Chapter 1282: Chapter 1277: The Last Bowl of Soup

“Master, what do you mean by this? Are you really going to believe her and leave everything in the family to the eldest son? Don’t forget, you promised me before that everything in this family would be left to our son. You can’t go back on your word…”

Wealthy Lord He’s face darkened, and he angrily shoved the Concubine away, shouting, “When did I ever say such a thing? You vile woman, don’t slander me. Get out!”

“Ah, you… you’re heartless!” The Concubine started crying and making a scene.

Wealthy Lord He, both shocked and angry, roared, “What are you all standing around for? Drag this wretched woman out!”

After the Concubine was dragged away, he smiled apologetically and escorted the elderly woman out of the courtyard, repeatedly apologizing to Jin Fengzhao, saying he was merely a nouveau riche who didn’t understand proper conduct, but that he would treat his wife and eldest son well from now on.

Regardless of how much truth or falsehood was in his words, Jin Fengzhao could only choose to trust him. She had found her thread; her life no longer had any regrets. After staying the night, she left all her wealth to her mother and elder brother, instructed them that she would return to visit them someday if she had the chance, and then departed in a carriage.

…

Jin Fengzhao returned to the Xiao Family General Residence, yet suddenly found herself unsure if she should step inside.

She recalled the common saying: “Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog.” In the end, she decided to go in.

No matter how much he despised her, they had still been husband and wife.

Seeing that it was still early, she went to the kitchen and personally prepared a bowl of egg drop soup for Xiao Jinfei.

Jin Fengzhao had been raised by the Emperor himself, pampered and privileged. She never cooked before, but over the last few years, after enduring plenty of hardships, she began learning to make food herself.

Cooking anything else was too difficult, so the first thing she learned to make was egg drop soup.

Calculating that Xiao Jinfei would return soon, she carried the bowl of egg drop soup herself to Xiao Jinfei’s study.

In the past, the servants wouldn’t have allowed her to go in, but ever since Eunuch Wan visited last time, no one could be certain of the Emperor’s attitude toward her. They didn’t dare treat her like they used to.

If the Emperor were to acknowledge her as the Princess, even their General wouldn’t be able to stop her.

Jin Fengzhao made her way to Xiao Jinfei’s study, feeling utterly helpless. He was reading a military manual.

“Leave it there.”

Xiao Jinfei didn’t realize it was her, thinking it was a servant bringing his meal.

Jin Fengzhao paused, then stepped forward again toward him.

Only then did Xiao Jinfei raise his head to look.

Seeing that it was Jin Fengzhao, he immediately frowned and mocked her, saying sarcastically, “So, just because Eunuch Wan came by once, you’ve returned to your arrogant ways again? I thought you had learned your lesson over these years.”

Jin Fengzhao felt a sharp pang in her heart. She forced a smile and placed the bowl of egg drop soup on Xiao Jinfei’s desk.

Ignoring his biting remarks, she opened the lid of the soup and said to him, “I made this myself. Over all these years we’ve been together, I’ve never made anything for you with my own hands before.”

Xiao Jinfei stared at the bowl of soup, his expression betraying a subtle flicker of emotion.

Yet, as he looked at Jin Fengzhao’s face, his feelings turned to intense disgust.

He said, “How could I dare drink your soup? You’d better take it away.”

Jin Fengzhao froze for a moment, then lifted the bowl and drank a sip in front of him. She said, “It’s not poisoned. I only wanted to make you a bowl of soup, that’s all. You’re overthinking it.”

Xiao Jinfei paused for a moment. Somehow, he felt that Jin Fengzhao had changed.

Jin Fengzhao turned her face away and said softly, “I’ll leave this bowl of soup here. Drink it when you feel like it… or even if you don’t want to, just drink one sip. As long as you taste it, I’ll be satisfied. From now on… I won’t make soup for you ever again.”