The Empress' Livestream - Chapter 594

Chapter 594: Convincing the Feng Family (V)

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

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

They affirmed the legitimacy of the Xia dynasty because the country was powerful. It could command the allegiance of countless countries. What was Dongqing in comparison?

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

Was a woman with such shallow foresight 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 16- or 17-year-old youth, an imprudent youngster. Comparatively, it may be more meaningful to serve Liu She instead. As a woman, I do not understand your ambitions, but after careful deliberation, you should consider the young and old in your family before embarking on this mission. Langjun is so implicated by Second and Third Brothers’ actions that he is cooped up 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 sending a solemn message of warning.

“Shut up! I see that you’ve had too much wine. Your mind is not clear-headed, which explains the rubbish you’re speaking.”

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

She had been married to Feng Gui for four years. When had he ever been so fierce to her?

Despite that, she was also not wrong. If not for Feng Jin and Feng Jue disregarding the standpoint of their clan and making their willful choices, she and her husband would not have been subjected to this small, Shangyang county. Feng Gui was unable to pursue noble ambitions, and Madam Feng-Du blamed Feng Jin and his brother for that.

The younger brother always had to follow his elder brother’s direction. When had an elder brother ever been controlled by his younger brother?

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

Never mind how foolish her smart-aleck words were, solely based on her criticism just then, 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 weren’t the heirs who would inherit the clan. Although they were legitimate sons, the education Feng Gui had received was somewhat different from theirs. The choices they made may influence the standpoint of the clan, but they were not representative of the whole Feng family. There was a big difference.

Feng Jin had chosen to serve Jiang Pengji. Firstly, his family was indebted to her for saving their lives. Moreover, they were close friends. Secondly, back when the earthquake ended, there were many mobs of refugees and Wei Jingxian had just given birth. What could Feng Jin have done? Head to Chenzhou, escape with their lives, or follow Jiang Pengji?

Return to Chenzhou and continue as a hostage?

Prince Changshou had been attacking Chenzhou for more than a year. Wars broke out everywhere. Would that have been a good choice?

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

The distance from Shangjing to Shangyang was great. There were many violent mobs along the way. As a man only skilled in literacy with a wife who had just delivered a new-born daughter, it would have been impressive if they had gotten ten miles away from Shangjing, let alone all the way back to the Feng family.

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

As for Feng Jue?

That willful child was often rebellious. Although he’d never betray his family, one could not expect him to make sacrifices for the Feng family, either.

Now that the world’s affairs were shrouded in uncertainty, if Feng Gui were to hastily choose a side, he’d drag the entire Feng family down and risk all of their lives.

Feng Gui’s choice would be representative of the entire Feng family!

Considering this, Feng Ren and Feng Gui had evaluated the pros and cons and chosen an answer in their hearts.

The Feng family approached the issue after considering the benefits for their clan. But as Jiang Pengji’s representative, Feng Jin also had to protect her interests.

Rather than look at it as a discussion between the father and his three sons, it was more accurately described as a session to outwit one another at every term.

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

Both the Feng family’s private troops and those local guards that belonged to Shangyang county had safeguarded the county for more than a year. They’d lost many human and material resources. If Jiang Pengji took over Shangyang county, this would become her responsibility. The Feng family could take the opportunity to wash their hands of the matter. That was the first reason.

Secondly, the Feng family was unlike the Meng family who possessed military might. They’d consistently taken the path of righteousness. In chaotic times, they were always at the losing end because they never had enough power to depend on. Just look at the situation in the North. Jiang Pengji had developed the area well. Moreover, with Feng Jin helping in the background, it appeared to be a good choice.

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

Faced with his father’s and brothers’ conditions, he laughed bitterly in his heart as he braced himself to respond to them.

Although they were biologically father and son, they held different viewpoints. It was important that they made 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 weren’t many. Their most important demand was that their clan’s freedom must not be disturbed.

If Shangyang county, where the Feng family’s foundations were, became Jiang Pengji’s territory, this didn’t mean that they would be standing by her side.

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

There was a clan behind him that could switch allegiance at any time. Considering the lord’s temperament, could she easily accept that?

He smiled bitterly.

He had no authority to agree to the terms on Jiang Pengji’s behalf. He could only set the matter aside for now and await her decision.

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

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

“… Now that the imperial family is heading toward its downfall, starvation abounds across the lands. While the wars between the Tsing Yi army and the Red Lotus group are pressing toward the north, the officials and eunuchs are vying for power. External powers influence the courts and both are unrelenting. Externally, Prince Changshou is watching closely, pressing on towards achieving his selfish ambitions. His elite troops surround Chenzhou, which he desires for the throne. The people are facing extreme turmoil, cunning men are rising in all directions, and it is inevitable that all the powers wielded by the marquises will 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, that he also has an illegitimate child?”

Despite all the foolish words that had come from Madam Feng-Du’s mouth, she’d said one sentence correctly. Liu Xi was a youth around 16 or 17 years old, but Liu She’s name was already known throughout Dongqing. As the most esteemed leader in Chongzhou, Liu She may not have the ambition for the throne yet, but who could guarantee that he won’t change his mind in the future?

If Feng Ren hadn’t mentioned it, Feng Jin would have forgotten that Liu Xi had an illegitimate brother.

His expression was rather solemn.

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

Feng Gui’s words were correct, except that Liu Xi wasn’t a legitimate son. She was a daughter!

Who dared guarantee that Liu She would ‘t vie for the throne with Liu Xi?

If the latter won, it would be the best scenario. But if she lost, would they not pass their family business down to their son instead of daughter to carry on the family?

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