Chapter 593: Convincing the Feng Family (IV)

From the first generation of the Feng family to the present one spanned a history of thousands of years. They lived through various dynasties and have seen enough of a country’s rise and fall.

The Xia dynasty who once reigned over the nine prefectures in the central plains weren’t spectacular. Let alone Dongqing which rose up after the downfall of the great Xia dynasty.

They affirmed the legitimism of the Xia dynasty because the country was powerful, it could command the allegiance of countless countries while comparatively, what is Dongqing?

When Feng Jin heard Madam Feng-Du speak with confidence, he was filled with an inexplicable awkwardness.

Such a woman with shallow foresight, is she truly capable of being the matriarch of the Feng family?

Madam Feng-Du complained, dissatisfied. “I have also investigated the Liu family from Hejian, they are but inferior, small aristocratic scholars, how are they deserving of Second brother’s condescension and humble service? Moreover, Liu Xi is but a sixteen to seventeen-year-old youth, an imprudent youngster while comparatively, it may be more meaningful to serve Liu She instead? As a woman, I do not understand the second brother’s ambitions, but after careful deliberation, you should consider the young and old in your family before embarking on this mission. Langjun is implicated by Second and Third brother that he is cooped at home without any freedom…”

Rather than let outsiders take advantage, why not one’s own family?

Feng Gui stared at her coldly, his eyes sent a solemn message of warning.

“Shut up! I observed that you’ve drunk too much wine, your mind is not clear-headed, thus explains the rubbish you speak.”

Filled with shock, she cowered her lower shoulders in fear.

She has been married to Feng Gui for four years, whence has he ever been so fierce to her?

Nonetheless, she was also not wrong. If not for Feng Jin and Feng Jue who disregarded the standpoint of their clan and made their willful choices, she and her husband, Feng Gui will not be subjected to be “besieged” in this small, Shangyang county. Feng Gui was unable to pursue noble ambitions and for that, Madam Feng-Du blamed it on Feng Jin and his brother.

It’s always been the younger brother to follow his elder brother’s direction, when has it occurred when an elder brother is controlled by his younger brother?

The veins on Feng Gui’s forehead became visible, his breathing got faster, filled with deep regrets, he shouldn’t have let her come for this family dinner.

Let alone how foolish her smart-aleck words were, solely based on her criticism just now, she could well have sown discord between their brotherly relationship.

Luckily, Feng Jin isn’t a sensitive person, he didn’t mind Madam Feng-Du’s criticism and intentions to sow discord.

Feng Jin and Feng Jue aren’t the heirs who will inherit the clan. Although they are legitimate sons, the education Feng Gui received has some disparity with theirs. The choice they make may influence the standpoint of the clan, but it is not representative of the Feng family. Both have a big difference.

Feng Jin chose to serve Jiang Pengji. Firstly, his family was indebted to her for saving their lives, moreover, they are close buddies. Secondly, back then when the earthquake just ended, there were many mobs of refugees and Wei Jingxian just gave birth, what could Feng Jin do? Head to Chenzhou, escape for their lives or follow Jiang Pengji?

Return to Chenzhou and continue as a hostage?

Look at Prince Changshou has attacked Chenzhou for more than a year. Wars broke out everywhere, is that a good choice?

He fled for his life with his wife and daughter, then took the opportunity to rush back to Shangyang county, to return to the Feng family.

The distance from Shangjing to Shangyang was rather far, there were many violent mobs, as a man skilled in literacy with a wife who just delivered and a new-born daughter, it would be impressive if they could go ten miles away from Shangjing, let alone return back to the Feng family.

Under such circumstances, he made the best choice for his family.

As for Feng Jue?

That willful child is often rebellious and although he’ll never betray his family, one cannot expect him to make sacrifices for the Feng family either.

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Now that the world’s affairs are shroud in uncertainty, if Feng Gui were to choose a side hastily, he’ll drag the entire Feng family down and risk their lives alright?

Feng Gui’s choice will be representative of the Feng family!

