As she reached the corridor, she heard the lively sounds of the entire family. Upon entering, she saw that indeed, the whole family had arrived.
Her maternal grandparents sat at the head of the hall, her parents and elder brother and sister-in-law were seated to the left, and her two uncles and their wives, along with her cousin Si Ruo, whom she hadn't seen in many days, were on the right.
"Grandfather, Grandmother, please forgive me, A'Yao is late."
With that, she respectfully kowtowed to the elders. This ceremony was supposed to be performed on the second day of the Lunar New Year, but the Feng family had been in seclusion, delaying it until today.
"Get up, get up quickly."
The elders gestured for her to rise. Cui Gu, who was by Old Madam Bai's side, stepped forward and helped her up. Feng Jin Yao then respectfully bowed towards her uncles and aunts. "Greetings, Uncle, greetings, Aunt."
Her eldest aunt, Madam Lin, had heard about her recent ordeal. Her brows were deeply furrowed, and before anyone else could speak, she preempted them. "You child, your own health is already frail, and yet you went to care for your elder brother's son like that. We heard about it and worried for over half a month."
Feng Jin Yao smiled, seeing the worried expressions on all the elders' faces, and quickly admitted her fault and apologized.
"Eldest Aunt is right. The situation was sudden at the time. A'Yao will be more careful next time."
Though it was a "scolding," it was born of concern. This feeling of being cared for was truly heartwarming. Madam Feng, with teary eyes, followed suit.
"Alright, alright, the storm has finally passed. The Emperor's gifts have been brought. Once Yun He has fully recovered, you two can return to court. Otherwise, if someone finds a handle, it will be difficult to clear your names."
After all, it was contagious smallpox, and any carelessness could lead to trouble.
"Father-in-law, please rest assured. Your son-in-law knows what to do."
"Good. We are here today for another matter to discuss with you. Let the ladies accompany your mother for now."
"Yes, then shall we go to the study?"
Seeing Prime Minister Bai rise, her two uncles also stood up. Feng Jin Xu had already entered officialdom and naturally followed. Feng Jin Lin, however, felt a bit awkward, unsure whether he should go or not.
"Let's go. Although you haven't entered officialdom yet, there are some matters you should understand." Prime Minister Bai noticed his hesitation and specifically said this.
Feng Jin Lin put away his usual impetuousness and replied respectfully, "Yes."
After the men in the hall filed out, Bai Si Ruo, who had been afraid to speak loudly, finally jumped out.
Her grandfather was strict and always emphasized rules. If he weren't here, she would have spoken to Feng Jin Yao the moment she saw her.
"A'Yao, I was so worried about you."
"It's the New Year, don't speak carelessly. Quickly touch wood," Madam Lin, her eldest aunt, reminded her. Seeing the two of them so close, she was truly happy.
She then turned to Madam Feng, who was sitting beside her, and spoke.
"Elder brother's son has suffered these past few days. We brought many tonics. Remember to stew them for him once he's recovered. And you, you are with child and must be extra careful. Counting the days, your delivery will be in the height of summer. Dongdu City is always hot in the summer. Coincidentally, we've brought you a cooling jade mat. It cools you down without being too cold, making it most suitable for you."
Madam Wen was somewhat overwhelmed. She had been married for many years and hadn't interacted much with her relatives. She hadn't expected her eldest aunt to be so thoughtful.
"Thank you, Eldest Aunt, for your concern."
"Don't thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank your fourth aunt. This was part of her dowry."
She playfully gestured towards Princess Wen Yi, who was sitting composedly beside her.
The fourth aunt was of noble birth, and her dowry might even be imperial property. Madam Wen was even more surprised, hesitating whether she could accept it.
"Good child, sit down quickly. Your two aunts have many more good things. Just use them as you please."
Old Madam Bai spoke, and the people present finally smiled happily.
Madam Wen's initial reserve gradually dissipated. The lively gathering of ladies chatted for a while about the gossip in Dongdu City, and then someone was called to prepare the meal. Finally, they could all sit down together for a reunion dinner.
In the study, however, the atmosphere was now one of foreboding, like the calm before a storm.
Feng Hai frowned deeply. He had originally thought his father-in-law had called him to discuss something else, but he hadn't expected it to be about the final decision on his promotion.
"Is what Eldest Brother said true?"
"Yes, the decree for the transfer is already being drafted. It's estimated that the imperial edict will arrive within these few days."
The Feng family had just closed their gates due to smallpox, and they might not even be able to attend the New Year's court. And now, the decree was decided?
Recalling the recent unrest, he suspected that a "divine being" had intervened behind the scenes.
"I had hoped you could remain in the capital this time, so we could support each other at home. I didn't expect it to be a transfer. However, the position of Supervisor of the Grand Canal is indeed a promotion by one rank, followed by three years of external service. Upon your return, you will surely be appointed to one of the Six Ministries, and the position of Minister is guaranteed."
Bai Chao An, the eldest son of the Bai family, spoke with certainty. Although he was only a fifth-rank scholar in the Hanlin Academy, he had frequent opportunities to see the Emperor, so he was naturally adept at deciphering imperial intentions.
Originally, Feng Hai was slated for the position of Vice Minister of Revenue. Unexpectedly, the official who was supposed to be transferred to the Grand Canal Supervisor, Lord Wang, encountered some trouble. The Ministry of Personnel urgently submitted a new list, and the Emperor, with a stroke of his brush, bestowed this lucrative position upon his brother-in-law.
The Supervisor of the Grand Canal held more actual power than the Vice Minister of Revenue.
Although he was an external official, not under the direct jurisdiction of the Emperor, he not only controlled the grain transport of thirteen prefectures in Liangzhe but also commanded a naval force of three thousand men.
In previous years, major noble families had fought tooth and nail for this position. He never expected his brother-in-law to be so lucky, a fortunate coincidence.
Unfortunately, before Bai Chao An could congratulate his brother-in-law, he saw Prime Minister Bai with a grim expression, remaining silent.
The fourth uncle noticed his father's displeased expression and tugged at his elder brother's sleeve, urging him not to celebrate too soon.
After a moment, Prime Minister Bai slowly said,
"The Supervisor of the Grand Canal, while appearing to be a lucrative position to outsiders, is in my opinion a hot potato. If you perform well, it is your duty as a subject. But if there is the slightest misstep, it could lead to the ruin of your entire family. Feng Hai, what are your thoughts?"
"Father-in-law, your son-in-law has had some dealings with the people of the Grand Canal Office during his years in the Ministry of Revenue. There are many hidden dealings here. The matter of grain transport is of great consequence. Not to mention that collecting grain taxes can easily incite public anger. The transport of grain itself is a scene of gods fighting. Passing through thirteen prefectures, seven million piculs of grain depart from Zhenjiang, and by the time it reaches Dongdu, less than half remains. One can imagine how much is consumed along the journey."
"Is what you say true?"
Bai Chao An was surprised. Grain transport consumption was normal, and he could understand officials at various levels skimming a bit. However, less than half remaining was truly exaggerated.
Feng Hai's expression was solemn, and he nodded earnestly.
What was frightening was that such a situation was tacitly accepted by the court, and no one dared to speak out. Fortunately, the granaries in the capital were currently full. If... he truly dared not imagine the consequences.