Feng Jin's meritorious service in treating the Empress Dowager earned her the title of Princess Jia Ning from the Emperor himself, a matter that had already spread throughout Nan Chu.
Her status was no longer what it used to be, with a clear distinction between superiors and inferiors.
A single misstep could provide an opportunity for those with ill intentions to seize upon.
"If Madam says so, then I dare not step foot into Marquis Pingyang's manor again. I am but a junior, and seniority dictates that I should be the one to pay my respects to Madam first."
With that, Feng Jin curtsied deeply to Madam Lin, leaving Madam Lin unsure of how to respond.
"Princess... you..."
"Mother, Sister Feng Jin is not an outsider. She is an adopted granddaughter recognized by Grandmother, and is like a sister to me. Why must you be concerned with such formalities?"
Madam Lin smiled awkwardly, "This is indeed my being overly cautious. You sisters should have a private chat, and I shall go out to entertain the guests."
There was nothing for her to do by staying. The guests had all arrived by this time, and someone needed to manage things.
"Sister, please come and sit down." Lin Yuwei pulled Feng Jin to a seat.
"Cai Qing, bring the items."
Feng Jin accepted the brocade box and opened it. Inside were various exquisite bottles and jars.
"Sister, what are these..."
"These are the wedding gifts I specially prepared for you. The three large bottles contain skin nourishing water I developed, with added essence of snow lotus and rose. Apply it to your face morning and evening, and soon your skin will become fair and soft."
Lin Yuwei's face lit up with joy. She opened a bottle and took a sniff, the fragrance wafting towards her. "It smells so good!"
"This box contains face powder, ground from flower petals. These are lipsticks in several colors. Let me help you apply some."
Feng Jin dipped some lipstick and helped Lin Yuwei apply it to her lips. Her previously dry and dull lips immediately became moist, and she reapplied the makeup.
"This is completely different from the lipsticks I use. The difference is too great," Lin Yuwei exclaimed in surprise. She looked like a completely different person from before. Previously, after applying makeup, her cheeks would feel slightly dry. But after using this set of cosmetics, her face felt very refreshed.
Lin Yuwei observed herself in the bronze mirror; she truly looked like a radiant beauty.
"This looks much better," Feng Jin praised. Ancient cosmetics were all made by mixing cinnabar with animal fat. Long-term use could lead to heavy metal poisoning, and the application would appear dry and flaky, requiring large amounts of rouge to maintain a healthy complexion.
Feng Jin surveyed Lin Yuwei, feeling something was still missing. On a sudden whim, she dipped some lipstick and drew a few strokes on her brow, where a vibrant plum blossom suddenly appeared.
"Sister, is this really alright?" Lin Yuwei asked uncertainly. This was the first time she had seen makeup with a plum blossom drawn on the brow.
Although it was quite beautiful, she worried about propriety.
"Those who lead the trend will always face criticism, but countless people will eagerly imitate them. I only know that the plum blossom on your brow is very beautiful."
Trends emerged amidst criticism. Girls, of course, should always strive to be beautiful.
Lin Yuwei looked at herself in the mirror and suddenly made up her mind. "Sister, you are right. Why worry about so much? I just want to marry beautifully."
"Sister, I must thank you today. You brought these cosmetics to cover up my haggard appearance..." For the past two days, due to her upcoming marriage, she had been feeling melancholic and her complexion had suffered. Fortunately, these cosmetics concealed her fatigue, making her appear rosy and vibrant.
Her parents had always felt they owed her something due to the arranged marriage. Now, to see her marry with a happy heart would bring them peace of mind.
"It's a small matter, no need for thanks. The auspicious hour is fast approaching. I will help you put on your phoenix coronet."
The Empress Dowager, grateful for the generations of meritorious service by Marquis Pingyang's manor, had personally bestowed the phoenix coronet and robes for Lin Yuwei to wear at her wedding. Receiving such an honor also helped to silence the whispers of the public.
With the phoenix coronet in place, a nanny's voice announced from outside the door, "Miss, the auspicious hour has arrived. The imperial sedan chair from Prince Jing's manor is waiting outside. It is time to depart."
Lin Yuwei rose gracefully, adjusted her attire, and felt a sudden wave of nervousness. Her clenched hands began to perspire.
Feng Jin placed her hand on Lin Yuwei's, "Don't be nervous. I will accompany you out."
"Thank you, Sister." With Feng Jin's companionship and reassurance, Lin Yuwei's tension eased considerably.
"Miss, it's time to go out," the nanny's clear voice announced. Maids came forward on either side to help Lin Yuwei walk towards the main hall.
The main hall was decorated with lanterns and festoons, bustling with activity. Due to Prince Jing Chu Chenyi's disability, the Emperor had thoughtfully dispatched the Fifth Prince, Chu Jun Yan, to escort the bride in his brother's stead.
Lin Yuwei served tea to her parents and kowtowed, then rose gracefully. "Your daughter is unfilial. As I marry today, I cannot serve my parents by your side. I pray that you both take good care of yourselves."
Marquis Pingyang let out a soft sigh, a hint of tears welling in his eyes. "Today you marry and become a wife in another household. Henceforth, you must be filial to your in-laws, consult with your husband, and live in harmony."
"Your daughter obeys your father's teachings."
"Alright, the time has come. Go."
"Wei'er!" Madam Lin suddenly stood up, grabbing Lin Yuwei's hand. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached out to stroke Lin Yuwei's face. "My good child, go."
"Daughter bids farewell to Mother."
Feng Jin stood to the side, witnessing the scene, and felt a pang of sadness.
In her previous life, she had lost her parents at a young age, and it was her maternal grandfather who raised her. Now that she had arrived in this place, she wondered how her grandfather was.
If her grandfather were to see her marry, she couldn't imagine how heartbroken he would be.
Ling Mo Han stood in an inconspicuous spot, watching Feng Jin.
Was she remembering something? Why did she seem so sad?
It wasn't until Lin Yuwei got into the sedan chair that Feng Jin regained her composure, tears falling from the corner of her eye.
"Young Madam, the Young General has arrived," Cai Qing's hushed voice sounded in Feng Jin's ear.
Feng Jin looked up and saw the man's burning gaze lingering on her.
Given that others were present, they had not yet divorced. For the sake of appearances, Feng Jin put on a smile and walked towards Ling Mo Han.
She acted affectionately, staying very close to the man, and said in a low voice, "Why is the Young General at Marquis Pingyang's manor when he is not at Prince Jing's manor?"
She didn't recall Ling Mo Han having any deep connection with Marquis Pingyang's manor.
"I came to find my wife. My wife is truly swift. In the blink of an eye, she ran to Marquis Pingyang's manor."
He had originally intended to go to Prince Jing's manor with Feng Jin, but unexpectedly, she had come to Marquis Pingyang's manor alone first.
After hastily delivering the wedding gift to Prince Jing's manor, he had rushed to Marquis Pingyang's manor to find her.
Feng Jin rolled her eyes. He was putting on such a show of affection. Outsiders who didn't know would surely think they were deeply in love.