. To ask the Emperor to retract it would be to offend him. It could even implicate the entire Feng family?"
With that, Feng Ning He set down her teacup.
Madam Zhang, desperate, ignored the implications and glared at her. "If you hadn't taken it upon yourself to petition the Emperor for the wedding date, this marriage could have been called off! Furthermore, you caused a scene at the First Prince's mansion. You started this trouble, and you should be the one to resolve it!"
The nagging voice became irritating, prompting Feng Ning He to gently rub her ear.
Her expression remained as indifferent as ever. "Aunt, the Third Miss has long admired the First Prince, and they were engaged long ago. I acted out of good intentions when I petitioned the Emperor. Instead of thanking me, you're blaming me?"
Her composed voice only served to further infuriate Madam Zhang.
Feng Guang Yao's face turned pale with anger. "Feng Ning He, if you hadn't openly provoked the First Prince, would this have happened?"
The public spat between Bai Li Ye and Feng Tongtong had also made other noble families eager to watch the drama unfold.
This incident was truly a disgrace.
Feng Ning He smiled it away and said unhurriedly, "Uncle, the First Prince is unjust and unrighteous. I merely administered a small punishment. I will confess my fault to the Emperor. As for the Third Miss biting off the First Prince's finger, that is not my concern."
"You!"
Madam Zhang, furious, jumped up and pointed at Feng Ning He.
The elders, fearing further escalation, quickly restrained Madam Zhang.
The Fourth Elder stroked his goatee and said soothingly, "The matter has come to this. The priority now is to resolve it. Further arguments are futile. Everyone, please calm down."
The options were now either to dissolve the engagement or to find a way to appease Bai Li Ye.
Madam Zhang understood the stakes. To protect her precious daughter, she had no choice but to suppress her anger and sit down.
Feng Guang Yao's gaze was stern, still placing all the blame on Feng Ning He. "Feng Ning He, if you hadn't caused this commotion, such a thing would not have happened. You are not blameless! If our Feng family offends the First Prince because of this, you must personally go and apologize!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang's eyes lit up, and she quickly chimed in, "You and Tongtong should go together to apologize, and this farce can be concluded. As long as the First Prince doesn't hold a grudge, Tongtong will not suffer any injustice after marrying him."
Ultimately, the demand for Feng Ning He to apologize was to ensure Feng Tongtong's well-being after marriage.
"Aunt, if you want to apologize so badly, then you go ahead. What wrong have I done that I should apologize?"
Feng Ning He appeared to find it amusing, raising an eyebrow, her indifferent eyes glinting with coldness.
Madam Zhang's face turned red with anger, and she pointed at her furiously. "You offended the First Prince first, so it's only natural for you to apologize! If you hadn't caused trouble, would these subsequent problems have arisen?"
Feng Guang Yao, without speaking immediately, nodded in agreement.
Beneath her veil, Feng Ning He's beautiful eyes held a smile, but her gaze was exceptionally cold.
She tilted her head slightly and spoke clearly, "The Third Miss and the First Prince colluded, falsely accusing me of an affair with a servant, and pushed me off a cliff five years ago. Feng Qing Cheng was also involved. How will you, Uncle and Aunt, apologize to me for this?"
"Nonsense!"
Madam Zhang's face turned ashen, and she immediately denied it. "Tongtong and Qing Cheng are kind-hearted and would never do such a thing. Don't slander them!"
Feng Ning He scoffed, her voice chilling. "The First Prince himself admitted this in front of everyone. It's common knowledge now. Aunt, are you trying to cover for them?"
The elders of the Feng family were stunned.
They exchanged glances, speechless for a moment.
What surprised them even more was Feng Qing Cheng's involvement.
Feng Qing Cheng had finally managed to enter the Immortal Sect. If the world knew of her involvement, not only would her reputation be ruined, but the Feng family would also be implicated.