"This lady is..."
A polite gesture is met with politeness, especially at the entrance of an academy. Both Madam Shen and her daughter wished to make a good impression, so they replied with gentle grace.
"We are family of the Bai residence. We've come today to deliver some change of clothes for young Master Feng, please grant us passage."
"Ah, so you are the master's family. This old servant was rude. Young Master Feng has just finished his studies. It's a good time for you to visit, Madam."
"Thank you, old man, for showing us the way."
"You are too kind, Madam."
The old gatekeeper, suspecting nothing, let the carriage pass into the academy.
As they traveled, mother and daughter marveled at the most magnificent academy in the capital, a sight they had never witnessed before.
Though situated in the mountains, it exuded tranquility and ancient charm. Even the seemingly ordinary pine and cypress trees by the roadside were unlike those elsewhere. "Perhaps it is the abundant spiritual energy here that nourishes the pines and cypresses better than elsewhere."
Madam Shen couldn't quite articulate it, but she felt that if the academy was so fine, the people within must be even better.
The thought of her daughter's future prospects filled her with delight.
When the carriage reached its parking spot, they disembarked and proceeded on foot. Along the way, they encountered a young page boy who guided them, and they soon found the residence where Feng Jinlin and his companions were staying.
Feng Er was in conversation with Yin Canwen when a clear voice called from behind, "Cousin!"
Turning around, he saw Bai Sihan, with Madam Shen standing beside her, looking around with a furrowed brow. His expression turned cold as he asked, "Third Aunt, why have you come?"
He had no prior dealings with this mother and daughter, so their presence here was unexpected.
Bai Sihan feigned innocence, handing over a bundle and smiling sweetly at Feng Jinlin. "Cousin, Cousin asked me to deliver these things to you. She said they are shirts she prepared for you, and there's a box inside with a peace bracelet she specially requested. She said wearing it will surely help you succeed."
"A'Yao asked you to bring things? Where is she?"
Feng Jinlin didn't believe a word of her explanation. Bai Siruo disliked them, and A'Yao, by extension, wouldn't associate closely with them. It was strange that she would send things now.
Seeing an opportunity, Madam Shen deliberately put on a troubled expression.
"Third Miss was out all night dealing with family matters and caught a chill. She was complaining of a headache this morning before we left."
"Ill?"
"Is Third Miss alright?"
Their simultaneous questions caught Madam Shen off guard. She then scrutinized the young gentleman beside Feng Jinlin.
Feng Jinlin, before she could speak, asked first.
"How did A'Yao get sick out in the cold? What happened at home?"
Feng Er asked anxiously. Yin Canwen, though silent, also looked concerned.
Madam Shen, feigning mystery, lowered her voice. "The eldest daughter eloped with an outsider. She was caught and brought back by the family. That man has now been branded a rebel, accused of kidnapping the eldest daughter, which is how the rumors were quelled. Third Miss was trying to save the Bai family's reputation and chased after them all night, only to fall ill from the cold."
Upon hearing this, Feng Er and Yin Canwen exchanged glances, both looking unconvinced.
But Madam Shen pressed on, "The eldest daughter is now confined to her room. Fourth Master, in his anger, even whipped her fifty times."
While the previous statement was a fabrication, he knew his fourth uncle's character. If he had been so harsh with Bai Siruo, it must have been because she had made a mistake. Could it be that she had truly misplaced her affections?
Despite his thoughts, he did not let Madam Shen have her way.
"Since Third Aunt has delivered the items, you should return quickly. It will be difficult to travel on the roads if it gets any later."
Seeing that Feng Jinlin wasn't following her lead, Madam Shen felt a flicker of displeasure. This young man was truly unappreciative.
However, noticing Bai Sihan tugging at her sleeve with some urgency, she changed the subject.
"Jinlin, do the students here rest in this area? Why do we only see you and not others?"
As soon as Madam Shen asked this, Feng Er understood her intention. Recalling Bai Sihan's behavior on the Lantern Festival night, he could guess her target.
He replied, "The third room on the left is where Master Wen's son resides. However, I must advise Third Aunt and cousin to be cautious. The Wen family is not a place of peace."
Bai Sihan, her purpose revealed, felt a pang of shame. Madam Shen, however, was undeterred.
"The eldest daughter has found a good match. We cannot let our Han'er marry beneath her. Since the Bai family is unwilling to pave a path for us, why shouldn't we find our own way? What's wrong with that?"
Having said all he intended, Feng Jinlin had no desire to speak further with them and turned to leave. Yin Canwen followed.
Madam Shen huffed a couple of times and said to Bai Sihan, "Han'er, just go and find him. Your mother is here. I'll see who dares to say anything!"
Encouraged by Madam Shen, Bai Sihan nodded firmly. In life, if one doesn't strive for oneself, how can they know what future opportunities await?
Taking a deep breath, she headed towards Wen Mengsheng's residence.
Coincidentally, she met him as he was returning.
"Young Master Wen," Bai Sihan offered him her most charming smile. Wen Mengsheng looked somewhat surprised.
"Miss Bai, what are you doing here?"
"I was delivering something for my cousin to my cousin, and I happened to meet you here. What a coincidence."
Wen Mengsheng smiled without speaking. He felt a twinge of guilt for her being beaten on the Lantern Festival night for her "righteous" words. He had intended to say a few more words when she handed him a red string.
She said shyly, "This is a peace bracelet I personally requested from Fahua Temple. The master has performed a ritual. It will surely bless you, Young Master Wen, to succeed!"
With that, she handed him the bracelet. Wen Mengsheng maintained his elegant demeanor, but inwardly, he scoffed.
Such trinkets were merely meant to deceive ignorant women like them. If they truly worked as she claimed, wouldn't everyone be able to pass the imperial examinations without studying, simply by wearing such a bracelet to bring honor to their families?
Ridiculous!
He paid her a little more attention only because she was Feng Jinlin's cousin. It was not easy to openly confront her. So, he said,
"Miss Bai is too kind. I shall accept it without any pretense of modesty."
Unfortunately, Bai Sihan interpreted this as an acceptance of their relationship. She looked at Wen Mengsheng with affectionate eyes and said, "I will pray for you every day at home, wishing you success in the examinations. I hope Young Master Wen will not forget this sentiment today."
Wen Mengsheng inwardly sneered. She had a pleasing appearance, but her mind was lacking. He had great ambitions and could not possibly be interested in a young lady who offered no assistance to his career or family.
Bai Sihan's hopes were likely to be dashed.