Therefore, before his relationship with Feng Jin Yao was announced to the world, some people and matters had to be cleared away.
"You... Your Highness, please be mindful of your decorum!"
Feng Jin Yao struggled to find the words for a long time, only managing to utter this sentence before turning to leave in a hurry, slamming the door shut.
Witnessing this scene, Xu Lin felt pity for his master's long and arduous pursuit of his beloved.
As for Feng Er, he didn't know how to express his thoughts.
"You disagree?"
Xiao Ting Yi stared intently at Feng Jin Lin, his question carrying a chilling undertone, as if Feng Jin Lin's head would be severed if he dared to refuse.
Feng Jin Lin smiled, displaying an innocent expression.
"What are you saying, Your Highness? As long as A Yao agrees, I, her elder brother, will absolutely not stand in the way."
"Hmph."
These words were as good as saying nothing. Anyone with eyes could see Feng Jin Yao's feelings. It seemed the Prince of Ding would have to endure for quite some time before he could claim her as his sister-in-law!
"The head of the Chi family has made an agreement as per Your Highness's instructions. I believe after today's events, the Chi family will not go back on their word."
Xiao Ting Yi nodded, acknowledging the information.
He glanced back at the room where the lights were now extinguished, his eyes filled with an unyielding tenderness. Then, with a simple "Let's go," he left with Xu Lin and Yang Zhao.
Feng Jin Lin stood observing, realizing that the Prince of Ding's martial prowess was likely far superior to that of Yang Zhao and Xu Lin.
Recalling past events, although he felt he had been manipulated, the Prince of Ding possessed a capability that could truly win one's genuine admiration.
Inside the room, Feng Jin Yao felt that everyone had left. She lay on the bed, tossing and turning restlessly.
She knew the Prince of Ding's feelings for her, but only within the confines of their private interactions. To have such words spoken so abruptly left Feng Jin Yao feeling quite overwhelmed.
As the night wore on, her eyelids finally grew heavy, and she drifted into a semi-conscious sleep.
The next day, when Yun Xu and He Huan came to attend to her morning ablutions, they found her sleeping soundly.
Yun Xu made a shushing gesture, and the two quietly withdrew.
"Miss must have been reading late again last night, which is why she slept so soundly. Since there's nothing urgent, let her rest a bit longer."
"Sister Yun Xu knows best. Then, shall I go out and buy some milk cakes for Miss? I remember she loved them last time."
When they first arrived in Jinling City, Feng Er had taken them out for a stroll.
Not far from the inn, a small stall made fresh milk cakes daily. Feng Jin Yao, who had a sweet tooth, couldn't resist the milk cakes.
The vendor's skill was excellent; the milk was fragrant yet not cloying. Feng Jin Yao ate a large piece with great satisfaction.
He Huan had never seen her mistress eat with such gusto, even when they were in Dongdu City. So, while she was still asleep, He Huan decided to buy a cake for her, so she could eat it immediately upon waking!
Yun Xu nodded and gave her some loose change.
"See if you can find anything else Miss likes while you're out, and buy it all. It's good that she has a good appetite these past few days; the more she eats, the faster she'll recover."
"Don't worry, Sister Yun Xu, I'll go right away!"
With that, He Huan quickly left the courtyard.
Having grown up in the bustling streets, navigating alleys and recognizing people was no challenge for her. Moreover, she was skilled in martial arts, so Yun Xu felt completely at ease.
Feng Jin Yao slept soundly, and by the time she woke, the sun was high in the sky.
Her mind occupied with the upcoming meeting with the Chi family head alongside Xiao Ting Yi, she immediately called out loudly.
"Yun Xu, what time is it?"
Hearing the commotion, Yun Xu pushed open the door and said with a radiant smile.
"Miss slept very comfortably. It's almost noon now."
Noon? That was not much time before the scheduled meeting with the Chi family head. She quickly got up to wash and dress.
Once everything was ready, He Huan brought in a steaming hot bowl of milk cakes.
Feng Jin Yao initially didn't want to eat, but the aroma wafting into her nostrils was irresistible, so she couldn't help but taste a few bites.
Afterward, she told the two that she would be going out with her second brother and it would be inconvenient for them to accompany her.
If they were bored in the courtyard, they could go out and explore, as Jinling City's wonders were endless and could not be fully experienced in a short time.
As expected, after she had a few milk cakes, Feng Er arrived.
Recalling the events of the previous night, she suddenly felt a touch of awkwardness.
With a slight blush on her cheeks, she looked at Feng Jin Lin and then called out, "Second Brother."
"Let's go, A Yao."
"Mm."
Feng Jin Yao donned a veiled hat. The white, light silk gauze concealed her beauty, adding a touch of mystery.
As the siblings walked to the entrance of the inn, they saw an inconspicuous carriage parked outside.
The driver was Xu Lin, so there was no need to guess who was inside.
Feng Er led his sister over and hesitated, wondering if he should get into the carriage. Then, he saw Yang Zhao, disguised, riding a horse with an ownerless horse following behind. He quickly understood the implication.
He gave Feng Jin Yao a apologetic smile. "A Yao, you'll have to fend for yourself."
With that, he helped her into the carriage and then mounted his own horse, following behind.
Her second brother was truly useless at crucial moments. If their eldest brother were here, it wouldn't be like this.
What she didn't know was that if Feng Jin Xu were present, with his admiration for the Prince of Ding, he would likely have turned a blind eye.
Upon entering the carriage, as expected, Xiao Ting Yi's handsome face looked at her with a hint of indulgence.
"A Yao, you look beautiful today."
To praise her even through the veil, Feng Jin Yao was somewhat impressed by his audacity.
"Your Highness, please be mindful of your decorum."
"You said that yesterday. A beautiful woman is sought by a gentleman; I never considered it an inappropriate act."
Feng Jin Yao intended to argue a few points, but then she thought, what difference would it make even if she won the argument? It wouldn't change anything, so she decided to remain silent.
Meanwhile, Xu Lin, driving the carriage outside, had to concentrate on the road while also straining his ears to hear the Prince's incessant chatter inside. And Miss Feng San would always respond with "Mm," "Yes," "Okay," and occasional silences.
Truly, there's always someone to keep another in check!
With the rhythmic clatter of hooves, they headed towards Zhu Que Tower. Arriving half an hour early, the Prince of Ding and Feng Jin Yao, under the deliberate concealment of others, entered the third-floor door.
Zhu Que Tower was a private establishment.
As for who its true owner was, no one knew. However, after today, Feng Jin Yao understood that this place belonged to the Prince of Ding.
The furnishings inside were simple, yet exuded an elegant nobility.
When Chi Zi Mo arrived as agreed, Feng Jin Yao removed her veiled hat.
A fleeting look of displeasure crossed the Prince of Ding's eyes, but he knew that revealing his true face was the best way to gain the other party's trust.
Therefore, despite his reluctance to let an outsider see Feng Jin Yao's face, he said nothing.