Chapter 184: The Capping Ceremony

Feng Yin suddenly showed up at Xiao Li’s door with an invitation—an invitation to his coming-of-age ceremony.

"I hope the Princess will be able to attend."

The young master stared at her, his eyes full of expectation.

Xiao Li looked at him for a moment before reaching out and taking the invitation.

Feng Yin’s face lit up instantly, the light in his eyes dazzling. "Thank you, Princess."

’It’s just attending a ceremony, no big deal,’ Xiao Li thought. ’But I wonder if the Emperor’s fragile heart can handle me visiting the Feng Family.’

Xiao Li had someone serve tea, but Feng Yin didn’t dare drink it.

Last time, it was right here that he had drank wine, not only complaining to the Princess but also getting kissed until he cried.

Even after so many days, the memory still made him blush.

He glanced at the teacup, then at the perfectly composed Princess. His gaze slowly drifted downward, unconsciously landing on the full, perfect curve of her red lips.

An incredibly powerful force of attraction held him, making it impossible to look away.

Not until Xiao Li lowered her eyes and glanced his way did he snap back to his senses. His cheeks flushed crimson, and he hastily excused himself and left.

Xiao Li: ’Hmm?’

It was a rare occasion for the Princess to leave her mansion, and it was to attend Young Master Feng’s coming-of-age ceremony at the Feng estate.

Outsiders didn’t understand, but the few people in Xiao Li’s inner circle had seen her kiss Feng Yin. They all wondered if this Mr. Feng might be the future Prince Consort. However, since the Princess had always disliked this topic, they could only speculate in their hearts.

Now, everyone in the Princess Mansion abided by a single principle: it didn’t matter if the Princess had a Prince Consort; their one and only master would forever be the Princess.

Anyone who couldn’t accept that could pack their bags and leave.

The Feng Family was one of the Six Great Families and also held the title of Grandmaster Mansion. Furthermore, Young Master Feng was the future heir. This coming-of-age ceremony was no small affair.

All the major aristocratic families would send direct descendants to attend, and court officials would kill for an invitation. Even the Emperor had sent special gifts.

Xiao Li didn’t arrive early, but she wasn’t late either. She got there just as the ceremony was about to begin.

Feng Yin had arranged for someone to wait for her at the entrance, who led her directly to a reserved seat.

The ceremony was held at the entrance of the Feng Family’s ancestral hall. The hall’s central doors were wide open, offering a clear view of the densely packed ancestral tablets inside. Imperial Tutor Feng and another elder sat below the tablets, with the other Feng elders seated on either side.

About a dozen stern and solemn old men in uniform fine robes sat there—the clan elders of the Feng Family. While Old Sir Feng’s direct line wasn’t large, the Feng Family itself certainly was.

A single glance was enough to be struck by the profound heritage and solidarity of a great family.

After all, without several thousand, or even ten thousand, clansmen, how could a family dare call itself great?

Aside from the members of the Feng Family, the other guests were seated according to their status. Those of insufficient rank could only stand and watch.

Today’s guest of honor was Prince Duan, and the capping sponsor was the Minister of Rites, Xue Heng.

Just as Xiao Li sat down, a clay drum was struck. "Let the capping ceremony begin!"

Feng Yin, who had long been ready, walked out slowly, dressed in plain black brocade devoid of any ornamentation.

His back was straight and his expression was stern and cold. His youthful face, which usually made him look younger, now held a new maturity and composure.

He was the star of the day. Under the gazes of the crowd, he walked to the center and knelt on a cattail hassock.

The capping sponsor recited the ceremonial address, and the guest of honor proceeded with the capping in stages.

"On this auspicious day, we first bestow the cap of manhood. Cast aside your childhood name and embrace your adult virtue. May you live a long and blessed life, and may great fortune be yours."

Then, for the second capping: "On this lucky day, we again present your cap, to respect your dignified presence..."

After the three cappings, Feng Yin first bowed to his ancestors, then to his grandfather, clan elders, and kinsmen, and finally to his brothers and the guests.

When he bowed to Xiao Li, he gave a restrained, faint smile before quickly continuing.

After the bows were complete, Feng Yin had to change his clothes and enter the palace to pay his respects to the Emperor. The rest of the guests remained at the Feng estate for the banquet.

Only then did Madam Feng find a moment to come and greet Xiao Li. "I’ve neglected you, Princess. Please forgive me."

Xiao Li replied, "You’re too kind, Madam Feng. I was the one who arrived late."

