Soon, Zhu Jin prepared a table of steaming hot breakfast.
After eating, Yun Li played with the Tangram with Yue Gui in the inner room, quiet and unlike his usual self.
"What's wrong with him?"
As a father, he had to admit that what his second brother had just said was true; he had indeed been negligent.
He had been excessively harsh on his eldest son, on whom he had placed his hopes, and had paid less attention to his habitually pampered second son. Seeing how much thinner he had become, his heart ached.
"A few days ago, the servant took him to the pond for winter fishing and he accidentally fell into the water. He then had a continuous fever. It was only because my second brother obtained a miraculous elixir that his condition stabilized. The imperial physician now says he only needs to rest, and by next spring, he'll be as energetic as ever, running around everywhere."
As she said this, Wen Shi was unaware, but the three siblings felt her maternal love overflowing.
"Nonsense, was he punished?"
"Yes, the servant was beaten and his monthly allowance was deducted. I think I'll replace Yun Li with two more reliable servants after the New Year."
Feng Jin Xu stared at Wen Shi for a long time. He saw the dark circles under her eyes that could not be hidden and that she had become even thinner. It seemed that taking care of Yun Li had taken a toll on her.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. "You still need to take care of your own health. You've lost weight. If it's too much for you, let Lin Lang take care of Yun Li. After all, she's his birth mother, and she won't cause any major problems."
Mentioning Lin Lang, Wen Shi felt uncertain. She hadn't reported to Feng Jin Xu when she had dealt with Lin Lang. If he found out that she had been sent to the manor, would he fly into a rage and blame her?
Even so, she felt that it was a matter of time, so she met Feng Jin Xu's gaze and spoke directly.
"Consort Lin clung to the unconscious Yun Li who had fallen into the water, repeatedly claiming that Yun He had tried to kill his brother. Even though the evidence was conclusive, she still insulted me and my child. So... so I took it upon myself to send her to the manor outside the city."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was a moment of silence.
Feng Jin Lin was afraid that his elder brother would blame his elder sister-in-law for this, as his previous favoritism towards that consort was obvious. He was about to speak up for his elder sister-in-law when he heard Feng Jin Xu say calmly,
"You are my wife, and the mother of two children. From now on, you will be in charge of matters in this courtyard."
His words conveyed his trust in Wen Shi. He didn't even mention Lin Lang's name. Zhu Jin and Yue Gui, who were standing nearby, were happy for their mistress.
Finally, the master was willing to trust their lady for once.
Wen Shi's eyes also reddened. If others hadn't been present, she would have cried heartily in Feng Jin Xu's arms.
Seeing her brother and sister-in-law getting along harmoniously, Feng Jin Yao was happy from the bottom of her heart.
She was an outsider to the affairs in her elder brother's courtyard and it was not convenient for her to comment.
Past events all had their causes and effects. Now that the couple could let go of their unpleasantness and reconcile, it was a good thing for them and for their two children.
These past few days, while Yun Li was ill, he had been staying in Wen Shi's room. Fearing that the illness might spread to Yun He, he had not been able to greet his mother for several days.
This morning, as soon as he got up, he heard that his father, second uncle, and aunt had arrived.
He excitedly got out of bed, quickly washed up, and hurried to Wen Shi's room.
As soon as he entered, he saw Yun Li sitting in his father's arms. He had seen this scene many times before, and he appeared calm on the surface, but he still felt a little sad inside.
"Yun He greets Father, Mother, Second Uncle, and Aunt."
After paying his respects, he stood up and walked over. His little face was tense, devoid of the playfulness that a child should have, looking exactly like a second Feng Jin Xu.
Yun He had intended to stand behind Wen Shi, but unexpectedly, Feng Jin Xu spoke, "Yun He, sit next to me."
Feng Yun He widened his eyes, wondering if his father had really said that.
He was momentarily lost in thought.
"I haven't held you for a while either. Come here, let your father see if you've grown taller and stronger." With that, he handed Yun Li, who was in his arms, to Feng Jin Lin beside him, and then reached out to pull Feng Yun He over, placing him on his lap.
Feng Yun He was completely stunned. As far as he could remember, his father had only ever held his second brother. He had never had such an opportunity. What was happening today? Why would his father take the initiative to hold him?
Seeing the shock on the child's face, Feng Jin Xu felt from the bottom of his heart that he had been too extreme in the past.
Even this little bit of fatherly affection seemed like a luxury to the child.
"Yes, you've grown taller and stronger. In another month, the academy will also start. Shall your mother, your brother, and I send you there?"
The tone of negotiation made Feng Yun He's nose sting. What was happening? After only a few days apart, his father seemed less stern and seemed to like and dote on him more.
"Your son will obey you."
Wen Shi watched, tears streaming down her face, and no matter how much she wiped them with her handkerchief, they wouldn't stop. Feng Jin Yao patted her hand. "Eldest sister-in-law..."
"I'm happy, so happy. Let's eat, let's eat while it's hot."
This breakfast made Feng Yun He feel at ease. He watched as his father occasionally served him and his mother, and his emotions of gratitude surged.
In the study, Feng Jin Yao had something to discuss with her elder brother, and she did not avoid her second brother.
It was rare for the three siblings to sit together and chat. Wen Shi had someone serve them tea, and she took the two children to the inner room herself.
"Eldest brother, the matter at the Dali Temple is almost settled, right? There are less than half a month until New Year's Eve. If you continue to be so busy, you might not even make it to the New Year's Eve dinner."
Feng Jin Yao said this while refilling their tea.
The tea was Jingming tea, his favorite, but the water temperature was a bit too hot, and the tea flavor had dissipated slightly, but it was still drinkable.
After taking a sip, he said slowly, "It's just these two days. Everything that needs to be handed over is almost done. My performance review has also been finalized. If there are no accidents, I will likely be posted to Qingzhou."
Qingzhou!
In his previous life, he had met with an accident on his way to take up his post in Qingzhou. How could Feng Jin Yao let him go this time?
"Has the transfer order been issued?"
"Not yet, but my maternal uncle mentioned it. He's quite familiar with people in the Ministry of Personnel, so he found out a few days ago."
That's good. Since the transfer order hasn't been issued yet, there's still hope!
"Does Eldest Brother have to be posted outside? Can't he stay in Dongdu City?" Feng Jin Yao's words puzzled Feng Jin Xu. She had never interfered in her family members' official careers before. Why was she saying this today?
"What's wrong?"
"I think Yun Li has just recovered from a serious illness, and Yun He will soon be going to Yunqi Academy. Neither of the two children can accompany you on your assignment. I was thinking that Eldest Sister-in-law would also stay in Dongdu City. You two have finally reconciled. If you leave for three years, who knows what will happen."