In recent years, Feng Ninghe had not been by Xin Xin's side. Even though the separation back then was unavoidable, she now wanted to spend quality time with her daughter.
Si Xin Xin nodded without hesitation, her small cheeks filled with happiness.
It felt so good to have her mother around.
As if remembering something, Feng Ninghe specifically glanced at A Xi beside her. "Where is Si Jianye?"
"We've only been apart for a moment, and you already miss me?"
Suddenly, a deep male voice sounded from behind.
Si Jianye, clad in a black robe embroidered with intricate patterns, had the sunlight casting freely upon his face, illuminating his chiseled features.
Feng Ninghe's delicate brows furrowed instantly at his words. She looked at Si Jianye with slight displeasure. "I merely asked casually. Your Majesty, the King of Hell, need not overthink it."
She hadn't thought Si Jianye was so shameless before, but now, seeing him, his thick skin was truly remarkable.
Si Jianye walked towards them slowly, his handsome face carrying a hint of tenderness. "Xin Xin, Daddy has found a beautiful place perfect for outings. Why don't Daddy take you there?"
"Okay!"
Si Xin Xin's bright eyes sparkled as she eagerly replied, "Then let's go play together!"
Their exchange successfully made Feng Ninghe raise her delicate brows. She instinctively tightened her grip on Si Xin Xin's hand. "Xin Xin, the opera house is more interesting. Mother will take you to the opera house."
Si Jianye strode forward, arriving before them. His deep eyes turned to Si Xin Xin. "The opera house is boring. Daddy will take you to see the scenery and catch wild rabbits to eat."
As they spoke back and forth, Si Xin Xin froze in place.
A Xi was also stunned.
The dignified King of Hell was acting like a child, vying to decide where to take the young lady.
Feng Ninghe raised her eyebrows, her gaze falling upon Si Jianye.
Their eyes met, and an inscrutable emotion flickered in both their gazes.
The atmosphere intensified, and even the air seemed to solidify slightly.
"Xin Xin, do you want to go play with Mother or with Father?"
Feng Ninghe handed the decision to Si Xin Xin.
Si Xin Xin's tender face showed a hint of thought. Her childish voice slowly uttered, "Xin Xin wants to go to both! We can go together! We can see the scenery today and the opera house tomorrow."
Her words easily resolved the conflict.
A smile bloomed on Feng Ninghe's face, and she readily nodded. "Alright, then we'll see the scenery today and go to the opera house tomorrow."
"Eldest Miss!"
Chi Xia's voice came from outside the courtyard.
The urgent female voice struck their ears, and Feng Ninghe's brows immediately tightened. She strode forward. "Xin Xin, wait for me here. I'll go see what's happening."
She blocked the entrance from the outside. Chi Xia did not see the people in the courtyard.
Feng Ninghe's gaze calmly fell upon Chi Xia, her eyes carrying a hint of inquiry. "What has happened?"
Chi Xia, out of breath, panted, "Eldest Miss... the Prince of Zhenyang is at the mansion's entrance, shouting that he wants to see you!"
"Prince of Zhenyang? What does he want?"
Feng Ninghe let out a muffled hum, a hint of annoyance clouding her beautiful face.
She held no good feelings for this Prince of Zhenyang; on the contrary, she felt immense disgust.
Chi Xia shook her head frantically. "This servant does not know why he is here, but he said that if you do not come out, he will force his way into the mansion. Feng Guangyao and others are with him."
These simple words made Feng Ninghe instantly understand Baili Yang's purpose for coming.
He was here to stand up for Feng Guangyao and his family.
She scoffed, a hint of coldness in her eyes as she looked at Chi Xia. "Alright, I understand. You may withdraw."
Feng Ninghe turned and walked back into the courtyard, looking at Si Xin Xin, who was waiting. "Xin Xin, Mother has some troublesome matters to attend to. Wait here for a moment, Mother will be back soon."
Si Xin Xin obediently nodded and replied crisply, "Okay, Xin Xin will wait here obediently~"
After a brief explanation, Feng Ninghe turned and left.
Watching Feng Ninghe's departing figure, Si Xin Xin looked up at Si Jianye. "Daddy, shall we go watch the excitement too? See what trouble Mother has to deal with."
At the entrance of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
Baili Yang's face was grim. Feng Guangyao and others were behind him.
Feng Guangyao also wanted an explanation.
Over the years, he had devoted himself to the Feng family, contributing his efforts if not his merits. Now, Feng Ninghe, disregarding their past relationship, had expelled him from the Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
Feng Tongtong was on the verge of marrying the First Prince. Their union would be beneficial to the Feng family.
Even with his missing arm, the First Prince was still royalty, his status undeniable.
"Why hasn't Feng Ninghe come out yet?"
Baili Yang lost his patience, his brows furrowed in anger. He glared at the servants at the door. "If she doesn't come out soon, I will force my way in!"
Feng Qingcheng was still trying to smooth things over. "Prince of Zhenyang, when you see Eldest Sister later, please do not act rashly. We can discuss matters calmly. She is my Eldest Sister, after all. We grew up together, and there must be some lingering affection."
Seeing Feng Qingcheng still trying to mediate, Baili Yang let out a sigh, his eyes filled with helplessness. "Qingcheng, the kind are often bullied. You are too kind, which is why she disregards affection, acts wickedly, and drives you out of the mansion."
Feng Tongtong did not forget to add fuel to the fire. "Prince of Zhenyang, when you see Feng Ninghe later, please help us seek justice. I don't know what sorcery that demoness used to make us publicly declare ourselves worse than pigs and dogs!"
Baili Yang readily agreed. "Alright, I will definitely seek justice for you in this matter! Uncle Feng has contributed greatly to the Feng family. As soon as Feng Ninghe took over as head of the family, she plunged the Feng family into chaos!"
"Prince of Zhenyang, you seem to have too much free time. Instead of being idle, you should return to your mansion and rest. Why are you at the Zhenguo Duke's mansion?"
At this moment, a cold female voice slowly drifted from the mansion's entrance.
A layer of coldness settled on Feng Ninghe's exquisitely featured face, her indifferent gaze sweeping over the group before her.
She leaned casually against the doorframe, her elegant posture exuding a cool aura.
As she leaned there, she became a captivating sight, impossible to look away from.
When his gaze fell upon her stunningly beautiful face, Baili Yang's eyes widened in admiration.
This face was indeed beautiful.
It was a pity that beneath this beautiful facade lay a heart as venomous as a snake.
"Feng Ninghe, what is the meaning of you driving Uncle Feng and the others out of the mansion? This is Qingcheng's home, where she grew up. It is too cruel of you to treat them this way!"
Baili Yang retracted his gaze and began to accuse her.
Feng Guangyao took the opportunity to sigh. "A daughter grows up and leaves. If I had known I was raising an ungrateful wretch all these years, I shouldn't have raised her back then!"
Madam Zhang grumbled beside him, slightly displeased. "Indeed, we have contributed our efforts to the Feng family, if not our merits. But she threw us out of the mansion and even discarded our luggage. It is truly excessive!"
Feng Ninghe's gaze lowered, looking down from above. Her calm voice, devoid of any emotion, stated, "The Zhenguo Duke's mansion is mine. I decide who lives here. Have you not embarrassed yourselves enough in broad daylight?"