Chapter 84: Burying the Jar - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 84: Burying the Jar

Already frustrated with this arranged marriage, Bai Siruo became even angrier seeing her sister's behavior and spoke harshly.

"I am not your parents. You should ask them for help. What can I, an unmarried girl, do for you?"

Unwilling to engage further, she turned and left.

"Elder Sister..."

Bai Sihan was deeply annoyed. They were both daughters of the Bai family, so why did her sister get to marry into a prestigious family while she was oppressed by their aunt, unable to even leave the house?

In a few days, it would be New Year's Eve. Her father had mentioned that after the New Year, their family would return to Qiongzhou.

The disdain she felt when she first arrived had now turned into hooks, binding her to Dongdu City. How could she be willing to leave now?
She twisted the handkerchief in her hand, mirroring her tangled thoughts. In this vast city, was there no one she could turn to for help?

After the incident with the Wei family, how could she visit them again?

Suddenly, an idea struck her. Her cousin in the Feng family seemed more approachable. She should find an opportunity to visit the Feng family!

When the news of the Bai family’s engagement with the Kang Wangfu reached Feng Jinyao, she was with her brother Feng Jinlin, burying a jar of dew under the plum tree in the Ning'an courtyard.

It had snowed heavily for several days after the last month, and some branches were bent under the weight of the snow.

The dew they were collecting came from the snow on the plum blossoms. It was precious, carrying a natural plum fragrance. Burying it under the tree roots to absorb the earth’s essence would make it perfect for brewing tea in spring.

Feng Jinlin was dressed in a dashing riding outfit, looking particularly spirited.

The academy had closed for the holiday two days ago. He had brought back Yin Canwen, who was now staying in his courtyard. They usually exchanged poems and writings. Today, with some free time, he came to chat with Feng Jinyao but ended up doing some labor.

As he dug the hole, he gave Feng Jinyao serious instructions.

"This dew must be left until I achieve top honors in the exams. Then we can brew tea with it and pair it with your peach blossom pastries. That would be the best taste in the world."

He couldn't help but smack his lips at the thought, making the maids around Feng Jinyao smile.

Xiuqiu, who spoke without reservation, teased Feng Jinlin, "Second Master, you’re so confident. The exams aren’t even here yet, and you already know you’ll succeed."

"Just wait and see. When I top the exams, you’ll have to personally serve the tea to celebrate!"

"That’s easy. If Second Master succeeds, not only will I serve the tea, but I’ll also make a hundred different dishes for you!"

Xiuqiu was an exceptional cook, though she rarely cooked. Feng Jinlin had tasted her cooking a few times and never forgot it. Hearing her promise, he was so happy he nearly dropped the jar.

"It's a deal!"

"Be careful with my jar!" Feng Jinyao was exasperated by her brother’s unfounded confidence.

Fearing he might repeat the mistakes of his past life, she reminded him, "The ancients said that pride brings loss and modesty brings gain. Second Brother, you should be more cautious. Don't make bold claims only to embarrass yourself later."

Yunxu and the others stifled their laughter at her words, while Feng Jinlin remained unperturbed.

He looked at his increasingly ethereal sister and said, "From birth till now, your brother has never been embarrassed. You, little girl, should think about what special gift you'll give me. Ordinary items won’t do; it must be something unique!"

Feng Jinyao sighed, "Second Brother’s demands are too high. I don’t know whether to wish for your success or hope for your failure."

"Knock on wood! If I fail, when Father and Eldest Brother come after me, I’ll use you as a shield!"

Amid their lively banter, a maid from their mother’s courtyard arrived, saying there was an urgent matter.

Feng Jinyao looked curiously at Feng Jinlin and asked, "Did you cause trouble again?"

"Heaven and earth can testify, I've been well-behaved and haven't left the house!"

This puzzled her. Handing the jar to Xiuqiu and the others, Feng Jinlin wiped his hands with a handkerchief and went with Feng Jinyao to their mother's courtyard.

Upon entering, they saw their mother, Madam Feng, happily chatting with their sister-in-law, Madam Wen.

"What’s the matter, Mother? You seem very happy," Feng Jinlin spoke first.

Seeing her son and daughter arrive, the recently recovered Madam Feng beamed, "The Bai family sent news that Siruo is engaged to the second grandson of the Kang Wangfu. It’s great news. I was just discussing with your sister-in-law what gift to send."

"Engaged! Cousin Bai?"

Feng Jinlin was surprised. That girl got engaged so quickly, which was unexpected.

"Yes, although the engagement was a bit rushed, I heard from your aunt's people that both families had considered it for a while, so it wasn’t sudden."

Feng Jinyao was worried. In her previous life, her relationship with this husband was far from harmonious. The elders’ claims of a long-considered match were just talk.

She needed to find a time to talk to Siruo. If she was unhappy with the engagement, Feng Jinyao would find a way to break it off.

So, she remained silent, while Madam Wen, who had been managing the household and recently took stock of the storeroom, spoke up.

She took out a prepared gift list and handed it to Madam Feng, saying gently, "Mother, please take a look. I took the liberty of preparing this list myself. I hope it’s suitable?"

Madam Feng was surprised by her actions. Madam Wen explained with a smile, "When I was organizing the storeroom, I thought that Cousin Bai might be of the age to get engaged soon, and our family should celebrate. So, I prepared this list. I hope you don’t mind."

"Why would I mind? You’ve thought ahead, which is a good thing and shows your capability!"

Madam Feng was increasingly satisfied as she reviewed the list.

Madam Wen had managed the household affairs neatly, and everyone admired her. This made Madam Feng more tolerant and appreciative of her.

"The list is well-prepared. Follow it and get everything ready. Send the gifts tomorrow without delay."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Feng Jinyao volunteered to deliver the gifts. Madam Feng, thinking her daughter might have private words for Siruo, agreed.

After chatting a bit more, everyone dispersed.

Feng Jinlin, still thinking about the dew jars, followed his sister back to the Ning'an courtyard.

As they entered, they were greeted by Chilin, who quickly jumped into Feng Jinyao’s arms. She petted its bright feathers with affection.

"Poor thing, let me see if your injury is better?"

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