Chapter 115: The Visit - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 115: The Visit

The carriage moved at a steady pace and arrived at the entrance of Lihua Alley in about half an hour.

Doctor Zhang, anxious about his wife at home, hurried towards the door as soon as he got off the carriage, showing a hint of urgency.

Feng Jinyao and her brother followed behind, walking a bit slower, with a few servants carrying gifts trailing them. They composed themselves before entering the courtyard.

Shortly after stepping inside, they heard Doctor Zhang's voice.

"You look thinner. Have you not been eating well while I was away?" He circled around Madam Zhang, scrutinizing her with a displeased expression.

Madam Zhang looked helpless. She hadn't lost any weight; it was just the old man seeing things.

"Thinner? What about you? Are you alright?"

"What's wrong with me? I've been through worse before... didn't I get through it just the same?" Doctor Zhang replied nonchalantly, reminding Madam Zhang of many past events, causing her to sigh. "By the way, that..."

Before she could finish, she turned and saw the siblings entering, looking quite surprised.

She coughed a couple of times, as if trying to hide something, then put on a gentle smile, appearing very amiable.

"Who are these two...?"

"They are from the Feng family. This is Miss Feng, the one who sent someone to bring you back last time."

Hearing the name "Miss Feng," Madam Zhang's eyes lit up as she looked her up and down. Despite appearing a bit tired and pale, she couldn't hide her stunning beauty and elegant demeanor, which greatly pleased Madam Zhang. She almost blurted out, 'How old is the young lady? Is she engaged yet?'

Feng Jinlin was puzzled, as if they were being evaluated as potential in-laws, but he hadn't heard that Doctor Zhang had children.

Feng Jinyao stood gracefully, allowing herself to be examined, and politely said, "Hello, Madam."

"Good, good. Miss Feng, you are truly beautiful, worthy of being called the daughter of the most beautiful woman in Dongdu City. You are absolutely stunning."

Hearing this, Feng Jinyao smiled slightly.

This Madam was quite interesting, speaking so candidly upon their first meeting, a perfect match for Doctor Zhang's straightforward personality.

"You flatter me, Madam."

Her graceful manners, without a hint of shyness, made Madam Zhang like her even more.

"My husband didn't cause any trouble at your house, did he?"

Doctor Zhang wanted to argue, but Feng Jinyao quickly explained, "Uncle Shou saved my nephew. If it weren't for him, my nephew would be dead now. How could he cause any trouble? We are all deeply grateful to him."

"Uncle Shou?" Madam Zhang was surprised to hear this name, which hadn't been mentioned in years, except by...

Her smile grew even broader.

"That's good. My old man has a bad temper and has offended many nobles over the years. I was worried he might have offended your elders with his stubbornness."

Madam Zhang tried to explain for her husband, while Feng Jinlin interjected.

"Madam, you are truly insightful, the one who understands Doctor Zhang best!"

Though his words were not explicit, Madam Zhang understood. It was clear that Doctor Zhang had lost his temper, but the Feng family wouldn't mind due to the life-saving grace.

She cast a glance at her husband and looked at Feng Jinlin with some apology.

"My old man is stubborn. I hope you can explain to your elders so there's no misunderstanding."

This made Feng Jinlin feel a bit flattered. It was just a joke, but Madam Zhang was so sincere. They didn't seem to fear authority, but rather wanted to leave a good impression on the Feng family.

"Madam, I was joking. Doctor Zhang has a great favor with our family. I wouldn't hesitate to go through fire and water for him."

"That's good, that's good. Have you two had breakfast? Why not stay and eat? I've just prepared some food."

Madam Zhang was enthusiastic, but the Feng family hadn't been together for a long time and was waiting for them to return, so they had to decline.

"In a couple of days, send someone to get the medicine."

Feng Jinyao nodded, but Doctor Zhang, seeing that she didn't quite understand, added, "It's for your mother. Although her poisoning is mild, she needs to rest. Otherwise, if the poison reaches her heart, it could lead to madness or death."

These words stunned the siblings.

When had their mother been poisoned? How did Doctor Zhang find out?

Feng Jinlin had many questions, but before he could ask, Feng Jinyao spoke first.

"Uncle Shou, do you mean the flowers in my mother's room are poisonous?"

"Yes, you're not foolish." he replied.

He had only mentioned it lightly in the mansion, but she had picked up on it quickly.

"If you have a chance, bring those flowers over for me to see. I haven't seen those in many years. If I'm not mistaken, they're a rare species from the Western Regions."

Doctor Zhang's words made the siblings' faces darken. An insider in their household had tried multiple times to kill their mother. Who could it be?

Could it be related to the second uncle's household?
After all, the people who tended to the flowers were sent by the second household.

Various possibilities flashed through Feng Jinyao's mind, but she couldn't be certain.

"Don't worry, Uncle Shou . I'll bring them to you in a few days."

With that, they took their leave. Before leaving, Feng Jinyao glanced at the items on the table, her eyes deepening. This detail did not go unnoticed by someone observing her, who noted her meticulous nature.

The gifts left on the table were quite valuable, but Doctor Zhang and Madam Zhang, used to the extravagant gifts sent by Xiao Tingyi, were not particularly impressed.

As the sound of the carriage gradually faded, two people emerged from the inner room.

Doctor Zhang looked carefully and saw that it was Xiao Tingyi and Yang Zhao. He patted his chest and said, "You scared me to death, appearing out of nowhere. But, why is the prince here?"

Madam Zhang glared at him again, "You're one to talk. You went off without returning, worrying me sick. It was the prince who sent word, putting me at ease. He even spent New Year's Eve here with me."

Over the past few days, Xiao Tingyi had often come to keep the old lady company, easing her worries.

"So that's how it is. But why..."

"Fewer people should know about aunt's identity, or it will cause trouble." Xiao Tingyi said calmly, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"How did Shoubo discover that Madam Feng was poisoned?"

"She had the scent of the Qingyan Flower on her. It's a peculiar flower that only blooms in winter and stays vibrant until someone dies. The scent was faint, so it can't have been more than a month. If she had been exposed for more than a year, even a celestial being couldn't save her."

Discussing this, Doctor Zhang's face turned uncharacteristically serious.

The Qingyan Flower, a rare sight, made Xiao Tingyi smile. It seemed that those trying to harm the Feng family had spared no expense.