Chapter 21: Eldest Brother - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 21: Eldest Brother
Feng Jinxu's face was serious, showing no sign of joking.
Feng Jinlin shuddered inwardly three times, already imagining the scene of himself being skinned and drawn, which was truly unbearable to think about.
"Enough, enough! But not everyone around me is like Su Cheng. I also have sincere friends like Yin Canwen. His scholarship has been praised by even academicians. Don't believe me? Ask Fourth Uncle."
Immediately nodding in agreement at being suddenly mentioned, Bai Chaohai indeed affirmed that Yin Canwen was somewhat famous at Yunqi Academy. If it weren't for his thin family background and his half-studying, half-working situation, his scholarship would likely be even more remarkable.
"He truly is a rare talent, likely to make it to the top three."
Such high praise made Feng Jinyao recall something. If utilized properly, the Wen family was likely to face a great disaster.
Thinking this, the smile at the corner of her mouth deepened.
"It's truly rare for someone to not despise your dandy appearance. Learn from him well, understood?"
"Understood." Feng Er replied weakly.
Honestly speaking, their eldest brother was even scarier than their father, especially when he had a stern face. He was like their grandfather when he was young, making people feel intimidated.
Just as he was being lectured, a guard dressed man hurried over.
After whispering a few words in Feng Jinxu's ear, his expression relaxed, and he immediately instructed.
"Both of you, behave yourselves. Ah Yao, keep an eye on Second Brother and don't let him drink anymore. After this is done, take him back to the mansion and tomorrow I'll personally escort him back to the academy."
"Got it."
Then, he fist-bumped Fourth Uncle and bowed, "Uncle, I'll leave the matter of Yunhe entering the academy to you."
"Don't worry, that child is quite talented. Once he enters the academy, he might even be more favored by the academicians than me."
"That's great, then I won't bother Uncle anymore. I have something else to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
With that, he hurriedly left.
Feng Er finally breathed a sigh of relief, but Feng Jinyao stared at their departing figures for a long time.
"What's wrong? What are you looking at?"
"Nothing."
Feng Jinyao found it strange. She felt like she had seen that guard somewhere before but she couldn't remember.
"Is Fourth Uncle planning to go to Shou'an Courtyard? I heard that several aunts are there, so it must be lively now. Isn't it the time for family members to have private conversations?"
"More or less. Your Fourth Aunt has already sent someone to inform me. What about you two? Are you going with me or are you going to enjoy yourselves with your friends for the last day?"
Bai Chaohai loved teasing Feng Jinlin the most. Seeing him deflated made him very happy.
Feng Jinyao knew that this Fourth Uncle, although not interested in politics, had a scholarly disposition and loved giving advice.
No wonder he became the youngest scholar in Yunqi Academy at such a young age, earning the favor of the academy director.
If everything went as expected, the next position of scholar at Yunqi Academy would definitely be held by this Fourth Uncle.
"Humph, Fourth Uncle is not righteous at all. He clearly accepted several paintings of the famous scholar Xu Da from me and promised to keep it a secret, but he turned around and told Eldest Brother. Look at his expression just now. If you and I weren't here, he might have beaten me up."
Patting his chest with lingering fear, he was truly scared.
Bai Chaohai knocked Feng Er's head with the folding fan, "You brat, you've been skipping school for months and still don't want to return to the academy. With only four months left until the Chunwei, if you don't get back on track, I think you really want to fail."
"Alright, Second Brother, let's return to the academy tomorrow. Be careful not to anger Father and Eldest Brother. You won't be able to handle the consequences. Moreover, Yunhe is also entering the academy. As his uncle, don't you want to set a good example for him? All you do all day is stroll around and play with cats and dogs. Aren't you afraid of influencing your nephew? He's the most promising child in our family. If you corrupt him, Father will hold you accountable!"
With a sigh, his carefree days were coming to an end.
Oh well, let's just burn the midnight oil for a few months. It'll be over soon.
The group took a shortcut and soon arrived at the entrance of Shou'an Courtyard.
Before they entered, they could already hear laughter and chatter coming from inside.
"Grandmother is in such a good mood. I haven't even entered yet, and I can already hear your laughter, grandmother."
Feng Jinlin and the others entered one after another. Inside, many people were seated, chatting happily.
"Respect to Mother, to Madams."
"Respect to Grandmother, to the Duchess."
"Respect to Mother-in-law, to Madams."
The leader was Madam Bai, followed by the Duchess of Zhengguo, the wife of the Grand General, the wife of the First Uncle, Lin, the wife of the Fourth Uncle, Princess Wen of Yijun County, Bai Siruo, Xu Mingyue, and several other young ladies who had only met once before.
"Alright, alright, everyone is here. Come in quickly, it's cold outside. Cui Gu, serve Fourth Master and Ah Yao a cup of milk tea. I remember they both love this."
"Yes."
After arranging for the two, Madam Bai waved at Feng Jinlin.
"You little monkey, come here and let everyone see you."
He was already quite old, almost eighteen years old, and had been suppressed by his son-in-law, Feng Hai, who said he couldn't talk about personal affairs without official status.
As a result, even his engagement hadn't been arranged yet.
The ladies present were all either unmarried or married to men who had unmarried daughters, so it was natural for them to boast a little.
There were also unmarried girls present, and now there were two more unmarried men. It was likely to damage their reputation.
Therefore, Bai Lin found an excuse to take those unmarried girls to see the newly transplanted plum blossoms.
After saying that, she took those unmarried girls and left Shou'an Courtyard.
Feng Jinyao sat beside Bai Siruo and asked in a low voice, "Why are you so happy? What's going on?"
"Don't you know? I heard that after the Lantern Festival, envoys from various countries will come to pay tribute to the court. This is a grand event that only happens once every three years. I only attended once with my mother at a night banquet. Those people are truly different from the commoners of the Great Jin Dynasty. Some have golden hair and blue eyes, some have red hair and blue eyes, and some are even completely black. It's my first time seeing them."
Feng Jinyao wasn't surprised. In her past life, after she got married, she also attended a tribute event with her mother-in-law once, but it was just at Changchun Tower leaning against the window.
"Oh? Why are you so happy about that?"
Bai Siruo lowered her voice, "The one responsible for the tribute this time is the legitimate son and eldest grandson of the Duchess, both of whom are working in the Ministry of Rites. From their tone, it seems they are about to be promoted."
The Ministry of Rites was responsible for important matters such as sacrificial rituals, arrangements for tributes from foreign states, and the imperial examination. Although it appeared to have no real power, it was in charge of important affairs. Once done well and pleasing to the Emperor, promotion would be much easier.
It seemed that the Duke of Zhengguo was visionary, arranging a bright future for his descendants.
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