Yin Canwen, however, was deeply touched. The Feng family treated him with genuine kindness.
He bowed to Feng Hai and Madam Feng, saying, "Canwen is fortunate to have received the care of my lord and madam, and the support of the entire Feng family. If I can achieve success in the imperial examinations in the future, I will never forget today's kindness!"
"Get up, get up quickly. Don't always dwell on these things. Just focus on your exams. With your abilities, you are sure to make a stunning debut!"
Feng Hai's words encouraged Yin Canwen's ambition, and he looked at them with an expression that promised not to disappoint.
Meanwhile, Feng Jinyao was by Feng Er's side, as if reminding him to ensure he had everything.
"Don't worry, A'yao. Haven't Mother and you checked everything multiple times already? If you don't trust me, can you not trust yourself?"
That was true. Feng Jinyao had been so busy this morning that she had forgotten.
The imperial examination lasted for five consecutive days, with only three subjects tested. Upon entering, there would be an inspection, and after entering their respective examination rooms, they would not be allowed to leave. They would eat, drink, sleep, and rest inside.
The first and last days were for checking for any forbidden items carried in or anything taken out that shouldn't be. Only after the exam papers were sealed would people be allowed to leave.
So, a slight delay at the entrance was not a major issue.
However, they would eventually have to part. Feng Er seemed more philosophical than anyone else present.
Feng Jinxu, afraid that he would rush his answers, cautioned him again, "Be patient and steady. Read the questions carefully. Don't answer irrelevantly and make a fool of yourself. Our Feng and Bai families have never had anyone fail. Be careful not to be the first."
"Pah, pah, pah. A'xu, when you speak, you shouldn't say such things. Why are you saying this at such a crucial moment!"
Madam Feng pushed him away in disdain and said to her younger son,
"Don't listen to your elder brother's nonsense. Just show them what you're capable of. If you pass, that would be even better."
Feng Jinxu inwardly thought: A doting mother spoils her child.
However, he dared not show any expression on his face.
Meanwhile, Feng Yunhe, standing nearby, was already looking forward to his own experience entering the examination hall a decade later.
As they were talking, they saw the two maternal uncles from the Bai family and Bai Sihan hurrying over. Seeing that Feng Jinlin had not yet entered, they breathed a sigh of relief.
Uncle Bai Si interjected, "Good thing we made it. Are you two both ready?"
He had been at home taking care of Prime Minister Bai these past few days and had not returned to the academy, so he was not very familiar with their situation.
Yin Canwen did not require anyone's concern; the worry was for Feng Jinlin.
"Student greets the esteemed scholar."
Yin Canwen was respectful, making the Feng Er beside him seem somewhat undisciplined.
"Uncle Si, don't worry. You know my abilities, don't you? I will definitely achieve high honors."
His confident words amused everyone present.
"Good, then we will wait to hear the firecrackers from the Feng family," Uncle Bai Da teased.
It was a bit strange that Bai Sihan had come along today. She was not very close to Feng Jinlin, and the reason they had almost missed seeing Feng Jinlin off was because they had been waiting for her.
Upon arriving at the imperial courtyard, she seemed somewhat absent-minded, looking around.
"Sihan, wasn't it you who said you wanted to see off your cousin?"
"Oh, oh, yes. I wish my cousin success in his examinations."
With a few brief words, she dismissed Feng Jinlin. Such a perfunctory attitude displeased Madam Feng somewhat.
It wasn't as if they had begged her to come, yet when she did, she didn't speak properly.
Suddenly, Bai Sihan's eyes lit up. She saw Wen Mengsheng also disembarking from the carriage. Happily, Bai Sihan called out to him, "Young Master Wen, we are here."
One would think they were very familiar with each other.
Feng Er rolled his eyes and made to enter the examination hall, but was stopped by Feng Jinyao.
"Miss Feng San."
Bai Sihan saw Wen Mengsheng first, while Wen Mengsheng saw Feng Jinyao first.
No one present was foolish; they quickly understood the intentions of these young men and women.
Madam Feng also had thoughts. She would have to send someone to inquire about this person's reputation outside later.
Wen Mengsheng stepped forward, bowed to everyone, and then looked at Feng Jinyao, pretending to be very familiar. "Second Young Master has great fortune, with so many family members to see him off. Miss San, I have remembered what you told me last time. I will visit after passing the examinations."
His words were vague, and to outsiders, it seemed as though the two of them had long harbored feelings for each other.
Wen Mengsheng, as always, was as nauseating as in his previous life.
Bai Sihan was not foolish either. Hearing this, she looked at Wen Mengsheng with teary eyes and said, "Young Master Wen only sees my cousin and not us?"
He had just accepted her token of affection, yet he changed his tune so quickly.
Wen Mengsheng frowned. How could this woman be so shameless, spewing nonsense in front of elders? She should be careful not to cause misunderstandings with the Feng family, but she didn't consider that what she had just said was not much better.
It was Feng Jinyao who stepped in to "resolve" the situation for the two of them.
"Young Master Wen is too kind. They were just a few words wishing you happiness. They are not enough to warrant a visit to express gratitude. However, my cousin here seems to have been waiting for you. Young Master Wen, you should speak with her more, otherwise, wouldn't that hurt her feelings?"
Her attitude returned to its previous state, and Wen Mengsheng gritted his teeth.
This Bai Sihan was truly a jinx, having angered A'yao and caused her to misunderstand him.
He wanted to explain a few words, but Feng Er and Feng Jinxu stepped forward to block him. Yin Canwen, standing nearby, also looked displeased. He tugged at Feng Jinlin's sleeve and said,
"Brother Feng, let's go in early. It won't be good if we're late."
Madam Feng also said repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes." The slight interest she had just developed in Wen Mengsheng completely vanished.
A person who had unclear entanglements with other girls before marriage could not be of good character.
She gave him a big cross in her heart.
She acted as if he were not there, offering kind words of encouragement to Feng Jinlin and Yin Canwen. Seeing them enter the examination hall, she got into the carriage with Feng Jinyao, not even glancing at him.
Wen Mengsheng was furious. His excellent situation had been ruined by Bai Sihan, and he was extremely displeased.
If he could, he would have gladly beaten her, but the elders of the Bai family were present, so he could not act presumptuously.
He said with a cold face, "Miss Bai, please do not speak carelessly. I merely apologized on behalf of my cousin once, and you are now harassing me. Since the two elders of the Bai family are also here, I will make myself clear. I have no other intentions towards Miss Bai, and I hope you will not behave this way in the future."
His words implied that Bai Sihan was shamelessly pursuing him, and he was merely a victim.
Such an irresponsible person, it was unknown what Bai Sihan saw in him!
Wen Mengsheng turned and walked into the examination hall, leaving only the two uncles from the Bai family and Feng Jinxu. Their faces were uglier than the other, and they were now staring intently at Bai Sihan.