She truly didn't want to take care of Master Ling Er, but to put Ling Muzhu's mind at ease for his exams, she had to agree.
"Thank you, sister-in-law."
Ling Muzhu cupped his hands in thanks. It wasn't that he wanted to trouble Feng Jin like this; the situation was unusual. The ancestral hall was surrounded by the Black Armored Legion, and he could only send food after much persuasion.
Arranging for others to care for his father was of no use. After much thought, he could only seek help from Feng Jin.
"We're all family, why thank each other and be so distant? You don't need to worry about household matters, I'll take care of them. Just focus on your exams."
As Feng Jin finished speaking, the tightly shut gates of the Gongyuan opened from within, and all students lined up in orderly fashion, preparing to enter.
"Sister-in-law, I'll head over now too."
"Go, take care of yourself." Feng Jin nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on Ling Muzhu. Who would have thought that the stubborn young man from before would be participating in the imperial examinations today?
A sense of melancholy welled up in Feng Jin's heart. After experiencing so much, Ling Muzhu had gradually grown. Although the price paid was not small, this was indeed the best outcome for Ling Muzhu now.
"Is Madam here to see off Young Master Er?"
Sheng Xubai's voice sounded from behind. Feng Jin raised her eyebrows slightly upon hearing it and turned to look.
"Third Young Master Sheng is also here for the imperial examinations. Third Young Master Sheng travels light. Why haven't Lord Sheng and Madam Sheng come to see you off?"
This place was crowded and filled with observers, all prominent figures and noble scions of the capital. Feng Jin deliberately spoke distantly, maintaining a distance from Sheng Xubai.
She didn't want to be noticed by those with intentions and have them twist the story.
"My mother has been unwell these past few days and is recuperating at home. My father is worried about my mother's health and is caring for her at home, so he didn't come to see me off. Madam, on the other hand, is truly solicitous of Young Master Er, caring about him in every way. If I had a sister-in-law like Madam, it would be a great blessing in my life."
Sheng Xubai's gaze had not left Feng Jin since the moment it fell upon her. This was all he could do for now, to steal such a glance at her.
"Third Young Master Sheng, have you been cooped up at home studying the words of the sages and gone mad? You're speaking such nonsense. I am already married, and Third Young Master Sheng will certainly not have a sister-in-law like me. I have matters to attend to at home, so I'll be taking my leave."
Feng Jin's words were quite resolute. She wasn't foolish enough not to see Sheng Xubai's subtle intentions. Speaking harshly was the only way to completely extinguish his unrealistic thoughts.
After speaking, Feng Jin, feeling a sense of unease, turned to leave.
Only when Feng Jin was no longer visible within his line of sight, and the bell urging entry had rung several times, did Sheng Xubai quietly withdraw his gaze.
He let out a self-mocking cold laugh. Perhaps his persistence was the greatest shackle for others. Given the circumstances, there was indeed nothing for him to cling to.
Just watching her from afar, as long as she was well, his heart could find peace.
...
"Madam, why did you speak so harshly to Third Young Master Sheng just now? I thought Third Young Master Sheng was quite a good person, and spoke very politely, not at all like those proud young masters from noble families."
From the first moment she saw Sheng Xubai, Chu Qing had a very good impression of him.
"He is indeed gentle and courteous. Men like Sheng Xubai are hard to find in this world, which is why countless noble daughters in the capital wished to marry him. However, your Madam is already married and must maintain a distance from Third Young Master Sheng. This is for everyone's good."
Feng Jin explained the pros and cons one by one. Fortunately, Chu Qing was intelligent and understood readily.
"This servant understands. Madam spoke to Third Young Master Sheng that way to maintain distance. There were so many people around just now, and if outsiders saw it, even unfounded rumors could be spun into gossip."
Chu Qing understood these simple principles. It was just that seeing such a gentle and refined person as Third Young Master Sheng show disappointment on his face, anyone would feel a pang of sympathy.
"It's good that you understand. After returning to the manor, let's not mention seeing Third Young Master Sheng today."
There was a big vinegar pot being kept at home. If Ling Mohan found out, who knew what madness would ensue.
"Yes, Madam. This servant has noted it and will not tell Young General."
Feng Jin raised her eyebrows slightly, her scrutinizing gaze falling on Chu Qing. This young lass, despite her young age, knew quite a lot.
It seemed that some things were better not to be explained too thoroughly to Chu Qing.
Upon arriving at the manor, Ling Wan hurried over: "Greetings, sister-in-law. Has Muzhu already left?"
"I saw him off early this morning. What's happened to make you rush like this?"
Looking at her sweat-drenched appearance, the wisps of hair on her forehead were damp, clinging to her forehead. She must have run all the way.
"I only wanted to make some pastries for Muzhu to take with him. I didn't expect to oversleep today, and he's already gone..."
"Since he's gone, we'll just have to eat these pastries ourselves."
Feng Jin took the pastries from Ling Wan, took a bite of one, and found it quite timely as she hadn't eaten a bite that morning. She handed one to Chu Qing: "You have some too. It's a shame Muzhu won't get to taste them."
"It's all my fault. I slept late yesterday and didn't wake up this morning, so I missed the time. I'll just have to make some more pastries to welcome Muzhu back."
The best pastries were meant for Ling Muzhu, but she hadn't delivered them yesterday due to the late hour, planning to give them to him this morning. However, she overslept and missed the time.
It could only be said that Ling Muzhu lacked the good fortune to taste these pastries, so they had to enjoy them themselves.
Ling Wan sat for a short while, then glanced at the time and stood up in a hurry: "Sister-in-law, I have something else to do and need to go out. I'll be leaving now."
"Wait!"
Sensing something strange, Feng Jin called out to stop Ling Wan.
"You're usually not this flustered when you go out. Tell me, where are you going and what are you doing?"
Ling Wan usually stayed within the manor walls. The few times she went out were with Feng Jin. Such uncharacteristic behavior made Feng Jin suspicious.
"No, sister-in-law, I... I just..."
After thinking for a long time, Ling Wan couldn't come up with a suitable explanation. She stood on the spot, nervously twisting her skirt with her fingers.
Feng Jin got up, took Ling Wan's hand, and sat her down: "Tell sister-in-law, where are you going today?"
"Sister-in-law... I... I... I'm not going anywhere, I just..."