Section 8

Wu Yunchi held a glass of wine, still smiling as he gazed at Feng Shizhen, "I have heard that Miss Feng is an outstanding student from the Mathematics Department of Jinling Women's University. But do you know Professor Chen Bingguo?"

Feng Shi pretended not to understand anything, yet still smiled gently

Rong Jia politely and distantly nodded to his stepmother, "I have met him. Mr. Feng looks very familiar; where have we met before?"

Feng Shizhen asked: "Where is Wu Shao currently employed?"

Wu Yunchi looked at her with a smile, "As a man, one naturally has to shoulder the responsibilities that come with life. Miss Feng has not had it easy either; at such a young age, she has come out to support her family and must have endured a great deal of hardship"

Feng Shizhen replied politely, "The second young lady is intelligent and diligent; even without my instruction, she will surely be able to achieve great scholarship."

Feng Shizhen noticed the mockery in Young Master Rong's eyes, and she seemed to understand something, smiling calmly and unhurriedly

Wu Yunchi nearly laughed out loud, cleared his throat and said: "I went to pick up my younger sister, and Jia Shang was on the same route as me, so we might have seen each other. There are quite a few young ladies and female employees dressed like Miss Feng in all of Shanghai. Jia Shang and I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity."

Mrs. Rong was affectionately talking to a chubby little boy, while beside her stood a woman dressed in an old-fashioned wide-sleeved dress.

Feng Shizhen achieved a small victory in battle, but did not pursue further; instead, he turned his head with great interest to watch Wu Yunchi take out a silver whistle to amuse the Third Young Master

After much effort, the meal was finally finished. Wu Yunchi took his leave, and Rong Jiaoshang followed him out the door. Feng Shizhen had not exchanged more than five words with Young Master Rong throughout, yet she realized that this young man was not as easy to deal with as she had initially thought

So familiar, it cannot be fake. Wu Yunchi's attitude towards Feng Shizhen became a bit more serious.

Rong Dingkun stated that he was inspecting tea gardens in Minnan. However, Feng Shizhen learned from Meng Xu'an that a batch of opium belonging to the Rong family encountered an issue on the way, and he personally went to resolve it

Feng Shizhen heard the sound of her heart beating violently, and a thin layer of sweat broke out.

The frozen bodies will be cleared away before the sun shines upon them, discarded in a cemetery on the outskirts, silently decaying. The streets of Shanghai remain prosperous and bustling, with a constant flow of people, most of whom are unaware or indifferent to what has transpired on the paths they traverse.

The main residence of the Rong family is a very beautiful French-style villa, shaped like a concave letter, with a blue roof and white walls, featuring eaves that curve downwards. Mr. and Mrs. Rong live on the second floor with their youngest son, while the two eldest daughters reside separately in a small building located in the garden. The room arranged for Feng Shizhen is on the west wing of the third floor, with windows facing the backyard, offering a splendid view

Wu Yunchi entered the restaurant with a hearty laugh, striding forward to greet Mrs. Rong

Wang was originally a dowry of Madam Rong. While Madam Rong was pregnant, Rong Dingkun encountered a cultured young lady outside and fell in love with her. Madam Rong intended to give Wang to Rong Dingkun as a concubine, and soon became pregnant, which drove away the young lady who was pursuing her "one true love." Wang subsequently gave birth to the second young lady, Rong Fanghua, but was not favored for many years thereafter

Aunt Chen is a trusted confidante of Mrs. Rong, and immediately retorted: "Our Rong family is one that values propriety; how absurd for a concubine who hasn't even borne a son to fantasize about being legitimized. It is truly a delusion!"

Seeing her like this, Aunt Chen felt a bit more respect for her, "Mr. Feng is so engrossed in his studies that he doesn't even lift his head, be careful not to hurt your eyes. I will get you a brighter desk lamp tomorrow"

Your sister does not allow me to give it to you Wu Yunchi put away the whistle

Later, Mrs. Rong's second son passed away, and Mrs. Wang took on her duties once again, giving birth to the third son the following year. As a trusted confidante of the main wife and the only concubine to have borne a son, Mrs. Wang's status in the Rong family was second only to that of the main wife.

The restaurant in the Rong family features floor-to-ceiling windows, bright and transparent, with sunlight dancing and flickering on the crystal chandelier and the green leaves of the bonsai. The spacious interior seems to be filled with a wonderful atmosphere that carries a melodic essence. It is so tranquil and peaceful here, so beautiful that it hardly seems fitting for the residence of a drug lord and smuggler.

Rong Fanglin was extremely troubled, "Don't give it to him! If he gets this thing, our whole family will never have a moment of peace!"

This Chen Ma is a typical matron of a wealthy family, who enthusiastically helped Feng Shizhen organize the wardrobe. She then rushed downstairs and dove into the kitchen, addressing the cook and several other maids who were busy preparing dishes: "Indeed, she is a fallen young lady; her trunk is filled with old clothes, yet the fabric is quite good. She is rather shrewd; I stayed in the room for so long, yet she didn't inquire about the family even once. How composed she is."

