The Great Elder's gaze flickered slightly, a hint of interest appearing in his eyes. "I, however, believe this plan is feasible."
Feng Guangyao grew anxious. "Great Elder, Ning He is still young and does not understand the clan's affairs. There's no telling what might go wrong."
"That's why she will only be the acting family head."
Feng Ning He's eyes curved into a smile, a faint one gracing her clean, fair cheeks. "It is precisely because I don't understand that I need to learn more."
Madam Zhang scoffed, raising an eyebrow. Her voice was sharp. "Feng Ning He, don't leave a mess for your uncle to clean up then."
Feng Guangyao nodded repeatedly, hastily adding, "Me cleaning up a mess is secondary. If you harm the Feng family's interests, how will that debt be settled?"
The Great Elder fell into thought, his eyelids drooping, pondering something unknown.
Feng Ning He remained unfazed, her expression serene. She shifted the conversation to the elders. "This is merely a small suggestion from me, elders. I wonder if you have any better methods to silence the wagging tongues."
Her seemingly detached demeanor inexplicably irked them.
Beneath Feng Ning He's casual attitude, every word she uttered was laced with warning.
Madam Zhang clenched her fists, her eyes blazing with furious resentment.
This wretched girl should have died five years ago...
If only she had known this day would come, she would have personally ensured this wretched girl met a violent end!
Feng Guangyao pondered for a moment, then proposed, "I will first find a way to capture those spreading the rumors, and then we can see what countermeasures to take."
"I do think what Ning He said has some merit."
The Third Elder spoke, his contemplative gaze unconcealed. "There are no other options at the moment. Why not let Ning He become the acting family head? Besides, with the assistance of Immortal Xu, there won't be any major mishaps."
Even as an acting family head, it concerned the Feng family's reputation and required careful consideration.
However, Feng Ning He had Immortal Xu backing her.
Once she became the Feng family's acting head, if any trouble arose in the future, Immortal Xu would surely intervene.
With Immortal Xu's presence, they could shed the title of the last among the four great families and crush the arrogant Jiang family from their third-place ranking!
The elders immediately nodded in agreement.
The Fourth Elder gently stroked his white beard, nodding in approval. "I also think it's feasible. After all, with Feng Guangyao and Immortal Xu, these two elders present, there won't be any mishaps. More importantly, it will silence the wagging tongues."
The Second Elder chimed in, "The other families are all waiting to see us make fools of ourselves. This matter must be dealt with swiftly!"
Feng Guangyao's face turned red with anger. Before he could speak, the Great Elder spoke first. "This matter is decided. Tomorrow, I will announce that Ning He is to become the acting family head."
"But Feng Ning He is still too young, barely out of her shell..."
Madam Zhang couldn't help but interject. The Great Elder waved his hand, cutting her off. "Enough, this matter is decided."
With the discussion concluded, the Great Elder rose and left magnanimously. The others also dispersed one by one.
Feng Ning He, however, approached Feng Guangyao.
"Uncle, I will rely on your guidance in the future."
She flashed a smile, her exquisite features radiating with brightness. Her voice, clear as a silver bell, was pleasant to the ear.
Her beauty was captivating without being seductive, her smiling face belying a hint of coldness in her eyes.
Feng Guangyao was so angered he clutched his chest, a ball of frustration stuck, unable to speak.
Madam Zhang was equally furious, her trembling hand pointing at Feng Ning He. "You ungrateful wretch! We treated you like our own daughter, yet you are so ungrateful!"
Feng Ning He's smile remained unchanged, unfazed by the words. She calmly looked at the two before her. "If Uncle truly treated me as his own daughter, I would trouble you to guide me more when I don't understand things in the future.
Oh, and the Third Miss's face requires many elixirs. Your branch of the family still owes the treasury quite a few spirit stones. I'm afraid I cannot provide you with medicinal ingredients."
"Feng Ning He! Pfft..."
Feng Guangyao could no longer contain himself, but as he opened his mouth, a mouthful of bright red blood spurted out.
Madam Zhang quickly supported him, her eyes filled with urgency. "My lord, are you alright!"
Feng Ning He looked innocent, her lips parting slightly. "Uncle, why are you spitting blood? Hurry back to your room and rest well! Oh, and have Auntie finished sorting Mother's dowry yet? I'm still waiting."
This time, it was Madam Zhang's turn to be enraged.
Feng Ning He waved at her and turned to leave, not forgetting to add a lighthearted remark. "I have other matters to attend to, so I won't linger. Uncle, please take care of yourself!"
Xiao Zhao's bright blue eyes held a strong gleam of amusement. His plump body nuzzled affectionately against Feng Ning He's neck, eagerly expressing his delight.
Master, your mouth is truly formidable!
Look at Feng Guangyao, he spat blood from anger. Serves him right!
She smiled at the praise, casually reaching out to gently stroke Xiao Zhao's wonderfully soft fur.
"Ning He."
A familiar male voice sounded from behind.
Feng Ning He found the male voice inexplicably grating. She turned to see Baili Ye standing not far behind her.
A servant was leading the way ahead.
Baili Ye's eyes were sharp, fixed directly on her, desire burning brightly within them.
The face before him could be described as utterly captivating. Her delicate features were exquisite without being overly alluring.
He instinctively licked his lips.
After a moment, he composed himself, returning to his usual dignified demeanor. "It is my fault that I was unable to take good care of you all these years."
Feng Ning He felt a wave of nausea. She let out a dry retch and took a step back. "Your Highness, please address me as Eldest Miss. You should save those sentimental words for the Third Miss. I am feeling unwell, so I will take my leave."
As she took a step to leave, Baili Ye blocked her path. "I know you misunderstand me, and I can explain all these misunderstandings. My birthday is approaching, and I will be hosting a banquet at my residence. Since you have become the acting family head of the Feng family, why not make an appearance?"
Baili Ye had gotten wind of the news of her becoming the acting family head as soon as it was decided.
She raised an eyebrow, meeting his gaze. "Your Highness's news is indeed swift."
"The banquet will be attended by young talents from various noble families. Having been away for many years, your relationships with them may have grown distant. It would be a good opportunity to reconnect with everyone."
Baili Ye spoke again, his seemingly calm voice carrying a hidden meaning to Feng Ning He.
This First Prince seemed to be eagerly anticipating her attendance.
No good deed goes unpunished.
Who knew if this First Prince harbored any ulterior motives.
She slightly lowered her gaze, calmly stating, "Since there is still some time, there is no need to rush. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."
This time, she didn't give Baili Ye another chance to speak and strode away.