Chapter 66: Laba Festival - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 66: Laba Festival

Seeing him leave, Yin Canwen wanted to follow but realized it would be inappropriate for an outsider to enter the courtyard of an unmarried woman. So, he had to suppress his thoughts and slowly sipped his tea.

The Bai family's carriage arrived quickly, stopping at the side gate. After a brief greeting with Bai Chaohai and Bai Siruo, Feng Jinyao hurried back to the Peace Pavilion.

Coincidentally, the siblings entered the house one after the other.

After waiting in the corridor for a moment, Feng Jinyao changed her clothes, transforming once again into a noble lady.

"Ah Yao..."

"It was my idea to go. Don't blame Cousin Siruo, Brother."

Feng Jinlin looked at his sister helplessly. He knew how headstrong she was. If she hadn't wanted to go, not even nine horses could have dragged her along with Bai Siruo. He didn't bother arguing further.

But Feng Jinyao, noticing his serious expression, asked softly, "Did you bring Young Master Yin back to the house?"

"Why?"

"Nothing much. He seems to be genuinely talented. Father and Brother will certainly like him."

She wasn’t wrong, but they would only be able to stay for a short while before returning to the academy, likely missing Father and Brother’s return.

"It's hard for a man of humble origins to rise. If Young Master Yin faces difficulties, you should help him, Brother."

Feng Jinlin didn’t need her reminder; he knew what to do.

He genuinely befriended Yin Canwen, but it was also a strategic move to gain an ally for the family. Seeing Yin Canwen’s bright future, fostering goodwill could benefit both the Feng and Bai families in court.

Feng Jinlin was no fool; he understood this clearly.

"In a few days, the academy will close. I’ve already told Brother that I want to invite him to stay with us. It will save him the trouble of traveling back and forth to Cangzhou. If something happens on the road and he misses the spring exams, all his years of hard work would be wasted."

This was a good plan, and Feng Jinyao appreciated it. With Father and Brother there, they would treat the guest well, and everything she planned would proceed smoothly.

Wen Mengsheng, enjoy your last New Year's Eve. As husband and wife, I won't let you be lonely on the road to the underworld.

Thinking this, a sly and playful smile appeared on her face.

After three heavy snowfalls, the eleventh year of Tianqi in the Great Jin Dynasty was coming to an end.

On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, every household was filled with the fragrance of congee.

In the Feng family, this was the first time Madam Wen was in charge of preparing the Laba porridge, and she was diligent.

Before dawn, she was already in the kitchen supervising the preparation.

In the cold of winter, a warm bowl of congee was the best nourishment.

The glutinous rice had been prepared in advance, and the pot contained carefully selected red beans, peanuts, lotus seeds, red dates, longan, and other ingredients. Considering that Madam Feng’s health hadn't fully recovered, she also added dried tangerine peel and ginseng whiskers for better digestion and appetite.

The cooks had never seen the eldest mistress before, but her maid Zhu Jin had met her a few times. Unsure of how to proceed, Zhu Jin approached her flatteringly, "Madam, the porridge is almost ready. Would you like to taste it first?"

Madam Wen looked at the boiling Laba porridge and knew it was almost done.

"Zhu Jin."

"Yes."

Zhu Jin brought a white porcelain bowl, ladled some porridge, and Madam Wen tasted it. It was good. She praised the cook with a satisfied look.

"Well done. Go and get your reward."

The cook’s face beamed with joy.

"Distribute the porridge to the courtyards. Mother doesn't like sweets, so send it to her directly. Third Sister likes sweets, so bring some brown sugar to her; it will be convenient if she wants to add it."

"Yes. Madam is so thoughtful, knowing everyone's tastes better than we do."

After a few flattering words, they went to distribute the porridge.

In the white porcelain jar was freshly cooked Laba porridge, along with pickled garlic and a few golden, crispy fried dough sticks.

Though the portions were small, they complemented the porridge perfectly.

Soon, the maids from various courtyards arrived to collect the food.

Seeing the Madam in the kitchen, they hesitated until Xiuqiu, Feng Jinyao’s maid, broke the awkwardness by greeting Madam Wen and taking the food box.

The other maids followed, collected their portions, and left.

The kitchen bustled with activity. The maids and servants, after a busy morning, not only had Laba porridge but also received some reward money, making everyone happy with the Madam's management.

The wind of change was blowing towards the once-quiet main courtyard.

In the Peace Pavilion, Yunxu was helping Feng Jinyao with her morning routine. Dressed in a soft silver-green lily dress with a flower-embroidered hairpin, she looked graceful and elegant.

Today was the Laba Festival, coinciding with the temple fair at Fahua Temple. A month ago, Bai Lin had sent an invitation, but with Madam Feng still unwell and Madam Wen busy managing the household, only Feng Jinyao would go.

Naturally, she had to dress up.

Now serving inside, Huanhuan was helping Xiuqiu with breakfast.

Seeing the brown sugar in the food box, Xiuqiu smiled, "Madam is so considerate, knowing Miss likes sweets and preparing some brown sugar."

Feng Jinyao smiled, "Sister-in-law is indeed thoughtful."

Since Madam Wen took over managing the household, Feng Jinyao had relaxed a bit. Some people were naturally suited for such tasks. Madam Wen could effortlessly remember all the details, earning respect.

Opening the food box, the fragrance was delightful.

Accompanied by fried dough sticks, she ate half a bowl of Laba porridge. Soon, a servant came in to announce the arrival of the Bai family's carriage.

"Tell my aunts I will be right there."

"Yes."

Today was Feng Jinyao's first time going to a temple fair in both her lives.

In her previous life, she had a laid-back personality and didn’t like crowds. After marriage, she mostly stayed in her courtyard, going out only when persuaded by Wen Yuwei to socialize with the wives of officials. She had never experienced a temple fair favored by commoners.

Suppressing her excitement, she instructed Xiuqiu to handle household chores and left with Yunxu and Huanhuan.

The carriage today was spacious enough to seat her two aunts from the Bai family, Bai Siruo, and Feng Jinyao.

The maids followed alongside, ready to serve their masters.

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