The Feng family had existed for thousands of years since the beginning of the dynasty. They had experienced many dynasties and were used to seeing the rise and fall of dynasties.
The Xia Dynasty that once unified the nine states was just so-so in the eyes of the Feng family, not to mention the rise of Dongqing after the fall of the Xia Dynasty.
The Feng family recognized the Xia Dynasty as the legitimate dynasty because the Xia Dynasty was powerful and could command tens of thousands of countries. In comparison, what was Dongqing?
When Feng Jin heard Madam Feng-Du's words, he felt an indescribable awkwardness.
Could such a short-sighted woman really be a good matron of the Feng family?
Madam Feng-Du complained, "I have also investigated the Liu family in Hejian. They are just a third-rate aristocratic family. How is it worth Second Uncle to lower himself to assist them? Moreover, Liu Xi is only a sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth. In comparison, isn't it more meaningful for his father, Liu She, to assist him? As a young woman, I don't understand Second Uncle's aspirations. However, you should always think twice before you act. Before you act, you should also consider the family members. Now that Langjun has been implicated by Second Uncle and Third Uncle, he is cooped up at home and can't … "
Rather than letting outsiders benefit, it was better to benefit one's own family.
Feng Gui glared at her coldly, his eyes filled with warning.
"Shut up! I think you've drunk too much and are not sober. That's why you're spouting nonsense. "
Madam Feng-Du was shocked and shrunk her shoulders.
She had been married to Feng Gui for more than four years. When had he ever been so fierce to her?
However, she wasn't wrong. If it weren't for Feng Jin and Feng Jue who disregarded their family's position and allowed themselves to be free, her husband Feng Gui wouldn't have been "trapped" in the tiny Shangyang County, unable to fulfill his ambitions. Madam Feng-Du felt that it was the Feng brothers' fault.
It had always been the younger brother who followed his older brother. Since when was there an older brother who was restricted by his younger brother?
The veins on Feng Gui's forehead throbbed and his breathing became heavier. He deeply regretted asking Madam Feng-Du to attend this family banquet.
Not to mention how stupid her presumptuous words were, just her criticism just now could very well drive a wedge between the brothers.
Fortunately, Feng Jin wasn't a narrow-minded person. He didn't mind Madam Feng-Du's criticism.
Feng Jin and Feng Jue, the two of them were not heirs to the family. Although they were legitimate sons, the education they had received was different from Feng Gui's. Their choices could affect the stance of their family, but they could not represent the stance of the entire Feng family. There was a big difference between the two.
Feng Jin chose Jiang Pengji. Firstly, she had saved his family's life and they were best friends. Secondly, the earthquake had just ended. There were many mobs and Wei Jingxian had just given birth. What could Feng Jin do? Should he go to Chenzhou, or escape or follow Jiang Pengji?
Should he go of of of of?
Prince Changshou had besieged Chenzhou for more than a year. The flames of war were everywhere. Was that a good choice?
Escape with his wife and daughter and take the opportunity to rush back to Shangyang County, back to the Feng Clan?
The distance between Shangjing and Shangyang County was not a short distance, and there were many mobs along the way. He was a scholar, and he had just given birth to his wife and newborn daughter. It would be good if the family of three could leave Shangjing alive, let alone return to the Feng family.
Under such circumstances, Feng Jin had made the best choice for his family.
As for Feng Jue?
That brat had always been rebellious. He wouldn't betray the family, but he shouldn't sacrifice his ideals for the Feng family.
The situation wasn't clear. If Feng Gui made a decision on impulse, he would be risking his life for the Feng family.
Feng Gui's choice represented the entire Feng family's position!
Feng Jin couldn't understand Madam Feng-Du's analysis.
It's fine if he didn't understand, but she shouldn't pretend to.
Because of Madam Feng-Du's interruption, the atmosphere of the family banquet became heavy and strange.
After the family banquet, the men of the Feng family went to the study to discuss some matters.
