Chapter 145: Performance - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 145: Performance
Feng Jinxu and his siblings looked at each other, understanding each other's intentions without words. "Your servant greets Princess Changlin."
"No need for formalities, Lord Feng. Are you leaving?"
"Yes, my father is still ill, and we've been out for a while. It’s best to return early to take care of him."
"In that case, I won't keep you."
"You're too kind, Princess. We will visit you another day."
Feng Jinxu was increasingly respectful, which made Princess Changlin lose interest. She found those who always tried to please her less appealing than those like Xiao Mu Qian, who often challenged her. Unwilling to engage further, she went straight into Changchun Tower.
The Wen brothers and Liang Luo eagerly attended to her, while Wei Lanxuan didn’t follow immediately. Instead, she apologized to Xu Mingyue again.
Seeing his beloved repeatedly humble herself without gaining any goodwill from Xu Mingyue, Liang Gongzi's remaining guilt toward Xu Mingyue vanished.
"Lan'er, there's no need for this."
Liang Gongzi remembered Wei Lanxuan’s efforts and felt Xu Mingyue never truly valued the Liang family, making things difficult from the start. Fortunately, he had broken off the engagement; otherwise, who knew what troubles would arise?
He replayed these thoughts repeatedly, but Xu Mingyue wasn’t interested in his inner turmoil.
As the Feng family prepared to leave, Xu Mingyue also wanted to go. "I should head back too; my grandparents are still at home."
Bai Siruo's outing mood was ruined, so she decided to follow Feng Jinyao home. However, Bai Sihan was anxious, having finally encountered Wen Mengsheng. She didn't want to miss the opportunity and said to Bai Siruo, "Elder sister, Feng's cousin and the others leaving is understandable, but why don’t we stay with the Princess a bit longer? It’s not often we come out."
Feng Jinyao, understand Bai Sihan's intentions, knew she considered Wen Mengsheng a perfect match both in looks and family background. Bai Siruo, disdaining her flattery, replied, "If you want to stay, stay. The carriage is yours. Return after the banquet ends. I will leave with Ah Yao."
She instructed a servant to wait at Changchun Tower's entrance.
Bai Sihan was thrilled but pretended to be reluctant. "Elder sister, leaving me alone, I’m scared."
"Scared? Then come with us, so you won’t accuse me of abandoning you later."
Bai Sihan’s face turned red with urgency. Leaving now was unthinkable. "As a Bai family daughter, I should stay to accompany the Princess. Elder sister, you should go if you have matters."
This blatant lie showcased Bai Sihan's talent for reversing facts, using the Bai family as her shield to pursue her interests. Bai Siruo, having nothing more to say, rolled her eyes and left.
With Feng Jinyao and her group gone, only Bai Sihan, Wei Lanxuan, and Liang Gongzi remained.
Bai Sihan, as if nothing had happened, eagerly approached Wei Lanxuan, "Sister Wei, your wedding is in a few days. I must drink a few glasses to celebrate."
Wei Lanxuan, familiar with such two-faced ladies, neither responded warmly nor coldly, considering Bai Sihan might be useful in the future and chose not to confront her.
"Don't worry, the Bai family's invitation has been sent. Just come with your elders."
Bai Sihan's smile froze. She had hoped to attend as a close friend, not just another guest. After a moment's pause, she continued fawning over Wei Lanxuan, linking arms and entering Changchun Tower.
Liang Gongzi couldn't help but admire her ability to ignore reality.
Meanwhile, Xiao Mu Qian, Feng Jinlin, and the others rode ahead on horseback, with Feng Jinyao, Bai Siruo, and Xu Mingyue following in the Feng family carriage behind Feng Jinxu and Madam Wen’s carriage. Yin Canwen, unable to ride, reluctantly accepted a seat in the Xu family carriage, trailing behind.
Everyone was still in high spirits, so they decided to continue the celebration at the Feng residence.
Upon reaching the Feng residence, servants quickly came to take the horses and help dismount. Feng Jinlin loudly ordered, "Prepare the Eastern Pavilion for a banquet."
"Right away." The servant, recognizing the opportunity, ran back to prepare the hall, needing only to add some charcoal braziers.
It was Xiao Mu Qian’s first visit to the Feng residence. Unlike the royal grandeur of Prince Kang's Mansion or the lofty elegance of the Bai residence, it had a Southern charm. Lanterns hung around, creating a pleasant atmosphere reminiscent of night tours in Jiangnan.
"My second uncle's family lives in Liangzhou. Have you met them, Young Master Xiao?"
"The Feng family is prominent in Liangzhou. How could I not know them? My uncle often interacts with them. I usually stay in the barracks, so I visit less often."
Hearing this, Feng Jinlin’s eyes lit up. He had always admired military life. Su Cheng had served in the army, but Feng Jinlin's father thought he lacked talent and sent him back to Dongdu. Xiao Mu Qian's stories of military life fascinated him, and they chatted enthusiastically.
Su Cheng was equally interested in Yin Canwen, a talented and humble man. Despite Su Cheng's lack of literary skills, he found their conversation intriguing.
Madam Wen, feeling tired, went to rest first. Feng Jinxu, always by her side recently, also left.
The three sisters, not having chatted in a while, were reminded of a night they spent in a small courtyard by Fahua Temple, reminiscing under the night sky.
"Time flies. It's already the twelfth year of Tianqi. Spring is almost here. When the ice on Mingchi Lake melts, we should go boating. The scenery is even more beautiful than Ah Yao." Bai Siruo joked.
"You’re coming of age at the end of April. Have you decided what gift you want? Just ask, and I'll make sure you get it!"
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