Aunt Xue is merely the daughter of a scholar, but years of living luxuriously have made her no different from the noble ladies in Chu City. She has maintained her appearance and figure well and knows how to manage the Princess' Mansion. No wonder Feng Zhanlian has always cherished her so dearly.
Seeing Feng Bailing, Aunt Xue approached her, her eyes reddening and her face filled with joy.
"Ah Ling, you're back. It's all the nanny's fault, these years have made you and your mother suffer so much. Don't worry, with nanny here, no one will be able to bully the two of you again."
As she spoke, Aunt Xue slapped herself in the face twice, leaving red marks on her fair skin, which were hard for anyone to bear seeing.
Dugu Wu watched coldly from the sidelines. This Aunt Xue is quite a character; the waters of the Princess' Mansion run much deeper than he had anticipated.
Feng Bailing's eyes flickered slightly.
Throughout her childhood, every time she or her brother made a mistake, Aunt Xue would protect them.
Conversely, when Sister Xiangxue and her brother made mistakes, Aunt Xue would harshly punish them, insisting they admit and correct their faults. Back then, she naively thought that it was because Aunt Xue loved her.
Now, it seems this fragile woman is like a wolf spider, spinning webs around her and her brother, turning them into prey she reared, until they were ultimately consumed without even realizing it.
In that lifetime, Feng Zhanlian favored concubines over his wife, with Aunt Xue and her daughter receiving a marriage and an imperial decree respectively.
Their glory was gained at the expense of their own family's blood and flesh.
"Aunt Xue, don't worry, I have grown up. I will take good care of myself and our family from now on."
Feng Bailing smiled, a hint of aloofness in her lifted eyes, presenting an untouchable demeanor.
This stunned Aunt Xue for a moment.
Among the young women she knew, only Nalan Yan'er possessed such an aura. Feng Bailing... had changed.
Aunt Xue felt a sinking feeling in her heart. Feng Bailing had already gone back to the west wing with Feng Xiaoli, followed by Feng Wan pushing Dugu Wu.
Dongfang Lianhua led Princess Consort Shun to the Flower Hall to discuss marriage matters.
Aunt Xue ordered someone to dress Feng Zhanlian's wounds.
"Mother, why did you only just come back? I was almost killed by that bitch Feng Bailing."
Feng Xiangxue trembled with rage.
Aunt Xue instantly slapped Feng Xiangxue.
Her expression remained gentle, but her eyes were chillingly cold.
"How did I teach you? You must be patient and appear weak in front of others. In my absence, your actions nearly destroyed everything we've worked for over the years."
Aunt Xue had accompanied the old lady and the second branch of the family out of town for a blessing ceremony. On her way back, she received the news and hurried back alone.
Just a few days away from the Princess' Mansion, and everything had changed.
The situation, with Feng Bailing still in the Princess' Mansion and Dongfang Lianhua alive, even made the usually composed Aunt Xue somewhat panicked.
Feng Xiangxue, covering her face, began to cry.
"Mother, my leg is broken, and the Seventh Prince doesn't even visit me. It's all Feng Bailing's fault. She humiliated me in front of others for not being from the Royal Family, so I couldn't help but find someone to slander her."
"It's lucky the Crown Princess Consort is clever, eliminating those who know. Are you stupid? How much longer can Feng Bailing be proud? So what if she married Dugu Wu? He has been overstepping his authority for years, and the Emperor has long wanted to get rid of him. If he really is crippled, he will die sooner or later, and Feng Bailing and her daughter will be buried with him..."
Aunt Xue spoke and took out some pills.
Although of humble origin, Aunt Xue's biological father had served as a staff in the Nalan Mansion in his early years.
After she moved to the Princess' Mansion, she fortuitously met Nalan Yan'er's mother and, being a flatterer, secured the support of the Crown Princess Consort.
"These are Bone Healing Pills; take them, and you will recover quickly. Here are some Healing Elixirs; once you heal, take them to the Seventh Prince. The Prince is easily swayed; just blame the horse trampling incident on Feng Bailing, and he will surely stand up for you."
With Aunt Xue's words, Feng Xiangxue broke into tears of laughter.
Feng Xiangxue thought about how her grandmother would soon return and knew of Ding San's death at the hands of Feng Bailing; she would definitely take care of Feng Bailing.
In the warm pavilion of the west wing, Dugu Wu examined the shabby room furnishings.
She's living in this dreadful place with Feng Xiaoli?
Feng Bailing was giving Xiaoli some hot water to drink and wiped her down with water, trying to cool her physically, but Xiaoli's fever did not subside.
After checking again, Feng Bailing confirmed Xiaoli did not have a cold.
There was indeed something wrong with Xiaoli's body; she wished she could have a thorough medical examination.
A cold gaze from the man made Feng Bailing realize Dugu Wu was still there.
Glancing at the sleeping Feng Xiaoli, Dugu Wu lowered his voice.
"Where is that man?"
Feng Bailing looked puzzled.
Dugu Wu didn't want to inquire about Feng Bailing's past, but what if, within a year, that irresponsible man came looking for Feng Bailing and Feng Xiaoli to take them away?
Over my dead body!
Feng Bailing sneered.
"Prince, that's my personal privacy. I don't need to explain it so clearly to you. Just like I haven't asked about your past with Nalan Yan'er and your child..."
Dugu Wu's face changed dramatically, and he suddenly grabbed Feng Bailing's neck, his voice cold.
"Who let you mention her, are you seeking death?"