Second, the cousin from the Feng family and the son from the Su family, though not the sharpest tools in the shed, have decent family backgrounds and capabilities. If utilized properly in the future, they could become capable helpers.
Third, stay as far away from the Prince Ding they mentioned as possible. He is not someone of this level who can casually associate with.
Having grown up among the common folk, his understanding of the majestic imperial power was that it was supreme. Although he possessed the ability to manipulate circumstances, it was only within certain contexts. When encountering someone several times stronger than himself, it was best to remain low-key and humble.
Take this Prince Ding, for example.
The wedding procession downstairs resembled a long dragon. It only gradually moved away after Feng Jin Yao finished speaking.
It was time for Feng Jin Lin to make his appearance, otherwise, the task assigned to him by Prince Ding could not be completed.
With Ah Yao's analysis, he had a general idea and at least a direction on how to proceed. Not long after he left, the few people dispersed.
When Feng Jin Yao returned to the small courtyard again, someone had inexplicably appeared inside.
"Does a prince always like to barge into other people's boudoirs?"
Feng Jin Yao found this uninvited guest somewhat abrupt. Although they were currently in a cooperative state, she still had to consider other factors. If someone were to witness this, how could she possibly explain herself?
Xiao Ting Yi looked at her with a faint smile. Her slightly annoyed expression was full of charm in his eyes.
"Ah Yao, rest assured, this prince has never intruded upon anyone's boudoir."
Feng Jin Yao was speechless. Every time she spoke with Prince Ding, she felt somewhat powerless. She could neither defeat him nor outwit him, always feeling as though she were a plaything in his hands.
The great interest he displayed at this moment was nothing more than fleeting.
In her previous life, Wen Meng Sheng had shown no less, and yet, she had still met such a tragic end.
Therefore, she was extremely wary and unwilling to fall into any romantic entanglements again, even if it was Prince Ding. What did it matter?
"Does Your Highness have any advice for me today?"
"Ah Yao's mind is indeed sharp. I merely utter a word, and you can guess the intention behind it. Truly a kindred spirit."
Feng Jin Yao felt a chill run down her spine but maintained a composed demeanor.
"I wouldn't call myself a kindred spirit. It's just that the path I've taken is not exactly honorable, so I have a shortcut in guessing Your Highness's intentions."
With that remark, she managed to subtly imply that Prince Ding's methods were not entirely upright, even drawing him into her words.
Unfortunately, having lived for so many years, it was impossible to make him feel ashamed with just a few sentences. Instead, his interest in Feng Jin Yao grew even stronger.
"When negotiating with the Chi family head, Ah Yao, please accompany me."
Though his voice was light, it struck Feng Jin Yao like a thunderclap.
His negotiation with the Chi family head must be related to the corruption case. The future trajectory of Jinling City might hinge on this meeting. Bringing her along? Was that not strange?
"Is Your Highness not afraid that I will disrupt your plans?"
"Ah Yao is so certain that she can disrupt this prince's plans?"
Turning the tables, Feng Jin Yao, who had little intention of participating, agreed immediately.
Watching Xiao Ting Yi's eyes crinkle with a smile, Feng Jin Yao's heart fluttered slightly.
He was exceptionally handsome, yet he always presented himself as frail. From the very beginning, she had found him distant and unapproachable.
But after several encounters, he always spoke with immense patience. Although his address was somewhat informal, he had never said anything inappropriate. Instead, he made Feng Jin Yao increasingly admire his strategic planning and immense power.
These things could not have come from mere luck; they must have been the result of meticulous planning over time and countless trials and tribulations.
Just like her.
But she had the advantage of being reborn, giving her a slight head start.
Had Xiao Ting Yi's current state been achieved because of the severe injuries he sustained ten years ago?
In her gaze towards him, there was a hint of admiration that she herself had not noticed.
They sat in silence, and after finishing a cup of tea, Prince Ding slowly departed.
With his skills and abilities, he could come and go as silently as he arrived.
He left Feng Jin Yao pondering how the wedding banquet today would conclude.
The Zhu family residence was in a state of great revelry.
After welcoming the bride, they performed the rituals of bowing to heaven and earth, and to their elders. From this day forward, they were a couple bound by shared fortune and misfortune.
And the Zhu family, having hitched themselves to the powerful Chi family, displayed a newfound pride in front of everyone.
The Cao family's representative for today's "congratulations" was Cao Sanlang, the current head of the Cao family's most favored son and heir to the family leadership.
He was gloomy in demeanor and ruthless in his methods, always giving the impression of an infernal ghost.
It was unclear what means he had employed to make the Cao family head so obedient to his every word. Since the sudden death of Cao Sidu, he had been handling most of the Cao family's external affairs, including dealings with Liang Quan Bin.
At today's banquet, Liang Quan Bin was undoubtedly the center of attention.
His status was the highest among the officials present, naturally making everyone eager to curry favor with him. Fortunately, he had a good tolerance for alcohol, and the overwhelming flattery and endless cups of wine did not intoxicate him; instead, they made him increasingly excited.
Watching this, Feng Jin Lin squinted his eyes, mentally cursing him as a scoundrel.
He then withdrew his gaze and began searching for the Chi family head.
After searching in vain, he found it rather peculiar.
Logically, he should be present today. After all, the bride was his sister. His absence seemed inappropriate.
However, seeing the fifth master of the Chi family and his son, Chi Lingyou, engaged in lively toasting and laughter, his curiosity about the Chi family head grew.
Could it be another case of family discord?
As he was contemplating this, he suddenly spotted Chi Zi Mo's figure around a corner and immediately went to find him.
Feigning an accidental stumble, he spilled wine onto Chi Zi Mo's clothes. The originally fine brocade was suddenly stained wet.
Chi Zi Mo immediately narrowed his eyes and looked at him warily, saying.
"County Magistrate Feng indeed has sharp eyes. I was walking by myself, and you still managed to bump into me?"
Feng Jin Lin pretended to stagger a few steps and said to Chi Zi Mo.
"So it's the Chi family head. My apologies, I was clumsy. This wine has a strong kick. After just a few cups, I can barely walk, hehe."
Anyone who saw him in this state would assume he was drunk.
A flicker of disgust flashed in Chi Zi Mo's eyes. Another drunkard. Jinling City was truly a coveted prize, with everyone wanting to grab a piece and take a bite.
He then beckoned for a servant from the Zhu family to help Feng Jin Lin to a side room in the back to sober up, while he himself went to change.
This minor incident was inconsequential, and no one paid it any mind.
Instead, Feng Jin Lin, who was being helped into the room, seemed somewhat disoriented. The servant immediately went to fetch some sobering soup.