《Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress》 Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Rebirth_1 Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Rebirth_1 Bai Qingyan drank a bowl of bitter medicine. She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and leaned against the bed, staring in a daze at the white jade vase filled with red plum blossoms. She had clearly died. How could she open her eyes and return to the fourteenth of the twelfth lunar month in the fifteenth year of Xuanjia? She remembered that on the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month, her second sister Bai Jinxiu got married, and the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage arrived half an hour earlier for the bridal procession. The seventeen sons of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s family had all gone to the southern border battlefield. The elders who had arranged for relatives to block the entry were unsuccessful, as they were gathered in a remote part of the backyard, gambling on cricket fights. No one was there to block the entrance, causing Bai Jinxiu to leave an hour early. Just that one hour early, the procession encountered assassins targeting King Liang. Bai Jinxiu, upon hearing of the attack, protected King Liang but lost her life to the knife. Thinking of King Liang¡­ Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, gripping the bedsheet tightly. Her breathing became unsteady. Her mind was filled with the indifferent, mocking gaze of King Liang before her death. His sharp features were terrifying. He knelt in front of the bloodied and weak Bai Qingyan, who couldn¡¯t even lift her head. He said many things. He spoke of how he had conspired with her grandfather¡¯s deputy general Liu Huanzhang to kill all the men of the Bai family. He described how he used the military book Bai Qingyan had given him, with her grandfather¡¯s handwriting, to forge letters proving the Bai family¡¯s treason. He even forced the Bai clan¡¯s remaining orphans into a dead end. In her past life, she was foolish enough to believe that King Liang¡¯s feelings for her were unparalleled. She thought he aimed for a high position to clear the Bai family¡¯s name. She willingly followed him into battle, achieving great military merit for him, helping him secure the position of Crown Prince. But he not only killed her grandfather, father, and brothers, but also didn¡¯t spare her sisters. Thinking of the tragic fate of her seven sisters at King Liang¡¯s hands, a surge of anger and grief filled Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart. Her stomach twisted in pain, and she wished to tear apart the heartless beast that was King Liang. ¡°Miss¡­¡± Chun Tao, the head maid, called out softly. Holding a box, she said in a low voice, ¡°Mr. Hong¡¯s medicine is very effective but too bitter. Miss, please have a piece of candied fruit to change the taste.¡± Bai Qingyan picked a piece of ginger plum candy, putting it in her bitter mouth. She looked at Chun Tao, who was placing a soft pillow behind her back. Chun Tao was the daughter of her mother¡¯s wet nurse, Mrs. Dong. She had been by Bai Qingyan¡¯s side since childhood and was utterly loyal. ¡°Second Miss, the roads are slippery with snow. How did you come over?¡± Outside, a cleaning woman cautiously flattered. Inside the warm room, Chun Yan, who was about to bend down to stoke the fire, put down the fire tongs and stepped out to greet with a tone of displeasure, ¡°Second Miss.¡± The Bai family¡¯s Second Miss, Bai Jinxiu, stepped onto the porch, removing her cloak. She softly asked Chun Yan, who had just greeted her, ¡°Is our eldest sister feeling better?¡± ¡°Thanks to Second Miss¡¯s concern, the eldest is doing well. Second Miss is getting married to the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage tomorrow and has many things to prepare. Why come to Qinghui Courtyard in such heavy snow?¡± Chun Yan¡¯s tone was unpleasant, her words sharp. Originally, the Princely Heir was betrothed to their eldest sister. But because the eldest suffered an injury on the battlefield at sixteen, leaving her with a difficult condition, the engagement was transferred to the second sister. Chun Yan couldn¡¯t accept this. Hearing the commotion, Chun Tao glanced outside the partition. She tucked the quilt around Bai Qingyan and asked, ¡°Miss, Second Miss is here to see you. Do you want to meet her?¡± Bai Qingyan clenched her fist, remembering how King Liang had said that he spared her life because Bai Jinxiu, on her wedding day, protected him and begged him to take care of Bai Qingyan. Her heart ached, and she hoarsely instructed, ¡°Go welcome the Second Miss.¡± Chun Tao answered and went to greet the Second Miss properly, gesturing for her to come in. ¡°The eldest just drank her medicine and is feeling much better. She instructed me to welcome you. Please come in, Second Miss!