Chapter Forty-Three: Feng Yumian Comes Calling

There were still many trifles to handle back at Red Lotus Mountain, so after settling everything, he returned to the mountain alone without lingering in Gusu City. Before leaving, he had left behind a sum of money without even a word of farewell, leaving Xu Feng no room to refuse. Xu Feng kept this in his heart, intending to repay it whenever the opportunity arose.

"Young Master, this courtyard is so large that I cannot manage it all by myself. Should I find a few maidservants to help serve you?" Dong’er had no ulterior motives and was not afraid of anyone usurping her position in Xu Feng’s heart. Having followed him for so long, Xu Feng did not want to see her overworked, so he agreed that they did need to hire a few people.

The next day, they went to the employment agency and returned with a gap-toothed old man and a soot-faced young girl. However, they had not bought the pair from the agency; they had found the two begging by the roadside. Seeing their plight and sensing they were not bad people, Xu Feng had simply brought them home. The old man was named Zhao Laifu, and the girl was Tao’er. Dong’er took an immediate liking to the girl, and the two had already become well-acquainted on the way back.

"Uncle Fu, you two may settle here. There is no need for strenuous labor; just help me keep the courtyard in order."

"Thank you, benefactor, for taking us in." Seeing Uncle Fu prepare to bow, Xu Feng quickly helped him up. He did not want to shorten the life of such an elderly man.

The following days were finally peaceful. In his own territory, Xu Feng had no concerns; he spent his days practicing the sword. Even with the Human Emperor Banner, constant practice yielded new insights. It was much like calligraphy—only through frequent practice could one write with divine fluidity.

However, this tranquility did not last long. One morning, just as he sheathed his long sword, he saw Feng Yumian storming in, looking furious, with Uncle Fu unable to stop her. "Uncle Fu, go attend to your other tasks; leave this to me."

Feng Yumian rushed up to Xu Feng and stood there without a word, gritting her teeth and staring daggers at him. Xu Feng knew that leaving without a word had been unfair to her. At the very least, he should have said goodbye; aside from the Old Matriarch and Dong’er, Feng Yumian was the only one in the Feng household who truly acknowledged him.

He reached out and ruffled her hair. "You know that your sister and I could never coexist peacefully. When I left that day, you were out playing with your friends. It wasn't as if I left without telling you on purpose."

Feng Yumian felt aggrieved and fought back tears. Before coming, she had prepared a list of interrogations, but seeing him like this, she didn't know where to begin. Moreover, she had come with a mission: the Old Matriarch wanted to invite Xu Feng back to discuss the dissolution of his marriage. Regarding this, Feng Yumian was happy to see it happen and had no intention of causing trouble. For reasons unknown even to herself, she no longer wanted to call Xu Feng her brother-in-law.

"You should have at least sent someone to inform me. Leaving for so long without a word—it wasn't easy to find you. You’re living quite grandly now, aren't you? A huge courtyard all to yourself, even a steward. Do I need to have someone announce me next time I come to visit?"

Xu Feng knew she was angry, so he didn't hold it against her. He tapped her forehead with two fingers. "How could I ever forget you? You can come whenever you like; I will always keep a room for you here."

Hearing this, Feng Yumian felt much better. Although she was headstrong and spoiled, she knew that there was no chance of reconciliation between Xu Feng and Feng Yuzhi, and that her sister was at fault for how she had treated him. She had stormed over only out of fear that Xu Feng would stop talking to her as well. Seeing that he treated her just as he always had, her heart settled.

"At least you have a conscience. It wasn't a waste of my time taking you out to see the world." Because of the Feng family’s indulgence, the girl was a little troublemaker, but dealing with her was simple—you just couldn't cross her. If you smoothed her feathers, she was easy to handle. In truth, Xu Feng felt that the Feng family would be better off placing their hopes in Feng Yumian rather than Feng Yuzhi; at least she wouldn't be dead-set on selling out the entire family to outsiders.

"You never visit without a reason. Tell me, what is it?" Her visit was clearly not simple. Although he had kept his location secret, it wasn't difficult for the Feng family to uncover it; they still held some influence in Gusu.

"Grandmother sent me to invite you back. She has something to discuss with you." Feng Yumian didn't elaborate on the specifics, evidently still harboring resentment over his abrupt departure.

If anyone else had invited him back, Xu Feng would never have agreed, but since it was the Old Matriarch, he had to consider it. "Did the Old Matriarch mention what it was about?"

"No. Just come back with me, why so many questions? If you don't want to, tell me directly so I can give her an answer."

The Old Matriarch’s intention was clearly to have him formally divorce Feng Yuzhi, preserving a shred of dignity for both sides to avoid an ugly fallout.

"Your courtyard is quite large. I never realized you had saved up such a 'small treasury' during your years at the Feng family. Did you buy it or rent it?" Feng Yumian asked, hands clasped behind her back, hopping around the courtyard.

"I don't have that kind of ability. It was a gift!"

"From whom? Miss Rong?" Hearing that the courtyard was a gift, Feng Yumian looked wary.

"From a friend. Why are you prying so much?"

"Fine, keep it to yourself. I don't care to listen anyway. I'll just ask Dong’er later."

Xu Feng paid no mind to her chatter, his thoughts consumed by why the Old Matriarch wanted to see him. If she still hoped to mend things between him and Feng Yuzhi, he was unwilling to make the trip; there was no possibility for them anymore. Even if the Old Matriarch pleaded, Xu Feng would not turn back. He simply didn't want to disappoint her, as she was the only person in the Feng household he respected. He couldn't reject her outright, especially since she was in frail health and he didn't want to cause her any distress.

After a moment of thought, Xu Feng decided to go back. His departure had been hurried, and many things had been left unsaid. He would use this opportunity to make a clean break with the Feng family once and for all, ensuring no further entanglements. The Feng family was a quagmire; no one who fell into it came out unscathed, and he had no intention of wading through those muddy waters again.

"Let's go, then. We'll make the trip. If you want to play, you can come back another day."

"Hmph, you’re sensible enough. Don't forget what you said—keep a room for me here."

Xu Feng followed the Second Miss of the Feng family back to the Feng estate.