The one who emerged with a teasing smile was the Fourth Madam Bai [Princess Wenyi, imperial princess married into the Bai family, highly respected among the nobility]. Among the sisters-in-law, her pedigree was unmatched. Yet despite her elevated status, she was gentle and kind, her temperament serene and graceful, earning both respect and affection from every member of the Bai household.
There was, however, a playful habit: whenever she encountered Feng Jinlin , she would tease him relentlessly. Perhaps it was her own difficulty in having children that inclined her to lavish attention on clever young minds—especially one so quick-witted and lively as Feng Jinlin.
The siblings entered the house amid laughter and lighthearted chatter. Outside, the Third Madam Shen [ wife of the illigitemate son of the Bai family] stood, glancing sidelong at Feng Jinlin with a heavy snort as for her he is just an opportunist through and through, she deliberately ignored him, her disdain simmering. Adjusting the red-gold hairpin dangling from her coiffure, she swept herself inside with an air of smug composure.
Upon entering seated at the center of the main hall was the figure of honor, Old Madam Bai [matriarch of the Bai family, grandmother of the siblings], her silver hair perfectly coiled atop her head, her kind eyes gentle and perceptive. Today, she wore a dark blue brocade jacket embroidered with the five auspicious symbols [representing longevity, prosperity, joy, virtue, and good fortune]. Her simple jade hairpins reflected understated elegance, befitting a woman of her standing and composure—a true Matriach of the military and aristocratic Bai lineage.
“Grandmother, I, Xiao Er [affectionate nickname for the second son], pay my respects. May you enjoy eternal youth and a long, blessed life,” Feng Jinlin proclaimed with a bow, kowtowing three times before rising with a radiant smile. His exuberance was so infectious that it made Old Madam Bai’s eyes light up with joy.
“Grandmother is already sixty, and you still claim eternal youth? You rascal! Always flattering your grandmother,” Feng Jinlin teased shamelessly, receiving a playful punch from Old Madam Bai that sent the hall into peals of laughter.
Standing nearby, Bai Sihan [Daughter of third son of Bai ] watched him absently, a faint sense of familiarity tugging at her heart. She had dressed carefully for the occasion, her pleated skirt patterned with clouds and butterflies accentuating her peach-blossom complexion and fair, snow-white skin. Already breathtaking, her fox-like eyes carried an alluring charm that could make hearts falter.
Catching Feng Jinlin’s gaze, she immediately lifted her chin, offering a shy, tentative smile. Yet before she could speak, he looked away, his attention elsewhere.
Damn it!
Back in Qiongzhou, many young masters had once fallen at her feet, yet this second cousin Feng remained impervious of her charm.
Feng Jinyao felt a momentary shock upon seeing so many familiar Bai family faces. Memories of her past life flooded back. When the Feng family had once fallen upon hard times, the Bai family had spared no effort to support them, even at risk of imperial reprimand.
Her eldest maternal uncle, Bai Chaoan [high-ranking official, elder brother of Madam Feng ], had publicly advocated for the Feng family in court, only to be demoted repeatedly. Fourth Uncle Bai Chaohe [senior court official, known for his scholarship and boldness] had petitioned through Yunqi Academy, distributing letters among the populace, inciting the Emperor’s fury. Were it not for the interventions of Prince Kang [imperial prince, political ally] and Princess Wenyi [imperial princess, mother-in-law’s generation], disaster would likely have befallen them.
Her maternal grandmother, eldest aunt, and fourth aunt, all clad in their official robes, had gone to the palace countless times, kneeling for three straight days before the gates of the Empress Dowager and Empress, but the doors never opened. Old Madam Bai had fallen seriously ill from the ordeal, her health delicate, requiring constant attention.
Overwhelmed by gratitude and sorrow, Feng Jinyao could only bow deeply to Old Madam Bai and the other elders.
“Grandmother, today is your sixtieth birthday. Ayao [Feng Jinyao’s affectionate nickname] specially prepared a calligraphy scroll inscribed with ‘Hundred Blessings’ to wish you joy and longevity.”
With reverence, she kowtowed once more before the matriarch.
Old Madam Bai’s eyes softened as she regarded Feng Jinyao kneeling before her. Though Feng Er resembled Madam Feng , he was still a man. Seeing Ayao before her brought memories of her daughter flooding back, a twinge of melancholy warming her gaze.
“Good child, rise quickly,” she said, her voice filled with love and reassurance.
Feng Jinyao’s eyes glistened with unbidden tears. Madam Lin [First Madam, quick-witted and observant, eldest daughter-in-law of the Bai household] promptly stepped forward, offering a delicate silk handkerchief.
“This child is always so sentimental. Today is a joyous occasion; tears should not mar it,” Madam Lin chided gently.
