It was her good cousin, Bai Sheng.
Although the news of Bai Sheng's return after completing her studies had reached the Bai Mansion over a month ago, due to Bai Zheng's excessive busyness during this period, she hadn't had a chance to meet her even once.
Moreover, Bai Zheng had always been a bit in awe of this cousin.
Compared to Bai Di, a negligible troublemaker, Bai Sheng was obviously more scheming and ruthless.
Not to mention that now, after being sent by Bai Yizhang to study various mechanisms, formations, and divination under the hermit master Xuanjizi, she seemed even more mysterious and ethereal.
Bai Zheng had a very bad premonition. If today's matter was led by her, it would be hard to end well.
"Sheng'er, when did you come back?" Lin asked affectionately with a smile.
Bai Zheng also raised her eyebrows and said, "So it's elder sister. You've become so beautiful after a year. Zheng'er didn't recognize you at first!"
Bai Sheng lowered her head and shyly smiled, scolding playfully, "You're such a little rascal."
The corner of Bai Zheng's lips twitched slightly.
When she came to pay respects to Lady He earlier, she had already noticed that although the Gaochang Marquis Mansion had a feud with the General's Mansion because of Su Muxiao, due to Bai Di's engagement, on the surface, they were still polite, and their seats were arranged very close.
Otherwise, with Bai Sheng's character, who had always looked down on her even more than Bai Di, why would she suddenly invite her so warmly to sit here today?
Wasn't it just to get closer to Zheng Yan and cause some trouble?
Thinking of this, Bai Zheng taunted, "Good elder sister, you're so good-looking. If I sit next to you, wouldn't I just be a foil? I don't want to!"
Bai Sheng's smile froze for a moment, then she sized up Bai Zheng from head to toe and said, "Zheng'er is truly radiant today. I don't think any of the young ladies in the hall can compare to you. How could elder sister's looks steal your limelight?"
"Elder sister, don't be so modest. Zheng'er is just relying on the clothes given by the marquis today. How can I compare to elder sister's natural charm?"
Then she pulled on Bai Sheng's skirt and coquettishly said, "Good elder sister, please let me off. If the marquis takes a fancy to you, then Zheng'er will really never get married."
After all, in a banquet like today's, a banquet of treachery, she was bound to be the target.
In that case, it was better to be a target sitting in the corner than a target in the front row.
Even if it meant forcing herself to be coquettish with Bai Sheng.
Bai Sheng's expression remained unchanged. She just smiled helplessly and said after a long while, "Alright, you only have that marquis in your heart. You heartless girl."
Bai Zheng stuck out her tongue and secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Then she led Lin to sit in the back row.
After sitting down, Bai Zheng couldn't help but take out a handkerchief and wipe the hand that had touched Bai Sheng.
Coincidentally, Bai Sheng also quickly put away her smile after turning around and said coldly, "Go change your clothes."
After the back - and - forth with Bai Sheng, the people Bai Zheng had seen outside the palace earlier had all walked into the hall and taken their seats.
Because of her special status, Princess Yunxi sat at the top of the female guests' seats with several princesses of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
At this moment, at the top of the male guests' seats opposite, sat Crown Prince Feng Jingye, the Third Prince Feng Jingxuan, the Fourth Prince Feng Jingyang, and the Fifth Prince Feng Jingyi, whom she hadn't seen since the selection of a bride ended.
Feng Jingye and Feng Jingxuan were drinking and chatting merrily like good brothers in the common world and didn't notice Bai Zheng's gaze.
It was Feng Jingyang and Feng Jingyi who both smiled brightly at Bai Zheng.
Bai Zheng frowned imperceptibly.
Feng Jingyi was okay, but this Feng Jingyang really... had a look of ill intent.
Just as Bai Zheng was daydreaming, a shrill voice suddenly came from outside the hall -
"Marquis Dingyuan has arrived."
Hearing this, a glint flashed in Bai Zheng's eyes.
He had finally come.
Everyone in the hall immediately stopped chatting and looked towards the door.
They saw a young eunuch step in first, half - turned around, and bowed respectfully.
Then, they saw a pair of dark cloud - patterned boots step in. After touching the ground, they were covered by a moon - white robe embroidered with dark patterns in gold thread.
Looking up, they could see that at this moment, Feng Linyuan had his jet - black hair tied up with a jade crown, and half of a black mask was stuck on his face. But it didn't affect the admiration and amazement of the people present, especially the female guests.
The man in front of them had eyebrows like distant mountains, flying into his hair bun. His thin lips were slightly pursed, and the eyes under his eyebrows were as deep as the stars. Once you looked at them, you couldn't take your eyes off.
Such a person, just standing there, seemed to steal all the elegance in the room.
But unexpectedly, at this moment, his eyes swept over everyone briefly until they landed on Bai Zheng. Suddenly, he lifted a smile.
In an instant, all the colors in the world faded.
Bai Zheng felt that the uneasiness she had felt since coming to the palace was gently wiped away by this smile.
All that was left was a sense of security.
Yes, with Feng Linyuan here, she wasn't alone.
Bai Zheng lowered her head and casually picked up a fruit from the fruit plate in front of her and took a bite.
Sure enough, it was sweet.
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!" The eunuch's shrill voice rang out.
Everyone quickly put away their smiles and knelt on the ground. Only after Feng Linche, his queen, Concubine Zhao, and Concubine Yi were seated did they all say in unison, "Greetings to Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen, Your Highness the Noble Concubine, and Your Highness Concubine Yi."
Bai Zheng lowered her head and stared straight at the white jade bricks on the ground, kneeling as required with everyone else.
"All my dear officials may rise."
They heard a majestic and full - toned voice ring out.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Only then did Bai Zheng stand up and sit down with everyone else.
They saw a middle - aged man sitting on the dragon throne in the middle of the hall. He was dressed in a formal robe embroidered with five - clawed golden dragons. He was tall with a majestic face. When he was young, he must have been a handsome man.
But years of being an emperor had left an imposing and intimidating aura on him. Just like this palace, it made people involuntarily submit.
Was this Feng Linche? Bai Zheng pondered secretly in her heart.
Was this the enemy of Feng Linyuan?
He really looked like an emperor.
Feng Linche seemed to be in a very good mood today. With a hint of a smile, he said in a loud voice, "Today is a small family banquet. All my dear officials don't need to be constrained. Feel free to eat and drink."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Everyone quickly responded and thanked him.
Feng Linche's gaze swept over everyone and soon stopped on Feng Linyuan.
"Marquis Dingyuan is really about to start a family. After getting engaged, you look in good spirits." He smiled meaningfully. "If I had known this, I should have arranged a marriage for the marquis earlier."
Feng Linyuan nodded calmly and replied, "I should also thank Your Majesty for the precious treasures and medicinal materials. At least I didn't come to attend the Third Highness's engagement in a pale - faced state."
"It's good that they're useful. It's not in vain for me to take such pains." Feng Linche nodded with a look of relief on his face. "So that I won't feel ashamed to face your father."