The two looked at Feng Jinxu. As siblings, they understood each other's thoughts with just a glance.
"Your humble servant greets the Eldest Princess."
"Lord Feng, there's no need for such formality. Are you leaving already?"
"Yes, my father is still ill. I've been out for quite some time and would feel more at ease returning to look after him sooner."
"If that is the case, then I shall not detain you further."
"Your Highness is too kind. I shall certainly pay a visit another day."
Feng Jinxu became even more respectful. The Eldest Princess Changlin found him increasingly dull. Those who only agreed with her were far less pleasing than Xiao Muqian, who often found fault and caused trouble. She couldn't be bothered to pay him any more attention and walked directly into Changchun Tower.
The Wen brothers and Liang Luo attended to her diligently. Wei Lanxuan, however, did not follow.
She looked at Xu Mingyue and apologized again.
When Liang Pan saw his beloved repeatedly bow her head, yet fail to earn a pleasant look or concession from the other party, his last shred of guilt towards Xu Mingyue vanished completely.
"Lan'er, there's no need for this."
He kept in mind all her sacrifices. It was Xu Mingyue, perhaps his sister was right, who had never taken the Liang family seriously from the beginning, which was why she was so difficult.
Fortunately, he had pulled back from the brink and broken off the engagement. Otherwise, who knew how much trouble there would be in the future.
He played out countless inner monologues, but unfortunately, Xu Mingyue had no interest in his thoughts.
The Feng family was leaving, and she didn't want to stay any longer either. "If that's the case, then I'll head back first. Grandfather and Grandmother are still at home."
Bai Siruo's mood for going out today was also spoiled. She might as well have gone home with Feng Jinyao.
Bai Sihan, however, became anxious. She had finally met Wen Mengsheng and was unwilling to let this opportunity slip away. She naturally wanted to stay. So, she said to Bai Siruo, "Eldest Sister, it's understandable that Cousin Feng and the others need to return. Why don't you and I stay and accompany the Princess a little longer? It's not easy to come out for an outing, don't you agree?"
Of everyone present, Feng Jinyao likely knew her thoughts best. Wen Mengsheng's appearance and family background were probably considered a priceless husband candidate in Bai Sihan's eyes.
Bai Siruo disdained her fawning demeanor but didn't want to get entangled with her any further. "If you want to stay, then stay. I'll leave the carriage for you. You can go back by yourself after the banquet. I'll leave with A'yao."
After speaking, she instructed a servant to wait at the entrance of Changchun Tower.
Bai Sihan was so happy she almost jumped, but she had to pretend to be reluctant. "Eldest Sister, if you leave, and I'm left alone, I'll be a little scared."
"Scared? If you're truly scared, then come with me. It'll save you from crying to me later about me abandoning you here."
Bai Sihan's small face turned red with urgency. How could she leave now?
"As a prodigal daughter, Sihan should stay here and accompany the Princess. Eldest Sister, since you have matters to attend to, you may leave first. I will return after the banquet."
What was it called when one spoke nonsense with their eyes open? Everyone had witnessed it. Bai Sihan's ability to twist facts was truly superb and formidable. She wanted to climb the social ladder by herself, and she even wanted to use the Bai family as a cover.
Bai Siruo had nothing more to say to her. She rolled her eyes and left.
As soon as she left, Feng Jinyao and the others also departed. Suddenly, only Bai Sihan, Wei Lanxuan, and Liang Pan were left standing at the entrance.
As if nothing had happened, Bai Sihan eagerly approached Wei Lanxuan, flattering her as she always had. "Sister Wei, in a few more days it will be your grand wedding day. I'll have to ask for a few cups of wine then."
Wei Lanxuan had seen many ladies change their faces. Bai Sihan's little trick was not enough to impress her.
She neither responded coldly nor enthusiastically. Thinking that she might need her help in the future, she did not fall out with her.
"Don't worry, the Bai family's invitation has been sent. You can come with the elders then."
Bai Sihan's smile froze on her face. She had originally thought she could go in advance as a close confidante, but she didn't expect to be treated like everyone else. However, after a moment's pause, she warmly linked arms with Wei Lanxuan and entered Changchun Tower.
Liang Pan watched, unable to help but admire her ability to feign ignorance.
Su Cheng, Xiao Muqian, and Feng Er naturally rode their horses ahead. Feng Jinyao, Bai Siruo, and Xu Mingyue got into the Feng family's carriage, following behind Feng Jinxu and Wen Shi's carriage. Unfortunately, Yin Canwen couldn't ride a horse. Fortunately, the Xu family's carriage was empty. After some polite refusal, he got into that carriage, following at the end.
The group was still in high spirits, so they discussed returning to the Feng residence to liven things up.
The carriages traveled along the imperial street's carriage path to the Feng mansion. Soon, servants came forward to lead the horses and dismount. Feng Er loudly instructed, "Prepare Dongli Xuan. This young master is hosting guests."
"Understood." The servant, being sharp-eyed, hurried back. The mansion had already been tidied and cleaned. Now, all that was needed was to add some charcoal braziers.
This was Xiao Muqian's first time at the Feng residence. Unlike the royal opulence of Prince Kang's mansion, or the noble integrity of Prime Minister Bai's mansion, it possessed a certain Jiangnan elegance. Lanterns were hung everywhere in the night, giving it a feel of a night tour of Jiangnan.
"My second uncle's family is in Liangzhou. Have you had much contact with them, Young Master Xiao?"
"The Feng family is a prominent clan in Liangzhou, how could I not know? My second uncle has had much interaction with them. I spend my days in the military camp and rarely go out, so I've visited them less."
Feng Er's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He had always yearned for life in the military. Su Cheng had also served in the army, but unfortunately, his father thought he lacked talent and sent him back to Dongdu City.
Compared to Su Cheng, Xiao Muqian's military life was far more appealing. As they walked and talked, the two developed a sense of admiration.
Su Cheng was also very interested in Yin Canwen. Although he was not skilled in poetry and literature, he was not blind. Yin Canwen was full of talent but did not show off. He treated people with humility and courtesy, neither servile nor overbearing. The two, one a scholar and the other a warrior, had interesting conversations.
Eldest Sister-in-law Wen Shi was feeling a bit tired, so she naturally returned to her room to rest.
Eldest Brother Feng Jinxu had stayed by her side constantly these past few days and of course, left with her.
The three sisters hadn't had a good chat together in a long time. The night seemed to remind them of that night they stayed in the small courtyard next to Fahua Temple.
"Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, it's the twelfth year of Tianqi. It's already Lantern Festival. When spring arrives and the ice on Mingchi Lake melts, I'll invite you for a boat ride. The scenery will be even more beautiful than A'yao."
Bai Siruo couldn't help but tease, "Speaking of which, you'll be coming of age at the end of April. Have you thought about what birthday gift you want? Just say the word, and as long as I have it, I won't be stingy!"