Feng Jinyao and Madam Feng exchanged glances, somewhat surprised.
In the past, the Bai and Xu families did not interact much. Although the younger generation was close, it was only because Bai Siruo and Xu Mingyue were good friends.
One was a Prime Minister, the other a Grand Secretary, both holding high positions. If they were to interact closely, it might lead to gossip from those with ulterior motives.
Now, using the excuse of visiting the sick, their visit was perfectly legitimate.
In Shou Kang Yuan, Old Madam Bai and Old Madam Xu hit it off immediately, as if they had been childhood playmates. They chatted and laughed, creating a lively atmosphere.
Madam Lin and Princess Wenyi, seated in the room, accompanied them, while on the other side, Xu Mingyue and Bai Siruo were reluctant to part.
Xu Mingyue was supposed to have set off for Wenjin Academy two days ago. If she hadn't been concerned about seeing Bai Siruo one last time, she would have already been seated in the academy.
"Alas, time flies. You're about to become a teacher."
"The Eastern Capital is not far. Once your grandfather's illness is cured, invite A'yao to come find me. I'll take you to see the mountain temple peach blossoms. I hear they are a specialty of Wenjin Academy."
Her words were filled with hope for her future new life, and Bai Siruo was delighted to see her so bright and cheerful.
"It's a deal. Let A'yao bring the peach blossom wine, and the three of us won't return until we're drunk!"
The young ladies' conversation, with their gestures and giggles behind their sleeves, was overheard by Madam Feng and Feng Jinyao as they entered.
"Siruo, you've only been apart from A'yao for a short while, and you're already thinking about her peach blossom wine. You're going to get drunk at a good academy. Be careful, or Dean Wang might expel you." Madam Feng teased.
Since recovering her health, she had resumed her usual social activities.
It was only because of the recent troubles in the Feng family that she had stayed at home for a while longer. Otherwise, with her disposition, she enjoyed lively gatherings and would even visit the Bai family to play cards with her two sisters-in-law when she had nothing else to do.
"Eldest sister, you're here! Quickly, come and sit here."
Eldest Aunt Madam Lin was the most enthusiastic. She quickly made room and ordered someone to bring her favorite Jingming tea, served with pastries freshly made by the small kitchen. It had a unique flavor.
"My sister-in-law is too kind."
Madam Feng stepped forward to pay her respects to Old Madam Bai and Old Madam Xu before taking her seat. She then expressed her gratitude to Old Madam Xu, "If it weren't for the Purple Jade Dew that Mingyue sent last time, my husband would still be in pain. The effect of stopping bleeding and dispelling stasis from that wound was truly remarkable!"
She smiled charmingly at Xu Mingyue, finding her more and more pleasing to the eye.
With the elders present today, it was a good opportunity to probe their intentions.
"Aunt Feng, you are too kind. We merely passed on a gift. The item was sent by an elder from Jiangnan. If you have the chance to visit Jiangnan, I can introduce you."
"Oh? Jiangnan is a wonderful place. But aren't you going to Wenjin Academy to be a teacher? Do you still have time to accompany us to Jiangnan?"
Xu Mingyue smiled, "Aunt, you must have forgotten. Wenjin Academy has a branch campus in Jiangnan. Perhaps the dean will send me there."
Bai Siruo was displeased upon hearing this. "Why go so far? Aren't you getting married? Or are you going to marry far away? What about Grand Secretary Xu and Old Madam Xu?"
Her rapid-fire questions made Xu Mingyue both amused and exasperated.
"I only said it's possible, not that I have to go. Why did you bring up marriage?"
Eldest Aunt Madam Lin chimed in, adding fuel to the fire, "Mingyue is not young anymore. Siruo is already engaged. You shouldn't delay any longer. It's a pity I have no sons, otherwise, I would fight tooth and nail to have such a good daughter-in-law."
Her words pleased Old Madam Xu. "The girl is still young. Her grandfather and I have discussed it. This time, no one will try to force her with the decree of parents. Unless my granddaughter chooses herself, it's fine even if she never marries. As long as she is happy."
After the broken engagement incident, the elderly couple realized that reputation and face were less important than their granddaughter's happiness.
Madam Feng had intended to say a few words on behalf of her son, but unfortunately, the young man had neither a good reputation nor an official position. He spent his days idly with the Su family. If she were a member of the Xu family, she probably wouldn't think highly of such a grandson-in-law either.
Never mind, it was best to wait until after the spring imperial examination. If he could achieve a good ranking, there might be a slim chance of proposing to the Xu family.
Feng Jinyao noticed her mother's thoughts and nodded at her, signaling her to rest assured.
With her here, "Second Sister-in-law" wouldn't escape. Besides, her second brother likely had feelings for her, otherwise, why would he have been so proactive in escorting her home on the Lantern Festival?
Although destiny was predetermined, human effort played a part.
Everything could wait until after the spring imperial examination; it wouldn't be too late.
Seeing that the conversation had lulled, Princess Wenyi proactively changed the subject, steering it towards the matter of foreign envoys paying tribute.
"I heard the West Market has been very lively these past few days. The merchants accompanying the foreign envoys have brought many rare and exotic items. In a few days, when things settle down at home and the weather warms up, I'll take you to see them. My sister-in-law received a set of red coral hair ornaments from a foreign merchant, which she bought from them. It's extremely beautiful."
"One must say, our Siruo is fortunate. She's not even married yet, and her mother-in-law is already eager to give her things for her dowry." Madam Lin said this with a flushed face, making Bai Siruo blush deeply.
While the lively conversation continued upstairs, in the study, the "seriously ill" Prime Minister Bai was fiercely engaged in a game of chess with Grand Secretary Xu.
"I heard from Da Lang that you sent that young man from the Feng family to Jiangnan. Is it feasible?"
"Don't worry. My grandson is extremely cautious. If he truly investigates something, he won't easily alert the enemy. Moreover, Xu Lin is accompanying him. He was sent by Prince Ding. There won't be any mistakes."
Grand Secretary Xu snorted twice, his mustache twitching upwards, as if reflecting his current mood. "Prince Ding is truly attentive to you. Xu Lin is the leader of his secret guard. Even he has been lent out to accompany A'xu. Tsk, tsk, there's something fishy going on!"
With a snap, he captured four of Prime Minister Bai's pieces.
"What could be fishy? When Prince Ding came to my residence last time to discuss matters concerning the Grand Canal Administration, he mentioned Xu Lin."
Prime Minister Bai and Grand Secretary Xu both knew Prince Ding's capabilities and had some understanding of his influence. However, what was the intention behind Old Master Xu's words this time?
"You are truly muddled in your old age. You can't even see things clearly. Do you really think that young man was only interested in the Grand Canal Administration? Anyone could have been sent. Why specifically Xu Lin?"
"If you have something to say, just say it."
Prime Minister Bai was too lazy to bicker with him and speculate about his thoughts.