Chapter 9: Confrontation Between Two Sides

His eyes were bright and spirited, exuding a commanding heroism. Despite being middle-aged, he could not hide his handsome features; otherwise, how could he have fathered three daughters as beautiful as flowers and such a handsome son!

On the other side, leading the group was an elder over sixty years old, dressed in an earthy-red floral brocade robe, with an undisguised fury radiating from his brows and eyes.

This person was none other than the current Duke of Qin, Qin Aoshan...

Although Feng Xiang was extremely displeased with the Duke of Qin coming here to demand accountability, no one dared to show it.

Qin Aoshan was a general of two reigns who had rendered countless meritorious services to the Cang Nation; he was even a close friend of the late Emperor and had been fiercely loyal to two generations of emperors.

Now that Qin Aoshan had retired from military service to live as a civilian, the Emperor had enfeoffed him as the Duke of Qin, with a rank that remained at the First Grade.

Although he no longer concerned himself with court affairs, he still held an unshakable weight within the imperial court; even the Emperor had to show him a degree of respect.

Even though they held the same official rank and possessed actual power, they could not be compared to the Duke of Qin, who no longer held active official power.

Given how much the Emperor valued the Duke of Qin, Feng Xiang knew that trying to oppose him would only result in a thankless struggle.

What emperor did not have many schemes, or heavy suspicions? Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Regarding high-ranking and powerful ministers, the Emperor would always find ways to suppress them.

Otherwise, he would not have kept such a low profile all these years.

Furthermore, the Duke of Qin was his father-in-law, so he naturally could not argue back. If word of a conflict were to spread, he could forget about keeping his position as Prime Minister stable.

Although Qin Aoshan's face showed signs of aging, his spirit was full of vigor, possessing an innate majesty that commanded awe like a fierce lion. "Feng Xiang, how do you manage your daughter? How could you let Rao'er just run off like that!"

"Father-in-law, Rao'er's temperament has always been introverted, and she rarely leaves the courtyard. We didn't even know where she went! However, I have already sent people to look for her," Feng Xiang said with an air of worry.

"If you cannot manage your daughter well, then my Qin Estate will manage her!" Qin Aoshan said coldly.

Regarding Qin Aoshan's intention to take Feng Yaorao to the Duke of Qin's estate, if it weren't for his concern over the rumors outside, Feng Xiang would have been more than happy to see Feng Yaorao leave!

"Father-in-law, our main priority right now is to find Rao'er first. We can deal with everything else after she is found!" Feng Xiang expressed urgency and unease, failing to give a direct answer to Qin Aoshan's words.

"Hmph! Increase the manpower; we must find Rao'er no matter what." Qin Aoshan could not bring himself to criticize Feng Xiang too much, nor was he in the mood for further entanglement, because the most important thing now was indeed to find Rao'er.

But where on earth had Rao'er gone? Could something unfortunate have happened to her? It was truly anxiety-inducing!

...

At the horizon, the sky was already stained with the glow of sunset, the setting sun casting long, blood-red shadows.

After wandering aimlessly for an entire day, Feng Yaorao and Xiao Bai finally emerged from the Misty Ghost Forest at dusk.

Upon exiting the Misty Ghost Forest, a clear stream came into view. Having been exhausted from a day of wandering, Feng Yaorao and Xiao Bai were starving; the moment they saw the stream, they lunged toward it to drink their fill.

Once they had drunk enough water and caught their breath, their stomachs were still singing the song of an empty city.

However...

Feng Yaorao's eyes narrowed slightly as they fell upon several fish swimming in the stream...

Acting on thought, Feng Yaorao took out her whip, walked to the riverbank, and with a steady gaze, picked out her target.