"Speaking of which, Yunxu had finished mounting the painting on the lantern. She held it up and looked at it from all sides, asking, 'Miss, should we also paint with that luminous powder?'
'No need. Keep the luminous powder well. Miss has other uses for it.'
'Yes, then I'll put it in the treasure cabinet. It has a small lock outside, so it won't be lost.'
Yunxu clutched the box in her hand. She sent the one for her eldest brother with Lamei, and the one for her second brother with Xiuhong. As for the one in her hand, it was specially prepared for the Wen family.
She recalled that in her previous life, Wen Mengsheng had also given her this luminous powder as a floral adornment, which had unexpectedly led her to discover something.
There was a destiny in the dark. It was this very matter that gave her the leverage to bring down the Wen family.
She had originally planned to beg her fourth aunt to ask for some from the palace, but she didn't expect Xu's sister to deliver it directly to her door. It was truly effortless. Looking at the painting on the lantern, she smiled even more gleefully.
The Lantern Festival was fast approaching.
Before the Feng family's three siblings and their eldest sister-in-law went out, they specifically came to Yunhai Courtyard and brought Yunhe and Yunli with them.
Yunhe was young and had a good foundation. Coupled with the miraculous effects of Physician Zhang's medicine, he was now almost fully recovered. Only the scars on his body were a bit gruesome. Yunli had been accompanying him these days, and their brotherly relationship had grown day by day. Under Yunhe's guidance, Yunli had also become much more sensible than before.
If not for this, he would have probably been clamoring to go along. But now, he said in a childish voice, 'Father, Mother, Second Uncle, and Aunt, you have fun. Second Brother and I will take care of Grandfather and Grandmother at home. You don't need to worry.'
At such a young age, he spoke of taking care, which made everyone laugh. Feng Er gently patted his round little head and asked curiously, 'How will you take care?'
Feng Yunli tilted his head and looked at his elder brother. His elder brother hadn't taught him this.
Feng Yunhe chuckled softly and came forward to help him out with a thoughtful gesture, 'Second Brother and I are still young and cannot do physical labor. However, Second Brother can entertain Grandmother, and I can accompany Grandfather. Isn't that also taking care?'
Seeing her beloved grandson so intelligent, Madam Feng pulled him to her side and praised him profusely, 'Yes, yes, yes, what Yunhe said is right! As long as you two brothers are here, Grandmother and Grandfather will be happy.'
Seeing her smiling face, Feng Yunli also clapped his hands, spinning around happily like a little top, showing off.
It had to be said that kinship was truly magical. His boisterous nature bore some resemblance to Feng Jinlin's when he was young.
'Alright, then you two take care. Second Uncle will bring you delicious food when he returns!'
Upon hearing the word 'food,' Feng Yunli's eyes lit up, and he urged everyone to leave quickly so he could eat sooner.
Since marrying into Dongdu City, Madam Wen had spent most of her time either on her sickbed or in silent contemplation. She rarely even appeared at the courtyard gate of the eldest branch, let alone wandered around the city.
Hearing the lively sounds from outside, she was very excited in the carriage, but she was also mindful of Feng Jinxu beside her and felt a bit embarrassed to lift the curtain and look.
'When we get to Changchun Tower later, you can lean by the window and look. The location there is high, and you can see more clearly.'
Madam Wen was startled by his sudden words, but after a moment, she smiled, 'Your humble servant understands.'
The carriage swayed, and they arrived at the foot of Changchun Tower shortly after. They happened to meet Xu Mingyue, who had arrived punctually. Before they could greet each other, they heard Su Cheng calling out loudly from upstairs, 'Feng Er, over here.'
Looking up, besides Su Cheng, there was indeed a somewhat unfamiliar face. It was likely their cousin Bai's future husband, Xiao Muqian.
'You're really early, kid.'
'Wouldn't I be early? Otherwise, there wouldn't be any private rooms left.'
The group stood at the entrance of Changchun Tower. This was Madam Wen's first time here, and she was curious about everything she saw.
Feng Jinxu had been here fewer times than Feng Er, but he was still familiar with the place. Therefore, he held her hand and walked forward, introducing her to things along the way.
Feng Jinyao and Feng Er exchanged glances. Had their eldest brother changed after the New Year? He, who was so particular about etiquette, was holding hands in broad daylight. It was truly surprising.
'What's wrong?'
Xu Mingyue looked at the siblings, not understanding. It was inconvenient to discuss family matters, so she deflected with a joke.
As the group stepped inside, they heard someone call from behind, 'Ayao!'
The voice was clear and resonant, and one could tell it was Bai Siruo. Turning around, they saw that it was indeed her.
She leaped down from the carriage and ran towards them. However, the curtain of the carriage was lifted, and there was another person inside.
'Eldest Sister, wait for me.'
It was Bai Sihan!
Feng Jinyao hadn't seen her for a long time and had almost forgotten her. 'So annoying. She insisted on following me, or else she would throw a tantrum and make a scene.'
Bai Siruo's grudges with her could fill half a book. It was just that she had the surname Bai and couldn't shake her off.
The carriage stopped, and Bai Sihan quickly stepped down using the horse stool. Her face looked somewhat sorrowful, like a delicate flower that had been wronged, which made everyone present feel quite disgusted.
Yet, she herself was unaware of it. She pretended to wipe tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. 'Sihan grew up in Qiongzhou and has never seen the liveliness of Dongdu City. If Eldest Sister hadn't kindly brought me out today, I probably wouldn't even know what the Lantern Festival is like.'
Bai Siruo found her mournful demeanor most irritating. She was a perfect white lotus, skilled at putting on airs.
'Oh, haven't you seen enough excitement? Haven't you been attending banquets with your mother every day lately?'
Bai Siruo spoke her mind directly and without reservation. The Feng family's successive misfortunes had made the entire Bai family feel distressed.
Yet, the mother and daughter of the third branch were nowhere to be seen, either drinking at the Zhang family's or visiting the Wang family. No one knew what had happened. Shen Shi and Bai Sihan were so well-liked that since the New Year, they had attended six or seven banquets, each more extravagant than the last. The eldest aunt was also quite displeased.
'Eldest Sister is joking. I am just a concubine-born daughter. I only went with Mother twice. How can I compare to Eldest Sister?'
As she spoke, she put on that simpering expression of Xi Shi clutching her chest, which angered Bai Siruo so much that she couldn't be bothered to deal with her. She pulled Feng Jinyao and Xu Mingyue and went straight upstairs.
Seeing this, Bai Sihan, with her thick skin, followed them up, leaving Feng Jinlin behind.
He cast a playful glance at his little cousin. He hadn't expected her to be such a character.
He shook his head slightly and followed them upstairs.
Bai Siruo, not expecting anyone to be upstairs already, pushed the door open with a bang. Her face was clearly displeased, as if she had been angered, but she hadn't expected everyone to be there upon entering, which made her pause."