"My Guo family has served the court for three generations. You, on the other hand, are from humble origins, clawing your way to your current position. With my Guo family's influence, dealing with you would be as easy as crushing an ant. Prime Minister Feng, there is no need for you to offend this county princess and the Guo family for a daughter you don't even favor. It will bring you no benefit!"
Feng Yuanping let out a cold laugh, showing no respect to Princess Yongping. "As a father, I will never stand by and watch my daughter be bullied. Even if it means losing this official hat, sacrificing my wealth and life, I will protect my daughter!"
Princess Yongping's face stiffened. She hadn't expected Feng Yuanping to be willing to sacrifice so much for a daughter raised in the countryside for so many years. She was momentarily stunned, creating a very awkward atmosphere.
"Mother, we... we should leave..."
Countless gazes converged on them, as if capable of burning through them. Guo Li lowered her head in embarrassment and tugged at Princess Yongping's sleeve. All she wanted now was to leave quickly, no longer wanting to be gawked at like a monkey.
Princess Yongping angrily flung Guo Li's hand away. Already displeased at being challenged, she became even more irate at Guo Li's cowardly words.
"You spineless wretch, how could I have given birth to someone like you? All my teachings have been in vain! You're an embarrassment!"
With that, Princess Yongping angrily flicked her sleeve and strode away in a huff.
"Mother..." Guo Li called out tearfully, then quickly hurried after her, looking flustered.
"Princess Yongping certainly has quite the temper. No wonder everyone in the capital says she's difficult to get along with. Seeing it today, she's just as the rumors suggest."
Lin Yuwei muttered to herself, standing to the side. She had heard the stories before, but today she truly understood how terrible Princess Yongping's temper was.
If Prime Minister Feng hadn't arrived in time today, they would have had a hard time dealing with the situation. Lin Yuwei walked up to Feng Yuanping and curtsied slightly. "Thank you for your assistance today, Prime Minister."
"You are too kind, Your Highness. I dare not accept such praise."
After a polite exchange, Feng Yuanping's gaze immediately shifted to Feng Jin behind him, his voice filled with concern. "How are you? Did Princess Yongping injure you just now?"
Feng Jin, regaining her senses, suppressed her slightly dazed expression and shook her head with a smile. "I'm fine. Thank you for what just happened."
Even if Feng Yuanping hadn't appeared, she could have handled it herself. However, since he had helped her, she felt gratitude was in order.
"We are family, so there's no need for thanks. It is a father's duty to protect his daughter."
Feng Yuanping's eyes remained fixed on Feng Jin, not shifting even slightly. All his actions were his way of trying to make amends, and he didn't expect Feng Jin to forgive him. As long as Feng Jin could live a good life from now on, without further hardship, he would be at peace.
"Sister Feng Jin, you have no idea how terrified I was of Princess Yongping just now. It's all thanks to Prime Minister Feng, otherwise, we would have had trouble getting away."
She had heard about the relationship between this father and daughter. When she first learned of it, she had been filled with anger. How could a father neglect his own daughter for so many years?
Let alone Feng Jin not forgiving him, she herself would have found it difficult. However, judging by what happened today, Prime Minister Feng genuinely wished to make amends.
"Are you here to see your grandson?" Feng Jin's question left Feng Yuanping speechless. He could only nod reluctantly.
"The Third Prince sent someone to the manor to invite me. If I didn't come... it would only create more trouble..."
He hadn't intended to come, but the Third Prince's men had repeatedly sent invitations. After all, he was still an official in the court, and it was best not to create too much of a rift or draw unnecessary attention, so he had no choice but to come.
He hadn't expected to run into Feng Jin here, which made his visit not entirely in vain.
"It is well known throughout the capital that Prime Minister Feng dotes on his eldest daughter. I presume he must be even more fond of his grandson. I shall not disturb Prime Minister Feng's enjoyment of his family happiness."
With that, Feng Jin walked past Feng Yuanping and headed outside. Lin Yuwei and Ling Wan, who were standing behind, hurried to follow Feng Jin.
Feng Yuanping sighed helplessly. His daughter's resentment ran deep, and it would take time to thaw.
"Eldest sister-in-law, please don't be angry. Have a bite of this orange, it's very sweet."
Ling Wan noticed that Feng Jin was truly upset. Even though her expression was calm now, her heart must have been seething with anger.
"Sister Feng Jin, I think Prime Minister Feng truly wants to make amends now. Why don't you forgive him? After all, he's getting on in years, and his days are numbered. You wouldn't want to regret it later."
"The tree wishes to remain still, but the wind will not cease; the child wishes to care for their parents, but they are no longer there." Such sorrow is a lifelong regret. She didn't want Feng Jin to regret it in the end, which was why she spoke up to comfort her.
Feng Jin smiled at the two beside her. "I understand your good intentions, but I know what I'm doing. You two don't need to worry about it."
She didn't feel any familial affection for Feng Yuanping, and she harbored some hatred. To have reached this point was already quite a lot. To then feign a deep father-daughter bond was something she found truly difficult to do.
...
"Are you serious?"
Feng Ruoyan asked, her face filled with shock. With a slight exertion, the hair tie she was holding snapped in two.
"Eldest Miss, this servant saw it with her own eyes. His Lordship very much defended Feng Jin, even to the point of arguing with Princess Yongping."
Feng Ruoyan's heart began to race. She knew that her father had always detested Feng Jin, not even allowing her name to be mentioned, and had once wanted Feng Jin to fend for herself. This unusual behavior now made her deeply uneasy.
She wasn't sure if her mother had told anyone about her true parentage before she passed away. This matter was like a sword hanging over her head, causing her sleepless nights.
"Miss, you needn't worry too much. When we were on the ground, His Lordship cherished you the most. Now that he's treating the second young lady better, it might be because she married General Ling. You know, many people in the Ling family want to win over. Even the Third Prince values the Ling family and wants to draw them into his faction."
Feng Ruoyan listened to the maid's words, but her eyes grew even more shadowed. She sighed, "If that's the case, then I needn't worry so much. If it's because..."
If her father knew about her true origins, then things would truly be dire.