283 Raise a Stepdaughter to Become an Evil-doer

der the eaves, Ye Li could not see outside but clearly heard the battle cries and smelt the strong scent of blood brought in by the night wind.Suddenly, several dark figures swiftly broke through the...Rearing a Stepdaughter Brings Misfortune

The Chancellor's Manor

In the study, Chancellor Liu watched his daughter sitting beside him with a blank expression and frowned. He paced back and forth in the room for a long while before turning to look at Empress Liu, "What do you want" Empress Liu raised her head and asked somewhat displeased, "What's wrong" Chancellor Liu said irritably, "What’s wrong You’re asking what is wrong We had already agreed on a plan. Why would you provoke Mo Xiuyao now"

Empress Liu frowned slightly, "How did I provoke Mo Xiuyao"

This made Chancellor Liu headache. Having a clever and beautiful daughter who was deeply favored by the emperor was indeed a good thing, but having an unruly daughter was a big headache. Rubbing his forehead, he took a deep breath and said calmly, "We agreed to deal with the matter of human sacrifices first. Now that you’ve provoked Mo Xiuyao at this time… What if he suddenly gets involved You should know that Father and Prince Li still bear the pressure from scholars and old scholars to suppress this matter now. As long as Prince Ding says a word, they will cause trouble again."

Empress Liu propped her chin on her hand and looked at Chancellor Liu indifferently, "So what do you want me to do"

"No matter what, release Feng Zhirao first. He is Mo Xiuyao’s man. Since Mo Xiuyao has already stated that he will not get involved in the matters of the capital, we should avoid provoking him for now."

Empress Liu said unhappily, "Prince Ding captured Tan Jizhi. Father… don’t you know what Feng Zhirao did"

"No matter what he did!" Chancellor Liu insisted firmly, "Even if he kidnapped the empress, it does not harm us in any way. If the empress were still alive and the new emperor ascended to the throne, she would become Empress Dowager. Then, Huo Family could openly interfere in politics and assist the new emperor. Now isn’t it just right The new emperor is young; if his mother dies early, then you will naturally be the most powerful person in the palace as a former emperor’s concubine. Moreover, with this handle over Huo Family…"

Thinking about how Os Family would have Huo Family under their control and at their mercy, Chancellor Liu revealed an expression of pride.

Empress Liu lowered her eyes, a hint of disdain flashing in them. The most powerful person in the palace So what if she was What use were these high positions without that person

The moment Chancellor Liu saw Empress Liu's lingering mocking smile and contemptuous look, his heart skipped a beat as he frowned and asked, "Have you given up on Prince Ding yet!"

Seeing Empress Liu’s determined eyes, Chancellor Liu felt choked with frustration. What had he done to deserve such an unambitious daughter Truly a curse!

"It has been so many years; if Prince Ding could have liked you, he would not have waited until now. Why are you still…" Chancellor Liu tried to persuade her.

"Shut up!" This sentence truly hit Empress Liu’s sore spot. Her exquisite face immediately flushed with anger. She glared at the father in front of her and gritted her teeth, "I don’t believe it! He doesn’t like me! It’s just that he hasn’t made a move on me yet!" Chancellor Liu didn't know what to say.

Chancellor Liu was completely at a loss for words. He simply couldn’t understand where the education of Os Family had failed to produce such an obstinate daughter. A woman in her thirties, even if she married late, would be a grandmother in ordinary families; and even if she didn't enter the palace, she should have been a matriarch of a noble family by now. How could a woman of this age still focus all her thoughts on a man Especially one who had never shown any interest!

"Misfortune! Misery…" Chancellor Liu sighed with his foot stomping.

Lady Liu did not care about her father's anxiety. A faint yet sweet smile appeared on her lips, "Yes, that's right. He just hasn't seen me yet. I will go to the Ding王府 tomorrow and see him. He will surely understand my feelings for him."

"Are you sure he won't kick you out" Chancellor Liu coldly poured cold water on her hopes. Given that Lady Liu had kidnapped a person from the Ding王府, the most likely reaction would be to detain Lady Liu as well. They would have to send someone to exchange them back and might even incur greater costs. Chancellor Liu did not believe in his heart that Mo Xiuyao was willing to pay any price for Feng Zhirao, after all, he was just a subordinate. If the Duke of Ding were angry over this matter, it was more likely because his authority had been challenged. Chancellor Liu simply could not accept that this daughter was taught by him.

