Where was her Han'er inferior to the noble ladies of the Eastern Capital?
It was merely that her background was a bit humble.
But when she didn't know, the alliances of powerful families not only required matching social status, but also that the woman herself could uphold the family's reputation. Aside from some families that had already fallen into decline, which family didn't hope to preserve its prosperous foundation forever?
Naturally, they had to consider marriage alliances carefully.
This Bai Sihan had neither background nor ability; what use was mere beauty? She wasn't going to be a concubine, to rely on her looks.
Mother and daughter alike cursed the unfairness of the world, while their hatred for the Bai family grew day by day.
Early the next morning, the Feng family's carriage picked up Bai Siruo.
This time, Princess Wenyi also accompanied them. She was somewhat afraid that her daughter would be gossiped about on her first outing after her accident, and felt more at ease with her mother present. If necessary, she could also use her status as a princess to suppress people.
The Feng family's carriage was spacious, and the four of them did not feel crowded inside.
Princess Wenyi initiated the conversation, asking, "How did Xiao Er's exam go? Did he say anything when he came out?"
Mentioning Feng Jinlin, Madam Feng could only laugh and cry.
"That child has always been arrogant. I don't know if he passed or not, but judging by his demeanor, he might be among the top three."
She said this while shaking her head helplessly, which amused the other three.
Although they hadn't seen it, they could imagine his smug expression.
"It's strange, isn't it? Look at Ah Xu and Ah Yao, they are both steady, but Xiao Er is so lively. I wonder who he takes after?"
"Yes, let's not talk about personality for now. I just hope he can be successful this time. Otherwise, if he delays any longer, he'll be nineteen, and all the good girls will likely be taken."
The Prince of Kang's household had many descendants, but few granddaughters. There were one or two who were not of suitable age, otherwise, she would have wanted to marry Feng Jinlin into the Prince of Kang's household. Such a good child was hard to find even with a lantern.
Madam Feng worried about his future one moment and his marriage the next.
The carriage swayed, and finally arrived at the foot of Fahua Temple.
Upon reaching the Buddhist hall, the four of them prostrated themselves piously, each with their own wishes.
Madam Feng naturally hoped for peace in her household and success for her son.
Princess Wenyi hoped that Siruo would have a smooth future.
Bai Siruo prayed for Xiao Muqian's safe return.
However, Feng Jinyao's wish was different: she only prayed that the Buddha would manifest great divine power and bring retribution to the wicked!
For example, Wen Mengsheng, who was smug at this very moment!
Coincidentally, he was also offering incense at Fahua Temple that day. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Feng Jinyao kneeling in the main hall, as if bathed in golden light, so dazzling that he couldn't look away.
After the worship, Feng Jinyao helped Madam Feng, and Bai Siruo helped Princess Wenyi. As the four of them were about to stroll in the backyard, they saw Wen Mengsheng, looking like a dashing young gentleman, walking towards them.
After the incident in front of the examination hall, Madam Feng had no good impression of him.
Princess Wenyi had heard much of Bai Siruo's words about the Wen and Liang families, and coupled with Bai Sihan's humiliation at the examination hall, she did not have a good impression of him either.
Thus, the bright and sunny expressions of the four people present instantly turned considerably cold.
"I pay my respects to Princess Wenyi, Madam Feng, and the two young ladies."
He considered himself to be among the best young men in the Eastern Capital in terms of family background, appearance, etiquette, and ability. Even if there were some misunderstandings before the examination hall, in time, everyone would understand.
Unfortunately, he did not know that first impressions were crucial; if one disliked someone at first sight, it would be troublesome to like them later.
Moreover, Madam Feng already felt some disgust towards him. Seeing his eyes carelessly filled with affection as he looked at Feng Jinyao, she found him even more of a scoundrel!
She subtly pulled Feng Jinyao behind her, narrowed her eyes slightly, and said with a cold face.
"My Feng and Bai families have no acquaintance with the Wen family. Young Master Wen, it's best not to be so solicitous here. Please move aside quickly, we are leaving."
"Madam Feng, I know you have some misunderstanding towards me regarding the examination hall, but this junior is truly not involved in any impropriety. From beginning to end, it was the Miss Bai who was pestering me. I... I have always been devoted to the third Miss Feng."
He blurted out his thoughts in one breath. Madam Feng was disgusted by his expression. Even Princess Wenyi, disregarding her usual elegance, directly cursed him.
"Shameless! No matter how poor our Bai family's girls are, they would never be involved with you. Young Master Wen, rest assured, Sihan will be returning to Qiongzhou in a few days. I hope Young Master Wen will be mindful of his words and not spread rumors about other girls, lest you become a laughingstock."
Her words were harsh, and Wen Mengsheng's usual good temper began to change.
If it weren't for Princess Wenyi's status, he might have resorted to violence.
"Your Highness the Princess, aren't the Bai family's girls fond of getting involved with men outside the family? I'm not the only one saying this. You ask me to keep my mouth shut, but what about the millions of common people? Can you control them?"
His words implied that Bai Siruo and Bai Sihan were of the same ilk. Bai Siruo was furious and wanted to argue with him, but Madam Feng slapped her.
"Pah! How dare you speak of my Bai family's girls? I am the eldest legitimate daughter of the Bai family. According to your logic, am I also involved with men outside the family?"
Madam Feng's temper was not good before she was married.
After so many years of being tempered in the inner chambers, she had become much more composed, but that didn't mean she would stand by and watch others insult the Bai family.
"This slap today is to tell you not to be a toad lusting after swan meat. Even if Ah Yao stays at home her entire life, she will never have any connection with you! Don't go around proclaiming your devotion to her. To be noticed by someone like you truly taints the reputation of my Feng family!"
His words enraged Wen Mengsheng. If this were not Fahua Temple, he would have likely started a fight.
So he simply dropped the pretense and said, "Madam Feng looks down on me? Or perhaps she has taken a liking to Yin Canwen, who is temporarily residing at the Feng residence? Hmph, how can he compare to me? Madam, have you thought it through? Don't discard jade for pebbles."
Suddenly mentioning Yin Canwen, Feng Jinyao had a flash of inspiration and then provocatively said, "Young Master Yin's talent is outstanding. He will surely have a bright future in this imperial examination, perhaps even be the top scholar. At that time, won't Young Master Wen be overshadowed?"
"Overshadowed," the three words echoed in his ears like a curse.
His father had said the same, and the third Miss Feng had said the same. Why did everyone he cared about think he was inferior to that Yin Canwen!
His anger surged to his head. He glanced at the four of them and snorted coldly.
"Soon, you will all know what it means to be the victor and the vanquished! Yin Canwen, he can't even compare to a finger of mine!"
Disregarding his long-maintained good reputation, he flicked his sleeves and left.