¡± Chun Tao personally lifted the curtain for Bai Jinxiu. Bai Jinxiu entered, the warmth hitting her as she entered. Afraid of bringing in the cold, she warmed herself by the fire at the entrance before going inside. ¡°Eldest sister¡­¡± Seeing Bai Jinxiu¡¯s pure and delicate face again, feelings of shame and guilt surged within Bai Qingyan. It was her hesitation with King Liang that made Bai Jinxiu think she loved him, leading to her death protecting him. She felt she had let down Bai Jinxiu and the entire Bai family. Chun Tao had the maid bring a stool and place it by the bed. Before Bai Jinxiu could sit, the bitter-tasting Bai Qingyan, with reddened eyes, beckoned to her, ¡°Jinxiu¡­come closer!¡± Bai Jinxiu lifted her skirt hem and sat on the edge of the bed. She felt Bai Qingyan seemed aged and grave. Holding Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand with concern, she asked, ¡°Eldest sister, is it because of tomorrow that you¡­¡± Before Bai Jinxiu could finish, Bai Qingyan shook her head, choking up, ¡°Jinxiu, I hope you promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you must protect yourself. Got it?¡± ¡°Big sister?¡± Bai Jinxiu was puzzled. ¡°Promise me!¡± She tightly grasped Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand. Seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s unstable breath, Bai Jinxiu quickly nodded, ¡°I understand, eldest sister!¡± With many things to prepare for her wedding tomorrow, Bai Jinxiu sat briefly and then left. After seeing Bai Jinxiu off, Bai Qingyan dismissed all the maids. Lying in bed, she rethought everything concerning King Liang and the Bai family. It felt like a cold nightmare. From Bai Jinxiu¡¯s death, the Bai family was gradually pushed into an abyss. Heaven had allowed her to return to the day before her second sister¡¯s wedding. No matter what, she couldn¡¯t let Bai Jinxiu and the Bai family repeat the past. With Bai Jinxiu leaving tomorrow, she needed thorough preparation. If their incompetent cousins gambled on crickets again, someone reliable must take charge. And the assassination on Changan Street involving King Liang, which was concluded as the work of Nanyan spies. Now that she thought about it, what would motivate Nanyan spies to infiltrate Dadu City and assassinate a prince with a weak reputation? Moreover, she needed to send trustworthy people to the southern border. If possible, it was best to save her grandfather and father. If not, she needed to gather evidence early to prevent King Liang from framing the Bai clan. She couldn¡¯t hide the possibility of losing the Bai family¡¯s men in the southern border from her grandmother. She had to prepare her grandmother gently in advance. Thus, when the battle reports came back to Dadu City, her grandmother wouldn¡¯t be too shocked to pass away. As long as her grandmother, the emperor¡¯s aunt, remained, the Bai family wouldn¡¯t be as vulnerable as before. Bai Qingyan¡¯s body was still weak, and the excessive thinking made her tired. Half asleep, she dreamed of her grandfather, father, and her seventeen brothers. She also dreamed of her grandmother, with tears streaming down her face, holding her and her mother¡¯s hands on her deathbed, saying she felt useless for not being able to support the Bai family during its hardest times. She entrusted the responsibility of protecting the Bai family¡¯s widows to her mother Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan. ¡°Grandmother!¡± She screamed, sitting up, her chest heaving violently. Seeing she was still in her bed at Qinghui Courtyard, her pounding heart slowly calmed down. Her white underclothes were soaked with sweat, and her embroidered pillow was wet with tears. She closed her eyes, remembering the scene in the dream. She couldn¡¯t delay¡­all plans needed to be arranged quickly. Trying to muster her energy, she threw off the quilt and called out hoarsely, ¡°Chun Tao¡­¡± Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Grandmother_1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Grandmother_1 ¡°Big Miss!¡± Chun Yan responded, lifting the heavy curtain and coming in from outside. She saw Bai Qingyan sitting on the bedside and quickly grabbed a cloak lined with thin cotton to drape over Bai Qingyan, saying, ¡°Sister Chun Tao went to help Mrs. Luo at the madam¡¯s place and hasn¡¯t returned yet.¡± Seeing that Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t look well, Chun Yan couldn¡¯t hide her worry. ¡°Why did you get up without calling someone to assist you?¡± ¡°What time is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s past noon.¡± Chun Yan pulled up the bed curtains on both sides. ¡°Do you want some shredded chicken porridge? Mrs. Fang has been simmering it in the small kitchen, and the aroma is quite tempting.¡± She adjusted the cloak. ¡°Help me get up.