This was the third time Xiao Muqian and Bai Siruo had met. On the previous two occasions, elders had been present. Now, they were all of the same generation, yet they still seemed like strangers, each sitting on one side.
"Greetings, Eldest Cousin, Eldest Cousin-in-law." The proper courtesies were observed.
She also bowed slightly to Xiao Muqian and Su Cheng, "Greetings, Young Master Xiao, Young Master Su."
"Young Master Xiao? Weren't you two engaged? Why are you still calling each other Young Master and Miss? Shouldn't you be more affectionate?" With Su Cheng around, the atmosphere was never dull. His words made both their cheeks flush.
Seeing this, Xu Mingyue intervened, "Is Young Master Su perhaps drunk?"
Su Cheng wanted to retort, but was interrupted by Bai Sihan, who had caught up from behind. She was not shy at all, stepping forward and sweetly calling out, "Brother-in-law." After speaking, she stood beside him as if she were the one engaged to him. This behavior made Xiao Muqian somewhat uncomfortable.
Bai Siruo's anger grew. She couldn't understand how the Bai family could produce such a daughter, bringing such shame upon them.
Although Su Cheng had a loud voice, it didn't mean his mind was as rough. With just one glance, he saw the underlying currents.
He picked up his wine cup and drank it down in one gulp. It seemed this marriage was a cause for both joy and sorrow for different people.
The last to arrive was Feng Jinlin. Among those at the banquet, he was the closest to Su Cheng. He strode forward and punched him lightly, "Hey, you started drinking without us?"
"Cough, you know my tolerance for alcohol. I could still drink three of you."
His bold words were almost provoking, yet Xiao Muqian nodded beside him, appearing quite approving.
Feng Jinlin raised an eyebrow and scrutinized him for a moment, his fingers stroking his chin like an old scholar. "Not bad, not bad. Fourth Uncle and Aunt's judgment is truly excellent. I think you and your cousin are quite well-matched."
Another teasing remark. This time, Bai Siruo's face didn't flush. She glared daggers at Feng Er, wishing she could eat him alive.
"Brother Feng is too kind." Xiao Muqian replied frankly, not finding the words excessive.
Feng Jinxu coughed twice, signaling Feng Er to mind his words. Although their meeting today was proper, they were not yet married, and such teasing could damage their reputation.
"Alright, Xiao Er, say a few less words. Where is Young Master Yin? Didn't he come with you in the carriage?"
Yin Canwen had also come out with the Feng family today, but he had left briefly midway for an errand. Feng Jinlin explained a few words on his behalf.
"Speaking of this Young Master Yin, I heard he is quite accomplished. He took first place in the poetry society. His future seems very bright."
Su Cheng had never met Yin Canwen, but the wine house was filled with amusing anecdotes about him and Wen Xinglu, making it impossible not to know.
Xiao Muqian knew little about this and did not join the conversation. He picked up his wine cup, but before he could raise it, he saw Bai Sihan eagerly rush over, pick up the wine pot, and pour him wine. This scene appeared quite "peculiar" to everyone present.
Feng Jinyao watched quietly. She clearly had a desire to test her future brother-in-law. She pressed down on Bai Siruo, who was on the verge of exploding, and signaled her to remain silent.
"Brother-in-law, please drink."
Bai Sihan offered a gentle and beautiful smile. As she lowered her head to pour the wine, the ruby bracelet she had bought earlier was revealed on her delicate wrist. Xiao Muqian's eyes flickered with displeasure as he saw it.
The bracelet not only made her look older but also added a touch of ostentatious display, as if she had suddenly become rich after a period of poverty.
Unfortunately, Bai Sihan was completely unaware.
Turning his cup upside down on the table, Xiao Muqian patiently said, "Miss Bai, please mind your words. Your sister hasn't even spoken yet, and you're calling me brother-in-law. It's not appropriate."
His words were not harsh, but being directly rebuffed, Bai Sihan's face fell. She could only offer an awkward smile, but her behavior did not cease.
"Brother-in-law... Young Master Xiao, please don't be angry. I just thought we would be family soon, so I called you that in advance. I hope Young Master Xiao will forgive my youth and ignorance."
She put on that tearful, pitiful expression again, evoking sympathy.
However, everyone present had hearts as hard as stone, and no one stepped forward to help her in her act.
It was Xu Mingyue who took the initiative to change the subject.
She said to Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao, "The lanterns at Zhengde Tower are about to be lit. Would you two like to go together?"
Feng Jinlin and Su Cheng were naturally a hundred percent willing. Watching the lights from within Changchun Tower felt somewhat distant; it was better to experience it firsthand.
Xiao Muqian was indifferent. He had come out today for the excitement.
It was Feng Jinxu who spoke, "Your eldest sister-in-law and I will stay here. It's better for her to avoid the crowds given her condition. Xiao Er, you and Young Masters Xiao and Su, please escort Ah Yao and the others and make sure they don't get separated in the crowd."
Although Great Jin was now peaceful and prosperous, the Eastern Capital had all sorts of people, so it was best to be extra careful.
"Don't worry, Big Brother. With us here, nothing will happen!" Su Cheng patted his chest.
He and Feng Jinlin had been brothers for many years, so Feng Jinlin's eldest brother was naturally his eldest brother too.
Xiao Muqian also cupped his fist in a gesture of assurance, "Brother Feng, please rest assured."
His words were few, but his tone was inexplicably reassuring.
Feng Jinyao had watched for a long time and couldn't find any fault. This legitimate grandson of the Prince of Kang's mansion was indeed well-educated, composed, and possessed integrity. He was truly a perfect match for her cousin.
But after they married, why did things turn out so badly? She truly couldn't understand it at this moment.
Bai Sihan, seeing that everyone was ignoring her, felt a surge of anger. However, to climb the social ladder, she had to maintain a gentle and compliant facade, forcing herself to endure.
Her long eyelashes fluttered, making her appear very innocent. After looking around, her gaze finally settled on Su Cheng.
"Young Master Su, I haven't seen the lanterns either. Could you take me to see them?"
"Of course! Su Cheng knows everything about the Lantern Festival. With him, you're guaranteed to see something new," Feng Er said, adding fuel to the fire.
Bai Sihan happily strode forward and followed closely behind Su Cheng, like a persistent tail.
Su Cheng bared his teeth and glared at Feng Er. "Fine, you know how to cause trouble for your brothers!"
"Who told you to stab my Feng family in the back with your master? You deserve this!"
They exchanged silent barbs for a while. Bai Siruo grew impatient. She couldn't stand to look at Bai Sihan for even a moment longer, so she said, "You all take your time. Ah Yao, Mingyue, and I will go ahead."
With that, she bowed respectfully to Feng Jinxu and Madam Wen, and then truly took the two of them and left.
Feng Er quickly followed. Xiao Muqian was not far behind. Su Cheng, however, was entangled by Bai Sihan and lagged behind for quite some time.