Old Man Xu looked up slightly, his gaze falling upon Feng Ninghe. "Do you truly intend to treat Si Xin Xin? That masked man's words were full of warnings. If you make any mistakes, I have no doubt he will act against you."
They were unaware of the masked man's identity, but they could sense that he was a powerful and not to be trifled with individual.
Feng Ninghe smiled, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "Xin Xin is still young and adorable. I genuinely wish to help her."
From the moment she saw Si Xin Xin, she felt a connection with the child. Even without any personal gain, she wanted to offer her assistance.
Old Man Xu raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze fixed on her. Finally, with a sigh, he said no more.
"The flowering period of the Spirit Gathering Flower is very short. Since you are here at the manor, you should cultivate diligently. Perhaps you will even have an opportunity to break through your cultivation."
Feng Ninghe calmly rose, spoke her piece, and then unhurriedly returned to her room.
In the blink of an eye, seven short days had passed.
These past few days, Feng Ninghe had enjoyed a rare period of peace. Feng Tong Tong was busy recuperating from her injuries and had no time to bother her.
The Spirit Gathering Flowers in the pond, which had been in full bloom, had all closed. The spiritual energy was no longer as dense as before.
The Feng family members were also preparing to depart from this place.
"Elders, do you have any clues about the person who attacked Tong Tong that day?" Feng Guangyao's gaze fell upon the elders.
The elders exchanged glances, then finally shook their heads in denial.
The First Elder sighed, "There were no abnormalities that night, and no one saw anyone intrude into the Third Miss's room. Investigating will be quite difficult."
The Second Elder's eyes were filled with regret. "Tong Tong's talent is not bad; among these juniors, she is considered outstanding. Her cultivation was ruined just like that. The Feng family has invested a lot in her over the years. Who could have foreseen this?"
As the elders' discussions reached her ears, Feng Tong Tong's eyes narrowed. She resentfully turned her gaze towards Feng Ninghe. "The culprit is right before us, yet everyone claims it wasn't her, and everyone turns a blind eye. It's truly laughable."
Feng Tong Tong had pondered for a long time but couldn't figure out what had happened. She had seen it with her own eyes; the person who attacked her was indeed Feng Ninghe. Yet, everyone insisted Feng Ninghe had not left the pond.
"Third Miss, perhaps it is precisely because of your aggressive mouth that you offended someone, leading to your cultivation being ruined." At this moment, a clear female voice slowly descended.
Feng Ninghe's lips moved slightly as she spoke. The simple words, upon reaching Feng Tong Tong's ears, made her pale and her face turn ashen, like a rat whose tail had been stepped on. She strode towards Feng Ninghe. "You demoness must have used sorcery! I saw it clearly, it was you who attacked me, and you still claim it was for revenge!"
Looking at the clown before her, Feng Ninghe remained unfazed. She deliberately turned to the elders. "The Third Miss has repeatedly slandered me. If she dares to speak nonsense and ruin my reputation again, I cannot guarantee what I might do."
"Feng Ninghe! You insidious wretch!" Feng Tong Tong, unable to contain her rage, took a step forward, intending to rush at Feng Ninghe. Before she could touch Feng Ninghe, she was flung away by a surge of spiritual energy.
Feng Ninghe indifferently brushed her sleeves, her voice cold. "This is just a small warning this time."
The First Elder could not bear to watch any longer and spoke up. "Third Miss, everything requires evidence. Moreover, everyone saw Feng Ninghe at the pond and she had no opportunity to attack you."
The Second Elder raised his eyebrows, disappointment evident in his eyes. "Third Miss, it is understandable that you are heartbroken and distressed by the ruin of your cultivation, but you cannot arbitrarily slander others."
The elders' attempts to persuade her only made Feng Tong Tong more enraged. The murderer was right before her, yet she could do nothing to Feng Ninghe.
"Tong Tong." Madam Zhang walked over and gently tugged at Feng Tong Tong's sleeve. "Your body has not yet healed. The priority now is to recuperate. Put everything else aside for now."
Feng Tong Tong understood that despite her grievances, she could not act out. Everyone stood on Feng Ninghe's side. If she were to make a scene, it would only be detrimental.
Feng Ninghe paid her no mind and walked away. Soon, she boarded the carriage.
Chi Xia said with a slight worry, "Eldest Miss, the Third Miss's unreasonable behavior suggests she has targeted you. After all, she will marry the First Prince and become a royal consort. It would be best to keep your distance from her."
Feng Ninghe looked at her dismissively. "She is the one who should stay away from me. You don't need to fear her. With me protecting you, no one will dare to harm Shi Wan's people."
Chi Xia's heart remained somewhat uneasy, but when she met Feng Ninghe's resolute gaze, she suddenly gained confidence and nodded without hesitation. "Your servant believes in Eldest Miss!"
Feng Tong Tong, filled with burning anger, boarded the carriage and gritted her teeth. "Mother, it is unbearable to see Feng Ninghe before me and be unable to touch her."
Madam Zhang knew her mood perfectly well. However, Feng Ninghe had grown to this point, with the immortal Xu as her backer. How could it be easy to deal with her? Madam Zhang could only comfort her softly. "Tong Tong, Mother will not let you suffer in vain. Once you become a royal consort, won't it be as easy as flipping your hand to deal with her?"
Feng Tong Tong lowered her eyes, her eyes involuntarily moistening slightly. "Mother, but from now on, I am just a cripple. If the First Prince finds out..."
"The First Prince will never know!" Madam Zhang retorted sharply, interrupting her. "The Feng family elders will keep this matter secret. No one will spread it around."
Feng Tong Tong's unease only deepened. "If that slut Feng Ninghe spreads it around, the First Prince will surely find out. She ruined my cultivation yet pretends to be innocent. She is truly detestable!" Thinking of Feng Ninghe's nonchalant demeanor, she gnashed her teeth in hatred.
Mentioning this, Madam Zhang's eyes showed a hint of confusion. "It is strange, but Feng Ninghe was the one who proactively suggested that you and the First Prince marry as soon as possible. Since she brought it up, she likely won't say much about it."
"What?" Feng Tong Tong raised her eyebrows in surprise, her eyes showing unconcealed astonishment. "Would she be so kind?"
Madam Zhang also found Feng Ninghe's intentions difficult to understand. She said softly, "No one thought of marriage at the time. She was the first to suggest it."
An early marriage was beneficial and harmless to Feng Tong Tong. She had to marry as soon as possible now. With the First Prince as her backer, she could be at ease.
Feng Tong Tong's exquisitely made-up face contorted. "What exactly does she want? She might have other plans in mind." She did not believe Feng Ninghe truly cared for her, yet she could not refuse this marriage.
Madam Zhang shook her head, indicating she didn't know. "Regardless, the marriage will not harm you. Now that things have come to this, the sooner this marriage is settled, the better."
By the time everyone arrived at the Zhenguo Duke's mansion, it was already dark. A crescent moon hung high in the night sky. Old Man Xu yawned as he entered Shi Wan. "I need to rest well, so I'll take my leave."