Chapter 67: The Journey - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 67: The Journey

As soon as she got on the carriage, Bai Siruo handed over a hand warmer. "You're not as robust as I am; be careful not to catch a cold."

She was indeed thoughtful. In her hurry to leave, Feng Jinyao had forgotten to bring a hand warmer. As she took it, a wave of warmth spread through her. It felt nice to be cared for.

"Greetings to Aunt Bai and Aunt Si."

Since it was inconvenient to bow in the carriage, Feng Jinyao merely greeted them verbally. Both aunts were easygoing and didn't mind her lack of formalities.

"All good, very good. How are your mother and sister-in-law doing?"

"They're much better. I reckon they'll be able to visit relatives after the New Year. Sister-in-law has been helping Mother manage the household these days."

Oh? That was new. It was rare to hear about the eldest wife leaving her courtyard, let alone helping manage the household. This hinted that the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had thawed.

"That's good news," Bai Lin said, pleased. "I hope the family can prosper in harmony. Speaking of which, I’ve been meaning to visit, but with everything so busy, I haven't prepared the New Year gifts yet. I'll come by in a few days to see your mother and your sister-in-law. It's funny, I've only seen her twice since she married Xu'er, and I've almost forgotten what she looks like."

Princess Wen Yi nodded beside her. Her impression of Madam Wen was also vague.

"Since she's managing the household now, we'll need to see more of her. It looks like Elder Sister can relax this time, with Wen Shi handling things. We should invite her over for cards, the three of us plus Mother-in-law. Perfect."

Bai Lin agreed. At their age, enjoying the company of family and friends was the happiest way to spend their days.

As she thought of this, her gaze softened as she looked at Bai Siruo. Unfortunately, Bai Sisi's thoughts were already at the temple fair, but Feng Jinyao understood.

It seemed the marriage between Bai Siruo and the legitimate grandson of Prince Kang's family was almost settled.

The horse hooves clattered as the group made their way to Fahua Temple in the countryside.

An hour’s journey was neither long nor short. While everyone was resting with their eyes closed, a commotion broke out ahead.

Bai Lin opened her eyes first, frowned, and lifted the curtain to speak to her maid, Chunyu.

"Go and see what's happening up ahead."

"Yes."

The carriage had stopped halfway, which was a bit troublesome. Although they had ten or so servants trained in martial arts, it wouldn't be enough if something serious happened.

Especially since there were two unmarried women inside, they had to be extra cautious.

Chunyu ran ahead and returned within a quarter of an hour, panting, "Madam, it's the Xu family's carriage. Madam Xu and Miss Xu were also heading to Fahua Temple for the fair, but they ran into the Liang family, and they're arguing."

The Xu and Liang families, weren't they the ones who almost had a marriage alliance but ended up as bitter enemies?

Princess Wen Yi frowned. The feud between these two families was already the talk of the town. If they couldn’t resolve this peacefully today, it would only give more fodder for gossip.

"After the Liang family allied with the Wei family, they’ve become more arrogant. Last time I went to the palace to see my mother and sisters-in-law, I heard that Miss Liang is quite popular now, always calling Miss Wei her sister-in-law."

"Humph, the Liang family is despicable. They not only seek power but also bring trouble to Mingyue. She just wanted to relax but ran into the Liang family. What bad luck." Bai Siruo, upset about Xu Mingyue’s situation, was ready to get off the carriage and confront them, but Bai Lin stopped her.

"What are you doing? As a young lady, how can you handle this? I’ll go see if the Liang family is truly as domineering as they think, making everyone in the capital avoid them."

Bai Lin was straightforward and had recently managed to keep Shen Shi and Bai Sihan in check. She was in a good mood and ready to take on the Liang family.

Sure enough, she got off the carriage and marched over. Princess Wen Yi, worried about her sister-in-law, followed, reminding Feng Jinyao to keep an eye on Bai Siruo to avoid further complications.

Feng Jinyao understood the importance and nodded.

Bai Siruo, anxious and trying to see through the curtain, worried about her friend. She wanted to get off the carriage but was stopped by Feng Jinyao’s calming words, "Aunt Si is still bedridden, right? Don’t worry, with Aunt Bai there, the Liang family won’t get away with it."

This was true. About a quarter of an hour later, Bai Lin and Princess Wen Yi returned triumphantly, followed by a cheerful Xu Mingyue.

Seeing her, Bai Siruo couldn't wait any longer and jumped off the carriage.

"Are you okay? Did those scoundrels from the Liang family do anything to you?"

The barrage of questions overwhelmed Xu Mingyue, but Feng Jinyao, an outsider, saw clearly.

"Don’t worry, Cousin. Can’t you see how happy Miss Xu looks?"

Xu Mingyue nodded, holding Bai Siruo’s hand to reassure her. "Don't worry. With my aunts there, how could I suffer? Besides, my grandmother scolded the Liang family so fiercely that they left with their tails between their legs."

In her previous life, Feng Jinyao had little impression of the reclusive Xu family matriarch. But as the wife of Grand Secretary Xu, she was certainly formidable.

With her around, Xu Mingyue would not be bullied.

"Come on, let’s get back on the carriage. If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss the fair." Bai Lin urged the girls.

Having not seen Xu Mingyue for some time, Bai Siruo suggested she ride with them, and Bai Lin and Princess Wen Yi would accompany Madam Xu. The three friends eagerly got into the carriage.

With the Liang family gone, the Xu and Bai family carriages continued towards Fahua Temple.

In the carriage, Bai Siruo chatted about recent events. She had advised Xu Mingyue to act submissive to gain public sympathy and tarnish the Liang family's reputation. She was curious about the outcome.

"Don't worry. With my grandparents around, I won’t suffer."

Relieved, Bai Siruo asked, "What are your plans now?"

Newly single women, even those wronged, faced a challenging road ahead. Although happy for her friend’s escape from the Liang family, Bai Siruo worried about Xu Mingyue’s future.

But Xu Mingyue was calm. "I’ve asked Grandfather several times to let me teach at Wenjin Academy. He always refused, but after the broken engagement, he brought it up himself. After the spring exams next year, I’ll go to Wenjin Academy."

Her eyes sparkled with hope, unaffected by the recent break-up.

📌 To Read The Latest Updates Click 👇👇

▶▶Rebirth of the Noble Daughter  

Next Chapter ▶▶