Zhao Mama’s hand had been twisted at an unnatural angle, dangling from her shoulder as if it had lost all function, wobbling precariously as though it might fall at any moment.
“Ah~” Zhao Mama’s eyes widened in terror, her face turning pale as paper. Instinctively, she clutched her injured shoulder, her expression full of disbelief and agony.
Feng Xi casually retrieved a clean cloth from her storage space, wiped her hand as if breaking Zhao Mama’s arm had been trivial, and tossed the cloth aside with visible disdain.
“Go back and report this to that old crone. I will be seeing her personally later,” Feng Xi said coldly, her tone utterly devoid of warmth.
Clutching her shoulder, Zhao Mama trembled, her whole body quivering like a leaf in the wind as she staggered toward the front courtyard.
“This… this is terrible! Big… Big Sis killed someone!”
She ran and shouted, her voice shrill and piercing, carrying across the estate and reaching every corner.
Feng Xi remained unfazed, lightly stroking Qin Yan’s back to soothe her.
“Don’t be afraid. I am here.”
Qin Yan gradually calmed down, worry etching her features.
“But Big Sis, with what you just did to Zhao Mama, the matriarch will definitely give you trouble.”
Feng Xi unhurriedly sealed the tray of sugar jujube cakes with her spiritual power, tossing them into her storage space as she spoke.
“What is there to fear? She attacked you first. If I had reacted a moment later, your arm would probably have been ruined.”
She paused, her mind filled with a question:
【Qin Yan has cultivated since childhood, and even if her talent is average, her current level should reach the Condensation Truth stage. Yet she shows no trace of spiritual power, unable to defend against even a mortal servant like Zhao Mama. How is that possible…】
Shou’an Hall
The main hall was serene and peaceful. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting dappled patterns across the furnishings. In the center, a carved pearwood chair held Zhuang Shi, composed and dignified.
Feng Ru Yan approached gracefully, holding a delicate teacup in her hands. Bowing slightly, she spoke with elegance:
“Grandmother, please try this tea. I specially brewed it from the morning dew collected at dawn.”
Zhuang Shi smiled warmly, her eyes filled with affection. She reached for the cup and praised,
“Very good, very good. You’ve been thoughtful, coming early every day to pay respects. I appreciate your diligence.”
Feng Ru Yan’s face brightened with a soft smile, responding sweetly,
“This is what a granddaughter should do. Making you happy makes me content as well.”
She then quietly sat to the side, waiting for Zhuang Shi’s instructions.
Zhuang Shi gently set the cup down on the table, each movement calm and measured, the result of years of composure and refinement.
Her gaze lingered at the doorway, subtly revealing a hidden sense of expectation.
With a low, steady voice, she spoke:
“Ru Yan, sit for now. Xi’er should be arriving soon. It’s been a long time since you two have seen each other. When you meet, you can talk heart to heart.”
Feng Ru Yan instinctively followed her gaze toward the door. Seeing Zhuang Shi’s expectant look, her smile stiffened slightly. Her mind raced with thoughts:
【Hmph, that old crone, back then she pushed Feng Xi out of the Feng family. And now she acts so expectant? If it weren’t for the remaining influence she holds in the family, giving some benefit to herself, why would I waste my mornings fawning over her? After meeting my master in a few days, I’ll return to my sect and have no more business with the Feng family’s petty affairs.】
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Feng Ru Yan forced a gentle smile and said:
“You are right, Grandmother. I also prepared a gift for my sister. In the past, we did misunderstand her, but now that she has endured so much and returned, we should make it up to her.”
She then slowly sat beside Zhuang Shi.
Feng Jingce and Feng Xu followed, walking in perfect unison. Both bowed simultaneously to Zhuang Shi, saying in unison:
“Grandsons greet the grandmother.”
Zhuang Shi’s face lit up with a loving smile, gesturing for them to rise and saying warmly:
“Jingce and Xu’er, you’ve come. Sit quickly, don’t stand and tire yourselves.”
Just as everyone was immersed in a peaceful, harmonious scene, a completely disheveled figure rushed into the grand hall like a leaf caught in a gale.
Zhao Mama’s hair was in disarray, her previously tidy clothes now loose and untidy, as though she had just endured a violent struggle.
She ignored everything, barreling straight to the center of the hall, and thudded onto her knees on the cold, hard floor. Her posture was so frantic and clumsy that it drew a pang of pity.
“Matriarch, it’s terrible! Big… Big Sis has gone mad!” Zhao Mama panted and shouted in a trembling voice, “She not only destroyed this arm of mine but also spoke disrespectfully to you!”
Hearing this, Feng Ru Yan, who had been elegantly sipping tea, had a fleeting glance of subtle schadenfreude flash in her eyes. But in an instant, she quickly replaced it with a look of shock and astonishment. Seizing the opportunity, she added:
“Zhao Mama, did you say your arm was hurt by your sister? Oh my, you’ve served the matriarch for years. How could she treat you this way? Such disrespect!”
Zhuang Shi, who had been sitting quietly, was now fully astonished. Her seasoned eyes widened, locking tightly onto Zhao Mama.
“What… what is going on?”
Her face darkened with a mixture of anger and surprise, the expression as oppressive as a stormy sky.