"His Majesty and the Emperor of Xiliang have already agreed to the marriage, and this matter is known to all. If we unilaterally reject the marriage without absolute evidence, we will surely give the Xiliang people a handle. At that time, we will be at their mercy and fall into a dilemma. Therefore, this marriage must take place."
This marriage alliance was a conspiracy from the very beginning, and it was sealed the moment the Xiliang people arrived in Dongchu territory.
Perhaps Murong Jinyun was using this opportunity to travel to Dongchu to find the person she was promised to. However, with other factors involved, this was no longer a purely emotional matter. If this were exposed, Gu Beichen would be the one most hurt.
"But if we continue to conceal it, when they actually get married and the truth comes out, can Gu Beichen truly bear it?"
From the moment Feng Jin saw them that day, she realized Gu Beichen's feelings for Murong Jinyun ran deep. Even if the matter were explained to Gu Beichen now, it might not be enough to persuade him to turn back.
However, concealing it indefinitely would harm everyone.
With these matters weighing on her mind, Feng Jin couldn't help but sigh, "What do you think we should do?"
She no longer had the energy to ponder these things and decided to let Ling Mohan handle it.
"Pretend we know nothing and wait and see."
They still did not know the true intentions of Xiliang. If they alerted them prematurely, all their previous efforts would be in vain.
"Alright." Feng Jin nodded in agreement. It was the only way for now.
"Let's return to the manor first."
...
The next day, Feng Jin sat by the pond, idly feeding the fish. Both children had been taken by Grand Elder Ling, and Caiqing had been sent to look after the shop. She was, in essence, the biggest idler in the manor.
"Sister-in-law, try these peony flower cakes I just made."
Ling Wan placed a plate of exquisite pastries in front of Feng Jin, each meticulously carved into the shape of a peony.
"The taste is a bit bland. It would be better if it were sweeter."
"Eating too much sweet food is bad for you. This taste is just right."
She had deliberately reduced the sugar precisely because she was worried about too much sweetness being bad for health. Ling Wan, however, felt the taste was perfect as it was.
"Young Madam, Second Miss, the third young master of the Sheng family has come to visit the Young Madam."
A young servant rushed forward to report.
Feng Jin put down the peony flower cake she was holding, glanced at Ling Wan, and said indifferently, "Have Sheng San Gongzi wait in the front hall. I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Young Madam."
"You come along as well."
"Sister-in-law, I still have..."
"Let's go, don't dawdle."
Feng Jin gave Ling Wan no chance to refuse, pulling her up and heading towards the front hall.
"Young Madam." Sheng Xubai stood up as soon as he saw Feng Jin appear at the doorway.
"Sheng Gongzi, there's no need for such formality. Please sit."
Feng Jin waved her hand and directly arranged Ling Wan opposite Sheng Xubai, so she could observe more clearly.
"Sheng Gongzi, what brings you here?"
After all, the Ling family and the Sheng family had never had any dealings, except for her treating Sheng Xubai when he was ill. Moreover, the Sheng couple had personally visited to express their gratitude a few days ago. She wondered what Sheng Xubai was here for this time.
"I have come specifically to thank Young Madam for saving my life. If Young Madam had not intervened, I would have been dead by now."
After recovering from his serious illness, Sheng Xubai was confined to the Sheng manor for over a month. It was only after the imperial physicians examined him and confirmed his health had fully recovered that he was allowed to go out.
"Uncle and Aunt Sheng have already visited to express their thanks. It's really too thoughtful of you, Sheng Gongzi, to make this trip again. It's getting late, why don't Sheng Gongzi stay for a simple meal?"
This was the first time Feng Jin had so generously invited someone to stay for a meal. If it weren't for Ling Wan, she wouldn't have bothered inviting Sheng Xubai to dine.
"This..." Sheng Xubai's expression was somewhat hesitant. His gaze swept towards Feng Jin before he quickly looked away.
"It seems Sheng Gongzi has some inconvenience. Then I must have been presumptuous."
"No... not at all. Young Madam's hospitality is greatly appreciated, how could I possibly refuse? I am, in fact, extremely delighted." httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Sheng Xubai quickly agreed, his eyes lingering on Feng Jin for a moment as he forcefully suppressed the impulse within him.
"Ling Wan, take Sheng Gongzi to the rear flower hall to wait for a moment. I'm going to check on the small kitchen."
"Sister-in-law... this..."
Before Ling Wan could finish speaking, Feng Jin had already disappeared from the hall.
Ling Wan sighed helplessly and turned her gaze to Sheng Xubai, her voice as calm as possible, "Sheng Gongzi, please follow me to the flower hall to wait for a moment."
"Thank you, Miss."
Sheng Xubai maintained his etiquette, following Ling Wan closely, not daring to make any improper moves.
"Sheng Gongzi, Second Miss, please have some tea." A maid stepped forward to serve tea before quietly withdrawing.
"A cup of humble tea for Sheng Gongzi. Please do not find it wanting."
Although the Ling manor was a prominent household, it was still somewhat inferior to the Sheng family, who were esteemed scholars for generations.
"Second Miss, you are too kind. How could I possibly find fault?"
Sheng Xubai cupped the teacup, taking a sip with refined elegance. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "This tea is Yuqian Longjing, yet it carries hints of jasmine fragrance. The lingering aftertaste is truly novel."
"Sheng Gongzi is indeed a connoisseur of tea. The water used to brew this tea was steeped with jasmine petals before being used for brewing, hence the slight jasmine aroma."
"I see. Brewing tea with jasmine-infused water is indeed a good idea. Second Miss is also quite innovative."
Ling Wan, taking advantage of the tea break, lifted her eyelids to glance at Sheng Xubai. At just a glance, her heart began to beat uncontrollably. Sheng Xubai's features were not as stern and sharp as her elder brother's, but possessed a gentle handsomeness. His skin was fair, and even a beautiful woman standing beside him would pale in comparison.
It was no wonder that girls all over the capital scrambled to catch a glimpse of Sheng Xubai; he certainly had the charm.
"Second Miss, staring at me like this, is there something on my face?"
Sheng Xubai's clear voice reached Ling Wan's ears. Snapping back to reality, Ling Wan's small face instantly flushed crimson.
Being caught staring so openly was an embarrassment no one could understand. Ling Wan wished she could dig a hole and hide herself. Just as she was at a loss for what to do, Ling Muzhu's appearance proved to be a great help.
"Sheng Xubai, what are you doing here?"
Their Ling family had no dealings with the Sheng family. Even more strangely, Sheng Xubai was in the flower hall, at this hour. Could it be that he was staying for dinner?
"Second Sister, why is he here? Did you invite him?"
"Muzhu, be respectful. Sheng Gongzi is here specifically to thank Sister-in-law for saving his life, and Sister-in-law also wanted to invite Sheng Gongzi for a meal."