Chapter 23: Disturbance - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 23: Disturbance
"Father, you're being too harsh. It's the son's incompetence that still needs more experience."
Although he said so, he didn't hold back and immediately made a move against Bai Xiang.
Bai Xiang's sharp eyes finally showed a hint of inquiry. He was finding it increasingly difficult to understand his son's thoughts.
Seeing his calm demeanor, as if not blinded by wealth and status, was a good thing. But deep down, he couldn't be sure if his son's true intentions matched his outward appearance.
With no successors in the Bai family, and none of his three sons being particularly successful, Bai Xiang had concerns.
The eldest son had mediocre talent but understood his place in life. He would be content to become a Hanlin Academician and lead a stable life.
The youngest son had a carefree personality and was fond of the county princess, so his career path was essentially cut off. However, he had a place in the academy where he could utilize his talents, which was fortunate.
Only the third son, with his deep thoughts and years of experience as an official, was originally slated for a superior position in the Ministry of Personnel, but it was forcefully changed to a middle position.
As expected, he was retained in his current position.
People outside speculated that it was because of his status as a illegitimate son that he wasn't favored, so he was deliberately suppressed.
But only Bai Xiang knew in his heart that with a corrupt heart, climbing to a high position would only harm the court and the people. It might even destroy the hard-earned position of the Bai family.
So, he was worried.
In the cutthroat world of officialdom, only those who could see through the fog and discern right from wrong could carve out a path of bloodshed.
Obviously, Bai Sanlang was not such a person.
The chess game was intense, both players preferring quick and decisive moves. A game ended in the time it took for two incense sticks to burn.
This time, Bai Chaokou narrowly won a move, revealing a rare smile on his serious face.
"Father, you are too kind to let me win."
"Well, your chess skills have improved. Go on, after the New Year, return to Qiongzhou. The climate in the Eastern Capital is not very good, and Qiongzhou is more suitable for living."
With just one sentence, Bai Chaokou's heart chilled considerably.
He clenched his fingers fiercely in his palm to prevent himself from losing his composure in public. With a respectful response to Bai Xiang, he left.
Watching him leave with a floating gait, Bai Xiang furrowed his brow, his eyes betraying a hint of disappointment.
After seeing off the female guests with his eldest aunt, it was getting late.
Eldest brother Feng Jinxu had other matters to attend to and left first. After bidding farewell to Bai Lao, Bai Xiang, and the others, he also returned home.
After a day of hustle and bustle, when they returned to the Ning'an Courtyard, Feng Jinyao felt like she was falling apart.
Fortunately, Xiuqiu was perceptive and immediately arranged for her to bathe.
The tub was filled with flower petals preserved from early summer and essential oils were added to soothe the meridians. Xiuqiu and Yunxu waited by her side.
Feng Jinyao closed her eyes, her mind full of thoughts about the future of the Feng family.
In the previous life, after the grandmother's birthday banquet, the Feng family enjoyed a few days of peace, but it was followed by a nightmare.
Thinking back, she felt that the problem lay with the examination results.
Both her father and eldest brother were sent out as officials because of their excellent examination results, and both had their fair share of troubles outside.
If the plan to send them out as officials was disrupted, could they avoid this disaster?
Recalling the previous life, the edict to send them out was issued in mid-April. In that case, she still had time to plan carefully.
Just as she was thinking, a maid entered, crying as she reported.
She said that the concubine in Eldest Brother's residence was causing trouble, clamoring to hang herself. Madam was at a loss for what to do, and didn't dare to disturb the old lady, so she asked Feng Jinyao to go and take a look.
"That Concubine Lin is really annoying. She relies on giving birth to a son to make a fuss day and night. It's only because Grandmother has a good temper that she allows her to behave like this. Miss, should we go and see this precious concubine?"
Xiuqiu was straightforward and quick-witted. She couldn't stand seeing a servant bully their master, so her words were filled with disdain for the concubine.
But Yunxu interrupted her, "She is a concubine, you are a maid. Pay attention to your status and don't speak out of turn, lest you give others a handle. Do you understand?"
Xiuqiu was annoyed, but she also knew that Yunxu was looking out for her, so she kept her mouth shut, though her eyes were full of unwillingness.
"Let's go, let's see this precious concubine of ours."
Feng Jinyao opened her eyes and looked outside, indicating that the two of them should help her get up.
The hot steam made her cheeks flush, but her eyes were clear.
What a troublesome concubine she was. Feng Jinyao wanted to see who had given her such a big face that she dared to bully even her sister-in-law!
Late in the winter night, the road was cold.
Feng Jinyao, without makeup, wrapped in a cloak, walked towards her eldest brother's residence.
Xiuqiu and Yunxu held lamps, illuminating the path for her.
The maid who came to report was called Yuegui, the second-ranking maid in Eldest Brother's residence. She looked quite obedient.
"Do you know why the concubine is causing trouble?"
The little maid looked troubled, as servants dared not casually speculate on their masters' affairs, even if it was just a concubine. Therefore, she chose her words carefully, trying not to convey any emotion as she reported to Feng Jinyao.
"The eldest young master sent a set of top-quality writing materials as a gift for the eldest young master's entrance ceremony. It happened to be seen by the concubine, so..."
"So she's causing trouble because she wants her son to also go to school?"
Feng Jinyao asked, her tone devoid of emotion.
Yuegui nodded, her face showing seriousness.
She didn't dare to say some of the harsher words, for fear that it would make their mistress appear weak and easily bullied.
Hmph, indeed restless.
In the previous life, when her son took on the role of the eldest son and entered the academy, it caused chaos and even implicated her father and eldest brother.
This second nephew of hers, if he were obedient and sensible, it would be fine. Unfortunately, he was spoiled by the concubine and refused to be disciplined.
Today, she wanted to see if he was still as annoying as before.
If so, then his path to entering the academy would be completely cut off.
While contemplating,
they arrived in the courtyard.
Sure enough, they heard the concubine Lin's crying intermittently.
Feng Jinyao pushed the door open and saw the scene of chaos inside.
Madam Wen sat slumped in a sandalwood armchair, wiping away tears with a handkerchief. A maid was patting her back to comfort her, trying to make her look less distressed.
Standing beside her was Feng Jinxu's legitimate son, Feng Yunhe.
He was fair and delicate, with a hint of unconquerable spirit hidden in his small features.
Despite being only six years old, he stood with his hands behind his back, watching the concubine and his younger half-brother rolling on the ground, crying and making a scene. His face was serious, his eyes dark.
On the ground, Concubine Lin, dressed in flashy clothes, was accompanied by her chubby son.
Although he was two years younger than Feng Yunhe, he was slightly taller.
At this moment, the chubby-faced Feng Yunli was full of disgust, yelling at Madam Wen.
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