Chapter 329 (2/2)
The matriarch even began to view the imperial palace as a place of faith. In her eyes, the imperial palace was the most divine place under the heavens. Although it was not as though she had not gone, as she had previously attended many banquets, but the more she went, the more she felt that the people of the highest standings lived in the imperial palace. The Emperor’s might and the Empress’ beauty were, in her eyes, absolutely supreme. But the Feng family was, after all, a family without roots in the capital. If they wanted to hear some things pertaining to the imperial palace, it was extremely difficult; however, she never thought that there would actually come a day when people from the palace would end up becoming her daughters-in-law!
That’s right, the matriarch viewed the two concubines as being on a similar level as Kang Yi. She was not stupid. These two were sent to the manor by the Emperor. They would be like observers left to observe the Feng family. They could not be beaten or cursed, and they could not be slighted. Otherwise, if they were not careful, once these two spread the word, it would be Feng Jin Yuan that suffered.
Kang Yi understood people’s thoughts too well. Upon seeing this scene, she knew that the matriarch had already decided to accept it and compromise. So what else could she say? After all, this place was Da Shun, and these two had been sent by the Emperor. They were also the Empress’ own nieces. She could argue with anyone but the imperial family. She knew that she did not have this ability. At least she did not right now.
“Mother.” She walked forward with a smile, “Daughter-in-law has already tidied up the two courtyards with the help of the servants. Thinking about it, I was about to bring the two younger sisters to take a look. If there is anything that you are dissatisfied with, we can try to change them. Currently, the sky is darkening, and younger sisters must be tired.”
The matriarch nodded, “You are thorough in your work, and it puts me at ease.” She then said to the two sisters: “Quickly go and take a look.”
Jun Man and Jun Mei both stood up and saluted the matriarch before leaving. Following Kang Yi, they left Shu Ya courtyard. Only after the three had walked off did the matriarch let out a sigh of relief. While having a young servant massage her shoulders, she asked granny Zhao: “Have you sent anyone into the palace to inquire?”
Granny Zhao said: “Two groups of people have already been sent. They said that there were numerous matters for the courts to take care of. It’s not just our master, all of the officials are still at court. Elder madam, do not worry.”
Upon hearing that all of the officials were still in court, the matriarch finally calmed down, “It’s good if nothing happened to him. These days, I keep feeling that my mind is in a panic. I suspected that something bad would happen, but I didn’t think that the ninth prince would come so quickly.”
Granny Zhao consoled her: “His Highness the ninth prince seems to be annoyed with the new madam. He still seems to be quite polite with elder madam.”
The matriarch also understood, but when she thought of Kang Yi being extorted of five million taels of gold, her heart began to hurt unbearably, “That’s gold! Five million taels, tell me, if that was transported from Qian Zhou to Da Shun, how many carriages would that require? How long would the caravan be? Hah! It’s going to be given just like that to the country princess’ manor. It truly… truly…”
She said truly for a while but did not finish her sentence. Granny Zhao was unable to hold back a smirk, as she thought to herself, could it be that elder madam is hoping to receive it? Is that something that you can hope to receive? For the ninth prince to not cause you trouble is already a great fortune. Know to be satisfied!
But the matriarch was exactly this type of person. When it came to wealth, there was never a feeling of satisfaction. The gold was still in Qian Zhou, yet she already planned to treat Feng Yu Heng a little better, hoping to perhaps receive some benefits.
“Right.” The matriarch suddenly recalled something, “Quickly, go to the temple and move the Bodhisattva to Yu Lan courtyard. Do not allow Han shi to cause trouble. For her to have stolen him away from Kang Yi last night is forgettable. Although Kang Yi is a noble eldest princess, she is still from a foreign country after all. But Jun Man and Jun Mei are people sent by the Emperor. If those two are offended, the Feng family would not be able to bear it.”
Granny Zhao quickly complied: “Elder madam, don’t worry. This old servant will go over to Yu Lan courtyard. Not only do I need to send the Bodhisattva, I almost must give concubine mother Han a reminder.”
“Good.” The matriarch urged her and said: “Go quickly.”
Just as granny Zhao headed towards the temple, Feng Jin Yuan also hurriedly returned. The first thing he did upon returning to the manor was visit the matriarch. After entering the room, he did not even have time to greet her before anxiously asking: “Did mother see those two?”
The matriarch sighed and nodded, saying: “I saw them. They have been placed in Jin Fu courtyard and Ri Yue pavilion. Tonight, you will…”
“Tonight, son must spend the night in Tian Xiang courtyard.” Feng Jin Yuan was extremely resolute, “Last night, son drank too much and was not able to think thoroughly on many things, causing me to foolishly spend the night in Yu Lan courtyard. This is truly too improper. Tonight, no matter what, I must go to Tian Xiang courtyard. First, I must give an explanation to Kang Yi. Second…” He paused, thinking for a while before continuing: “Mother also saw it. His Majesty and her Highness both sent these two concubines to the manor. This is clearly causing trouble for our Feng family. Speaking truthfully, son’s mind is a bit of a mess. This mess can only be sorted out by someone as clear-minded at Kang Yi.”
The matriarch nodded. It was inevitable that she was also a little disoriented, “Tell me, is the Emperor on guard against our Feng family because Kang Yi entered the manor? That’s not right. Previously, didn’t you say that the Emperor was thankful when you said that you would marry Kang Yi?”
Feng Jin Yuan stomped his feet, “Being close to the Emperor is like being close to a tiger. Son has relieved Da Shun of a problem, preventing Qian Zhou and Gu Shu from becoming united through a political marriage, but who knew that his Majesty is now also on guard against the Feng family. Mother, do not worry. This matter still must be observed for a few more days. Recently, there have been many changes in the manor. They have truly caused mother to feel tired.”
“It can’t be helped.” The matriarch waved her hand, “It’s fine if you understand. In any case, those two concubines you need to see them today. Don’t treat them coldly.”
“Son understands. Son will be going then.” After saying this, he did not remain and turned to leave. Who knew that before he could step out the door, a person suddenly rushed in from the outside, crashing straight into his body…