Chapter 116: What a Surprise (IV)

“Speaking of, you’re very similar to my youngest brother… ” Feng Jin said while he moved aside the carriage curtains to look at the night sky. His expression turned warmer as though he thought of something, then he said, “You’re both mischievous and enjoy teasing others.”

Jiang Pengji could not believe what she heard. “Mischievous and teasing? I thought your family was strict and everyone was just like you.”

“Lanting, didn’t you say that everyone is born different? My brother may be from the same mother as I, but our temperaments are very different. He’s young and smart. Since he’s young, he’s doted on by the elders, and though he’s naughty, he has yet to go overboard.”

The Feng’s had Feng Jin’s older brother leading them, followed by Feng Jin. There was no burden or responsibility on the youngest. It was the norm for the elders to have high expectations of the eldest while the youngest got doted on.

The most pitiful one was the middle child, Feng Jin. Although he was not totally ignored by the elders, when he was compared to either of his brothers, he did not receive much attention.

Jiang Pengji shot a look in askance at Feng Jin when he mentioned his younger brother. “I really couldn’t tell you that you had a brother complex.”

“What is ‘brother complex?'” Feng Jin pondered over the term but could not make heads or tails of it.

“It means that the elder brother dotes on the younger one and you’re very close,” Jiang Pengji explained.

When Feng Jin heard that, he had on a serious thinking face. “Does that mean there is a ‘sister complex’ or a ‘sibling complex’ as well? The rough meaning is that siblings are very close to one another?”

“Yes.” Jiang Pengji nodded her head. “You’re worth teaching.”

Feng Jin lost his smile. “These phrases are interesting. They’re simple to use and easy on the tongue. Is this a way of saying, ‘Found only in Hejian?'”

“I heard it from some merchants. I have no idea where they came from,” Jiang Pengji replied naturally.

“In that case, I think I have an ‘older brother complex’ as well.” Feng Jin smiled after some thought.

Jiang Pengji chuckled. I knew you three brothers were close!

“Lanting, have you talked to officer Liu about going to Langye County?”

Jiang Pengji was not one to remain in one place for long. Hejian was not small, but it was not big, either.

“I told him. He agreed to let me go to Langye County under the condition that I need not mention my mother’s name.”

Jiang Pengji rested her arm on the small table, while her right hand was balled into a fist. She rested her chin on her fist and had a very relaxed posture that Feng Jin could not bear to watch.

Feng Jin had not understood why Liu She had set that condition, but after running that through his head a few times, he got it.

Master Yuanjing was a famous teacher with a literary reputation. He would naturally care for Liu Lanting a little more due to his respect for the late Gu Min. But it was also because of that that he may not have the best impression of Liu Lanting. The latter was not lacking in any skills and, if she were to show off her knowledge and skills, Master Yuanjing could be impressed. It would definitely leave a better impression than popping up and saying that she was Gu Min’s son.

“When do you intend to leave?” Feng Jin asked.

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Jiang Pengji admittedly had not given it much thought. She was not too keen on making the trip to Langye County.

“Maybe in another two or three months. My father was in Xu County for many years and he rarely returns home. It’s quite rare for him to stay home for three months. If I were to leave for studies now, I would not be able to spend much time with him. Anyway, I would still need mister Gongcao’s approval for this.” Half of what Jiang Pengji said was true. She had mainly said that as an excuse to Feng Jin.

“When your parents are around, you should not travel far for long. There will always be another time for travels. A child should be filial to their parents while they are around. Lanting’s way of thinking is filial,” Feng Jin said as he thought of his own parents. If it were not for his brothers that were still home with his parents, he would not be at ease to travel so far. “If Lanting were to leave for Langye County three months later, I’m afraid we’d be apart for a while.”

“You’re leaving Hejian?” Jiang Pengji turned to face him.

Feng Jin nodded his head before adding, “Definitely not within these next few days. When we leave depends on the fourth Langjun.”

Even though Wuma Jun was not doted on by the emperor, he was still a prince. Feng Jin still had to respect the other’s wishes.

“In that case, I’m sure you still can’t leave Hejian for a while.” Jiang Pengji raised her brows and laughed.

Jiang Pengji found speaking to smart people effortless, as Feng Jin understood her underlying meaning.

Wuma Jun made it clear that he wanted Liu She on his side to support him in getting the throne.

Xu County, under Liu She’s governing, had flourished and became Dongqing’s main source of food and income. In that era, food and people were the most important chips to fight a war.

As long as they had food, there was no worry.

If Wuma Jun had Liu She on his side, he would naturally have food and people supporting him. By then, if the emperor chose another heir, Wuma Jun could easily gather people to attack the capital and kick his brother off the throne.

Internal strife and killing off their own fathers was practically tradition in the Dongqing’s imperial family.

Only time would tell whether or not Wuma Jun had that ambition, but if he managed to win Liu She to his side, his foundation would be stable.

Since ancient times, it was not easy to find talented people to serve under one person––especially for Wuma Jun, as he was the most obscure prince while Liu She was a high official with a reputation that preceded him. The prince had to put in more effort in trying to get Liu She’s support.

That was why Jiang Pengji was sure that Feng Jin would still be in Hejian for a while.

“Since you’re aware, then don’t expose it.” Feng Jin could not help but give a weak smile.

As long as they were both aware, they did not need to expose anything––that would make things awkward.

While Jiang Pengji thought of Wuma Jun, she suddenly remembered something. “Huaiyu, I remember you saying that you haven’t settled on an engagement yet?”

Feng Jin nodded his head and lost his smile. “Why are you asking? Unless you want to play matchmaker?”

If it were any of the regular folk from that era, they would not be able to speak the next words––but Jiang Pengji was not raised by them. She looked straight at Feng Jin and spoke, “Indeed, I do. Huaiyu is good husband material.”

Feng Jin’s smile froze for a moment before he started looking bashful.

“A child’s marriage is decided by their parents. I can’t decide this. If this is not played right, it’s considered an illegal trade, and things could get ugly. If I’m not wrong, you’re worried about the Wei maiden?”