Chapter 1232 – Preparing for Battle, Rest and Recuperation (11)
Feng Yi calmly gazed at his father, who seemed vaguely embarrassed, as if hesitating over a significant matter.
“Father, I only asked Teacher for a quarter of an hour’s leave. If there’s something you need to discuss, please do so quickly so I won’t be delayed.”
Completely immersed in his studies, he couldn’t pull himself away.
A life without learning was a barren one, and Feng Yi didn’t like wasting precious time on meaningless things.
Feng Zhen said, “Isn’t the academy on break? As far as I know, you have nothing to study for these days.”
Feng Yi raised his eyelids slightly, his tone still calm as ever.
“Reviewing what I’ve learned allows me to strengthen my foundation. Only by solidifying my knowledge can I take further steps,” Feng Yi explained. “Moreover, I secretly borrowed next year’s textbooks from Teacher. The information is quite challenging, and I’ll need to invest significant effort to read through it. If there aren’t any pressing matters, I should take my leave first; unimportant issues can wait until the next semester.”
Feng Zhen: “…”
Everything that should not have been said was said by this kid.
He once again doubted if Feng Yi was truly his own —
This serious demeanor, where did it come from?
Whether it was Feng Zhen’s illusion or not, he felt his authority as the head of the family was in steep decline, facing tremendous challenges.
Seeing that Feng Yi really intended to stand up and leave after bowing, Feng Zhen hurriedly reached out and grabbed Feng Yi’s arm.
“There is something! This matter concerns your father’s lifelong affair; you tell me if it’s important.”
Feng Yi raised an eyebrow, his expression saying one thing —
You held your breath for so long just to say a few useless words?
Feng Yi continued, “Father is in his prime, but the backyard is empty… I believe it’s indeed time to discuss a suitable family to add a main wife.”
Feng Zhen already knew his son was on the same page, but hearing it straight from him still made him a bit uneasy.
Feng Yi was his only offspring over the years, and his stubbornness made him different from other boys.
This kid had his own opinions, and Feng Zhen held immense hopes for him.
He didn’t want his child to be a spineless puppet, nor did he see Feng Yi as a mere appendage —
For certain major family matters, he wanted to know Feng Yi’s stance.
Yet—
Knowing was one thing; seeing how understanding his son was nearly brought him to tears.
Truly his biological son, knowing how to care for his father!
After Feng Yi finished speaking, he turned to leave again, and Feng Zhen quickly stopped him.
“Aren’t you going to ask who? The formalities should be discussed properly. Since there’s no elder around me, I can only discuss them with you.”
In another couple of years, Feng Yi would reach the age of courting, considered half an adult.
Feng Yi asked, “Is this your decision, or is it from Lady Xiu?”
Feng Zhen was taken aback; usually shameless, he was suddenly exposed by his own son, embarrassment creeping onto his face.
“How do you know it’s Lady Xiu?” Feng Zhen inquired.
Feng Yi replied, “Father’s tastes are quite unique; how could I not know this?”
It seemed that men of every age liked young, tender girls, except for his father who had peculiar tastes.
In the world of beauty, he uniquely adored mature and charming ladies.
Perhaps this was a kind of loyalty.
Ever since Wan Xiuer moved into the residence, Feng Zhen had been more restrained in his private life, and busyness reduced his carefree antics.
To put it in Feng Zhen’s own words —
Since there’s a member of the opposite sex staying in his house, as the host, he couldn’t be too loose with his behavior, lest he damage her reputation.
Hehe—
Though the excuse was respectable, unfortunately, Feng Yi didn’t believe a single word.
If Feng Zhen truly lacked interest, he wouldn’t have written family letters asking Feng Yi to look after Wan Xiuer.
Feng Yi had conveniently allowed Wan Xiuer to stay in their guest quarters precisely due to Feng Zhen’s hints, right?
Thus, it wasn’t surprising that Wan Xiuer would become the next mistress of the Feng residence.
If there was a surprise, it was that Feng Zhen had been quite proper this past year, treating Wan Xiuer without any hint of impropriety.
Feng Zhen and Wan Xiuer’s story resembled a giant rat guarding a rice jar, gradually developing feelings for the white rice inside.
Being ruthlessly exposed by his son, Feng Zhen’s face felt scorching.
He said, “This is your father’s intent; Lady Xiu agreed, but she thinks she should seek your opinion.”
“Since that’s the case, let’s pick an auspicious day after the New Year to settle this matter,” Feng Yi said naturally. “The timeline is a bit tight; it might inconvenience Lady Xiu. I’ll return to the residence after the next semester to inspect the storeroom. We must ensure nothing is lacking in the formalities.”
Feng Zhen: “…”
Is this my son or my ancestor?
“I’ve observed Lady Xiu for quite a while; her temperament isn’t bad, and I wouldn’t worry about leaving the residence in her hands,” Feng Yi remarked. “Marriage is a significant affair; no party should feel wronged. Since Lady Xiu and father have intentions to become united, father should respect her. Before marriage, let’s have Lady Xiu move out of the guest quarters and choose another residence for her as her maiden home. It’s quite improper for her to marry out of this residence and then return. If outsiders see this, it would be very inappropriate… I’ve heard that Lady Xiu once had ties with Lan Ting; since father has some standing in front of Lan Ting, might as well request a favor from him to act as a matchmaker and bring even more joy.”
Feng Zhen: “…”
Feng Yi then asked, “Lady Xiu’s status is special, and as she is a woman who’s remarried, her dowry might not be sufficient. Will father want to secretly add some?”
After all, there was the step of showcasing the dowry, which was crucial for the woman’s reputation.
Ladies from noble families began accumulating their dowries from birth, and Wan Xiuer’s background wasn’t weak, so her dowry should naturally be ample.
However, after following her late husband to defend Han Chang Pass, much of her dowry had been lost during the turmoil of war.
She later recovered a portion, but it was only the tip of the iceberg.
Even for a second marriage, what should be prepared must be prepared, and one cannot let outsiders mock the bride.
Feng Zhen’s mouth twitched several times, but he couldn’t spit out a single word, obediently sitting there to listen to his son’s plans.
After some thought, Feng Yi felt there were still many arrangements needed.
Typically, preparing for marriage would take a year or half a year.
However, these were extraordinary times, and with upcoming battles in spring or after the harvest in autumn, ‘taking it slow’ was out of the question.
“It’s essential to add some—”
Feng Zhen had considerable wealth, especially since Jiang Pengji was not a stingy leader.
Every time there was a victory, after seizing the enemy’s wealth, she would always distribute some coins; coupled with Feng Zhen’s substantial business activities, over the years he not only made up for previous losses but also amassed quite a fortune. Preparing a respectable dowry was well within reach.
Feng Zhen added, “However, this won’t come from the public account; it’s fine to use my private treasury.”
Feng Yi, being the Eldest Legitimate Son, would naturally inherit the bulk of the family fortune; they couldn’t make Feng Yi suffer just to marry.
Feng Zhen teased, “In another couple of years, you should also be looking for a bride. The Feng family has great prestige; if you want to marry Feng Jin’s eldest daughter, would it not be unjust to drain the family’s savings for her? The more bride price you give, the more dowry Feng Huaiyu prepares, which will guarantee a hefty sum!”
