60Chapter 164: Marriage - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 60Chapter 164: Marriage

Feng Jinyao and Madam Feng exchanged a surprised glance.

In the past, there wasn’t much interaction between the Bai and Xu families. Although the younger generations were close, it was mainly because Bai Siruo and Xu Mingyue were good friends.

One was the Prime Minister, the other the Grand Secretary, both highly influential figures. If they interacted too closely, it might attract unwanted gossip.

But now, under the pretext of visiting a sick relative, it was perfectly justifiable.

In the Shou'an Courtyard, Madam Bai and Madam Xu were chatting and laughing as if they had been childhood friends.

Inside, Bai Lin and Princess Wen Yi were accompanying them, while Xu Mingyue and Bai Siruo were reluctant to part with each other.

Just two days ago, Xu Mingyue was supposed to leave for Wenjin Academy. If it weren’t for her concern for Bai Siruo, she would already be at the academy.

“Time flies, you’re going to be a teacher now.”

“The capital isn’t far. When your grandfather recovers, you can invite Ah Yao to visit me. I’ll take you to see the peach blossoms at the mountain temple near Wenjin Academy. They say it’s a must-see.”

Her words were filled with hope for the future, and Bai Siruo was delighted to see her so cheerful and lively.

“It’s a deal. Ah Yao will bring her peach blossom wine, and we won’t stop until we’re drunk!”

The young ladies chatted happily, occasionally bursting into laughter, just as Madam Feng and Feng Jinyao walked in.

“Siruo, it’s been a while, and you’re already thinking about Ah Yao’s peach blossom wine. Be careful, if you get too drunk at the academy, Dean Wang might kick you out.” Madam Feng teased.

After recovering, she resumed her usual social activities. If it weren’t for the recent troubles in the Feng family, she would have been visiting Bai’s house regularly.

“Elder Sister, you’re here! Come, sit over here.”

Bai Lin was the warmest, immediately making room and ordering Jingming tea and freshly made snacks.

“You’re too kind.”

Madam Feng greeted Madam Bai and Madam Xu before sitting down and thanking Madam Xu, “If it weren’t for the purple jade ointment Mingyue sent, my husband would still be in pain. The hemostatic and bruise-removal effects are amazing!”

She smiled warmly at Xu Mingyue, liking her more and more.

With all the elders present, it was a good opportunity to test the waters.

“No need for thanks, Madam Feng. We just passed on a gift from a grandfather in Jiangnan. If you ever visit Jiangnan, we can introduce you to him.”

“Oh? Jiangnan is a lovely place. But aren’t you going to teach at Wenjin Academy? Will you have time to go to Jiangnan with us?”

Xu Mingyue smiled, “You might have forgotten, Madam Feng. Wenjin Academy has a branch in Jiangnan. Who knows, I might be assigned there by the dean.”

Bai Siruo wasn’t pleased, “Why go so far? Are you planning to marry someone there? What about your grandparents?”

Her string of questions made Xu Mingyue laugh.

“I just said maybe, not definitely. Why bring up marriage?”

Bai Lin added, “Mingyue, you’re not young anymore. Siruo is already engaged. Don’t delay too long. If I had a son, I’d fight to have such a good daughter-in-law.”

Her words pleased Madam Xu, “She’s still young. Her grandfather and I agreed not to pressure her into marriage. Unless she chooses herself, she can stay single if she wants. As long as she’s happy.”

After the broken engagement, the grandparents realized their granddaughter’s happiness was more important than reputation.

Madam Feng wanted to speak up for her son but knew he had a bad reputation, no official position, and spent his days idling with the Su family. If she were in the Xu family, she wouldn’t want such a grandson-in-law either.

Better to wait until after the spring exams. If he succeeded, maybe then she could approach the Xu family.

Feng Jinyao saw her mother’s thoughts and nodded reassuringly. With her help, 'Second Sister-in-law' wouldn’t slip away. Besides, her brother seemed interested in Xu Mingyue. Why else would he escort her home on Lantern Festival night?

While destiny plays a role, effort matters too.

Everything could wait until after the spring exams.

Seeing the conversation cool, Princess Wen Yi changed the topic to the foreign tributary celebrations.

“I hear the western market is lively with exotic goods brought by foreign merchants. Once things settle and the weather warms, I’ll take you to see. My sister-in-law bought a red coral headpiece from a foreign merchant, and it’s beautiful.”

“Siruo is lucky. Even before marriage, her mother-in-law is giving her such lovely dowry items.” Bai Lin said, making Bai Siruo blush.

As they chatted, in the study, the 'seriously ill' Bai Xiang was engrossed in a chess game with Elder Xu.

“I heard from Dalan that you sent Feng Jinxu to Jiangnan. Can he handle it?”

“Don’t worry. My grandson is cautious. If he finds anything, he won’t act rashly. Besides, Xu Lin is with him. He’s the head of Prince Ding’s secret guards, no mistakes will be made.”

Elder Xu scoffed, “Prince Ding must value you greatly to lend Xu Lin, his head secret guard. There must be something more.”

He captured four of Bai Xiang’s pieces, his mustache twitching with satisfaction.

“What could it be? When Prince Ding visited to discuss the Canal Transport Department, he mentioned Xu Lin.”

Both Bai and Xu knew Prince Ding’s capabilities. Xu’s comment seemed to have a deeper meaning.

“You’re missing the point. Do you really think he cares only about the Canal Transport Department? Why send Xu Lin specifically?”

“Speak plainly.”

Bai Xiang was tired of guessing games.

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