Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Pengji had seen Feng Ren before. After many years of retirement from his official position, Fang Ren appeared more youthful. He was full of vitality.
Because Feng Jin had already communicated this beforehand, the matter had essentially been finalized. All that was left was for Jiang Pengji to agree. Afterward, the possession of Shangyang County could be transferred. To put it plainly, as soon as she’d stepped into the Feng manor, Shangyang County had become hers.
Feng Ren still had the scholarly, noble air he’d had in the past. He didn’t use any official jargon with her. Instead, he asked after Liu She’s present situation.
Based on the topic of their conversation, they didn’t seem to be discussing the possession of Shangyang County. Instead, it looked like an elder speaking informally to a junior.
The atmosphere was extra welcoming. No one could sense any signs of potential conflict.
Feng Ren was overwhelmed with emotions. “Liu She isn’t very impressive as a person, but he managed to raise a good son.”
He was acquainted with Liu She. The two were often compared by others. Although he had a slight advantage, the Feng family lost at their descendants’ level.
Liu She had only one son, but this one son surpassed all three of Feng Ren’s sons.
Jiang Pengji had come to Shangyang County from Fengyi. This was already an expression of her sincerity. Feng Ren wasn’t one to take advantage of others.
Since she’d already agreed to the most important terms, the rest were unimportant and inconsequential to the Feng family.
Therefore, Feng Ren did not purposely make things difficult for her. Rather, he made known his good-will and ensured that the atmosphere was cooperative.
After a series of sincere words were exchanged, Feng Ren ordered Feng Gui to personally send Jiang Pengji off.
On the way, Feng Gui observed her discreetly.
“Tonight, the manor intends to invite over the chief of Shangyang County. Will Lanting be able to grace this occasion?” Feng Gui asked.
Jiang Pengji’s senses became acute. She knew that this was the most important event.
She replied politely, “To have the manor extend an invitation is of great honor to Xi.”
Although the Feng family had the authority to decide when Shangyang County would be handed over, the final date would be determined by the county chief.
Feng Gui was Feng Jin’s elder brother. Naturally, Jiang Pengji must be respectful of him. Thus, when Feng Gui discreetly asked after her, she responded to his questions thoughtfully.
After observing this, Feng Gui was pleased in his heart.
After the incident, Feng Ren asked him about his impression of Jiang Pengji. Feng Gui replied, “This man is indeed talented. Huaiyu didn’t choose the wrong leader.”
No matter what was asked, she had her own understanding. Although her views were sometimes extreme, they were not completely baseless.
Although Feng Gui held conservative and traditional views, even he could not help but agree with her views.
What truly surprised him was Jiang Pengji’s plan to rejuvenate the entirety of Shangyang. She already had a rather comprehensive plan. If her plans were executed, within half a year, Shangyang County would be able to overcome the shadows of war. She was talented.
Before their conversation, Feng Gui had thought that Jiang Pengji was a brash, impulsive young man who was not orderly in his ways.
After their deep discussion, he discarded that thought.
“…This person, Liu Xi… Although he is young, his understanding of governance runs deep. His disposition and speech spoke volumes to his gentleman bearings.” Feng Gui continued, “Your son questioned him multiple times, but no matter what I asked or how tricky the subject was, he could answer readily. It was evident how well prepared he was. If Shangyang County were in his hands, it would not be a bad thing. Since Huaiyu chose him, he must have considered it deeply. Father can rest assured.”
Feng Ren responded, “Your father isn’t worried about Liu Xi. He’s worried about Liu She.”
Feng Gui didn’t understand.
Liu She’s reputation in Dongqing was well-known. If not for the imperial family secretly playing him down, he would be a world-famous scholar.
Feng Ren sighed. “You may not know this, but Liu She is someone… with a wicked heart. He is willing to hide behind the scenes and allow his son, Liu Xi, to venture out. This is something your father did not expect. I’m afraid this father and son may turn against each other one day.”
Feng Gui was taken aback. “That cannot be! If Liu She truly has ambitions, he could represent himself. Many would willingly submit.”
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Liu She wasn’t like Liu Xi. The former could get anything he wanted, the latter still hadn’t grown up.
When both were placed side by side, even a fool knew which was more desirable.
If Liu She had the ambition and he was willing to make himself known, half the north would be in his hands already.
His father’s opinion of Liu She had always been very positive. Why was he suddenly so worried?
“I hope father isn’t thinking too much… Only with this Liu She… It is hard to say…”
Feng Ren sighed and stopped the conversation.
In the other room, Feng Jin recalled the matter regarding Jiang Pengji’s half-brother. He brought it up to her, hoping to prevent a future scenario where she would have to surrender to him.
“Lanting, Jin isn’t creating a wedge in your father-daughter relationship with uncle. However, in the eyes of the world, you are a woman who cannot inherit your family’s reign. Uncle Liu gives in to your every request now, but that doesn’t mean that he will not feel his lack of descendants in the future. He may want to continue the family line or place great importance on his illegitimate son. Although he is just an illegitimate child, he is nonetheless a son who could carry on the family line of the Liu family!”
Feng Jin and Jiang Pengji conversed privately. There was no mention of “my lord.” Instead, he called her by her second name.
She kept silent for a moment, then replied, “I have considered this manner.”
Eh?
Feng Jin was stunned. Had his lord already thought of this matter?
Jiang Pengji’s expression was intriguing. Her face seemed unreadable, hidden by a layer of shadow.
“Huaiyu, I wish to find an opportunity to make my identity known,” she said.
Feng Jin was nearly left speechless by this news.
“You wish to make known your identity? Why?”
She answered, “So that others will not have a chance to take advantage of the situation. Moreover, I cannot hide for the rest of my life. As you’ve said, illegitimate children are still children, and I should be wary of them. If I can hold down the fort with my true identity, he will never have a chance to compete with me.”
Without any more explanation, Feng Jin felt that Jiang Pengji’s words had a deeper meaning, but he was unable to decipher it yet.
“Alright, but you must choose an opportune moment. Please don’t be rash and impulsive about this.” Feng Jin knitted his brows. He agreed that it would be good for her identity to be made known rather than worry about the future. However… he didn’t know if the rest could accept it.
“I am aware.”
Jiang Pengji closed her eyes, blocking out the light.
Liu She had an illegitimate daughter — Liu Huan. She was Wang Huijun and Prince Changshou’s illegitimate daughter. That illegitimate son was likewise not Liu She’s biological son. Liu She had once said directly that he had only had one wife, Gu Min, and no other women in his lifetime.
The introduction of this illegitimate son was but a means to divert her enemies’ attention.
Jiang Pengji was already aware of who her real enemy was.
The illegitimate son’s presence in her house was even less known than Liu Huan’s. If not for him being mentioned specifically, she may have even forgotten all about him.
However, ignoring the matter wouldn’t make it go away. The outside world still acknowledged that he was Liu She’s son, including the illegitimate son.
Although he was an illegitimate son, under the circumstances, he could inherit the family’s inheritance.
She laughed coldly.
Liu She really was petty if he could adopt his enemy Wang Huijun’s daughter as his illegitimate child.
Keke, who knows about the background of his illegitimate son?
There was a rough hypothesis forming in her mind. All that was left was for Qiguan Rang to verify things with his father-in-law.
Hopefully, the result would not be disappointing.