"Even as an apology, since the trouble started with Feng Ninghe, she must go and apologize as well! The matter from five years ago is long past! We should focus on the present!"
Madam Zhang's face flushed with urgency as she spoke incessantly.
Feng Guangyao, unwilling to have his authority usurped, jumped up indignantly, voicing his grievances: "I have managed the Feng family meticulously all these years. If I have no merit, I certainly have worked hard. Now, to hand over the Feng family to such a young girl who hasn't even grown all her feathers!"
Sharp voices bickered noisily.
The First Elder, annoyed by the din, waved his hand and dismissed everyone: "Enough, all of you, disperse."
Several elders rose and left, unwilling to linger.
Madam Zhang glared fiercely at Feng Ninghe with unconcealed displeasure.
"Uncle, Aunt."
Before leaving, Feng Ninghe specifically glanced at the two in front of her. Her cool, clear voice was incongruous with their embarrassed fury: "Don't worry, I will certainly manage the Feng family well."
Madam Zhang, like a rat whose tail had been stepped on, let out a roar: "Feng Ninghe! It's all your fault that we've ended up like this! Don't think I don't know you're the one who crippled Tongtong's cultivation!"
Facing the accusation, Feng Ninghe's expression remained unchanged, as if she were detached from the situation.
She looked directly at the person before her, her red lips curving slightly beneath her veil, a hint of amusement in her eyes. Her voice was soft, "Even if I said I did it, what can you do to me?"
Even if she admitted it, no one would likely believe her.
The members of the Feng family could all testify that she had been by the pond that night and had never left.
These simple words made Feng Guangyao tremble with rage, his gaze fixed on her: "I knew it, you little slut. As soon as you returned to the Feng family, nothing good would happen. You came back alive just to torment us!"
"Feng Ninghe! Today, I will surely make you understand what it means to bring ruin upon yourself!"
Madam Zhang roared and charged fiercely towards Feng Ninghe.
But she couldn't even touch Feng Ninghe's sleeve.
"Uncle, Aunt, you should focus on preparing for the Third Miss's wedding."
The cold female voice drifted slowly.
Feng Ninghe strode out of the main hall.
At this moment, she also saw the younger generation of the Feng family stretching their necks to watch the commotion outside the hall.
"Congratulations, Eldest Miss. I believe under your leadership, the Feng family will prosper!"
Feng Xiaoru spoke first, a bright smile on her beautiful face, her eyes filled with admiration.
These simple words also brought a knowing smile to Feng Ninghe's lips. Her eyes flickered slightly, and she responded generously: "Since you trust me, I will not disappoint you."
The Duke of Zhenguo's estate had finally fallen into her hands.
The Feng family, unexpectedly, was now under her control.
But her revenge was far from over...
The younger generation of the Feng family sighed with emotion, a hint of admiration in their eyes.
She had, without realizing it, won their hearts.
To the younger generation, a former cripple who defied fate was the most inspiring.
Feng Tongtong's current predicament was entirely her own doing, and she had no one else to blame.
The events in the main hall were immediately relayed to Feng Tongtong.
She stared with disbelief, as if she had heard something preposterous: "Father was stripped of his position as family head, and Feng Ninghe is triumphant and has gained control of the Duke of Zhenguo's estate?"
Madam Zhang gritted her teeth in anger: "This bitch is ambitious and a disaster just by being alive!"
Feng Tongtong's lips trembled fiercely. She clutched Madam Zhang's sleeve and wailed: "Mother, I don't want to marry the First Prince! We've already fallen out, and marrying him will bring me no good!"
The imperial decree had been issued, and the wedding was less than a month away. Both families had already begun preparations.
Whether she wanted to or not, she had to marry.
Madam Zhang sighed softly, her eyes filled with pity and worry: "The only solution now is to go and apologize. I hope the First Prince will not blame you. You just need to attribute all the blame to Feng Ninghe. You still have the Feng family behind you, and the First Prince won't fall out with us."
Despite saying this, the thought of Baili Ye made Feng Tongtong clutch Madam Zhang's sleeve tightly: "Mother, there must be another way! I don't want to marry him! The First Prince said he would not give me a good life after we get married!"
Madam Zhang could only try to persuade her again and again...
Three days later.
After recuperating slightly, Baili Ye immediately entered the palace to pay his respects to the Emperor of Li.
He had intended to recount his grievances to the Emperor and severely accuse Feng Ninghe, so that this wretched woman would receive the punishment she deserved.
However, he was met with a closed door.
Outside the hall.
Baili烨 knelt without moving, hoping only to see the Emperor of Li.
Creak—
The hall door was gently pushed open.
Eunuch Jiang approached Baili Ye with a hint of helplessness, sighing softly: "The Emperor of Li has already retired for the night. Please return."
Baili Ye's expression was resolute, and his body remained motionless: "If I do not see the Emperor of Li today, I will not leave!"
Eunuch Jiang frowned and gently reminded him: "Eldest Prince, the Emperor of Li still needs to carefully consider who to bestow the position of Crown Prince upon. I hope you will live a more peaceful life from now on."
The implication was that Baili Ye had no chance of becoming Crown Prince.
These simple words reached Baili Ye's ears, and his face turned pale with fear. He shook his head in disbelief: "Feng Ninghe caused such a scene and insulted the dignity of the imperial family. How will this debt be settled?"
Eunuch Jiang's face showed a hint of emotion. He placed a finger by his lips and made a shushing gesture: "If the Eldest Prince does not want the situation to worsen, it is best to say less."
Inside the hall.
The Emperor of Li's face was ashen with anger. He placed his hands on his waist and grunted: "This scoundrel dares to enter the palace! How could I have given birth to such a creature!"
The Empress sighed softly: "Things have come to this, and there is no turning back. He owes Ninghe, and he should bear the consequences. Ninghe was born pitiful. Duke Zhenguo fought bravely and died for the country. We owe Ninghe."
The Emperor of Li's gaze deepened. He seemed to recall past events and sighed: "Indeed, Ninghe has already suffered greatly, and five years ago, she endured various hardships."
Thinking of the past, the Emperor of Li felt even more indebted to the Duke of Zhenguo's family.
Immediately, he summoned a servant: "Send word to the Eldest Miss of the Feng family, saying that there are countless fine men in the Li Kingdom, and she may choose freely! If she has someone she fancies, I will personally arrange the betrothal!"
Shi Wan.
Old Xu and Xiao Zhao were roasting chickens in the courtyard.
The Longevity Pill had made Xiao Zhao grow a little taller, and the pair of exquisite little horns on his head were now even more vibrant and conspicuous.
Shi Wan's servants were not capable of recognizing his true form, and even if he were discovered in human form, there would be little to fear.
Creak—
The room door made a faint sound.
Feng Ninghe, who had just woken up, seemed to smell something. Her eyes lit up, and she quickly pushed open the door.
In the courtyard, an old man and a young one were busy.
Old Xu was busy sprinkling seasoning on the roasted chicken.
Xiao Zhao was also not idle, setting out the bowls and chopsticks, and occasionally adding charcoal.
"Oh, there's something delicious."
The fragrant roasted chicken wafted into her nose, causing Feng Ninghe's eyes to involuntarily brighten.
She eagerly found an empty spot and sat down, her gaze fixed intently on the roasted chicken.