After getting into the carriage, Feng Jinyao, with Yunxu's assistance, changed back into her original attire.
She instructed the coachman to head west of the city. She had another person to meet today.
The clatter of hooves and the rumble of wheels on the ground struck Feng Jinyao's heart with each beat.
After the Wen family's demise, she had finally managed to assuage the guilt she felt towards the Feng family in her previous life.
The heavy burden on her heart finally lifted, knowing her family would not face annihilation due to her wrong choice of a husband.
However, the Wei family, who had plotted against them, was still active, so Feng Jinyao could not fully relax.
By the time the mistress and her maid found Shuanggui Lane, Qiao Shanwei had already been waiting for a long time.
He had sent the Qiao couple away, and Yunxu, understanding propriety, kept watch in the courtyard. Thus, only Feng Jinyao and Qiao Shanwei were in the inner room.
They were both very forthright. Feng Jinyao got straight to the point.
"How did you know I would come?"
"I guessed it after the Wen family incident."
"Why?"
"The Bai family in the past prioritized self-preservation and disliked attracting attention. Especially since the eldest branch of the Bai family only held a minor position as a fifth-rank official in court. Now, not only have they presided over the Wen family's corruption case, but they have also been promoted by two ranks. Anyone can see that the Bai family no longer wishes to be prey. Therefore, I guessed you would come."
Feng Jinyao was genuinely impressed by his confident demeanor.
He was even younger than her, yet so mature and steady.
Her ability to scheme against the Wen family was merely due to her memories of her past life.
But Qiao Shanwei's capabilities were entirely his own. He could see the big picture from small details, possessed a meticulous mind, and was bold and confident. Any one of these qualities was indispensable for the Bai family's current pursuit of power.
Although her maternal uncle's official position had been elevated, he was still not insightful enough in some matters.
If not for her maternal grandfather's constant guidance, it would have taken more effort.
But Qiao Shanwei was different. At such a young age, he had such foresight. If he were to receive personal instruction from Prime Minister Bai, he would undoubtedly become a prominent figure in the future.
Therefore, Feng Jinyao's visit today was to pave the way for his return home.
"Since that's the case, you must have thought it through and decided to return to the Bai family?"
"Cousin's words are interesting. Shanwei has always been a member of the Bai family, hasn't he?"
Dealing with intelligent people was effortless; their thoughts could be understood with just a word. Feng Jinyao's eyes sparkled with unconcealable joy.
"Good. In that case, you should pack your belongings. In a few days, you will accompany us to Jinling City."
Qiao Shanwei frowned. He had thought Feng Jinyao had come to take him back to the Bai family directly, but he hadn't expected a trip to Jinling City.
"Us"?
It seemed more than one person.
After a moment of thought, he said to Feng Jinyao,
"You plan to go to Jinling City with Second Cousin?"
Upon hearing his words, Feng Jinyao's admiration deepened. She didn't even need to speak; Qiao Shanwei could guess who would accompany them. With him there, he would surely be a great help to her second brother!
Moreover, his greatest talent was not limited to this. Taking him to Jinling City had an even more important purpose, which was not convenient to reveal at the moment.
"Yes, and Second Brother. This journey to Jinling City will not be a peaceful one, but if you can navigate it, your return to the Bai family will silence any doubts. Since you know the Bai family's current situation, do your best to shoulder some of the burden for the Bai family."
Qiao Shanwei did not reply but lowered his head in deep thought.
Feng Jinyao's words were indeed true.
Because of his background, entering the Bai family was not a simple matter.
If he were to join the third branch, it would not cause much of a stir, as he was merely a concubine's son and had been posted elsewhere.
However, if he intended to join the eldest branch, it would undoubtedly stir up considerable trouble.
Being adopted into the eldest branch meant that he would eventually control the entire Bai family. It was easy to imagine how much opposition the Bai family relatives would have. They would think it was a joke for a young man, who couldn't even be considered an outside son, to take charge of the entire Bai family. It would be a miracle if they agreed easily.
Therefore, Qiao Shanwei had to achieve something. Either someone would vouch for him and suppress the dissatisfaction, or his achievements would be so great that they would bring glory to the Bai family, thus smoothing his path home.
At the same time, he could use this opportunity to make a good impression on the Bai family members, achieving multiple goals with one action.
He had previously intended to investigate the Bai family, and the Bai family also wanted to test his abilities.
Prime Minister Bai, in particular, would not allow someone useless to prop up the Bai family's reputation at such a critical juncture.
After a moment of silence, or perhaps after figuring things out, Qiao Shanwei nodded in agreement.
With the outcomes of two major matters settled, Feng Jinyao finally let out a long sigh of relief and began her journey home.
As the carriage stopped at her doorstep, she happened to encounter her two maternal aunts and cousin Bai Siruo.
"Ayao!"
Bai Siruo's voice was still as sweet as ever, always making Feng Jinyao feel as if she were bathing in spring breeze, no matter the time or place.
Especially after witnessing the gruesome sight of Wen Mengsheng being torn apart by five horses, hearing such a clear and pleasant voice at this moment was truly comforting.
"Ayao greets Eldest Aunt and Fourth Aunt."
"Good, good. Just returned?"
"Yes, I had some free time today and went out to buy some hair oil for Mother. The last batch is almost used up. It's fortunate that Aunties have come, otherwise, I would have asked them to send some over."
"You are such a thoughtful child."
"I'm glad Aunties like it."
After saying this, she smiled at them. Bai Siruo stepped forward and hooked her arm. The two of them, intimately close, followed their two aunts into the mansion.
"Why have you come today?"
"You, my dear, are probably living too smoothly and have forgotten. Your coming-of-age ceremony is at the end of the month. Eldest Aunt and Mother are here today to give you gifts."
Gifts?
Didn't people usually come on the day itself, or two or three days beforehand?
Why had they come so early, a full half-month in advance?
Sensing her confusion, Bai Siruo explained mysteriously.
"Also, your 'Red Phoenix Star' might be about to move. Eldest Aunt is here today to speak favorably on behalf of her nephew."
Bai Siruo's teasing expression made Feng Jinyao understand immediately.
She had been so focused on the Wen family's affairs that she hadn't noticed this crucial timing.
The Lin family, the maternal relatives of her Eldest Aunt, and her cousin were all good, but unfortunately, they were not her suitable match.
Her heart and mind were currently consumed with how to drag the Liang family down and cripple the Wei family. How could she possibly have the intention to get engaged?
After the two aunts left, she would have to have a serious talk with her mother about this matter.
Her expression was somewhat uncomfortable, and Bai Siruo, mistaking it for shyness, almost burst into laughter.
"How you used to tease me! Now it's your turn. Let's see if your little mouth can still be as eloquent!"