Lady Liu confidently smiled and said, "No, unless… He doesn’t want Feng San’s life anymore."

Chancellor Liu sneered and asked, "What do you plan to achieve by seeing him Do you expect him to marry you Don't tell me that you don't know how deeply the Duke of Ding cherishes his consort. For many years, he has always only had one wife. Do you think the Duke would betray his wife for Feng San"

Not just this, Chancellor Liu himself was also a man. From a male perspective, it was absolutely impossible to abandon a wife who is equally beautiful and talented, not to mention that they have been through thick and thin together since their marriage. It's even more unlikely that he would fall in love with a woman who has already married someone else and given birth to another’s child, no matter how beautiful she might be. Abandoning one’s wife for beauty alone is the act of a scoundrel. Chancellor Liu was not a good person, but he still wasn't a scoundrel. Even he would disdain doing such things, so why would the Duke of Ding do it

Lady Liu looked at her father in confusion and said, "Father, I really don’t understand. Can’t you see that both the new emperor and Mo Jingli are far inferior to the Duke of Ding As long as Mo Xiuyao wants to, he can achieve more than what the Great Chu has to offer. If I am well again, the Liu family will naturally be better off too. Why do you oppose me like this"

Chancellor Liu felt bitter in his heart but once again confirmed that he had failed in educating this daughter. It seemed… it was time for him to give up. Fortunately, there were two granddaughters who would soon come of age. Although their looks and talents might be slightly inferior to this daughter’s, they still qualified as excellent. He must carefully balance between the Duke of Li and the Duke of Qin. As for the Duke of Ding… sorry, Chancellor Liu had never considered the possibility of allying with the Duke of Ding. Not only because of the unpleasant history between the Liu family and the Ding王府, but also because Mo Xiuyao’s actions were entirely different from those of the Liu family. Even if the Duke of Ding really took in Lady Liu, the Liu family would not gain any benefits at all.

Lacking strength, Chancellor Liu waved his hand and said indifferently, "Alright then. Since you don’t listen to what I say, do as you wish. However… I only hope that you won’t drag the Liu family down with you. From now on… you no longer need to come back. As a concubine of the former emperor, it's inappropriate for you to constantly run outside."

Lady Liu was stunned and looked at Chancellor Liu in confusion. For so many years, her father had never spoken to her with this tone before. It wasn’t anger or coldness; rather, it was a faint sense of weariness and estrangement that Lady Liu instinctively disliked.

"Father…"

“Alright then, go if you must. By the way, I plan to marry Xianer to the Duke of Li as his concubine,” Chancellor Liu said, revealing his intentions.

Lady Liu was stunned for a moment before getting up and walking out slowly. She wasn’t stupid and naturally understood what her father’s actions meant. This indicated that the Liu family would place their bets on the Duke of Li, and they had decided to give up on herself and the Duke of Qin. At least in the future, the Duke of Qin wouldn't be the most important thing for the Liu family anymore. In her life, apart from her unrequited love for Mo Xiuyao, Lady Liu had always been smooth sailing; she never imagined that one day she would become someone who was abandoned.

Father… Father… Why can’t you understand me I’m doing this for my own happiness as well. Is there anything wrong with that Since you are not benevolent, don't blame me for being unrighteous.

Turning around, Lady Liu glanced at Chancellor Liu who was deep in thought in his study room. A trace of hatred flashed across her face before she calmly walked forward.

In the dark cell late at night, Feng Zhirao, who had originally been sitting cross-legged and meditating, slowly opened his eyes. Glancing at Feng Huating beside him, who was sleeping soundly under a cloak, he felt a hint of concern.

"Zhuo Jing" Feng Zhirao looked towards the cell door and asked tentatively.

A low chuckle came from outside the cell door. Qin Feng appeared at the entrance with an easygoing smile as he teased him, "It's not Zhuo Jing; however, Zhuo Jing told me to pass on a message for you."

"What did you say" Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows and asked, "How did you end up here" He remembered that Qin Feng didn't come to the capital with them.

