With a harmless facade, she smiled at Madam Shen and said, "I was ill the past few days. I've come today to check on my maternal grandfather and the others. Seeing that they are in good health puts my mind at ease. If Aunt Shen has nothing else to say to me, then I must take my leave as I have matters to attend to at home."
"There's no need to rush. Come to my courtyard and sit for a while. I do have something I'd like to ask Third Miss for her help with."
Feng Jin Yao had never seen Madam Shen so humble. Curious about what she wished to discuss, she patiently replied, "I won't be going to the courtyard. I truly have matters to attend to at home. Please, Aunt Shen, just tell me what you need my help with."
Madam Shen glanced around, noticing there were few people present. With Yun Xu, Feng Jin Yao's maid, watching from the side, she found it somewhat difficult to speak.
Feng Jin Yao understood her hesitation and said to Yun Xu behind her, "I seem to have misplaced a handkerchief at Cousin's place. Go and retrieve it for me."
"Yes, Miss."
Yun Xu, realizing they wished to speak in private, withdrew to a nearby spot to keep watch.
"Aunt Shen, please proceed."
Seeing that Feng Jin Yao had dismissed her attendant, Madam Shen gave Zheng Mama a look. Once everyone had left, she spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
"Alas, I don't even know how to begin. Third Miss has lived in this Eastern Capital since birth, a noble lady of a prominent family, so you naturally have no worries about marriage. But my Si Han has suffered hardships with us, living in that Qiongzhou region, unable to find even a decent young man. Now, the household is in chaos, with everyone attending to the Eldest Miss, and they've forgotten about my daughter and me."
As she spoke, she dabbed at her eyes, appearing to have suffered greatly.
Madam Shen remained silent, making her feel somewhat awkward. However, having come this far, she could only brace herself and continue.
"I see Third Miss as a kind-hearted person, and you've often helped my Han Er. Could you perhaps lend a hand and find a suitable family for Han Er in the Eastern Capital? I don't ask for high official positions or great wealth; a husband who is considerate and in-laws who are kind would suffice."
Feng Jin Yao looked at her, finding Madam Shen somewhat amusing for the first time.
Setting aside the fact that she was an unmarried young lady, even if she were married, Madam Shen and Bai Si Han seemed to have approached the wrong person.
However, with such a great opportunity presented to her, she was indeed worried about not having anyone to help her with *that* matter.
Thus, her gaze towards Madam Shen became exceptionally warm and sincere.
"Aunt Shen, speaking like this makes us strangers. Si Han is my own cousin, and her talent and beauty are renowned throughout the Eastern Capital. How can you suggest she settle for less?"
These words soothed Madam Shen's heart. She felt that her assessment of Third Miss was correct; she was someone who could discern people and situations, far better than those blind fools in the courtyard. Her smile grew more unrestrained.
"Who says not? With her talent and beauty, it's a pity she was born into our third branch. If she were in Eldest Brother's or Fourth Brother's household, suitors would likely be beating down the door."
Her tone was full of envy, but in reality, it was a complaint that the first and fourth branches had left them no room to maneuver.
If Feng Jin Yao had not been aware of Madam Shen and Bai Si Han's past actions, she might have genuinely wanted to help this seemingly devoted mother planning for her daughter's future.
With an idea forming in her mind, she feigned a moment of thought before saying to Madam Shen.
"Does Aunt Shen know of Yun Qi Academy?"
"Of course, I do."
"My second brother is currently studying there, preparing for this year's imperial examinations, sacrificing sleep and diligently studying. I had some peace charms made a few days ago to pray for his success, but unfortunately, my health has been poor, and I've been unable to deliver them..."
At this point, if Madam Shen didn't understand, she would truly miss out on a "good match."
"Third Miss, there's no need to worry. Let my Han Er deliver them; it's all the same. She's also Second Young Master's sister, so it doesn't matter who goes!"
"In that case, thank you, Aunt Shen and Cousin, for making this trip for me. I've heard that many young gentlemen who are about to take the examinations are there. If one can achieve success and find a good match, it would be a joyous occasion."
Madam Shen beamed, her eyes crinkling with delight. She took Feng Jin Yao's hand as if she were her own daughter, showering her with praise.
Feng Jin Yao, however, was in a hurry to return and make arrangements. She politely declined Madam Shen's invitation again and said, "Then I will await Cousin at the manor tomorrow to collect the peace charms."
"Rest assured, Third Miss, Han Er will be there!"
Her objective achieved, Feng Jin Yao did not linger. As Yun Xu returned, she paid her respects to Madam Shen and naturally departed from the Bai residence.
In the carriage, Yun Xu observed her mistress's expression, feeling a sense of satisfaction as if revenge had been served. She asked, "Miss, what did Third Madam say to you? Why are you so happy?"
"Yun Xu, if you had the chance to push your enemy into an abyss, would you be happy?"
Enemy?
Although Third Madam and her daughter had acted out of line, they were hardly enemies of her mistress, were they? Why would she say that? Just as Yun Xu was about to ask further, she saw Feng Jin Yao close her eyes to regulate her breathing. Knowing she didn't wish to elaborate, Yun Xu didn't press the matter.
In Bai Si Han's courtyard, Madam Shen was vividly describing tomorrow's arrangements to her. Unfortunately, Bai Si Han was distracted and finally declared, "Mother, I'm not going."
Madam Shen was so enraged she nearly fainted.
"Child, this is such a good opportunity for you to meet those young talents, why would you refuse?"
"Hmph, what's the point of meeting them? My reputation in the Eastern Capital now is probably worse than Eldest Sister's. She has the title of Princess Anping, but what about me? I'm a daughter of the third branch who offended the Eldest Princess Changlin. Who would dare to approach me now?"
Bai Si Han's injuries had mostly healed, but her temperament had become somewhat more restrained. Perhaps the beating from the Eldest Princess Changlin had made her understand what was beyond reach. Compared to Madam Shen, she had already seen reality and no longer harbored fantasies.
Seeing her so dispirited, Madam Shen grew anxious.
"Han Er, where has your spirit gone? Why aren't you competing with the one next door anymore? Even though Bai Si Ru eloped with an outsider, the Bai family found so many excuses to cover it up, even instigating the Emperor to grant her a title. And those people from Prince Kang's manor, what were they thinking? Such a daughter, and they haven't broken off the engagement."
When speaking of Bai Si Ru, Madam Shen stubbornly believed that everything was merely a fabrication by the Bai family to save face. After all, they had found someone to take the blame, so whether it was true or false was up to them.
"Look at you. It's been over half a month since you were beaten, and who has cared? If you also give up on yourself like this, how will you ever stand tall before Bai Si Ru in the future? Listen to your mother; take this trip for Third Miss. You might just meet some young master!"
Mentioning young masters, Bai Si Han suddenly thought of Wen Meng Sheng.
She had been confined to her home since her beating. She wasn't very clear about outside news, only hearing that the Eldest Princess Changlin had taken a liking to someone from the Wen family. That cousin Wen was forced to become a consort and had been living in the Princess's manor with no news since.