Madam Sun was in a panic, her heart in disarray. She clutched Feng Yuanping's robe, begging him, "Yan'er is my only hope in this life."
Originally, Feng Ruoyan could have married the Third Prince as his principal consort, but because of Feng Jin, she could only reluctantly be a side consort. How could she not resent it?
"The misdeeds of Yan'er have already spread through every alley and lane. As Prime Minister, how can I bend the law for personal gain?"
In Feng Yuanping's eyes, marital affection and blood ties were all fleeting. What mattered most was his official position and the century-old foundation of the Feng family.
Madam Sun knew Feng Yuanping's temper and disposition well and directly struck at his sore spot.
"Master, don't forget that Feng Jin harbors deep resentment towards you and publicly disowned you. You now only have Yan'er as your daughter. Only if she marries the Third Prince and successfully ascends to the position of Empress can the Feng family become royalty, and their foundation endure."
Knowing that Feng Yuanping cared most about the Feng family's foundation, he had to protect her Yan'er if he wanted to preserve the family's honor.
Feng Yuanping's eyes narrowed, and his expression instantly turned fierce. His eagle-like eyes stared intently at Madam Sun, "How dare you threaten me?"
"How would I dare to threaten you, Master? I merely wish to inform you that Yan'er is the Feng family's only hope. Only by having Yan'er marry the Third Prince can the Feng family soar to unprecedented heights and become the truly prominent aristocratic family of Southern Chu."
Feng Yuanping sneered, "You've been with me for many years and should know best that I detest being coerced by others."
Back then, He Miaoqing and the He family had repeatedly threatened him under the guise of his past patronage.
Now Madam Sun dared to threaten him as well. This had touched a nerve.
"I dare not threaten you, Master. All I have now is bestowed by you. I only wish for you to help Yan'er. I am thinking of Yan'er, and more importantly, for the Feng family."
Feng Yuanping's expression softened somewhat, but a trace of anger remained. After a pause, he said in a deep voice, "I will naturally handle Yan'er's affairs. You may leave now."
"Thank you, Master."
Madam Sun knew this was a tacit agreement. Her Yan'er was safe.
...
"I always feel that with Feng Ruoyan's meager tricks, she wouldn't have come up with such an idea."
Feng Jin suspected someone else was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
"Who do you suspect?" Ling Mohan put down his scroll and looked at Feng Jin, asking in a deep voice.
Feng Jin's eyes darted, and after some thought, she said solemnly, "Madam Sun..."
"Madam Sun?"
"Precisely. Don't be fooled by Madam Sun's outwardly gentle and kind demeanor; she is actually ruthless. Feng Ruoyan's petty schemes are nothing compared to Madam Sun."
If not for Madam Sun's superior methods, how could she have deceived Feng Yuanping into taking her into his household? In just one year, she had driven a wedge between Feng Yuanping and He Miaoqing.
After He Miaoqing's departure, according to regulations, he could only remarry three years later or elevate a concubine to the position of principal wife. Yet, in less than half a year, Feng Yuanping had disregarded everything and elevated Madam Sun to the principal wife.
Given that Feng Yuanping valued his reputation immensely and acted prudently, he would never leave himself open to criticism.
"What are you going to do?"
"Feng Yuanping will not stand by and watch Feng Ruoyan languish in the Dali Temple. As expected, he is currently pulling strings to get Feng Ruoyan out of the Dali Temple..."
Just as Feng Jin had predicted, as soon as she finished speaking, Lu Shi rushed in with an urgent report.
"Young General, Prime Minister Feng has bribed Dali Temple officials and wants to take Feng Ruoyan away, but our men have stopped him."
If they hadn't been prepared, Feng Yuanping would have succeeded.
"Transfer Feng Ruoyan immediately and allow no one to approach her."
Ling Mohan's expression turned grim. Feng Yuanping, that old fox, had a long reach, extending to the Dali Temple so quickly.
"Yes, Young General."
After Lu Shi left, Feng Jin remained worried. This matter needed to be resolved quickly; the longer it dragged on, the more complications would arise.
"Send someone to bring Yan Yu to the Ling Residence. He is the only witness."
If Feng Yuanping, in desperation, decided to silence the witness and create a situation where there was no proof, all their efforts would be in vain.
"I have posted guards inside and outside the clinic. I will send someone to bring Yan Yu here immediately." Ling Mohan stepped forward to comfort Feng Jin, "Don't worry. The clinic is in the center of the capital. No matter how audacious Feng Yuanping is, he wouldn't dare send people to kill Yan Yu."
The Prime Minister of the current dynasty would not dare to bear the immense crime of assassinating a witness to shield his daughter.
"You don't understand Feng Yuanping. He only cares about the Feng family's foundation. As long as Feng Ruoyan marries Chu Yanxi and the family becomes allied with the royal court, the Feng family will have an added layer of security. After planning for so long, Feng Yuanping will not give up on Feng Ruoyan easily."
"I will send someone to bring Yan Yu here right away. Don't worry."
An hour later, the people Ling Mohan sent finally brought Yan Yu.
Feng Jin hurried to check on him and, seeing that Yan Yu was unharmed, finally relaxed.
"Drink your medicine first. After you finish, you'll be well tomorrow."
"Thank you, Madam, for saving my life."
Feng Jin added a sedative to the medicine. After drinking it, Yan Yu fell into a deep sleep.
"Everything is taken care of. You can rest assured now," Ling Mohan said, holding Feng Jin's hand as they sat by the bedside.
Gazing at Feng Jin's delicate features by candlelight, Ling Mohan felt a surge of emotion. As if possessed, he reached out, placed an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her onto the bed.
By the time Feng Jin regained her senses, she was pinned down by Ling Mohan, unable to move.
"What are you doing?" Feng Jin's voice held a hint of shyness.
Ling Mohan's heart fluttered, and his hands began to grow restless. "My dear wife, the night is deep, and every moment is precious. We mustn't waste it."
Without waiting for Feng Jin to protest, Ling Mohan sealed her lips.
He swallowed the muffled sounds she made.
...
"My Lord, by the time your subordinate arrived, the people in the clinic had already been transferred. Fearing exposure, I did not pursue them further."
In the study, a man in black reported.
Feng Yuanping, seated in the armchair, frowned, suppressing his anger.
"Useless! Utterly useless! You can't even handle one person. What good are you!"
Feng Yuanping berated him furiously, the veins on his temples bulging.
"My Lord, please calm your anger!" the man in black hastily knelt to beg for forgiveness.
"Continue to investigate the whereabouts of the young lady. Once you find her, spare no expense to rescue her!"
Feng Yuanping had bribed people in the Dali Temple to take Feng Ruoyan away, only to be intercepted by Ling Mohan's men. Subsequently, Feng Ruoyan was transferred, and her whereabouts became unknown.
His dispatched men also sent back no news.
Only by rescuing Feng Ruoyan and keeping her under his watchful eye could he have a countermeasure should the Ling family make a move.