Feng Jin Yao smiled at him, and Yin Can Wen, caught off guard, almost froze.
Then, Feng Er's voice came from behind, "A Yao? Why are you here so early in the morning?"
"I was thinking of going to see Yun Li. Brother, do you want to come along?"
Feng Jin Yao asked with a faint smile. She noticed a few water droplets still on Feng Jin Lin's face. His fitted martial arts attire accentuated his strong physique, making Yin Can Wen beside him appear rather frail.
However, Feng Jin Yao didn't dwell on it. Yin Can Wen saw her gaze fall upon him with such indifference, and a sense of disappointment washed over him. But he quickly reminded himself that he was from a humble background; how could he possibly aspire to be close to this cherished jewel of the Feng family?
He resolved to study diligently. If he could one day achieve high honors and become a pillar of the empire, perhaps he might have a slim chance.
"Let's go."
The siblings walked together, and within a few steps, they reached their elder brother's courtyard. Coincidentally, they encountered Feng Jin Xu, who was just returning, accompanied by the Sixth Prince, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.
They seemed to be quite friendly.
The Sixth Prince had interacted more with Feng Jin Xu previously and had less contact with his two younger siblings. However, observing them now, one stood tall and exuded youthful vigor, while the other was cool and ethereal, like a fairy under the moonlight.
"This prince has always felt that Brother Feng is outstanding. Seeing your younger brother and sister today, I am utterly amazed."
The Sixth Prince spoke in a gentle and amiable tone, as if he had grown up bathed in sunlight. There was no royal scheming or power-grabbing in him. He had always possessed a free-spirited nature, quite similar to his mother, Consort Liu Xian.
"Your Highness is too kind."
Feng Jin Xu, who was naturally taciturn and steady, felt a flicker of excitement at the praise for his siblings.
"Your Highness, weren't you going to the study to view the 'Misty Rain of Min River' painting?"
"Ah, yes, yes! You reminded me; I almost forgot the purpose of my visit today. I shall not disturb you further and will take my leave."
Feng Jin Yao and her brother bowed to him, their movements impeccable.
As their figures disappeared into the covered walkway, Feng Jin Lin revealed his true feelings and spoke to Feng Jin Yao with a hint of displeasure.
"A Yao, in the future, try to stay away from these princes. I don't want you to be favored by any of them and end up in the back courtyard, competing with a host of concubines and mistresses. It's such a tiresome affair."
This statement puzzled Feng Jin Yao. "Why are you suddenly saying this?"
"Who wouldn't envy the glory of the imperial family? But once one sits on that throne, how many can truly live a happy life? Look at those imperial consorts and concubines; they spend their days maintaining a dignified demeanor as virtuous wives. I think it's far less liberating than Mother's life."
His voice lowered so only the two of them could hear. Feng Jin Yao looked up at him, her eyes glistening slightly.
Brother indeed cared for her so deeply, never linking family honor with her marriage, his words solely focused on her future happiness. Feng Jin Yao was deeply touched.
"I understand. I don't enjoy such bustling affairs either, and I hope you don't either. If a princess were to take a liking to you and want you as a consort, your happy days would likely be over."
"Hahaha, don't worry. No one in this world can force me. If that day ever comes, I'll run off to join the army. Dying on the battlefield would be better than being stifled in the inner chambers!"
His words were hearty and unrestrained, yet Feng Jin Yao felt a pang of fear.
As they spoke, they entered their elder brother's courtyard. Gui Lan, standing by the corridor, beamed with joy upon seeing them and lifted the curtain, inviting them in.
"Sister-in-law, we've come to see Yun Li."
"You're here?"
Wen Shi, unaware of their arrival, was holding a bowl of freshly brewed lean meat congee and feeding it to Yun Li bit by bit.
Anyone witnessing this scene would surely see Wen Shi's kindness, as if she were nurturing her own son.
"Greetings, Second Uncle, Aunt."
Children's hearts are the most sensitive. After a few days together, he now regarded Wen Shi as his own mother.
Although he had been raised by Concubine Lin Lang before, he had spent most of his time with his wet nurse. If there was any deep affection, it was likely due to blood ties. Now, his feelings for Wen Shi were a genuine mother-son bond.
"Mother, I'm tired of lying down. Can I go out and play with Aunt Zhu Jin for a while?"
Feng Jin Lin raised an eyebrow, looking at Yun Li. He remembered Yun Li as a plump child, with a haughty demeanor, looking down on servants as if they were beneath him, much like his birth mother.
How had it only been a few days, and he was already calling Zhu Jin "Aunt"?
"Yun Li, you are..."
Wen Shi nodded. The physician had said that children naturally loved to be active, and a little movement during illness was beneficial for recovery.
Thus, Yun Li got out of bed and took a few steps. Though still a little weak, he looked much better than before.
Feng Jin Yao crouched down and touched Yun Li's forehead. Wen Shi said gently, "After eating the Buddha's Heart Fruit that Second Brother sent, he hasn't had a fever since. However, there are still two pills left of Second Brother's medicine. Since you're here, take them back."
"Sister-in-law, please don't be so polite. You have two children in your room. It's best to keep the medicine here in case of emergencies."
An adult might endure a fever, but a child could not.
Thinking this, Wen Shi didn't insist. She merely instructed Zhu Jin to keep the medicine safe, emphasizing that such precious items should not be wasted.
"Has Elder Brother come to see Yun Li?"
Upon hearing Feng Jin Yao's question, Wen Shi's previously happy face darkened. "The Master hasn't returned for several days; he's been busy at the Dali Temple. Just now, Gui Lan reported that he took the Sixth Prince to the study. I haven't had a chance to tell him about this yet."
So that was it.
"It's not that I want to say it, but Elder Brother is too negligent as a father. He was so harsh with Yun He before, and now he's completely unaware of Yun Li's illness. If Sister-in-law weren't holding things together in this courtyard, it would have fallen into chaos long ago."
Feng Jin Lin, who was always fair, spoke the truth.
As he was complaining, Gui Lan's clear voice announced from behind, "Greetings to the Master."
"Mm."
Feng Jin Xu walked in with a stern expression. Upon seeing Feng Jin Lin, the warning in his eyes was unmistakable.
Was he complaining about someone and got overheard? He was truly unlucky. However, his words were entirely truthful, so he met Feng Jin Xu's gaze fearlessly.
Fearing that this might create a rift between the brothers, Wen Shi quickly stepped in to mediate.
"Master, you're back? Where is the Sixth Prince?"
"His Highness had other matters and has already left."
"Then has Master had breakfast? If not, I'll have Zhu Jin prepare more. It will be lively with Second Brother and Third Sister here too."
Wen Shi looked at Feng Jin Xu with eagerness and hope. Feng Jin Xu, having already eaten at the Dali Temple, could only nod. "Prepare it then."
Feng Jin Lin, however, was somewhat displeased. Facing his elder brother's stern face, even the most delicious breakfast would be hard to swallow.