“Indeed, Ayao has been presumptuous,” Old Madam Bai added, pulling her to sit beside her and placing the gilded hand warmer she held into Feng Jinyao’s hands.
“How fares your mother? Has the imperial physician’s treatment helped?” she asked kindly.
Feng Jinyao, not yet revealing the poisoner’s involvement, gave a careful reply:
“She is better, though winter’s chill sometimes aggravates her condition. Mother insisted we come early to see if we might assist. Once the sun warms the day, she will invite Grandmother and the Aunts for tea. She brought the newly arrived Jingming tea—Grandmother’s favorite.”
“Your mother always worries, which is why her illness recurs. Persuade her more gently. She has been in Dongdu City for years; she should not remain cooped up. She ought to take on household duties as well,” Old Madam Bai advised, stroking Feng Jinyao’s dark hair with affectionate care.
Nearby, a seventeen-year-old girl pouted, unhappy. “Grandmother is biased! Now that A-Yao is here, I am ignored!”
Princess Wenyi [Madam Bai the Fourth, imperial princess and mother of Bai Siruo], covering her face with a handkerchief, chuckled. “Shameless! Your grandmother has always saved the best for you, and now you even envy your own cousin.”
A young woman in a pale yellow jacket embroidered with peonies, with a moon-white auspicious skirt, stepped forward, playfully nudging Feng Er aside and leaning against Old Madam Bai. Her eyes twinkled as she coquettishly declared, “A-Yao, today I’ll share half of Grandmother’s affection with you. Tomorrow, she will be all mine again.”
Laughter rang through the hall at her cleverness.
The speaker was Bai Siruo [daughter of Princess Wenyi and Bai Silang, recently granted the title of county princess by imperial favor], graceful and elegant despite her youth. Though she held noble rank and resided in a county princess’s mansion, she was upright and never used her power to oppress others.
In Feng Jinyao’s memory, Bai Siruo had never left a profound impression. In her previous life, their acquaintance had been casual, and her attention had been drawn elsewhere—toward Miss Wen and her companions. This cheerful and generous cousin had often caused a stir after her marriage, returning home frustrated and creating scandal, much to the gossip of the Eastern Capital.
Feng Jinyao resolved that, in this life, she would help Bai Siruo avoid such a fateful marriage. It was her small repayment to her fourth uncle and aunt, who had only this one daughter and surely wished for her happiness.
With her plan quietly forming in her heart, Feng Jinyao approached Bai Siruo, teasing her lightly, as the hall continued to buzz with familial warmth and imperial elegance.“Then thank you so much for your generosity, cousin,” Bai Siruo said with a coy smile. “I’ll definitely pour you tea another day and prepare a thank-you gift—how does that sound?”
“Of course, of course!” Feng Jinyao replied warmly. “My second brother told me that Changchun Restaurant has a new chef who excels at Jiangnan cuisine. How about you treat me to a meal there as a thank-you gift?”
“It’s a deal,” Bai Siruo agreed, her eyes twinkling slyly.
Looking at the cunning glint in the girl before her, Bai Siruo seemed to gain a new understanding of Feng Jinyao—a cousin she had never been particularly close to. In the past, Feng Jinyao had been timid and quiet, content to fade into the background at banquets, a stark contrast to Bai Siruo’s bold and straightforward temperament. Though related by blood, they had never been familiar. Yet today, Feng Jinyao had caught Bai Siruo’s attention, and unexpectedly, she found herself a little fond of this quiet cousin.
The Bai family, naturally, was pleased to see the two young girls getting along so well.
Meanwhile, Third Madam Bai [Shen shi], observing Bai Siruo’s words, was visibly unconvinced. She nudged Bai SihanMadam Bai, naturally with her elbow, but Bai Sihan only appeared thoughtful, her expression unreadable.
Not wanting her own daughter to fall behind, Madam Shen opened her mouth to argue. Yet before she could utter a word, a servant appeared to announce that breakfast was ready and that the Prime Minister and the three masters awaited in the hall.
The family rose in unison. Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao flanked Old Madam Bai [matriarch of the Bai family] on either side , supporting her carefully as they walked toward the hall.
After breakfast, Old Madam Bai was escorted back to Shou’an Courtyard [the matriarch’s private quarters] by Third Madam Shen and Fourth Madam Wenyi , ensuring she rested well amid the day’s numerous festivities. Meanwhile, the younger generation followed First Madam Lin , bustling through the courtyards with careful attention.
In the Mansion maids and servants moved with quiet efficiency, passing through the second gate without raising their voices, each smiling politely. Today’s guests were all distinguished and could not be neglected. First Madam Lin had orchestrated every detail weeks in advance.
Lin Mama [chief stewardess] oversaw the arrangement of tables, chairs, and all tableware, as well as daily necessities for the wine carriers. Xu, the head cook, was in charge of preparing the food and appetizers.
