Chapter 159: Refusing to Marry - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 159: Refusing to Marry

"You can't bring a maid to the academy, but a book boy is allowed. I noticed Han Jiang, who serves in your room, is quite capable. You can take him with you. As for Huanhuan..."

Before he could finish, Huanhuan interrupted, "I absolutely will not leave the manor!"

"I wasn't suggesting that you leave. I meant that Ah Yao needs a martial maid here. If you're willing, you can serve in Ning'an Courtyard. When Yunhe returns from his breaks, you can go back to attending him."

Feng Jinlin’s suggestion was good. Bringing her to the courtyard would be seamless and more convenient.

However, Huanhuan seemed hesitant. Feng Jinlin noticed her reluctance and asked, "What are you worried about?"

Huanhuan wasn't sure if she should share her thoughts, fearing ridicule or displeasing her masters.

"Don't worry. In my courtyard, you can speak freely." Feng Jinyao's words were reassuring, calming Huanhuan's troubled mind. She gritted her teeth and spoke up.

"Third Miss, in a few months you'll come of age and likely get engaged. I'm worried that when you marry, I'll have to follow you to your husband's house, and if... if..."

"If what? Don't hesitate."

Feng Jinlin was anxious. His impatient nature made listening to her hesitant words more painful than being cut with a knife.

Seeing Huanhuan’s hesitant expression, Feng Jinyao instantly understood. "Are you afraid I'll make you a concubine to serve my future husband?"

Huanhuan felt relieved that her thoughts were voiced, but her face turned red, too shy to look up.

Feng Jinlin burst out laughing, "Huanhuan, you're such an interesting girl. Other maids would give anything to become a concubine, but you’d rather die than do so?"

His words annoyed the other maids in the room, who glared at him with displeasure.

"Second Young Master, please don't speak carelessly. Not all maids are eager to climb into bed with the master." Xiuqiu spoke first, her tone sharp, and her usual bright look towards Feng Jinlin was gone.

Yunxu and Lamei knelt down, addressing Feng Jinyao, "Miss, rest assured, we'd rather die than betray you."

All the maids were agitated by Feng Jinlin’s words. Realizing his mistake, he quickly said, "I misspoke. I wasn’t referring to you, not to you."

Cold sweat ran down his back. He wasn’t good at dealing with women. Seeing the situation turn awkward, he quickly grabbed Feng Yunhe and left.

"Ah Yao, you talk with them. I'll take Yunhe to see Sister-in-law."

Feng Jinlin hurried out as if chased by wild dogs.

Feng Jinyao, exasperated, helped Yunxu and the others up, and said gently, "Don't worry. I have no intention of marrying, and you won't be concubines. If you find someone like Xiuqiu did, just let me know, and I’ll ensure you have a grand wedding."

She was not yet fifteen, but her resolute nature made Yunxu worry. She couldn’t figure out how to help and could only serve her well.

Huanhuan felt reassured by Feng Jinyao’s words. The sisters in this courtyard were easy to get along with, so she was happy to stay.

"Thank you, Miss. I'll gladly serve here and hope you won’t find me clumsy."

"No problem. Learn from Xiuqiu and maintain good relations with the stewards. You may need to leave the manor on errands."

"I will follow your orders, Miss."

This change in service was settled quickly. Meanwhile, in Junhua Hall, the ministers were embroiled in a heated debate.

The chief of the Imperial Canal Office had died unexpectedly, and Feng Hai, who was to replace him, had been assassinated. Rumors spread that the River God had been angered, causing the deaths of the officials, turning a prime position into a hot potato no one wanted to touch.

"Have you come to a decision? Is there a suitable candidate?" Emperor Qi, seated above, was displeased by the ministers' inability to find a solution. What was the court he maintained doing if they couldn’t handle this?

His words silenced the previously noisy officials, making Emperor Qi even more furious. "You’re all loud when it’s not important, but silent when it matters. Do I keep you as useless parasites?"

His loud voice made everyone kneel in fear, repeatedly pleading, "Your Majesty, please calm down."

"Calm down? I need a suitable candidate!"

Many officials, while kneeling, glanced at Duke Wei, a veteran minister alongside Bai Xiang. They and the princes participating in politics remained standing.

Duke Wei, composed, waited until the tension peaked before speaking slowly, "Your Majesty, I believe the best candidate is still Minister Feng. Though he was injured and needs rest, the busiest time for the Imperial Canal Office is in July and August. By then, Minister Feng should have recovered. In the meantime, the Inspectors of the Thirteen Cities in Liangzhe can manage the duties. What does Your Majesty think?"

Feng Hai?

Doctor Liu, who treated him, mentioned that his injuries were severe, requiring at least six months to several years of rest. Why was Duke Wei so adamant about recommending him?

Before the Emperor could respond, the First Prince objected.

"Duke Wei, Feng’s family has faced consecutive incidents. Minister Feng is bedridden. How can he be the best choice?" Turning to the Emperor, he continued, "Father, I believe Inspector Li of Liangzhe is more suitable. Although he’s my brother-in-law, we shouldn’t avoid the capable because of kinship. He has served in Liangzhe for many years and knows the area well. If he takes over, he’ll surely ease your burden."

The First Prince aimed to secure the three thousand troops of the naval camp. His military achievements paled compared to the Ninth Prince, and he struggled to place his men in the Ministry of War. Gaining these troops would be a significant advantage.

Despite being older than the Ninth Prince, he was often overshadowed due to lacking military power. Securing the naval camp would be a major win.

Duke Wei, aware of the First Prince's ambitions, sneered, "Inspector Li has caused many troubles in Liangzhe over the past decade. Floods, locust plagues, even pirate raids. Have you forgotten, First Prince?"

"You..." The First Prince was at a loss for words, knowing his brother-in-law's incompetence.

📌 To Read The Latest Updates Click 👇👇

▶▶Rebirth of the Noble Daughter  

Next Chapter ▶▶