Feng Jin covered her ears, unwilling to listen to his nagging any longer. "I'm going, no matter what you say."
With that, she threw herself into the warm covers and within moments, her even and relaxed breaths could be heard.
Glancing at the little woman under the covers, Ling Mo Han sighed softly. He stepped forward, tucked her in, and sat by the bed until Feng Jin was completely asleep. Only then did he get up and leave.
In the study, Ling Mo Han stood by the window with his hands clasped behind his back. Chu Chen Yi, standing behind him, lowered his gaze and spoke after a moment of silence, "The Emperor intends to spare Chu Yan Xi. Moreover, Chu Yan Xi has held immense power in the court for years, and it won't be easy to bring him down."
With their current influence, confronting Chu Yan Xi directly would leave them with no chance of victory.
"We'll strike him from the shadows, gradually dismantling his power. On the surface, you must strive to gain the Emperor's favor and the people's support, making Chu Yan Xi feel threatened and forcing him to make mistakes."
Ling Mo Han said in a low voice. In a head-on confrontation, they stood no chance. They could only use strategy to force Chu Yan Xi onto a path of no return.
"Let's proceed with the plan. Have you received an invitation for Chu Yan Xi's wedding to Feng Ruoyan in two days?"
Logically, only a marriage to a principal wife would warrant such a grand celebration. This was merely taking a concubine, yet an invitation was being sent out so widely. The question was whether to attend.
Nobles and high officials, noble ladies, could hardly attend a banquet for taking a concubine.
"I have, two invitations actually."
Chu Chen Yi let out a cold snort. "According to the rules, a banquet should only be held for marrying a principal wife. To hold a feast for taking a mere concubine is truly ridiculous."
"This concubine is the daughter of Prime Minister Feng. Although she is a concubine's daughter, Chu Yan Xi will still give the Feng family ample face to win over Prime Minister Feng. However, for this banquet, how many of the esteemed families in the capital will genuinely attend to offer congratulations?"
Attending would be awkward, and not attending would also be awkward. Many would likely be troubled by this matter.
"Are you going or not?"
Chu Chen Yi was also vexed by this. As an elder brother, he should attend the banquet. Yet, as a dignified prince, he found it beneath him to congratulate the taking of a concubine.
"It's not necessary for me to go. Someone is very eager to attend and congratulate them."
Given Feng Jin's personality, she would go to watch the spectacle even if he tried to stop her.
Chu Chen Yi immediately understood who Ling Mo Han was referring to. He had heard about Feng Jin's grievances with the Feng family and her deep hatred for Feng Ruoyan. She would certainly not miss an opportunity to witness the unfolding drama.
After a pause, Chu Chen Yi's eyes suddenly lit up as if struck by an idea. Fortunately, Ling Mo Han had reminded him, how could he have forgotten Lin Yu Wei?
He could simply find an excuse not to go and send Lin Yu Wei to attend the banquet. As the Princess Consort of Jing, her attendance would be considered giving them enough face.
"I will not go either."
"If you send Lin Yu Wei, aren't you afraid she'll cause trouble with Feng Jin?"
Ling Mo Han kindly reminded him. Feng Jin was going there specifically to cause trouble, and with Lin Yu Wei joining her, who knew what chaos would ensue.
"What's there to fear? Feng Jin, the prime culprit, will take all the blame. You should be the one worrying."
He had already figured it out. If anything went wrong, he would shift all the blame to Feng Jin.
With Feng Jin's ability to make a scene and her silver tongue, she could surely twist black into white and bring the dead back to life. There was nothing to worry about.
Ling Mo Han shot Chu Chen Yi a sharp glance, and his thin lips uttered a single word: "Scram!"
"No need for your escort, I can walk myself!" Chu Chen Yi turned and left directly.
...
"Young Madam, look at that flower, it's so beautiful, and they're even twin blossoms?" Cai Qing looked around like Liu姥姥 entering the Grand View Garden, finding everything novel.
"All the ladies and noblewomen here today are of high standing. You must rein yourself in for a while and not embarrass us in front of others."
Feng Jin cautioned, reaching up to touch the dangling hairpin at her temple. This solid gold wire-drawing hairpin was indeed heavy. Worn only on one side, it weighed down her neck, forcing her to constantly support her head.
These noble ladies were most concerned with their deportment. She would have to pretend to be elegant for a while, lest she become a laughingstock.
"Sister Feng Jin, you've come too." Lin Yu Wei walked towards Feng Jin with quick steps, taking her hand intimately. "I know you've always disliked these occasions, so I didn't invite you to come together. I didn't expect you to be here today, Sister. You're with child, your body is heavy, hurry and sit down over there, don't get tired."
Lin Yu Wei helped Feng Jin towards a pavilion and gestured for her to sit. "Sister, have some fruit. This is from the Zhang family's orchard in the south of the city, it's delicious."
Feng Jin picked up a piece and took a bite. The taste was indeed good, sweet and sour, and most importantly, not cloying at all.
"Cai Qing, go buy some of these fruits later when we get back."
"Yes, Young Madam."
"She truly is a country girl, never seen the world. Even the fruits made by commoners are treated as treasures. How embarrassing."
A cold, sarcastic voice reached Feng Jin's ears, sounding rather abrupt. Feng Jin's brows furrowed slightly as she turned her gaze towards the source of the voice.
She saw the Sixth Princess, dressed in a pink scholar's robe, as if she wanted to wear all the jewelry she owned. Unfortunately, the Sixth Princess's features were not particularly attractive. The sheer volume of jewelry piled on her head did not make her appear noble, but rather quite vulgar.
Like a peacock displaying its plumage, strutting ostentatiously, Feng Jin couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
"How dare you mock this princess? You have such gall! Guards, slap her!"
The Sixth Princess, harboring resentment towards Feng Jin from an earlier incident, naturally wouldn't miss such a good opportunity.
"Your Highness, Sixth Princess, please speak with caution. This is the Young Madam of the Ling family. His Majesty has already personally conferred her the title of Princess Jianning. She is not an ordinary official's family member for Your Highness to scold!"
Lin Yu Wei stepped forward, shielding Feng Jin, and faced the arrogant Sixth Princess without any fear.
"Get out of my way, Princess! Don't think you can boss me around just because you married my second brother. I am a princess born of the Empress, while Chu Chen Yi is merely born of a concubine. We are worlds apart. You have no right to stand in my way, move aside!"
The people present were all familiar with the Sixth Princess's temperament, and none dared to provoke her. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Feng Jin's eyes flashed with a cold glint. This Sixth Princess was truly overbearing, daring to slander her brother like this. Relying on her status as the Empress's legitimate daughter, she had committed many wicked deeds.
"Your Highness, Sixth Princess, you truly put on airs. It's no wonder you're the Empress's legitimate daughter. The Empress has indeed taught you well."
"Of course, this princess..."