When Ling Mohan arrived, he saw Feng Jin wolfing down her food, utterly lacking in grace.
“Eat slowly, no one is snatching it from you,” Ling Mohan said helplessly, worried she might hurt her stomach eating so fast.
“It’s all because you were so late, I was starving to death.”
With her mouth full, Feng Jin’s speech was muffled.
“Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and swallow.”
Ling Mohan handed her a cup of water. He wondered who she took after with such eating habits.
Feng Jin had no time to pay attention to Ling Mohan, focusing entirely on eating. After filling her empty stomach, Feng Jin finally lifted her eyelids to glance at Ling Mohan.
“Are you going tomorrow?” Feng Jin was referring to the wedding banquet of Feng Ruoyan and Chu Yanxi.
“I cannot get away from the military camp, so it will be hard work for my wife to make the trip alone.”
Ling Mohan’s refusal was exactly what Feng Jin wanted. She had been worried that Ling Mohan’s presence would hinder her actions. With no one to interfere, she could show off her skills.
“Then I suppose I must go alone. It’s a shame you can’t make it.” Feng Jin feigned a look of regret, but inwardly she was overjoyed.
…
The next morning, Feng Jin woke up early and dressed up meticulously.
She then headed to the Feng mansion. When Feng Jin arrived, the place was eerily quiet. Normally, on such a joyous occasion, red silk streamers would be hung on the doorframe. Although Feng Ruoyan marrying the Third Prince as a concubine meant no grand ceremony, this was too simple.
The entrance was bare, and the mansion lacked any festive atmosphere. Not a single guest was in sight. Had they all gone to the Third Prince’s mansion? This was showing no respect to the old man, Feng Yuanping.
As Feng Jin reached the main hall, before she could even step over the threshold, she heard an angry shout.
“There is no banquet at the Feng residence today. Send back anyone who comes to offer congratulations!”
Feng Yuanping was furious. To him, this marriage was a disgrace to himself and the entire Feng family. His Feng family, a lineage of scholars, a pure and upright household, had produced a daughter who was to become a concubine. He had lost all face.
Even if he were to die immediately, he would have no face to meet his ancestors. How could he have raised such a daughter? A disgrace, a complete disgrace.
“Today is Feng Ruoyan’s wedding day, no matter what. The mansion is already so deserted, but for you, Prime Minister Feng, to turn away all guests, aren't you afraid they will impeach you before His Majesty?”
Upon seeing Feng Jin, Feng Yuanping’s expression soured further. He suspected she had come to gloat.
“A clear conscience fears no slander. I am not afraid of petty people employing insidious schemes behind my back.”
Feng Jin almost burst out laughing at Feng Yuanping’s words. With his character, how dare he speak of a clear conscience? Had he not done enough wrongdoings in secret? How could he possibly utter such words? It was truly eye-opening.
“However, Prime Minister Feng seems to have forgotten that although Feng Ruoyan is becoming a concubine to the Third Prince, it was personally decreed and approved by His Majesty. You are so dismissive of the marriage approved by His Majesty, and you harbor resentment. Such disrespect towards His Majesty is a capital offense. If those remonstrance officials seize upon this point and harshly impeach you, how do you think His Majesty will deal with you?”
Feng Jin’s words instantly turned Feng Yuanping’s face pale. His heart tightened as he realized he had overlooked these matters.
In court, he had always been cautious, maneuvering and placating everyone. Even as Prime Minister, he dared not offend the powerful figures in court, fearing it would implicate the entire Feng family.
He then realized how foolish his actions had been. Feng Yuanping abruptly stood up and hurriedly ordered, “Butler, go and apologize to each household. Make sure you invite them back.”
“Master, as per your instructions yesterday, no banquet was prepared. If guests arrive, we won’t be able to host them properly.”
“This… what should we do!”
Just as Feng Yuanping was at a loss, Feng Jin said in a hushed voice, “There are so many restaurants in the capital, can’t they prepare the dishes?”
Feng Jin’s words suddenly enlightened Feng Yuanping. “Yes, restaurants… tell the restaurants to quickly prepare the banquets. Price is negotiable. If one restaurant cannot do it, find more.”
“Yes, Master, this old servant will go immediately.” The butler quickly agreed and rushed out anxiously.
“The mansion still needs some decorations. It cannot be this deserted. At least paste up a few wedding characters.”
Feng Jin began to point things out, and to her surprise, everything she said was followed.
After some bustling, Feng Jin felt much better. Next, she intended to meet the bride properly.
…
Feng Ruoyan looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes betraying her inner gloom.
“My daughter is truly beautiful,” Sun Shi praised. Upon seeing the pink wedding dress Feng Ruoyan was wearing, she sighed slightly, “It’s a pity the wedding dress is not bright red. You would be even more beautiful in a bright red one.”
“These are all superficial. As long as I can capture the Third Prince’s heart, it is more important than anything. Then, the position of Empress will still be within my grasp.”
A calculating glint appeared in Feng Ruoyan’s eyes. It was fine even if she was a concubine today. As long as the Third Prince had feelings for her, and she gave birth to his eldest son, her position would be unshakeable.
“If you can think this way, your mother doesn’t need to worry about you anymore. As long as you are well, I am willing to endure any hardship.”
Sun Shi was so moved by Feng Ruoyan’s change that tears welled up.
“Mother, don’t worry. Once I establish myself, I will definitely bring you to enjoy a life of comfort.”
“Good… good!”
Sun Shi nodded quickly, her heart constantly imagining the good days ahead.
This made Feng Jin, who was standing outside the door, let out a chuckle. She walked up to the two women and scanned them with a cold gaze, sneering, “You speak with such lofty ambitions. Having fallen to this state, you are still daydreaming. Truly admirable.”
“What are you doing here? Get out quickly.”
She could have been the Third Prince’s consort, but it was Feng Jin’s scheme that forced her into becoming a concubine. Feng Ruoyan now harbored a deep hatred for Feng Jin, wishing she could skin her alive.
“You want me to get out? You’re not qualified. You are merely a庶女 (shu nü - daughter of a concubine) now. Dare to be presumptuous in front of me, and you’re tired of living!”
Feng Jin spoke with venom, her gaze towards Feng Ruoyan filled with contempt and disdain.
“How dare you! I am about to marry the Third Prince. What do you dare to do to me!”