"Very well, very well. If that is the case, I shall certainly pay you a visit another day. The Bai family are indeed loyal and righteous people. No wonder the Master has repeatedly praised Prime Minister Bai's integrity."
After this marriage proposal failed, many families in the Eastern Capital distanced themselves from the Xu family.
Perhaps they feared the Wei family's power and rushed to congratulate them, or perhaps they saw that Elder Xu was in poor health and there was no one in the family to take charge. A household of women and children, their fortunes were likely to decline.
Yet, the Bai family was different, showing favor to the Xu family at this time.
Whether it was deep friendship or a desire not to offend, Old Madam Xu remembered this kindness.
Thus, looking at Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao with ever-increasing warmth, she said, "Mingyue will be staying here for the next few days. If you two sisters have nothing else to do, would you like to rest here as well?"
This was an excellent idea. Feng Jinyao had already handed over the management of the household to her elder sister-in-law, Madam Wen, and was naturally free. She could stay. However, Madam Wenyi was a little worried about Bai Siruo.
"Other things can be discussed, but I fear my daughter is too bold and might cause a disturbance in the courtyard, disturbing Mingyue's peace."
Old Madam Xu couldn't help but laugh heartily at this.
"When I was in my maiden chamber, I was also like her, not liking to be constrained. But once married, even the most innocent and cheerful disposition will be worn down by the trivialities of the inner chambers. Madam, while the girl is still young, let her play for a few more days. Once she is married, she will naturally grow up. By then, you might find it difficult to see her as lively as she is now."
These words evoked a sense of melancholy in the two sisters-in-law of the Bai family.
Indeed, life in the maiden's chamber was simple and free. After marriage, one was restricted by this and that, sometimes not even feeling like oneself.
Thinking of this, Madam Wenyi looked at her beloved daughter, who was looking at her with tearful eyes, begging. How could she refuse?
"Alright, she shall stay for a few days."
Madam Bai admired Xu Mingyue and greatly appreciated the Xu family's straightforward nature. Therefore, she was very happy for the three of them to be close. Thinking that Feng Jinyao had not yet spoken to the Feng family, she comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, A'yao. When we go down the mountain, I will speak to your mother."
"Thank you, Eldest Aunt."
This was a place of Buddhist purity, where ordinary people dared not intrude. Moreover, they had brought many servants and maids, so it was not a problem to leave most of them here to ensure their safety.
Bai Siruo did not expect to "stay overnight" while attending a temple fair. Her excited expression was evident in her eyes.
Seeing her lively nature, the adults were all amused.
After offering incense and eating vegetarian meals, Old Madam Xu led everyone to the residence next to the temple.
It was indeed small and exquisite, with only two courtyards. A small garden and a pavilion in the middle separated the front and back courtyards.
The surroundings were dense with trees. In winter, it was bleak, not lush and green, but it lacked a sense of gloom.
Hot spring water was channeled to the back of the main house. The pool was large enough to accommodate more than ten people. The three sisters were delighted when they saw it.
"I have been to Fahua Temple many times, but I never knew about this place," Bai Siruo couldn't help but exclaim.
Xu Mingyue beside her chuckled behind her sleeve and whispered in her ear, "Tonight, let's soak in the hot springs together. We can drive away the mountain chill."
Bai Siruo raised her eyebrows, her eyes full of mischief as she looked at Feng Jinyao, then pointed at the hot spring, her meaning clear.
Madam Bai, with her keen observation, understood their intentions. She used the excuse that it would be inconvenient to go down the mountain too late and prepared to take her leave. Before leaving, she repeatedly gave instructions. Then, supporting Old Madam Xu on either side, she descended the mountain.
After the adults had left, the three sisters finally relaxed.
Bai Siruo found a comfortable position and lay on the chaise lounge, her gaze flowing as she looked at Xu Mingyue and Feng Jinyao, her charming demeanor exuding.
"Haitang, go warm some lamb wine and fry a few of your signature pancakes. Hot springs with fine wine, how often can one experience such joy in life?"
"You haven't even had a drink yet, and you seem drunk. Hurry up and sit properly, lest the servants below laugh at you."
Xu Mingyue said with a deliberately stern face, but Bai Siruo was fearless. "Let them laugh if they want. They wouldn't dare laugh to my face. They'll just pretend not to know."
This girl's disposition was truly open-minded and admirable.
Haitang glanced at her young lady helplessly and replied, "Yes." Before leaving, she took Yunxu to the outer room and quietly whispered in her ear.
"Miss Biao is still more composed. Look at our young lady, she can't wait to change her shoes and socks and go to the pool."
Her eyes were full of a mixture of laughter and tears. Seeing her mistress in such a state, she, as her personal maid, could only obey her orders and indulge her.
"Alright, Sister Xu. My cousin has been confined at home embroidering these days. It's rare for her to relax. Let her be," Feng Jinyao said, defending her.
This, however, piqued Xu Mingyue's curiosity, and she looked at Bai Siruo in shock.
"Don't you hate needlework the most? Have you finished any embroidery these days?"
"Oh, don't mention it. My ten fingers are almost pricked to death, and the embroidery嬷嬷 sighs."
While speaking, she mimicked the嬷嬷's sigh, making them both laugh uncontrollably.
Yunxu, hearing her young lady's laughter from the outer room, was happy from the bottom of her heart. She had changed a lot these days, becoming much more composed and no longer as carefree as before, always tense.
It was a good thing that she could relax today.
She then went down with the others to prepare the food and drinks for the young ladies' soak, leaving the space to them.
The moonlight was like water, but the moon was not yet full, not yet the fifteenth. Although it was half-full, it was as bright as a mirror, shining directly into people's hearts.
In the hot spring, Bai Siruo and Xu Mingyue were singing and drinking as they talked about happy things. The maids Haitang and Yunbai served them.
Bai Siruo and Xu Mingyue were still soaking in the hot spring, but Feng Jinyao had already gotten out.
Her skin was exceptionally delicate. She could not soak in the hot springs for too long, otherwise, her entire body would turn red, like a steamed shrimp, which would be a loss.
Wearing a moon-white inner garment and a dark cloak over it, her exposed wrists were adorned with a bracelet. Its texture was lustrous, its sheen bright, and its quality top-notch. It was a superior treasure among Hetian jade.
Her eyes were cold and ethereal, like a fairy under the moon. She sat by the bright window in the main room, looking up at the moon.
Yunxu gently rubbed her hair with a handkerchief from behind. Three or more charcoal basins were placed nearby, fearing that Feng Jinyao would catch a cold from the winter mountain wind and suffer a headache.