Chapter 98: The Imperial Family - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 98: The Imperial Family

Feng Jinyao smiled at him, and Yin Canwen, caught off guard, nearly froze in place.

Then, they heard Feng Jinlin's voice from behind, "Ah Yao? Why are you here so early?"

"I wanted to see Yunli. Brother, would you like to come along?" Feng Jinyao asked with a soft smile. Feng Jinlin, still dripping with a bit of water on his face, was dressed in a robust outfit that made him appear strong, making Yin Canwen next to him look rather frail by comparison.

Feng Jinyao didn't think much of it, but Yin Canwen noticed her calm and indifferent gaze and felt a bit disheartened. However, he reminded himself that being from a humble background, it was impossible for him to reach the palm-treasured daughter of the Feng family.

He decided to devote himself to studying hard, thinking that if he could achieve high scores in the future and become a trusted minister of the emperor, he might have a slim chance.

"Let's go."

The brother and sister walked together, and within a few steps, they arrived at their eldest brother's courtyard. Coincidentally, they encountered Feng Jinxu return, accompanied by the long-unseen Sixth Prince.

The two had a good relationship.

The Sixth Prince, having interacted mostly with Feng Jinxu, was not very familiar with his younger siblings. However, seeing them now, one standing tall and vigorous, the other cool and ethereal like a moonlit fairy, he was impressed.

"I always thought Feng Jinxu was outstanding. Today, seeing your younger brother and sister, I am even more amazed." the Sixth Prince said gently, his manner warm and soothing. He seemed to be someone who had grown up bathed in sunlight, devoid of the palace's scheming and power struggles, always possessing a free-spirited nature, much like his mother, Concubine Liu.

"You flatter us, Your Highness." Feng Jinxu, usually a man of few words and steady temperament, remained calm even after hearing such high praise for his siblings.

"Didn't you want to see the 'Rain on the Minjiang River' painting in the study?" Feng Jinxu reminded.

"Ah, yes. I almost forgot why I came here today. I'll take my leave now." said the Sixth Prince.

Feng Jinyao and her brother bowed to him with impeccable manners.

As the two of them disappeared down the corridor, Feng Jinlin's true nature emerged. He turned to Feng Jinyao, somewhat discontentedly, "Ah Yao, in the future, stay away from these princes. I don't want you to be chosen by one of them and end up in the backyard, fighting with a bunch of concubines. It's not worth it."

This remark puzzled Feng Jinyao, "Why bring this up all of a sudden?"

"The glory of the imperial family is envied by all, but how many truly live happily once they attain it? Look at the wives and concubines of the princes, always maintaining their virtuous facade. In my opinion, they are not as free as our mother." he said, lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear.

Feng Jinyao looked up at him, her eyes moistening with emotion. Her second brother always cared deeply for her, not tying the family's honor to her marriage prospects, always concerned only with her future happiness. She felt deeply touched.

"Understood, I don't enjoy such crowds either. I hope you will do the same. If a princess fancies you and wants you to marry her, your happy days would be over too."

"Hahaha, don't worry. No one can force me to do anything. If it ever comes to that, I'll join the military. Better to die on the battlefield than suffer in the backyard!"

His words were hearty and full of vigor, but they filled Feng Jinyao with anxiety.

As they talked, they walked into their eldest brother's courtyard. Under the veranda stood a servant, Yueli, who happily lifted the curtain and invited them in.

"Sister-in-law, we came to see Yunli."

"You've here?"

Madam Wen, noticing them enter, was holding a bowl of freshly made lean meat porridge, feeding Yunli bit by bit.

Anyone seeing this scene would feel Madam Wen’s kindness; she treated him as if he were her own son.

"Good morning, Second Uncle, Aunt."

Children are naturally sensitive, and after spending a few days with Madam Wen, Yunli already saw her as his own mother.

Previously, he had been raised by Concubine Lin, but most of the time, he was actually taken care of by a wet nurse. True affection was more likely due to blood ties, and now his bond with Madam Wen was genuinely heartfelt.

"Mother, I’m tired of lying down. May I go out to play with Aunt Zhu Jin?"

Feng Jinlin raised an eyebrow at Yunli. The last time he saw the boy, he was always round and domineering, looking down on the servants with arrogance just like his biological mother.

How, in just a few days, had he come to call Zhu Jin 'Aunt'?

"Yunli, you…”

Madam Wen nodded. The doctor had said that children naturally love to play, and moderate walking during illness could aid recovery.

So Yunli got up and walked a few steps. Though still weak, he looked much better than before.

Feng Jinyao squatted down, touching Yunli's forehead. Madam Wen smiled gently and said, "After eating the Buddha Heart Fruit sent by Second Brother, he hasn’t had a fever since. There are two fruits left. Since you’re here, take them back with you."

"Sister-in-law, no need to be polite. You have two children here. Keep the medicine for emergencies."

Adults can endure fever, but children cannot.

Madam Wen did not insist further, instructing Zhu Jin to store the medicine carefully, knowing how precious it was.

"Has Elder Brother visited Yunli?"

Upon hearing Feng Jinyao’s question, Madam Wen's cheerful face turned dim. "The Master hasn't returned since a few days ago, always busy at the Dali Temple. Just now, Yueli reported that he went to the study with the Sixth Prince. I haven’t had a chance to tell him."

“I see.”

“Elder Brother is really neglectful as a father. Strict with Yunhe before, now completely unaware of Yunli’s illness. If Sister-in-law weren’t here, the courtyard would have been chaotic long ago.”

Feng Jinlin was always fair, and his words, though critical, were true.

As they were complaining, Yueli announced loudly, 'Greetings, Master.'

“Hmm.”

Feng Jinxu walked in with a cold face. When he saw Feng Jinlin, his eyes carried an unmistakable warning.

Was he caught badmouthing? How unlucky. But Feng Jinlin’s words were honest, so he met his elder brother's gaze without fear.

Fearing discord between the brothers, Madam Wen quickly intervened.

“Master, you’re back? Where is the Sixth Prince?”

“His Highness had other matters to attend to and left.”

“Did you have breakfast? If not, I’ll ask Zhu Jin to prepare more. Second Brother and Sister are here too. It’ll be lively.”

Madam Wen's eyes sparkled with joy and hope as she looked at Feng Jinxu. He had eaten at the Dali Temple but nodded, “Prepare it.”

Feng Jinlin, however, seemed unhappy. With his stern brother around, even the best breakfast would be hard to swallow.

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