Chapter 598 – Your Majesty, Can Row a Dragon Boat in Your Belly (1)
Feng Du is quite something, setting an unprecedented record—she’s the first noble woman to divorce!
By the time Feng Jin and Wei Jingxian received the news, Feng Ren, the clan leader, and several elder members had already agreed to this matter, proceeded to the ancestral hall, and struck her name from the records.
Regardless of how much noise Feng Du kicked up, Feng Gui refused to see her and sent over a hundred subordinates to escort her back to Zhong Zhao.
As for the two young children, Feng Gui planned to raise them personally, asking his parents to help watch them occasionally if he got too busy.
Wei Jingxian sighed, “Uncle has had a tough time in recent years.”
Hierarchy exists, and so does the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring.
Feng Gui, as the clan heir, holds the right to inherit but must also bear the entire weight of the Feng family’s responsibilities—power and duty go hand in hand.
“Yeah, big brother has certainly had it hard. Father retired early, and the emperor seems to want to suppress the Feng family; his burden is heavy.”
When Feng Jin was younger, he felt unhappy—why, as sons of the same parents, he and his brother couldn’t compete with their older brother? Were they that much weaker? It wasn’t until he grew older that he realized being the clan heir wasn’t something just anyone could handle.
The pressure was immense.
It’s rare for a dynasty to last a thousand years, but esteemed families can endure.
But is it that easy for a family to sustain through a thousand years?
Every generation of the clan leader must not only solidify their family’s status in the outside world but also cleanse internal misconduct, ensuring a continuous legacy.
The Feng family prides itself on virtue, but human hearts are complex; where there are interests, there will be grievances. How can one maintain a clear family ethos?
As clan leader and heir, one must not only unite clan members but also uphold the family’s values, preventing trouble before it arises.
Though Feng Jin and Feng Jue cannot inherit the Feng clan’s position, the family ensures they want for nothing, allowing a degree of freedom.
For instance, during the earthquake, Feng Jin could take advantage and assist Jiang Pengji, extricating himself from trouble while also showcasing his ambitions.
Feng Jue, that rebellious child, chose to support what he deemed a wise leader for his own aspirations.
What about Feng Gui?
For him, it would likely be a dead end.
In the future when the world is divided, Feng Gui’s “wise leader” will undoubtedly not be his personal choice, but that of the entire Feng clan.
Little Changsheng, cradled in arms, perked up at the mention of “Uncle,” stretching her neck to peek outside, her little face puffed in disappointment.
“There’s none.”
Wei Jingxian exclaimed, “Uncle’s child has quite the connection; after just two or three meetings, she’s already so attached.”
Feng Jin added, “Big brother has always liked kids. I remember when our parents were busy, it was big brother who often took care of me and Huan Jiang. He kept a close watch on the maidservants, constantly checking and reprimanding them to ensure they’d be diligent.”
By the time Feng Jue was born, Feng Gui was already like a little adult, juggling both his studies and taking care of two younger brothers.
Wei Jingxian imagined that scene and chuckled, “When Changsheng is older, she’ll likely be a responsible little lady herself.”
Feng Jin laughed as he ruffled Changsheng’s hair and asked, “Does Changsheng want to be a little lady?”
Wei Jingxian shot him a glare, “Changsheng is still little; how much does she understand when you ask her?”
“She’ll be two after the new year— not so little anymore.”
The couple’s relationship grew ever better, and with Changsheng as a good mediator, their bond deepened even further.
Feng Jin’s trip to Shangyang County had already achieved its main goal. He wasn’t in a rush to return and report back, instead sending a messenger swiftly to Feng Yi County—other than that, he enjoyed leisurely days with his wife and daughter… well, it was really just an excuse to laze around on vacation.
“Stealing a moment of leisurely life, I can’t even recall when the last time was…”
Staying at the Feng residence was so comfortable, eat and sleep, sleep and eat.
Days rolled by for seven or eight, and he was so lazy that even his bones felt weak.
