C12 Feng Yanting

“What did he say, Chang'an?” Feng Yanting asked, looking at Feng Chang'an, who seemed too scared to stand.

“Dad, it's about my brother...” Feng Chang'an began, but a glance from Xiao Yan silenced him, the authority in Xiao Yan's eyes too strong to defy.

The Su family was furious, and the matriarch found the whole scandalous affair too shameful to discuss, feeling utterly disgraced in front of Mr. Su.

“Second Brother's sweetheart is expecting his child, a boy, and now she's here demanding an explanation,” Feng Changge boldly declared, breaking the silence and meeting Feng Yanting's gaze directly.

Feng Yanting stared at Feng Changge, surprised by his daughter's sudden assertiveness. Normally, Feng Changge was reserved, but today she seemed different, exuding a new, unidentifiable quality.

“Changxuan, what is going on here? Miss Su is present, and you need to clarify this,” Feng Yanting commanded with authority, his voice echoing through the vast Phoenix Duke Mansion, making it tremble.

Feng Changxuan, feeling cornered, stammered, “Father, I...”

“Stop hesitating and speak like a man!” Feng Yanting snapped, frustrated with his favorite son's apparent uselessness.

“Yes, Father, I admit I met Miss Chu outside and... we secretly married.”

Feng Changge watched Feng Changxuan bow his head in submission. He was willing to take responsibility, but this was not something he could handle alone.

“How dare you!” Feng Yanting roared, hurling the teacup beside him, the hot tea splashing all over Feng Changxuan.

"Duke! Duke, what are you doing?" Xiao Yan, concerned for Feng Changxuan, hurriedly knelt beside him, quickly wiping the tea that had splashed on him.

"Get away from me! Even now, you still want to protect this rebellious son? After what he's done, does he really think I would forgive him?" Feng Yanting thundered in anger.

"Father! Father!" Feng Chang'an also knelt down, pleading, "Please forgive my brother. He would never..."

The scene was quite chaotic, and the display of sibling affection made Feng Changge feel sick. Leaning on her hand, she rubbed her slightly sore arm and spoke calmly, "Mother, sister, you should stand up. Father will handle this in his own way. Mr. Su and Miss Su are waiting for a proper explanation. We can't embarrass Mr. Su just to cover up for what my second brother did, right?"

"Shut up! You troublemaker!" Xiao Yan, exasperated, forgot her status and scolded harshly.

Feng Changge just shrugged and continued sipping her tea.

Xiao Yan, after all these years by Feng Yanting's side, still couldn't grasp his true nature. Even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs, and Feng Yanting loved Feng Changxuan dearly. He would never truly punish him. This was just a show for the Su family, giving them a way to save face. They were all seasoned officials, and even if they couldn't become in-laws, they wouldn't clash openly in court.

"You rebellious son, today I must break your legs! Let's see if you learn your lesson!"

"Phoenix Duke!" Finally, Mr. Su spoke up.

"Let's end this matter today. Since neither of us wishes for this union, let's leave it at that."

Feng Yanting paused, his tone slightly apologetic, "It's my son's fault for upsetting you and your daughter, Mr. Su. I'll host a gathering soon to make amends to both of you."

Mr. Su stood up and waved his hand. "Not at all. Xiuxiu is still young, and her mother and I selfishly thought of keeping her with us for a few more years. You're too kind, Duke."

After seeing Mr. Su off, Feng Yanting returned to the main hall, looking at Feng Changxuan kneeling on the floor. With a cold snort, he sat down in the main seat.

"Well, tell me, how do you plan to take responsibility for this?"

Feng Changxuan remained silent, not daring to speak. He knew that a single wrong word could earn him a beating from Feng Yanting. Despite being highly valued by him, he had not escaped punishment for his childhood mistakes.

Seeing Feng Changxuan's anxious demeanor, Feng Yanting decided not to press him further. Instead, he turned his attention to Chu Qingqiu, standing beside him. "You've turned my house upside down. What is it you want?"

Chu Qingqiu faced Feng Yanting without fear and spoke directly. "I am now carrying Changxuan's child. I don't seek wealth or riches, only a lifelong partnership. I'm willing to be a concubine."

Feng Yanting ran his hand over the carved patterns on the wooden armrest of his chair and suddenly chuckled. "A lifelong partnership? That's worth more than any amount of gold and silver."

"Since you are carrying Feng Changxuan's child, you are now part of our family. You have the courage to face me without flinching. I will allow you to be a secondary wife. Can you handle that?"

Feng Yanting's decision was unexpected for Feng Changge, or rather, he hadn't anticipated it at all. Chu Qingqiu indeed had some courage, but without wisdom and intelligence, it was merely reckless bravery.