"My Guo family is also a veteran of three dynasties. You only rose to your current position by struggling from humble beginnings. With my Guo family's influence, dealing with you is as easy as turning over your hand. Prime Minister Feng, there's no need for you to offend this County Princess and the Guo family for a daughter you never favored. It will bring you no good!"
Feng Yuanping sneered, showing no intention of giving Yongping County Princess any quarter. "As a father, I will never stand by and watch my daughter be bullied. Even if I lose my official hat and my life, I will protect my daughter!"
Yongping County Princess's face stiffened. She hadn't expected Feng Yuanping to be willing to sacrifice so much for a daughter raised in the countryside for many years. She was momentarily stunned, and the atmosphere became extremely awkward.
"Mother, we... we should leave..."
The gazes of countless people around them were all fixed on them, as if they could burn through them. Guo Li lowered her head with embarrassment, tugging at Yongping County Princess's sleeve. All she wanted now was to leave quickly, not to be stared at like a monkey.
Yongping County Princess angrily flung Guo Li's hand away. Already humiliated by being rebuffed, she became even more incensed by Guo Li's cowardly words.
"You spineless wretch! How could I have given birth to someone like you? All the teachings I've given you are wasted. You're a disgrace!"
With that, Yongping County Princess angrily flicked her sleeve and hastily strode away.
"Mother..." Guo Li called out, tears welling up in her eyes, and then quickly hurried after her, looking quite dishevelled.
"Yongping County Princess certainly has quite a temper. No wonder everyone in the capital says she's difficult to get along with. Seeing her today, it's just as rumored."
Lin Yuwei murmured to herself from the side. She had heard about it before, but only today did she truly understand how bad Yongping County Princess's temper was.
If Prime Minister Feng hadn't arrived in time today, they would have had a hard time dealing with the situation. Lin Yuwei walked up to Feng Yuanping and curtsied slightly, "Thank you for your assistance today, Prime Minister."
"You are too kind, Your Highness. This humble official dares not accept such praise."
After a few polite pleasantries, Feng Yuanping's gaze immediately fell upon Feng Jin behind him, his tone filled with concern, "How are you? Did Yongping County Princess injure you earlier?"
Feng Jin, who had just snapped back to reality, lowered her slightly dazed eyes and smiled, shaking her head. "I'm fine. About what happened earlier... thank you."
Although she could have handled the situation even if Feng Yuanping hadn't appeared, he had still helped her, and she felt it was only proper to express her gratitude.
"We are family, why mention thanks? It is a father's duty to protect his daughter."
Feng Yuanping's gaze remained fixed on Feng Jin, never shifting. All his actions were an attempt to make amends as best as he could. He didn't expect Feng Jin to forgive him; as long as Feng Jin could live a good life without further hardship, he would be at peace.
"Sister Feng Jin, you wouldn't believe how scared I was of Yongping County Princess just now. Fortunately, Prime Minister Feng was here; otherwise, it would have been difficult for us to escape."
She had heard about the relationship between this father and daughter. When she first learned of it, she was filled with anger. How could a father ignore his own biological daughter for so many years?
It was understandable that Sister Feng Jin couldn't forgive him; she herself would have found it hard to do so. However, judging by what happened today, Prime Minister Feng genuinely wanted to make amends.
"Are you here to see your grandson?" Feng Jin's question left Feng Yuanping speechless. He could only nod reluctantly.
"The Third Prince sent someone to invite me. If I didn't come... it would only create more trouble..."
He hadn't wanted to come, but the Third Prince's people had repeatedly come to his residence to invite him. After all, he was still an official in the court, and it wouldn't do to create too much of a scene and attract unwanted attention. So, he had to come.
He hadn't expected to encounter Feng Jin here. It could be considered that his trip today was not in vain.
"It is widely known throughout the capital that Prime Minister Feng dotes on his eldest daughter. I imagine he must be even more fond of his grandson. I shall not disturb Prime Minister Feng from enjoying his family bliss."
With that, Feng Jin walked past Feng Yuanping and headed outside. Lin Yuwei and Ling Wan, standing behind, also hurried to follow Feng Jin.
Feng Yuanping sighed helplessly. The resentment in this child's heart towards him was deep. It would not be a matter of a day or two to dissolve it.
"Eldest sister-in-law, please don't be angry. Have a bite of this tangerine; it's very sweet."
Ling Wan noticed that Feng Jin was truly angry just now. Although her expression was calm, her heart must have been full of resentment.
"Sister Feng Jin, I actually think Prime Minister Feng truly wants to make amends with you now. Why don't you forgive him? After all, he's getting on in years, and his days are numbered. You wouldn't want to regret it later."
The tree desires stillness, but the wind does not cease; the son wishes to nurture his parents, but they are not there. Such sorrow is a lifelong regret. She didn't want to see Sister Feng Jin regret it in the end, so she spoke to console her.
Feng Jin smiled and looked at the two beside her, "I understand your good intentions, but I have this under control. You two don't need to worry about it."
She didn't feel any filial affection for Feng Yuanping, and in fact, she harbored some hatred. For her to act like a loving father-daughter pair now was truly difficult.
...
"Are you telling the truth?"
Feng Ruoyan asked with shock, her grip tightening and the screw band in her hand snapping in two.
"Eldest Miss, this servant saw it with her own eyes. Master defended Feng Jin with all his might and even argued with Yongping County Princess."
Feng Ruoyan's heart pounded with anxiety. She knew that her father had always detested Feng Jin, even forbidding her name to be mentioned, and had once wished for Feng Jin to perish on her own. This sudden change made her deeply uneasy.
She wasn't sure if her mother had told anyone about her origins before she passed away. Now, this matter hung over her like a sharp sword, causing her sleepless nights.
"Miss, you needn't worry so much. When we were on the ground, it was you, Young Miss, whom Master loved the most. Now that he is treating the second young lady better, it might be because she married Young General Ling. After all, many people want to curry favor with the Ling family. Even the Third Prince values the Ling family and wants to pull them into his faction."
Feng Ruoyan listened to the maid's words, but her eyes grew darker. She sighed, "If that's the case, then I don't need to worry so much. If it's truly because of..."
If her father found out about her origins, then things would truly be terrible.