"Aunt Sun, you're still acting at a time like this. I truly admire your acting skills. It's a shame you don't join a theater troupe, you'd be a star."
The retort was incredibly satisfying, especially seeing Feng Yunping and Madam Sun, that wretched pair, turn pale with anger. Feng Jin felt even more pleased.
Feng Yuanping clenched his fists tightly, sighed softly, and said in a gentle tone, "Let's not dwell on the past. Come with us to see your sister first."
To be insulted like this yet still able to endure it, and to insist she go see Feng Ruoyan, there must be something fishy going on.
After some thought, Feng Jin agreed to accompany them to the Third Prince's manor to see Feng Ruoyan.
When they set out, Feng Jin was well-prepared, bringing over a dozen servants with her.
"Such a grand procession? You're bringing this many people?" Feng Yuanping stared at the dozen or so people behind Feng Jin, his tone filled with surprise. Even a princess wouldn't travel with such fanfare.
Feng Jin was unconcerned. "I'm pregnant, you know. I must be cautious in everything I do, especially when visiting Feng Ruoyan. Who knows if she might go mad when she sees me and try to lash out? If my husband were to blame, who could bear the responsibility?"
With her words, Feng Jin, ignoring the astonished glances, boarded the carriage with Cai Qing's help.
"Madam, perhaps we should turn back. This servant has a nagging feeling that something bad is going to happen."
Cai Qing's heart was filled with unease. Feng Ruoyan had always been at odds with her mistress. How many times had she been harmed, openly or covertly? Who could guarantee she wouldn't try to harm her mistress again?
Especially now that her mistress was pregnant, she had to be even more careful.
"Don't worry. We're here to visit. If anything truly happens, the Third Prince's manor and everyone present will be held accountable. Besides, we've brought so many people, they can form a circle around me and keep me safe."
Feng Jin, however, was also pondering what scheme they might be hatching. She would only find out once they arrived.
Upon reaching the Third Prince's manor, Feng Jin alighted from the carriage, surrounded by her entourage.
Feng Ruoyan's courtyard was completely sealed off. However, the Empress's imperial procession was not present outside the courtyard.
It seemed the Empress hadn't come for Feng Ruoyan's lost child. She must be here for Liu Menghan.
"Madam, let's not go in. There's a strong smell of blood inside, and it's unlucky so soon after losing a child."
Cai Qing anxiously stopped Feng Jin. This place was a den of vipers. She couldn't let her mistress go inside.
"There are too many people inside, and we can't squeeze in. Let's wait outside for a while."
Feng Jin didn't want to push her way in either. It was better to sit outside and enjoy some peace.
As people came and went, no one paid any attention to Feng Jin sitting in the pavilion outside. After a long while, a maid approached Feng Jin and curtsied slightly. "Young Madam Ling, the Imperial Consort invites you."
The Imperial Consort was Liu Menghan. Feng Jin had no connection with her. Why would Liu Menghan want to see her?
"Please inform the Imperial Consort that I am here to visit my concubine sister. I cannot leave without attending to this. Once this matter is concluded, I will personally visit the Imperial Consort's manor."
She didn't want any entanglements with Liu Menghan. In her opinion, Liu Menghan was no different from Feng Ruoyan; both were ill-intentioned. She detested dealing with such people. Even a few words with them could ruin her entire day.
"If Young Madam is unwilling to come, then do not blame this servant for being disrespectful." The maid's demeanor instantly changed. Several matrons and guards behind her surrounded Feng Jin and her retinue.
Feng Jin cast a cold glance around. "What? Is the Third Prince's Consort planning to abduct me by force?"
"This servant is merely following orders to invite Young Madam to meet with the Third Prince's Consort. We implore Young Madam to understand the hardships of a servant."
Feng Jin let out a cold huff. "This is how your Imperial Consort treats guests? This is my first time witnessing such a thing."
"Please accompany us, Young Madam."
"You are going too far! Do you truly think our Ling Manor has no one?" Cai Qing exclaimed angrily. The Third Prince's Consort was bullying them like this.
Feng Jin reached out, pulled Cai Qing behind her, and shielded her. "Since the Third Prince's Consort wishes to see me, then lead the way."
She had nothing to fear. The grand procession she had brought with her had been known throughout half the capital as they traveled. She figured the Third Prince's Consort wouldn't dare do anything to her.
Upon arriving at the courtyard, Liu Menghan, the Third Prince's Consort, greeted Feng Jin with a smile. "I have long heard of the Young Madam Ling's esteemed reputation, but regrettably, I have never had the chance to meet you. Today, when a servant from my manor informed me that Young Madam was here to visit sister Ruoyan, I took the liberty of sending a maid to invite Young Madam over for a chat. Please forgive my abruptness."
Feng Jin silently rolled her eyes, her smile growing colder. "Your Imperial Consort speaks too highly. However, the way you invited people is truly impressive. Had it been someone with a fainter heart, they would have been so frightened they'd be unable to stand."
Liu Menghan was not foolish; she naturally understood the sarcasm in Feng Jin's words.
However, she maintained her smile, showing no trace of hatred in her expression because of Feng Jin's words. "Young Madam is indeed fond of joking. I felt an immediate closeness to you the moment I saw you, Young Madam. You are much easier to get along with than sister Ruoyan."
Feng Jin's smile was plastered on, and she inwardly mocked. Feng Ruoyan is your love rival. Who would genuinely be friendly with a love rival, especially one favored by her husband?
Liu Menghan probably wished for Feng Ruoyan's disappearance every night, all while maintaining a benevolent and gentle facade.
To pretend like this every day, wasn't it tiring? If it were her, she would have revealed her true colors within two days. Feng Jin truly admired Liu Menghan's forbearance.
"Your Imperial Consort is the principal wife, and Feng Ruoyan is a concubine. You two share the same husband, so naturally, you would find her difficult to get along with. But this is human nature. If it were my husband who took a concubine and acted intimately with her day in and day out, I certainly couldn't tolerate it. In a fit of pique, I might even find an excuse to sell off that concubine."
Feng Jin sighed, paused, and continued, "Speaking of which, it's truly because the Imperial Consort has a good nature that you can endure the Third Prince and Feng Ruoyan being so affectionate. To the point where she dared to get pregnant before you! To have a mistress like you is indeed her good fortune."
Liu Menghan's expression grew increasingly grim, yet she still maintained a false smile. "Young Madam truly likes to joke."
"I'm not joking at all. These are all heartfelt words."