Chapter 708 Concealment

Feng Jin bundled herself up tightly, leaving only her head exposed, looking like a walking polar bear.

Ling Mohan was also surprised by Feng Jin's attire. She was wrapped up too much. Although it was winter, wearing so much clothing might make her ill.

There were braziers lit here, and he already felt a bit warm wearing what he had on. He didn't believe Feng Jin wasn't feeling hot in all her layers.

"Take off your outer clothes. Don't overheat yourself."

"No, I'm not hot!"

Feng Jin refused without hesitation, maintaining a nonchalant expression as she calmly picked up food and brought it to her mouth.

As she raised her hand, she imperceptibly wiped the sweat from her forehead. It was indeed quite hot. Were the braziers free? Burning so much without considering the cost.

"Um... who lit these braziers? Using so much charcoal, don't they know about thrift and diligence?"

It was so hot it was almost making her die of heat. She had only been sitting for a short while and was already sweating profusely, her back clothes becoming damp.

"Mother, didn't you say to add more charcoal, to make it nice and warm?"

Da Bao asked in confusion. Hadn't Mother just said to make the room warm with plenty of charcoal?

Why had she changed her mind so quickly? It was truly strange.

A hint of awkwardness flickered across Feng Jin's face. When had she said that? She didn't remember.

"That was before. Now is now. They aren't the same thing."

She certainly wasn't going to admit to saying such a thing. It had nothing to do with her anyway.

Ling Mohan, who had been silent, spoke softly, "Lessen the heat from the braziers."

"Your subordinate obeys."

Lu Shi resentfully accepted the task. He shouldn't have been standing there; he should have left long ago.

"Since you feel cold, then wear more clothes."

Ling Mohan said thoughtfully. His sharp gaze immediately caught the conspicuous marks on Feng Jin's neck, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.

"Stop looking and eat your food quickly."

Feng Jin urged the two children impatiently, looking at them.

At such a young age, they were already so cunning, with so many thoughts. They were always overthinking and mulling over useless things.

Feng Jin devoured her meal at an extremely rapid pace, finishing quickly. "I'm done. You all eat slowly."

As soon as she finished speaking, Feng Jin, under everyone's gaze, practically fled the scene.

Before the marks on her neck disappeared, she decided she wouldn't come out for meals again. In the future, she'd have them bring her meals to her room.

"Father, what's wrong with Mother? She's acting really strange today?"

Da Bao looked at Ling Mohan with confusion and asked. Mother was truly strange today, completely different from her usual self.

"Mother might be too tired."

Er Bao chimed in. He also felt Mother was strange, but he couldn't quite pinpoint why.

"Er Bao is right. Mother is just too tired. You two shouldn't bother your mother. Let her rest well."

Ling Mohan said, a slight discomfort on his face. Last night, Feng Jin had indeed been exhausted, and she truly needed good rest.

"Your servant greets the Young General." Chu Qing curtsied slightly to Ling Mohan, holding a plate.

She looked around, not seeing Feng Jin, and asked, "Young General, isn't Madam here?"

"Sister Chu Qing, Mother said she was tired and went back to her room to rest," Da Bao said quickly. It seemed Mother was truly tired, so he probably wasn't wrong.

"Then..." Chu Qing looked at the congee she had just prepared with some hesitation. She was a step too late.

"Then, shall this servant take the congee to Madam's room?"

As Chu Qing finished speaking, she turned to leave, but Ling Mohan's voice rang out from behind her, "Give me the congee. I'll take it."

Then, to Chu Qing's astonishment, Ling Mohan took the congee from her and walked out.

By the time Chu Qing recovered, Ling Mohan had already disappeared. The congee was also gone.

"Sister Chu Qing, can we go out to play later?"

Da Bao walked up to Chu Qing, tugging at her sleeve, his voice soft and pleading in his eyes.

Chu Qing couldn't bear to refuse Da Bao, so she bent down and spoke gently, "Can we just play for an hour and then come back? Madam said not to play for too long."

The weather was too cold today. Madam had instructed them early on not to let the two young masters play outside for too long, and preferably to play indoors.

But she really didn't know how to refuse Da Bao's request, nor could she bear to see his disappointed expression, so she could only negotiate with him.

"Ah..." Da Bao let out a slightly disappointed sigh and lowered his head sadly. After a moment, he raised his head again and said reluctantly, "Alright then."

Being able to play for a while was better than not playing at all. Da Bao quickly came to terms with it and, pulling Chu Qing's hand, eagerly walked outside.

As they reached the doorway, he didn't forget to turn back and call out to Er Bao, who was still standing in place, "Er Bao, hurry up!"

Time was of the essence, not a moment could be wasted. After calling out to Er Bao behind him, Da Bao immediately pulled Chu Qing's hand and ran out swiftly.

Er Bao shook his head helplessly. Having a brother like that was just his misfortune. After hesitating for a moment, he followed Da Bao's footsteps.

...

Upon returning to her room, Feng Jin immediately took off her thick padded jacket. In just this short while, she felt like she was about to overheat.

Her back clothes were soaked with sweat, sticking uncomfortably to her body. It was truly unbearable.

Now that she had taken off her clothes to air them out, she felt much more comfortable. Feng Jin looked at herself in the mirror. Her fair neck was covered in bruises and marks.

She didn't know when they would disappear. She would have to wear clothes that completely covered them.

It was all Ling Mohan's fault, being so heavy-handed. How could she possibly face anyone like this?

Speak of the devil, no sooner had she returned to her room and the bench was still warm beneath her, Ling Mohan appeared.

"Ah... why are you here?"