The news of Wen Xinglu becoming the Princess's consort spread through the streets and alleys the next day. After all, he had been a popular candidate for the top three in the spring imperial examinations, and now that he was a consort, gossip and rumors naturally followed.
Moreover, the First Princess Changlin's reputation had always been poor. He had, in turn, earned the title of a noble young master forced into "servitude," leading many to lament his fate.
Feng Er arrived at Ning'an Courtyard early in the morning and, upon entering, encountered Lamei instructing the young maids to sweep the courtyard.
"Where is Miss? Has she woken up?"
"She has. Does Second Master have business?"
"Naturally, I have momentous good news to tell her."
His words were filled with excitement, and his steps became lighter and quicker as he hurried into the room. He saw Feng Jinyao still tidying herself up.
"Ayao, do you know what happened to the Wen family?"
"Is it that cousin from the Wen family becoming the First Princess's consort?"
Before Feng Er could speak, she had already guessed it. Recalling her constant reminders to him to keep a low profile and not attract the Princess's attention during this period, he became thoughtful. "You knew all along?"
"It wasn't hard to guess. The imperial decree for the marriage only mentioned a member of the Wen family, but not who. Wen Daren only has one son; how could he bear to have him ruined like this? Naturally, someone else would have to take his place."
"You guessed quite accurately. However, I heard he didn't go reluctantly but presented himself in person. I must say, such boldness is somewhat admirable."
Feng Jinyao frowned. Given his personality in his previous life, how could he possibly endure such humiliation? There were likely other hidden motives.
"Second Brother, do you have any people at your disposal? Preferably those who know some martial arts, so it would be convenient if I needed them to inquire about something."
"You want a martial arts maid?"
"Mm."
Feng Jinyao did not hide her intentions, but Feng Er seemed somewhat troubled.
"Martial maids are a bit difficult to find. Let me ask Su Cheng. Perhaps their Su family might have some."
"Mm, then I'll trouble Second Brother."
"Why speak of such things between siblings? I'll be returning to the academy in a few days and won't be able to come home before the spring examinations. You must take care of yourself. Look at how you've passed the New Year; everyone has gained weight, yet you've lost more. If you're too thin to hold your own at your coming-of-age ceremony, I'll laugh at you." Feng Er was tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He said this for Feng Jinyao's own good, and she naturally understood his meaning. She replied playfully, "Don't worry, Second Brother. As long as you achieve success, I can eat three bowls of rice every day!"
"Little girl, you just know how to coax me into happiness."
He reached out and stroked her forehead, looking at Feng Jinyao dotingly. She looked back up. Her second brother had, after all, dodged the calamity of marrying a princess and could live a happy and smooth life from now on. Thinking of this, she felt genuinely happy.
Outside the city, Madam Shen was seeing off Bai Sanlang.
In the carriage, one sat with a somber expression, while the other cried uncontrollably.
Her handkerchiefs were already soaked, yet she continued to grumble, "My father-in-law is truly heartless. Now that Han'er has just woken up, he wants you to return to Qiongzhou? Isn't this bullying us orphans and widows with no one to look after us in Dongdu City?"
Her words were not entirely true. Since Bai Sihan was beaten, the Bai family had been unusually united. Even her elder aunt, Madam Lin, and Princess Wen Yi often came to visit, not to mention Bai Siruo, who was as constant as the courtyard itself, always watching over her.
Therefore, Madam Shen's words were utter nonsense, but Bai Sanlang didn't hear a word of it.
In his opinion, Bai Sihan had utterly disgraced herself among the noble circles of Dongdu City. If it weren't for the fact that she had just woken up, he would have dragged her back to Qiongzhou. Rather than facing constant setbacks here, it would be better to return to Qiongzhou, find a supportive husband, and perhaps the entire family's life would become more comfortable.
"Madam, please take good care of her. Once Sihan has recovered, return to Qiongzhou quickly. I will personally arrange a suitable marriage for her. As for everything in Dongdu City, consider it a dream."
Upon hearing about her daughter, Madam Shen's sorrow intensified.
The First Princess wielded immense power. She had heard much about her from the servants these days. How could one contend with someone backed by the Emperor? Seeing that her father-in-law's family did not seem inclined to support them, she could only swallow her resentment. Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west; who knew when the opportunity for revenge might arise.
"But... will Han'er just endure this beating in vain?"
Although Bai Sanlang valued power, this was, after all, his only daughter, and he naturally cared for her. He could only patiently say to Madam Shen, "A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. That First Princess acts so arrogantly. Just wait, there will come a day when her empire crumbles." These words were as good as saying nothing. Madam Shen couldn't help but resent his cowardice and inaction, but there was nothing she could do. Who could blame her when she was a princess, treating them like ants?
She wiped away her tears, her eyes still red and swollen. She had cried too much these past few days and looked much older, having lost the spirit she had when she first arrived in Dongdu City.
"My lord, please be careful on your journey. I will bring Han'er back in a few days."
"Mm, Madam, you will undoubtedly face hardships here, but for Han'er's sake, you must endure more. When we return to Qiongzhou, everything will be better."
"I will obey your command, my lord."
Madam Shen alighted from the carriage and boarded another. She watched from a distance as Bai Sanlang and his entourage gradually disappeared before instructing the coachman to return to the city.
Behind the elm trees by the roadside, a young boy was hiding.
His eyes were slightly red, and the light within them gradually dimmed. He clenched and unclenched his fists, then let them hang limply at his sides, as if all strength had been drained from him.
Qiao Shanjian glanced at his father from afar. Though not clearly, it was enough.
Fourteen years. A full fourteen years. If he had truly intended to find him and reunite, how could he not have succeeded? When he was younger, he could still console himself that his father might have been forced by circumstances or had some unspeakable secret.
But now, he had no more hopes. Looking at Bai Sanlang's departing carriage, his heart remained unmoved.
Since he was unwilling to acknowledge him, so be it.
When the Bai family was eventually trampled underfoot and fell into the mire, he would watch coldly, perhaps even stepping on them and asking, perhaps then his years of resentment would finally be appeased.
He turned and left. The anticipation and nervousness he had felt upon arrival were scattered by the biting January wind.
When he returned to the Qiao family in Shuanggui Lane, he found two uninvited guests.
"You are Qiao Shanjian?"
Qiao Shanjian naturally knew their identities, but he wondered about their intentions for appearing here now.