Chapter 1438: War Flares Up 259

-law."The Empress Dowager's words surprised the Emperor, who immediately chuckled and said, "General Feng, look at your well-raised daughter. She has made Consort Shu so satisfied. It seems my son has...Lady Lu looked at Feng Lingxi's expression, and she didn't know what to say. It was clear that although Feng Lingxi had lived a good life these years, the pain in her heart hadn't healed yet.

Since you're already down the mountain, why not stay home for a few more days Your three older brothers heard you were back and are all rushing to come home. Also, it's time to return to your ancestral roots...

"Madam, this time I've come back not to claim my ancestral roots."

Feng Lingxi interrupted Lu's wife, and seeing the smile disappear from her face, she said apologetically, "I won't be staying here for too long."

"Can I still not forgive Lu Hao"

Windling remained silent, but her silence spoke volumes.

Madam Lu sighed, the smile on her face vanished, replaced by a look of guilt and apology.

“I won't force you, if you don't want to acknowledge your ancestors, I'll tell your grandpa and grandma. But you have to meet them. Ever since they knew you existed, they've been longing to see you. Just consider it fulfilling the wish of the elderly.”

Feng Lingxi was in a dilemma. She really didn't want to have too much dealings with the Lu family, but if she didn't meet them, she was afraid they wouldn't help her.

"Don't worry, I'll make it clear to them. You can have a meal with them too."

When Lu's wife saw Feng Ling, she didn't speak. She was truly worried.

"Can't they even fulfill such a small request"

Feng Lingxi looked at Lu Fu Ren's pleading eyes and nodded.

"Then I shall accompany them for a meal as the mistress wishes, but regarding the matter of acknowledging our ancestors, I'm afraid I cannot agree."

"Alright." Mrs. Lu held Feng Lingxi's hand, looking at her slender frame. "Stay home for a while, until the matter with Tao Su is resolved, okay"

Feng Lingxi thought about agreeing to Siyu and Siqi, shook her head, "I'm leaving tomorrow morning, this time I really have no choice but to ask you. If Madam is willing to help me, Feng Lingxi will be eternally grateful. If not, Xi'er won't force it."

Mrs. Lu swallowed the words that were about to come out of her mouth. Five years had passed, and Feng Lingxi's aloofness towards the Lu family remained unchanged. If it wasn't for Tao Su's matter, she probably wouldn't have come back, fearing that Feng Lingxi would feel resentful. Mrs. Lu agreed.

“Then I’ll make arrangements. You can stay at the mansion for one night. Tonight, have dinner with Grandpa and Grandma, and by the way, there are some things I want to talk to you about.”

"Thank you, Madam, for making this possible."

Feng Lingxi expressed her gratitude and apologies, and she was truly grateful for Lu's wife's tolerance towards her.

Lu Hao was leading Tao Su in, and the servants presented tea. Tao Su glanced at Feng Lingxi who was chatting happily with Madam Lu. She politely nodded towards her, then under Madam Lu's concerned gaze, greeted her, "Madam Lu, I am Tao Su, Xiaofeng's…"

"Friend."

Mrs. Lu smiled kindly at Tao Su, her voice gentle.

"You call her Xiaofeng"

Feng Lingxi, seeing Lu's wife's expression, hurriedly spoke up, "Madam, this is what I asked him to..."

"Xiao Feng is nice, more approachable than Bixier."

Mrs. Lu smiled as she looked up and down at Tao Su, her eyes like those of a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law. Feng Lingxi hurriedly changed the subject, "Madam, you weren't just about to say something to me"

Tao Su looked at Feng Ling Xi's nervous expression, politely smiling. Watching Lu's attitude towards Xiao Feng, he now knew why Xiao Feng was afraid to come back. This enthusiasm made him envious.

"Xier, I have some things to say to you. Let's take a walk outside. Madam also has something she wants to tell Master Tao."

He heard outside that Xier was going to leave with Tao Su tomorrow. Lu Hao panicked; he had to clear up what happened five years ago. He couldn't let the gap between Xier and Dugu Cheng grow wider. Now was the time to speak, if he didn't, he feared their marriage would be truly beyond repair.

Feng Lingxi looked at Lu Hao, seeing his pleading eyes, she was a little reluctant. Lu's wife held her hand, "Xier, talk to him, just once."

"Taosu, wait for me here, I'll be back soon."

Tao Su nodded, watching Feng Ling Xi and Lu Hao go out. He withdrew his gaze and met Mrs. Lu's eyes staring at him. Her scrutinizing look made Tao Su feel a little uncomfortable.

"Madam Lu, is there something you wish to say to your junior"

"Xi'er told me about your situation. Since she brought it up, I will report it to the court and investigate thoroughly to clear your name."

Tao Su hurriedly knelt down, "Thank you, Mrs. Lu. On behalf of all the people in our village, I, Tao Su, express our gratitude to Mrs. Lu."

"Get up, what are you doing"

Mrs. Lu helped Tao Su up and looked him over. He was handsome and polite. If he was truly innocent and had a sense of justice, he wouldn't be a bad match.

"Master Tao and my young mistress have only known each other for a few days, yet she is able to speak up for you. It seems we are destined to meet."

Tao Su's expression stiffened, and he bowed to Lady Lu in apology.

"Madam Lu, this junior is incredibly fortunate to have met Xiaofeng. With her help, I was able to find you and seek justice for myself and those innocent people. My gratitude knows no bounds."

"If you truly want to thank me, why not do me a favor instead"

Tao Su nodded, "This is what the junior should do, Madam Lu, please instruct."

"This girl, Xi'er, refuses to acknowledge her ancestors and return to the fold. She wanders alone outside, and I worry for her safety. After your grievance is cleared, I hope you will stay by her side and protect her future well-being. Are you willing"

Tao Su bowed to Lady Lu, "The junior is willing."

Lady Lu nodded, while Tao Su was very puzzled. It seemed Xiaofeng hadn't told Lady Lu that she still had a pair of children, otherwise Lady Lu wouldn't have said Xiaofeng was alone.

Feng Lingxi followed Lu Hao out, the father and daughter were alone together in the Lu family's residence, the atmosphere was somewhat gloomy. Feng Lingxi remained silent, Lu Hao led her for a walk in the garden, and they sat down in the gazebo. He had thought that Feng Lingxi would take a look at the surroundings of the Lu family estate, but he found that she wasn't interested in admiring the garden at all.

"How have you been all these years"

Lu Hao opened his mouth, looking at Feng Lingxi's attitude towards him. His heart was aching, but he didn't know how to communicate with her.

He knew Xi'er had always blamed him, her father. He also knew he wasn't a good father. Having abandoned his wife and daughter all those years ago, he didn't even dare hope for her forgiveness. Adding to that was what happened five years ago. Lu Hao knew that Feng Lingxi would never forgive him for the rest of her life.

"That's good, you wouldn't have come to me for this, would you"

Feng Lingxi took a deep breath, looked at Lu Hao, and her attitude was amiable.

"Just say what you want to say. There's no need to be so secretive. I'm leaving tomorrow morning."

Feng Lingxi's honesty made Lu Hao feel even more guilty. He reached out to hold her hand, but Feng Lingxi retracted it. His hand froze, and he forced a smile. "I want to tell you about these years."

"I've heard most of it. The Lu family has been looking for me for five years. Was this your and the madam's idea Thank you, for always looking for me."

> and she couldn't keep him company any longer. She needed a rest too; tomorrow's sulfur stones needed careful handling, no room for carelessness."Okay, let's go back and rest."Finally, he could hold X...