Old Man Xu's roasted chicken technique was first-class, a delicacy unavailable elsewhere.
Xiao Zhao quickly extended his two paws to cover his mouth, his sapphire eyes blinking as he softly whimpered.
*I'll be quiet, but I can't miss out on roasted chicken!*
Bai Niannian fell into thought, saying with mock seriousness, "That makes sense. One must not be hasty when choosing a master. Even if Miss Feng doesn't become my master, I still have my four brothers. It would be nice if she could become my sister-in-law."
As the saying goes, "Don't let good fortune go to outsiders."
If Feng Ninghe could get together with one of her brothers, it would be a marriage within the family, making it easier to ask for guidance in the future.
Bai Hongyu's face instantly turned red.
"Ahem... Fourth Sister, please be mindful of your words!"
He couldn't help but remind her softly, secretly lifting his gaze to examine Feng Ninghe.
Feng Ninghe, clad in white, possessed skin like congealed fat and eyebrows like wisps of smoke. Her exquisitely featured face held eyes as clear as a bottomless well, yet one could not fathom her thoughts.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say this face was the most beautiful among the young ladies of the great families in Li Kingdom.
He had never seen a woman more beautiful than Feng Ninghe.
More importantly, her abilities matched her beauty, being equally outstanding.
Even the Willow Face Pavilion could not completely cure Old Master Bai, yet she had created a miracle.
Bai Niannian's smile remained unchanged as she busied herself, "Miss Feng, fate in marriage cannot be rushed. But I have four brothers, all handsome, dashing, and suave. Perhaps one of them might truly catch your eye!"
As she spoke these words, Bai Hongyu secretly straightened his chest.
While his temper might be a bit impatient, his appearance was indeed handsome and dashing.
Xiao Zhao raised his eyebrows, his small horns on his forehead swaying with his head.
*Master, if you ask me, this little girl isn't trying to find a master; she's here to pick a sister-in-law for herself!*
Feng Ninghe paid no mind to these words, turning her gaze to two figures hidden behind the rockery.
Even without seeing the two faces hiding behind the rockery, she knew who those two sneaky women were.
"Bai Qianqian is here too?"
A cold, clear female voice slowly descended.
Bai Niannian, as if remembering something, deliberately added, "Yes, she didn't want to come, but my father believes the Bai and Feng families should maintain good relations. The conflicts between the younger generation are just minor squabbles and should not affect the families' feelings."
The head of the Bai family was indeed a person who considered the bigger picture and was reasonable.
Feng Ninghe, having become the family head at such a young age, and with profound cultivation, was not someone to be trifled with.
Why be enemies when one could be friends?
Bai Hongyu also spoke at this moment, "Miss Feng, we hear you are now in charge of the Feng family and the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. If you have any questions or difficulties in your new role, you can seek our assistance."
Facing the Bai family's goodwill, Feng Ninghe smiled slightly, "Then thank you."
Xiao Zhao clicked his tongue, looking at the two figures hiding behind the rockery, his arms crossed.
*Master, in broad daylight, these two are acting so suspiciously; they don't look like good people. They might be plotting something shady.*
Feng Ninghe nonchalantly reached out, gently stroking the soft fur of Xiao Zhao.
To her, those two were birds of a feather. What kind of trouble could they stir up?
Behind the rockery.
Feng Tongtong said politely, "Miss Bai, we've discussed enough for today. We can talk more when the opportunity arises. I assume you have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you further."
Bai Qianqian looked at her with admiration, a hint of pleasure in her eyes, "If only everyone in the Feng family were as clever as you."
Feng Tongtong smiled and left after a simple farewell to find the First Prince.
Xiao Zhao's sapphire eyes, like glazed glass, flickered with displeasure as he extended a paw in a certain direction.
*Master! The First Prince has been staring at you. His eyes are practically trying to devour you!*
*I really want to dig out his eyeballs!*
The disdain in Xiao Zhao's eyes was particularly noticeable under the sunlight.
Sensing Xiao Zhao's pointed paw, Baili Ye subconsciously turned his gaze around.
There was no one else around him.
This presumptuous little beast was looking down on him?
Baili Ye was stunned, his eyes widening, wanting to see more clearly and confirm his thoughts.
One beast and one person, their eyes met.
Xiao Zhao disdainfully clicked his tongue and gave him the middle finger.
"What is this foolish beast doing!"
A raging fire instantly ignited in Baili Ye's chest.
He was the high and mighty First Prince of Li Kingdom, with prospects of inheriting the throne, yet he was being mocked by a small beast today?
Sensing Baili Ye's gaze, Feng Tongtong saw the little beast busy giving him the middle finger.
Xiao Zhao felt that one middle finger wasn't enough, so he raised another.
Feng Tongtong felt a pang of displeasure and mockingly whispered, "What kind of master, what kind of spirit beast. Feng Ninghe is so arrogant and conceited, so it's no wonder her pet beast is lawless. With her haughty and overbearing nature, she'll be dealt with sooner or later!"
Baili Ye's gaze fell again upon Feng Ninghe's face. Looking at this bright and flamboyant face, a flame involuntarily ignited in his eyes.
No wonder Mo Zisang was attracted to Feng Ninghe.
Just for this face, let alone Mo Zisang, even he couldn't resist.
"Your Highness, Bai Qianqian invited us to the Bai family to celebrate Old Master Bai's recovery. Shall we go together in three days?"
Feng Tongtong proactively suggested.
The noble families were all waiting to see her make a fool of herself, so she naturally wanted to take this opportunity to show everyone that she was the future Crown Princess.
If anyone dared to disrespect her, she would not let them off lightly.
As for Feng Ninghe...
This foolish woman wouldn't enjoy good days for much longer!
The thought of attending such an event with Feng Tongtong made Baili Ye feel uncomfortable.
However, he did not refuse and nodded in agreement.
The banquet was a place with many eyes and ears. Perhaps he would have a chance to approach Feng Ninghe and make this woman understand that he, Baili Ye, was the best man in the world!
If she missed him, Feng Ninghe wouldn't find such a good marriage!
He harbored both hatred and love for Feng Ninghe.
If he had known this would happen, he wouldn't have agreed to Feng Tongtong's scheme five years ago.
Feng Ninghe and the Bai family members didn't linger. After a brief chat, they had Chi Xia see them off.
As they left, Bai Niannian's mind was filled with thoughts of which of her brothers would be most suitable for Feng Tongtong.
She had to seize the opportunity of the banquet to let her brothers shine, and perhaps Feng Ninghe would truly take a liking to one of them!
Old Man Xu stroked his long beard, his eyes deep and carrying a hint of meaning, "Where there are many people, there are many troubles. The banquet will surely be lively. In the eyes of the outside world, I am your master, and I cannot be absent from such an occasion."
It would be against heavenly principles not to take advantage of a good deal.
If he couldn't be a disciple, playing the role of a master was also good.
Since everyone believed him to be Feng Ninghe's master, he would naturally play this role well.
Feng Ninghe smiled nonchalantly, "If you don't find it bothersome, you can come along. However, I never realized you were so gossipy before."