Feng Jin tentatively asked. Chu Chenyi had already sent someone to inform Lin Yuwei about attending the palace banquet. She hadn't agreed on her own, only saying she needed to ask Lin Yuwei's opinion first.
Lin Yuwei was conflicted. She desperately didn't want to go to the banquet, but she worried that if she refused, His Majesty might blame her, thereby implicating Marquis Pingyang's estate, which was not her intention.
After a moment's hesitation, Lin Yuwei slowly said, "I'll go."
She couldn't let those with ill intentions find an excuse to trouble Marquis Pingyang's estate over such trivial matters.
She was determined to attend this palace banquet and wanted to appear at her best. "Sister Feng Jin, can you help me with my makeup? I want to make the best impression."
"No problem, leave it to me."
Feng Jin readily agreed. True friends helped each other. In her past life, she was solitary and engrossed in medical research, never having a close friend.
Not even a single person mourned for her after her death. Therefore, in this life, she cherished friendship exceptionally and genuinely helped Lin Yuwei.
Feng Jin had all the precious jewelry from the storeroom brought out for Lin Yuwei to choose from.
Lin Yuwei's eyes were dazzled by the sea of shimmering hairpins and jade rings. She found each one incredibly beautiful. "Sister Feng Jin, are these... all yours?"
Having grown up in Marquis Pingyang's estate, she recognized these valuable items. Each piece of jewelry here was priceless.
This was the first time she had seen so many precious items. Even the nobles in the palace didn't wear much more than this, and she was truly shocked.
"More than half of these are my mother's dowry, and a portion are betrothal gifts from the Ling family. The rest are things I bought because I found them beautiful. Take a look and see which ones you like."
Feng Jin said generously, pulling Lin Yuwei towards the selection.
"This Eight Treasures Jade Phoenix Hairpin with Five Tails is quite nice. Try this one, and this one..."
Feng Jin wished she could adorn Lin Yuwei with all the good things. After much fuss, it wasn't until dark that she was finally ready.
"It's beautiful. This outfit and the jeweled hairpin suit you well."
"It's your good eye, Sister Feng Jin. The dress and hairpins look stunning, and today's makeup is incredibly beautiful."
Lin Yuwei gazed at her reflection in the mirror, admiring her makeup more and more. The floral adornment between her brows was the perfect touch, making her appear even more radiant and alluring.
"It's also because you have good features; otherwise, even the most beautiful hairpins and silk skirts would be in vain."
"Young Madam, Royal Consort, the carriage is ready outside. It's time to depart."
Cai Qing stepped in, reminding them that it was time to leave as the palace banquet was about to begin.
"Let's go." Feng Jin was still unaccustomed to the long, sweeping skirt. When walking, she habitually lifted the hem to prevent tripping and falling, which would be incredibly embarrassing.
As the carriage reached the palace gates, Ling Mohan helped Feng Jin alight. Lin Yuwei, following closely, emerged from the carriage and was immediately met by a familiar hand.
Following her gaze, she saw Chu Chenyi's infuriating face appear before her. Lin Yuwei's expression instantly dimmed, her recently improved mood vanishing without a trace.
Chu Chenyi had arrived earlier and had been waiting at the palace gates, enduring the cold wind just to wait for her. His well-intentioned offer of assistance was met with disregard, which displeased Chu Chenyi.
Lin Yuwei simply ignored him completely, carefully alighting from the carriage and tidying her skirt.
Feng Jin observed all this secretly, and when she saw Lin Yuwei directly ignoring Chu Chenyi, she was so excited she almost applauded.
Well done! People like him who are ungrateful should be made to wait and taught a lesson.
"Let's go." Ling Mohan took Feng Jin's hand, who was engrossed in watching the scene, and walked straight towards the palace entrance.
Following behind them were the two individuals who had grudgingly come together.
Lin Yuwei kept her gaze fixed ahead, as if no one were beside her.
Conversely, Chu Chenyi became restless. From the moment he saw Lin Yuwei, his gaze flickered towards her. Especially when other men looked at Lin Yuwei, he felt an involuntary surge of displeasure and unconsciously moved closer to her, silently asserting his claim.
Even though Lin Yuwei was unwilling, she had to sit at the same table as Chu Chenyi, deliberately keeping a large distance.
However, Chu Chenyi subtly shifted towards Lin Yuwei, an action that thoroughly enraged her.
"Your Highness, please have some self-respect and behave yourself."
If this continued, she would be pushed off the table. Lin Yuwei glared at him fiercely, her eyes full of warning.
"I bet Chu Chenyi will crack soon."
Feng Jin whispered into Ling Mohan's ear. For this kind of cold war dispute, eight out of ten times, the man would be the first to break and surrender.
Judging by Chu Chenyi's performance today, he wouldn't last long and would soon give in.
As for Lin Yuwei, her stance was resolute, a clear and overwhelming victory.
Feng Jin, munching on melon seeds, savored the drama. Just as it reached its climax, a figure suddenly blocked her view, halting the exciting scene. Feng Jin was almost compelled to leap up.
She wondered who had the audacity to stand in her way, as if courting death. Lifting her eyelids, she saw Ruo Yan standing there with a mournful look, as if Feng Jin owed her money.
"Is there something?" Didn't she know the saying that a good dog doesn't block the way? Feng Jin almost ordered someone to escort Ruo Yan away.
"I have something to discuss with you. Can we speak in private?"
Ruo Yan's voice was extremely soft, her eyes constantly darting away, filled with worry.
"I'm busy." Feng Jin didn't want to get entangled with her former enemy and refused without a second thought.
Ruo Yan seemed determined, having decided that if Feng Jin didn't go with her, she wouldn't leave.
She stood there stubbornly, not moving an inch.
"What do you want?" Feng Jin asked impatiently, her hand under the table restraining her man from summoning someone to drive Ruo Yan away.
"Come out with me for a moment. I just have something to ask you."
After considering for a moment, Feng Jin replied, "I'll go with you."
Causing a conflict here with Ruo Yan would not be good for anyone.
"I'll go with you," Ling Mohan said, holding Feng Jin's hand, his tone filled with concern.
"No, I can only speak with her alone," Ruo Yan said without thinking, her expression panicked.