Chapter 116 – Unexpected Turns (Part Four)
“Speaking of which, you share quite the temperament with my younger brother…” Feng Jin lifted the carriage curtain slightly, glancing at the nighttime scenery outside. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, adding a hint of warmth to his expression. “Both of you are rather narrow-minded and love to tease people.”
Jiang Pengji couldn’t believe her ears. “Narrow-minded teasing? I thought your Feng family raised everyone strictly, and everyone was like you.”
Feng Jin replied playfully, “Didn’t Lan Ting say before that ‘a dragon has nine sons, each with its own personality’? Even though my younger brother and I share the same mother, our temperaments don’t match. He’s clever and wise from a young age, doted on by the elders. As long as he doesn’t cross the line, he’ll be fine.”
In the Feng family, with the eldest brother Feng Jin leading the way, and even Feng Jin himself still around, the burden on the youngest was minimal. The elders favored the eldest son, while the youngest boy enjoyed more pampering—a common practice in every household.
It’s just a pity for the middle child, Feng Jin. While he wasn’t exactly ignored, he certainly was overshadowed by his elder brother and younger sibling.
Jiang Pengji shot a glance at Feng Jin, whose face lit up at the mention of his younger brother.
“Didn’t see that coming! Huaiyu, you’re actually a younger brother fanatic.”
“A younger brother fanatic? What’s that?”
Feng Jin pondered over the term, not quite grasping its meaning.
Jiang Pengji explained, “It refers to an older brother who has a special fondness for his younger brother, showing a really good sibling bond.”
Upon hearing this, Feng Jin wore a contemplative expression and then connected the dots. “This term is quite novel. So, does that mean there are similar terms for older sisters or younger sisters? The meaning must be somewhat the same, describing the close bond between siblings?”
“Exactly!” Jiang Pengji nodded. “So teachable!”
Feng Jin chuckled, “These terms are clever and amusing, simple yet catchy. Are they local dialects from Hejian?”
Jiang Pengji casually responded, “I heard it from the traveling merchants. I don’t even know where the words originally come from.”
The young boy thought for a bit and beamed, “So, I can say that I’m a younger brother fanatic too?”
Jiang Pengji laughed softly, knowing full well how close the three brothers were. Next topic!
Rumors stop at wise people; chats stop at laughs.
However, Feng Jin didn’t catch the ‘laugh’ joke and shifted the conversation.
“Lan Ting, earlier we spoke about going to Langya. Have you discussed it with Liu Zhi?”
Jiang Pengji wasn’t one to stay put in one place; while Hejian County wasn’t small, it wasn’t that big either.
“I did. Father is very supportive of my plan to study in Langya. He just said I don’t need to inform my mother about it.”
Jiang Pengji propped her elbows on the table, resting her chin on her fist, leaning comfortably in a manner that Feng Jin found quite eye-catching.
At first, he didn’t understand, but after running her words through his mind, he vaguely grasped Liu Zhi’s intent behind this decision.
Mr. Yuanjing is a true master. Even though he would take care of Liu Lanting because of his connection to the deceased mother, the initial impression would be less favorable. Liu Lanting wasn’t without capability; if he could impress Mr. Yuanjing with his own knowledge and talent, it would be much better than relying on his mother’s reputation to seek apprenticeship with Mr. Yuanjing. It would give him more face too.
Feng Jin asked, “So when do you plan to leave?”
Jiang Pengji really hadn’t thought about it, or perhaps deep down didn’t want to go study in Langya.
“Maybe in a month or two. Father has been assigned to Hujun for many years and rarely comes home. This time he’s staying for three months, and if I leave to study right now, it would be a pity. I want to spend more time with him and show my filial respect. Besides, I still need Mr. Gong Cao’s approval for this.”
That part of her words mixed truth with a touch of pretense; Jiang Pengji was just giving Feng Jin an explanation.
“Parents are present; it’s wise not to travel far. Children should fulfill their filial duties in front of their parents. Lan Ting’s thoughts align with human ethics,” Feng Jin remarked, recalling his own situation. If his parents weren’t healthy and his siblings weren’t all present, he would also feel uneasy about traveling far. “If you leave for Langya three months later, we might be apart for a bit.”
Jiang Pengji turned to him. “Are you leaving Hejian County?”
Feng Jin nodded and added, “But I won’t be leaving for a while. When I leave depends on Si Langjun’s wishes.”
Although Wu Ma Jun was not valued by the Emperor, he was still a prince, and Feng Jin had to respect his decision.
Jiang Pengji raised an eyebrow and scoffed, “If that’s the case, it seems you won’t be leaving Hejian anytime soon.”
Talking to smart people is definitely more effortless. Jiang Pengji’s innuendos were understood by Feng Jin without difficulty.
Clearly, Wu Ma Jun wanted to win over Liu Zhi, hoping he would support him and become a strong asset in the competition for the throne.
Hujun, under Liu Zhi’s hard work over the years, had become a hot commodity in Dongqing, alleviating nearby food shortages! In ancient times, the key resources for power struggles were—people and food.
With food in hand, there’s no need to worry.
With food comes people, indeed. To be blunt, if Wu Ma Jun manages to gain Liu Zhi’s full support, even if the Emperor chooses another prince, he could still gather troops and attempt to overthrow his brother from the throne.
→_→ Sibling rivalry and parent-child conflict have long been traditions in the Dongqing royal family.
Of course, nobody knew if Wu Ma Jun had such grand ambitions right now.
But winning over Liu Zhi seemed like a foolproof deal.
Since ancient times, it was always hard to move talents. Not to mention that Wu Ma Jun was just an unknown prince, while Liu Zhi was a well-known, influential official. Trying to woo a rising star without putting in effort? Dream on!
Thus, Jiang Pengji concluded that Feng Jin wouldn’t linger in Hejian for too long.
Feng Jin was aware of the intricacies and offered a wry smile. “Since you already know, let’s keep it between us.”
It was better for both to just understand each other without putting it out there, right?
Jiang Pengji’s thoughts wandered back to Wu Ma Jun and suddenly recalled something.
“Huaiyu, didn’t you say you’re still not engaged?”
Feng Jin nodded, chuckling. “Why do you ask? Are you trying to play matchmaker?”
If this was the ancient era, he probably wouldn’t have been able to voice such things. However, Jiang Pengji had no such concerns, staring straight at Feng Jin. “Actually, I am thinking along those lines. Huaiyu would make a great husband. Why let good fortune go to waste?”
Feng Jin’s smile faltered slightly, followed by a hint of embarrassment.
He chuckled wryly and said, “Marriage is a matter decided by parents. I can’t call the shots. It’s improper if I try to meddle. If I’m right, you’re probably worried about Wei’s lady?”
