Madam Sun was beside herself with worry, clutching Feng Yuanping’s衣角 and pleading, “Yan’er is her only hope in this life.”
Feng Ruoyan could have married the Third Prince as his principal consort, but due to Feng Jin, she was relegated to being a secondary consort. How could she not resent this?
“What Yan’er has done has already spread through every alley and street. As Prime Minister, how can I bend the law for personal gain?”
In Feng Yuanping’s eyes, conjugal affection and his own flesh and blood were all insubstantial. His official position was paramount, and the century-old foundation of the Feng family was the most important.
Madam Sun, thoroughly understanding Feng Yuanping’s temperament and character, directly struck at his sore spot.
“My lord, don’t forget that Feng Jin harbors deep resentment towards you and publicly disowned you. You now only have Yan’er as your daughter. Only if she marries the Third Prince and successfully becomes Empress can the Feng family become imperial relatives, thus ensuring the eternal prosperity of our foundation.”
Knowing that Feng Yuanping cared most about the Feng family’s foundation, he had to first protect her Yan’er if he wanted to preserve the family’s honor.
Feng Yuanping’s eyes narrowed, and his expression instantly turned sharp. His eagle-like gaze fixed on Madam Sun: “You dare to threaten me.”
“How could I dare to threaten you, my lord? I merely wish to inform you that Yan’er is the Feng family’s only hope. Only by letting Yan’er marry the Third Prince can the Feng family ascend to the heavens and become the true illustrious aristocratic family of Southern Chu.”
Feng Yuanping scoffed, “Having followed me for so many years, you should know best that I detest being coerced.”
Back then, He Miaoqing and the He family, relying on past favors, had repeatedly tried to blackmail him. Now, Madam Sun dared to do the same, touching a nerve.
“I wouldn’t dare to threaten you, my lord. Everything I have is bestowed upon me by you. I merely wish for you to help Yan’er. I am also thinking for Yan’er, and even more so for the Feng family.”
Feng Yuanping’s expression softened slightly, but a hint of anger remained. After a pause, he said in a deep voice, “I will naturally handle Yan’er’s matter. You may leave now.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Madam Sun knew this was an agreement. Her Yan’er was safe.
…
“I always feel that with Feng Ruoyan’s meager tricks, she couldn’t have come up with such an idea.”
Feng Jin felt that there had to be someone else pulling the strings from behind.
“Who do you suspect?” Ling Mohan asked in a deep voice, setting aside his book and focusing his gaze on Feng Jin.
Feng Jin’s eyes darted as she pondered, then stated solemnly, “Madam Sun…”
“Madam Sun?”
“Precisely. Don’t let Madam Sun’s outwardly gentle and kind demeanor fool you; her methods are actually ruthless. Compared to Madam Sun, Feng Ruoyan’s little tricks are not worth mentioning.”
If not for Madam Sun’s exceptional skills, how could she have deceived Feng Yuanping into taking her into his household? Within a mere year, she had managed to alienate Feng Yuanping from He Miaoqing. After He Miaoqing’s departure, according to law, he could not remarry for three years, or elevate a concubine to the position of principal wife. Yet, in less than half a year, Feng Yuanping had, regardless of everything, elevated Madam Sun to the principal consort. One must remember that Feng Yuanping, who greatly valued his reputation and acted meticulously, would never leave himself open to criticism.
“What do you plan to do?”
“Feng Yuanping will not stand idly by and watch Feng Ruoyan remain in the Dali Temple. As expected, he is now pulling strings to get Feng Ruoyan out of the Dali Temple…”
Just as Feng Jin predicted, as soon as she finished speaking, Lu Shi hurriedly reported.
“Young General, Prime Minister Feng has bribed Dali Temple officials and intends to take Feng Ruoyan away, but our men have stopped him.”
If they hadn't been prepared, Feng Yuanping would have succeeded.
“Transfer Feng Ruoyan and allow no one to approach her.”
Ling Mohan’s expression darkened. Feng Yuanping, that old fox, had extended his reach quite far, reaching into the Dali Temple so quickly.
“Yes, Young General.”
After Lu Shi left, Feng Jin remained troubled. This matter needed a swift resolution; the longer it dragged on, the more complications could arise.
“Send someone to bring Yan Yu to the Ling Residence. He is the only witness.”
If Feng Yuanping became desperate and silenced the witness, all their efforts would be in vain.
“I have posted guards both inside and outside the clinic. I will have Yan Yu sent over immediately.” Ling Mohan stepped forward to comfort Feng Jin, “Don’t worry, the clinic is located in the center of the capital. Even if Feng Yuanping had the courage of a lion, he wouldn’t dare to send someone to kill Yan Yu.” The Prime Minister assassinating a witness to protect his daughter – Feng Yuanping did not possess the audacity to bear such a grave accusation.
“You don’t understand Feng Yuanping. He only cares about the Feng family’s foundation. As long as Feng Ruoyan marries Chu Yanxi and the Feng family forms ties with the royal family, the Feng family will have an additional layer of security. After planning for so long, Feng Yuanping will not easily give up on Feng Ruoyan.”
“I will send someone to fetch Yan Yu immediately. Don’t worry.”
An hour later, the men sent by Ling Mohan finally brought Yan Yu over. Feng Jin rushed to check on him and, seeing that Yan Yu was unharmed, finally felt at ease.
“Drink this medicine first. After drinking it, you’ll be well tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Madam, for saving my life.”
Feng Jin added a sleeping agent to the medicinal soup. After drinking it, Yan Yu fell into a deep sleep.
“Everything is settled. You can rest now too.” Ling Mohan took Feng Jin’s hand and sat by the bedside.
Gazing at Feng Jin’s delicate features in the candlelight, Ling Mohan’s heart stirred. As if possessed, he reached out, pulled Feng Jin into his embrace, and drew her towards the bed.
By the time Feng Jin came to her senses, she was already pinned down by Ling Mohan, unable to move.
“What are you doing?” Feng Jin’s voice carried a hint of shyness.
Ling Mohan’s heart fluttered, and his hands became restless. “My dear wife, the night is deep, and every moment is precious. We mustn’t waste it.”
As he spoke, before Feng Jin could protest, Ling Mohan sealed her lips. He completely drowned out Feng Jin’s muffled sounds.
…
“My lord, by the time your subordinate arrived, the people in the clinic had already been transferred. Fearing exposure, I did not pursue them further.”
In the study, the man in black reported.
Feng Yuanping, seated in the grand armchair, knitted his brows, suppressing his anger.
“Trash, useless trash! You can’t even handle one person. What use are you!” Feng Yuanping roared, veins bulging on his temples.
“My lord, please calm your anger!” The man in black quickly knelt to beg for forgiveness.
“Continue to track down the young lady’s whereabouts. Once found, rescue her at all costs!”
Feng Yuanping had bribed officials at the Dali Temple to bring Feng Ruoyan out, only to be intercepted by Ling Mohan’s men. Subsequently, Feng Ruoyan was transferred, her trace lost. The men he dispatched also sent back no news. Only by rescuing Feng Ruoyan and keeping her under his watchful eye could he devise a countermeasure if the Ling family chose to press the matter.