C4 A Dream

Feng Changge endured the pain with a slight smile, her gaze icy as she looked at the scattered charcoal on the ground. The days of being at others' mercy were over. She chuckled softly, "I used to be too easy to bully, so no one in the entire mansion took me seriously. Now, if they think they can push me around again, they're mistaken."

Feng Changge let Biying tend to her wounds as she hurried to the matriarch's room. Before she even entered, she heard Feng Chang'an's bell-like laughter. Inside, Feng Chang'an was dressed in a strikingly vibrant outfit—a richly embroidered gown with a brocade cape, adorned with a jade hairpin and a precious red jasmine pin. In contrast, Feng Changge wore a simple embroidered jacket and a plain cloak, far from the grandeur expected of the eldest daughter of the mansion, a spotlight that Feng Chang'an had claimed for herself.

As Feng Changge entered, Feng Chang'an's expression darkened, her previously cheerful face now cold but still beautiful. Seated in the main hall was Mrs. Jin, the matriarch, who appeared kind and approachable.

"Changge greets Grandmother," Feng Changge said, curtseying. Mrs. Jin nodded with a smile.

"Good child, get up and sit down."

Feng Changge took her seat, glancing across at Feng Chang'an's brother, Feng Changxuan, who had returned home late last night. Next to Feng Chang'an sat her younger sister, Feng Changning, who seemed overshadowed by her elder sister's brilliance. Everything from the finest silks and jewelry to daily necessities was first chosen by Feng Chang'an, leaving only the leftovers for Feng Changning.

Feng Changning was quiet and gentle, with a timid and cautious nature. She always followed Feng Chang'an's lead. Being Xiao Yan's daughter, she often listened to her mother and sister's schemes against Feng Changge. When Feng Changge looked directly at Feng Changning, she quickly averted her eyes, guilty from her past misdeeds.

"Good day, Mother." A familiar voice caught Feng Changge's attention.

The woman who entered wore an elegant silk gown with intricate cloud patterns, draped with a luxurious fur cloak. Her attire and demeanor were graceful and poised, yet her gaze at Feng Changge was sharp and hostile.

Indeed, Feng Changge had become a thorn in their side, a constant reminder of their unease.

"You're here. Where are the third and fifth ones? Didn't they come with you?" Xiao Yan asked as she took her seat, glancing indifferently at Feng Changge, who sat near the matriarch. Then, with a smile, she added, "Qinglan is having a tough time with morning sickness, but it might mean she's expecting a boy. I've told her to rest. Changyue caught a cold yesterday, and Chaohua is taking care of him."

Mrs. Jin nodded in agreement. Qin Chaohua, though a later addition to the household and a daughter of a general's concubine, had always tried to win Xiao Yan's favor, often at Feng Changge's expense. Feng Changge intended to repay these past grievances in due time.

"Later, have someone prepare some sour foods for Qinglan. It might help with her appetite during the pregnancy," Xiao Yan suggested with a smile to the matriarch.

Mrs. Jin nodded approvingly, "You're always so thoughtful. Let's do that."

Mentioning Liu Qinglan brought a pang to Changge's heart. She was the last wife of Feng Yanting, having been in the mansion for two years, and this year, she was expecting her first child. She had always treated Changge well, being the only person in the Phoenix Duke Mansion willing to offer genuine friendship. Sadly, it seemed she had come to the wrong place.

Changge had witnessed many scenes unfold before her eyes. Xiao Yan was meticulous in her superficial acts of kindness, but eventually, she grew too lazy even for that.

"Changxuan, have you met Miss Su yet?" Mrs. Jin asked, fiddling with the jade in her hand, directing her question to Feng Changxuan, who sat nearby.

Changge's gaze fell on Changxuan. He appeared to be a fine gentleman, but in truth, he was a malicious person. If it weren't for his schemes back then, she wouldn't have ended up in such dire straits.

"Grandmother, I have visited Mr. Su before, but Miss Su was unwell that day, so we didn't meet," Changxuan replied respectfully.

"Make sure to visit again when you can. Remember, Mr. Su is an important official. If your engagement with Miss Su goes through, our family will be in-laws with the Su family. Don't forget your manners when you visit."

"Yes, I will remember," Changxuan assured.

Miss Su... Su Xiuxiu, Changge recalled. Unfortunately, the girl was unlucky to be married to Changxuan. Changxuan, a notorious playboy, eventually brought a courtesan into the house, leaving Su Xiuxiu in tears every day. Mr. Su couldn't bear to see his daughter in such misery.

But at that time, the Phoenix Duke Mansion held immense power in the court, and no one could challenge Changxuan's arrogance. Changge set down her teacup, and suddenly, a face flashed through her mind.