The marriage between the Feng and Xu families concluded, and good news also emerged from the Kang Prince's manor.
Bai Siruo was pregnant, which delighted everyone in the Kang Prince's manor.
Especially Xiao Muqian, who, at his age, should have had children long ago. He had been delayed by his service on the border, thus postponing his marriage until now.
Compared to Princess Wenyi's pregnancy, Bai Siruo's was much smoother.
She experienced no symptoms at all. If the physician hadn't been there to examine the Princess and happened to check her pulse, she wouldn't have even known she was pregnant.
During this period, she had been constantly active, showing no signs of pregnancy.
Xiao Muqian felt a pang of fear. Although she hadn't been climbing mountains or crossing seas, she was a lively and energetic person. If something had happened by chance…
The consequences were unimaginable, so Bai Siruo was placed under house arrest.
When Feng Jinyao received the news, she couldn't help but chuckle.
"Fourth Uncle must be overjoyed. With both a child and a grandchild, he'll be busy for quite some time!"
"Indeed. The weather is so cold. No wonder he specifically went to Fahua Temple a few days ago to pray for peace charms for mother and daughter. Your eldest aunt said his shoes and socks were soaked when he returned."
Madam Feng and Feng Jinyao sat by the fireplace, warming themselves and chatting.
Eldest sister-in-law Wen Shi and second sister-in-law Xu Shi had taken over all the household affairs.
One was busy preparing New Year's goods and gifts, while the other was busy making arrangements for Feng Jinyao's upcoming marriage.
Although it was set for March, the date would arrive in the blink of an eye.
And now, it was almost New Year's Eve.
"Last year's New Year's Eve was not a lively affair for our family. Yunhe was ill, and you were with him, which worried us terribly."
"Misfortune turns into good fortune. Mother, please don't worry."
"Yes, yes, yes. The family has grown this year. Your second brother is also married, and your eldest sister-in-law gave birth to Luo'er. Our family should have a good celebration. This is your last New Year's Eve in this home. From now on, you'll be celebrating at the Ding Prince's manor."
As she spoke, she looked at Feng Jinyao with a look of contentment.
Feng Jinyao immediately threw herself into Madam Feng's arms.
She recalled that on this day in her previous life, she had been living in the Wen family, neither well nor poorly. At the time, she thought Wen Mengsheng's fluctuating affection was due to his troubles in court, but now, she realized how foolish she had been.
Fortunately, having been reborn, she had protected her family and found her true love in this life.
Mother and daughter chatted and laughed, and soon Wen Shi and Xu Shi entered.
Wen Shi was dignified, and Xu Shi was well-mannered. Madam Feng now found these two daughters-in-law increasingly pleasing to the eye.
"Mother, Third Sister."
"Eldest sister-in-law, Second sister-in-law."
Looking at Xu Mingyue, Feng Jinyao felt that her second sister-in-law was becoming more and more likable.
Wen Shi, the eldest sister-in-law, was not jealous of this.
The two had been friends before, and she also liked Xu Mingyue very much, so there were no issues between the sisters-in-law.
After the New Year, Feng Jinlin and his wife would depart for Jinling.
This time, they would also take Elder Xu and Old Madam Xu with them.
Elder Xu's health could no longer "bear it." After winter arrived, he frequently took leave from work. The Crown Prince had summoned many imperial physicians, all of whom stated that the weather in the Eastern Capital was too harsh, and Elder Xu, being old, was prone to relapses.
Therefore, Elder Xu seized the opportunity to request retirement and return to his hometown.
The Crown Prince initially tried to persuade him to stay, but seeing Elder Xu's declining health, he eventually agreed.
Moreover, with Elder Xu gone, there would be no one to lead the Grand Secretariat, allowing him to appoint his confidantes to positions of power, thus resolving many troubles.
Prime Minister Bai, on the other hand, appeared to be in high spirits, looking as if he could serve for another ten years.
The insider story was obvious to all.
With no heirs from the Xu family, continuing to serve would only make him a target in the eyes of the new Emperor.
But the Bai family was different. Bai Shanwei, Bai Prime Minister's grandson, was still in the southwest and had not yet returned. Now, another child was expected in the family. Regardless of gender, they had to hold on until Bai Shanwei could stand on his own.
Therefore, Prime Minister Bai remained vigorous.
"We received a letter from Second Uncle. He said they will bring the entire family to the capital to celebrate the New Year this year."
This news delighted everyone.
"That would be best. If they could stay a few more days, that would be even better. I fear there might be some unrest in Liangzhou."
"What do you mean?"
Feng Jinyao was backed by Xiao Tingyi, so he naturally knew more.
"The matter of the Qingyan Flower has been exposed in Linggui Kingdom, and the people are greatly enraged, demanding that the royal family severely punish the He Yu clan. This might also have some impact on Liangzhou."
"In that case, let them come quickly. You are getting married after the New Year anyway, so they can stay until your wedding, and then we can see how the situation unfolds."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement with Madam Feng's suggestion.
"Then I'll ask the Prince to help send a letter to quickly invite Second Uncle and his family to the capital."
"Mm."
Soon after receiving the letter, the Second Branch found an excuse and, taking advantage of the New Year, brought their entire family to the Eastern Capital. They arrived on the twenty-sixth of the twelfth lunar month.
Feng Hai and Feng Shan, brothers, had not seen each other for a long time and were overcome with emotion upon their reunion.
Madam Feng and Hua Shi were also very warm towards each other. With her presence, no occasion would be dull.
Once the family was seated in Yunhai Courtyard, they gathered around the fire and chatted about family matters.
"When Xiao Er and his new wife got married, we were too busy to come. Otherwise, we would have been here long ago. So, Second Aunt has specially prepared some gifts for you this time. Don't find them too little when I send them over."
"Then I won't be polite. Thank you, Second Aunt."
Feng Jinlin accepted with a happy smile. They had already received a wedding gift, and accepting another was merely to avoid awkwardness.
According to Second Aunt's usual style, the gifts would undoubtedly be valuable.
Fortunately, the cousins from the Second Branch were also getting married soon, so they could prepare an equivalent amount of gifts to send back.
It wasn't difficult.
With more people gathered, it was lively. They played dominoes one day and visited the market the next. A few days passed quickly.
On New Year's Eve, the Feng family had an unprecedented number of people.
Elder Xu and Old Madam Xu, finding their home too quiet, also came to celebrate the New Year.
Most surprisingly, the Ding Prince also appeared.
Logically, he should have been attending a banquet at the imperial palace at this time. Why had he come here?
However, considering his current "presence," no one found it strange.
The members of the Feng family's Second Branch had never met Xiao Tingyi. They only knew he was the Ding Prince, but he seemed very approachable.
Especially Feng Hai and Hua Shi, who had heard of the Ding Prince's reputation in their younger years. Seeing him like this now, they couldn't help but admire their niece's capability in being able to persuade such a figure to condescend and celebrate the New Year at the Feng residence.