Qin Feng slowly walked into the dungeon with a smile on his face. "Zhao Jing said… His Excellency is very angry. As for how I ended up here, it's quite coincidental. When I just entered the city, I heard that Third Young Master Feng was captured by a woman, so naturally, I rushed here to visit him in prison. After all, compared to Zhao Jing, our camaraderie as colleagues is even deeper, isn't it"

"This time, it's an accident." Hearing "His Excellency is very angry," Feng Zhiyao reflexively lowered his head before forcing himself to appear calm and said. This was truly an accident; he had no idea that woman would go to the Ministry of Justice then. Empress Liu, who went crazy for His Excellency, wasn't Mo Jingli. If Feng Huating dared to run away, she really would kill him. Even though he hated Feng Huating ignoring him, he hadn't reached a point where he wanted his death.

Qin Feng tilted his head and smiled at the person in the neighboring cell: "Uncle, I am Qin Feng. Consider me as a friend of Third Young Master Feng. Are you well"

Feng Huating had already woken up when they said their first words; this wasn't a place where one could sleep soundly. He was surprised and nodded, saying: "I'm fine, thank you, Mr. Qin."

Qin Feng waved his hand and said, "This is all due to Third Young Master's impulsive actions. When we get back, our His Excellency will certainly discipline him well. Uncle, let’s go now."

Feng Huating looked complicated, with a bitter taste in his mouth. While his son was impetuous, others had to take responsibility for it and apologize on behalf of the son to the father. For the first time ever, Feng Huating felt that maybe he really had made a mistake with this son.

Qin Feng walked forward, casually pulling out a gleaming dagger, and in one swift motion, cut through the thick iron chains and large padlocks on the cell. He stretched his hand to catch it and tossed it away, unlocking the cell. Standing at the cell door with a smile, Qin Feng said: "Uncle, please." Seeing that Feng Huating still had some hesitation, Qin Feng smiled and said: "Don't worry, Uncle. Although other members of the Feng family are in Lord Li's hands, he won’t harm them." However, Feng’s fortune was now at stake; unfortunately, with all the money they made from West Ling last year, Li Wang wouldn’t be short on funds. Moreover, since it was still part of Feng family’s business, he would feel somewhat reluctant to take over, so they couldn't share in it.

Feng Huating finally walked out and looked at Qin Feng: "The power under Lord Li is truly formidable."

Qin Feng smiled faintly as he toyed with the dagger in his hand. "It's just a little trick, don't laugh at me for it. Uncle, please follow us; our people are waiting outside."

Feng Huating thanked him and glanced at Feng Zhiyao before heading towards the door. Qin Feng smiled at Feng Zhiyao and followed after. Seeing that only Feng Zhiyao was left in the cell, he immediately panicked: "Qin Feng! I haven't been let out yet!"

Qin Feng looked up to the sky innocently: "What My orders were to save Mr. Feng who got caught because of his subordinates from Ding Wang’s mansion. Are there any other people I don’t know about that."

"You!" Feng Zhiyao gritted his teeth, and Qin Feng laughed even more joyfully: "Third Young Master, you should honestly continue sitting in prison for a while. Maybe His Excellency's temper will cool down by the time he gets out. Also, don’t tell me that you can't open such small chains. Ahya... since you enjoy being imprisoned so much, stay inside two more days as per His Excellency’s order. Don’t worry; that woman would never dare to kill you for his sake."

"I’ll get you back one day!" Feng Zhiyao glared at the person who left with a long stride. Although he knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn't do this simply as punishment, when he thought of Qin Feng's smug mocking expression, he couldn’t help but curse in his heart: "May your love life be full of hardships!"

When Qin Feng just stepped out of the secret dungeon, a shiver ran down his spine; looking up at the sky, March’s weather was indeed still cold.

The journey to escort Feng Huating from the dungeon met with no obstacles. Witnessing such formidable strength under Lord Li's command left Feng Huating more uncertain and thoughtful.

When Feng Huaiting returned to the Ding王府, it was already dawn. He was led around and given a light breakfast before being taken to see Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. Instead of their study, they were in a quiet little garden deep within the Ding王府 compound. When Feng Huaiting arrived, Mo Xiuyao was practicing swordsmanship while Queen Empress Consort and Ye Li sat by a nearby stone table chatting. Not far from them on the ground, two children were crouched together with their heads touching, talking animatedly. The gentle morning light filtered into the courtyard, bringing with it a faint fragrance of orchids that made one feel refreshed.

"Is this Mister Feng Please come and sit down," Ye Li noticed him first and turned to greet him with a smile.

