"Naturally, don't just look at how small these items are, but there are so many varieties. For just this one lipstick, there are dozens of colors, and many categories..."
Lin Yuwei's mouth was wide open, listening to Feng Jin's explanation in astonishment. How could she possibly remember all of this? It was far too much.
"Differentiating these things is a woman's instinct. Just get familiar with them slowly, and you'll remember them all soon, don't worry."
Feng Jin spoke to comfort her. After all, it wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight. Putting too much pressure on her would be counterproductive; it had to be a gradual process.
Lin Yuwei's confidence immediately surged: "I will definitely follow and learn diligently."
She could even memorize the Four Books and Five Classics, let alone these things. She would learn them quickly with effort.
...
Feng Jin returned home and went straight to the rooms of the two little ones.
After Da Bao and Er Bao learned to crawl, Feng Jin had the entire room covered with thick carpets to allow them to move freely.
"Da Bao, come quickly to find Mama."
Da Bao was famously energetic. Seeing Feng Jin waving at him, he happily wiggled his chubby body and crawled over.
In contrast, Er Bao's temperament was exceedingly calm, a perfect replica of Ling Mo Han. Even when coaxed with great effort, it was difficult to elicit even a smile from Er Bao.
It even made Feng Jin doubt if Er Bao could smile at all, until Ling Mo Han made funny faces and played with toys to amuse him, finally eliciting a slightly shy smile from Er Bao, completely dispelling Feng Jin's doubts.
Once she confirmed Er Bao was fine, Feng Jin stopped worrying about him and just let him be, whether he smiled or not.
"You're really quite biased, only doting on your elder son and completely neglecting Er Bao."
Ling Mo Han's voice, filled with playful jealousy, sounded from above Feng Jin's head. He then bent down and scooped Er Bao into his arms, not forgetting to sow discord: "See? Your Mama only likes your brother. It's your Daddy who dotes on you, otherwise, no one would hold you."
Looking at his childish behavior, Feng Jin rolled her eyes helplessly: "Sons are a mother's lover from a past life. No matter how you try to sow discord, it's useless."
She firmly believed that her bond with her sons was unbreakable, and Ling Mo Han's petty attempts at manipulation were utterly useless.
Handing Da Bao over to Cai Qing, Feng Jin beckoned to Er Bao. The little one immediately wriggled, wanting to go to her.
Feng Jin smiled joyfully and reached out to hold Er Bao: "Baby, you mustn't be deceived by your Daddy's few words. Mama loves you very, very much."
"You heartless one," Ling Mo Han said, lightly patting Er Bao's bottom.
The usually calm Er Bao suddenly burst into tears, which deeply distressed Feng Jin. She quickly held the little one in her arms and soothed him gently.
Ling Mo Han, the culprit, naturally received several glares from Feng Jin.
Ling Mo Han's gaze fell on the little one whimpering in Feng Jin's arms. On his face, which bore a striking resemblance to Ling Mo Han's, a triumphant smile emerged. For a moment, Ling Mo Han thought he was mistaken. How could such a young child display such a smile? But what happened next completely overturned his denial.
Da Bao, who was nearly asleep in Cai Qing's arms, seemed to notice Er Bao in Feng Jin's embrace and immediately began to fuss. Cai Qing was bewildered and couldn't console him no matter what. She helplessly looked to Feng Jin and Ling Mo Han for help: "Young Madam, the little master has been crying non-stop."
Feng Jin, holding the recently soothed Er Bao, couldn't free herself. She looked at Ling Mo Han.
"I'll coax him."
Ling Mo Han took the child. Da Bao, sensing the movement, lifted his eyelids and glanced at Ling Mo Han. Seeing it wasn't the person he wanted, his little face immediately drooped, his lips curved downwards, and he started crying loudly.
"You little brat, crying just because I'm holding you. I think you're asking for a beating."
"Don't scare him with whatever you're doing."
Feng Jin had just settled the sleeping Er Bao on the bed when she heard Ling Mo Han scolding their son. She immediately stepped forward and took Da Bao from him.
As soon as he was in Feng Jin's arms, Da Bao pouted, tears welling up in his eyes, looking utterly wronged.
"Okay, don't cry... don't cry, Mama's here."
Feng Jin gently patted Da Bao. Before long, Da Bao stopped crying and lay in Feng Jin's arms, smiling radiantly.
"This kid is really quite smart. He already knows who to pick at such a young age."
Ling Mo Han was now witnessing the boy's cleverness. At such a tender age, he already understood these things. What would happen when he got older?
"In a couple of days, Xiliang will send envoys to Dongchu." Ling Mo Han suddenly said this.
"Xiliang..."
Another name Feng Jin had never heard before. Feng Jin said faintly, "Never heard of it. What's up?"
"Among the envoys from Xiliang, there will be the Fifth Princess of Xiliang."
"This is their attempt at a marriage alliance. Since she's a princess, she should be betrothed to a prince or something."
Upon hearing that a princess would be among the envoys, anyone could guess Xiliang's intentions – it was clearly a marriage alliance.
Among Emperor Xuanwen's princes, only Chu Chenyi and Chu Yanxi were noteworthy. The Fifth Prince was too young, and the Fourth Prince was not presentable.
However, both Chu Chenyi and Chu Yanxi were already married. No matter how one looked at it, a princess could not be made a concubine.
"Who has the Fifth Princess of Xiliang set her sights on?"
Ling Mo Han shook his head: "I don't know. It's just that Xiliang's imperial letter subtly conveyed their desire for a marriage alliance, but it didn't specify which prince."
"Even if a prince is chosen, he must be given the position of main consort."
"What if the chosen prince is already married? Do they expect the couple to divorce?"
Feng Jin voiced her doubts. If this was the case, whoever the Fifth Princess chose would be in trouble.
"That's not our concern. Once the Xiliang princess chooses someone, it will be difficult to refuse. Let's see which unlucky fellow it will be."
The relationship between Dongchu and Xiliang had always been tense. Xiliang's proactive proposal for a marriage alliance was due to two consecutive years of drought, resulting in crop failure and a significantly weakened national strength, making them unable to engage in war with Dongchu.
Seeking peace was a way to buy time for recuperation. Dongchu, having fought continuously with Cangnan in recent years, had incurred huge expenses, leaving its treasury depleted. Seeking peace with Xiliang was also the best option. This marriage alliance was almost inevitable.
No matter which prince the Fifth Princess of Xiliang chose, Emperor Xuanwen would certainly not wish to offend Xiliang. It was likely that all the princes were now in a state of anxiety.