Looking at the situation in the north, Feng Jin's real intention of visiting his family at such a critical time was obvious.
Feng Ren was a sly old fox. He naturally understood.
Feng Jin came to Shangyang County to visit his family, but in reality, he wanted to use the back door to persuade Shangyang County to submit.
Feng Ren and Feng Gui had analyzed the pros and cons of this in detail. They already had an answer in their hearts.
The Feng family had to prioritize their family's interests. As Jiang Pengji's lobbyist, Feng Jin had to protect her interests.
Rather than saying that the father and son were discussing important matters, it was better to say that they were fighting and scheming against each other.
Feng Ren and Feng Gui also approved of Jiang Pengji taking over Shangyang County. It wasn't because the Feng family thought highly of her, but because it was a win-win situation.
The troops of the Feng family and the local troops of Shangyang County had been guarding Shangyang County for more than a year. Who knew how much manpower, resources, and financial resources had been expended. If Jiang Pengji took over Shangyang County, these matters would be her responsibility. The Feng family could take the opportunity to extricate themselves.
Secondly, unlike the Meng family, the Feng family didn't dabble in military power. They had always taken the path of nobility and were at a disadvantage in troubled times. The stability of the entire family needed a strong backer. Looking at the situation in the north, Jiang Pengji was developing well. With Feng Jin's assistance, it was indeed a good choice.
However, although the Feng family had agreed to give up Shangyang County, such a large piece of land couldn't be given to them for free.
Faced with the conditions set by his father and brother, Feng Jin smiled bitterly in his heart and braced himself to deal with them.
Although they were father and son, their positions were different. Debts that needed to be settled had to be settled.
Feng Jin deeply understood what it meant to settle debts between brothers.
The Feng family didn't ask for much. The most important condition was not to interfere with the freedom of the people.
Shangyang County had become Jiang Pengji's territory. The Feng family's foundation was also in Shangyang County. However, this didn't mean that the Feng family would stand on her side.
The conditions didn't seem like much, but Feng Jin felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.
There was a family behind her that could jump ship at any time. Considering his lord's temperament, could she easily swallow this insult?
He couldn't stop smiling bitterly.
He didn't have the right to agree on behalf of Jiang Pengji. He could only put it aside for now and wait for her opinion.
As for the other minor conditions, Feng Jin could reply on the spot.
Although they were scheming against each other, the atmosphere between the father and son was considered good.
"… Now that the royal family has fallen, famine is rampant, and starving people are everywhere. The Tsing Yi army and the Red Lotus group run amok in the north. The eunuchs monopolize power in the court, and the relatives interfere with politics. Both sides are fighting until their necks turn red. Outside, there is Prince Changshou's wild ambition. He covets incessantly. His troops besieged Chenzhou with the intention of usurping the throne. The people are anxious. Smoke signals are rising everywhere. The feudal lords' separatist rule is unavoidable. I know your temperament. You must have your reasons for choosing Liu Xi. However, have you ever thought that Liu She is in his prime and that he has a son of a concubine? "
Although Madam Feng-Du was full of nonsense, she was right about one thing. Liu Xi was still a youth of 16 or 17, but Liu She was already famous in Dongqing and had Chongzhou. Liu She had no desire to compete now, but could he guarantee that he would do so in the future?
If Feng Ren hadn't mentioned it, Feng Jin would have forgotten that Liu Xi had a brother of a concubine.
His expression was somewhat solemn.
Feng Gui said, "He's just a son of a concubine. How can he compete with the legitimate son? Even if the magistrate of Liu Province and Liu Xi are competing, the family business will still be given to Liu Xi in the end. Are you going to give up the legitimate son and give it to a son of a concubine? "
There was nothing wrong with what Feng Gui said. However, Liu Xi was not the legitimate son, but the legitimate daughter!
Who could guarantee that Liu She wouldn't compete with Liu Xi?
It would be fine if the latter won, but if he lost, wouldn't the family business be given to his son and daughter?
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