Regarding this, Feng Ren and Feng Gui have evaluated the pros and cons and they already have an answer in their hearts.

The Feng family approached the issue considering the benefits for their clan, as Jiang Pengji’s representative, Feng Jin also must protect her interest.

Rather than term it as a discussion between the father and his three sons, it was more apt to term it as a session to outwit one another in every way.

Feng Ren and Feng Gui approved of Jiang Pengji taking over Shangyang county, but it’s not because the Feng family held her in high regards, rather it’s because it was a win-win situation for both.

Both the Feng family’s private troops and those local guards that belongs to Shangyang county have safeguarded the county for more than a year. They’ve lost many human and material resources. If Jiang Pengji takes over Shangyang county, this will become her responsibility. The Feng family can take the opportunity to wash their hands off this. This is the first reason.

Secondly, the Feng family was unlike the Meng family who possessed military might, they’ve consistently taken the path of righteousness. In chaotic times, they are at the losing end because to safeguard the clan, it is essential to depend on power. Just look at the situation in the North, Jiang Pengji has developed the area well, moreover, with Feng Jin helping in the background, it appears as a good choice.

Nevertheless, although the Fengs’ agreed to relinquish power over Shangyang county, such a vast land is not given for free.

In response to his father’s and brother’s conditions, he laughed bitterly in his heart as he braced himself to respond to them.

Although they are biological father and son, they held different viewpoints and it’s important that they make known their differences.

He gained a deep understanding of what this meant — blood brothers make bold demands of each other.

The Feng family’s conditions aren’t many, most importantly, their clan’s freedom must not be disturbed.

If Shangyang county becomes Jiang Pengji’s territory, which is where the Feng family’s foundations are, but this doesn’t mean they are standing on her side.

This matter may not seem major, but Feng Jin felt nervous.

Behind him, there’s a clan who could switch allegiance at any time, as he considered the lord’s temperament, can she easily accept it?

He smiled bitterly.

He had no authority to agree on Jiang Pengji’s behalf, he could only set it aside temporarily and await her decision.

As for his small request, Feng Jin could give a reply on the spot.

Although they tried to outwit each other, the atmosphere between the father and sons was rather amicable.

“… Now that the imperial family is heading to its downfall, starvation abound across the lands, while the wars between Tsing Yi army and the Red Lotus group are pressing to the north, the officials and eunuchs are vying for power, externals powers influence the courts and both are fighting heads on unrelentingly. Externally, Prince Changshou is watching closely pressing on towards achieving his selfish ambitions, his elite troops surrounded Chenzhou and he desires for the throne. The people are facing extreme turmoil, cunning men are rising in all directions, it is inevitable for all the powers wielded by the marquises to be divided. Father knows your temperament, you must have your reasons for choosing Liu Xi, but has it ever crossed your mind that Liu She is still at his prime and moreover, he also has an illegitimate child?”

Despite all the foolish words that came from Madam Feng-Du’s mouth, she said one sentence well. Liu Xi is a youth around sixteen to seventeen years old, but Liu She’s name is already known throughout Dongqing. As the most esteemed in Chongzhou — Liu She may not have the ambition for the throne yet but who can guarantee if he won’t change in the future?

If Feng Ren didn’t mention, Feng Jin almost forgot Liu Xi had an illegitimate brother.

His expression was rather solemn.

Feng Gui remarked, “He’s only a mere illegitimate son, how is he compared with the legitimate son? Even if magistrate Liu and Liu Xi quarrel, but after all their disputes, eventually the inheritance will still be given to Liu Xi. Not unless he decides to leave his inheritance to an illegitimate rather than his rightful heir?”

Feng Gui’s words are correct, but Liu Xi isn’t the legitimate son but daughter!

Who dares guarantee that Liu She will not vie for the throne with Liu Xi?

If the latter wins, it is the best scenario but if she loses, will they not pass their family business to their sons instead of daughter to carry on the family?

It seems like… he must return and discuss with his lord on how to deal with this illegitimate brother!