Aunt Bai smiled and nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. Not wanting Ling Wan to worry, she forced herself to hold back the tears.
"Now that you've grown up, and once you're married, I can consider my hardships over. The days ahead will all be sweet."
For so many years, Ling Wan was the only reason she had persevered. Watching her grow day by day had given her a glimmer of hope.
"Mother, now that I've grown up, I'll protect you from now on. I'll never let you be bullied again."
The mother and daughter embraced each other, just like they did on every cold winter night. Only by holding each other for warmth did they feel heated, both in body and heart.
...
"Young madam, the carriage is ready outside. Should I go and invite the second young lady?"
She had asked the servant to prepare the carriage early that morning. Now that it was time to depart, the second young lady was still nowhere to be seen. Cai Qing finally suggested sending for her.
Feng Jin finished the last sip of porridge in her bowl and stood up, tidying her clothes. "You look after Da Bao and Er Bao. Chu Qing, you'll come with me to call Ling Wan."
These two little ones were closest to Cai Qing now. They often caused a ruckus with Chu Qing. She didn't know when they would return, so it was better to leave Cai Qing behind to look after them.
"Yes, young madam." Both of them replied in unison.
When Feng Jin arrived, Ling Wan had just finished tidying herself and was about to go out.
"Eldest sister-in-law, why are you here? I was just about to head out."
She had woken up before dawn to do her hair. The coiffure had been difficult to style, and she felt it didn't match the coronet. After several attempts, she was only barely satisfied.
Feng Jin's gaze swept over Ling Wan. Her appearance today was indeed much prettier. "This coronet really suits you. It seems my choice was correct, but..."
There was still something that looked a little off, but she couldn't quite pinpoint it. Her gaze kept lingering on Ling Wan, examining her closely.
"Eldest sister-in-law, is something wrong?"
Ling Wan's tone was slightly worried. She reached out to touch her hair and then looked down at her dress. This was the first time she had worn such an outfit, and she was filled with anxiety, afraid that something might be amiss.
"It's nothing, really. I just feel that something looks a bit off, but I can't quite say what it is."
Her eyes were still fixed on Ling Wan. After a long moment, Feng Jin suddenly realized what was wrong.
"Ah, I see. So this is what looked wrong."
As soon as she spoke, Feng Jin took Ling Wan's hand and sat her down in front of the dressing table. She then removed the hairpin from Ling Wan's hair and chose a slightly more simple and elegant hairpin to adorn it.
She also touched up Ling Wan's makeup. After some effort, Feng Jin finally felt satisfied.
"This is much better. The coronet itself is already very ornate. If you wear an equally dazzling hairpin next to it, it will overshadow the main piece and lose the sense of hierarchy. Replacing it with a simpler hairpin provides a蔬ę effect, making it look much more pleasing to the eye."
Ling Wan glanced at her reflection in the bronze mirror, a faint smile in the corner of her eyes. "Eldest sister-in-law's hands are truly skillful. After your adjustments, I look much better. Thank you, eldest sister-in-law."
Earlier, she had also felt that her attire was a bit too ostentatious. After Feng Jin's transformation, it appeared more radiant, yet without any trace of flamboyance, even showing a hint of restraint.
"It's nothing. It's almost time, let's hurry. We mustn't be late."
Today, all the dukes and nobles from the capital were attending the Third Prince's manor. If they were late, they might become the subject of gossip. She couldn't be bothered to exchange more pointless words with those foolish people; it was a complete waste of time.
"Yes, eldest sister-in-law."
When their carriage arrived, Feng Jin slowly alighted with Chu Qing's assistance. The dress she was wearing was too long, and she had to walk carefully, afraid of tripping on the hem and making a fool of herself.
Feng Jin walked slowly, her movements graceful and dignified.
As soon as she stepped through the gates of the Third Prince's manor, Lin Yuwei's voice called out from behind: "Sister Feng Jin... Sister Feng Jin..."
Hearing the voice, Feng Jin turned to look behind her. "Greetings, Princess Jing."
"Sister... Please don't be so formal with me. If you are, you're just intentionally making fun of me."
Being addressed as Princess Jing made her feel quite uncomfortable. She linked her arm through Feng Jin's shoulder and walked forward.
"The Prince of Jing mentioned yesterday that you would also be coming to the Third Prince's manor today. I didn't believe him at first and thought he was tricking me again. Seeing you here in person today, I finally believe it. Sister... have you heard? The Third Prince's consort cried to the Third Prince about today's banquet, but still couldn't change his mind..."
These matters had long been spread throughout the capital. Now, everyone in the city was discussing how Chu Yanxi favored his concubines over his wife and completely disregarded the main consort.
Many people were also secretly discussing when Liu Menghan would be divorced by the Third Prince.
"These are the Third Prince's family affairs. We are merely guests. It's not good to discuss the host's indiscretions; it will sound bad if it gets out. If you really want to talk about these things, let's discuss them after we return."
Feng Jin's words jolted Lin Yuwei. She realized that what she had said was indeed inappropriate and quickly closed her mouth. Her gaze darted around, ensuring no one had overheard their conversation. She felt a sense of relief.
"Thank goodness for your reminder, sister. If someone with ulterior motives had overheard and spread rumors, I would have been summoned to the palace by the Empress for another scolding."
Not long ago, she had merely argued with Chu Chenyi a few times, and somehow the Empress found out and summoned her to the palace for a severe reprimand.
She didn't know who the traitor was. If she ever found out who it was, she would beat them soundly to vent her anger.
"The Empress... Did the Empress also interfere in matters between you and the Prince of Jing?"
From Lin Yuwei's words, Feng Jin had already guessed what had happened.
"Some time ago, the Empress..."
Lin Yuwei recounted the cause and effect of the matter, her heart filled with indignation. "Even now, I don't know how this matter reached the Empress's ears. Now, I have to carefully consider every word I say in the manor, fearing I might say something wrong."
She thought about it for a long time and still couldn't figure out how these things reached the Empress's ears. All she could do now was be cautious in everything she did.
"If the spy is not removed, keeping them in the manor is a disaster."