She indeed was reluctant to care for Ling Erye, but to put Ling Muzhu at ease for his examination, she had to agree.
"Many thanks, sister-in-law," Ling Muzhu cupped his hands in thanks. He wasn't trying to trouble Feng Jin unnecessarily, it was just that the situation was special. The ancestral hall was surrounded by the Black Armored Army, and he had to plead and persuade to get food sent in. Arranging for others to care for his father would be useless. After much thought, he could only seek help from Feng Jin.
"We are family, thanking each other like this makes us strangers. You don't need to worry about matters at home, I will take care of everything. You can focus on your examination with peace of mind." As Feng Jin's words fell, the tightly shut gates of the examination compound opened from within, and all scholars lined up in an orderly fashion, preparing to enter.
"Sister-in-law, I'll head over too."
"Go, take care of yourself." Feng Jin nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on Ling Muzhu. Who would have thought that the stubborn young man from before would also be attending the imperial examinations today? A wave of melancholy washed over Feng Jin. After experiencing so much, Ling Muzhu had truly grown. Although the cost was high, this was indeed the best outcome for him now.
"Young Madam, are you here to see off Second Young Master?" Sheng Xubai's voice sounded from behind. Feng Jin's eyebrows twitched slightly upon hearing it, and she turned to look.
"Third Young Master Sheng, are you also here for the imperial examinations? You travel light. Why haven't Master and Madam Sheng come to see you off?" With so many eyes around, and filled with the prominent and noble figures of the capital, Feng Jin deliberately spoke distantly, maintaining a gap with Sheng Xubai. She didn't want to be observed by those with ulterior motives and have them twist her words.
"My mother has been unwell these past few days and is recuperating at home. My father is worried about her condition and is attending to her at home, thus he did not come to see me off. On the other hand, Young Madam shows such great concern for Second Young Master, caring for him in every way. If I had a sister-in-law like you, it would be a great fortune in life." Sheng Xubai's gaze had not left Feng Jin since the moment it fell upon her. This was all he could do now, to steal glances at her.
"Third Young Master Sheng, have you been cooped up reading the scriptures so much that your mind has gone addled? You speak such nonsensical words. I am already married, and you will certainly not have a sister-in-law like me. I have matters to attend to at home, so I shall take my leave." Feng Jin's words were resolute. She was not foolish and could see Sheng Xubai's intentions. Speaking harshly was the only way to completely sever his unrealistic thoughts. Having said that, Feng Jin turned and left, some unease in her heart.
Only after Feng Jin was no longer in sight, and the bell urging entry had rung several times, did Sheng Xubai slowly withdraw his gaze. With a self-mocking cold laugh, he thought that perhaps his persistence was the greatest shackles for her. Since things had come to this, there was indeed nothing left for him to linger for. Watching her from afar, as long as she was well, his heart could find peace.
...
"Young Madam, why did you speak so harshly to Third Young Master Sheng just now? I thought Third Young Master Sheng was quite amiable, and spoke very courteously. He's not like those arrogant young masters from noble families." From the moment she first saw Sheng Xubai, Chu Qing had a good impression of him.
"He is indeed gentle and courteous. A man like Sheng Xubai is hard to find in this world. Otherwise, he wouldn't be someone that the noble ladies of the capital would desperately want to marry. However, your Young Madam is already wed, and it is best to maintain distance from Third Young Master Sheng. It is better for everyone this way." Feng Jin explained the implications of the situation. Fortunately, Chu Qing was intelligent and understood immediately.
"This servant understands. Young Madam spoke to Third Young Master Sheng that way to maintain distance. Just now, there were so many people around, if outsiders saw it, even something without substance could be exaggerated into rumors and gossip." Chu Qing understood these simple principles. It was just that seeing such a gentle and refined person like Third Young Master Sheng showing disappointment on his face made anyone's heart ache.
"It's good that you understand. When we return to the manor, let's not mention what we saw of Third Young Master Sheng today." We have a big vinegar-jar at home. If Ling Mohan finds out, who knows what madness he'll unleash.
"Yes, Young Madam, this servant understands and will not tell Young General." Feng Jin's eyebrows twitched slightly, her scrutinizing gaze falling on Chu Qing. This young girl, though not old, knew quite a lot. It seemed it was better not to explain certain things too thoroughly to Chu Qing.
Upon arriving at the manor, Ling Wan hurried over. "Greetings, sister-in-law. Has Muzhu already left?"
"I saw him off early this morning. You seem to be in such a hurry, what happened?" Seeing the sweat on her brow and her hair sticking to her forehead, she must have run all the way.
"I had originally intended to make some pastries for Muzhu to take with him, but I overslept today. He has already left..."
"Since he's left, we'll have to eat these pastries ourselves." Feng Jin took the pastries from Ling Wan and took a bite of one. She hadn't eaten anything that morning and was truly hungry. Ling Wan's pastries had arrived just in time. She took one and put it in Chu Qing's hand. "Have some too. It's a shame Muzhu won't get to taste them."
"It's all my fault. I slept too late yesterday and didn't wake up this morning, so I missed the time. I'll just have to make some more pastries for his welcome when Muzhu returns." She had wanted to give the best pastries to Ling Muzhu, but seeing it was too late yesterday, she didn't send them, planning to give them to him this morning. But then she overslept and missed the time. It could only be said that Ling Muzhu lacked the fortune to taste these pastries, and they would have to enjoy them.
Ling Wan sat for a while, glanced at the time, and stood up hastily. "Sister-in-law, I have something to attend to and must leave. I'll be going now."
"Wait!" Sensing something strange, Feng Jin called out to stop Ling Wan. "You are never this flustered when you go out. Tell me, where are you going and what are you doing?" Ling Wan usually stayed indoors, and the few times she went out were with Feng Jin. Such unusual behavior naturally made Feng Jin suspicious.
"No, sister-in-law, I... I just..." After thinking for a long time, Ling Wan still couldn't come up with a suitable excuse. She stood there stammering, nervously twisting the hem of her skirt. Feng Jin got up, took Ling Wan's hand, and sat her down. "Tell me, sister-in-law, where are you going today?"
"Sister-in-law... I... I... I'm not going anywhere, it's just..."