Yun Momo immediately took out a brocade box from inside and placed it before the two of them.
"This is the Ruyi Dragon and Phoenix White Jade Pendant, my dowry when I married. Today, I bestow it upon you two."
"Thank you, Empress Dowager..."
Ling Mohan and Feng Jin said in unison.
After a few pleasantries, the Empress Dowager used her fatigue as an excuse to have the three of them withdraw together.
"I will return to review the memorials. You two young newlyweds can stroll around at your leisure and return after dinner."
Feng Jin wanted to go back immediately, but Emperor Xuanwen spoke first, leaving her no choice but to stay.
"This emperor is truly annoying. He didn't even ask if others were willing to stay and just forced people to eat."
Feng Jin grumbled continuously at Emperor Xuanwen's departing back.
Ling Mohan looked helpless. Staying in the palace for a meal might be considered a great honor by others, but in Feng Jin's eyes, it had become a troublesome matter.
"Let's go to the side hall to sit for a while. The banquet will start later, and we'll return to our manor immediately after."
Ling Mohan comforted Feng Jin, took her hand, and walked towards the side hall.
"Greetings, Young General, Young Madam. This servant is here on the orders of the Third Prince to deliver some pastries. The banquet will not start for some time. If Young Madam is hungry, you can eat some pastries to satisfy your hunger first."
Several maids following behind placed exquisite pastries on the table.
Feng Jin glanced at them. These pastries were truly exquisite. This Third Prince was offering unsolicited kindness, which could only mean he had ulterior motives.
"Young General, Young Madam, please enjoy. This servant will take her leave now."
After the maids retreated, Feng Jin picked up a pastry and examined it. "This Third Prince is truly determined to win you over."
"Why don't you say that the Third Prince is intentionally trying to win *you* over?" Ling Mohan asked in a deep voice after taking a sip of tea.
Feng Jin took a bite of the pastry and snorted, "I have no power or influence. Why would the Third Prince try to win me over? He is after your military power, the Ling family's influence in the court. With your support, he will be one step closer to ascending the throne. Everyone knows this intention, it's as obvious as Si Ma Zhao's intention to usurp the throne."
"You are indeed insightful. By eating his pastries today, you have given him leverage."
"He sent them for me to eat. Not taking advantage of such a good opportunity would be foolish."
Feng Jin picked up another pastry and stuffed it into her mouth, swallowing it whole without any pretense of refinement. She figured she wouldn't be full at the banquet later and might as well fill her stomach now.
"Eat slowly, don't choke."
Ling Mohan thoughtfully poured a cup of water and handed it to Feng Jin, gazing at her affectionately as she ate, a smile unconsciously forming on his lips.
...
The banquet was held in the An Ya Pavilion. Even Chu Chenyi, who usually remained hidden, appeared at the banquet. Lin Yuwei was by his side. As for Wang Qin, she was left at the Jing Prince's manor under a plausible excuse.
Feng Jin felt extremely uncomfortable as she sat there. Her gaze drifted casually, and she noticed a resentful gaze fixed upon her. Following the source of the gaze, she saw the Sixth Princess glaring at her with fiery eyes. Feng Jin smiled and met her gaze fearlessly. *You think you're so great with your wide eyes, glaring at everyone!*
Lin Yuwei also noticed something amiss and, when no one was paying attention, sat beside Feng Jin. "Sister Feng Jin, that is the Empress's Sixth Princess. She's quite arrogant. Her gaze towards you seems wrong..."
Feng Jin did not hide the morning's events as she recounted them to Lin Yuwei.
Lin Yuwei struggled to suppress a smile. "This Sixth Princess is arrogant and overbearing, and now she's been bested by you. No wonder she's so angry."
"I think the Sixth Princess holds a grudge against me. Watch, she'll definitely cause trouble for me later. Don't sit so close to me; you might get caught up in it."
"Sister, what are you saying? You've helped me so many times. How can I abandon you just because I'm afraid of trouble? Would I even be worthy of being human then!"
Although Lin Yuwei couldn't offer much practical help, Feng Jin was deeply touched by her words. She truly was a good sister, loyal and true.
"Second Imperial Brother's wife, why are you sitting with such a vulgar person? Aren't you afraid of losing your status and displeasing Second Imperial Brother further, only to be divorced!"
The Sixth Princess was already displeased, and seeing the two of them chatting happily only fueled her anger.
Before Lin Yuwei could speak, Chu Chenyi stepped forward. "How can you speak to your Imperial Sister-in-law like this? Where did all the etiquette and shame you learned go!"
Although Chu Chenyi was in a wheelchair, his authority was undiminished. His words immediately silenced the Sixth Princess.
"Second Imperial Brother, you..."
"Silence. Yuwei is your Imperial Sister-in-law, and Feng Jin is the wife of Young General Ling, also your sister-in-law. As a princess, you utter such disrespectful words. If this spreads, how will you find a husband? Apologize now!"
The Sixth Princess's lips were pursed tightly. Her hateful gaze was fixed on Feng Jin and Lin Yuwei for a long time before she spat out two words from between her teeth: "Sorry..." Then she turned and left.
Feng Jin sighed and shook her head. "The imperial family has produced such a princess. It's truly disgraceful..."
"Discussing the imperial family is a grave offense. If you don't want to bring trouble upon yourself, shut your mouth immediately!"
Chu Chenyi rubbed his temples, his expression somewhat helpless. This Feng Jin couldn't control her mouth at all. Did she even know what "disaster comes from the mouth" meant?
Feng Jin, cherishing her own life, quickly shut up.
"Thank you for this. Although I could have dealt with the Sixth Princess myself, I will accept your help for now. I always repay kindness and never owe anyone. I won't calculate the interest on the money you owe me for this year..."
She paused, worried that Chu Chenyi might get any ideas about not returning the money, and quickly added, "However, the money still needs to be repaid."
Chu Chenyi glanced at Feng Jin with disdain. She was truly obsessed with money. "You two, behave yourselves and don't stir up trouble."
Unable to completely relax about the two of them, Chu Chenyi warned them a couple of times.
"We've noted it all. Hurry up and leave; you're a nuisance here," Lin Yuwei impatiently shooed him away and then continued chatting with Feng Jin about this and that.
Chu Chenyi looked at the two of them conversing happily and sighed helplessly. What could possibly be so interesting to talk about?
"Second Imperial Brother, you always stay in your manor, cloistered away. Why have you come to the banquet today?"
Chu Yanxi sat in the seat next to Chu Chenyi and handed him a cup of wine.
"Third Brother, please forgive me. My health does not permit me to drink wine, so I will toast you with tea instead."
Chu Chenyi raised his teacup and drank it all.
"Second Imperial Brother is still as taciturn as ever. However, Father will surely be pleased to see you like this."
Chu Yanxi awkwardly put down his wine cup, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes as he stared intently at Chu Chenyi's legs.