Feng Shi pretended not to understand his ambiguous smile and said lightly: "It's alright, Young Master Wu. I was just lost in thought about something else."

The cook and the messenger exchanged smiles without speaking

As Feng Shizhen, he did not dine at the table with the Rong family. The Rong family was merely holding a simple apprenticeship banquet to introduce Feng Shizhen to the members of the household. Feng Shizhen changed into a new dress and styled his hair again before descending the stairs to attend the banquet

Wu Yunchi extinguished the cigarette in his hand and the elegant woman sitting opposite him smiled and said: "It is my fault, I forgot that today is all about ladies, and I should not be smoking. Miss Feng, please do not take offense."

Now even Mrs. Rong is scrutinizing Rong Jia, "Have you attended a girls' school? Which family's girl is it? Your father has forbidden you from casually making friends with girls."

Feng Shizhen saw that he was hungry and wanted to eat the snacks on the table, but the nanny was afraid he would not eat his meal later and did not let him take any. He then started to punch and kick at the nanny.

As soon as the words were spoken, several gazes simultaneously fell upon Feng Shizhen and Rong Jia.

Rong Dingkun, having started his career as a comprador, made his fortune through the trade of tea and tobacco. He now operates a large import and export business, engaging in commerce with various countries. His shipping channels are extensive, and as a result, he later became involved in the smuggling of opium, rare earths, and even arms. However, these activities do not align with the facade of respectability he presents to others, and they are kept under strict secrecy, to the extent that even the young ladies of the Rong family are not fully aware of them

Rong Jia did not express a clear opinion, tacitly accepting Wu Yunchi's statement

Wang said: "There is also a second concubine, Mrs. Sun, at home, who is pregnant and has gone back to her family to rest during her pregnancy. After a few days, when we bring her back, you will be able to meet her. The second concubine originally studied at a girls' school for two years and has always loved reading and writing poetry, so she will definitely be able to have a good conversation with Mr. Feng"

Feng Shizhen remembers the winter morning last year when she returned home from school, she would often see many smokers frozen to death on the streets. Her father had told her that those were people who smoked inferior opium, which is extremely toxic; after smoking it, they would feel a surge of heat throughout their bodies, take off their clothes, and sleep on the streets, making it very easy for them to freeze to death

Feng Shizhen gazed at the curling smoke rising from the man's fingers, as if she could once again see her father curled up against the headboard, lost in a haze of mist.

Rong Jia's sharp gaze was like a blade of light, sweeping across Feng Shizhen's face. Feng Shizhen smiled brightly as she met his gaze, appearing both simple and innocent

Thank you very much. "Feng Shizhen smiled, stood up, and stretched lazily, "It's getting late, and Aunt Chen must have gone to rest as well.

"My little ancestor, there are guests here, what kind of joke are you making?" Mrs. Rong hurriedly held the child and took a piece of cake to feed him

I just want to eat! I'll beat you to death! Madam, hurry and make her leave!

The opium continued to be transported into Shanghai in boatloads, packed in wooden boxes sealed with the stamps of the Rong family or several other families, and delivered to various corners. People indulged in smoking on opium couches, exhaling clouds of smoke, lost in a drunken stupor, indifferent to the rise and fall of their country and its landscapes. To this day, even Mr. Feng, a doctor himself, could not withstand the torment of illness and the blows of bankruptcy, and has taken up the opium pipe.

The third young master glared at Rong Fanglin with a sulky expression, but was met with a cold glance from her. Clearly, he did not dare to mess around with this legitimate elder sister and ran over to Mrs. Rong to act cute.

Aunt Chen brought a kettle of boiling water to Feng Shizhen and said, "Madam invites Miss Feng to come down for a meal."

Feng Shizhen was unconvinced, saying, "Since ancient times, there have been many capable women, and nowadays, there are also quite a few new women who go out to work. I do not consider this to be anything remarkable. Instead, I envy you men, who are free and unrestrained, able to venture into the vast world, showcase your skills, and display your talents"

"It seems that Fanglin has posted something after I mentioned wanting to join for a meal"

Feng Shizhen furrowed her brow slightly, "How do I remember that Professor Chen is from the Department of Physics? Of course, he taught all the introductory physics courses in the first year. But he retired last year and was reappointed to teach at Yanjing University. Do you know him as well?"

Brother Yunchi is one of the first batch of students from the Whampoa Military Academy. Due to an injury, he has temporarily suspended his studies for half a year and has returned from Nanjing to recuperate. Rong Fanghua's tone was filled with pride, and her gaze was tenderly fixed on Wu Yunchi

After waking up from her nap, Feng Shizhen went to the study to look for a few English scientific magazines, returned to her room, and spent the entire afternoon idly. For dinner, she had a bowl of noodles in her room and then focused intently on solving a math problem from the magazine on a piece of scrap paper

She originally thought that Rong Jia was not yet twenty years old, and could hardly be considered a young man. It was not surprising for a wealthy young heir, abandoned by his family since childhood, to have an eccentric temperament. However, he was clearly not as foolish as the rumors suggested, and even possessed a certain elusive shrewdness.

