Feng Guangyao had just taken a step when he abruptly halted.
He couldn't possibly strike Feng Ninghe.
Feng Ninghe nimbly hid behind several elders.
If he were to unleash a palm strike, it would inevitably fall upon the elders first.
Feng Guangyao was choked with rage, his eyes wide with fury, his shoulders trembling slightly from anger. He pointed at Feng Ninghe, "If you have the guts, come out!"
Xiao Zhao leaned against Feng Ninghe's shoulder, rolling his little white belly, and let out a cackling laugh. He mockingly made a grimace at Feng Guangyao, sticking out his tongue.
His master's cultivation had long since reached the Nascent Soul stage.
Feng Guangyao, this petty man, had remained stuck in the Nascent Soul realm for years. His master hadn't acted against you because she didn't want to reveal her cultivation.
Did this shameless wretch really think he could lay a single hair on his master?
Xiao Zhao's scorn was like adding fuel to the fire.
Feng Guangyao's heart burned with even greater anger, his face turning red, looking utterly ridiculous.
He was the former patriarch of the Feng family, and the Feng family would be his in the future. Yet now, he was being mocked by a mere junior. How could he swallow such humiliation!
"Enough, enough!"
The First Elder couldn't bear to watch any longer. "What kind of decorum is this, bickering like this?"
Feng Ninghe smiled, raising a delicate eyebrow, and cast a cold glance at Feng Guangyao before her. "As the acting matriarch, how can I allow others to slander me wantonly? You spoke recklessly first. Today is merely a small lesson. If there is a next time, the punishment will not be so light."
She raised her hand and gently waved it towards the two kneeling on the ground.
The oppressive aura dissipated, and Madam Zhang and Feng Tongtong were freed. Their faces were ashen, their eyes downcast, filled with hatred.
The elders were unwilling to get further involved.
The Bai family hadn't pursued the matter, so why should they meddle?
As for Feng Guangyao's family, they had overestimated themselves and reaped what they sowed. Who could they blame?
The First Elder couldn't hide his curiosity and turned to her. "Ninghe, what exactly happened? Tell us in detail and clear my doubts."
The Fourth Elder stroked his goatee, his eyes shining brightly. "Eight-Petaled Immortal Blue is a valuable item. The Bai family was so generous, they didn't even hold you accountable for Bai Qianqian's matter."
"Indeed. The Bai family has held the top position among the four great families for years. They wouldn't possibly disregard their reputation. If their family members err, the Bai family would handle it themselves, why would they let outsiders punish them?"
The Second Elder's eyes darkened slightly, and he murmured softly.
The elders were all eager, desperate to know the truth.
Feng Ninghe's smile widened, and she simply recounted the entire sequence of events.
She deliberately omitted the matter of Bai Fuzhu.
Possessing treasures invites trouble. The fewer people who knew, the better.
Of course, she didn't intend to keep it a secret for too long.
After learning the full story, the First Elder's eyes gleamed, a hint of anticipation flickering within them. "So that's how it is. This will further strengthen the relationship between our Feng family and the Bai family! It will be beneficial for the Feng family's development."
No noble family wished to offend the Bai family, and the Feng family was no exception.
Feng Tongtong clenched her fists, her eyes downcast, concealing the chilling hatred that flashed in them.
This wretched woman, through a twist of fate, had managed to forge a good relationship with the Bai family. Her luck was truly extraordinary.
She wanted to see how long this wretched woman's luck would last!
When her second sister returned, she would definitely have her second sister take charge and teach Feng Ninghe a harsh lesson!
Outside the main hall, the younger generation of the Feng family craned their necks.
Feng Ninghe publicly reprimanding Bai Qianqian had stirred a surge of excitement within these youngsters.
Normally, Feng family disciples would show great respect to members of the Bai family.
Bai Qianqian was notoriously arrogant and overbearing, having offended many people in private.
It was a rare moment of triumph for the Feng family, and the younger generation of the Feng family admired Feng Ninghe immensely.
"As expected of the Feng family's new matriarch, so heroic and imposing! I believe under the young lady's leadership, the Feng family will surely prosper!"
Feng Xiaoru had clearly transformed into a fan girl, patting her chest, her eyes sparkling.
Feng Tian nodded earnestly. "I also believe in the young lady. She is so spirited at such a young age; she will surely not be inferior in the future."
The young ones' conversation reached Madam Zhang's ears, and she couldn't help but get angry. "You are all gossiping here! Feng Ninghe is merely the acting matriarch, temporarily in charge of the Feng family!"
Seeing Madam Zhang storm out with a livid face, the youngsters dared not linger. They quickly scurried away as if their feet were greased.
The people in the main hall gradually dispersed.
Feng Ninghe walked away on her own. Just as she was about to leave, Feng Tongtong blocked her path and warned, "Don't get too smug. What doesn't belong to you, you can't hold onto. You'll have to spit it out sooner or later!"
Her warning words did not affect Feng Ninghe in the slightest.
She looked at Feng Tongtong, whose eyes were filled with anger, as if at a joke. "I hope Third Miss will conduct herself with dignity. Remember to be cautious with your words in the future, or the family rules will be enforced."
With that, she flicked her sleeves as if they were dirty and strode away.
Watching the receding figure, Feng Tongtong regarded her as a mortal enemy, her gaze lingering for a long time.
"Tongtong, once you marry the First Prince, you will be an imperial consort. As long as you appease the First Prince well and attribute all the blame to Feng Ninghe, I believe he will not hold it against you."
Madam Zhang was also furious. She suppressed her anger and gently comforted Feng Tongtong.
She had been brainwashing Feng Tongtong quite a bit these days.
After all, Baili Ye was a prince with noble status, and finding such a marriage prospect again would not be easy.
With Madam Zhang's counsel, Feng Tongtong instantly cast aside her resentment and nodded understandingly.
Her dream of becoming an imperial consort reignited within her.
After marrying the First Prince, she would be a noble imperial consort.
Even if her cultivation was crippled, so what?
In the future, relying on this status, she could condemn Feng Ninghe at any time! This wretched woman would have to kneel and bow to her!
As for the First Prince... she would find a way to appease him.
She had known the First Prince for a long time. Given their past acquaintance, the First Prince would likely not be too harsh.
"Mother, tomorrow let's go see the First Prince together. I believe he won't mind if we sincerely apologize!"
Feng Tongtong changed the subject, looking at Madam Zhang.
Madam Zhang nodded with slight satisfaction.
The Bai Family.
The Bai family patriarch had been recuperating in his room since waking up. Bai Qianqian knelt outside, her eyes filled with hatred.
"Father will not see you. Even if you kneel here until the end of time, it will be useless."
Bai Niannian approached her, opened her palm, and extended her hand. "Don't forget what you owe me."
Bai Qianqian was slightly displeased but still took out a small purple bead from her spatial bag. "Here, take it back!"
Bai Niannian pocketed the bead and swaggered away.
Thinking of Feng Ninghe, a hint of longing appeared in her eyes.
She also wished to be as carefree and unrestrained as Feng Ninghe.
Staring at Bai Niannian's departing figure, Bai Qianqian stood up and spat out a few words with fierce determination. "Feng Ninghe, just you wait. If I find any opportunity, I will make your life worse than death!"
Shi Wan.
A small figure was waiting in the courtyard.
Old Man Xu rubbed his eyes in surprise, staring at the small figure before him. "Where is your father?"