Bai Xiang and Elder Xu were not surprised that Prince Ding would spend so much money on his private residence.
After all, the Min family's wealth had been accumulated over hundreds of years and they were still a reputable family in Jinling City.
Coupled with the late emperor's favor and gifts, it was no wonder he was rolling in money.
Everyone walked into the pavilion within the stone boat. The dishes offered a rich array of imperial banquet cuisine and light Jiangnan specialties, making one's appetite soar.
In such an environment, even the mood for eating improved.
Feng Jin Yao was not yet the true Princess Consort Ding, so only Xiao Ting Yi occupied the main seat.
She followed behind Madam Wen, seated in the same row as Xu Ming Yue. After everyone had taken their seats according to custom, Xiao Ting Yi raised his cup and said,
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate my birthday today. This is a family banquet, so please do not be reserved. Enjoy yourselves."
Upon hearing this, everyone's tension eased somewhat.
Especially those of Bai Da Lang's generation. They were not like Bai Xiang or Elder Xu, who could be called old officials in front of Prince Ding.
Lord and subject, the lord comes before the subject.
Although Prince Ding was not the Emperor, he was a legitimate royal noble. They rarely had contact with him, so they dared not be presumptuous.
It was the younger generation, like Bai Si Ruo, who were much more relaxed.
With Su Cheng and Feng Jin Lin present, the gathering was never dull.
They chatted back and forth, and the atmosphere became lively.
Amidst the laughter and conversation, Xiao Ting Yi raised his cup to Feng Jin Yao, everything unspoken.
Madam Wen watched everyone enjoying themselves, feeling a slight sense of longing. How wonderful it would be if her husband were also present.
A hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes, which Feng Jin Yao quickly noticed.
She stepped forward and comforted her, "Sister-in-law, please don't worry. The Prince said that my eldest brother will be back soon. We will all be reunited then."
Madam Wen was pleasantly surprised by her words, "Really? Will my eldest brother be back soon?"
"Of course, it's true. Some matters should be settled, shouldn't they?"
Madam Wen did not know what matters Feng Jin Yao was referring to.
All she hoped for now was for her husband to return safely, and for their family to never be separated again.
The birthday banquet was simple yet warm.
To avoid suspicion, they left in batches. Originally, Feng Jin Yao was supposed to leave with the Feng family, but Aunt Zhang had something to tell her, and Madam Feng had no objections.
So, after the crowd dispersed, only Aunt Zhang and Feng Jin Yao were left in the main hall of the private residence.
Aunt Zhang took a key from a rosewood cabinet in the main hall and handed it to Feng Jin Yao.
Her eyes held a touch of fondness, and her voice was faint, as if reminiscing about the past.
"Third Miss, this was given to this old servant by the Noble Consort before she left. This is the key to her private treasury, which contains her dowry from that year and the Emperor's gifts over the years. Now, it is entrusted to you, Miss, to keep. From now on, this private residence and the entire Prince Ding's manor will be managed by you. This old servant believes that the Noble Consort's spirit in heaven will be very happy to know that you have become her daughter-in-law."
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.
If it weren't for taking care of Xiao Ting Yi, Aunt Zhang would have likely followed Consort Min to her death back then.
Their bond as mistress and servant was deep. After so many years, they had finally found a suitable princess consort for the Prince. Now, even if she closed her eyes immediately, she would have fulfilled her duty to Consort Min.
Feng Jin Yao held the key, which felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
It was not just about its value, but also about the sentiment behind it.
After a moment of thought, she did not refuse. Instead, she took Aunt Zhang's hand and said affectionately,
"The Prince once told me that you have always taken care of him since he was young. Now that you are older, you should have retired and lived a leisurely life. But for so many years, you and Uncle Shou have worked hard to take care of him. Now that I am marrying the Prince, I will do my best in everything from now on. Aunt Zhang and Uncle Shou, please move in with us. The Prince and I will take care of you until the end of your lives!"
Feng Jin Yao's words were sincere. Prince Ding had no close elders around him, and his maternal grandfather's family was far away in Jinling City.
In this capital city, although there were many brothers, sisters, uncles, and nephews, everyone harbored countless schemes behind their backs.
If it weren't for their hidden guards and the Prince's army, they would have likely been devoured without a trace.
Such royal affection was better than none.
Aunt Zhang had known from the beginning that Feng Jin Yao was a kind-hearted person. Hearing her words, she felt deeply comforted.
"Once Miss becomes Princess Consort, if there are any inconveniences in the manor, please feel free to find this old servant. However, my old man and I are used to living a quiet life outside, so we won't return to the Prince's manor."
Aunt Zhang was not feigning refusal; she genuinely enjoyed her current peaceful life.
Although the servants in the Prince's manor did not dare to intentionally disturb her, living under the watchful eyes of others every day made her uncomfortable even with all the riches.
Now, she enjoyed drying herbs daily and occasionally went into the mountains with Physician Zhang. It was tiring, but her heart felt at ease.
Hearing this, Feng Jin Yao did not insist.
After all, they were all in the capital, so it wouldn't be troublesome to visit them if she wished.
Thus, she dropped the matter.
Meanwhile, Physician Zhang and Xiao Ting Yi were also talking.
"Uncle Shou, do you have any medicine that can temporarily prevent Ah Yao from getting pregnant after marriage, without harming her body?"
Physician Zhang raised his eyebrows, seemingly puzzled by his question.
"Firstly, she is still young, and I don't want her body to be harmed by childbirth. Let her take better care of herself for a few more years. Secondly, I don't want the palace to be constantly wary of her pregnancy. The Crown Prince has not yet ascended the throne, and the court is still in turmoil. It would not be good if she were to conceive immediately after marriage."
Physician Zhang thought for a moment and nodded, "This is not difficult. A few pills will suffice. Her health is not particularly robust, so it's best to nourish her first. Once her foundation is strong, the risks of childbirth will be smaller. However, at your age, are you truly not in a hurry to have children?"
Xiao Ting Yi smiled, "What does it matter if I have them or not? Even if I never have children in my life, I don't think it's a big deal. As long as Ah Yao can grow old with me."
Physician Zhang couldn't help but roll his eyes. He was most intolerant of these young people's romantic entanglements.
His own wife was much better, not sentimental and good at managing the household.
"I will discuss this with Ah Yao after the wedding. Uncle Shou, just prepare the medicine."
"Alright. You and the Bai family girl are quite different. She came to see me a few days ago and asked for a lot of fertility medicine. It seems she wants to have children as soon as possible."
Bai Si Ruo, fertility medicine?
She was indeed quick.
However, Xiao Ting Yi didn't really care. They were already married, and it was normal for them to want children.
Little did Uncle Shou know that the medicine was not for Bai Si Ruo herself, but for her mother, Madam Wen Yi Jun. He only realized he had made a big mistake when news of good fortune spread from the Bai family.