"Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
When the couple returned to their estate, Shuan Zi informed them that a young man named Feng had come to visit. He was about fourteen or fifteen years old and claimed to be from the south.
"Where is he?"
"He has been invited to the West Flower Hall."
"He's arrived earlier than anticipated."
The once chubby child had grown taller, developing a clear-cut and refined appearance. If she hadn't been expecting him, Lu Nian Fu would never have recognized Feng Zhang Ning. However, upon closer inspection, the overall outline was still there.
Feng Zhang Ning bowed respectfully to the couple: "Zhang Ning pays his respects to Your Highness and Your Highness's Consort."
"I am of the same generation as your father, you may simply call me Uncle Yan."
Lu Nian Fu looked at Situ Yan in surprise. He remained remarkably calm, appraising Feng Zhang Ning with fatherly affection. "Not bad, your physique is much sturdier than when you were younger. You should be able to run now, shouldn't you?"
Feng Zhang Ning looked somewhat embarrassed: "I was young and foolish then, eating too much and moving too little. I have made Your Highness laugh."
"Call me Uncle Yan."
"Uncle Yan."
"Good boy. Were you tired from the journey? Would you like to rest first?"
"No need, Uncle Yan. Zhang Ning is not tired."
Situ Yan was pleased. Boys needed resilience and the ability to endure hardship to support a family. Feng Zhang Ning was good as he was now. It was more troublesome for a wealthy young master to go astray, let alone for him to be orphaned.
Lu Nian Fu asked thoughtfully, "After your family's incident, did you not change your name?"
"I did. My name is Feng Qing Hua."
"Since you have a new name, it's best not to use the old one. This is the capital, and if it were to be exploited by those with ill intentions, it would ultimately harm you and your sister. It is not beneficial."
"Qing Hua remembers."
"There's no need to be so formal. Consider this your home."
Situ Yan placed a hand on his shoulder and found that despite his thin appearance, the young man had a layer of lean muscle. He felt Feng Qing Hua's pulse and raised an eyebrow. "Have you been practicing martial arts?"
Feng Qing Hua replied, "I am my father's child. If I am neither accomplished in martial arts nor in scholarly pursuits, I fear I would have no face to meet him in the afterlife. My master says I have good bones. Although I started martial arts late, with enough effort, I can compensate for some of it."
"Then, are you in the capital this time to find another renowned master?"
"No, mainly I am concerned about my elder sister. She is no longer young and it is time for her to return and marry."
Situ Yan coughed, taking a sip of tea to gather his thoughts. "Qing Hua, some things are not for me to say to you. However, your sister only has you as family in the capital now, and I feel you should help her consider some matters."
Feng Qing Hua looked puzzled but still replied respectfully, "Uncle Yan, please speak."
"It's like this, I have a friend who deeply loves your sister..."
Situ Yan began to earnestly promote Ji Jin, using every flattering word he could muster. He painted Ji Jin as an exceptional, devoted, and responsible young talent, so much so that even Lu Nian Fu was tempted.
Feng Qing Hua, still young, was also moved. "To receive such praise from Uncle Yan, this Imperial Physician Ji indeed sounds like a good match to entrust my sister to."
What pleased him most was that Ji Jin had even involved himself in his family's revenge.
Knowing that his sister was the daughter of a condemned official and yet willing to act so decisively, Feng Qing Hua felt that at least his sister's well-being was truly in his heart.
Seeing Feng Qing Hua's moved expression, Situ Yan spoke again, "Qing Hua, your sister's matter can be set aside for now. What are your plans for the future?"
"I'll train martial arts for another two years, and then I'll likely join the army."
Due to continuous warfare, the court had always been lenient in its recruitment standards. While descendants of condemned officials were barred from imperial examinations, there were no such restrictions for joining the military. Moreover, the military valued merit. As long as it was earned through hard work, regardless of one's background, as long as no murder or robbery was involved, rewards would be given accordingly.
"If you join the army, your status will not matter. However, your sister is deeply entangled with Prince Ning. To be safe, it would be best for both of you to change your identities."
"Qing Hua will follow Uncle Yan's advice."
"Very well, this matter is settled. Come, let's go to the training grounds and spar a few rounds. Let me assess your abilities."
Feng Qing Hua naturally did not refuse.
Lu Nian Fu stopped him. "What are you doing? The child has traveled so far, and finally arrived home. Instead of treating him well, you want to fight him? Is that proper?"
Before Situ Yan could speak, Feng Qing Hua said, "Aunt Consort, Uncle Yan is a hero renowned by all. It is my honor to spar with Uncle Yan."
"I'm afraid he might not hold back and injure you."
"Madam, rest assured. I will only use a light touch. Qing Hua, come along."
"Ah."
Watching Feng Qing Hua's eager retreating figure, Lu Nian Fu quickly followed.