Chapter 128: Disbelief - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 128: Disbelief

Meanwhile, the Duke of Wei’s residence was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

With the end of the New Year celebrations, the Wei family’s young lady was set to marry into the Liang family. Though this marriage was not the Duke of Wei’s wish, since it involved his own granddaughter, he could not handle it too simply, lest it brought shame to the Wei family.

Hence, starting from the seventh day of the New Year, a steady stream of people had been coming in to renovate the courtyard, transplant flowers, and clean the ponds—all done by hired workers. The family members were busy with arrangements and cleaning, almost running out of hands.

In Wei Lanxuan's courtyard, a plain-faced woman dressed in a dark blue brocade was bowing her head as she reported.

“The wedding dress for the young lady is finished. Though it was rushed, over ten embroiderers worked day and night to complete it. Please see if you like it.”

The original wedding dress was prepared as if for the Ninth Prince's primary consort, with exquisite embroidery and inlays according to royal standards, grand and magnificent.

But now, she was marrying only a third-rank official, and her husband did not hold a notable position in the court, so the wedding dress had to be modified. The fabric remained the same, but the phoenix and peony pattern was changed to mandarin ducks playing in the water. Many of the pearls were removed, though the silk threads used were still the most expensive cloud brocade, making the embroidered patterns vivid and lifelike.

Wei Lanxuan glanced at it disinterestedly. Disappointment washed over her. Despite her frustration, she knew the embroiderers had followed the rules. Anger was futile, so she dismissed them.

“It’s fine, just like this. Yue Jian, take my usual clothes to Mistress Wang and have her use them as a reference.”

She didn’t even bother to try on the dress. Yue Jian, noticing her Miss’s worry, respectfully replied, “Yes.” and went inside to fetch a set of clothes to give to Mistress Wang.

The embroiderer bowed respectfully and praised, “Rest assured, young lady, on your wedding day, you will be the most beautiful bride in all of Dongdu.”

Her words flattered Wei Lanxuan and expressed confidence in her skills.

This pleased Wei Lanxuan slightly. “In that case, I’ll leave it to you, Mistress Wang.”

She rewarded her with a handful of gold seeds and had a maid escort her out.

In the bitter cold of winter, Wei Lanxuan disliked going out. Since her engagement to the Liang family, her grandfather rarely took her to social events.

Rumor had it that their relatives were already selecting suitable girls of the right age to send over, and it was clear what they intended.

She gave a bitter smile, feeling deep regret.

Yue Jian, who had served her for many years, naturally understood her Miss’s thoughts. But now, there was no turning back, so she could only encourage her to make the best of her future.

Changing the subject, she suggested, “Miss, in a few days, it will be the Lantern Festival. Dongdu will be bustling with festivities—Mount Da’ao, the lantern show, and the streets will be very lively. Why don’t you invite Young Master Liang and Miss Liang for an outing to lift your spirits? Otherwise, you’ll be busy soon, and it might be a long time before you can go out again after marrying into the Liang family.”

Her suggestion was sincere. Moreover, it would likely be Wei Lanxuan’s last outing as a member of the Wei family. The next time, she would be addressed as Lady Liang.

Thinking of this, Wei Lanxuan’s suppressed eagerness was rekindled.

Initially lounging by the window, she immediately stood up, her eyes sparkling.

“Why didn’t I think of that? You’re always so clever.”

The Lantern Festival in the Jin Dynasty was the most grand celebration, with even the royal family joining the public at Xingde Tower. Thus, the custom that engaged couples should not meet could be broken on this day.

Focusing all her attention on this, she quickly had Yue Jian send a message to the Liang family, arranging to go out together for the Lantern Festival.

While Wei Lanxuan busily made arrangements, on the other side, Duke Wei looked grim.

“Assassinated? Almost dead?”

He had spies planted around the Feng family, so the news reached him quickly. However, he hadn’t expected such an event.

Promoting Feng Hai was already set in stone. Despite the rumors of illness in his family, this was bound to happen; after all, there were still three months before he officially took office, giving the Duke plenty of time and opportunity to make it happen.

And now, an assassination attempt at this critical moment?

The Duke had reason to suspect it was deliberate, so he asked coldly, “How serious are the injuries? Is there any chance of deceit?”

The informant replied with a bowed head, “The palace’s Imperial Physician Liu examined him and said the injuries were severe, involving the heart and lungs. Later, General Su brought a military doctor specializing in blade wounds, and there are no results yet. However, our spy saw Bai Xiang stumble as he left the house yesterday, looking unwell.”

These details were relayed one by one to the Duke.

As a seasoned courtier, he was well aware of Bai Xiang's tactics and wouldn’t rule out the possibility that this was a deliberate act to keep his son-in-law from getting involved in this mess.

“Continue to monitor them. If there’s a chance to infiltrate the Feng household, do it. I won’t believe anything until I see Feng Hai’s injuries with my own eyes.”

His sharp eyes showed no sign of senility, only a cunning intensity.

At the Feng residence, the atmosphere was solemn and silent, with no one dare to speak loudly, and the usual New Year’s festivities were nowhere to be seen.

Ordinary servants were kept far away from the Yunhai Courtyard, unable to approach. Only Bai Mama’s trusted aides were allowed inside, but even from a distance, the smell of blood and Madam Feng’s occasional cries made the servants fearful.

During the New Year, if the master died like this, what would become of the Feng family?

A young servant planted in the Feng household circled around several times but couldn’t get close. Yet he believed the assassination rumor; the bloodstains on the porch from the previous day weren’t fake, and the oppressive atmosphere in the household wasn’t either.

Finding an opportunity, he left to report back.

Inside the Yunhai Courtyard, the military doctor brought by General Su was carefully treating the wounds.

General Su and his son Su Cheng sat in the hall with Feng Jinxu and Feng Jinlin, drinking tea.

After thoroughly examining the 'wound,' the military doctor spoke seriously, “The reason for Feng Daren’s worsening condition is due to incorrect medication. It’s not too serious; reapplying the right medicine should suffice. As for why he remains unconscious, it’s likely due to his weakened state. I estimate he’ll need at least six months of rest to recover.”

He spoke without any hesitation, but Madam Feng felt guilty. They had deliberately worsened the wound to deceive Doctor Liu and anyone secretly monitoring the Feng family.

📌 To Read The Latest Updates Click 👇👇

▶▶Rebirth of the Noble Daughter  

Next Chapter ▶▶