Approaching them, Feng Huaiting bowed: "Your Excellency the Duchess, hello. Queen Empress Consort... your Majesty..." Almost instantly, the Queen Empress Consort sensed that Feng Huaiting harbored ill feelings towards her. She smiled faintly but did not speak; she was merely a guest and naturally would not overstep her bounds. Ye Li sighed inwardly with some frustration—she wouldn't miss anything that the Queen Empress could notice either. Mo Xiuyao had brought the Queen Empress Consort along to meet Feng Huaiting, unsure whether Feng Zhiyao would blame them later on for this action. Yet, Ye Li understood Mo Xiuyao's intentions: if the Queen Empress Consort were to be with Feng Zhiyao in the future, Feng Huaiting was a hurdle they had to overcome. If Feng Zhiyao truly didn't care about his father or vice versa, then it wouldn't matter much. But judging from Feng Zhiyao's behavior, that wasn't the case at all. The reason Feng Huaiting harbored resentment towards the Queen Empress was also because of Feng Zhiyao.

"Please have a seat, Mister Feng; your third son acting rashly has brought trouble to your family. Please forgive him," Ye Li said.

Hearing this, Feng Huaiting smiled bitterly: "Your Excellency, you are too kind. I am ashamed." If he hadn't ignored his son and neglected to teach him properly, perhaps Feng Zhiyao wouldn't have valued the Queen Empress so much or impulsively stormed into the palace to rescue her. He was aware of how the Queen Empress had cared for Feng Zhiyao in the past; thus, even now he didn't feel justified in blaming her. Glancing at the bashful white-clad child who ran into the Duchess's arms and the solemn black-clad boy who climbed onto a stool beside them to sit properly, regret flashed across Feng Huaiting's eyes. If... Zhiyao's children might be older than these two.

Meanwhile, Mo Xiuyao sheathed his sword in a hanging scabbot nearby and walked over to Ye Li who handed him her handkerchief as he sat down next to her after dabbing at the little perspiration on his forehead.

"Your Excellency," Feng Huaiting wanted to stand up but Mo Xiuyao waved him down with a hand gesture.

"No need for formalities, this time it's your third son who failed. I hope you haven't suffered too much on his account" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Feng Huaiting felt a pang in his heart—this was the third person to say such words to him. This indicated that those at the Ding王府 truly regarded Feng Zhiyao as family rather than an expendable subordinate. But it also mocked his inadequacies as a father. However, at this moment, Feng Huaiting had no mind for these thoughts and asked worriedly: "Your Excellency, what about Zhiyao..." He knew that Feng Zhiyao hadn't come out of the dungeon with them although Qin Feng told him that he had other tasks to attend to.

Mo Xiuyao brushed aside a strand of white hair blown by the breeze and said with a faint smile: "Rest assured, Mister Feng; your third son will return today. But his nature needs some discipline so as not to act on impulse again in the future."

Hearing this, Feng Huaiting felt uneasy but could only accept it. At least he believed that Prince Ding wouldn't put Feng Zhiyao's life at risk. He bowed and said: "I thank Your Excellency for your assistance; if there is anything I can do in the future, please feel free to order me."

Mo Xiuyao smiled and replied: "No need to be so formal, it's just a minor favor. But..."

"" Feng Huaiting waited calmly for Mo Xiuyao to continue.

"The assets of the Feng family... as far as I know, both your sons have already defected to Prince Li. Before you returned, news reached me that the Feng clan had been released on the condition of surrendering seventy percent of their assets," said Mo Xiuyao calmly after sipping his tea.

Many readers are concerned about the Queen Empress Consort and Feng Zhiyao's situation. Well... there may not be much in the main text regarding their conclusion. It isn't intentional to cause them difficulty; you've seen it, right The approval of one’s parents is also very important. This is a realistic issue—Feng Zhiyao isn’t really someone who disowns his family or harbors deep grudges. Although Feng Huaiting as a father may be all sorts of wrong, he still cares about his son and wouldn't want to see his son marrying a woman with a history of marriage and childbirth. Even if they were just ordinary people, she would be such a complex figure. Just like now, parents aren’t happy seeing their children marry someone divorced or widowed. But don’t worry, I won’t make things too harsh on them. Believe me, this story leans towards warmth... a smile on her lips and blinked her eyes; it seemed she had figured out how to deal with this annoying person.The trio from King's Pavilion settled down in the Ding王府. With Ling Tiehan and Leng Liuyu...