Chapter 125: Rest and Recovery - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 125: Rest and Recovery
"The last time I treated your nephew, I stayed here for over half a month. Now, you want me to stay a few more days for your father. Why don't you just ask me to move into your house permanently!"
"That would be even better! As long as you're willing, I'll build you an exact replica of your house in Lihua Alley here in our mansion! You won't feel the least bit inconvenienced."
Pah! He wasn't even willing to stay at Prince Ding's residence, let alone be retained by the Feng family.
Such a pipe dream.
Doctor Zhang flung his sleeves and glared at Feng Jinlin. With a face as dark as thunder, he stormed out of the Feng residence, refusing even the carriage prepared to take him back. He angrily headed towards Guiyuan Hall.
Feng Jinlin touched his nose, looking aggrieved. He didn't think he said anything wrong, yet he had once again angered this revered doctor. He wondered if he'd ever be able to persuade him to come again.
Pah, forget it. Better not to meet him again, or the Feng family would face disaster each time.
After seeing the doctor off, he instructed two clever servants to follow Doctor Zhang and ensure his safe return before reporting back.
After the people left, he returned to the courtyard.
He intended to check on his father but instead turned back to the scene of the assassination attempt. Who would dare attempt murder during the New Year? Once he found out, he wouldn't rest until the culprit was utterly destroyed.
With an unhappy expression, he walked under the corridor of the outer courtyard, recalling every detail of the event.
Something wasn’t right!
The assassin was highly skilled, striking fast and accurately. His father had little martial ability, and if the assassin truly intended to kill, his father wouldn't have survived.
It seemed like the attack was deliberately staged to attract attention. Could there be another hidden agenda behind the assassination?
Rehearsing the assassin's movements from memory, Feng Jinlin's face grew darker as his suspicions deepened.
Could it be him?
The possibility made Feng Jinlin increasingly anxious.
The whole situation felt shrouded in mist, obscuring the truth. Given this, it seemed he had no choice but to investigate further tonight.
In Yunhai Courtyard, Madam Feng rushed to her husband's side as soon as she woke up.
Madam Feng cried uncontrollably. Feng Hai wanted to comfort her but lacked the strength to speak. He could only squeeze her hand tightly, offering silent reassurance.
"Husband, you mustn't have anything happen to you. If you... what will I do?"
Madam Bai stepped forward to comfort the sobbing Madam Feng, "Daughter, be careful not to hurt your eyes from crying. Son-in-law's injury isn't critical. Didn't Doctor Zhang already take a look?"
Feng Hai weakly nodded and said, "Thank you, mother-in-law."
"We're family; no need for thanks."
Just then, Bai Sifu arrived, panting, with the medicine and hemostatic powder, along with the ginseng from before.
The family gathered around, concerned about Feng Hai's condition.
"How is Brother-in-law?"
"Father's injury isn't serious, but he needs to rest and recuperate."
"That's good to hear. I was so scared by what happened earlier..." Bai Sifu abruptly stopped, worried that his words might frighten his elder sister. She was timid and deeply in love with her husband. Now that he was hurt, she must be feeling devastated.
Meanwhile, Bai Xiang remembered something and hurried in from the front hall.
He whispered a few words into Feng Hai's ear, then looked up with a grave expression.
Feng Hai was slightly surprised but quickly understood Bai Xiang's intention. He nodded weakly and said, "Don't worry, Father-in-law, I know what to do."
"Good, in that case, I won't stay any longer. There's still work to handle outside. You focus on recovering."
"Yes, sir."
Having said this, Bai Xiang immediately called his family members to leave. As he walked out of the Feng residence, he stumbled a few times, his eyes red as if he might collapse at any moment.
Onlookers found this puzzling. What had happened?
Was it possible that the Bai and Feng families had a falling out, causing Bai Xiang such distress during the New Year?
The carriage raced back, and everyone inside was far from the excitement and joy they had felt earlier. They were all silent, their brows deeply furrowed.
The long winter night quickly darkened.
With such a major incident occurring, the servants in the residence were filled with unease. They knew well enough about Madam Feng's strict methods. Even minor mistakes wouldn't be overlooked, let alone something so serious. Each feared they might be the next to face severe punishment.
After hastily cleaning the blood from the corridor, they doubled the number of lanterns around the residence, making it as bright as day.
In Yunhai Courtyard, Madam Feng, having cried earlier, had now calmed down.
Though Feng Hai looked pale on the bed, he didn't seem as weak as before and certainly wasn't as critical as Feng Yunhe had been a few days ago.
"I don't know what great misfortune we've offended, but our family has been plagued with trouble lately. Once you're better, we should go to Fahua Temple and donate some offerings."
As she spoke, she carefully fed Feng Hai his medicine, cooling each spoonful before giving it to him, showing great care.
With Madam Wen having been sent to rest in the main courtyard due to her pregnancy and the young children, only Madam Feng and her three children were present.
Bai Mama had used the assassination attempt as an excuse to detain several people in the woodshed. Those allowed to serve in the courtyard were trusted confidants.
After taking the medicine, with the pain subsiding, Feng Hai spoke slowly.
"Don't worry, dear. I'll be fine. But Father-in-law suggested I take this opportunity to rest for six months until the political turmoil blows over."
"Political turmoil?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinlin understood. This excuse was perfect. With his father unable to get out of bed, how could he possibly take up the position at the Transportation Office? This turn of events might just help them avert a disaster.
Feng Jinlin, however, was growing increasingly uneasy, as if he'd connected some troubling dots.
Feng Jinyao, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief. Her grandfather's suggestion was a lifesaver for her father. If he had returned to court after the New Year, the first thing would have been his appointment to the Transportation Office, which would have brought catastrophe to the Feng family.
Madam Feng, knowing little of the broader issues, wanted to ask more but refrained upon seeing her husband's silence. After taking his medicine, Feng Hai went to rest.
Seeing they were no longer needed, Madam Feng dismissed the others.
Feng Jinlin, with matters to attend to, left quickly. Feng Jinlin accompanied his sister back, and along the way, the siblings had a heart-to-heart talk.
"Sister, do you know what turmoil Father referred to?"
Feng Jinyao had a guess but played innocent, shaking her head. "Big Brother, what is it?"
"Uncle sent word that the court intends to appoint Father as the Superintendent of the Transportation Office in Liangzhe."
Her heart sank. It was true. The events of her past life were unfolding just the same.
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