Bai Sihan curtsied slightly as Bai Siruo looked at her.
"Sihan greets Eldest Sister."
It had to be said that the wet nurse chosen by Princess Wenyi was truly capable. In just a few days, Bai Sihan felt like a completely different person.
As a noble lady of a prominent family, one was often expected to maintain an attitude of dignified composure. This demeanor, however, encompassed a wealth of worldly experience, acquired skills, and even adeptness in handling interpersonal relationships. In the past, Bai Sihan's behavior swung wildly between arrogant and subservient, inevitably leading to others looking down upon her.
"How have you been at home these past few days, Second Sister? Are you getting accustomed to it?"
"I am, Eldest Aunt and Fourth Uncle's wives have been very attentive, and the governess constantly teaches me etiquette. I am listening to all of it."
"That's good. Dongdu City is not as pleasant as Qiongzhou. It's still warm in September, but once October arrives, the cold of winter will be bone-chilling. I just received some furs, and among them is a white fox pelt that I think is the finest. I'll have it made into a cloak for you. It will be warm and beautiful."
Bai Sihan was a little surprised. Bai Siruo had given her things before, but none as thoughtful as this white fox fur.
"Please keep it for yourself, Eldest Sister. My Eldest Aunt has already arranged for someone to measure me for winter clothes just the other day."
"What Eldest Aunt gives is her kind intention, and what I give is mine. Just accept it. Li Xiuniang, from Mother's chambers, stitches cloaks with the finest needlework. Let her make it for you."
"You certainly know how to arrange things," Princess Wenyi teased, watching the sisters converse. It was much better than their previous animosity.
"Thank you, Eldest Sister, and apologies for troubling Fourth Uncle's wife."
"We are family, no need for such politeness."
Bai Siruo had brought gifts for all the elders during her return visit, so everyone was happy. She had also specially prepared several bottles of pills for Princess Wenyi, claiming they were for strengthening the body. Princess Wenyi had been very busy and tired with wedding preparations, so the pills were very much to her liking.
Alas, Princess Wenyi did not know at that moment that she had been "deceived" by her own daughter. By the time she realized it, it would be too late.
Happy moments always passed quickly, and evening soon arrived. After dinner, the couple left together. Bai Silang had not much to do at the academy recently and had been granted half a month's rest. It was a good opportunity to spend time with his wife at home.
In the carriage, Bai Siruo mentioned the matter of the pills to Xiao Muqian, who looked at his wife helplessly.
"You, if your parents-in-law knew that medicine was... you'll be in trouble."
"What's there to fear? If they blame me, I'll push it onto A'yao, saying it was her idea. But I don't think Mother will necessarily trouble me. She'll probably stay home all day and dare not step out for a moment."
Xiao Muqian shook his head. "I advise you not to provoke your cousin. If the Prince finds out, be careful you don't suffer the consequences." He had not followed Prince Ding for long, but the Prince's vengeful nature was clearly inherited from somewhere. Provoke him? Unless they had too many good days, he had a premonition that Bai Siruo would be severely punished.
As it turned out, Xiao Muqian was correct. As soon as they returned to Prince Kang's mansion, they encountered the steward rushing out at the entrance, holding something like a gift list.
"Steward Guo, what are you doing?"
"This old servant congratulates the Second Mistress. His Majesty has decreed the marriage of Miss Feng San to Prince Ding as his Princess. The decree has already been sent to the Feng family. The Princess received the news and ordered this old servant to deliver these congratulatory gifts."
Through these interactions, their families had become even more closely connected.
A decree of marriage! So soon! Bai Siruo's first reaction was, "Heavens, A'yao will truly become my Imperial Aunt!" Xiao Muqian's reaction was, "From now on, it's best not to provoke anyone from the Feng family!"
The Feng family, however, was not as surprised. When the imperial decree arrived, the Feng family was stunned. Although they frowned, they still knelt to receive the edict. Feng Jinyao kept her head lowered, so the eunuch delivering the decree could not discern anything. Therefore, when reporting back to Emperor Qi, he truthfully conveyed the situation. Emperor Qi, upon hearing this, felt that the arranged marriage was indeed appropriate. Surprise indicated that they had never considered any ties with Prince Ding's mansion before. Frowning clearly showed their dissatisfaction with this union. As for the entire family kneeling to receive the edict, it was simply an imperial command that could not be disobeyed, a duty of a subject. This pleased Emperor Qi greatly, and he said to the First Prince beside him.
"The Crown Prince's actions are excellent. This way, Prince Ding's mansion and the Feng family will check and balance each other, and even subsequent marital alliances will only yield superficial benefits. Since both their bodies are not well, have the imperial physicians examine them more closely. As for how to treat them, you decide."
"Your humble servant obeys!"
Just as father and son were feeling pleased, Prince Ding, who had truly gained the most from this arrangement, finally embraced his beloved.
"With this imperial decree of marriage, I'd like to see who dares to plot against you!" His tone was gentle, yet his words sent a chill down one's spine.
"How did you manage this, Your Highness?"
"I had someone mention to the Crown Prince that the Sixth Prince intended to choose you as his principal consort."
Feng Jinyao immediately shook her head. This man was indeed very cunning. The Crown Prince, currently favored and powerful, would never allow the Sixth Prince to grow stronger. If the Sixth Prince were to choose Feng Jinyao as his consort, it would mean gaining the support of the Feng family, the Bai family, the Xu family, Prince Kang's mansion, and the Lin family! With so many influential families behind the Sixth Prince, how could the Crown Prince secure his position? Therefore, it was most important to quickly finalize Feng Jinyao's marriage, and to someone who posed no threat to the throne. For instance, Prince Ding, whose fate was uncertain and lifespan greatly reduced. Even if he had the will, his body could not support it. Even if she conceived and gave birth to Prince Ding's heir, what then? A child of a few years could hardly threaten him! The Crown Prince believed this wholeheartedly.
"The Crown Prince mentioned it, but if His Majesty was unwilling, how would he have agreed?"
"Do you remember the Qingyan Flower?"
"You drugged His Majesty?" Feng Jinyao exclaimed, realizing the trouble this could cause if discovered.
Xiao Tingyi sneered. "This pot of trouble, I won't carry. The one who contacted the Linggui Kingdom people was the Crown Prince's subordinate. The Qingyan Flower was arranged by the Empress in His Majesty's palace. When he was injured, the Crown Prince personally took care of him. When he was ill, he inevitably inhaled more of the medicinal properties. Therefore, he is now very obedient to the Crown Prince. I estimate that in less than two or three years, he will either abdicate or voluntarily become a retired emperor." Emperor Qi, who had calculated his whole life, had been outmaneuvered by Xiao Tingyi's father, mother, brothers, and even himself.