Madam Zhang was immediately silenced.
It was as if invisible hands were choking her, preventing her from uttering a single word.
To save his own life, Baili Ye admitted to the matter and placed all blame on Feng Tongtong.
Baili Ye's testimony, a confession in itself, also proved the truth of the incident.
Feng Guangyao, knowing he was in the wrong, plastered a fawning smile on his face. "Ninghe, it was just a bit of playful squabbling between the younger generation, it doesn't count. There must be some misunderstanding."
"Playful squabbling? Misunderstanding?"
Feng Ninghe raised a delicate eyebrow, scoffing as if at a joke. "Five years ago, I was pushed off a cliff. To my uncle, that was just a little scuffle. Perhaps I should push the third miss off a cliff too, and call it a little scuffle."
Feng Guangyao's expression immediately changed upon hearing this. He reprimanded in a low voice, "What happened five years ago is in the past. You're alive and well now, aren't you? Why are you still so petty and calculating? Tongtong's cultivation is already ruined. Pushing her off a cliff would surely kill her!"
Madam Zhang seized the opportunity to interject, "Tongtong is a pitiable girl. Regardless, you are all of the Feng clan, peers. You can discuss things calmly, why must you damage the harmony?"
The First Elder nodded with slight approval. "Indeed, everyone is gathered here today to resolve problems, not to create disputes."
Feng Ninghe picked up her teacup again, brought it to her lips, and took a sip. Her voice was icy. "Since we are here to resolve problems, I would trouble my uncle and aunt for an explanation. Uncle holds the power of the Zhenguo Duke, yet you indulge your own daughter to such an extent that it has led to this disaster today without any remorse. You are unworthy of the power of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion."
"What do you mean by that?"
Feng Guangyao became agitated. "For years, I have managed the Zhenguo Duke's mansion. If I haven't earned merit, I've certainly endured hardship. To think you want me to step down in just a few words is truly laughable!"
Feng Ninghe ignored Feng Guangyao and turned her gaze to the elders of the Feng family.
She rose and cupped her fists respectfully towards the elders. "Feng Guangyao is unworthy of his position. The third miss's affairs will only escalate. If she is not disciplined, how will outsiders view our Feng family?"
"Feng Ninghe! You are too young to bear the entire Feng family. Don't drag the Feng family down with you!"
Madam Zhang was the first to jump out, her face turning purple with anger.
Feng Ninghe sneered, her voice growing colder. "I am the daughter of the Zhenguo Duke, and inheriting the Zhenguo Duke's mansion is only natural. Even if something were to happen, the Medicine Valley can bear the losses. I only want the Zhenguo Duke's mansion. Uncle can continue to be the Feng family patriarch."
The Zhenguo Duke's mansion was the culmination of her parents' lifelong efforts.
She had to have it!
As for the Feng family, there was nothing worth her lingering for. It could be discarded.
The elders exchanged glances.
Feng Ninghe had the Medicine Valley behind her, which could offer assistance at critical moments.
More importantly, the elixirs Feng Ninghe had sent last time were very effective. A few more pills would greatly benefit the elders...
The Fourth Elder stroked his beard and said sagely, "Now that Ninghe has made such a remarkable appearance, she is qualified to inherit the Zhenguo Duke's title. It is time to hand over the power of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion to her."
The Feng family owed its current standing to the Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
If Feng Guangyao lost his authority, the position of Feng family patriarch would also become insignificant.
He turned red with anxiety and quickly explained, "What sense does it make to give power to a young girl? The eldest miss is young and impetuous and cannot control the Zhenguo Duke's mansion. Let her train for a few more years."
"The third miss's affairs have already caused a great stir. If our Feng family remains indifferent, those who are unaware will think uncle is covering everything up and that no one can control him."
Feng Ninghe clicked her tongue, her voice leisurely and calm.
Although Feng Guangyao was the Feng family patriarch, he could not act arbitrarily or cover everything up.
The Feng family still had four elders with decision-making power.
The Second Elder nodded, a hint of contemplation in his eyes. "The eldest miss speaks with reason. In my opinion, the power of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion should indeed be given to her. As for the patriarch's position, that can be discussed further."
The Third Elder quickly waved his hand. "Given how things have escalated, how can there be anything to discuss? I say we should first remove Feng Guangyao from his position as patriarch and let the eldest miss temporarily manage the family affairs. This will also allow her to learn properly."
With so many voices speaking, today's matter must be thoroughly discussed.
If Feng Guangyao remained the patriarch, people might forget that the Feng family had elders.
"Impossible!"
Feng Guangyao, unwilling to lose his authority, immediately protested, "The Feng family has many affairs, big and small, that a mere girl cannot handle. If the Feng family is ruined because of this, who will take responsibility?"
Madam Zhang quickly chimed in, "Exactly. Tongtong's conflict with the First Prince has not yet been resolved. The urgent matter is to deal with this."
Once the power was handed over, how easy would it be to get it back?
If only the power of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion were to be relinquished, they might endure it. But to also hand over the Feng family patriarch's position, that was unacceptable!
Looking at the two of them flustered and anxious, Feng Ninghe chuckled softly.
She felt a little more at ease.
Her voice, though soft, was firm and logical. "It was the third miss who insisted on marrying the First Prince. The Emperor kindly granted her wish with an imperial decree. Now that something has happened, she wants to revoke the marriage. Is the Emperor's kindness now a harm?"
Madam Zhang quickly shook her head. "Eldest miss, what are you saying? You have a good relationship with the Emperor. If you speak to him nicely, perhaps there is still a chance."
"Why should I plead?"
Feng Ninghe raised her eyebrows, her beautiful eyes turning cold, a hint of aloofness at the corners. "This was the marriage the third miss dreamed of. For it, she even colluded with the First Prince five years ago to frame me. She bit off the First Prince's thumb. Why should I cover for her?"
She was not a person who repaid kindness with virtue.
She treated others as they treated her.
The revenge for five years ago was enough to cost Feng Tongtong her life. This woman should be grateful to be alive with all her limbs intact.
However, what would happen after Feng Tongtong married the First Prince was another matter entirely.
"Feng Ninghe, you are so heartless! No matter what, she is your third sister! You are all part of the Feng family, fellow clan members, yet you refuse to help!"
Madam Zhang knew she couldn't win against this vixen, so she changed her tactic.
Unfortunately, these words were useless against Feng Ninghe.
Her heart had been shattered into pieces five years ago!
She had trusted these people so much back then, only to be betrayed and nearly lose her life.
"Enough. The power of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion will be returned to the eldest miss. Feng Guangyao is to be punished for his poor upbringing of his daughter. His position as patriarch will be temporarily revoked, and the eldest miss will act as interim patriarch to manage family affairs."
The First Elder spoke, his gaze sweeping over everyone.
It was said to be a temporary removal, but who knew if he would ever be reinstated.
Feng Guangyao was furious and about to speak.
However, the First Elder gave him no chance. "During this period, focus on preparing for the third miss's wedding. She made a mistake, and she must bear the consequences. Take her to the First Prince to apologize. As long as the Feng family is here, the First Prince would not dare to slight her."
The Feng family was not a minor household. The First Prince would naturally not dare to openly harm Feng Tongtong, but privately... who could say for sure...