Chapter 122: Compromise - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 122: Compromise

The people present were not fools. After listening to his words, they fell into a long silence. It was Feng Jinyao who broke the silence.

"Last year's snow came late. Some experienced farmers think there will be more rain this year. Both Zhenjiang provinces are water-rich regions. If the rain affects the harvest, Father, how much official grain do you think can be delivered this year?"

"Based on normal circumstances, in a year of good harvest, we can save around eight million stones. If it's a year of poor harvest, I'm afraid it will be only half of that."

Calculating this, after deducting the 'missing' official grain, at most two million stones can be transported to the capital.

Without natural disasters or man-made calamities, these two million stones could indeed fill several granaries. But if something unexpected happens, this bit of grain will sink like a stone into the ocean, without a trace.

Bai Xiang glanced at his eldest grandson, his thoughts sharp.

Sensing his grandfather's gaze, Feng Jinyao pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.

"This matter was Ah Yao's idea. She has already taken some of the family's shop profits to store grain at the estate and has also instructed the farmers below to allocate half of their fields to growing lotus roots. Those things are not afraid of excessive rain and might yield a good harvest."

This statement surprised everyone present, especially Bai Xiang. He had always thought his granddaughter was genteel and courteous, but he hadn't expected her to be so insightful, arranging everything behind the scenes.

For a moment, he was quite curious about her.

"In that case, you should stay home tomorrow due to illness, Eldest. Remember to find a doctor from Guiyuan Hall to come and see you. It must be a severe illness that keeps you bedridden, understand?"

"Yes!"

The words were directed at Feng Hai, and everyone present understood.

Bai Xiang remained calm, as if discussing trivial matters at home, but his words were unquestionable commands.

While being the Supervisor of Transportation was good, they also had to ensure their own family could handle it. Otherwise, choking the Feng family would inevitably implicate the Bai family as well, which would be a loss outweighing the gain.

"As for Jinxu..."

"Grandfather, rest assured. My son has just recovered his life and my wife is about to give birth. At this time, my son will not leave the capital."

Bai Xiang nodded. Although this matter was currently aimed at Feng Hai alone, a minor incident could lead to serious consequences. If those behind the scenes found that dealing with Feng Hai was futile, they might turn their attention to Feng Jinyao, who was stationed outside. It was safer to stay in the capital.

The tense atmosphere in the study dissipated quite a bit. With a conclusion reached, they were not afraid of external manipulation and temptations.

In the front hall, Bai Siruo pulled Feng Jinyao aside to speak quietly.

"Do you know? Third Uncle is returning to Qiongzhou. He'll be leaving right after the Lantern Festival."

"So soon?" Could it be that the matter of Shen Shi's extortion of the Qiao family's brother couldn't be covered up, so they had to leave in such a hurry?

Bai Siruo looked displeased. "Third Uncle is leaving so quickly, but Third Aunt and Bai Sihan are staying. She says her injury hasn't healed and she can't move. Hmph, when I was betrothed, I saw her sitting upright. Now so much time has passed, and she says her injury still hasn't healed!"

Everyone understood the thoughts of Shen Shi and her daughter. Unfortunately, they used this excuse, and it was difficult to say anything.

All Bai Siruo could do was seethe inwardly. Moreover, these past few days, Bai Sihan had been like a piece of toffee, always coming up to her. If her grandmother hadn't spoken up to refuse today, Shen Shi and Bai Sihan might have followed.

Now, seeing them more often was truly vexing, yet she had no solution.

Feng Jinyao wasn't particularly worried about Shen Shi and Bai Sihan now. With a clear plan and people to rely on, every step was easily detectable. Instead, Bai Siruo's impending marriage was more of a concern. Last time she went to the Bai family to deliver congratulations, she hadn't been able to see her. Therefore, looking at her, she softly asked:

"How have you been recently? Have you thought about your engagement?"

Upon hearing Feng Jinyao suddenly mention this, Bai Siruo, who had been indignant just a moment ago, deflated as if all the energy had left her.

"What's the use of thinking about it? The outcome will be the same, won't it? Besides, marrying into the Prince Kang's residence won't inconvenience me. At least it's hundreds of times better than being sent off as a political bride."

Behind her bitter smile was a sense of resignation. Feng Jinyao, perceptive as she was, quickly connected this to the upcoming tribute from the vassal states during the Lantern Festival. She didn't know how to console her for a moment.

"Cousin, I hope you can find happiness."

She didn't express it explicitly but her meaning was clear. Since she could disrupt the marriage arrangement between the Liang and Xu families, naturally, she could think of a way to help her escape this unfavorable marriage. However, she needed Bai Siruo's agreement as well.

Bai Siruo understood her intention. For a moment, the face of Lu Yuanfeng flashed through her mind, causing a smile to play on her lips. But in an instant, she rejected the thought in her mind.

The Liang and Xu families could break off their engagement and never see each other again, even if they became enemies, it wouldn't matter.

But the Bai family and Prince Kang's residence were like breaking bones and sinews. How could they break off their engagement and renegotiate?

Though naive, Bai Siruo was not foolish. She wouldn't do such a foolish thing for the sake of some fleeting affection. So, she patted Feng Jinyao's hand and reassured her:

"Don't worry, although I haven't seen much of Second Cousin, he grew up under Second Uncle's care. You know what kind of person my Second Uncle is, highly regarded in the Eastern Capital. If he hadn't been stationed in Liangzhou year-round, the doors of Prince Kang's residence would probably have been flattened by the matchmakers from prominent families. I trust the people he raised."

Although there was still some reluctance in her heart, the situation was as it was, and she could only convince herself.

Feng Jinyao looked at her, recalling the outcome of their past life. Perhaps this time, there could be some change, but it was uncertain.

In the study in the front hall, everyone was making their own plans and schemes.

When the whole family gathered for a reunion dinner, Feng Yunhe and Feng Yunli also arrived.

They came in a soft sedan chair, suffering no hardships on the way. Their bodies had recovered quickly, but their faces were still somewhat pale.

"Grandson Yunhe pays respects to Grandfather and Grandmother."

Feng Yunli also followed his elder brother, respectfully bowing to the two elders. This was his first time meeting Bai Xiang and Bai Laotai.

"Get up quickly, get up quickly. It's so cold today. You shouldn't come over if you're not lying in bed and resting well. Be careful not to catch a cold." Bai Laotai hurriedly went to support them, taking Yun He's slightly cool hand and rubbing it in her palm.

She said kindly to FengYunli beside her, "This is the first time Grandma has seen you. I'll give you a big red envelope later, alright?"

Feng Yunli didn't understand much else, but hearing the words 'big red envelope,' he smiled happily and said in his childish voice:

"Thank you, Grandma. I'll kowtow to you later."

The child's words amused everyone, and many unpleasant things were left in the past. Feng Jinxu walked to Madam Wen's side, gently supporting her waist. Although it was not yet April, her belly had already slightly bulged. Madam Wen had been standing for a long time and easily had backaches. He helped her with strength to alleviate her discomfort.

Madam Wen glanced down and understood his intentions. Yes, only by looking forward to everything can we live comfortably.