Feng Jinlin nodded, this was exactly what he wanted to say.
However, his elder brother's ambition had always been to delve into the common folk, understand their lives better, and do more good for the people. Remaining in Dongdu City would likely not be his wish.
Feng Jinxu did not answer Feng Jinyao's words, only took two more sips of tea indifferently.
"There is another matter that I have wanted to mention for a long time, but I was afraid it might be inappropriate to approach Father directly, so I wanted to discuss it with Eldest Brother and Second Brother first."
"What is it?"
Seeing the rare seriousness on her face, Feng Jinxu also sat up straight.
"A while ago, Mother handed over the management of the household to me. This year's harvest and the profits from the shops have been good, but the weather has been unfavorable. I had Yunxu inquire with the stewards of several estates, and they all said the snow came too late, and they feared there might be changes in the weather next year. Therefore, I had a significant amount of grain stored in the estates outside the city as a precaution. I also set aside half of the land to dig mud ponds for planting lotus roots. Those are filling, but more importantly, they are not afraid of abundant rainfall."
"You mean there might be excessive rainfall next year?"
Feng Jinyao nodded, responding to Feng Jinxu's question.
Hearing this, Feng Jinlin's gaze deepened. How could his sister, a young lady confined to the inner chambers, have the same thoughts as that person? He felt more curious about his sister.
"If there is too much rain, the harvest will be poor, and it can easily lead to rising river levels. Two years ago, I went to Jiangnan with Mother. While on the boat, I heard the locals say that a sudden surge in river water is a disaster for the people living on both banks. They said that if the embankments were breached, not only would there be no harvest, but refugees would likely appear."
Feng Jinyao deliberately exaggerated her words, fearing they would not take it seriously enough.
Her eldest brother always kept the welfare of the people in his heart. If she used this as a pretext, perhaps she could persuade him to stay.
"I think it would be better if Eldest Brother could be promoted to the Ministry of Works or the Ministry of Revenue, which is under Father's jurisdiction. Firstly, the Ministry of Revenue manages the nation's granaries. If a disaster were to occur, it would be a good thing for Eldest Brother to assist Father in disaster relief. Secondly, the Ministry of Works deals with water conservancy, and many matters concerning the repair of river channels and embankments are decided by the Ministry of Works. If Eldest Brother were there, it would be beneficial for early prevention. Thirdly, remaining in Dongdu City would be more appropriate for Eldest Sister-in-law, the two nephews, and Mother. You are the eldest son of the family and the pillar of support for Eldest Sister-in-law and the others; your presence will bring stability."
It had to be said, upon hearing this, Feng Jinxu's firm resolve to take up his post wavered.
In fact, he had discussed the abnormal weather this year with his father. However, his father had said that the Grand Canal had transported so much grain from various regions to Dongdu City in recent years that the granaries were almost overflowing. Even if a disaster occurred, it would be sufficient to cope.
However, the matter of the Ministry of Works repairing river channels and embankments was not to be underestimated.
His calm eyes looked at Feng Jinyao, glowing with a faint light, "Ayao, are these your own thoughts, or did you hear them from somewhere?"
Having lived another life, she still felt a bit timid facing her elder brother's scrutiny. After all, he was the most like their maternal grandfather, and the thought of their grandfather scrutinizing people in the same way made her a little afraid.
"It's just me thinking idly when I have nothing to do. You know I'm confined to the inner courtyard all day, so the most I can do is ponder trivial matters."
Feng Jinyao felt a pang of guilt saying this. Without her memories of her past life, how could a noble lady of a prominent family care about the people's livelihood and make so many preparations in advance?
Originally, this explanation might have fooled her second brother and her doting father, but with her eldest brother, she was not entirely confident.
"Well, I will think carefully about what you said today and discuss it with Father later. Your Eldest Sister-in-law has been busy taking care of Yunli these past few days. If you have nothing else to do, take Yunhe over and have him practice more calligraphy."
Feng Jinxu did not press further. She let out a sigh of relief in her heart and quickly nodded, "Eldest Brother, don't worry, I was planning to do that even if you didn't say anything."
"Hmm."
Looking at Feng Jinlin beside him, before he could speak, he saw him bowing and cupping his hands, "I know, I know, I'll go back to my studies now. I will not disgrace the Feng family in the spring examinations!"
"I hope you're not just talking big!"
Feng Jinlin pouted. It was always like this, no matter what the topic of conversation was, it always ended up with him.
Alas, perhaps it was heaven's jealousy of talent, forcing him to endure more hardships than others.
Outside the door, Fu Yi, his personal guard,'s voice came in, "Master, someone from the Dali Temple has arrived, saying there are some details they need to discuss with you."
"Hmm, have them wait, we'll be there shortly."
"Yes."
This voice made Feng Jinyao suddenly remember. She wondered what had happened to Hehuan, who had been taught a lesson by Linlang.
If her eldest brother were not to go to Qingzhou this time, it would be fine. But if he still couldn't avoid it and had to go to Qingzhou to take up his post, then Fu Yi could absolutely not be used again!
Thinking of this, she pretended to ask about Hehuan as if it were casual conversation.
Feng Jinxu was not very concerned about this, only saying, "Your Eldest Sister-in-law said she is much better."
If this was the case, some matters would have to be put on the agenda, such as bringing Hehuan over and keeping her under control. This way, she would not be afraid of Fu Yi having any ulterior motives.
Her smile became somewhat sharp. Feng Jinlin, watching from the side, couldn't help but shiver. "Second Brother, are you cold?"
His eldest brother's study never had a charcoal fire, so it was normal for him to feel cold.
He handed over the hand warmer he was holding, gesturing for him to take it. Feng Jinlin, feigning annoyance, said, "Am I the kind of sickly person who needs a hand warmer?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly remembered that person, and staring at him with a sinister gaze as if he were prey, he couldn't help but swallow. He ran out without waiting for Feng Jinyao.
Feng Jinxu and Feng Jinyao both looked bewildered. Was this person perhaps seriously ill!
Fu Yi was almost knocked over by his whirlwind-like departure. He touched his nose to compose himself, and when he looked up again, he saw Feng Jinyao looking at him playfully, and he broke out in a cold sweat.
What was going on today? The masters of the Feng family were all more terrifying than the last.
He had to tell his sister early; once her health recovered, she should take her deed of sale and leave quickly.
At the same time, Hehuan was leaning against a brick bed, with soft cushions behind her, sipping her medicine.
The person taking care of her was a newly arrived young maid. Although she was a bit slow-witted, she always carried out the instructions meticulously.
For example, Zhu Jin, who was by Madam Wen's side, had reminded them to make sure Hehuan took her medicine properly.
This little maid would constantly watch her, not allowing her to leave a single drop behind, only being satisfied when the bowl was empty. Otherwise, she would nag like a chatterbox every day.
"Hehua, I'm finished."
Saying so, she tilted the bowl as usual, not leaving a single drop. The little maid, called Hehua, then happily handed her a small piece of candied fruit.
"Here you go, Sister Hehuan. Eldest Brother Fu asked me to give this to you. He said he knew you were afraid of bitterness and specifically went to the fruit shop in the southern part of the city to find it."