Ling Mohan's tone was firm, allowing no room for doubt. On this matter, he would completely obey Feng Jin's wishes. As long as Feng Jin was willing to accept Feng Yuanping, she would naturally acknowledge him just as Feng Jin would.
"General Ling is indeed very obedient to Feng Jin. However, acting in such a manner, does it not risk a reputation for being henpecked? It might not sound good if it gets out."
Ling Mohan was unfazed, a smile gracing his lips. "One cannot please everyone. As long as my conscience is clear, why should I care about what others say?"
Feng Yuanping's eyelids drooped, and he sighed. "All these years, I listened to Sun's words and wrongly accused Miao Qing, and more importantly, I wronged Feng Jin, causing her to suffer so much injustice. All of this is my fault. I have come to regret it too late. It is now impossible to make amends."
"Fortunately, she married you. With General Ling protecting her, I can finally rest easy."
In this life, he had failed to live up to his responsibilities towards He Miao Qing and Feng Jin. Miao Qing was already gone, and no amount of regret could change that. As for Feng Jin, she held deep resentment towards him, and even if he wanted to make amends, she might not accept it.
To be able to witness Feng Jin having a good marriage, he could die with peace of mind.
He took out a piece of brocade from his怀 and presented it to Ling Mohan. "This is a map of the border troop deployments. This map should be of great use to you."
Ling Mohan picked up the brocade and looked at it, his brow furrowing slightly. "This brocade is blank. What is this..."
"Place the brocade in water, and the map will appear. As soon as it encounters sunlight, it will vanish."
When the map was first drawn, there was concern that it might fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it was specially drawn with ink that would only appear in water and disappear in sunlight. Furthermore, the ink used could retain its clarity for a hundred years without fading.
He had originally intended to present this map to His Majesty after it was completed, but before he could deliver it, he had lost favor with His Majesty and was subsequently imprisoned by Sun.
Now, entrusting this map to Ling Mohan, he could finally find peace.
"Regarding this map, I will report it to His Majesty. Once His Majesty learns of this matter, he will surely..."
Feng Yuanping waved his hand. "No need... No need to tell His Majesty that I drew this map. If His Majesty truly asks, General Ling can simply say that you drew it."
After the turmoil he had experienced, he was weary of the political struggles. Reaching such a position was already fulfilling.
By retiring now, he could live out his days peacefully. To continue vying for power and angering His Majesty would surely lead to his death.
"In my decades as an official, I have served the people and also engaged in corruption. Having served as Prime Minister, my influence has spread far and wide. Now is the time to retire and live out my remaining years away from courtly disputes."
Feng Yuanping stood up and looked at the crescent moon hanging in the sky. His thoughts drifted back to the time he traveled to the capital for the imperial examinations. The moonlit night was similar to this one, and he had hoped to achieve high honors and demonstrate his knowledge in the imperial court.
Counting carefully, more than twenty years had passed. From a humble student with nothing to his name to the influential Prime Minister he was now, he felt he had done justice to his ancestors.
"It is indeed the best choice for the Prime Minister to retire now. I believe His Majesty will not make things difficult for you. I will dispatch the Black Armored Army to escort the Prime Minister back to his hometown with honor."
"Thank you, General Ling."
Feng Yuanping readily accepted. Having served in the court for over twenty years, he had made numerous enemies. To have the Black Armored Army escort him would ensure a safe journey home, a prospect he eagerly welcomed.
"General Ling, there is one more matter I wish to entrust to you."
"Please, Prime Minister, tell me. I will do my best to fulfill it."
Feng Yuanping took a string of keys from his sleeve and placed them before Ling Mohan. "My savings over the years are hidden in the courtyard where Miao Qing used to live. I entrust all of these to you. After I am gone, please pass them on to Feng Jin. Consider it a small compensation from me, her unqualified father."
"Why not give it to her yourself? Perhaps Feng Jin could forgive you."
"No... Perhaps we are destined to be at odds. We can't say more than a few words without arguing. After I leave, you can give her the items, so she might remember me fondly."
These were his life's savings, saved and accumulated, and in the end, they were left to Feng Jin. He hoped these things could compensate her.
Ling Mohan paused before taking the keys. "Prime Minister, rest assured, I will deliver these to Feng Jin."
"I have entrusted all that I needed to. My heart is at ease. Once these injuries heal, I will petition His Majesty to retire and return home to enjoy a leisurely life."
Having conveyed all his affairs, his heart felt significantly lighter. The burden that had weighed on him for years could finally be lifted.
"General Ling, please do not tell Feng Jin about today's events. You may tell her after I have left the capital."
He wished to leave the capital quietly, without Feng Jin knowing.
Now that he thought about it, Feng Jin not acknowledging him was the best outcome. After he was gone, even if his secrets were revealed, it would not implicate Feng Jin. This was the only thing he could do.
"Prime Minister, rest assured."
Ling Mohan understood Feng Yuanping's intentions. Indeed, it was best not to tell Feng Jin.
After Ling Mohan left, the room was so quiet that one could hear their own breathing.
A cold wind blew, and Feng Yuanping couldn't help but shiver. He pulled his outer garment tighter and took out an old-fashioned jade pendant from his inner pocket. It bore faint cracks.
Feng Yuanping caressed the jade pendant with the care one would give a treasured possession. His cloudy eyes misted over. "Miao Qing, I have indeed wronged you and failed our daughter. She has grown up now and is as beautiful as you were in your youth, but she hates me... and refuses to acknowledge me. But I don't blame her. This is all my doing, my retribution!"
"I have wronged you. I have failed your deep affections, Miao Qing. I will soon come to apologize to you. You must wait for me and give me a chance to atone!"
The scene of their first meeting replayed in his mind. He'er Miao Qing's voice and appearance seemed to be right before him. Feng Yuanping's heart was suddenly wracked with pain, his chest filled with guilt, and tears streamed down his wrinkled cheeks.
His quiet sobs echoed throughout the room. By the later half of the night, Feng Yuanping's voice of repentance could still be heard.
He had already decided that after all matters were settled and all his lingering concerns were resolved, he would personally go to apologize to He Miao Qing.