If she could have been personally tutored by her maternal grandfather, she was confident that her resentment would have been channeled in the right direction. At that point, his protective nature would have been beyond the control of the third branch. "Misfortune is what fortune relies on; fortune is what misfortune hides within. If Third Uncle knew of today's events, do you think he would have still abandoned the Qiao family's young master back then?" Feng Er was curious, wondering what kind of incident could make a father disown his own child.
Feng Jin Yao let out a cold laugh. "Third Uncle valued his future and reputation above all else. He must have abandoned the child because the child would have hindered his path. I don't think he cared much for Bai Si Han either, otherwise, she wouldn't have been raised into what she is by Madam Shen."
What they said made sense. The siblings exchanged words, and soon they arrived at the Feng Manor.
Upon entering the Ning An Courtyard, they happened to meet Feng Yun He, who had just arrived and was looking at them with a happy expression.
The first lunar month had not yet passed, so the weather was still cold. How could he be standing here, having just recovered from a serious illness?
Feng Er walked over and gently chided him, "Your body hasn't fully recovered yet, why are you running around? If you need anything, just send someone to call us."
"Second Uncle, don't worry. Look at my body, it's completely healed. If you don't believe me, surely you believe Divine Doctor Zhang?" He then pulled up his sleeve. Indeed, the terrifying wounds had healed into pink flesh. If one didn't look closely, they wouldn't be able to tell that he had suffered from such a dangerous bout of smallpox.
From the onset of the illness to his recovery, it had been less than a month. He looked almost as healthy as he had before the New Year. Who would have believed it if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes?
His gratitude towards Divine Doctor Zhang was beyond words. "When you are fully recovered, you must visit Divine Doctor Zhang personally to thank him. If it weren't for him, your life might have been lost."
"Second Uncle, don't worry, your nephew knows."
Feng Jin Yao smiled and walked over, tightening the cloak around him. Then she said, "Let's go inside quickly. We can talk about anything once we're in."
"Thank you, Auntie."
The three entered the inner room, and warmth enveloped them. Yun Xu stepped forward to help them remove their cloaks and then brought them warm cloths to wipe their hands.
Xiou Qiu served hot tea and pastries, while La Mei placed a soft cushion on Feng Yun He's stool, fearing that his wound might be rubbed.
Such thoughtful service earned the admiration of He Huan, who had accompanied Feng Yun He.
"They say the rules in Third Miss's courtyard are excellent, and her maids are all capable. Seeing it today, I must say it's true. I, myself, serve Eldest Young Master with all my heart, yet I'm not as thoughtful as these maids," He Huan was beautiful and lively. Ever since she began taking care of Feng Yun He, his mature demeanor had softened, and he had developed a bit of a childish temper, which was why Feng Er and Feng Jin Yao were quite fond of her.
"You are too modest. I've heard your sister-in-law praise you several times, saying you take very good care of Yun He!" Feng Jin Yao replied with a smile.
Since the matter with Concubine Lin Lang had concluded, she hadn't had a chance to see He Huan. She had previously considered bringing her over to serve her, so she could use her to monitor Fu Yi's every move.
Who knew she would be assigned by her eldest brother to serve Yun He? This was also good. Yun He had Han Jiang, whom she had arranged earlier, to monitor He Huan discreetly and avoid alarming anyone.
"Yun He, what is it that brings you here?"
"I came to find Second Uncle, but I heard Second Uncle and Auntie had gone out, so I came here to try my luck, hoping to find you."
"What do you need me for?" Feng Er asked curiously.
"In two more days, aren't you going to the academy? I want to go with you."
"Nonsense, your body can't withstand the jolting. Moreover, the academy is on the mountain, and it's even colder than outside. If you go with me, what if your condition relapses?"
Feng Er strongly objected, and Feng Jin Yao also felt it was inappropriate. "Yun He, there's no rush. You can go in the spring. Fourth Uncle knows about your illness and won't make things difficult for you."
Feng Yun He frowned. He had been resting at home for more than half a month, and his body had recovered. His spirits were also high, but staying indoors and practicing felt like he wouldn't be able to keep up with his peers at the academy. Although he was young, he was not one to admit defeat.
"I'm really better. Don't you believe me? Look, I can even lift this stool."
He then proceeded to lift the stool he was sitting on high into the air. The stool was carved from solid wood and had some weight to it. For Feng Yun He's strength, being able to lift it truly impressed them.
"I remember you didn't have much strength before."
Feng Er was extremely curious. Feng Yun He, like his elder brother, was talented in literature but slightly lacking in physical strength. How had his strength increased after an illness? Seeing their surprised expressions, Feng Yun He was very pleased. He happily pointed at He Huan and said, "Sister He Huan taught me. She knows martial arts and taught me to practice horse stance for several days."
As if his words weren't enough, he immediately demonstrated. Although his horse stance wasn't entirely stable, his posture and movements were standard.
"You know martial arts?" Feng Er asked, seeing his stance.
He Huan did not hide anything and nodded. "I learned from my brother's master when I was young. I slacked off for a while later. A few days ago, when I was recuperating, I had nothing else to do, so I exercised to recover faster. Eldest Young Master saw it and insisted on practicing with me. As a result, his body has recovered even better."
Feng Er stepped forward, kneaded his muscles, and glanced at Feng Jin Yao. "What medicine did Divine Doctor Zhang give? It's so effective. I should get some to eat too. Yun He's constitution is much better than before he fell ill."
Feng Jin Yao was also surprised by this. Could it be that the medicine that Uncle Shou gave not only cured the illness but also strengthened the body?
Having received his uncle's affirmation, Feng Yun He felt as proud as if he had been praised by his father for his calligraphy. He tugged at his uncle's sleeve and said, "Second Uncle, I'm really better. Let me go with you in a few days."
Feng Er was helpless. He couldn't argue with a child. "Have you spoken to Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law?"
"I spoke to Father. He thinks a man's true nature should be like this; if he can't endure any hardship, he will achieve little in the future."
A bitter smile played on his lips. This was truly something his elder brother would say!
"Currently, I'm worried about me, and I'll probably have to spend more effort. However, if you and Father agree, I don't think she will object too much."
Feng Er was completely defeated. This child had already planned everything. He had already passed the hurdle with his elder brother, what else could he say!
"You!"
He reached out and stroked his head. The future head of the Feng family was so diligent. Should he be happy or troubled?
"Alright, as you wish. Just bring more winter clothes. The cold on the mountain is no joke."
"Second Uncle, don't worry, everything is prepared."
Feng Er glanced at Feng Jin Yao, as if to say, this nephew is too calculating.