"Young Madam, Old Master's people have come to urge you twice already. We must hurry…"
Seeing Feng Jin remain unmoved, Chu Qing urged her in a low voice.
"I'm getting up now…"
Feng Jin took her time before quickly getting up, changing her clothes, and after grooming herself, she hurried to the Old Master's courtyard.
As she reached the entrance, she heard the Old Master Ling's hearty laughter. It seemed he was in a good mood. Upon entering the room, Feng Jin immediately spotted a dignified and elegant woman seated beside the Old Master.
She appeared to be around forty years old, yet she was exceptionally well-preserved, with no visible wrinkles on her face. Her every movement, every smile and glance, was graceful, exuding the demeanor of nobility.
"Feng Jin is here. Come, meet your paternal aunt."
The Old Master Ling saw Feng Jin standing at the doorway and called out to her.
Feng Jin withdrew her thoughts, a smile on her lips, and walked forward with as much dignity as possible. "Greetings, Aunt."
"You are indeed a dignified young lady. Your wedding with Han'er was a hasty affair, and I didn't have the chance to offer my congratulations. Huichun, bring over what I've prepared."
A maidservant stepped forward, holding a red box, and placed it before Feng Jin.
"This is a pair of phoenix-and-peony intricately carved gold-woven jade collars. They were part of my dowry. I shall give them to you as a wedding gift."
Ling Changyi gestured for the maidservant to hand the items to Feng Jin, then picked up her teacup and took a sip of the clear tea.
"Thank you, Aunt."
Chu Qing, standing behind Feng Jin, stepped forward to accept the box.
"Alright, you've met. Come sit down and let's chat," the Old Master Ling quickly invited Feng Jin to sit, aiming to ease the slight awkwardness.
"Where are the two children? Why didn't you bring them along? I've prepared gifts for them as well."
"The weather is growing cold, and it was a bit chilly this morning, so I didn't have them wake up so early," Feng Jin replied respectfully, sitting opposite him.
"The men of my Ling family are destined to protect the country and fight on the battlefield. How can they be so delicate? They refuse to leave their rooms just because it's a little cool? Raising children like this, aren't you being too indulgent?"
Ling Changyi's face had lost its earlier kindness. Her words were sharp.
Before Feng Jin could speak, the Old Master Ling's displeased voice rang out, "My grandsons are naturally precious. They are so young, and you make them wake up so early in the morning. Must they be bedridden with illness before you consider yourself a good parent?"
"Father, I didn't mean it that way. I just think that when raising boys, one shouldn't be so overly doting…"
Ling Changyi quickly explained. Despite being married for many years, she still feared the Old Master Ling greatly.
"The children of my Ling family are naturally precious!" the Old Master Ling snorted coldly. He then shifted his gaze to Feng Jin. "Feng Jin, hurry back and look after the children."
"Yes, Grandfather." Knowing the Old Master was deliberately sending her away, Feng Jin was more than happy. She quickly stood up and replied. After bowing to Ling Changyi, she left immediately.
After Feng Jin departed, the last vestiges of warmth on the Old Master Ling's face vanished. He placed his teacup heavily on the table, his stern gaze fixed on Ling Changyi, who was seated beside him.
"Did you come here solely to provoke Feng Jin, or are you simply unwilling to see the Ling family enjoy some peace?"
Ling Changyi's heart trembled with fear. She quickly stood up and knelt. "Father, please do not be angry. Your daughter had absolutely no such intention. My words just now were careless, and I certainly did not mean anything by them. I beg Father to calm his anger."
"It's good if you didn't. Since you're here, stay for a while and behave yourself. Go offer a stick of incense to your mother."
The Old Master Ling waved his hand, intending to dismiss her.
"Yes, Father. Your daughter takes her leave."
Ling Changyi curtsied slightly and withdrew with cautious steps.
"Old Master, aren't you being a bit too harsh on Young Miss?" The steward placed a cup of fresh tea before the Old Master Ling. Having served him for many years, he dared to speak, knowing the Old Master wouldn't blame him.
"You know what kind of person her birth mother was. I married her off far away back then. Once a daughter is married, she has little to do with the family. My strictness is because I fear she might become like her mother."
The Old Master Ling lowered his eyes, memories flashing through his mind.
Ling Changyi was the result of a drunken encounter where he was manipulated by a maidservant, Ling Changyi's mother. Who would have thought that a mere maidservant, once she gained power, would become so ruthless? Relying on her pregnancy, she dared to bully the main wife.
She used every scheme to frame the main wife. In the end, he had no choice but to have her executed, leaving only Ling Changyi as his daughter. He never took another concubine in his life.
"Go send someone to keep an eye on her. Don't let her stir up trouble elsewhere or cause further waves."
"Yes, Old Master. This old servant will do so."
…
"Young Madam, what is the background of that 'auntie' from just now? This servant feels she harbored ill will towards you!"
Chu Qing increasingly felt that person was not to be trifled with. They had only met once, and she had already spoken ill of the Young Madam.
"You noticed it too? But I truly don't know her background, nor have I heard anyone mention her."
After thinking for a long time, Feng Jin found no information about her in her memory, which made her even more perplexed.
"Let's go ask someone."
With that, Feng Jin went directly to Concubine Bai's courtyard. She figured Concubine Bai might know something about these matters.
"Young Madam, why have you come?"
When Feng Jin arrived, Concubine Bai was drying freshly picked flower petals. Seeing Feng Jin, she quickly put down her work and stepped forward to greet her.
"Aunt, what are you doing with these flower petals?"
"I saw that it's autumn now and the flowers are wilting. It would be a shame if they fell on the ground, so I thought I'd pick them and dry them to make flower tea."
"Aunt is truly skillful."
"Young Madam is joking. If you don't mind, when the flower tea is ready, shall I send some to you?"
Concubine Bai looked at Feng Jin with kindness in her eyes. If not for Feng Jin's help, her daughter and she would have had an even harder life.
"How can I trouble you to send it, Aunt? I'll come and collect it myself when it's ready."
"Eldest sister-in-law, you're here." Ling Wan, hearing Feng Jin's voice from inside, rushed out.
"You child, you're becoming more restless. Didn't I tell you to stay in your room and embroider? Why are you running out again?"
Concubine Bai's tone was gentle yet carried a hint of reprimand. This child was becoming increasingly flustered, unlike her former composure.
"This is good. A woman should be lively. If she spends all her days stifled and silent, acting timidly, she'll likely be bullied by her in-laws when she marries."