"She is the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, and the Ministry of Revenue controls the nation's coffers and is in charge of grain storage. She is a pillar of strength in the Emperor's eyes. Her daughter, I suppose, could even be a Princess Consort."
Liang Luo spoke these words in a moment of haste. The Wen Yuwei beside her nervously tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to be quiet.
Wei Lanxuan's expression soured. A Princess Consort?
Did the Feng family have such grand ambitions, not fearing a misstep that would lead to their downfall?
"Hmph, you dare to speculate on the Emperor's thoughts? You should go home and learn some manners."
With a fierce flick of her sleeve, she left. Wen Yuwei dared not speak and followed Wei Lanxuan. Bai Sihan, looking as if she had been frightened, clutched her skirt and followed them. The commotion was not small.
Noble ladies around looked in her direction. In an instant, Liang Luo was severely humiliated.
Her beautiful face was contorted with ferocity, her fists clenched.
Wei Lanxuan!
Alas, she was merely the daughter of a third-rank official, and the position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review held no real power. How could she compare to the Duke of Wei's family, a position of the highest rank?
She could only suppress the resentment in her heart and quickly chase after them in the direction they had left.
Wen Mengsheng, amidst the crowd, had just witnessed the game of pitch-pot. He, too, was impressed by Feng Jinyao's skill.
After all, he was a connoisseur himself, though he rarely displayed it publicly. Looking at her now, his eyes held a newfound admiration and sincerity.
Such a beauty made his efforts to lure her worthwhile.
He tidied his attire slightly and headed towards where Feng Jinyao and the others were.
He was naturally handsome, with outstanding features and eyes, unconsciously evoking images of green bamboo and pine after rain, possessing an ethereal aura.
In her previous life, Feng Jinyao had been deceived by this very aura.
"Third Miss Feng is remarkable. I, Wen, am impressed. May I ask how you mastered this exquisite skill of threading the ear and passing through the hall?"
He approached with familiarity, a presumptuous young master.
Bai Siruo and Feng Er looked at him with displeasure and vigilance.
Wen Mengsheng realized his faux pas and quickly introduced himself.
"I am Wen Mengsheng, the son of the Minister of Personnel. In fact, I studied under the same tutor as Second Master Feng."
"Oh? Then why haven't I seen you?"
Feng Er did not fall for this and provocatively asked.
Wen Mengsheng, however, smiled faintly and extricated himself.
"Brother Feng, you probably haven't been to the academy in over half a year. The tutor instructed me to remind you that if you fail the imperial examination next spring, the reputation of both the Bai and Feng families might be tarnished. I hope Brother Feng will consider the family and return to your studies soon."
His words were logical and well-reasoned. Bai Siruo looked at Feng Jinlin as if he were a dissolute young man.
She occasionally shook her head, appearing like an incorrigible fool, which angered Feng Jinlin, his brows furrowed in fury.
Seeing Wen Mengsheng's amiable and feigned gentlemanly demeanor, Feng Jinyao felt even more that she had been blind in her previous life, her disgust for him deepening.
Her eyes turned icy, and she said coldly, "Master Wen, please mind your own business. My brother's affairs do not require your concern."
Was she distancing herself from him?
Wen Mengsheng was perplexed. He thought that after sending the jade, he would gain her trust, yet he couldn't even get a pleasant look from her.
Could something have gone wrong with his cousin?
As he pondered how to respond, he saw Feng Jinyao and the others leave without any regard for him.
"Hey... Hey..."
Wen Mengsheng stamped his feet in frustration, truly unappreciative.
No woman in the Eastern Capital had ever made him feel so defeated.
His desire to possess her grew even stronger.
Sensing a malevolent gaze from behind, a fierce glint flashed in Feng Jinyao's eyes, but it was gone in an instant, hidden by her lowered gaze.
It was not yet time to reveal their true colors.
Bai Siruo chattered incessantly to Feng Jinyao about her amazing skills as they walked, but Feng Jinyao was not listening.
Her cold eyes were fixed on Feng Jinlin, their meaning clear.
Feng Er, under her gaze, felt guilty and quickly explained, "Don't listen to that Wen boy's nonsense. I haven't been to the academy for half a year, at most... at most two months."
Two months?!
He was truly audacious!
Yunqi Academy was the most prestigious academy in the Eastern Capital. Most of the noble sons from the capital studied there. Of course, it also made exceptions for exceptionally talented scholars from humble backgrounds.
Entering the academy was not easy. Although the doors were open to noble families, there were always certain rules.
First, only legitimate heirs could enter.
Second, one could not enter without passing an examination.
Third, one could not leave without holding an official post.
With these three ironclad rules, the threshold for Yunqi Academy had risen considerably.
Ordinary individuals couldn't even secure a spot, yet this scoundrel Feng Er dared to skip classes!
"You'll know when we see Fourth Uncle later. Grandfather, Father, and Eldest Brother are all here today. Let's see how you'll explain yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinlin's face immediately lengthened into a bitter expression, "A'yao, save me!"
His rapidly changing expression amused Xu Mingyue and Bai Siruo, who covered their mouths and giggled.
"Also, I've told you long ago to curb your temper and study properly, but you wouldn't listen. Did you forget what I told you last time?"
Feng Jinlin looked embarrassed. He hadn't actually remembered, but he dared not show it now, so he put on this pitiful act, hoping to gain her sympathy.
Unfortunately, Feng Jinyao, having lived two lives, was no longer a naive young girl. She saw through Feng Er's intentions but remained unmoved.
Seeing this, Xu Mingyue spoke up in his defense.
"Alright, if one didn't know, they'd think my sister was scolding her brother. The banquet is about to begin, let's go quickly. If we delay any longer, the First Madam and Fourth Madam will have their hands full."
"Right! Aunt and Mother must be looking for us now. Let's go, let's go! Lest we get scolded later!"
Bai Siruo pulled Feng Jinyao, and they hurried off, leaving Feng Er and Xu Mingyue in an awkward situation.
Xu Mingyue was already betrothed, and it was inappropriate to stand with an unrelated man for too long. She curtsied and quickly followed.
Before Feng Er could even thank her for the timely assistance, he saw Young Master Liang sneakily heading towards a side path.
Thinking of Xu Liang's betrothal and the slight favor she had just shown him, Feng Er quietly followed. He wanted to see what this Young Master Liang was up to!
The banquet in the warm pavilion had begun, with Minister Bai and the Old Madam seated at the head.
Beside them were Elder Xu, Seventeenth Uncle, Sixth Prince, the wife of the Duke of Zheng who was close to the Old Madam, and the Old Madam of the General of Cavalry's mansion.
Others were as expected, but the appearance of Seventeenth Uncle, Xiao Tingyi, surprised many.