Feng Jin asked tentatively. Chu Chenyi had already sent someone to inform Lin Yuwei about attending the banquet in the palace. She hadn't agreed without authorization, only stating that she needed to ask Lin Yuwei's opinion before replying.
Lin Yuwei was in a dilemma. She really didn't want to attend the banquet, but she worried that if she didn't go, His Majesty might blame her, thus implicating the Marquis of Pingyang's estate, which was not what she wished.
After hesitating for a moment, Lin Yuwei slowly said, "I'll go."
She couldn't let those with ulterior motives seize an opportunity to trouble the Marquis of Pingyang's estate over such trivial matters.
She would definitely attend this palace banquet, and she wanted to appear in her best state: "Sister Feng Jin, can you help me with my makeup? I want to make the best appearance."
"No problem, leave it to me."
Feng Jin readily agreed. Sisters needed to help each other. In her previous life, she was a bit reclusive and always immersed in medical research, without a single close friend.
After her death, there wasn't even anyone to mourn her. Therefore, in this life, she cherished friendship even more and wholeheartedly helped Lin Yuwei.
Feng Jin had all the valuable jewelry from the storeroom brought out for Lin Yuwei to choose from.
Lin Yuwei looked at the dazzling array of bejeweled hairpins and jade ornaments before her, her eyes almost blurring. She found everything exquisite: "Sister Feng Jin, are all these yours?"
Having grown up in the Marquis of Pingyang's estate, she naturally recognized these valuable items. Each piece of jewelry here was practically priceless.
This was the first time she had seen so many precious items. Even those worn by royalty in the palace were no more than this. She was truly shocked.
"More than half of these are from my mother's dowry, and some are betrothal gifts from the Ling family. The rest are ones I found beautiful and added. See which one you like."
Feng Jin said generously, pulling Lin Yuwei along to select suitable pieces.
"This eight-treasure emerald five-tailed phoenix gold hairpin is quite nice. Try this one, and this one..."
Feng Jin wished she could adorn Lin Yuwei with all the good things. After much fuss, they finally finished getting ready as dusk fell.
"It's truly lovely. This dress and these hairpins suit you very well."
"Not at all, it's still Sister Feng Jin's discerning eye. Both the dress and the hairpins look beautiful, and today's makeup is exceptionally stunning."
Lin Yuwei looked at herself in the mirror, her makeup becoming more and more appealing the longer she looked. The floral adornment between her brows was the perfect touch, making her look even more radiant and charming.
"It's also because you have good natural features. Otherwise, no matter how beautiful the hairpins and silk dresses are, they would be in vain."
"Young Madam, Princess Consort, the carriage is ready outside. It's time to depart."
Cai Qing stepped in, reminding the two that it was time to leave, as the palace banquet was about to begin.
"Let's go." Feng Jin was still not accustomed to the long, trailing skirts. When walking, she habitually lifted her skirts slightly to prevent tripping and falling, which would be terribly embarrassing.
The carriage arrived at the palace gate. Ling Mohan helped Feng Jin alight from the carriage. Lin Yuwei, following closely behind, emerged from the carriage and was met by a familiar pair of hands.
Following her gaze, she saw Chu Chenyi's annoying face appear before her. Lin Yuwei's expression immediately dimmed, her recently improved mood vanishing without a trace.
Chu Chenyi had arrived long ago and had been waiting at the palace gate, enduring the cold wind for a long time, just to wait for her. When he kindly stepped forward to offer support, he was ignored. Chu Chenyi was also displeased.
Lin Yuwei simply chose to ignore him completely, carefully alighting from the carriage and then tidying her skirts.
Feng Jin observed all this secretly. Seeing Lin Yuwei completely ignore Chu Chenyi, she was so thrilled that she almost applauded.
It was excellent. People like him who didn't know any better should be left to cool their heels to teach them a lesson.
"Let's go." Ling Mohan took Feng Jin, who was enjoying the spectacle, by the hand and walked directly towards the palace gate.
Following behind them were the two who had reluctantly come together.
Lin Yuwei kept her gaze fixed ahead, as if no one was beside her.
Conversely, Chu Chenyi became restless. From the moment he saw Lin Yuwei, his gaze kept drifting to her. Especially when other men looked at Lin Yuwei, he felt a surge of displeasure and unconsciously moved closer to her, silently declaring his claim.
Even though Lin Yuwei was unwilling, she still had to sit at the same table as Chu Chenyi, deliberately keeping a distance.
However, Chu Chenyi was subtly shifting towards Lin Yuwei. This action thoroughly infuriated Lin Yuwei.
"Your Highness, please conduct yourself with propriety and remain in your place."
If this continued, she would really be pushed out of the table. Lin Yuwei glared fiercely at him, her eyes full of warning.
"I can guarantee that Chu Chenyi will not be able to hold back for long."
Feng Jin whispered into Ling Mohan's ear. In this kind of cold war argument, eight out of ten times, the man would be the first to give in.
From Chu Chenyi's performance today, she didn't think he could last much longer and would surrender soon.
On Lin Yuwei's side, her stance was very firm, a clear, overwhelming victory.
Feng Jin munched on melon seeds, engrossed in the show. Just as it reached its climax, a figure suddenly blocked her view, interrupting the exciting scene. Feng Jin was almost about to slam the table.
She looked to see who the impudent person blocking her was, as if they were courting death. Lifting her eyelids, she saw Ruo Yan standing there with a resentful look, as if Feng Jin owed her money.
"Is something the matter?" Didn't she know the saying that good dogs don't block the way? Feng Jin was about to have Feng Ruo Yan removed.
"I have something to discuss with you. Can we step aside to talk?"
Ruo Yan's voice was very soft, her eyes constantly shifting, filled with worry.
"No time." Feng Jin didn't want to get too involved with her former enemy and refused without a second thought.
Ruo Yan seemed determined, having made up her mind not to leave unless Feng Jin went with her.
She stood there stubbornly, not moving an inch.
"What do you want?" Feng Jin asked impatiently, her hand under the table restraining the man from signaling for someone to drive Feng Ruo Yan away.
"You come out with me. I just have some things to ask you."
After some consideration, Feng Jin replied, "I'll go with you."
Causing a scene with Feng Ruo Yan here would not be good for anyone.
"I'll accompany you," Ling Mohan said, holding Feng Jin's hand, his expression worried.
"No, I can only speak to her alone," Ruo Yan said without thinking, her expression flustered.