Chapter 38: The Fire Fox - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 38: The Fire Fox
Feng Jinyao glanced down and saw a small fox with a fiery red coat nestled in her arms, glaring warily at Feng Jinlin as if saying, 'Stay away from me, you stinky rogue!'
"A fox?"
"That's right. I found it in the back mountains of the academy. There were only men there, so they couldn't take care of this thing, and they sent it to you."
Feng Jinyao's face wrinkled into a ball. In her two lifetimes, she had never raised any animals, not even cats, dogs, birds, or fish. She always avoided these furry little creatures.
"I've never raised one before, Second Brother. Why don't you give it to someone else? If you leave it with me, what if it starves to death?"
Feng Jinlin rolled his eyes and snorted deeply.
"Ah Yao, this thing is quite spiritual. Ordinary people haven't even seen it, but it chose to come to you. This is your fate, understand?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the fox with long arms seemed to truly understand human nature. Not only did it make whimpering sounds, but it also obediently tucked its head into Feng Jinyao's arms, as if saying, 'I'm well-behaved and easy to take care of. Please don't give me away.'
Sighing, Feng Jinyao gently stroked its soft fur, feeling a little soft-hearted.
Facing such a gentle little creature, she couldn't bring herself to be cruel. It seemed to sense her emotions and even raised its body, rubbing its forehead against her chin, revealing a smile.
Xiuqiu was stunned, staring blankly and saying, "Is it becoming spiritual?"
Suddenly, the fox turned its head and showed a few newly emerged milk teeth, as if it were being stepped on its tail, roaring at her.
Feng Jinyao and her brother burst into laughter.
It seemed like it really was spiritual.
"Alright, alright, you can stay." Feng Jinyao said, patting the fox's head. In an instant the little creature reverted to its gentle and obedient appearance, bringing joy to everyone.
It even seemed to be able to change its demeanor on command. After thinking for a moment, Feng Jinyao blurted out, "Since it's all fiery red, let's call it Chilin."
Chilin, Chilin, the little fox seemed to like the name very much, wagging its tail happily and jumping around Feng Jinyao.
While holding Chilin in her arms, the servants quickly finished grooming. At the same time, breakfast was ready.
A plate of fresh lotus roots, a plate of shredded chicken spring rolls, two bowls of bamboo shoot dumpling soup, and three small dishes of side dishes.
Feng Jinlin wasn't polite at all and started eating as soon as he sat down.
Seeing him enjoy the food, Feng Jinyao couldn't help but frown.
"Second Brother, don't blame me for not reminding you. I saw Father in Mother's courtyard yesterday. If you want to have a comfortable year, it's better to return to the academy sooner."
Feeling uneasy, Feng Jinlin looked at Feng Jinyao suspiciously. Could she be lying again to make him return to the academy?
Unfortunately, all he saw was sincerity.
"Alright, alright, I know. I'll leave after eating."
"That's more like it."
Feng Jinlin shook his head, feeling like he was being bombarded by Feng Jinyao's advice after dealing with their stern father. It seemed like heaven was not unkind to him.
Watching him eat his words, Feng Jinyao couldn't help but feel amused and helpless.
"Second Brother, I'm not trying to scare you as your sister. The Spring Examinations are just around the corner. If you fail the exam, think about Big Brother, Father, and your maternal grandfather. You probably won't be able to handle them. Remember, except for the Fourth Uncle who didn't take the imperial examination, everyone in the Feng and Bai families passed on their first attempt."
Feng Jinlin swallowed hard, and the dumplings in his hand suddenly didn't taste good anymore.
He looked at his sister, who was more nagging than his mother, and sighed, "Ah Yao, if you get married, your husband will definitely be advised by you to become a high-ranking official!"
"Are you itching for a fight?"
Why was she being interrupted when she was about to talk about marriage and marrying off?
"I won't say anymore. I'll leave after eating."
He quickly finished his meal and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. Satisfied, he looked at Feng Jinyao. "I was looking forward to skating on the lake in the backyard since it was snowing heavily. It seems like that won't be possible anymore."
"Why not?" Feng Jinyao looked at him puzzled.
"The ice is too brittle. It probably won't hold."
"Hurry up and leave. You're always thinking about eating, drinking, and having fun. Why don't you just ask Father to arrange a princess or a duchess for you? Forget about your future and don't take the exam?"
Feng Jinyao countered, provoking him.
"Don't, I hate being a puppet. Wait and see, this time, I'll come back as an Imperial Scholar and show you my capabilities!"
With that, he quickly walked out, leaving Xiuqiu to chase after him.
"Ah, such a difficult master to serve."
Feng Jinyao couldn't help but sigh.
Little did Feng's two siblings know that before they even left the courtyard, a maid from the Bai family arrived with a letter.
"Greetings to Second Young Master."
"What's in your hand?"
"The Bai family just sent this letter, inviting Miss to a banquet."
"A banquet?"
Feng Jinlin's face was full of curiosity. Although he was studying in the academy, he was well-informed about court matters.
The Bai family sent the invitation, so they probably wanted to reveal some news about the upcoming marriage. Thinking of the noble and aloof Miss Bai, he couldn't help but shudder.
"It's okay, just take it inside quickly."
With that, he turned and left the Courtyard of Tranquil Peace, walking faster than when he came, afraid of running into someone he shouldn't. Otherwise, his unlucky days would come.
The maid brought the Bai family's letter inside, and Xiuqiu handed it directly to Feng Jinyao.
"Did Second Brother see it?"
"Yes, I just saw him in the courtyard."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't say anything and just left."
"That's good."
This kind of banquet, the fewer times she had to attend, the better. Let others take the spotlight.
Thinking this, she slowly opened the letter.
It mentioned the banquet, which she already knew about from the Bai family.
This was a great opportunity. Whether or not she could help Miss Bai avoid this unwanted marriage depended on this snow-viewing banquet.
With that in mind, she called Xiuqiu over and whispered a few words in her ear.
Seeing Xiuqiu nod, she left.
Feng Jinyao picked up the letter and delicately ran her slender fingers over the neat handwriting. A calculating smile played at the corner of her lips.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the West Cross Courtyard of the Bai family was bustling. Maids were coming and going, carrying clothes and jewelry.
In the small courtyard where Bai Sihan resided, it was exceptionally lively.
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