"Are you looking down on me?"
"Yes, I truly am. Your meager salary is barely enough to cover the household expenses. Where do you think the money for everything else comes from? It's all from my hard work."
"Your silk robes, your daily delicacies – every bit of it is my effort. How dare you, a spender, criticize someone who earns the money!"
She didn't hold back, thoroughly belittling Ling Mohan, truly looking down on him. Her current wealth could be described as a nation's treasury, and that was being modest.
Ling Mohan was rendered speechless, his mouth closing in embarrassment. After all, he was in the wrong, and what she said was the truth. He who eats from another's table and takes from another's hand should keep their mouth shut. It was better to continue living off her generosity.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
A profound silence fell upon the air. Feng Jin felt a slight unease and her gaze fell upon Ling Mohan. Why was he so quiet this time? It was rare for him not to argue with her.
"What you've said is the truth. I have nothing to argue about."
Feng Jin nodded with satisfaction. At least Ling Mohan was sensible and hadn't gone too far.
"Since you're being sensible, I'll grudgingly let it slide."
After finishing her task, Feng Jin let out a slow sigh of relief. She stretched languidly, finally done with her work, deeming her efforts worthwhile.
"What have you been researching? Now that you're finished, you can finally tell me."
He had been curious about Feng Jin's research all along. Asking earlier would have distracted her. Now that it was completed, he could finally get a clear answer.
"Of course, it's something good. Women who consume it will have fairer complexions and more youthful appearances. Men will find their bodies strengthened, and the elderly will find their lifespans extended. In essence, it's an elixir."
Feng Jin spoke in a rather mysterious tone, and Ling Mohan listened, finding it all rather bewildering. Could this substance truly be as potent as Feng Jin claimed?
"Would you like to try it first, to see if it can strengthen your body?"
Sensing Ling Mohan's thoughts, Feng Jin suggested he test its efficacy, saving her the trouble of further experimentation.
Ling Mohan immediately shook his head in refusal. He truly didn't have the courage to try something Feng Jin had just created.
"No, I fear I may not be able to handle it. You should keep it for yourself."
Who knew if this substance had any other side effects? If he were to consume it, he might not even know how he died. He still wanted to live for a few more years and wasn't willing to risk it.
"What do you know? You truly don't appreciate good things!"
Feng Jin cast a disdainful glance at Ling Mohan. He didn't know how to cherish such a valuable item. In the future, even if he wanted it, she wouldn't give it to him.
"So, are you planning to sell this at the medical clinic?"
"Yes, where else would I put it? Just wait for me to bring home bags of money."
Moreover, her next step was to open a bank, then establish branches, further expanding her commercial empire. Eventually, her presence would be felt in all industries, bringing her closer to becoming the wealthiest person, a prospect that filled her with even greater anticipation.
He never dared to object to Feng Jin's plans, only offering his unconditional support.
"Go ahead and do it. I believe you can succeed."
"Do I need you to tell me that!"
Feng Jin rolled her eyes, feeling that everything Ling Mohan said was useless. This was a simple matter, and she was already clear about it in her mind, not needing his unsolicited advice.
"By the way, I haven't asked you yet, how are the preparations for Gu Beichen and the Princess of Xiliang's marriage coming along?"
"They're almost done. It's a passable effort."
"Passable? There are still four days until their wedding. You call this 'passable'? If there are any oversight, and the people of Xiliang use it as an excuse to make trouble, how will you handle it then!"
Having experienced Baili Xi's shamelessness, she knew he was capable of such actions.
"If he dares to cause trouble, we'll defeat them. We'll beat them into submission, and they won't dare to cause further disturbances."
His patience with Xiliang and Baili Xi had reached its limit. If they dared to commit such shameless acts, he wouldn't show any mercy.
Feng Jin pursed her lips. She found it hard to believe that Ling Mohan would truly dare to fall out with Xiliang at this juncture. It seemed unlikely.
"What is that expression? Are you doubting my words?"
Feng Jin unashamedly nodded in agreement: "I am indeed a little doubtful. Come back to brag when you've truly made Baili Xi kneel and beg for forgiveness."
"Just you wait and see. There will come a time when you are convinced."
"Alright... I'll wait."
She merely dismissed Ling Mohan's words as boasting to save face and paid them no mind. Picking up the scattered toys from the floor, she sighed in resignation. Truly, there was no moment of peace in a day.
She bent down and diligently tidied everything up. What else could she do, having given birth to such a son, but accept it?
"Oh, right. Ling Muzhu departs for his post tomorrow. The Old Master has arranged a farewell dinner for the family. The banquet will be prepared tomorrow at noon, and we will all attend."
It was all Ling Mohan's rambling that almost made her forget to mention an important matter.
"He's leaving tomorrow? That's so soon."
"It's not that soon. This is already two days later than originally planned. If we delay any further, it will genuinely interfere with his assumption of duty."
"Don't speak so sarcastically. You need to go tomorrow. The Old Master specifically requested your presence."
In any case, she had delivered the Old Master's instructions. Whether Ling Mohan attended or not was his own business. She couldn't possibly tie him up and drag him there.
"I understand."
Ling Mohan replied indifferently. Ling Muzhu, that useless fellow, was going to his post so soon. Time truly flew by, and it couldn't be grasped.
"Have you found the master I asked you to look for?"
Feng Jin asked abruptly. It had been two days already, and finding a master was proving to be such a difficult task, with no progress whatsoever.
Fortunately, he had prepared himself, and Ling Mohan could handle it: "I've found one. He'll be here tomorrow... tomorrow."
"That's good. You've done well."
With the master found, the two troublesome children could be sent off, finally easing her burden.
"Since I've worked so hard, shouldn't you... shouldn't you give me some sort of... token of appreciation?"