¡± With the call of, ¡°Big Miss is up,¡± the once-quiet courtyard quickly became lively. Those sweeping snow continued sweeping, and those preparing water continued their tasks. Soon, the maids in charge of washing lined up under the eaves, holding rinse water, spittoons, copper basins, and towels. Chun Yan then ordered the curtain to be lifted and led the maids in. Chun Tao returned to Qinghui Courtyard. Hearing that Big Miss was up, she dusted off the snow on her body and quickly entered to serve. Seeing Bai Qingyan dressed in a plain, white jacket and skirt embroidered with flowers, draped in a white fox fur cloak looking ready to go out, Chun Tao hurriedly stepped forward to fasten her cloak. ¡°It¡¯s snowing heavily outside, Miss. You¡¯re still ill. Where are you going?¡± ¡°To visit Grandmother.¡± Chun Tao hesitated but helped Bai Qingyan put on the cloak. She took a hot coal from the brazier and put it in a hand warmer. She knew that no matter how she tried to convince her, it was futile against their determined Big Miss. Bai Qingyan took the hand warmer from Chun Tao and held it to her chest. She instructed, ¡°Later, when I am with Grandmother, you need not serve us. Instead, discreetly go to the front courtyard and have Lu Ping wait for me by the rockery corridor in the back courtyard in half an hour. I have something to tell him.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Tao responded. Bai Qingyan took a few steps, tightened her grip on the hand warmer, and glanced back at Chun Yan, who was tidying up the clothes trunk. Currently loyal to her, she said, ¡°Chun Yan, ask Qingzhu to come find me at the hour of the rooster.¡± Considering the timing, she feared the men of the Bai family were all lost. But since fate had given her another chance, Bai Qingyan wanted to strive with all her might. If she could save even one, it would be better than doing nothing at all. ¡°Got it! I¡¯ll finish packing and then go find Miss Shen!¡± Chun Yan replied cheerfully. The snow had not yet stopped. She walked through the snow, the smart little maid sweeping snow outside Changshou Courtyard spotted her from afar and hurried inside to report. Bai Qingyan hadn¡¯t even reached the courtyard entrance when Nanny Jiang, who served her grandmother, rushed out to meet her. ¡°Big Miss, the snow hasn¡¯t stopped. Why are you here?¡± Nanny Jiang held an umbrella and, with a group of maids, walked briskly to Bai Qingyan. Naturally, she took the half-warm hand warmer from Bai Qingyan and replaced it with a new, warm one, personally holding the umbrella for Bai Qingyan. Years ago, Bai Qingyan had been stabbed in the abdomen and fell into the water, leaving her with a condition that made her intolerant of the cold. Everyone in the household knew this. Nanny Jiang had served by her grandmother¡¯s side since she was seven. She never married and later followed her grandmother in death by swallowing gold. Her loyalty was evident. ¡°Nanny¡­¡± Bai Qingyan queried while walking towards Changshou Courtyard with Nanny Jiang. ¡°Has Grandmother woken from her nap?¡± ¡°The Eldest Princess is awake. She is currently praying to Buddha for the safe return of the Duke and the Crown Prince.¡± ¡°How has Grandmother¡¯s health been lately?¡± ¡°You needn¡¯t worry. The Eldest Princess has been well cared for by the Imperial Medical Bureau¡¯s director. The only issue is the nearing year¡¯s end. With the Duke, the Crown Prince, and the brothers not yet back, the Eldest Princess hasn¡¯t been sleeping well.¡± Nanny Jiang reported. Bai Qingyan nodded and entered the warm room to adjust her clothes. Nanny Jiang methodically instructed others to change Bai Qingyan¡¯s snow-drenched shoes and socks and to bring hot water for her to wash her hands. ¡°Nanny, don¡¯t busy yourself just yet. I have something to tell you.¡± She untied her cloak and handed it to Chun Tao, then sat by the brazier. ¡°Everyone else, leave us¡­¡± Nanny Jiang, being shrewd, knew Bai Qingyan had something important to say and stood quietly to the side. ¡°Nanny, there¡¯s news from the southern frontier¡­¡± Nanny Jiang held her breath, sensing something bad, her face paling. ¡°Is it about the Duke¡­¡± Bai Qingyan stared into the brazier, extending her hand for warmth, and after a moment of silence, said, ¡°I need you to take out the life-saving medicine the Empress Dowager bestowed upon Grandmother last time, and also prepare some ginseng slices.¡± Nanny Jiang nodded, her face pallid. A crisp ¡°crack¡± sounded, and Bai Qingyan turned to look out the carved wooden window. A tree branch, weighed down by snow, had snapped. Her icy fingers tightened, and she pressed her lips together. ¡°Also, have someone take Grandmother¡¯s name card to invite Doctor Huang to be on standby.¡± ¡°Big Miss, truth be told, the Eldest Princess hasn¡¯t been sleeping well lately and might have had a premonition!¡± Nanny Jiang¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°The Eldest Princess has always been strong. There¡¯s no need to summon the Imperial Physician. She can hold on.¡± ¡°Nanny, let¡¯s still have the doctor come.