Chapter 223: The Source of Wealth - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 223: The Source of Wealth

Wen Mengsheng’s face was flushed with anger, his gaze fierce and wolfish, his chest seething with fury. Rationality and decorum were forgotten as he fixed a menacing stare on Feng Jinlin, speaking each word through gritted teeth.

“Feng Xiong, be careful with that whip. You might bring trouble to your family!”

“Rest assured, Young Master Wen. Although this whip is unruly, it is quite reasonable, only punishing those who deserve it.”

The words 'deserve it' were spat out through clenched teeth. Wen Mengsheng, unwilling to argue further, suppressed his anger and turned to Feng Jinyao.

“Miss San, forgive me. I must return to my studies. I will come to your house for a drink when I achieve success in the exams.”

He shamelessly made this declaration without any sense of embarrassment.

Feng Jinlin was about to lose his temper but was stopped by Feng Jinyao. She smiled sweetly and said, “We’ll be looking forward to Young Master Wen’s good news.”

Seeing her demeanor, Wen Mengsheng was even more convinced.

The Feng family likely had its eye on him. He glanced smugly at the carriage behind him, and though the wooden door obstructed his view, he could still sense the disdain directed at him.

After a nod and a bow, he left with his carriage.

Feng Jinlin, furious, turned to Feng Jinyao and asked, “Why were you so kind to him today?”

“A person about to die should at least be given a kind face, don’t you think?”

Feng Jinyao’s smile was chilling.

Even Feng Jinlin, who was close to her, found her expression unsettling. He had never seen his sister with such a look before.

“About to die? What do you mean?”

Before he could probe further, Yin Canwen, with Feng Yunhe in tow, had dismounted the carriage and interrupted their conversation.

It had been a while since Yunhe was last seen. He had grown quite a bit, and though still a child, his demeanor and propriety were far beyond what they used to be. It was clear that attending the prestigious Da Jin Academy had been worthwhile!

“Nephew greets Aunt.”

“Yin Canwen greets Miss San.”

Both greeted with clasped hands, and Feng Jinyao returned the gesture with a half-curtsy.

“Mother knows you’re back and has set up a feast in Jiuyatang. Today is a family reunion. Even Eldest Brother’s condition has improved, and he can join us for the meal.”

Feng Jinlin raised an eyebrow. Others might not know, but he was aware.

Feng Jinxu was not ill; he had gone out of town on business. It was Feng Yunhe and Yin Canwen, kept in the dark, who were genuinely worried.

Especially Yunhe, who exclaimed, “I’ll go see Father.”

He darted off, leaving Yin Canwen behind, who was deeply moved.

“Indeed, blood ties run deep. I’ve never seen Yunhe so anxious before.”

Yin Canwen’s remark echoed Feng Jinlin’s thoughts.

“Let’s go in. We should join the others.”

As they entered, Feng Jinyao found an excuse to speak with Feng Jinlin privately. Yin Canwen, understanding, returned to Feng Jinlin's courtyard. He had lived there for a while before, so he was familiar with the layout and soon reached the room he had stayed in.

Feng Jinlin, curious, asked Feng Jinyao, “What did you want to discuss?”

“Second Brother, we captured another spy who was harming Mother the other day.”

“What! I thought everyone had been sent to the manor? How is Mother now? Is she in danger?”

Feng Jinlin was anxious. Whether it was poison or drugs, there were still spies—how deep was the enmity against their family that it drove them to harm their mother?

“Mother is fine. It was Chilin who exposed the spy through scent detection. The spy was a maid named Dingdong and her parents, who were serving in Mother’s courtyard. They were beaten, but they refused to confess and were sent to the manor. Second Brother, did you find any clues when you interrogated Amber and the gardener last time?”

Feng Jinlin shook his head. Despite his harsh methods, he had been unable to extract a confession. Amber, in particular, had shown such resistance that she seemed willing to die without revealing anything. Fortunately, she had been rescued, and people were monitoring her closely to prevent her from succeeding.

“In that case, I will have to inform Eldest Brother. He might have a way to extract a confession from Amber.”

“Mm. For now, that seems to be the only option.”

Both siblings, troubled by the matter, put aside their concerns to focus on the evening’s family dinner.

While the Feng family was bustling with reunion, the Wen family began its schemes.

Wen Mengsheng, after hearing Feng Jinyao’s words, became even more determined to succeed in the exams. He wanted to show Feng Jinlin who was more capable and attract the Feng family’s attention to further his marriage prospects with Feng Jinyao.

He hurried to the study upon returning, where he met with his father.

“Father, have the exam papers been arranged properly?”

Though they spoke in the study, their voices were hushed. This matter concerned many people’s futures and their own lives, so it could not be treated lightly.

Wen Jingsong nodded, opening a box and pushing it toward Wen Mengsheng. “Look, these are from the officials. If successful, we’ll double the reward. This method is quite discreet. Though it can only be done once a year, it is quite profitable.”

Inside were thick stacks of silver notes, each worth a thousand taels, making Wen Mengsheng’s blood race with excitement.

“I never imagined the position of Deputy Minister of Personnel could yield so much wealth. Father, you’re truly wise to come up with this idea of exchanging exam papers. This way, we can replace unqualified but talented students from poor families with influential students from high families. It strengthens our connections in the court and benefits the Wen family greatly. It’s truly a brilliant plan!”

Hearing his son’s praise, Wen Jingsong couldn’t help but smile.

He had been in the position of Deputy Minister of Personnel for over ten years. Initially, he had served the country diligently. However, after discreetly helping Prince Yu’s nephew with the exam papers once, he discovered this lucrative opportunity!

The replacements didn’t need to be high-ranking, just listed.

For the family, it was an opportunity to enter officialdom, and future promotions and wealth would be arranged by family members.

For those poor students, it was just a setback for a year, and they could try again next year.

For him, there was little risk involved, as the final decisions were made by the Deputy Minister of Personnel.

Thus, year after year, more and more influential figures came to seek his help, making him increasingly wealthy.

The father and son exchanged smiles, and Wen Jingsong said to Wen Mengsheng.

“Just focus on the exams. You will surely make the list.”

If he succeeded, it was excellent; if not, there were ways to replace him.

He had no sympathy for poor students, considering their lowly origins meant they would always struggle more than others to rise.