She was already annoyed by the marriage, and seeing her behavior now made her even more furious, speaking without reservation.
"I am not your parents, you should ask your family about these matters. What can I, an unmarried daughter, do to help you?"
Having no desire to talk to her further, she turned and left.
"Eldest Sister..."
Bai Sihan was filled with remorse. They were both daughters of the Bai family, so why could she soar to the heavens and become a phoenix, while she was suppressed by her aunt to the point of not being able to leave her room.
In a few more days, it would be New Year's Eve. Her father had mentioned last time that after the New Year, their family would return to Qiongzhou.
The disdain she felt upon arriving had now turned into hooks, gradually tying her to Dongdu City. How could she be willing to go back!
The handkerchief in her hand twisted into a knot, just like her thoughts. In the vast Dongdu City, she had no one to turn to?
The Wei family, after what happened last time, could no longer be visited.
Suddenly, an idea struck her. The cousin from the Feng family seemed much easier to talk to. She should pay a visit to the Feng family when she had the chance!
The news of the Bai family's engagement to the Kang Wang Manor reached Feng Jinyao's ears when she was burying dew jars with her second brother, Feng Jinlin, under the plum trees in Ning'an Courtyard.
After the twelfth lunar month, it snowed heavily for several days, with some snow weighing down the plum branches so much they could barely lift their heads.
That dew was precisely the melted snow from the plum blossoms. Not only did it carry the fragrance of plum blossoms as it fell from the sky, but it was also very precious.
Burying it at the root of the tree and letting it absorb some earth energy, it would be most flavorful to brew tea with when it was unearthed in the spring of the following year.
Feng Jinlin wore a dashing riding outfit, which made him look particularly spirited.
The academy had been on holiday for two days, and the gates were closed. He had brought Yin Canwen back and settled him in his own courtyard. Normally, they would discuss and practice essays and poems together. Today, having some free time, he came to talk to Feng Jinyao, only to find her doing manual labor.
While digging the hole, he earnestly instructed Feng Jinyao.
"This dew must wait until after I achieve success in the imperial examinations before it is unearthed. When I do, brewing tea with it and pairing it with your peach blossom crisps will be the finest taste in the world."
After speaking, he couldn't help but smack his lips, making the maids around Feng Jinyao giggle.
Xiuqiu, who was outspoken, teased Feng Jinlin, "Second Master is truly amazing, knowing he will definitely succeed before even taking the exam."
"Just you wait. When I succeed, I'll have you personally boil water and serve tea to congratulate me!"
"That's easy. If Second Master is happy, let alone boiling water and serving tea, I can make a hundred dishes for you!"
Xiuqiu's culinary skills were superb, but she rarely cooked. Feng Jinlin had tasted her cooking a few times before and had never forgotten it. Hearing her say this, he was so happy he almost dropped the jar in his hand.
"It's a deal!"
"Be careful with my jar!" Feng Jinyao was truly vexed by Feng Er's inexplicable confidence.
Fearing he would repeat the mistakes of his past life, she had to remind him again, "The ancients said, 'Pride goes before a fall, and humility before honor.' Second Brother should be more steady and not make such bold claims, lest he be embarrassed when he can't deliver."
Yunxu and the others secretly giggled behind their hands upon hearing this. Feng Jinlin was not angered.
He looked at his sister, who was becoming more refined, and said with a pleased expression, "Since I was born, I have never been embarrassed. You little girl, think about what gift you will give me first. I won't accept ordinary items; they must be things I've never seen or heard of!"
Feng Jinyao sighed, "Second Brother's request is too high. Sister doesn't know whether to wish you success or failure."
"Bah, bah, bah, go and touch wood. What failure! If I really fail, when Father and Eldest Brother come looking for trouble, I'll use you as a shield!"
As they were chatting cheerfully, a maid from their mother's courtyard walked in, saying there was something important that required everyone's presence.
Feng Jinyao was a little puzzled and quietly asked Feng Jinlin, "Did you cause trouble again?"
"Heaven and earth can bear witness, I've been very well-behaved these past few days, I haven't even left the house!"
Then it was strange. Handing the jars to Xiuqiu and the others, Feng Jinlin stood up, wiped his hands with a handkerchief, and went to Madam Feng's courtyard with Feng Jinyao.
Lifting the curtain and entering, they saw Madam Feng and Eldest Sister-in-law Wen happily chatting.
"What is it? Mother is so happy," Feng Jinlin spoke first.
Seeing her son and daughter enter together, Madam Feng, who had recently recovered from her illness, beamed, "The Bai family sent word that Siruo is engaged to the legitimate grandson of the Kang Wang Manor. This is a joyous occasion. I was just discussing with your Eldest Sister-in-law what gift to send."
"Engaged! Cousin Bai?"
Feng Jinlin was somewhat surprised. That girl was engaged so quickly, it was truly beyond his expectations.
"Yes, speaking of which, her marriage was arranged rather hastily. However, according to those around Sister-in-law, both sides had been looking favorably upon each other for a long time, so it's not too rushed."
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinyao felt a bit anxious. In her previous life, her relationship with this husband was not harmonious at all. "Both sides had been looking favorably upon each other for a long time" was merely what the elders said.
She would definitely find time to ask. If Bai Siruo was not satisfied with this marriage, she would do everything she could to break it off!
Therefore, she sat at the side and did not speak. However, Wen Shi, who had been managing the household affairs for some time, had also tallied the accounts of the storeroom and was well aware of the situation.
She took out a draft gift list from her embrace and handed it to Madam Feng, saying obediently and calmly, "Mother, please take a look. I drafted this list on my own. I wonder if it is suitable?"
Madam Feng was somewhat surprised by her actions. Wen Shi smiled and explained, "When I was organizing the storeroom list earlier, I thought that Cousin Bai's age might be appropriate for an engagement, and our family would naturally offer congratulations. So, I privately drafted this list. I hope Mother will not blame me."
"Why would I blame you? You thought ahead, it's a good thing, and it's your capability!"
As she read the gift list from beginning to end, she became more and more satisfied.
For the past period, she had managed the household affairs in an orderly manner, and the subordinates had no complaints. She truly admired this Eldest Madam from the bottom of her heart.
Therefore, she became particularly tolerant of Wen Shi.
"The list is well-prepared. Prepare the gifts according to this. Send them tomorrow, don't delay."
"Yes."
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinyao volunteered to deliver the gift. Madam Feng thought that perhaps her daughter had some private words to share with Siruo, so she agreed.
After a few casual chats, they all dispersed.
Feng Jinlin, concerned about the dew jars, naturally followed her back to Ning'an Courtyard.
As soon as they entered, they saw Chi Ling run over and dart into Feng Jinyao's arms. She lowered her head and stroked its vibrant feathers with affection.
"Poor thing, let me see if your injury has healed."