¡± Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, her tears becoming visible. Her previous life had already taught her how strong her grandmother was and how much she could endure. In this life, she was too afraid of losing her loved ones. She knew that with Grandmother¡¯s wisdom, even if she used the excuse of a prophetic dream, Grandmother might still guess some of the truth. She had to be fully prepared. ¡°Could it be¡­ the Crown Prince is also in trouble?¡± Nanny Jiang held onto the doorframe, her legs nearly giving way. The Crown Prince, as Nanny Jiang referred to him, was Bai Qingyan¡¯s father and the Eldest Princess¡¯s legitimate son. She looked at Nanny Jiang, her eyes wet and red, but her back straight. ¡°Nanny is not an outsider. I¡¯m not afraid to confide in you. In the future, the entire Bai family might have to rely on Grandmother. You must understand the gravity of this. Before the official Imperial Court battle report arrives, I plan to use the pretense of a dream to prepare Grandmother in advance. Grandmother will still need your care, so you must stay strong.¡± Nanny Jiang felt her head buzzing and broke into a cold sweat. She nodded, understanding the seriousness of the matter. If a child could endure this, she, who had survived the palace¡¯s intrigues, had no reason not to be as strong as a child. Nanny Jiang gathered her spirits and immediately had someone take the Eldest Princess¡¯s invitation to summon Doctor Huang. In the side room, Bai Qingyan warmed herself to drive away the chill. Estimating that Doctor Huang should have arrived, she then asked Nanny Jiang to report her arrival to the Eldest Princess. ¡°Kid, you¡¯re not well. Why did you come in the snow?¡± The Eldest Princess scolded lightly upon seeing Bai Qingyan, though her tone was reproachful. The Eldest Princess still reached out to touch Bai Qingyan, checking her warmth before her expression softened. Seeing her grandmother again and hearing her call her childhood name, Bai Qingyan felt like she had been separated by a lifetime¡­ She suppressed the lump in her throat and said, ¡°Grandmother, I just wanted to see you.¡± The Eldest Princess looked at Bai Qingyan¡¯s childlike demeanor, pretended to be angry and tapped Bai Qingyan¡¯s forehead with a finger, pulling her into her arms. She checked Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands for warmth and kindly said, ¡°In about an hour, the court painters will arrive. Everyone else is tidying up in their rooms, yet you¡¯re running to see me!¡± Tomorrow, the second sister of the Duke of Zhen would be married. She was the first daughter of the Duke of Zhen to be wed. Grandmother specially invited several court painters to paint portraits of her granddaughters. Embracing the Eldest Princess and smelling the sandalwood scent on her, Bai Qingyan felt even more sorrowful, fearing that this news, once spoken, would lead to the same outcome as in her past life. Seeing Nanny Jiang enter with the curtain, nodding at her, Bai Qingyan knew Doctor Huang had arrived, and that Nanny Jiang had sent away the people at the door. ¡°Grandmother¡­¡± She looked up at the Eldest Princess. ¡°I had a dream at noon today. I dreamt that Grandfather, Father, our uncles, and brothers couldn¡¯t return from the southern frontier. You fell ill from the shock, and someone accused our Bai family of collusion. We were left with only women, and without your protection, we were at the mercy of others.¡± Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Hold on_1 Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Hold on_1 ¡°Eldest Princess¡± heard Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, her body stiffened, and the blood drained from her face. Nanny Jiang hurriedly poured out the life-saving pill granted by the Empress Dowager and handed it over with water to the Eldest Princess: ¡°Eldest Princess¡­¡± The Eldest Princess waved her hand at Nanny Jiang, comforting Bai Qingyan: ¡°Silly child, it was just a dream. Dreams are always the opposite.¡± ¡°This dream was too real, too terrifying! Grandmother¡­ I dreamt that the entire court mocked our Bai family for having no men, mocked our family for having no one to protect us. I saw our sisters being hurriedly sent away by Mother, changing names and never to contact again. I saw Mother struggling to clear the Bai Clan¡¯s grievances without any means¡­ hanging herself in the prison along with our aunts, leaving behind a blood oath! I was really, really scared.¡± Her hatred and sorrow in her eyes shocked the Eldest Princess. ¡°Kid, don¡¯t be afraid!¡± The Eldest Princess held Bai Qingyan tightly, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! Grandmother is here with you!¡± After speaking with the Eldest Princess for a while, Bai Qingyan left. As soon as she left, the Eldest Princess could no longer hold on, clutching her chest and vomiting blood, collapsing onto the couch. ¡°Princess!¡± Nanny Jiang quickly supported the Eldest Princess, wiping the blood from the corner of her lips with a handkerchief, and called out in panic, ¡°Someone, quickly call Doctor Huang!