These old and young ones, each more calculating than the other. The Feng family is truly...
He couldn't find a suitable word to describe them for the moment. He looked at his granddaughter's expression; she seemed at ease.
This was unlike the engagement with the Liang family.
The engagement with the Liang family had been initiated by them.
But regarding the matter with that young man from the Feng family, nothing was set in stone yet, and Xu Mingyue had already spoken of their mutual affection.
He had once said that Mingyue's marriage would be her own decision in the future, but when he learned it was that Feng the Second, he was surprised and felt an inexplicable awkwardness.
Xu Mingyue watched her grandfather's expression shift repeatedly, his attitude unclear. She then asked,
"Grandfather, do you disagree?"
Elder Xu glared at her, his eyes wide with anger. "Isn't it said that a married daughter is like spilled water? How can you still be sitting here at home, yet speak in favor of that brat?"
Originally, Xu Mingyue had been a little scared, fearing her grandfather's disapproval.
But after he said that, Xu Mingyue understood. Her grandfather was reluctant to let her go.
So she stepped forward, linked her arm through his, and said,
"Grandfather and Grandmother are the only family I have in this world. So even if I get married, I will always be on your side."
After hearing her words, Elder Xu felt much more at ease.
His initial rejection of Feng Jinlin seemed to lessen. Recalling Feng Jinlin's promotion in court earlier, he mumbled,
"That fellow is now a third-rank official. Since the founding of the Great Jin Dynasty, there have been many young talents, but few have had such smooth sailing as him!"
This was indeed true. Feng Jinlin's birth alone placed him among the favored sons of the Eastern Capital.
He became the top scholar in the imperial examinations and was promoted from a seventh-rank official to a third-rank after a trip to Jinling City. This happened in just a few months, a speed that made many who toiled endlessly envious.
Now, with his granddaughter's favor, he was truly blessed by heaven!
Breaking off an engagement might be a stain on Xu Mingyue in the eyes of outsiders, but in Elder Xu's view, it wasn't even a mark.
Therefore, Feng the Second being favored by his granddaughter was naturally his good fortune.
The same thought occurred to Feng Jinlin.
While Xu Mingyue was discussing the matter with her elders at the Xu family, Feng Jinlin was not idle.
He conveyed the idea of their mutual affection to Feng Hai and Madam Feng. They were naturally delighted, especially Madam Feng.
She was eager to finalize the engagement immediately!
However, given the current circumstances, it was not yet opportune to do so. But to prevent others from interfering, Feng Hai and Madam Feng immediately sent a servant to fetch a carriage to take her to the Bai family.
They wanted to personally ask Prime Minister Bai to stand as a guarantor for this matter. They were determined to have Xu Mingyue as their daughter-in-law.
After Feng Jinxu's matter had settled down a bit, the Feng family would naturally come to propose marriage. But before that, nothing could go wrong.
Especially for Feng Jinlin, his greatest fear was a sudden imperial decree of marriage.
Although he had received the Emperor's favor and was allowed to choose his own spouse, if Emperor Qi went back on his word, it was hard to say how he might deal with them. Therefore, securing his own "claim" first was the most reliable course of action.
Prime Minister Bai did not hesitate and rushed to Elder Xu's residence that very day.
The two men had a tense exchange in the study for a long time. In the end, Prime Minister Bai took Xu Mingyue's birth chart and left Feng Jinlin's behind.
He left the Xu residence with a triumphant and beaming face, while Elder Xu paced back and forth in the room for a long time, feeling that he had agreed too quickly and regretting it somewhat.
Xu Mingyue and Old Madam Xu found his behavior amusing.
"Look at your grandfather. How old is he, yet he still doesn't know how to yield. I think if you and that young man from the Feng family truly marry, he'll probably come to your home every day to watch you live."
Xu Mingyue smiled faintly, "That would be wonderful. With Grandfather's backing, second brother will definitely not dare to bully me!"
Old Madam Xu's laughter crinkled her face with more lines, but her joy was genuine.
Outsiders were unaware of these matters and knew nothing of them.
With Prime Minister Bai's "matchmaking," the Xu and Feng families progressed rapidly.
Feng the Second's betrothal gifts had long been prepared and were stored in the treasury, awaiting delivery to the Xu family.
During this special period, the Feng family could not go out, so many matters were handled by the Bai family.
Although Elder Xu was somewhat displeased, the Bai family was Feng Jinlin's maternal grandparents, and the two families were as close as one.
Feng Jinxu had also "sacrificed himself for the country," so even if he was unhappy, he could not lose his temper.
It had to be said, the two were truly a match made in heaven.
Their birth charts were perfectly compatible, promising prosperity for the family and descendants, a lifelong union, and eternal happiness!
The Bai family sent their most eloquent representative, Madam Bai the First. Old Madam Bai and Old Madam Xu sat in the hall, listening as she praised how suitable the two children were.
"Elder Sir, Old Madam Xu, let us finalize this engagement today. With this engagement document, we can finally relax. Otherwise, a child as wonderful as Mingyue, one couldn't find another even with a lantern, let alone a luminous pearl."
Hearing Madam Bai praise her granddaughter so highly, Old Madam Xu's heart was filled with satisfaction.
In her conversations with her granddaughter these past two days, she had heard many details about their interactions, and it was clear that Feng Jinlin was sincere.
Therefore, Old Madam Xu had no objections to the engagement and hoped it could be settled soon for peace of mind.
Elder Xu, however, maintained a bit of reserve.
He spoke a few lukewarm words. Fortunately, Madam Bai Lin, a capable woman, not only resolved everything but also managed to please Elder Xu.
Thus, the engagement document was quickly signed.
"The Feng family's betrothal gifts will be sent in ten days. At that time, we, as your aunts, can come over for a cup of tea."
"Come, come, I love listening to you speak. Bring Si Ru along next time; it's been a while since I've seen her."
Hearing Old Madam Xu mention Bai Siruo, Madam Lin laughed heartily.
"You are aware, Elder, that she will be marrying into the Prince of Kang's mansion in September. She is currently confined at home daily by her fourth sister-in-law, being taught etiquette. She might not be able to come then."
"Oh, yes, how could I forget that? Old age, old age, I can't compare to you young people."
"Rest assured, Elder. When Si Ru marries, you will be a distinguished guest. We will happily send the child off, and then it will be time for Mingyue and the second young master. I dare not speak for others, but their engagement will be handled by my elder sister and me with great fanfare, letting everyone in the Eastern Capital know how fortunate my second young master is to have Mingyue marry him!"
Her words were full of respect for the Xu family.
Elder Xu felt that Madam Lin's words were sincere; it was indeed a marriage where the bride's family was giving a daughter to a more prominent family.
That Feng the Second is truly blessed!