Shou Bo looked at him with disappointment, finding it both amusing and exasperating. It was Xiao Tingyi's own lack of ambition, yet he was somehow being blamed.
In the carriage, Feng Er chattered incessantly, while Feng Jinyao remained silent. Where had she slipped up for Prince Ding to discover her intentions? Even her closest family members were unaware of her feud with the Wen family, believing the Wen family's misfortune was simply retribution for their transgressions, unaware of her own machinations. The Prince Ding, with his seemingly omniscient abilities, only strengthened her resolve to stay away from him.
Seeing that Ah Yao hadn't responded to his half-hour monologue, Feng Jinlin feigned anger and raised his voice. "Ah Yao, are you even listening to me?"
"Second Brother, are you and General Yang, who serves Prince Ding, old acquaintances? And quite close ones at that?"
Feng Er immediately fell silent. He couldn't reveal the secret of Prince Ding's mansion's connection to him, as it would cause trouble. He could only find an excuse. "It's all Su Cheng's fault. He's always boasting about knowing all the officials in the capital. One time, when he was drunk, he almost got into a fight with General Yang. So, you know, we became acquainted through that."
The explanation was full of holes, and Feng Jinyao knew it was false. She stared intently at Feng Jinlin for a moment, making him uncomfortable, before retracting her gaze. "Never mind. If Second Brother doesn't want to say, then don't."
Feng Jinyao had initially planned to visit Wen Mengsheng in prison to witness his miserable state. However, she had been so unnerved by Prince Ding's few words that she abandoned the idea and returned home with the carriage. Upon alighting, she was greeted by an excited servant, who announced that visitors from the Wen family had arrived.
"My sister-in-law's family was supposed to arrive a few days ago. I wonder what delayed them until today. Well, it's good that they're here now. Sister-in-law's belly has been growing larger these past few days. With her family here to accompany her, she'll be more at ease during childbirth."
Feng Jinyao temporarily set aside her recent experiences and, along with Feng Jinlin, went to Yunhai Courtyard. Before entering, she heard her mother's hearty laughter. Pushing aside the curtain, she saw that the room was already filled with people. As her eldest brother was not on leave today, only her sister-in-law sat to her mother's right, exuding a gentle tranquility, her happiness evident to all. To her mother's left sat her sister-in-law's mother, along with a man and a woman who, judging by their appearance, were likely her siblings. The three of them bore a strong resemblance to each other.
"Mother."
"Oh, we were just talking about you two, and here you are. Come quickly and greet your Aunt Wen."
"Jinlin greets Aunt."
"Ah Yao greets Aunt."
Both bowed respectfully, displaying impeccable manners. Aunt Wen was a somewhat plump woman. Despite being a grandmother, she appeared quite youthful. Her round face and gentle features suggested a mild temperament. Dressed in a smoky green Yangzhou skirt, her complexion appeared even fairer. Beside her sat her son and daughter, both appearing to be in their early teens. The son had a steady disposition, while the daughter seemed lively and energetic. It was evident that Shu Province nurtured its people, as the three of them were exceptionally fair-skinned.
"Good, good, you are all good children. Please rise." Aunt Wen had been a little apprehensive before arriving, as the two families had not interacted much despite the marriage. She worried that the people in this prominent household might be difficult to get along with. She didn't mind enduring hardship herself, but she feared her daughter would suffer as a daughter-in-law here. Now, after being here for a short while, seeing her daughter's rosy cheeks and a much brighter disposition than before, her worries began to dissipate. Furthermore, Madam Feng was a straightforward woman. Although she hadn't interacted much with her in-laws, she was very considerate in her dealings, and Aunt Wen's impression of the Feng family soared. She introduced her son and daughter to Feng Jinyao and Feng Jinlin. "These are my children, Hui Ge'er and Meng Jie'er. They are about the same age as Third Miss. When they heard I was coming to see their sister, they insisted on coming along. Now, we are imposing on our in-laws."
"What are you saying, Aunt? Such fine children should certainly be brought out more often. Meng Jie'er seems to have a lively personality, just like my niece from my maternal family. I'll have Ah Yao take her to meet her one of these days."
Madam Feng's niece was a lady from Prime Minister Bai's mansion, a person of considerable status. Although the Wen family hailed from Shu Province and was prosperous, they were still far from comparable to the nobility in the capital. Therefore, they had repeatedly cautioned their children to be observant and mindful during their journey. Feng Jinyao had not interacted much with the Wen family in her previous life. After her sister-in-law and Yunhe both passed away from illness, their family had severed ties with the Wen family. Thus, she was unaware of their character. However, judging by her sister-in-law's demeanor, she could infer the Wen family's upbringing. As expected, the Wen son and daughter stepped forward and bowed to Feng Jinlin and Feng Jinyao.
"Greetings, Second Brother, greetings, Ah Yao older sister."
"Greetings, Second Brother, greetings, Ah Yao older sister."
Hui Ge'er's temperament was somewhat similar to Feng Jinxu's, though less stern. Meng Jie'er, on the other hand, had been smiling since entering the room, and with the two dimples by her mouth, she was instantly likable.
"You've arrived at the perfect time. The gifts I prepared in my courtyard have been waiting for you. I'll have them sent to Yanle Xuan later. You can have some fun." Feng Jinyao smiled and said gracefully. Yanle Xuan was a small courtyard that the Feng family had prepared long ago. It was located close to the main family's courtyard, with a small path connecting them. The arrangement was intended to facilitate reunions for the Wen family, as they hadn't seen each other in seven or eight years and likely had much to discuss. Hearing Feng Jinyao speak, Aunt Wen became even happier. The Feng family members were not arrogant and treated them courteously, so she, in turn, presented gifts she had prepared to the siblings. "This is embroidery from our Shu Province. The stitches are fine and breathable, making it most comfortable and cool for summer wear. I hope Second Young Master and Third Miss will not find it too humble."
"Aunt is too kind. You can call me Xiao Er, just like Mother, and Ah Yao."
"Is that alright?"
"What's there to be afraid of? You are my sister-in-law's mother, and also our elder. It's perfectly fine to call us affectionately." Feng Jinlin made every effort to show goodwill, fearing that Aunt Wen might be put off by his elder brother's sternness upon meeting him. He wanted to make it clear to Aunt Wen that not all Feng family members were as serious and unsmiling as his elder brother.