Chapter 1443: War Flares Up

ndle it himself. As for you, when are you returning to the mansion""Not so fast, Your Majesty. I haven't finished speaking with the Empress Dowager yet, and I also need to accompany her and the Empres...The old lady watched Feng Lingxi walk away lost in thought, and hurriedly took her hand, saying in a grave voice, "Xier, tell grandma, what's on your mind"

Feng Lingxi smiled and shook her head. "No."

"You girl, you clearly still don't forgive your father that scoundrel," the old lady said, her face full of disbelief.

Feng Lingxi's expression stiffened, she glanced at Lu Hao. He stood there with a smile, just like the old grandpa, but it was a wry smile, yet he seemed to enjoy it.

"Don't keep bringing up these unhappy things, haven't you seen the child doesn't like them."

The old patriarch tugged at his wife’s sleeve and winked at Feng Lingxi, looking like a child who hadn't grown up. The old lady hurriedly changed the subject and led Feng Lingxi towards the dining table.

"Xier is sitting here with Grandma. These are all dishes from the Western Ancient Country, all made according to your previous taste for food."

Feng Lingxi glanced at the dishes on the table. There were at least over a hundred dishes, even the full Manchu Han banquet wouldn't be so extravagant.

Apart from her and Tao Su, the rest of the people at the dinner table were members of the Lu family's immediate family: the elderly matriarch, the elderly patriarch, and Mr. and Mrs. Lu Hao. No other branches of the family came over. Feng Lingxi heard from Madam Lu that it was because the elderly patriarch and matriarch didn't want them to come, fearing they might speak inappropriately and upset her. Besides, Feng Lingxi had only agreed to see the elderly patriarch and matriarch, so they didn't let anyone else in.

When it comes to food, this Chang Ming is the most excited here. To be treated like this when visiting Lu's house, he truly has enough material for bragging rights for a lifetime.

As for Tao Su, he just played along with everything, showing no great joy. However, he managed to surprise the old lady and the grandfather by making them believe that Feng Ling Xi favored him deeply. They treated him like their favorite grandson-in-law, which left Tao Su flabbergasted. Feng Ling Xi was completely exasperated.

"Master Tao, this is how the women of the Lu family are treated. This is Xi'er's first return to her family, and both elders miss her dearly. I'm sure you find it amusing."

Tao Su sat beside Lu Hao, listening to him speak. She hurriedly said, "Master Lu, you are too kind. Young Feng... Miss Li should do this."

"Hey, if you want to call her Xiaofeng, then call her Xiaofeng. If Xi'er knew you changed your address because of your status, she would leave on the spot." Lu Hao whispered, he didn't want to offend Xi'er's friend. If Tao Su left, he wouldn't be able to explain it.

Tao Su glanced at Feng Lingxi and smiled, nodding slightly.

"As Master Lü said."

He knew Feng Lingxi, and he didn't treat her differently because of her status. Moreover, he could tell that Feng Lingxi seemed particularly averse to the identity of the Lu family's young lady. In the village, she had no airs at all.

He admired this about her, and in their conversations, he could sense that Feng Lingxi harbored many things within her heart. Unspoken, yet palpable, this was what drew him to Feng Lingxi's unique charm.

"Tao Gongzi, don't be dazed, eat more."

The old patriarch looked at Lu Hao who kept talking to Tao Su, without asking him to pick up his chopsticks. He personally greeted him, which made Lu Hao stiffen and hastily agree, serving Tao Su dishes, "Tao Gongzi, eat your food."

At the Lu family's dinner table, there were two factions: men and women. One man was staring at Feng Lingxi, while another woman was focused on Tao Su. After a meal, both Feng Lingxi and Tao Su were completely stuffed. As for Chang Ming, he just looked around left and right before eating without any burden whatsoever.

After the feast, Feng Lingxi got up from the table. She was truly full to the brim.

Even the old Madam and Old Master didn't let Feng Lingxi go, they pulled her about family matters, asking about many things with concern. Feng Lingxi answered them one by one, but she still didn't agree to stay, let alone acknowledge their kinship and return to the family.

As they chatted, time flew by. The old lady was reluctant to rest, wanting Feng Lingxi to stay with her. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her granddaughter after tomorrow. After all, she had waited decades for a grandchild like this.

"Mother, it's late at night. You should go back and rest. This way, Xi'er can't rest either, she has to return tomorrow."

Mrs. Lu's words made the elder madam even more reluctant, and she began to wipe away her tears.

Feng Lingxi saw the old lady crying and didn't know how to comfort her.

"Mother, what are you doing Why are you crying Seeing you like this, Xier's heart aches."

"As soon as my mother thought that Xi'er would leave tomorrow, her heart ached unbearably. It felt like something was constricting her chest. My mother had waited for decades for her granddaughter and finally she came back after all these years. But now she has to leave again so soon. How can my mother bear it!"

The old lady's voice was filled with reluctance. Looking at Feng Lingxi's stunning face, if she could stay in the Lu family, even if it meant she lived a few years less, she would be content.

"Grandmother, if I have time in the future, I will come back to see you."

As soon as Feng Lingxi finished speaking, Lady Lu chimed in, “In a few days, Xi'er’s daughter Wan'er will return with Nian'er. At that time, she will be able to stay at the mansion for a while, and you will then have four generations living under one roof.”

"My great-granddaughter really came"

The old lady wiped away a tear and her whole face brightened with joy.

Mrs. Lu nodded and smiled, "That's true, he's already on his way, and he'll be home in a few days."

“Then remember to notify me when the time comes. Don't wait until the child has been here for days and you still don't tell me, or else I'll have a word with you.” Only then did the old madam coax Feng Lingxi to let go of her hand. Mrs. Lu repeatedly assured her, and only then did the old madam agree.

"Xi'er, you have to remember to visit home more often next time. Remember, you are the eldest Miss of the Lu family. Your father is a scoundrel, and we don't have anyone else... We can't hold grudges against our own family."

The old lady's words left Feng Lingxi feeling conflicted; she truly didn't know whether to admit or deny it.

Lu's Madam patted Feng Lingxi's hand and gave her a wink. Feng Lingxi nodded.

"Rest assured, Granny. I'll come back to visit more often."

"This is what you said."

Feng Lingxi assured her again and again, only then did the old lady reluctantly leave. The noisy night finally slowly quieted down.

"Xier, you must be exhausted today Let me treat you to something."

"Madam, I know the way back to the courtyard myself. Please go back and rest first."

"I'm going to sleep in your yard tonight. I have so many things I want to tell you."

Lady Lu truly couldn't bear to part with Feng Lingxi. Tomorrow morning, she would have to leave, though it was only for a short half day. Lady Lu truly wished this day would never end, so she could talk more with Feng Lingxi.

Feng Lingxi nodded slightly, agreeing to Lu's proposal.

"My husband, you take care of Master Tao and Changming. A-Xi and I will go back to rest first."

Mrs. Lu instructed Lu Hao, and then pulled Feng Lingxi back home.

Lu Hao greeted Tao Su and Chang Ming. Chang Ming was truly full today, so he had the butler help him back to rest. Tao Su wasn't anything special, and sat with Lu Hao, talking by candlelight. After all, there were still many things that needed to be told to Lu Hao in detail.

At last, the night in Lu Fu had quieted down. Back in the courtyard, Mrs. Lu and Feng Lingxi finished washing up. They dismissed their maidservants and sat on the bed, ready for a long conversation.

>would you"Seeing Feng Lingxi come in without saying a word, Mo Huilan asked out her confusion. Feng Lingxi looked up and hurriedly explained, "Princess Lan misjudged me. I just didn't know what to say...