Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Network, money, possessions, official posts, and land… From Feng Jue’s point of view, all of those things were material possessions. If well-managed, one would have them.

One’s lowly starting point did not determine defeat from the outset. If a loyal person was brainless, even if he earned a mountain of wealth as vast as the sea, he would lose it all eventually. Conversely, if one was a heaven-sent, capable companion, even if he was poor and had nothing, he would succeed in the end.

Feng Jue understood the theory deeply, so when he chose people, he didn’t look at their status, but rather their temperament and ability.

Seeing that Feng Jue wanted a deep and detailed conversation, Feng Jin collected the negative thoughts in his heart and put them away. Instead, he adopted an objective, positive point of view. “How so?”

Feng Jue replied, “Your brother has tested Bogao multiple times. Other than his shortcoming of being born of lowly status, he does not have others. He has a heart that desires for the country to be stable and peaceful. He is compassionate to the people and not fixated on choosing people based on their status. He is not stubborn or full of himself… Your brother feels he is a good person.”

The world was rotten at its core. The only way forward was to do away with the old and establish new practices. One needed to consolidate all the powers and reassign them. They needed to seize the opportunity when the world was messed up to put a charismatic Emperor on the throne––one who had a heart for his people. In that way, true prosperity would descend. Otherwise, the world would only have a change in family name.

Feng Jue through it thoroughly. Feng Jin understood the cry of his heart, but still laughed coldly and was unapologetically sarcastic to his younger brother. “Presently, Huang Song has nothing. As for what his true nature is like, one cannot be sure. Other than his glib tongue, what else does he have? Once he discovers what you like, what can he not say?” Feng Jin was frustrated in his heart. Even if Huang Song was genuinely a good candidate, it should not have been determined so early. He should at least be tested and observed in detail. “You mentioned multiple qualities in Huang Song. From what I see, he is nowhere close to how dependable Lanting is.”

Feng Jue frowned at that. Although his elder brother spoke of Jiang Pengji often, such high praises coming from him was rare.

“Elder brother thinks highly of him?” Feng Jue asked. Despite having differing viewpoints, he trusted his brother’s foresight. The person surely had no flaws if he could be acknowledged by Feng Jin, who was a fussy person.

Feng Jue did not know Liu Xi well. Abandoning his personality and nature, however, “his” external qualities indeed far exceed that of Huang Song’s. He came from an aristocratic family; his father was Liu She of Chongzhou, who was stable and had a territory under his control.

Chongzhou was near the three tribes of the Northern Borderline. The terrain was arduous, and it was near powerful enemies. However, it was a place where he could settle down in peace and lay his foundations.

Moreover, Liu Xi once went to Langye to study for three years. That was a well-known, elite academy throughout the world. Regardless of his grades at the academy, after three years, he accumulated knowledge… Perhaps not to the extent of being omniscient, but he was surely superior to Huang Song, who was not well-learned.

When both were placed together for comparison, Huang Song had no ability to contend based on external qualities.

Feng Jin had a blank expression, he finally realized his brother had another layer to his question. He then shook his head after a while. “Lanting does not have such lofty aspirations. It is impossible…”

Liu Xi was indeed good in every aspect… except in being a female.

Feng Jin was not restrained by arcane customs, but he never considered a female ascending the throne before. It was unimaginable.

Feng Jue sensed that his elder brother was lying, but he understood Feng Jin’s viewpoint.

“Time will reveal the true nature of a person. It is best to be cautious in matters that could endanger your own life and the lives of your family members.” Feng Jin’s expression became much more amicable. He counseled his younger brother, “I advised you against it, not because I am bias towards Huang Song. My wish is that you will take this matter very seriously and reconsider carefully. The world is in an utter mess. It is too early to devise strategies. Why not sit on the fence and wait for the opportune moment?”

To put it plainly, it was too early to choose a side.

Feng Jue pursed his thin lips tightly. He clenched his fists, which were resting on his knees, and struggled in his heart.

“Despite all this, if you consider Huang Song worthy of befriending, then treat him as an acquaintance and don’t get too involved.”

One’s problems should be solved with wisdom, not just brute force.

His younger brother was an obstinate, insolent child. The more Feng Jin stopped him, the more inclined he was to do something out of extreme anger––such as standing at Huang Song’s side, completely refusing to budge. Rather than reaching that state, it was better they both make compromises.

By getting to know one another as equals, Feng Jue would have more time to assess Huang Song as a person and carefully consider his future.

“Your younger brother understands.” Feng Jue sighed softly. His friendship with Huang Song was not intimate. His elder brother was of more importance.

As both brothers continued talking, a series of slow but heavy footsteps, which were still a distance away, drifted in from outside. After a while, a gentle female voice was heard. “What is my husband and my brother-in-law talking about that is so intriguing?”

Many years had passed. Wei Jingxian, who was Feng Jin’s wife, was no longer young and inexperienced. She possessed eyes that were gentle and soft, and was full of a mature woman’s charm.

She was heavily pregnant. Her face was rounder, and compared to before, she had the appearance of a rich lady.

Her pregnancy was arduous, but she was mentally strong. The servants took good care of her. She appeared to have more energy.

Feng Jin looked at her baby bump. He discreetly raised his brows and hurriedly stepped forward to hold her. He was afraid whenever he saw the big baby bump. He often felt his whole body getting heavier, and he inevitably became nervous mentally.

“Second sister-in-law, please control second brother.” Feng Jue half-bowed and waited until Feng Jin and his wife sat down before he sat down again. He whined with half-truths. “Second brother and I haven’t seen each other for a while. We should be catching up, but he doesn’t want to let me off with my studies and wants to test what I have learned…”

Wei Jingxian held onto her handkerchief, covered her mouth, and smiled. “My husband often remarks that you are naturally intelligent. It is highly possible that you will pass his test.”

“You really know how to speak. Your words are pleasing to my ears. Unlike my second brother, who disciplines me continuously…”

Feng Jin shot a look at him and both brothers exchanged eye contact multiple times. As they grew up, Feng Jin and Feng Jue’s relationship slowly became strained.

Wei Jingxian discovered not long after she married into the family that she could not comment because of her status, and could only help to mediate between them.

“I have prepared some dishes to go along with wine. Will you and your brother give me some face and try them?”

“You are heavily pregnant! Please assign these small matters to the servants. You don’t have to do it yourself,” Feng Jin earnestly repeated, but whether Wei Jingxian agreed to follow was not something he could decide.

They enjoyed tea and wine together with the well-cooked dishes, and temporarily forgot what happened earlier.

Feng Jue secretly looked at his second sister-in-law, who was very pregnant, then he looked at his second brother, who discreetly frowned. His heart was softened.

He would follow what his brother said and sit on the fence to observe the situation.

The sky was dark. Feng Jue stayed in the guest room. Feng Jin and his wife prepared for bed, too.

Before going to sleep, Feng Jin remembered something. “We should prepare a gift for the marriage between the fourth prince and the Liu’s daughter––for formality and personal reasons…”

Wei Jingxian rubbed her baby bump, and hadn’t reacted yet.

Feng Jin then said, “The daughter of Liu manor is Lanting’s sister.”

Even though they were not blood relatives, Feng Jin and Liu Xi were good friends. He was also an “acquaintance” of Wuma Jun, so he should prepare a gift.

“Lanting?” Wei Jingxian hadn’t heard that name in a long time. She looked puzzled. “She is here in Shangjing?”