She had originally intended to enter the manor as a concubine under the guise of a princess's maid.
Later, she realized that instead of fighting for favor with other women in the back courtyard, it was better to stay in this residence.
Although it wasn't large, she was in charge of everything within its walls.
If she could conceive a child, she could then enter the manor. By then, the storm would have passed, and her status would naturally be secured.
Thus, she stayed peacefully in the courtyard, receiving his favor, and never caused any trouble for Prince Ke.
Prince Ke was most fond of compliant and beautiful women like her, especially Wen Yuwei's delicate appearance, which always stirred a desire to conquer.
"Don't worry, Yu'er. The situation is a bit tense right now. Wait until some time has passed, and I'll bring you back to the manor. Then we can be together every day! As for sending a letter to your brother, let's wait a while longer. He's also being watched. If it weren't for his status as a驸马 (imperial son-in-law), his fate would likely be the same as yours."
The words spoken in moments of passion were naturally sweet nothings.
Although Wen Yuwei was anxious upon hearing this, she was helpless.
Since that was the case, she had to hold onto Prince Ke even tighter. She then smiled charmingly, her allure captivating him, and the two were once again lost in tenderness.
Little did she know that her brother, Wen Xinglu, who had been searching for her whereabouts in vain, was now on a carriage returning to the Princess's manor.
His leg injury had healed considerably, and as the imperial physician had said, if he didn't walk too quickly, there wouldn't be any obvious problems.
The siblings had originally planned to return to their hometown and live a peaceful life, but they never expected Wen Yuwei, who had gone out to buy things, to disappear without a trace.
Wen Xinglu had sent people to search for her, but there was no news.
The more this was the case, the more he understood the importance of power.
He had considered countless possibilities, but no matter which one, they required sufficient influence to protect the remaining members of the Wen family.
Thus, he braved the pressure and sought out the Grand Princess Changlin. After much effort, he finally had this opportunity to return to the manor, and he would not let it slip away.
When he opened his eyes again, he was standing at the gate of the Princess's manor.
The guards and servants who had previously looked down on him were now all haughty.
Wen Xinglu silently vowed in his heart that he would make those who had belittled him pay a heavy price in the future.
The next morning, Feng Jinyao and her second brother brought some gifts and headed to Pear Blossom Lane.
When the carriage stopped in front of Aunt Zhang's house, the two were unaware that there was also a distinguished guest inside.
When Aunt Zhang opened the door, she was somewhat surprised, but then her eyes lit up. She quickly opened the gate wide and immediately said,
"Third Miss, why have you come? Come in, come in quickly!"
What is fate, but destiny's arrangement? In her eyes, this coincidence was Cupid's matchmaking!
There was hope!
Sensing Aunt Zhang's even more enthusiastic welcome than usual, Feng Jinlin suddenly felt a bit wary.
Why did her eyes resemble those of the madams who wanted to marry A'yao into their families? They were practically glowing green!
Just as he was wondering about the reason, he saw a man sitting calmly in the inner room.
"Your Highness? What are you doing here?"
Feng Er was shocked. How could the dignified Prince Ding appear in such an ordinary civilian residence? Moreover, judging by Aunt Zhang's expression, there was no fear or restraint, suggesting they were unusually familiar.
After the incident at Fahua Temple, Feng Jinyao already knew the closeness of their relationship.
She just hadn't expected to encounter him here, so she was also stunned.
Aunt Zhang quickly asked them to sit down for tea and went to prepare refreshments.
The "frightening" Xiao Tingyi then slowly began to explain.
"She is this king's wet nurse."
Feng Jinlin's eyes widened, truly unable to comprehend how such a coincidence could occur in the world!
He looked left and right, wanting to say something, but the words dared not escape his lips, for fear of offending this celestial being and being disciplined again!
Yang Zhao, standing behind Prince Ding, watched Feng Er's predicament with great amusement.
Although his face remained impassive, his eyes were full of smiles.
Feng Jinyao, being extremely sharp, had already sensed that they seemed to know each other, and not just superficially.
Her fear of this Prince Ding, Xiao Tingyi, deepened.
Doctor Zhang emerged from the inner room, parting the curtain, and was also momentarily taken aback by the scene. By the time he recovered, his wife had already piled all sorts of tea snacks on the table.
For some reason, he felt that this scene had a hint of... a matchmaking session.
So, he grunted twice, breaking the awkwardness for everyone.
"Shou Bo."
"Why have you come?"
"Second Brother said he wanted to taste the wild tea you collected last time and see how it differs from the Jingming tea he likes?"
Feng Jinlin raised an eyebrow at Feng Jinyao, his face showing both surprise and helplessness. However, in front of outsiders, he had to maintain his sister's dignity, truly enduring hardship in silence.
"Yes, I was just feeling a bit greedy."
Shou Bo had never had a good impression of this young man Feng Er, and after hearing his words, he rolled his eyes even more.
Being inexplicably startled by the Prince and then being so despised by Shou Bo, even with Feng Er's thick skin, he couldn't help but sigh a couple of times.
Feng Jinyao couldn't help but smile as she watched him struggle.
Little did she know that this was a beautiful sight in Xiao Tingyi's eyes.
"There isn't much wild tea. Take some back to try. If you like it, then come with me to the mountains to collect it. Don't just think about eating ready-made things all day. I don't have that much energy to supply you with tea."
Doctor Zhang said this while handing over a jar.
Feng Jinyao heard his somewhat complaining words and felt that he was hinting at something.
Clearly, the person being complained about seemed not to hear and calmly continued to drink his tea.
Feng Jinyao's original intention for this visit was not to chat with Shou Bo and his wife. She had planned to take the tea and leave after a short stay.
However, with Prince Ding present, many things were inconvenient to say.
Although he hadn't spoken, his aura was extremely cold, making the siblings feel goosebumps even in April.
Furthermore, A'yao kept tugging at Feng Er's hem under the table. He had no choice but to brace himself and speak.
"Shou Bo, Auntie, we have other matters at home. A'yao and I will take our leave now. We will visit you again another day."
After saying this, he quickly stood up and bowed to Xiao Tingyi.
"Your Highness, please enjoy your tea. My sister and I will not disturb you further."
Feng Jinyao also performed a half-kneeling bow, appearing obedient, and followed Feng Jinlin towards the exit.
However, before she could even take a step, Xiao Tingyi spoke up.
"Third Miss, please stay. This king has something to say to you."
At these words, it was Feng Jinyao's turn to swallow.
She had never had any dealings with Prince Ding. Why would he want to speak with her at this moment?