The two looked at her with concern in their eyes, and a genuine sense of warmth bloomed in their hearts. Feng Yinwan pursed her lips and nodded heavily.
Feng Yinwan had not returned home since her marriage. Now, encountering them, Old General Feng and Feng Jingyuan held her and chattered about her well-being. Feng Yiyi, who was following behind, couldn't help but feel jealous.
As they approached Ruiqing Hall, near the grand ceremony, Old General Feng reluctantly instructed.
"Your father and Yuan'er will go to see His Majesty first. You have Yuhai accompany you and wait in Ruiqing Hall for a while."
Feng Yinwan nodded obediently. Just as she was about to turn, she caught sight of Feng Yiyi beside her and raised an eyebrow. "Sister, would you like to go together?"
"No... no."
Feng Yiyi gave an awkward smile and walked straight towards the garden ahead. Feng Yinwan curled her lips and paid her no further mind.
Although the garden here was not as grand as the Imperial Garden, its scenery was quite elegant. However, Feng Yiyi had no mood to admire it. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Feng Yinwan's face, and her jealousy was about to erupt.
This bitch was truly lucky to have such a severe scar healed!
She fiercely clenched her skirt. Just as she was about to kick a tree trunk in frustration, she heard a low whisper from deep within the dense woods.
"Have you brought the person?"
"Miss, they've already been brought in. They're unconscious and placed in the carriage now."
"Make sure he doesn't escape! Once the ceremony is over, I'll lure that bitch Feng Yinwan here. We'll commit adultery in broad daylight in the palace, and then we'll see if she can still keep her position as the Princess Consort!"
After their conversation, the two quickly departed. Feng Yiyi, hiding in the shadows, was startled for a moment, and a glint of light flashed in her eyes.
Ruiqing Hall was mostly filled with waiting female guests. Feng Yinwan was yawning as she held her teacup. Feng Yiyi, who had left earlier, suddenly returned.
Feng Yinwan glanced at her indifferently. Before she could even open her lips, she saw Feng Yiyi approaching clumsily with a teacup.
"Eldest Sister."
Yuhai was about to remind her, but Feng Yiyi, as if she had tripped, stepped forward and splashed the tea.
Feng Yinwan quickly pulled her skirt away, but the hem was still splashed. The red brocade, upon contact with water, immediately darkened and spread. Seeing this, Yuhai quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe it.
"The ceremony is about to begin. As the legitimate Princess Consort, Miss must stand at the forefront. If your clothes are wet now, won't you be disgraced before the Emperor!"
Hearing this, Feng Yiyi pretended to be remorseful and rushed forward. "Oh, it's all my fault! If I hadn't tripped just now, how could I have accidentally wet Eldest Sister's clothes..."
As she spoke, she rubbed indiscriminately at the hem of the skirt with both hands. Feng Yinwan's expression turned cold, and she directly kicked her away with her knees.
Not expecting this, Feng Yiyi clutched her chest, her face turning a little pale. Just then, a palace attendant arrived to summon everyone to the altar. Feng Yinwan glanced at her coldly, tidied her skirt, and stood up.
"I'll settle accounts with you after the ceremony!"
With that, she led Yuhai outside. Feng Yiyi's hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched tightly, but a cryptic smile curved her lips.
As soon as she reached the altar, she was met with Ye Tinglan's scrutinizing gaze. His dark eyes swept over her damp skirt, clearly showing a hint of displeasure.
"How did you get this way?"
Feng Yinwan's expression remained unchanged. "I was accidentally brushed by a dog."
Ye Tinglan frowned.
Where would there be dogs in the palace? This woman was talking nonsense again!
Just as he was about to scold her further, the Emperor and Empress had already ascended the altar together, so he could only purse his lips and remain silent.
Although the Emperor was advanced in years, he had not established a crown prince. All five princes had been enfeoffed as亲王 (princes). Feng Yinwan stood among the princes with Ye Tinglan. With a line of imperial consorts in front of them, her disgrace before the Emperor was not noticed.
The so-called Spring Festival Sacrifice was nothing more than the Emperor and Empress praying for timely rain and a bountiful harvest. After a series of rituals, Feng Yinwan felt her knees ache from kneeling.
Seeing her kneeling on the ground, listless like a dead fish, Ye Tinglan felt a subtle sense of triumph. He cleared his throat and, without holding back, offered sarcastic remarks.
"Now you know, don't you? When I usually make you kneel, it's for your own good."
For her good?
Feng Yinwan sneered.
"Your Highness is quite skilled at playing the part. All the nice words, inside and out, front and back, are spoken by you alone."
Hearing her sharp tongue lash out at him again, Ye Tinglan's handsome face darkened, and he directly walked away with a flick of his sleeve.
This woman shouldn't be spoken to!
Feng Yinwan didn't care at all. She simply asked Yuhai to help her up.
After the worship, everyone was to retreat to Ruiqing Hall for a banquet. Feng Yinwan rubbed her knees. Just as she was about to move, she saw Qin Rulian approaching.
She raised an eyebrow and asked. The 'white lotus' lowered her voice and leaned in. "I know very well what Princess Consort did in the Water Pavilion that night Your Highness Tinglan returned home."
Feng Yinwan's brows twitched almost imperceptibly. "What do you mean?"
"In an occasion like today, wouldn't Sister want to avoid causing more trouble?"
With that, she walked straight ahead. Feng Yinwan's beautiful eyes narrowed. "Yuhai, wait for me outside Ruiqing Hall."
The 'white lotus' remained silent all the way and led her directly into the garden. Feng Yinwan followed unhurriedly, her hands already clutching a pair of silver needles.
As she neared the pavilion, a familiar, strange fragrance slowly wafted out. Feng Yinwan's heart tightened. The next moment, a figure suddenly rushed out from behind her.