Despite the raging anger in his heart, Feng Wushuang didn’t frown in the slightest; there was not even a trace of anger on his face, as if he hadn’t understood the deeper meaning in Yun Jinnian’s words.
"Commandery Princess, shall we have tea in the main hall first, and then, once my mother has freshened up, may I trouble you to have a closer look at her?"
Yun Jinnian had wanted to suggest that Feng Wushuang see Madame Feng first—it’s not like he hadn’t seen someone dirty before.
But given Feng Wushuang’s status and official rank, the dignity due to Madame Feng still had to be maintained.
Following Feng Wushuang out of the bedroom, they reached the courtyard, where Han Tianci was squatting beside the oleander, exploring.
"Tianci?" Yun Jinnian called softly.
Han Tianci looked up, "Sister, the soil is warm!"
Yun Jinnian was taken aback.
Feng Wushuang took a liking to Yun Jinnian because of her thoughtfulness, and since Yun Jinnian always brought Han Tianci with her, and Tianci called her "Sister," Feng Wushuang began to favor him as well.
"Is that so? Let me see!" Saying this, he moved closer, squatted next to Tianci, and stretched out his hand to feel the soil.
"Truly, it is warm!" Feng Wushuang rarely showed such a surprised expression.
He had always been mature for his age and coupled with living in poverty, he had seen the world’s coldness and warmth from a young age. He was intent on studying to rise above his station and wouldn’t have sold his meager family wealth and resolutely taken his mother to the capital for the imperial examination otherwise.
His literary talent was exceptional, and his rise to fame seemed just around the corner.
Even in his poorest and most destitute days, he still retained the pride of a scholar. This was the first time he sincerely agreed to a child’s request.
Feng Wushuang knew in his heart that no matter what the future held, whether Yun Jinnian was in his life or not, he must never forget her kindness. Without Yun Jinnian, there would be no such day as today for him, Feng Wushuang, nor would his mother have had such a comfortable life these past few years.
She had given him not just two hundred taels of silver but also hope and a bright future.
"Officer Feng, what do you think is underneath here?" Han Tianci asked curiously.
"What’s with calling me Officer Feng, just call me Brother Feng!"
Han Tianci was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, "Brother Feng, what do you think is underneath here?"
"Do you want to dig it up and see?" asked Feng Wushuang.
Boys have a spirit of adventure and curiosity, and he felt that Han Tianci was no different.
"Can I?" Han Tianci asked earnestly.
Looking at Feng Wushuang’s face.
He knew that because of his sister, Feng Wushuang treated him differently.
He could also see the goodwill that Feng Wushuang exuded.
"Of course, you can, but not today. How about another day?"
If Feng Wushuang had dug up the place today, he would not have wanted to associate with him.
But since Feng Wushuang said another day, Han Tianci was quite satisfied.
"Great, then when Brother Feng has chosen a good day to break ground, just send someone to inform the Han Family, and I’ll come over at that time!"
Feng Wushuang had wanted to pat Han Tianci’s head but thought better of it as their relationship wasn’t that close yet, so he let it be.
"Then let’s go to the warm hall for tea. The pastries at home are quite good; even your sister has praised them!"
Han Tianci turned his head to glance at Yun Jinnian and smiled, "Okay!"
Once they were in the warm hall, a maid brought water for Han Tianci and Feng Wushuang to wash their hands. Yun Jinnian washed hers as well and after drying them, applied hand cream.
She reminded Han Tianci to apply it too.
Feng Wushuang watched with a hint of envy.
Han Tianci offered the cream to Feng Wushuang, "Brother Feng, give it a try. My sister personally developed this cream. It has a light scent of herbs and is very useful!"
"Ah, sure, sure!" Feng Wushuang accepted with a pleasantly surprised air.