Chapter 285: The Concubine - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 285: The Concubine

Burying her thoughts deep inside, she maintained an outwardly calm demeanor. Bai Xiang noticed her hesitation but had other concerns.

His granddaughter’s mind was becoming increasingly inscrutable to him.

Despite her young age, she was composed, her actions and words more thorough than Bai Chaohai’s, and she had a sharp insight into court affairs.

However, gifted people often face tumultuous fates. He sometimes wished his granddaughter were as carefree as Bai Siruo, so she could live more happily and comfortably.

Because there were many people present, he could not speak openly, so he used the pretext of advising Bai Chaohai to say a few words.

“It’s best to stay relaxed. As a third-rank official now, your responsibilities have increased. Although the Ministry of Works is less busy than others, the position of Water Minister deals with matters concerning dams and embankments, which are vital to the well-being of the people. It cannot be neglected!”

“Father, don’t worry. I understand.”

Mentioning the issue of river embankments made Feng Jinyao somewhat alert.

“Uncle, the rain has not stopped this year, and poor harvests might be just the beginning. If water levels rise drastically and the riverbanks breach, that would be a major disaster.”

Upon her reminder, Bai Chaohai’s originally friendly expression turned serious.

Recently, although Feng Jinyao had said little, her comments had been to the point.

Whether it was about Bai Siruo or his recent promotion, her advice had been very pertinent.

Hearing her concerns, he understood what needed to be done and resolved to address them thoroughly after taking office.

“Rest assured, Ah Yao. I will keep this in mind.”

Bai Xiang looked at Feng Jinyao with affectionate admiration, appreciating her concern for the greater good.

After praising her, he turned to the Feng brothers.

“Your father is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and Ah Xu is now a Junior Minister of the Dali Temple, while Ah Er has gained fame as the top scholar. With such prominence, you need to be extra cautious. If possible, Ah Er should seek an official position outside the capital; otherwise, with all three of you staying in the capital, there is a risk of attracting jealousy.”

Bai Xiang’s advice was like bitter medicine.

Feng Jinxiu was indeed better suited for an external position compared to his younger brother.

Otherwise, with his flamboyant personality, there would be countless eyes watching him in the emperor’s presence.

If trouble arose, it would be problematic.

Feng Jinxu agreed, thinking of the mess in Feng Jinling. He might be able to stir things up there.

He needed to find an opportunity to discuss it with the prince.

As he sipped his tea, he was lost in thought.

Unfortunately, he had no idea that his younger brother had already pledged allegiance to Prince Ding.

His own destination had already been specifically arranged by Prince Ding.

After the three siblings spent some time at Bai’s residence and received several valuable gifts from their aunt Lin, they left.

Once in the carriage, Feng Jinyao thought about how to find an opportunity to visit Wen Mengsheng in prison.

She spoke to her brothers, “Tomorrow, I want to visit Aunt Zhang. I mentioned before at Fahua Temple that I would get some camellias.”

Feng Jinxu had no reason to doubt her. Given the increased complexity of his duties at the Dali Temple and the need to return to accompany his pregnant wife, he said, “Feng Er, you have nothing to do these days, so go with Jinyao.”

“Don’t worry, elder brother. Even if you didn’t say it, I would still go. I don’t trust Jinyao to go alone.”

Since April began, he had seen a constant stream of visitors to his mother’s residence.

Those ladies looked at Jinyao as if she were a prize, their eyes sparkling with eagerness, wishing they could take her home.

While Madam Feng was pleased with the attention her daughter received, Feng Jinxu was displeased.

His sister was so exceptional, she deserved better than those idle, scheming, and unworthy young men.

If she were to be matched...

Suddenly, a pale, urgent face flashed through his mind, and he shuddered.

Why was he thinking of the prince?

He’d better not. With his fragile health, not only might he not be able to accompany Ah Yao to old age, but surviving past thirty was also uncertain!

He didn’t want Ah Yao to become a widow at such a young age!

After much internal struggle, his expression alternated between happiness and anger, leaving Feng Jinxu and Feng Jinyao puzzled.

However, having his younger brother accompany them was still preferable, as it would be good to have someone to share the burden.

He couldn’t help but smile to himself.

His younger brother was always her protector.

The sound of hooves clattered as the carriage made its way to the Feng residence.

Meanwhile, in an inconspicuous private residence in the Eastern Capital, Wen Yuwei was nestled in the arms of Prince Ke, appearing gentle and submissive.

Prince Ke had grown somewhat dependent on her after several days of her service.

As he caressed her dark hair, he felt a sense of joy.

Without his 'rescue,' she might not have had such a pleasant companion now.

His thoughts drifted back to half a month ago.

Since Emperor Qi’s decree, Wen Yuwei had been anxious every day.

She had thought about returning to her hometown, but never expected to be attacked while shopping. If not for the chance encounter with Prince Ke, she might have been a victim of murder.

When she sought to bring down her uncle, she didn’t realize she had also offended many noble families.

Unable to vent their frustration on Emperor Qi, they targeted the vulnerable Wen Yuwei.

Thus, in the days when she was forced to cut off contact with her brother Wen Xinglu, Wen Yuwei, isolated and without support, became a concubine of Prince Ke, albeit in a separate residence, never having entered the prince’s mansion.

Snuggled in Prince Ke’s arms, Wen Yuwei felt warmth and comfort. Though she had little hope for the future, she did not want to live aimlessly.

Her once-bright future had been ruined by the Wen family affair.

Rather than return to her hometown and be forced into marriage with someone she didn’t like, she preferred to align herself with Prince Ke.

Her current reputation was unpleasant, but if he succeeded in becoming emperor, she would be a noble in the palace!

She was willing to endure the present discomfort for the sake of a hopeful future.

Thus, she always appeared tender and affectionate with Prince Ke. Her beauty and decent background made her more charming than many noble girls and more proper than those loose women outside.

Her adept use of coquettish tactics had won her a special place in Prince Ke’s heart. Occasionally, he spent days without leaving the private residence.

As a result, despite her lowly status as a concubine, Wen Yuwei was favored.

“To receive your favor is truly a blessing, my lord. I ask for nothing more than to be by your side at all times.” she said.