The second day dawned with an exceptionally clear sky, pure as a piece of jade, without a single cloud.
Feng Chenyu went to the bank early and exchanged a hundred-tael silver note for a fifty-tael silver note and some loose silver. She then walked toward a beggar.
By morning, rumors had spread through the streets and alleys of the capital about Feng Xue’er and the Third Prince’s illicit affair.
It was even said that when the fire reached the courtyard, the two were completely naked and in a state of utter disarray…
…………
The Prime Minister’s Mansion was still holding the funeral.
Granny Li came to ask for instructions: “Steward, the Eldest Miss’s mourning hall has been set up these past two days. When will the Prime Minister and Second Madame go?”
In the eyes of the servants, Second Concubine was regarded as the Madame.
“The Prime Minister and Second Madame have not yet risen. Proceed as usual.”
The mourning hall was set up in Lancui Residence, not daring to use Tingyu Pavilion.
The buildings there were too dilapidated, and to avoid being mocked by outsiders, Granny Li ordered everyone to get busy.
Inside the mourning hall, the setup was simple yet elegant. White mourning banners hung all around, and in the center stood an exquisite large black coffin.
In front of the coffin, the altar table was neatly arranged with incense burners, candles, pastries, and fruits.
On both sides were placed paper effigies, a Gold Mountain, and a Money Tree.
On the ground, there was also a Fire Basin, where a maidservant was burning Spirit Money.
To deceive onlookers, several maids and elderly women were also weeping.
Around the mourning hall, maids and servants dressed in Mourning Clothes bustled about…
By Si Hour (9-11 AM), two court officials, sent by the Emperor’s order, were also coming to console the Prime Minister. After all, losing a daughter was inevitably heartbreaking.
Sisters who were close to Second Concubine also arrived.
Behind the stone lions of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, a frail woman was hiding, her face dirty.
Her dress was washed to a faded white, not only revealing her wrists but also patched in places.
A fake knife scar on her face was particularly eye-catching, and her clear, deep eyes sparkled with a sharp light.
Censor-in-chief Xiao Rang got out of his carriage and cupped his hands toward the person opposite: “Lord Zhou!”
“Lord Xiao!”
The two walked together toward the Prime Minister’s Mansion, with Feng Qianqian closely following behind.
Both doors of the Prime Minister’s Mansion were open, with servants standing on either side.
“Halt! Where did this beggar come from? Get lost!”
A servant, scowling with anger, came up to Feng Qianqian.
“Slap! Slap!”
Feng Qianqian struck the servant across the face.
Her voice was loud, as if afraid others wouldn’t hear: “You lowly servant! I am the Eldest Miss of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and you dare tell me to get lost!”
Xiao Rang and Minister of Revenue Lord Zhou both turned around.
These words were like a stone thrown into calm water, causing ripples. Everyone involuntarily looked at the ragged figure before them.
The servant’s face showed disdain as he sneered: “Stinky beggar! The Eldest Miss went to gather herbs, fell off the cliff at the back mountain, and is already dead. Get lost now!”
Feng Qianqian stepped forward and delivered two more slaps, angrily rebuking: “Who are you calling a stinky beggar? Open your dog eyes wide and see clearly—I am Feng Qianqian.”
A maidservant hurried away to report, and Second Concubine swiftly made her way toward the main gate.
Fuming inside, she thought: “This little wretch, why did she have to return today of all days, neither earlier nor later?”
Fourth Concubine and Feng Chenyu walked over first.
“Eldest Sister!” Seeing Feng Qianqian return, Feng Chenyu immediately rushed over.
Without caring how dirty she was, she hugged her tightly.
Her face beamed with joy as she excitedly cried out: “Eldest Sister, you’re not dead! You’re not dead! This is wonderful!”
Second Concubine stood in the distance, her heart filled with the urge to strangle Feng Chenyu: [Why is this reckless fool causing trouble at a time like this?]
Granny Xu glanced over and stepped forward to pull Feng Chenyu aside. “Fourth Miss, she’s just a beggar. The Eldest Miss fell off a cliff and died a few days ago.”
Feng Chenyu kicked Granny Xu and scolded angrily, “Get lost, you old shrew who bullies others by flaunting your master’s power!
Eldest Sister went missing a year ago. What nonsense about falling off a cliff?
Now that she’s returned alive, a funeral has turned into a joyous occasion. Why can’t she return to the Prime Minister’s Mansion?”
The onlookers in the crowd began to murmur, “What? She died a year ago!
Then why is the funeral only being held today? Her death must have been disgraceful!”
“The Prime Minister’s Mansion has no official mistress. It’s Lady Liu, Consort Shu’s concubine-born younger sister, who manages the household. She seems kind-hearted and doesn’t look like that kind of person,” one old woman said.
Another chimed in, “You can’t judge a person by their appearance. It’s all about putting on a front while scheming behind the scenes. She has her own children—how could she treat the children of the Former Wife well?”
“…”
Lord Xiao couldn’t stand it any longer and asked, “You’re not dead? Are you really Feng Qianqian, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s Mansion?”
Feng Qianqian nodded.
Second Concubine had already approached and, hearing the discussions, felt a knot in her heart.
Wearing a sorrowful expression, she quickly rushed toward Feng Qianqian, crying out, “My child, it’s wonderful that you’re safe.”
A murderous glint flashed in Feng Qianqian’s eyes. Just as Second Concubine was about to reach her, she sidestepped, causing Second Concubine to fall face-first onto the ground, her mouth full of blood.
At that moment, Second Concubine wanted nothing more than to kill Feng Qianqian, cursing inwardly: You little wretch, you did that on purpose. Just wait and see how I deal with you.
An old woman helped Lady Liu up.
“Second Concubine, in the mansion, I drank porridge every day and ate spoiled rice and pickled vegetables.
I came back just to let everyone know I’m still alive. I have to go beg for food—the food I get from begging is better than what the Prime Minister’s Mansion offers, and at least I can eat my fill.”
“What? Spoiled rice!
What kind of chancellor is he? Even dogs wouldn’t eat that rotten food. How cruel!” one onlooker exclaimed indignantly.
Another spoke up loudly, “I heard Feng Qianqian’s birth mother passed away early. With a stepmother comes a stepfather.
Even so, Chancellor Feng should at least go see his own daughter.”
Second Concubine was so furious she could have exploded, her years of maintaining the image of a virtuous wife and good mother completely shattered.
She hurriedly explained, “Qianqian, your father is busy with court affairs all day and rarely visits the inner courtyard.”
Lord Zhou couldn’t help but interject, “Is he busier than the Emperor?”
Censor Xiao’s anger flared, “I will report everything to the Emperor regarding this matter.”
Second Concubine only wanted to get Feng Qianqian to leave quickly and said, “Someone, take the Eldest Miss back to Tingyu Pavilion to freshen up. This is a joyous occasion. Also, take down the mourning hall.”
Feng Qianqian shouted loudly, “Second Concubine, I don’t want to go back to Tingyu Pavilion. It’s the rainy season again, and the roof has been leaking for over a decade.
The bedding on the bed is soaked from the rainwater. I’d rather go out and beg for food.”
The crowd erupted in uproar.