The Dingnan Royal Residence, besides the King himself, was also accompanied by the Crown Prince and his wife, who were Feng Jiangduo's parents, and Feng Jiangduo's two younger brothers.
Feng Jiangduo was the eldest legitimate granddaughter of the King of Dingnan, with three younger brothers following her.
Although she was a woman, she was most favored by the King of Dingnan and was personally tutored by him. Her prowess in military strategy and martial arts far surpassed that of her three brothers.
Even her name, like that of the male grandchildren of the Feng family, included the character "Jiang."
Currently, the eldest legitimate grandson, Feng Jiangcheng, remained in Nanzhou, acting on behalf of the King of Dingnan to govern Nanzhou and the royal residence.
The entire family of the King of Dingnan entered the city in a lively procession, and Feng Jiangduo was there to greet them at the city gate.
Upon seeing his granddaughter, the King of Dingnan was teary-eyed. Without time for pleasantries, he first proceeded to the palace with the Crown Prince to pay respects to the Emperor.
Feng Jiangduo, along with her mother and two brothers, returned to the Dingnan Royal Residence.
The Feng family had come this time for Feng Jiangduo's marriage. Although the King of Dingnan was reluctant, he brought a large dowry. In addition to over a dozen carts of luggage, several boats of goods were transported over a few days later.
As the group entered the residence, the servants went about their tasks of organizing and unpacking the luggage.
The Crown Princess, Madam Wei, held Feng Jiangduo's hand, gently stroking her daughter's cheeks and hair, unable to look away.
"You've lost weight. Living alone in the royal residence, with no one to look after you."
Feng Jiangduo's second brother, Feng Jiangyi, complained, "How did the Princess of Ding'an promise us? They brought you to Duanjing and then abandoned you? They spoke so nicely when they left!"
"Exactly," chimed in her third brother, Feng Jiangbo. "They crossed the bridge and tore it down, humph. Where is that Xiao Mo? Did he just let you live here all alone?"
Feng Jiangduo found it both amusing and exasperating. "It has nothing to do with them; I prefer peace and quiet. The Ding'an Royal Residence is crowded, and they've added two more children."
"Besides, this royal residence was bestowed by the Emperor. Can I not live here? I don't always live here. When I first arrived, I stayed at the Ding'an Royal Residence. It was only after the Emperor bestowed this royal residence that I moved in."
Feng Jiangshi pouted, still looking displeased.
When only Madam Wei and Feng Jiangduo remained, Madam Wei said, "Tell me the truth, daughter. Have you broken up with Xiao Mo?"
Feng Jiangduo looked at Madam Wei in surprise.
Madam Wei said with a hint of pride, "I am your mother; I know you well. When have you ever spoken such a long string of words?"
Feng Jiangduo: "..."
She sheepishly touched her head.
"No, we haven't broken up," she said. "But his mother doesn't like me."
Madam Wei frowned and thought for a long time. "Ah, Consort Dowager Fang... Heh, it doesn't matter. As long as the Old Consort Dowager likes you, that's enough. As for Consort Dowager Fang, just treat her like a Bodhisattva. Whatever she says, just agree, just agree."
Feng Jiangduo pursed her lips and smiled. "Yaoyao said the same thing."
Madam Wei smiled. "The Princess of Ding'an is a good sister-in-law. If you really marry into their family, you certainly won't suffer."
Feng Jiangduo smiled faintly.
"We'll visit the Ding'an Royal Residence in a couple of days. By the way, whatever you do, don't let your grandfather know that Consort Dowager Fang dislikes you..."
Feng Jiangduo nodded. She knew her grandfather's temper.
No matter how bad she was, in her grandfather's eyes, she was the best girl in the world. Anyone who didn't like her was simply flawed.
"Speaking of which, why doesn't Consort Dowager Fang like you?" Madam Wei was quite puzzled.
Feng Jiangduo came from a noble background, held a county princess title, was accomplished in both civil and military arts, and was as beautiful as a flower.
Strictly speaking, Xiao Mo was merely an adopted son of the Ding'an Royal Residence and had no official titles.
Feng Jiangduo was more than a match for him.
It was the Feng family who should have looked down on Xiao Mo, yet Consort Dowager Fang dared to look down on Feng Jiangduo!
Madam Wei hadn't taken it seriously at first, but after thinking it over and over, she became somewhat indignant.
Consort Dowager Fang was truly audacious!
Feng Jiangduo said, "She thinks I'm not virtuous enough for wielding swords and spears, not dignified enough for appearing in public, and not gentle enough for being cold."
"Hmph!" Madam Wei sneered. "She has quite a list of demands. What kind of immortal does she think her son is?"
Madam Wei, who had initially been quite fond of Xiao Mo, now transferred her displeasure to him because of Consort Dowager Fang.
Feng Jiangduo sighed, "Mother!"
"I know, I know," Madam Wei said. "Xiao Mo is a good child. I'm just saying that. I'm not like that Consort Dowager Fang. I am an enlightened parent, and the child's happiness is paramount."
Madam Wei decided that when she met Consort Dowager Fang, she would give her a good lecture and change her old-fashioned ways of thinking.
As an established prince, the King of Dingnan possessed military power, a fiefdom, and seniority. Upon his arrival in Duanjing, all the prominent families vied to send gifts to the Dingnan Royal Residence to curry favor.
Even the Crown Prince and Prince Rong offered congratulatory gifts.
As the prospective son-in-law, Xiao Mo naturally paid a visit.
After a pleasant conversation, the King of Dingnan's family prepared gifts and visited the Ding'an Royal Residence the next day. The Old Consort Dowager, along with the entire family, warmly welcomed them.
Consort Dowager Fang was not supposed to appear, but anticipating that the Dingnan Royal Residence would discuss marriage, she broke her years-long custom and also came to greet them.