This out, Yang Zhao had nothing more to say. He completely shut up and squatted on another tree trunk, silently recalling the kindness the Prince had shown him in the past.
Now, he truly had a wife and had forgotten his subordinates.
Damn it!
It wasn't until Feng Jinyao closed the window, blew out the lamp, and retired for the night that the master and servant duo disappeared.
Dawn broke, and the next morning, Yin Canwen arrived at the Feng family's door with many gifts of gratitude.
Although he came from a humble background, he still had some savings.
Now that the imperial examination results were posted, he was a guaranteed Zhuangyuan (top scholar).
Many people who had never associated with him before now flocked to congratulate him, their flattery making one lament the importance of power.
It was precisely at such times that he missed the help and care the Feng family had given him when he was in obscurity even more.
Therefore, he had prepared the gifts yesterday and came in person today to express his thanks.
For a time, the Feng family's momentum was incredibly strong.
Some observant citizens even voiced their speculations, "I think this Zhuangyuan coming today looks like he's proposing to the Feng family. I heard their third young lady will have her coming-of-age ceremony at the end of the month. To have such a fine son-in-law is truly good fortune for the Feng family."
"What are you talking about? The Feng family's third young lady's status is not something this new Zhuangyuan can match. My old man was setting up his stall on the street in front of the mansion a few days ago and saw many ladies alight from carriages. Perhaps they all came to seek marriage with the Feng family."
"That's true. I heard this third young lady is as beautiful as a celestial being, with a good family background. She might even be able to marry into the royal family. A Zhuangyuan from a humble background might truly be out of her league."
Idle gossip is just gossip. At this moment, Yin Canwen, who was the subject of conversation, wore a joyous expression.
Upon entering the Yunhai Courtyard, he bowed to Lord Feng and Madam Feng to express his gratitude, and then presented the gifts.
The gifts were not numerous, but they were heartfelt.
Feng Hai already had a very good impression of him. Seeing his well-mannered, considerate, and humble demeanor now, he was even more pleased.
He exchanged a look with Madam Feng, their meaning self-evident.
"Where is A'Yao? Why isn't she here?"
Feng Er also joined the lively conversation. He didn't have any intention of making Yin Canwen his brother-in-law, but he was curious why she hadn't appeared.
"Yun Xu reported earlier that she was unwell and had a headache. I suspect she got sunburnt when she went out yesterday. So, I told her to rest in bed and that it's not too late to come when she's better."
"Unwell?"
Feng Er recalled the scene when he saw her yesterday. Her complexion was indeed not good.
Yin Canwen, hearing this, also frowned. He wanted to see her but felt it would be too presumptuous.
He knew his chances were slim, but if he didn't take this first step, he might regret it later. So, steeling his resolve, he said to Lord and Madam Feng,
"Uncle and Aunt, may I go and see the third young lady? I have something I wish to say to her in person."
Madam Feng was surprised. How had she never known Yin Canwen to be so bold?
Lord Feng, however, was delighted at this prospect and said with a hearty laugh,
"You are all family. When you lived here before, you had interactions with A'Yao. Let Xiao Er take you to see her. It's fine!"
Lord Feng's attitude made Yin Canwen's eyes light up.
After repeatedly thanking them, he left with Feng Jinlin.
After the two left, Madam Feng glanced at her husband, "Do you mean to betroth him to our daughter?"
"Madam, you can think carefully. Canwen is indeed not bad. It seems like he is the one gaining an advantage now, but it is A'Yao who truly benefits. Look at the worry on his face when he heard A'Yao was ill. If she marries him, she will surely live a comfortable and happy life in the future."
Madam Feng remained silent. Perhaps it was because of the many ladies she had met recently, all speaking highly of their nephews.
If nothing else, the Lin family's second young master was a good choice.
Based on her understanding of her sister-in-law, if it weren't good, she wouldn't have come to advocate for it.
Therefore, she actually leaned more towards the Lin family's second young master.
Thinking of this, she conveyed her sister-in-law's intentions from yesterday. Feng Hai's previously confident expression showed a hint of indecision.
The Lin family was a loyal and righteous household. Just the fact that they were willing to help the Bai family during their recent difficulties showed their family's character.
Compared to the Lin family's second young master, Yin Canwen seemed much less substantial.
For a moment, he also hesitated.
"Enough, enough. For the children's matters, Madam, you decide. Or, you can subtly ask A'Yao's opinion. Both are good choices, and either one is fine!"
Feng Hai felt that instead of them, the parents, deliberating, it was better to ask their daughter her own wishes.
If she had her heart set on a good marriage with one of them, they would be very happy.
Madam Feng thought this was a good idea and planned to have a heart-to-heart talk with her daughter after Yin Canwen left.
In Ning'an Courtyard.
Feng Jinyao was not surprised when she heard her second brother and Yin Canwen were coming.
Especially when she saw the worry on his face for her, she became even more determined to clarify the matter.
She had no intention of getting involved with anyone. She could not reciprocate Yin Canwen's feelings for her.
Since that was the case, it was better to cut the Gordian knot quickly, lest it lead to more sorrow and trouble in the future.
Therefore, when she met the two of them, she faced them with her usual composure.
"Is the third young lady feeling better?"
"Thank you for your concern, Young Master Yin. I am much better."
"That's good. Canwen is here today to thank the entire Feng family for their past help and care. Now that I have achieved the top rank, I have finally lived up to everyone's expectations."
Feng Er happily patted his shoulder, "You only think of living up to everyone's expectations, but why don't you think about living up to your own past hard work day and night? You are just like this. When you go to the Grand Secretariat in the future, you must learn well from Senior Grand Secretary Xu."
According to ancient custom, the top scholar was directly appointed to the Grand Secretariat. Although the initial official rank would not be high, it was a shortcut. As long as one seized the opportunity, in twenty to thirty years, one would surely be a central minister in the Grand Secretariat.
With Yin Canwen's ability and Senior Grand Secretary Xu's fondness for him, he might even succeed the Grand Secretary's position.
Yin Canwen smiled, but his hopeful gaze was directed at Feng Jinyao.
He understood what Feng Jinlin had just said and what he meant in his heart.
He had come today to gather his courage and tell Feng Jinyao that although his foundation was a bit weak now, it did not mean it would always be so.
Therefore, if Feng Jinyao did not mind giving him an opportunity to prove himself, he would certainly not disappoint!
"Second Brother, could you step out for a moment? I have something to say to Young Master Yin."
In this situation, Feng Er suddenly remembered what had happened at Uncle Shou's house a few days ago. It was also Prince Ding who had asked them all to leave, wanting to speak to A'Yao alone.
Why did all these people like to speak alone?
"Is it not alright if I stay?"
Feng Jinyao glanced at her second brother and said with a faint smile, "It won't take long."
"Alright, since you insist, I'll wait in the courtyard."
"Okay."