Wei Jingxian chuckled behind her hand, “How long do you think you can laze around? I dare to bet after a few days of rest, Lan Ting will make you pay back a few days.”
Feng Jin looked sullenly at the snow piled outside the pavilion.
“Lady, whose side are you on exactly?”
“Whoever has reason, I stand by them.” Wei Jingxian playfully took Changsheng from Feng Jin’s arms, scolding, “Changsheng has already given you several stares; as her father, can you really pretend not to hear? She’s your daughter, not a walking hot water bottle. If she’s cold, she should ask the maidservant for two!”
Feng Jin awkwardly got up, his face showing a hint of humility.
Changsheng was still young, full of warmth—Feng Jin found holding her even warmer than a hot water bottle.
“Unreasonable.” Wei Jingxian lightly chided him.
Feng Jin’s face turned even more embarrassed.
The messenger rode day and night, sending Feng Jin’s letter into Jiang Pengji’s hands. She ripped off the wax seal as soon as she received it.
Xu Ke looked worried, “My lord, what’s the result?”
Feng Zhen, however, spoke with confidence, “It’s probably good news. My lord is bound to acquire Shangyang County. Although the Feng family is a prestigious clan in Dongqing, they don’t have many troops. If they could hold Shangyang County for this long, they’re already at their limit. If my lord doesn’t take over this spring, they won’t last till next summer. Now, my lord takes courtesy first, and if they have any brains, they’ll definitely agree and seek some benefits.”
Jiang Pengji didn’t say a word, carefully reading through the letter, her eyebrow arching slightly.
“Good, good, good—”
Jiang Pengji repeated ‘good’ three times, raising everyone’s hearts to their throats, and Feng Zhen frowned. Could it be he miscalculated?
Then she said, “Hui Yu has also learned some cunning; she can take chances even in the busiest of times.”
As the saying goes, the higher the mountain, the farther the emperor is. They’re all huddled in Shangyang County, and there’s not much she can do to drag them back to work.
Feng Zhen, feeling nervous, leaned forward slightly, nearly choking on his own spit upon hearing her next words.
“My lord, did Hui Yu mention anything?” Xu Ke coughed lightly to steer the conversation back.
Jiang Pengji said, “The Feng clan has agreed to relinquish Shangyang County, but they made some insignificant minor demands.”
Xu Ke took the letter from Jiang Pengji’s hand, glanced at it, and nearly choked.
If the Feng clan’s demands were met, wouldn’t that imply they could jump ship from Jiang Pengji’s territory whenever they wanted?
And this is a minor issue?
Xu Ke suppressed the overwhelming urge of a heart attack and passed the letter around for others to read.
Feng Zhen and Qi Guanrang both frowned.
Although the Feng family might not hold much military power, their prestige and allure were extraordinarily formidable.
What prestige and allure?
Among the scholars and talents.
Once the Feng family shows an inclination, that faction will become a hot commodity.
For instance, it seemed like Jiang Pengji had plentiful talents around her, but how many were genuinely willing to flock to her side?
Xu Ke?
He was initially bound to the Liu Residence, and Jiang Pengji released him from his contract, but he still bore the mark of the Liu family.
Qi Guanrang?
Jiang Pengji used flattery to trick him, and by the time he came around, he’d already boarded the pirate ship. Given their temperament, he merely accepted it half-heartedly.
Feng Jin?
It felt somewhat like taking advantage; if the earthquake hadn’t happened so suddenly, would Feng Jin have reluctantly chosen Jiang Pengji?
As for the others?
Li Yun was a sweet idiot picked up, Zhang Ping was brought in by Wei Ci’s coincidental involvement, Yang Si was caught in his own trap—falling into a pit—Feng Zhen came in through Wei Ci’s introduction, likely for Wei Ci’s reputation rather than for Liu Xi or the entire Liu family.
Counting it all, only Wei Ci came willingly.
But if it weren’t for the entanglements in a previous life, would he choose Jiang Pengji?
Not likely.
