She suppressed her thoughts, her expression remaining as calm as ever.
Bai Xiang noticed her pause, but his mind was elsewhere.
He found it increasingly difficult to fathom his granddaughter's thoughts.
So young, yet so composed. Her words and actions were more thoughtful than Bai Dalang's, and she possessed a sharp insight into court affairs.
However, he knew that great intelligence often came with a difficult fate. There were times he wished his granddaughter were as carefree as Bai Siruo, at least then she might live a happier, more comfortable life.
Due to the presence of others, he couldn't express many of his thoughts directly. Thus, he used the pretense of instructing Bai Dalang to convey a few words.
"It's best to approach things with a relaxed mind. You are now a court official of the third rank. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility. While the Ministry of Works may not be as busy as others, the position of Water Division Langzhong often involves dealing with dams and bridges, all matters that benefit the populace. You must not neglect them!"
"Father, rest assured, your son understands."
Mentioning the river dikes, Feng JinYao felt a surge of caution.
"Eldest Uncle, the rain hasn't stopped since the beginning of the year. Crop failure might be a minor issue. If the water levels rise drastically and the dikes break, that would be a true disaster."
Her reminder instantly sobered Bai Dalang's previously amiable expression.
In recent times, Ah Yao's words, though few, had all hit the mark.
Whether it was regarding Bai Siruo's situation or his recent promotion, her advice had been exceptionally sound.
Hearing her speak like this, he had a clearer understanding of the situation. He silently resolved to handle matters diligently once he took up his post.
"Ah Yao, rest assured, Eldest Uncle has taken it to heart."
Bai Xiang, standing beside them, looked at Feng JinYao with affection, deeply admiring her concern for the world.
After giving her an approving glance, he turned to the Feng brothers and instructed them.
"Your father now oversees the Ministry of Revenue, Ah Xu is the Vice Minister of the Grand Court of Revision, and Xiao Er has gained fame as the third-place scholar. This period is bound to be one of great prosperity, so you must be extra cautious. If the opportunity arises, Xiao Er should seek an external posting. Otherwise, having all three father and sons in the capital might attract envy."
Bai Xiang's reminder was like bitter medicine, yet good advice.
Compared to Feng JinXu, Feng JinLin was indeed more suited for an external posting.
Otherwise, with his flamboyant personality, countless eyes in the capital would be watching him.
If he were to implicate others, it would be troublesome.
Feng JinXu wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment. Thinking of the situation in Jinling City, he realized he might be able to stir things up there.
He needed to find an opportunity to speak with the Prince.
He sipped his tea, his mind calculating.
Unfortunately, he had no idea that his younger brother had pledged allegiance to Prince Ding even earlier.
And his own destination had also been decided upon through Prince Ding's deliberate arrangements.
The three siblings sat at the Bai residence for a while, and after receiving many good things from their maternal aunt, Madam Lin, they slowly departed.
Once in the carriage, Feng JinYao was already contemplating how to find an opportunity to visit Wen MengSheng in prison and witness his miserable state.
She then said to her two elder brothers,
"Tomorrow, I want to visit Aunt Zhang. When we met at Fahua Temple, I mentioned I would come for some camellias."
Feng JinXu didn't suspect anything. His work at the Grand Court of Revision was now more complicated than ever. Even on his day off, he had to rush back to accompany Wen Shi, who was expecting, so he simply said,
"Xiao Er, you have nothing to do these past few days, accompany Ah Yao on this trip."
"Big Brother, don't worry, even if you didn't say it, I would have gone. I can't rest assured with Ah Yao out alone."
Since April, he had noticed that his mother's guests had been non-stop.
Those ladies looked at Ah Yao as if she were a piece of meat on a bone, their eyes gleaming, wishing they could take her home with them.
Madam Feng was pleased that her daughter was receiving such attention, but Feng JinLin was unhappy.
How could his excellent sister be matched with those idle, obsequious, and crooked sons of noble families?
If she were to be matched, it should be with...
A pale, yet urgent face suddenly appeared in his mind, and he shivered.
Why was he thinking of the Prince?
Better not. With his frail constitution, let alone accompanying Ah Yao until old age, it was questionable whether he would even live past thirty!
He didn't want his Ah Yao to become a widow at such a young age!
After a long internal struggle, his expression shifted from joy to anger, leaving Feng JinXu and Feng JinYao bewildered.
However, it was good that Second Brother was accompanying her. After all, with him around, there would be someone to share the burden of certain matters.
At that moment, she lowered her head and chuckled softly.
Second Brother, he was always her protective charm.
The clatter of hooves carried them towards the Feng residence.
At the same time, in an inconspicuous private residence in the Eastern Capital, Wen Yuwei was nestled in Prince Ke's embrace, appearing exceptionally obedient and gentle.
Prince Ke had enjoyed her service for several days and found himself growing attached.
Stroking her dark, lustrous hair, he felt a surge of pleasure.
If not for his "rescue," he would not be enjoying the company of such a beauty.
His thoughts drifted back to half a month ago.
Since Emperor Qi's decree, Wen Yuwei had been constantly anxious.
She had initially considered returning to her hometown, but unexpectedly, she was ambushed while out buying something. If she hadn't been rescued by Prince Ke, who happened to pass by, she would have already been a dead soul under the blade.
When she had denounced her relatives, she had only thought of dragging her uncle down with her, forgetting that she had also offended many noble families in the process.
Unable to vent their anger on Emperor Qi, they had turned their attention to the vulnerable Wen Yuwei.
Thus, during the period when she was forcibly cut off from her brother Wen Xinglu, Wen Yuwei, with no one to turn to, half-willingly became Prince Ke's.
She was merely kept in a separate residence, never even entering the Prince's mansion.
Leaning against Prince Ke, Wen Yuwei felt the warmth of his embrace. Although she held no hope for the future, she didn't want to live a life of aimless drifting.
Her once bright future had been ruined by the Wen family's affairs.
Rather than returning to her hometown and being forced to marry someone she disliked, she preferred to entrust herself to Prince Ke.
Her reputation might be tarnished now, but if he were to ascend the throne smoothly in the future, she would naturally become a noble lady in the palace!
Thinking of this, what did a little hardship matter now?
Therefore, when facing Prince Ke, she always appeared tender and affectionate. Coupled with her natural beauty and respectable background, she possessed a charm that surpassed the meticulously raised young ladies of noble families, yet was more proper than the loose women outside.
She wielded the art of feigned resistance with great skill, and Prince Ke's heart was now largely devoted to this private residence, rarely leaving for more than a day or two.
Consequently, despite being an unsanctioned consort, Wen Yuwei was greatly favored.
"It is truly a blessing from three lifetimes for Yu'er to receive the Prince's favor. I seek no title, only to be by the Prince's side at all times."