With the raw materials all available, making a cake was a simple matter, though it would be hard work for Lu Shixian.
The full moon banquet for the two children finally concluded amidst joyous celebrations.
After seeing off the guests, Feng Jin hurried back to the room to attend to the two children.
"Madam, where should these congratulatory gifts be placed?"
"Let me see." Feng Jin handed the children over to the wet nurse and went out with Cai Qing.
"Madam, they are all here." Cai Qing had already taken a brief look and was waiting for Feng Jin's instructions.
Feng Jin scanned them briefly. Most were common items, with only a few rare treasures.
"Has Ling Wan's five-venom bellyband been put on the children?"
"It was put on the two young masters long ago."
As soon as the banquet ended, Cai Qing had dressed the two precious infants in the five-venom bellybands.
"Madam, the second young lady and the concubine have truly skillful hands. The five-venom bellybands are exquisitely embroidered and look extremely beautiful on the two young masters. They will surely ward off illness and disasters for them."
"Ling Wan's needlework is indeed excellent. Even the embroiderers in the palace might not be as good."
Feng Jin's eyes immediately fell on the five-venom bellyband. Such fine embroidery would be priceless in her past life.
"And this neckband from the Princess of Jing, it's also very delicate. Should it be put into storage or kept out?"
"Keep it out. We can have the children wear it for their hundredth day."
Feng Jin then went through the remaining items. Only when she was sure nothing was amiss did she instruct people to put everything into the storeroom.
Only the sachet placed on the table caught Feng Jin's attention. This sachet was a gift from Liu Menghan, which immediately made Feng Jin feel a sense of vigilance.
"Madam, shall I take this sachet down and discard it?"
"No, leave it for now. I want to see what tricks they are up to. Go get a pair of scissors."
"Yes, Madam."
Cai Qing found a pair of scissors and handed them to Feng Jin.
Feng Jin directly cut open the sachet. Inside, it contained calming herbs. After checking each herb, she found nothing amiss. In the lining of the sachet, a peace talisman was sewn.
"Madam, I have checked everything. There is nothing else."
Unbeknownst to her, the more it seemed normal, the more uneasy Feng Jin felt. What kind of trick was Liu Menghan playing?
"Clean these up and burn them all."
Feng Jin dropped the remark and turned to leave.
Back in the room, Feng Jin was still troubled. She sat on the chair, constantly trying to guess Liu Menghan's intentions, not even hearing the children cry.
"What's wrong with you today? The children are crying so loudly, and you haven't reacted at all."
Ling Mohan cradled the child and soothed him for a long time before he stopped crying.
Feng Jin, jolted back to reality, was filled with self-reproach. She hurried to check on the children. Seeing their slightly red eyes and the tear streaks on their faces, Feng Jin's self-blame intensified.
"What's wrong? You seem so preoccupied. Have you been tired from taking care of them?"
Ling Mohan reached out, pulled Feng Jin into his embrace, and asked softly, showing her immense care.
"No, it's just that today..."
Feng Jin told Ling Mohan everything that had happened.
"I always feel that Liu Menghan is too scheming and has ill intentions, which is why I'm more concerned about the things she gives..."
But after checking everything inside and out repeatedly, there was still nothing wrong. Perhaps she was just being overly cautious.
"It's best to be careful. If you truly dislike her, then don't allow her into the mansion anymore."
Ling Mohan said directly. If she disliked her, she shouldn't be allowed into the mansion again. Out of sight, out of mind. Why worry about this matter so much?
"We haven't officially fallen out with Chu Yanxi yet. We still need to maintain some superficial courtesies. If we are too aggressive, it will arouse Chu Yanxi's suspicion. Why ruin your major plans over these trivial matters? That would be a loss outweighing the gain."
"I just don't want you to be wronged."
The man's voice was soft, but it weighed heavily on Feng Jin's heart. Feng Jin nestled against his chest, hearing the powerful beat of his heart, and felt inexplicably at ease.
"Don't worry, I'm not a pushover. Liu Menghan's little tricks of a 'white lotus' are not enough for me to handle."
"What is a... 'white lotus'?" Ling Mohan asked seriously, not understanding.
"Uh... it's..."
Feng Jin was stumped. How could she explain it to Ling Mohan? "It's... it means that this person is very hypocritical. They do all sorts of bad things but pretend to be innocent. This tactic is especially effective on men."
As she said the last sentence, Feng Jin's gaze involuntarily scanned Ling Mohan.
Fortunately, Ling Mohan was very sensible now and understood Feng Jin's little thoughts very well. He reacted quickly and said, "I can definitely distinguish a 'white lotus'."
"Pfft..."
Feng Jin was immediately amused by Ling Mohan's serious expression. She found that Ling Mohan had such a cute side.
"What are you laughing at? Be serious, I'm telling the truth."
"I know you're telling the truth." Feng Jin replied somewhat perfunctorily.
"Why are you answering so perfunctorily? Do you not believe me?" Ling Mohan immediately got anxious and kept pestering Feng Jin.
"Of course, I believe you. But keep your voice down a bit. Your son is about to sleep. If you really have nothing to do, go out for a walk. You'll naturally fall asleep faster when you're tired."
Having been busy all day, Feng Jin was exhausted. She planned to take advantage of the children sleeping to get some rest herself.
"You still haven't..."
"Shut up. If you say one more word, I'll throw you out!"
Feng Jin reprimanded him angrily, scaring Ling Mohan into silence. He sat on the bedside, feeling wronged. His wife didn't believe him. What should he do? Seeking help online.
...
The next morning, the butler rushed to the East Courtyard. He lingered at the door for a long time before finally spotting Feng Jin.
"Greetings, Madam."
Feng Jin looked sleepy, her fatigue evident. Why had the butler been visiting the East Courtyard so frequently these past two days? And always early in the morning, just as dawn broke. She hadn't had a good night's sleep for several days.
"Madam, the Old Master asked me to invite you to breakfast. The Old Master also said that you must bring the young master with you."
"I understand. I'll be there shortly."
Feng Jin casually agreed, stretched, and returned to her room.