Here is my attempt at rewriting and translating the selected content into more natural English, while preserving the original plot:
Feng knew better than to ask outright. There were subtler ways to gather information. Judging by the ancient attire, people's thinking was likely straightforward. Coaxing out what he needed to know shouldn't be too difficult.
"Come here," Feng called softly. "My head is spinning, and my memories are hazy. Tell me about my past in detail - it may help me recover."
"Where should this humble servant begin, young master?" the maid asked.
"Start from my childhood, my family. Whatever you know," Feng said, his eyes half-closed.
"Young Master Feng was born 16 years ago into the Lin family, a prestigious military lineage. For generations, the Lins have been loyal defenders of the empire…"
Feng listened intently, not daring to miss a single detail. Any slip-up could cost him dearly - perhaps even his manhood, if not his life.
Gradually, Feng pieced together his new identity. Though ill-fated, this "Feng" was of illustrious birth. His family still held a general's estate. Besides an aunt who was an imperial consort, he seemed to have no close relatives left.
The woman who had embraced him earlier was his aunt, Lin Tianjiao - a favored consort of the emperor. Unsurprisingly, she was at odds with the empress. The current empress, Zhou Lingchen, was the prime minister's daughter. While military forces supported the Lins, most officials backed the Zhou family.
As the maid spoke, Feng shifted position, intending to cradle his head. He hissed in pain as his hands touched a large lump.
"Does your head still hurt, young master?" the maid asked anxiously. "In the future, please try to avoid the Second Prince and his gang. If you can't escape them, it's better to beg for mercy. The Second Prince is one of the palace's top fighters."
"I see. I'm no match for him in status or skill. I'll be more careful," Feng replied, his mind racing. So that's why - it wasn't a wall, but a beating. Just you wait, Second Prince. The old Feng may have been helpless, but I'm a different story.
"Young master, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but while your scholarship is renowned, perhaps you should also train in martial arts? Even if you can't lead armies like your father and grandfather, it would still benefit your health."
"What's your name again?" Feng asked.
"Young master doesn't remember? I'm Little Ye," the maid said, tears welling up. She worried the Second Prince's blow had addled his wits.
"Of course, I remember. I'm just a bit muddled," Feng reassured her, studying her face. Pretty features - she'd be a real beauty when she grew up.
"Has the Second Prince's punch damaged young master's mind?" Little Ye fretted, leaning closer to examine him.
"My mind is fine," Feng declared. "I've decided - starting tomorrow, I'll cultivate both literary and martial arts. I can't let down the Lin family name."
Little Ye wept with joy. "The general always hoped you'd inherit the family legacy - practicing martial arts, joining the military, protecting the nation. If his spirit knew of your decision, he'd be overjoyed."
Feng's true thoughts were far less noble. He cared nothing for family legacies or patriotic duty. His goal was simple: build strength to avoid beatings and dish them out instead. But he couldn't voice such selfish motives.
"I'll do my best to fulfill Father's wishes," Feng said solemnly.
"I'll fetch the martial arts manuals the general left behind from the estate," Little Ye offered.
"Good. You may go now," Feng dismissed her.
As Little Ye departed, Feng pondered his situation. The Zhou family - the empress and prime minister's clan - clearly viewed the Lins as enemies. The Lin influence had waned, or else the Second Prince wouldn't have dared attack him.
For now, Feng's priority was self-preservation and gradually taking control of his family's remaining power. As for the Zhous? In his mind, Feng gleefully imagined grinding them into the dust.
Meanwhile, in Cloud Pavilion, Lin Tianjiao sat awake, deep in thought. Her maid Lanzhu, who had served her since childhood, stood behind her. Though ostensibly mistress and servant, they were as close as sisters.
"Should I still mobilize the troops, my lady?" Lanzhu asked.
"Not yet. If Feng is unharmed, we'll hold off for now," Lin Tianjiao replied.
"My lady, don't you find it strange?"
"Indeed. How could Feng knock himself out by running into a wall, yet have an injury on the back of his head? They must think we're fools," Lin Tianjiao scoffed. "Keep a close eye on him. If anything happens to Feng, we'll destroy the Zhous, consequences be damned. For now, we'll let it slide."
"Here's your command token, my lady," Lanzhu said, handing over a gold medallion engraved with a tiger's head.
Lin Tianjiao caressed the token wistfully. "Feng should be the one wielding this Tiger Warrior medallion. Is this truly the end of the Lin legacy?"
"The young master is still young. He may yet grow ambitious," Lanzhu offered.
"It's not about age. Feng loves literature but despises martial pursuits. How can he inherit our family's military tradition? Yes, his scholarly talents are impressive, but that's a different matter entirely."
"Perhaps the young master will achieve greatness through his literary pursuits," Lanzhu suggested.
"All I can do now is protect him until he comes of age. At least then I'll have fulfilled my duty to Father and Brother," Lin Tianjiao sighed.
As the two women fretted over Feng's future, the subject of their concern was already scheming to get his hands on the Zhou family's women.
Before dawn, Little Ye rushed back, her face flushed with excitement. Bursting into Feng's room, she announced breathlessly, "Young master, I've brought everything!"