Feng Jinlin watched their doting display, speechless. His heart ached, feeling as though his hard-raised daughter was being given away too easily to Prince Ding. Though he was exceptionally outstanding, Feng Jinlin found him somewhat displeasing.
His thoughts drifted to Xu Mingyue in the adjacent courtyard.
He now clearly understood his admiration for her, but Xu Mingyue was unaware.
Therefore, he needed to frequent her presence, if only to make a stronger impression. Otherwise, if someone else got there first, it would be problematic.
With this thought, he immediately made an excuse and left the courtyard.
Feng Jinyao was exasperated. How could her second brother be so unreliable?
Earlier, he had insisted that her boudoir was not a place for people to come and go freely. Yet now, Prince Ding was still here, but he had run off.
The atmosphere suddenly became quiet, making Feng Jinyao feel a little uneasy.
However, having just asked Prince Ding to look after her second uncle's family, it would be improper to suddenly ask him to leave.
So, she didn't speak rashly.
Xiao Tingyi savored this quiet time alone. Even though he noticed Feng Jinyao's discomfort, he pretended not to.
After half a cup of tea, he slowly spoke.
"Regarding Sun Banxia, I'm afraid you'll have to handle it personally."
Feng Jinyao paused, then immediately understood. "Your Highness means you want this humble daughter to persuade Sister Banxia to hand over the other evidence?"
"Mm."
No one would reveal all their trump cards when seeking asylum. Since Sun Banxia had the foresight to copy the ledger, she would undoubtedly have other backups.
Perhaps those backups could be the leverage needed to make Liang Quanbin and Duke Wei fall out!
Moreover, Feng Jinyao also wanted to meet Sun Banxia. So, when Xiao Tingyi proposed this, she agreed without hesitation.
"But how shall we meet?"
"Don't worry, this King will arrange it."
With his assurance, Feng Jinyao felt much more at ease.
Three days later, when Xu Mingyue suddenly announced she wanted to take her to Wenjin Academy, Feng Jinyao felt a hint of suspicion.
Why now? Why not sooner or later?
Xu Mingyue didn't hide anything, lowering her voice to say, "Sun Banxia is currently at Wenjin Academy. Don't you want to see her?"
"She's here?"
Such speed surprised Feng Jinyao, and she couldn't help but feel even more admiration for Xiao Tingyi's capabilities and power.
Thus, as they entered Wenjin Academy in a carriage, Feng Jinyao disguised herself as Xu Mingyue's maid, so not many people noticed her.
Wenjin Academy in Jinling City possessed a refined elegance reminiscent of Jiangnan scenery.
Everywhere, the scenery was delicate and pleasing to the eye.
A light drizzle had not ceased, and the edges of the bluestone slabs on the ground were covered with slippery moss. Walking through the misty academy, Feng Jinyao felt a moment of enjoyment and relaxation.
But this comfort quickly turned to solemnity upon seeing Sun Banxia.
Because one of her legs was broken.
Seeing her limp towards them, Feng Jinyao felt a pang of sympathy. She quickly stepped forward to support her and asked,
"Sister Banxia, what happened?"
Sun Banxia gave a bitter smile. "Since my father was taken to Dongdu City by the Wei family and then disappeared, the Sun family has been under constant surveillance. One day, a ruffian came to steal the ledger, and in the struggle, my leg was unfortunately broken. Fortunately, my life was saved, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to see Sister A'yao today."
Feng Jinyao felt heartbroken. Although Sun Banxia described the situation briefly, the fact that the leg injury had not healed for so long indicated how perilous it must have been at the time.
"Do you know who the ruffian was?"
"Either the Wei family intended to silence us, or it was the person behind the kidnapping of my father. But no matter which it is, our Sun family cannot afford to offend them."
This was indeed true. The Sun family held some status within the漕运司 (Cao Yun Si - Imperial Transport Commission), but this position, coupled with years of corruption, left them unable to remain neutral.
They could either collude and shield others, or seek refuge under someone more powerful for protection.
This was why Sun Banxia had come forward rashly, completely unaware that Prince Ding was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Thinking this, Feng Jinyao felt that she wouldn't even need to persuade much; Sister Banxia would likely pledge allegiance to Prince Ding.
However, there were still things that needed to be said.
So, she composed herself and began to advise Sun Banxia.
"Sister, please don't be distressed. I have reviewed the ledger you sent a while ago. What are your plans for the future?"
"Given the circumstances, I can only seek refuge with you. With the influence of your Feng family, Prime Minister Bai, and Elder Xu in court, I believe you can offer some protection to my Sun family. My father and I have both been involved in corruption cases, so it's impossible to clear our names. However, there is one thing I beg you to help me with."
"What is it?"
"I have a younger brother, only a little over six years old. My mother passed away early, and he has been sickly since childhood, always under my care. He knows nothing of these matters. I implore you to rescue him from the quagmire of the Sun family and look after him, leaving a trace of our Sun family's bloodline in this world!"
Her words carried a resolve to die, which not only Feng Jinyao but also Xu Mingyue could sense.
With a grave expression, Xu Mingyue looked at Sun Banxia and said,
"What are you going to do?"
"I will take the ledger and go to the capital to appeal to the emperor. Since those behind the scenes all wish to see my father and the Sun family dead, I will risk my life and fight back. It's all just death anyway, and I have never been afraid!"
Her resolute demeanor made Feng Jinyao feel regret.
Such a fine young woman, yet one wrong step had led her down a path with no return. Even if she sought refuge under Prince Ding, her involvement in the corruption case meant her life was not guaranteed.
Or perhaps, while the death penalty might be spared, the punishment could still be severe. If she were exiled after the incident, it wouldn't be impossible.
For a daughter to be exiled, she might die en route or be forced into prostitution. Neither outcome was good.
Feng Jinyao felt a pang of pity but didn't know how to save her.
Sun Banxia, seeing her hesitation, assumed she was unwilling to be associated with the Sun family. She knelt and pleaded with Feng Jinyao.
"My younger brother has nothing to do with this matter. For years, I've felt that my father and I have committed too many sins, and this is our retribution upon him and my mother, one dying young and the other suffering from illness for many years. I have repeatedly suggested surrendering, but my father is too deeply entangled. Not only can we not surrender, but if we show the slightest hint of dissent, all those involved in the Cao Yun Si corruption case will tear us apart! That's why it has dragged on until today."
Tears of remorse streamed down her face as she spoke.
But some mistakes are made, and there is no medicine for regret.
If only she had known this day would come, why did she act that way in the first place!