"Young General, Young Madam, the carriage is ready outside."
Lu Shi's voice interrupted them at the opportune moment.
Feng Jin snapped back to reality, pushed Ling Mohan away, and tidied the stray hairs on her forehead.
"Young General, it's time to go." With that, Feng Jin strode towards the outside.
Madam Sun and her daughter blocked the front door, forcing the two to exit through the back.
"Thanks to my wife, this is my first time leaving through the back door."
Ling Mohan said somewhat helplessly, shaking his paper fan.
"A true man knows when to bend and when to stretch; the Young General surely wouldn't mind such trivialities."
Feng Jin's retort left Ling Mohan speechless.
She had never lost an argument, and Ling Mohan was no match for her.
Madam Sun and her daughter's faces were ashen, but they still had to smile at Cai Qing.
"Madam, Miss, the Young Madam and Young General are going to Pingyang Marquis's mansion for a banquet. They specifically instructed me to come and tally the dowry list."
Following Feng Jin's instructions, Cai Qing had notified everyone in the mansion and specially found several burly men to check the list.
"She actually sent you, a mere maid..."
Before Feng Ruoyan could finish speaking, Madam Sun stopped her.
"Then we'll trouble you, Miss."
Madam Sun was far more composed than Feng Ruoyan. As long as the drug-infused water came into contact with it, it would activate the poison gu within Feng Jin, and then everything would be settled.
"Cai Qing, you are truly capable and handle affairs in an orderly fashion. With you by Jin'er's side, I am at ease!" Madam Sun held Cai Qing's hand and spoke warmly.
Cai Qing had long known what kind of people these two were.
Seeking her favor could only mean treachery.
"Madam, this servant has received kindness from the Young Madam and is naturally loyal to her."
Madam Sun chuckled awkwardly, took off a jade bracelet from her wrist, and forcefully placed it on Cai Qing's hand: "Cai Qing, this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."
Cai Qing quickly tried to remove the bracelet from her wrist: "Madam, the bracelet is too precious. This servant dare not accept it."
"You doing this is like slapping my face. The bracelet isn't worth much, just accept it!"
Madam Sun pressed down on Cai Qing's hand as she tried to remove the bracelet and hurriedly beckoned Feng Ruoyan to leave.
"Mother, she's just a servant. Why give her a bracelet?" The bracelet clearly had good quality jade, and giving it to a servant was a waste.
"I sprinkled some medicinal water on the bracelet. She is Feng Jin's personal maid, constantly by her side..."
Feng Ruoyan understood Madam Sun's intentions remarkably quickly this time: "Mother is brilliant. This way, Feng Jin is bound to meet her death."
"Mother, the Pingyang Marquis's banquet will also be attended by the Third Prince. Should we go?"
As a maiden from the boudoir, she naturally couldn't secretly meet the Third Prince. The only opportunities for them to meet were at events like banquets or lantern festivals.
"No need. The incident of falling into the water not long ago has not subsided. You are not allowed to show yourself in public during this period. In another half a month, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival. Prepare yourself well to attend the banquet in the palace."
The capital was never short of gossip. As long as there was new, more explosive news, this incident would be overshadowed.
Once the storm passed, and she found an opportunity to truly impress, Feng Ruoyan would still be known as the foremost talented woman in everyone's eyes.
Pingyang Marquis's old madam was celebrating her sixtieth birthday. All the dignitaries and nobles in the capital came to attend the banquet, and even the King of Dingbei, who had been in seclusion for many years, came to grace the occasion.
Only the Prime Minister's mansion sent no one, merely dispatching a servant to deliver the birthday gift.
Feng Ruoyan had always loved attending such banquets, flaunting her title as the foremost talented woman.
Why was she so uncharacteristically absent today? And the Third Prince was also present. Would Feng Ruoyan be willing to give up the chance to meet the Third Prince?
As the saying goes, unusual occurrences often signal trouble. It seemed Madam Sun and her daughter were planning something else.
"I'll take you to pay respects to the Pingyang Marquis's wife. You'd best behave yourself and watch your tongue!"
Ling Mohan was most worried about Feng Jin's mouth and spoke his mind.
"I know what I'm doing; you don't need to worry about me!"
She had specifically studied the convoluted etiquette of ancient people and didn't need his reminder.
"Han Gege." A sweet, soft voice came from behind them.
Feng Jin shivered unpleasantly. This was definitely one of Ling Mohan's troublesome romantic entanglements coming to find him.
"Han Gege, it really is you. I thought you wouldn't be back today. I had heard your illness had recovered and hadn't had the chance to visit your mansion. Please forgive me, Han Gege."
The woman was dressed in a pink peony embroidered long skirt, her black hair styled into a coiled snake bun, with a white jade rose hairpin slanted in her bun. The pink tassels hanging down swayed with the wind.
Her beauty was not stunningly outstanding, but she possessed an elegant and refined aura like orchids. Her pair of clear eyes appeared gentle and harmless, resembling an innocent piece of white jade.
Especially when she looked at Ling Mohan, her face was filled with adoration and obsession, her eyes brimming with love.
Another pitiable woman harmed by love. Ling Mohan was truly a bringer of misfortune, causing immense harm...
Ling Mohan felt Feng Jin's disdainful gaze on him, cleared his throat, and took a step back, creating distance: "Miss Lin, it has been many days since we last met. I hope you have been well."
His tone was full of distance, piercing Lin Yuwei's heart like a knife. She suppressed the sadness in her eyes and spoke in a gentle tone, "Everything is fine. Seeing Han Gege as he always has been puts my heart at ease."
Finally, her gaze landed on Feng Jin beside him: "This must be the new sister-in-law that Han... Young General married..."
Lin Yuwei changed her words at the last moment, signifying the end of her own hopes.
Since there was no destiny between them, it was better to cut ties decisively, which would be better for everyone.
"Miss Lin." Feng Jin bowed slightly, performing a curtsy. She truly couldn't bear to speak harshly to such a pure and harmless little white rabbit.
"Sister-in-law, I wish you well."
Lin Yuwei curtsied in return.
"Miss Lin, I will take my wife to pay respects to the Old Madam first. We shall take our leave."
Ling Mohan took Feng Jin's wrist and left, leaving Lin Yuwei standing alone, gazing at his retreating back.
Feng Jin glanced sideways and saw Lin Yuwei standing motionless like a stone, her clear eyes filled with tears. She truly was a delicate Lin Meimei who evoked pity.
Even Feng Jin, with her cold heart, felt a sudden pang at the sight.
"You are truly heartless. Your Lin Meimei is still gazing at you so intently with those eyes. Can you truly not feel a shred of softness?"
Ling Mohan tightened his grip on Feng Jin's hand: "My wife, are you perhaps hoping that I will take a concubine?"
"Young General, do you really wish to have women on both sides and enjoy the blessings of others?"
Men were creatures who easily got bored and were governed by their lower bodies. Discussing feelings with them was a waste of time.
Ling Mohan pulled her into his embrace and whispered into her ear in a low voice, "I am afraid I will disappoint my wife. I have no plans to take a concubine for the time being."