Zhao's face was as ugly as it could be. If it weren't for the presence of others, she would have rushed forward and strangled Feng Jin to death to vent her hatred.
"Grandfather has already made his judgment. Second Uncle and Second Aunt should act according to the judgment!"
Feng Jin stood up gracefully, her voice light as she added, "Don't forget to send the money to Concubine Bai's room."
"Naturally," Second Master Ling gritted his teeth and replied.
"Let's go," Ling Mo Han said, his voice low as he stood up.
Concubine Bai was naturally timid. After such a big storm, she was already terrified and pulled Ling Wan to leave in a hurry.
The Madam of the Third Branch had been dragged there to witness this farce. After the matter was settled, she exchanged a few pleasantries with her son and left.
"My Lord, you just accepted this loss? Mu Zhu is still in the countryside and we don't know when she'll return. Yan'er was injured by that woman, and we've lost control of the household affairs. Our Second Branch has been severely weakened by this woman."
Zhao's dissatisfaction was evident as she spoke indignantly. Both her children had fallen victim to that vixen Feng Jin, how could she be at peace?
"Now that we've lost the Old Master's favor and the household control has returned to the First Branch, you must manage Yan'er well these days and not let her cause any more trouble. Also, try to get along with the one from the Third Branch."
"Third Branch... that woman, you can't get a single word out of her. It's hopeless to expect her to step forward."
Zhao's face was filled with disdain. The Third Branch rarely spoke more than necessary. To persuade her would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.
"The Third Branch cares most about her precious son. If anyone dares to touch her son, she would fight to the death."
In the early years, the third son was sent away, and the Madam of the Third Branch remained secluded in the mansion, not participating in any affairs, only focusing on raising her son.
"I know what to do."
Zhao's eyes suddenly lit up, and an idea instantly formed in her mind.
After the two returned to their room, Ling Mo Han dismissed everyone else, leaving only him and Feng Jin.
"You're quite leisurely today. Aren't you going out?" It was rare to see him in the mansion before, but today he was acting unusually, even sitting here with her.
"Do you want to completely offend Second Uncle?"
Ling Mo Han asked with a grave voice. In the short time since Feng Jin entered the mansion, the Second Branch had suffered heavy losses every time they clashed with Feng Jin.
Both of his children had been severely injured. Ling Mu Zhu, while ostensibly going to the countryside to study, was known to all that it would be difficult for her to return to the Ling mansion.
Ling Yan had first lost her reputation and then had her face disfigured. All the suitors who had previously wanted to propose were now deterred.
Second Uncle had lost face and money this time. Given his personality, he would not let this matter rest. Could Feng Jin handle it?
"It's your Second Uncle's family who, with nothing better to do, insisted on provoking me. If I were to back down, wouldn't it look like I was afraid of them?"
She had always believed in returning a favor for a favor, but if someone provoked her, she would retaliate a thousandfold.
"Their current predicament is entirely their own doing," Feng Jin said disdainfully. Seeing Ling Mo Han's demeanor, was he trying to seek justice for his Second Uncle?
"Second Uncle is vengeful. Be careful."
Knowing Second Uncle's personality too well, Ling Mo Han couldn't help but worry, fearing that hidden schemes would be impossible to guard against.
"Young General, are you concerned about me?"
Feng Jin heard the meaning in his words and asked tentatively.
"If something happens to you, it will also be a loss of my reputation. I am also considering my own interests. I will assign you more men. If the people from the Second Branch cause trouble again, you don't need to handle it yourself."
Ling Mo Han stated his words and turned to leave.
...
"Mother, look, these are all sent by people from the Second Branch."
It was Ling Wan's first time seeing so much silver. And those Shu brocades were so beautiful, the embroidered flowers on them were even more lovely than real ones.
"Mother, look at this emerald hairpin. The quality is excellent. It will look beautiful on you." Ling Wan placed the hairpin in Concubine Bai's hair.
Concubine Bai irritably took off the hairpin and pulled Ling Wan to sit in front of her.
"Wan'er, listen to Mother. Take these things to your Second Uncle and apologize to him..."
"Why, Mother? It was Ling Yan who hit me first. Grandfather has already made a decision. You still want me to apologize to them? Mother, do you really want to watch your daughter be bullied to death by Ling Yan?"
Ever since she was young, because she was a concubine-born daughter, she had been bullied by Ling Yan.
To avoid worrying her mother, she had always endured and kept quiet, just wanting to live peacefully in the Ling family.
But this time was different. The First Mistress had stood up for them, and Grandfather had already ruled on the matter. If she returned the items and apologized, it would be equivalent to slapping the First Mistress and Grandfather in the face.
The First Mistress had just taken charge of the household affairs and had made a decision for their mother and daughter. If she was ungrateful, she would offend the First Mistress.
"Mother, don't be foolish. The First Mistress stood up for us. If we bow down and apologize to the people from the Second Branch, wouldn't that prove the First Mistress was wrong? This would be slapping the First Mistress in the face. We cannot do such a thing."
"This..." Concubine Bai, after Ling Wan's explanation, finally understood: "It's all my fault. I was only thinking about not offending your Second Uncle and completely forgot about this matter."
Now that Feng Jin was in charge of household affairs, if they offended Feng Jin, their mother and daughter would not have good days.
"Chun Lan, go and pick out two good items and send them to the Young Madam."
"Mother, the First Mistress manages the entire household. What good things hasn't she seen? Mother, your plum blossom cakes are the most delicious. Make some, and I'll take them to the First Mistress."
"That's fine too. I'll start making them now."
Feng Jin was bored just wandering around the mansion.
"Young Madam, the Second Miss has arrived," Cai Qing quickly came to report.
"Please invite the Second Miss in," Feng Jin said lightly, her mind conjuring the image of the little girl's pitiful appearance.
"Greetings, First Mistress. I came uninvited, please forgive me."
"Sit down. You've come just in time to keep me company," Feng Jin beckoned Ling Wan to sit. She was feeling bored anyway, and her companion had arrived.
"Thank you, First Mistress. This is plum blossom cake made by my mother. Please try it, First Mistress."
Feng Jin picked up a piece and took a shallow bite. It was soft, glutinous, and fragrant, even more delicious than the pastries from the kitchen. Unable to resist her cravings, Feng Jin ate several more pieces.
"First Mistress, how does it taste?"
"It's good. I didn't expect Concubine Bai to have such a skill," Feng Jin praised sincerely.
"My mother's family used to make pastries, and this skill is passed down from generation to generation. When the osmanthus flowers bloom in a few days, I'll make some osmanthus sweet cakes for you to try."
Ling Wan's lips curved slightly as she handed a plum blossom cake to Feng Jin. After a pause, she said, "First Mistress, thank you for your help yesterday."