The court was already in an uproar because of Xu Rao's sudden promotion. This was not the time to be high-profile. Not only that, but the Marquis of Yongning also instructed the accountant in charge of receiving the gifts to prepare a gift of equal value for each household to take back.
When Prime Minister Feng heard about the Xu family's actions, he said to his second son, Feng Zhongyi, who had returned by imperial decree, "This Marquis of Yongning, no matter what the situation, always manages to do things that are unfavorable to him in the most advantageous way."
Feng Zhongyi is Shen Mingwan's father. He returned from Wuzhou this time because the emperor wanted to establish several garrisons on the border of Wuzhou. Wuzhou borders the Great Yan, and it is about a hundred kilometers from the border to the prefectural capital of Wuzhou. Feng Zhongyi not only holds the position of prefect of Wuzhou, but also serves as the garrison commander of Wuzhou. There are now more than 10,000 border troops stationed there, all under Feng Zhongyi's command.
The most important reason for Feng Zhongyi's return was to relieve himself of his post as the garrison commander of Wuzhou. When Feng Zhongyi first arrived in Wuzhou, the army was dwindling in number. At that time, the court was engaged in a war against the Northern Barbarians, and the southwest was also unstable, not to mention the Jurchens. Feng Zhongyi had no choice but to take over the command of more than 10,000 border troops, a position he held for more than ten years.
After Feng Zhongyi returned, he and his wife went to the estate in the suburbs of Beijing to see Shen Mingwan. Mother and daughter naturally embraced and wept upon seeing each other. However, seeing that Shen Mingwan was in good spirits, Feng Zhongyi felt somewhat relieved. He had raised his daughter from such a tiny baby to this age, only to have her faked her death to escape because of the selfish desires of some people. No one would be happy if they couldn't recognize each other in the future. Feng Zhongyi also harbored some resentment towards Emperor Liang Cheng. A father is responsible for not educating his child properly.
Upon hearing his father's evaluation of the Marquis of Yongning, Feng Zhongyi said, "This is the brilliance of the Marquis of Yongning. Although the Marquis of Yongning's mansion has no outstanding members besides the Third Master Xu Rao, their next generation has produced Xu Di. Father, the Marquis of Yongning's mansion will surely enjoy wealth and prosperity for a long time to come."
After listening, Prime Minister Feng sighed for a long time and said, "Yes, Marquis Yongning is really a remarkable person. His family was on the verge of decline in the early years. After years of keeping a low profile, Xu Rao emerged and made a name for himself. He doesn't need to rely on his other descendants. Just Xu Rao alone can make his family go much further."
Feng Xiang frowned and said to Feng Zhongyi, "Our Feng family is actually running out of successors. You and your elder brother are currently governing a region, but your next generation has not produced any outstanding individuals. I have already thought about it. In two years, I will retire to make way for your elder brother. I can still live for another thirty or twenty years. I will take the children of the family back to our hometown to study. This capital city is full of prosperity, which can easily dazzle people."
Feng Zhongyi's elder brother is currently the prefect of a southern prefecture. He is an honest and upright official who loves the people like his own children and has a good reputation. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will be able to return to the capital to serve in one of the Six Ministries after the next evaluation. Feng Zhongyi's elder brother is an outstanding person and also Feng Xiang's most favored son. If Feng Xiang wants his eldest son to advance further, he will have to make concessions.
Feng Xiang's mother is still living in the mansion. Although she is old, she is still sharp of hearing and sight. She is content to be the matriarch in the mansion, not wanting to cause trouble for her children and grandchildren. She always thinks of her children and doesn't associate with her own family.
Seeing that it was getting late, Feng Xiang said to Feng Zhongyi, "You haven't seen your grandmother yet, have you? Go and kowtow to her later and tell her you're back. Your grandmother asked about Wan'er a few days ago; I think she wants to see Wan'er."
Feng Zhongyi sighed and said, "Father, Wan'er's matter should not be known to more people. At this time, it's better to avoid trouble. Is it suitable for Grandmother to travel to the outskirts of the capital by carriage?"
Feng Xiang sighed and said, "Let me ask the doctor first and see what he says. It's been a bit hot these days, so it would be good for your grandmother to stay at the estate in the suburbs of Beijing for a couple of days to relax."
After returning to his own courtyard, Feng Zhongyi washed up and changed his clothes, and then walked with his wife to the courtyard of Old Madam Feng.
The Feng family is now managed by Feng Zhongyi's eldest sister-in-law. Feng Zhongyi's elder brother is working in another place with a concubine, leaving Feng Zhongyi's sister-in-law at home to manage the household affairs and take care of the elders. Many families in the capital operate this way. The eldest son's wife is a very important position, and not just anyone can easily take on the role.
Seeing that Feng Zhongyi looked unwell, Madam Shen asked him, "Sir, is something troubling you?"
Seeing that the servants following behind him were still far away from the two of them, Feng Zhongyi said in a low voice, "Father said that Grandmother wants to see Wan'er. I was thinking of taking Grandmother to the estate in the suburbs of Beijing for a couple of days to put her mind at ease."
Upon hearing this, Madam Shen's expression turned grim. She herself had to sneak away to see Shen Mingwan. The household was full of all sorts of people, and if others found out about Wan'er's affairs, would Wan'er still have a chance to live?
Seeing Shen's expression, Feng Zhongyi sighed slightly and said, "Let's go see what's going on with Grandmother first, and then we'll talk about it. Our Wan'er has suffered so much in order to earn a living, how can we bring her any more danger?"
Shen's expression improved considerably after that.
It was quite lively in Madam Feng's room. Feng Zhongyi's eldest sister, Feng Ruosu's, children came to visit Madam Feng. When Feng Zhongyi and Madam Shen arrived, Feng Ruosu's youngest daughter was standing next to Madam Feng, chattering away. Madam Feng was amused by the little girl and laughed heartily.
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