The seating plan had been determined by the two sisters-in-law, but the responsibility of entertaining the guests—and of subtly encouraging them to drink—fell to Feng Jinlin .
“Don’t worry, Aunt,” Feng Jinlin said confidently. “I’ll make sure everyone enjoys themselves and leaves satisfied.”
Madam Lin nodded in relief. With few children in the household, and with Feng Jinxu [eldest son of the Feng family, steady and responsible] being solemn and serious, lively matters such as entertaining guests were best left to Feng Jinlin. She then turned her attention to Feng Jinyao and the other young ladies.
“Today’s banquet for the ladies will be held in Qinxiang Courtyard [a courtyard reserved for female gatherings, elegantly designed with pavilions and bridges]. Everything has been arranged. There will be many young ladies attending, so those who get along should spend time together. Remember—the Zhang family of the Censorate and the Wang family of Yingtian Prefecture had a conflict recently. Do not let them bring trouble here, understand?”
“Don’t worry, Aunt. With me here, nothing will get out of hand,” Bai Siruo assured her, and Madam Lin smiled with satisfaction. She then led the three sisters to Qinxiang Courtyard.
The courtyard was spacious, its design a careful balance of pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water, simultaneously grand and exquisite. Though winter had stripped the landscape bare, Madam Lin had ordered delicate lanterns to be made and hung upon the bare branches, each bearing a riddle. At the courtyard’s center stood a rosewood table, covered with small, exquisite trinkets—each corresponding to a riddle, giving the ladies both entertainment and diversion.
“Auntie, you truly are remarkable,” Feng Jinyao said sincerely.
Bai Sihan, meanwhile, casually picked up a trinket from the table, curled her lip, and showed her lack of interest. Out of respect for her elders, she dared not comment further.
Madam Lin had long harbored a dislike for Bai Sanlang’s [illegitimate son of the Bai household] family, yet she never neglected gifts or festival visits to maintain appearances. Still, she could not fathom how she had offended Third Madam Shen and her “precious” daughter. One was forever sharp-tongued, the other aloof and haughty. If it weren’t for Old Madam Bai’s birthday, she might have dealt with their insolence outright.
Ignoring Bai Sihan’s indifference, Madam Lin issued a few instructions before retreating to the outer courtyard with her personal maid.
Bai Sihan’s natural beauty and delicate figure made her ethereal, even standing beside Bai Siruo, who bore imperial blood. She was captivating and otherworldly for any person with eyes.
Bai Siruo, displeased with her cousin, found an excuse to leave with Feng Jinyao. Bai Sihan, however, lingered, summoning a servant to fetch a guqin [seven-stringed zither, prized for its delicate, spiritual sound] to her .
In the pavilion of Qinxiang Courtyard, incense curled in the air as Bai Sihan played the guqin, each note precise and ethereal. Feng Jinyao, listening through a half-wall, found herself quietly impressed.
Bai Siruo, holding a cup of steaming tea, tried to fend off the winter chill. Yet as the melody repeated, her earlier irritation surfaced.
“What is she showing off for? Today is Grandmother’s birthday—are you trying to steal the spotlight?” she exclaimed, slamming her teacup onto the table, spilling hot tea onto the back of her hand without noticing the burn. She was incapable of hiding her feelings.
Feng Jinyao recalled the “good sisters” of her previous life—those who smiled in public but poisoned in private. This cousin, however, was refreshingly straightforward.
“Why are you angry, cousin? Is it because your excellent piano skills caught Fourth Uncle’s attention?” Feng Jinyao teased, exposing Bai Siruo’s worries. For a moment, the girl flushed, then faced her frankly.
“Father says I’m over sixteen and have no special talents. This cousin, though raised in Qiongzhou, behaves like a legitimate daughter of a prominent Dongdu family. Since he likes her so much, perhaps he might as well adopt her as his daughter; then I would have some freedom,” Bai Siruo admitted, her eyes revealing a mix of disappointment and stubbornness, a candid honesty that tugged at Feng Jinyao’s heart.
“Cousin, you truly have no skills? I heard from Second Brother that your pitch-pot accuracy rivals his. It’s a pity Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt keep a watchful eye; otherwise, your talent in riding and archery might surpass even Second Brother’s.”
Bai Siruo’s expression fell, weary. “What’s the use? Father forces me to study, and Mother sends tutors daily, teaching manners as though I must be remade into another Wei Lanxuan [eldest granddaughter of the Duke of Wei, niece of Consort Wei, a renowned noblewoman in Dongdu].”
Hearing this, Feng Jinyao understood the roots of her cousin’s frustration. Now, with Bai Sihan’s presence highlighting the comparison, Bai Siruo’s anger and resentment were almost inevitable.
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