Feng Liangji is the son-in-law of my second uncle, Li Xingnian, and the husband of my elder cousin, Li Zixuan. After some thought, Daohua decided to meet with him.
Once inside the Prince Residence, led by the butler, Feng Liangji dared not wander his gaze freely but silently marveled in his heart at the grandeur and nobility of the residence.
For this was the first time in his life that he had set foot in the Prince’s mansion!
Feng Liangji suppressed the excitement in his heart. Still, he felt somewhat nervous about the impending meeting with the Princess Consort of Weiyuan.
In his memory, Xiliang had always been very barren, but his experiences along the way this time had filled him with astonishment.
The cemented imperial roads, the inns arranged every few dozen li, the vigorously growing crops, and the hopeful peasants – all of these were contrary to his expectations.
Along the way, he heard numerous peasants praise the couple of Weiyuan Prince and Princess Consort, not only the Prince but also the Princess Consort.
For a woman to be so beloved by the people, that alone made him dare not underestimate the Princess Consort of Weiyuan.
Although the Feng Family, thanks to his wife’s connection, had some kinship with the Prince Residence, the Feng Family was but merchants, and the status gap between them and the Prince Residence was too great. He had no confidence to put on the airs of kinship in front of the Princess Consort of Weiyuan.
Soon, they arrived at the main courtyard. Guyu personally waited at the gate, greeted Feng Liangji with a salute first and then led him into the living room.
"Your servant pays respect to the Princess Consort!"
As soon as Feng Liangji entered the living room, he hurriedly saluted Daohua.
Daohua saw him and showed no significant reaction. She was not familiar with the family of Sister Zixuan’s husband but politely smiled and said, "Cousin-in-law, please, no need for such formalities. Please, have a seat."
After expressing his thanks, Feng Liangji sat down while trying his best not to directly gaze at the graceful and radiant Princess Consort sitting in the seat of honor, to avoid appearing too flustered.
He still remembered the dazzling sense of amazement he felt when he first met the eldest young lady of the Yan Family during the betrothal discussions with his wife.
Now, over a decade later, the sense of amazement remains, but the air of authority she wears suppresses him from daring to meet her gaze; that aura of nobility forbids any offense.
Daohua started the conversation with a warm and casual tone, "Cousin-in-law must have had a hard journey. How has Sister Zixuan been these years?"
Feng Liangji replied with a smile, "Zixuan has been well, the Princess Consort is kind to remember."
Daohua smiled and said, "I have only two cousins and naturally think of them often."
Feng Liangji’s heart stirred, and he responded with a smile, "Zixuan also often mentions the Princess Consort to me, saying she used to study and learn rituals at your home when she was younger."
Hearing this, Daohua felt a moment of nostalgia, "When I was young, I often played at my uncle’s house too. In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. I wonder when I’ll be able to see my cousins again?"
Feng Liangji quickly said, "There will certainly be an opportunity. I also intended to bring Zixuan along to Xiliang this time, but, unfortunately, she couldn’t put her mind at ease about the children."
Daohua smiled faintly, obviously not quite believing these words.
In this era, men always believe that women should stay within the inner quarters taking care of the family and managing household affairs, rarely would husbands actively take their wives out for leisure and travel.
Thinking of this, Daohua’s thoughts turned to Xiao Yeyang.
Xiao Yeyang was really tolerant towards her, not confining her to the inner quarters and always supportive of her interests.
In subsequent conversation, Daohua spoke mostly about the Li Family and Li Zixuan. She knew that in this era, life for women in their marital homes was often hard and taxing. By mentioning it frequently, she might be indirectly supporting Sister Zixuan.
As the time approached noon, Daohua showed no intention of asking Feng Liangji to stay for a meal.
It wasn’t for anything else but that Xiao Yeyang was not present, and she had no intention of calling him back.
Feng Liangji noticed Daohua’s intention and, although a bit regretful, understood that having the opportunity to visit the Prince Residence and meet the Princess Consort of Weiyuan would let others know that he was backed by the Prince Residence.
With this connection, he could quickly establish a firm foothold in Xiliang.
Feng Liangji excused himself with good grace, and as he walked out of the courtyard gate, he saw a small figure rushing angrily into the main courtyard.
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