Madam Feng smiled and invited Xiao Li to the banquet, but Xiao Li declined.

"I only came to observe the ceremony. I won’t stay for the banquet. Farewell."

Madam Feng’s expression faltered for a second. "It is the Feng Family’s honor that the Princess graced us with her presence. I feel guilty for not having taken better care of you."

Xiao Li said, "Madam Feng, you don’t need to be so polite. It was enough for me to come and watch."

As Xiao Li walked toward the exit, Madam Feng, unsure of what to do, followed her for a few steps before suddenly speaking. "Now that Yin has come of age, his marriage should be put on the agenda. His Majesty and Old Sir Feng seemed to have discussed his betrothal. What kind of girl does the Princess think would suit Yin?"

Xiao Li’s steps faltered. ’The Emperor really spoke to Imperial Tutor Feng?’

Madam Feng’s probing couldn’t have been more obvious. Xiao Li tilted her head slightly to look at her. "I’m sure you already have plans for Mr. Feng’s marriage, Madam. You’re asking the wrong person."

Madam Feng smiled. "I only asked because I heard His Majesty intends to help the Princess select a Prince Consort. And speaking of which, the age difference between you and Yin isn’t that great."

’This is more than a hint; she’s all but asking me directly if I have feelings for Feng Yin.’

"Madam Feng, this princess will never have a Prince Consort again in this lifetime."

Madam Feng watched Xiao Li leave, her expression complicated.

’Never have a Prince Consort again in this lifetime...’

’My foolish son, whose heart has just begun to open, is probably destined for a heartbreak.’

* * *

Hong Yue glanced at Xiao Li cautiously. "Princess, you attended the ceremony but didn’t stay for the banquet. The Feng Family will think you have some opinion of them. If Mr. Feng finds out when he returns, won’t he be heartbroken?"

Xiao Li chuckled and pinched her cheek. "Silly girl. I have no real connection to the Feng Family, and I don’t know the people there. Staying for a meal would be so awkward. If I stayed, I’d just be questioned and scrutinized by them. I’d be the one who’s uncomfortable. Now that I’ve left, what can they do even if they have an opinion?"

"As for Feng Yin, he wanted me to come, and I came. I can indulge him this much, but he can’t expect me to lower myself to curry favor with his family."

Xiao Li was smiling, a gentle light flowing in her eyes, but deep within them, there was never any warmth.

’I like Feng Yin’s face, so I’m willing to indulge him by attending his ceremony on this special day in his life. But that has nothing to do with the Feng Family. It’s not like I’m desperate to marry into their family and have to tend to the elders’ feelings.’

’Thinking from a man’s perspective—that’s what a lovesick fool would do.’

* * *

The carriage left the Feng estate and reached the main road. Just as it entered the commercial street, it was blocked.

Xiao Li didn’t move. Yang Jun came to report, "Princess, Lu Ling is blocking the street on horseback."

Immediately after, Lu Ling’s cheerful, smiling voice came from outside. "Lu Ling requests an audience with Princess Xuanyang! In light of Lu Ling’s sincere heart, might I trouble the Princess to alight from her carriage to meet me?"

Before Xiao Li could react, Hong Yue flew into a rage. "What is wrong with this person? What does he think he’s doing in front of everyone?"

The news of Lu Ling’s high-profile courtship of Princess Xuanyang had already spread like wildfire. Seeing him block the Princess’s carriage in the middle of the street, the surrounding crowd instantly erupted.

Everyone had only heard rumors; who would have thought they’d get to see such a good show in person?

Hong Yue lifted the curtain, was instantly met with countless gazes, and shrank back in fear. "Princess, what do we do now?"

Xiao Li rested her head against a pillow, one hand on her temple, without even lifting an eyelid. "Ram him. If he doesn’t move, kill him."

Having received his orders, Yang Jun immediately carried them out.

Naturally, he couldn’t use Xiao Li’s own carriage to ram him. Yang Jun shouted, "If you don’t want to die, get out of the way!"

This shout was directed at the commoners.

After shouting, he yanked the reins and charged toward Lu Ling without hesitation.

"AHHH..."

Seeing this, the crowd of onlookers instantly scattered like frightened birds.

BAM! Lu Ling’s horse was knocked over. He leaped from the saddle just in time, narrowly escaping.

Yang Jun pulled his reins, leading the procession slowly past. He looked down at Lu Ling, his eyes locked on him and filled with killing intent.

’First, he tried to kill the Princess, and now he’s trying to ruin her reputation. The pathetic clown. I should have just finished him off with a single strike that day.’