Bai Sihan, being young, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at such praise.
Thinking that she had no direct conflict with Feng Jinyao, her smile became a little more sincere. She stepped forward, linked her arm with Feng Jinyao's, and they entered the mansion, chatting and laughing.
This scene was precisely what Wen Mengsheng, who arrived at the mansion a step behind, saw.
Having been shut out twice in a row, Wen Mengsheng decided to take a roundabout approach this time, perhaps by first winning over someone close to Feng Jinyao.
Compared to the arrogant nature of the eldest daughter of the Bai family, this gentle second daughter of the Bai family seemed like a breakthrough. A refined smile, befitting a noble young master, played on his lips. After handing over his calling card to a servant, he also entered the Duke of Wei's mansion.
Passing through the flower-shaped gate, the maids who came to greet Feng Jinyao and the others led them to the back garden.
This was Feng Jinyao's first time setting foot in the Duke of Wei's mansion's back garden. After passing through a moon gate that resembled a curtain of water, they were greeted by a South Sea deep reef, about three zhang high, placed in a lotus pond as a rockery.
How difficult it was to catch a South Sea deep reef! Its value was no less than that of Eastern pearls. Such a large piece could be said to be priceless.
In her previous life, she had obtained a palm-sized piece, which she had fashioned into the shape of a palm coral and presented as a birthday gift to the old madam of the Wen family, earning the envy of many.
Now, here in the Wei family's residence, it was merely an ordinary rock. Truly, comparing oneself to others could kill a person.
Like the Prime Minister's mansion, the lotus pond was fed by hot spring water, so even in the depths of winter, one could see pinkish-purple water lilies and golden koi swimming within.
It was merely a banquet to admire the snow, yet the Wei family had organized it with immense grandeur.
Servants and maids bustled about the mansion and courtyards with nimble hands and feet, their every word and action meticulously planned, with no one making a mistake.
The waterside pavilion closest to the lotus pond was vast in layout, with seven or eight tables that did not feel crowded.
As Feng Jinyao and the others approached the entrance of the waterside pavilion, they saw the day's protagonist, Wei Lanxuan.
Her face was like a peach blossom, her cheeks like condensed white jade, and a cinnabar dot was specially placed between her brows, making her appear not only naturally noble but also a little more charming. She had deliberately chosen a peach-pink palace-style brocade jacket and skirt, with patterns embroidered with gold and silver threads, making it incredibly opulent.
Similarly, Wei Lanxuan also saw the three sisters and walked towards them with a fitting smile.
Her steps seemed to bloom lotuses, and she carried the scent of orchids in a secluded valley.
Feng Jinyao and Bai Siruo were unfazed, but Bai Sihan, standing beside them, tensed up. She had thought her own attire was exquisite and noble enough, but in front of Wei Lanxuan, she felt like a clumsy imitation.
After all, Wei Lanxuan had been pampered and raised since childhood, and her innate nobility was something Bai Sihan could only dream of reaching.
"The three younger sisters have arrived quite early today."
"We wouldn't dare be late for Sister Wei's invitation."
Bai Sihan immediately responded. Even though she felt inferior at the moment, she had not forgotten her original purpose for coming here.
There were countless young masters in the capital city, but Wei Lanxuan was unique. Since she was to marry into the royal family, all the remaining eligible men were her targets.
If she could get an introduction from Wei Lanxuan, even meeting one of them would be no small matter.
Therefore, without any hesitation, she offered more flattery to Wei Lanxuan.
Bai Siruo felt a wave of nausea listening to this. "I left in a bit of a hurry today. I must have caught a chill, and my head is starting to ache. Does Miss Wei's mansion have any resting chambers? I'd like to sit for a while."
"Since that's the case, then let's have someone escort Miss Bai to a chamber to rest. We can also send some tea and snacks over. It's still quite early before the banquet begins anyway. We'll send someone to fetch you when it's time."
Wei Lanxuan did not make things difficult for them. Bai Siruo took Feng Jinyao's hand and followed the maid. Before leaving, she shot Bai Sihan a glare, as if to say, "Be sensible and don't cause trouble."
Unfortunately, Bai Sihan put on an innocent expression, infuriating Bai Siruo, who quickly walked ahead.
After entering the chamber, she immediately dropped her angry facade. Her round eyes gleamed with cunning as she leaned closer to Feng Jinyao and said, "How was it? Did I act well?"
Feng Jinyao chuckled softly. This cousin from the Bai family was truly naive and adorable.
"If she catches Wei Lanxuan's eye, it seems she'll be in her element today. As long as she doesn't come to harm my Prince Kang's mansion or my aunt's neighbors' children, I'll wholeheartedly approve of whoever she fancies!"
Bai Siruo did not hide her true thoughts. She picked up the hot tea that the maid had just delivered and drank it in one gulp. It was indeed top-quality.
Delicious!
"Why hasn't Sister Xu arrived yet?" Feng Jinyao asked while sipping her tea.
"Mingyue has always disliked these kinds of gatherings. She'll probably arrive at the last minute. If it weren't for my second sister's good prospects, I wouldn't bother coming so early," Bai Siruo explained.
Hearing her words, Feng Jinyao recalled that if today's matter were to proceed smoothly, some things would have to be revealed to Bai Siruo.
Thus, she reached out and gently pressed down on Bai Siruo's right hand, which was just lifting a teacup. Her expression was serious, and she deliberately lowered her voice.
"On the day of our maternal grandmother's birthday, Second Brother saw Young Master Liang secretly interacting with Miss Wei's personal maid. It seemed they even exchanged tokens. I'm not sure if this Young Master Liang was seducing the maid or if there was some connection with Miss Wei. Since you and I know Sister Xu, we naturally can't just watch her jump into a fire pit without doing anything. Therefore, I plan to..."
She leaned closer to Bai Siruo's ear and explained her plan in detail.
Bai Siruo listened, her eyes widening in anger. Finally, she slammed the table and said through gritted teeth.
"Hmph, the whole family is trash. But it's understandable. If the sister is so fawning, what good can the brother be? A'Yao, just do as you plan, I'll follow your lead."
Feng Jinyao nodded and looked towards the waterside pavilion in the distance, her mind set on her plan.
In the Duke of Wei's study, two men were currently engaged in a game of chess.
The study was very large. Books filled five or so display shelves along the walls. Calligraphy practice sheets, freshly written, lay on the desk. On the wall behind them hung a painting of a lone boat on a cold river by the renowned artist Wu Xi.
By the window on the left, a chaise longue was deliberately placed, with a warm rabbit fur rug on it. Sometimes, when the Duke of Wei's meetings ran late, he would sleep there for the night.
On the right, a small stove for boiling water was set up, the charcoal fire burning brightly, and the water in the teapot was gradually heating up.
With a couple of coughs, Xiao Tingyi took a silk handkerchief from his attendant, Zhaoyang, and covered his mouth as he coughed a few times. Then, he placed a black piece on the chessboard, and a large portion of the white pieces held by the Duke of Wei were instantly captured.
"Your chess skills, personally taught by the late Emperor, are truly formidable, Your Highness. This move of yours is truly impressive! I am full of admiration!"
The Duke of Wei, nearing seventy, looked a few years younger than Prime Minister Bai. His graying hair was tied high. Although his face was somewhat aged, his eyes were sharp and full of vigor, showing no signs of senility.
"You are too kind, Duke."