The cook handed the blanched vegetable hearts to the kitchen maid, wiped her hands, and said: "When the second wife returns and sees this young lady, there will surely be a spectacle to behold"

The young master of the Rong family has just turned six years old and is attending preparatory classes at Xitong Primary School. He is not an easy child to deal with. He has inherited the patriotic spirit of his predecessors and, just a few days ago, he got into a fight at school over a fountain pen, beating the son of the British consul and was sent home by the school for a suspension and reflection.

Mrs. Rong asked him: "Have you seen Miss Feng?"

"To protect the home and defend the country is the duty of a man." Feng Shizhen remarked, "Soldiers are the backbone of the nation, and Wu Shaohao is truly admirable."

Rong Jia smiled dismissively, embodying the demeanor of a wealthy young master who is unconcerned about everything.

Still studying. Although Wu Yunchi appears mature in demeanor, his looks are similar to Rong Jia's, positioned between youth and young adulthood, resembling a pine tree that has just begun to grow, bearing a certain innocence yet already exhibiting a poised stature against the wind

Mrs. Rong saw Feng Shizhen arriving and pointed to the woman, saying: "I didn't have time to introduce her earlier. This is our great-aunt, Mrs. Wang, who has always helped me manage the household. If you have any matters, such as giving orders to the servants, just go find her."

The two engaged in a casual conversation, avoiding any mention of their encounter at the dance hall the previous day. Wu Yunchi exhibited a kind of languid and slick demeanor typical of a wealthy young man, making him relatively easy to interact with. In contrast, Rong Fanghua felt somewhat neglected and was a bit sulky.

Mrs. Rong set her mind at ease and kindly advised her stepson, "Mr. Feng is excellent in both English and Mathematics. From now on, make sure to study diligently with him, as your father will be back to test you."

The luxurious mansion of the Rong family, the elegant attire and jewelry of the ladies, the sumptuous dishes on the dining table, and even the exquisite bone china bowls and plates filled with food, were all partially obtained in exchange for opium and arms.

"Is everyone here? Then let's eat." Mrs. Rong lovingly patted her youngest son's head, beckoning everyone to take a seat, and she herself sat in the place of honor

Wu Yunchi held a cigarette in his hand, leaning against a bonsai stand with a half-smile, displaying an expression of someone who is enjoying a spectacle

Feng Shizhen wore a calm, gentle smile on her face as she gazed at Rong Jia.

The manager assigned a maid to deliver and collect the laundry of Feng Shizhen daily and to clean the room

Rong Da Shao walked leisurely behind, with his hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers, his gaze casually sweeping over Feng Shizhen as if she were merely a vase standing by the window

Most children who live under the care of a stepmother in the world are somewhat precocious due to their environment. Clearly, his notorious reputation is largely attributable to the Huang family.

Such a situation persists day after day, until winter gives way to spring, and no one dies from the cold.

Wang smiled gently and said to Feng Shizhen: "It is said that Mr. Feng has excellent knowledge. Fanghua's studies are not as good as her elder sister's, and she will still need your guidance, sir."

"Have you known each other for a long time?" The aunt seemed to have caught a whiff of something unpleasant, wagging her tail as she approached, "The young master has just returned to Shanghai from Chongqing and hasn't been out much. How did he come to know Miss Feng?"

I do not recall at all. How could I forget someone as distinguished as the young master? I have been teaching at a women's tutoring school, and I hardly see any men on a daily basis. Perhaps the young master came to the school to visit friends and happened to see me

Rong Jia sat beside, engrossed in dismantling a plump hairy crab, indifferent to the surrounding matters. Feng Shizhen discreetly glanced at him a few times, confirming that he must have felt her gaze. However, this handsome young man still showed no reaction whatsoever

Rong Fanglin cast a cold glance at his younger brother's antics, snorting in disdain, and turned his head to say: "Why hasn't elder brother arrived yet? Has Brother Yunchi left? If not, please come over to eat together."

Chen Ma had a multitude of questions she wished to inquire about, but she could not withstand Feng Shizhen's gentle yet firm attitude of seeing her off, so she could only leave with an awkward smile

A nearby attendant who came to steal a bite laughed and said: "I heard that Uncle Sun has taken a liking to the youngest daughter of the Qian family, who is known for opening a spinning mill. However, the Qian family, upon hearing that the Sun family's aunt is to become a concubine for our family, refuses to marry off their daughter, insisting that at the very least, she should be a legitimate wife. The second concubine is causing a scene in front of the master, saying she wants to move to a small mansion, which is quite a big deal on both sides."