Chapter 221: An Oath of Loyalty - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 221: An Oath of Loyalty

“Thank you, Your Highness. The journey was uneventful. I am indeed somewhat shocked to see you today.” Feng Jinxu said.

Xiao Tingyi smiled, “Didn’t you already suspect that Xu Lin’s master was me?”

Feng Jinxu was astonished. “How did Your Highness know my thoughts?”

“You didn’t ask him to investigate the Min family, did you?”

Feng Jinxu was at a loss for words. For someone like him, who was somewhat arrogant and proud, absolute dominance commanded absolute respect—just like now.

He thought to himself that Prince Ding, who had once fought valiantly against Nanyue and returned victorious, truly deserved his reputation. His meticulous mind, sharp methods, well-informed intelligence, and accurate guesses were beyond his reach.

With these thoughts, he stopped deflecting and knelt before Prince Ding Xiao Tingyi, respectfully declaring, “I am willing to dedicate my life to Your Highness!”

Xiao Tingyi was quite pleased with Feng Jinxu’s attitude. With his help, many issues could be set right.

He lifted his hand to refill a teacup with a type of Longjing tea known as 'before the rain' and said, 'It is my good fortune.'

After joining the Prince Ding’s residence, Feng Jinxu recounted what he had previously said at the Bai residence. This time, it was Xiao Tingyi who fell silent.

Sometimes he wondered if the emperor could uncover these matters as well.

Yet, why had there been no action from the emperor?

Was it deliberate, or simply leaving things be?

As long as it did not disrupt his court situation, even if corrupt officials continued to exploit the people, he could turn a blind eye.

This thought made him shiver. His father had been in power for decades, and the number of corrupt officials in the court was probably not as many as those in Jiang and Zhejiang. The former Supervisor Yin had died in office and had been sent off by the people.

Now, the successor Supervisor Cao had been corrupt for over a decade. Did the higher-ups truly know nothing?

Or was it that they knew but allowed the Wei family to act recklessly, merely to balance the court?

With a cold and distant gaze, he stared off into the distance without speaking.

After a long while, he said to Feng Jinxu, “Master Feng has been away from home for a long time. You should return early to reunite with your family. Your sister has missed you a lot.”

Feng Jinxu was unsure of how to proceed when he didn’t get a reply from the prince, and was puzzled by the mention of Ah Yao.

But the prince’s aura was such that it brooked no dissent. When he instructed you to leave, you were to follow orders.

Just as he was preparing to depart, Xiao Tingyi added casually, “The two adults in the Feng family have been injured for months. If the time is right, it is better for them to return to court. I think April would be a good time to resolve many issues during this spring season.”

“Yes, I will follow the prince’s decree.”

As Feng Jinxu left the Prince Ding’s residence, he glanced back at the solemn and imposing main courtyard. He briefly paused, then resolutely continued on his way.

Since he began his official career, he had only believed in serving the people and seeking their welfare.

However, after seeing the mess in Jiang and Zhejiang, he understood that the emperor’s grand vision was merely a fleeting phenomenon in the Eastern Capital. If Prince Ding were genuinely committed to serving the people, he would not mind swearing loyalty to a new master.

With his usual serious and righteous demeanor, Feng Jinxu left an impression that left Xu Lin and others in the shadows feeling somewhat awed.

At the Feng residence, due to Fu Yi’s early return with news, everyone was waiting anxiously in the main courtyard for Feng Jinxu’s arrival.

When someone led the firewood delivery man through the secluded path into the main courtyard, the family finally relaxed.

After being away from the capital for nearly two months, Feng Jinxu had become much thinner. His rough travel attire made him appear a decade older.

Madam Wen stood waiting under the corridor. Seeing him made her heart ache, but she knew he had been working hard for the people, so she didn’t dare complain.

She quietly approached and said, “Husband, you’ve worked hard on the journey. I and the family have been very concerned about you.”

Feng Jinxu smiled faintly, noticing Madam Wen’s slightly larger belly. He gently asked, “How have you been? Is your health improving?”

Her eyes welled with tears. Had there not been family waiting, she might have thrown herself into his arms to relieve her longing.

Noticing his wife’s restraint, Feng Jinxu took the initiative to pull her into his embrace, softly comforting her, “I won’t leave this time. I’ll stay until after you give birth.”

“Hmm.” Madam Wen was overjoyed, like a child receiving candy. Feng Jinxu was several years older than her, and after all they had been through, he now cherished her like a child.

After a moment of tenderness in the corridor, they entered the main hall.

Inside, Madam Feng and Feng Jinxu’s younger sister, Feng Jin Yao, were secretly smiling. Their playful demeanor made Madam Wen blush, and she hid behind Feng Jinxu.

Seeing his sister, Feng Jinxu lightly threatened, “Ah Yao…” but was interrupted by Madam Feng.

“Why scare your sister? You’ve been away so long, and you don’t know what you’ve been up to. You return and don’t see your parents first but spend time talking with your wife. If Ah Yao hadn’t pulled me, I would have gone out to see this son who’s forgotten his mother.”

The use of the term 'son' startled everyone. It was an unusual way to describe Feng Jinxu, almost as if praising Feng Jinlin for being steady and dignified.

Feng Jinxu knew Madam Feng was joking and, not wanting to remain as serious as before, he smiled and took a couple of steps forward to kneel in front of Madam Feng, bowing and offering his greetings.

“Son has been away for a long time, causing mother worry. Now that I am back, I must serve you diligently in the Yunhai Courtyard.”

Serving in Yunhai Courtyard, was he joking after going out?

Feng Jinxiao couldn’t help but chuckle and said to Feng Jinxu, “Big brother has a hard job. If you care for your wife, mother feels jealous; if you care for mother, your wife feels neglected. As a younger sister, I really…”

She seemed about to express sympathy, but instead said, “It’s always lively to watch.”

Her words made everyone laugh.

Madam Wen, realizing they were teasing, didn’t take it to heart. She said to Madam Feng, “Mother, since my husband has just returned from outside, let him freshen up first. Then I will accompany him to pay respects to Father.”

“Alright, understood.”

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Since the couple had reconciled, they hadn’t been apart. With Madam Wen pregnant, her emotions were even more volatile. Giving them some time to talk was normal.

So, Madam Feng got up and said to Madam Wen, “Let him eat something and freshen up first. In such a state, people might think a brother has come back, not a son.”