Feng Xu, feeling unsettled, spoke without restraint.
“Yan’er is right. Feng Xi now dares to lay hands on Zhao Mama, who serves grandmother. If this continues, won’t she eventually act against us, her own siblings? As the master’s prophecy said, Feng Xi truly is a calamity star.”
Feng Jingce frowned and scolded,
“Silence! Xi’er is our sister, Feng Xu, how can you speak of her this way?”
Feng Ru Yan frowned, reproaching,
“Brother, how can you still spoil her at this point?”
Zhuang Shi’s old, wrinkled face darkened as she slowly placed the heavy cane onto the delicate tray held steadily by a maid.
Then, leaning on her carved cane, she returned with steady steps to her seat at the main position.
“Enough, all of you stop talking! This is our Feng family’s private matter. Your Highness and Lord Cang, I’m sure it’s inappropriate to intervene too much! Regardless of Feng Xi striking Zhao Mama, the fact that she is usually disrespectful and of poor character means that, as her grandmother, I must discipline her properly today.”
Although Zhuang Shi’s voice was calm, it carried undeniable authority.
Cang Muchen furrowed his brows, thinking privately,
“I had assumed that by virtue of my position as the Young Lord of Donghuang, Feng Lao Madam would show some leniency and protect Feng Xi. But now, she shows no sign of yielding. Instead, she seems determined to force Feng Xi to admit her mistake, refusing to relent.”
His gaze naturally fell on Feng Xi. She stood with a calm face, like a still pond, her posture straight, resembling a green pine firmly planted in the center of the spacious, bright hall, as if the punishment she had just endured hadn’t affected her.
Cang Muchen stared at the stubborn girl before him, a trace of irritation and impatience rising in his chest. He narrowed his eyes slightly; a shadow of deep contemplation flashed across his gaze.
“Hmph, this girl is far too stubborn and headstrong. Such arrogance and refusal to bow won’t do. I must temper that sharp, irritating pride of hers—there’s no better time than now.”
With this thought, he adjusted his own emotions slightly and spoke calmly,
“Old Madam speaks reasonably. If Miss Feng accidentally erred, wouldn’t it be better for her to sincerely apologize rather than endure such severe punishment? This seems somewhat excessive!”
Feng Xi, who had remained silent all this while, finally made a move. She lifted her gaze slightly and cast a cold, unwavering look at Cang Muchen. That piercing stare seemed to penetrate his very soul, making him shiver inwardly.
“So, from your words just now…” Feng Xi’s crimson lips parted, her voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority, “it seems you think this matter is entirely my fault alone?”
A faint, almost teasing smile appeared at the corner of her lips as she looked at Cang Muchen, a subtle trace of mockery in her eyes.
Zhuang Shi, seeing Feng Xi like this, felt the lingering anger in her heart flare up again.
Despite just being punished, Feng Xi’s face showed no trace of regret, instead radiating stubborn resolve, refusing to admit fault.
Zhuang Shi trembled with fury. She suddenly rose from her seat, eyes wide, storming toward Feng Xi with unstoppable anger. Each step seemed to carry endless wrath and authority, making Feng Xi uneasy.
When she reached Feng Xi, Zhuang Shi lifted her head slightly, looking down with a superior air, her gaze blazing with anger. Through gritted teeth, she spat out a harsh warning,
“Hmph, sharp-tongued! After all the suffering you endured in Beiling, you’ve learned nothing. You’re still so reckless and defiant!”
As she spoke, a flicker of helplessness crossed Zhuang Shi’s eyes. Her heart was full of resentment and unwillingness, yet she met Feng Xi’s calm gaze directly.
In this brief eye contact, Zhuang Shi’s anger slightly subsided.
After a pause, she took a deep breath, slowing her tone,
“Today, if you are willing to admit your mistake, this matter can be considered closed.”
Her gaze remained locked on Feng Xi, as if trying to see the true thoughts hidden in her eyes.
Feng Ru Yan, sitting beside them, was incredulous at Zhuang Shi’s words. She had expected a harsh punishment for Feng Xi to relieve her own grudge, yet Zhuang Shi chose to let Feng Xi off, even speaking to her gently.
Feng Ru Yan clenched her fists tightly, nails digging into her palms, feeling no pain. In her heart, only jealousy and resentment surged uncontrollably.
“That detestable Feng Xi… what ability does she have? Just returning home, she draws so much attention. Even the Young Lord stands on her side! Am I really inferior to her?”
The more Feng Ru Yan thought, the angrier she became. Her beautiful eyes glimmered with vicious light.
“Feng Xi, consider yourself lucky this time, but don’t get cocky. One day, I will make you understand my power—then let’s see how arrogant you can be!”
Feng Xi pressed her lips tightly. She could not perceive the helplessness in Zhuang Shi’s eyes; ever since being expelled from the Feng family a century ago, she had no ties left with her grandmother.
“I did nothing wrong, why should I admit fault?”
Zhuang Shi, righteous and furious, raised her hand, channeling spiritual energy, and struck Feng Xi’s leg hard with the cane.
“You… you are utterly insolent!”
Feng Xi endured intense pain, her knee nearly bending, almost kneeling, showing just how furious Zhuang Shi was, using five levels of spiritual power against her. She gritted her teeth, steadying herself with Qin Yan’s support, forcing her posture upright, a glint of cold resolve in her eyes.
“Tian Mu, did you see that? Cang Muchen and Cang Hanyu came clearly to watch the commotion. I tried to be considerate because of her age, but now, with her so aggressive, even if you strike me with lightning, I can’t swallow this anger.”
Tian Mu’s voice was deep.
“Don’t act impulsively. Endure a little longer; perhaps they will act soon. If you strike now, all your efforts will be wasted, and you will suffer unnecessarily.”