The Duke of Wei's mansion, meanwhile, was abuzz with festive decorations and merriment.
After the first lunar month, the Duke's daughter was to be formally married into the Liang family. Although this alliance was not the Duke's first choice, his granddaughter's happiness was paramount, and he would not allow the occasion to be a simple affair that would bring shame to the Wei family.
Consequently, from the seventh day of the new year, people began arriving at the Wei residence in an endless stream. Workers were hired to renovate courtyards, transplant trees and flowers, and clean ponds.
The household staff, already busy with preparations and cleaning, found themselves short-handed.
In Wei Lanxuan's courtyard, a matron, dressed in a dark blue brocade jacket, was reporting to her young lady.
"Miss's wedding dress is complete. Though it was a rush, over ten embroiderers worked day and night to finish it. Please, take a look and see if you like it."
The original wedding dress had been prepared for the Ninth Prince's official consort, adorned with embroidery and embellishments befitting her status, exuding grace and regal splendor.
However, the current groom was merely a third-rank official, and his husband held no distinguished position in court. Therefore, the wedding dress had to be altered.
The fabric remained the same, but the phoenix-and-peony motif was changed to mandarin ducks playing in water. The numerous pearls that were originally encrusted were reduced, though the silk threads remained unchanged. The most expensive cloud brocade silk of the time was used, rendering the new design lifelike and vibrant.
Wei Lanxuan glanced at it listlessly for a moment, disappointment washing over her. Yet, she knew the embroiderers had followed instructions, and her anger was futile. She dismissed the matron.
"It's fine, just as it is. Yuejian, take my usual attire to Embroiderer Wang. Make yours based on that."
Without even the desire to try on the dress, Yuejian looked at her young lady with a hint of worry in her eyes but replied respectfully, "Yes." She then turned and entered the inner room to fetch a set of clothes for Embroiderer Wang.
The embroiderer bowed respectfully as she accepted the garment, praising, "Miss, please rest assured. On your wedding day, you will undoubtedly be the most beautiful bride in the entire capital."
Her words flattered Wei Lanxuan while also showcasing her confidence in her own skill.
This impression improved Wei Lanxuan's opinion of her. "In that case, I shall entrust this to you, Embroiderer Wang."
She rewarded the embroiderer with a gold ingot and then had a maid escort her out.
The winter was harsh and cold, and Wei Lanxuan disliked venturing outdoors. Since her engagement to the Liang family, her grandfather had rarely taken her to banquets.
She heard that her extended family had begun selecting daughters of suitable age to send over, and their intentions were obvious to anyone with eyes.
A bitter smile touched her lips, filled with regret.
Yuejian, having served her for many years, understood her young lady's thoughts perfectly. However, with no turning back now, all she could do was strive for a better future.
She changed the subject, saying, "Miss, the Lantern Festival is just a few days away. The capital will be very lively then. With the grand lantern displays and street festivities, it will surely be a lot of fun. Why not invite Young Master Liang and Miss Liang to go out and relax? After that, you'll be very busy, and it might be a long while before you have another chance to go out after marrying into the Liang family."
Her suggestion was genuine, and this would likely be Wei Lanxuan's last outing as a daughter of the Wei family. The next time she went out, her title would be Madam Liang.
Thinking of this, Wei Lanxuan's dormant desires reawakened.
She who had been reclining by the bright window and clean desk immediately rose, a spark igniting in her eyes.
"How did I not think of that? You have such a clever mind."
The Lantern Festival in the Great Jin Dynasty was the most grand celebration of the year. On this day, even members of the imperial family would ascend Xingde Tower to celebrate with the common people. Thus, the custom of not allowing men and women to meet before marriage could be broken.
Her mind consumed by this prospect, she quickly had Yuejian send a message to the Liang family, arranging to go out together on the Lantern Festival.
While Wei Lanxuan busied herself with preparations, the Duke of Wei, on the other hand, wore a grave expression.
"Assassinated? And near death?"
He had already placed spies around the Feng family, so news traveled swiftly. He had not expected such a development.
Promoting Feng Hai to his position was a foregone conclusion. Even the recent news of illness within his family had not deterred the plan. There were still three months until his official appointment, ample time to ensure the succession.
Yet, to be attacked at this critical juncture?
The Duke of Wei had reason to suspect it was staged and asked in a cold voice, "How are his injuries? Is there any pretense?"
The messenger lowered his head and replied, "Imperial Physician Liu from the palace examined him and declared the injuries severe, affecting his heart and lungs. Subsequently, General Su brought a military doctor specializing in sword wounds. There is no definitive outcome yet. However, my subordinate's spy at the Feng family's gate saw Prime Minister Bai stumble considerably when he left yesterday, his complexion poor."
These words were relayed to the Duke of Wei piece by piece.
As a veteran of three dynasties, he was well aware of Prime Minister Bai's methods and did not rule out the possibility of a staged incident, intended to dissuade his son-in-law from becoming involved.
"Have someone continue to keep watch. If there's an opportunity to infiltrate the Feng family, do so. Until I see Feng Hai's injuries with my own eyes, I will not believe it."
His eyes held a shrewd intensity, showing no signs of senility.
The Feng family was shrouded in silence and solemnity, with no one daring to speak loudly. The festive atmosphere of the New Year's month was entirely absent.
Ordinary servants were kept far from Yunhai Courtyard, unable to approach. Only Mama Bai's confidantes were allowed inside. Yet, even from across the courtyard, the smell of blood and Madam Feng's occasional cries of anguish filled the servants with dread.
In the midst of the New Year, if the master were to perish, what would become of the Feng family?
The young servant, who had been planted there, circled the area several times without getting close. However, he too believed the story of Lord Feng's assassination, as the bloodstains in the corridor yesterday were undeniable, and the somber atmosphere throughout the Feng residence was palpable.
He seized an opportunity and left to report back.
Inside Yunhai Courtyard, the military doctor brought by General Su was diligently treating the patient.
General Su and his son, Su Cheng, sat in the main hall sipping tea, accompanied by Feng Jinxu and Feng Jinlin.
The military doctor inside meticulously examined the "wound" and stated gravely, "Lord Feng's injuries have a tendency to worsen due to the wrong medication being used. It is not a matter of time; the dressing can be reapplied. As for why Lord Feng is unconscious, it is likely due to physical weakness. This humble physician believes he will require over half a year of rest to recover."
He spoke without a blush, though Madam Feng showed a hint of guilt. The wound had been deliberately made to appear so severe to deceive Imperial Physician Liu and all those secretly monitoring the Feng family.