Madam Zhao’s expression was anything but pleasant. If it weren't for the fact that others were present, she would have loved nothing more than to rush forward and strangle Feng Jin to vent her hatred.
“Grandfather has already made his judgment. Second Uncle and Second Aunt should act according to the verdict!”
Feng Jin gracefully stood up, her voice light as she added, “Don’t forget to send the money to Concubine Bai’s chambers.”
“Naturally,” Ling Erye said through gritted teeth.
“Let’s go,” Ling Mohan said, his voice low as he stood up.
Concubine Bai was naturally timid and was already terrified and flustered by such a major upheaval. She clutched Ling Wan and hurried away.
Madam of the Third Household, who was forcibly brought to witness this farce, left after exchanging a few pleasantries with her son once the matter was settled.
“Master, you’re just going to accept this loss? Mu Zhu is still in the countryside and we don’t know when she’ll return. Yan’er was injured like this by that woman, and we’ve lost our household management rights. Our Second Household has been severely weakened by this woman.”
Madam Zhao spoke indignately, her pair of children having both fallen victim to that wretch Feng Jin. How could her heart not be agitated?
“Now that we’ve lost the Old Master’s favor and the management rights have returned to the First Household, you must discipline Yan’er well during this period and not let her cause any more trouble. Also, try to mend relations with the Third Household’s lady.”
“The Third Household… that woman, she’s as stubborn as a mule. Relying on her to step up is out of the question.”
Madam Zhao spoke with disdain. The Third Household’s lady hardly spoke more than a few words normally. Getting her to take action would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.
“The Third Household cares most about her precious son. She would risk her life if anyone dared to lay a hand on her son.”
In the early years, the Third Master was sent to an outer region. The Third Household’s lady stayed secluded in the manor, not participating in any affairs, focusing solely on raising her son.
“I know what to do.”
Madam Zhao’s eyes suddenly lit up, and an idea instantly formed in her mind.
After the two returned to their room, Ling Mohan dismissed the others, leaving only himself and Feng Jin.
“You’re quite leisurely today. Aren’t you going out?” It was rare to see him in the manor, so his presence today was unusual, sitting with her like this.
“Do you want to thoroughly offend Second Uncle?”
Ling Mohan asked with a heavy voice. In the short time since Feng Jin entered the manor, the Second Household had suffered heavy losses in every confrontation with her.
Both his son and daughter had been severely injured. While it was said that Ling Muzhu was sent to the countryside to study, it was obvious to everyone that it would be difficult for her to return to the Ling Manor.
Ling Yan first lost her reputation and then her beauty, causing all her previous suitors to retreat.
Second Uncle had lost face and money this time. Given his temperament, he certainly wouldn't let it rest. Could Feng Jin handle him?
“It’s his family, the Second Uncle’s, who had nothing better to do and insisted on provoking me. If I backed down, wouldn’t that make me seem afraid of them?”
She had always believed that if others respected her one foot, she would return the favor tenfold. But if someone provoked her, she would retaliate a thousand times over.
“Their current predicament is entirely of their own making,” Feng Jin said dismissively. Judging by Ling Mohan’s demeanor, was he perhaps planning to seek justice for his Second Uncle?
“Second Uncle is vindictive. Be careful.”
Understanding his Second Uncle’s personality all too well, Ling Mohan couldn’t help but worry, fearing that hidden schemes would be impossible to guard against.
“Young General, are you concerned about me?”
Feng Jin asked tentatively, having heard the implication in his words.
“If something happens to you, it’s my reputation that will be tarnished. I’m looking out for myself. I’ll assign more people to you. If the Second Household causes trouble again, you don’t need to handle it yourself.”
Ling Mohan stated his piece and then turned to leave.
…
“Mother, look, these are all sent by people from the Second Household.”
Ling Wan had never seen so much silver before. And the Shu brocades were so beautiful, the flowers embroidered on them were even more stunning than real ones.
“Mother, look at this emerald hairpin. The quality is really good. You’ll look beautiful wearing it.” Ling Wan placed the hairpin into Concubine Bai’s hair.
Concubine Bai impatiently took off the hairpin and pulled Ling Wan to sit in front of her.
“Wan’er, listen to Mother and send these things to your Second Uncle, and apologize to him with compensation…”
“Why, Mother? It was Ling Yan who hit me first. Grandfather has already made his ruling. You still want me to apologize to them? Mother, do you really want to watch your daughter be bullied to death by Ling Yan?”
Ever since she was young, because she was a concubine’s daughter, she had endured Ling Yan’s bullying.
To prevent her mother from worrying, she had always endured it silently, just wanting to live a stable life in the Ling family.
But this time was different. The eldest sister-in-law had stood up for them, and Grandfather had already ruled on the matter. If she returned the gifts and apologized, it would be equivalent to slapping the faces of the eldest sister-in-law and Grandfather.
The eldest sister-in-law had just taken charge of household affairs and had already made a decision for them, mother and daughter. If she was ungrateful, she would offend the eldest sister-in-law.
“Mother, don’t be confused. Eldest sister-in-law stood up for us. If we bow and apologize to the Second Household, it would prove that Eldest sister-in-law was wrong, and it would be slapping Eldest sister-in-law’s face. We cannot do such a thing.”
“This…” Ling Wan’s explanation finally made Concubine Bai understand. “It’s all my fault. I was only thinking about not offending your Second Uncle, how could I have forgotten this matter.”
Now that Feng Jin was in charge of household affairs, if they offended Feng Jin, they, mother and daughter, would not have good days ahead.
“Chun Lan, go and pick out two good items and send them to Young Madam.”
“Mother, Eldest sister-in-law manages the entire household. What good things hasn’t she seen? Mother, your plum blossom cakes are the most delicious. Make some, and I’ll take them to Eldest sister-in-law.”
“That’s fine too. I’ll start making them now.”
Feng Jin was bored to death just wandering around the manor.
“Young Madam, Second Miss has arrived,” Cai Qing hurried over to report.
“Please invite Second Miss in,” Feng Jin said lightly, her mind conjuring up the pitiful image of the young girl.
“Eldest sister-in-law, greetings. I came uninvited, please forgive me, Eldest sister-in-law.”
“Sit down. You can keep me company. I’m feeling a bit bored anyway, and you’ve come just in time,” Feng Jin beckoned Ling Wan to sit down.
“Thank you, Eldest sister-in-law. This is the plum blossom cake my mother made. Please try it, Eldest sister-in-law.”
Feng Jin picked up a piece and took a light taste. It was soft, chewy, and fragrant, even more delicious than the pastries made by the kitchens. Unable to resist her cravings, Feng Jin ate several more pieces.
“Eldest sister-in-law, how is the taste?”
“Not bad. I didn’t expect Concubine Bai to have such skill,” Feng Jin praised sincerely.
“My mother’s family used to make pastries, and this skill is passed down from generation to generation. After some time, when the osmanthus flowers are in full bloom, I’ll make some osmanthus sweet cakes for Eldest sister-in-law to try.”
Ling Wan’s lips curved upwards slightly. She handed a plum blossom cake to Feng Jin and paused before saying, “Eldest sister-in-law, thank you for saving me yesterday.”