¡± The Eldest Princess grabbed Nanny Jiang, shaking her head and holding back tears, asking: ¡°Have they gone far?¡± ¡°Rest assured, Eldest Princess, the Eldest Young Lady has already gone far¡­¡± Nanny Jiang¡¯s voice was choked with sobs. The Eldest Princess loosened her grip slightly, tears falling like broken strings: ¡°I raised that Kid myself, don¡¯t I know her temperament? She must be afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to take the news and made this dream up to tell me; otherwise, why would she bring such ethereal matters before me, making me worry with her!¡± Nanny Jiang also cried, holding the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand tightly: ¡°Princess, you must hold on! If the dream Eldest Young Lady mentioned becomes true, our Duke of Zhen Mansion will still depend on you!¡± ¡°Hold on! Of course, I have to hold on!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes reddened like torches, she braced herself against the edge of the table, sitting upright, ¡°If all the men of our Bai family truly die in their armor, and I too fall, the Duke of Zhen Mansion would indeed be vulnerable! For these kids, I must hold on!¡± Nanny Jiang nodded repeatedly: ¡°Eldest Princess, Doctor Huang is already here. Let him come in and take your pulse! Your health must not falter now!¡± The Eldest Princess nodded, closing her pained eyes. Thinking of her husband, son, and grandson possibly dead in the South Frontier, her heart felt torn apart, a wrenching pain. But now, she had no time to grieve. She had to think things through before any definite news returned to Dadu City. If the news was indeed true, she must plan what future lay ahead for their Duke of Zhen Mansion. ¡¤ Bai Qingyan came out of the Eldest Princess¡¯s residence, just in time to see the fourth, fifth, and sixth young ladies riding back on horseback. In the thick snow, the three little girls, dressed in crimson riding outfits, came gallantly, laughing and chatting. Their clear laughter, as pure as silver bells, could clear away any gloom in one¡¯s heart. All of Dadu City knew that the girls of the Duke of Zhen Mansion were different from the ladies of other mansions. The Duke of Zhen Mansion never restricted their daughters to needlework or the arts. The girls of the Duke of Zhen Mansion were flashy and bold. Upon seeing Bai Qingyan standing in the red silk-decorated corridor, the fourth young lady, Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes lit up, and she ran over quickly: ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± The fifth and sixth young ladies also lit up and ran over, happily calling: ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Chun Tao smiled, wiping the railing of the corridor, supporting her to sit down. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, are you fully recovered? Coming out even on a snowy day!¡± The fourth young lady, Bai Jinzhi, sat down next to her full of concern, ¡°Then can we go horseback riding in the spring? The riding master is so boring, he doesn¡¯t dare let go and let me ride on my own!¡± The fifth and sixth young ladies were twin sisters, just over ten years old, delicate and lovely, with two adorable buns on their heads. Looking at the three little girls, still the young ladies of the Duke of Zhen Mansion, she remembered the last life¡­ where her third sister Bai Jintong and fourth sister Bai Jinzhi, living under false identities, sought revenge against the Jin Kingdom, her fifth sister Bai Jinzhao perished under King Liang¡¯s sword while attempting assassination, and her sixth and seventh sisters Bai Jinhua and Bai Jinse were sent to a brothel by King Liang¡­ Thankfully, they were all still here and well before her now. Her nose tingled, and she smiled lightly at the three spirited young girls. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, did you like the plum blossoms I sent you yesterday?¡± The fifth young lady, Bai Jinzhao, leaned in with a proud face, ¡°My mother said elder sister fears the cold and cannot go to chilly places. I saw those red plums blooming beautifully and picked them for you, putting them in a white jade vase. Did you like it?!¡± ¡°I loved it! The flowers picked by our fifth young lady are most beautiful. I woke up seeing them first thing this morning¡­¡± She gently comforted the child. ¡°And me! And me! I also cut some window flowers for you! They look so lovely on the windows in the snow! I also gave some to Aunt Five, my mother said Aunt Five, who has a child in her belly, might be worried as Uncle Five and the brothers are away on the expedition, so we should make her happy!¡± She nodded with a smile: ¡°Yes, those two chubby babies you cut are lovely, Aunt Five will surely like them too!¡± She finished and turned to Bai Jinzhi: ¡°Tomorrow, Jinxiu will be wedded. I have something to entrust you.¡± Bai Jinzhi, holding her whip, patted her chest: ¡°Eldest Young Lady, just say the word. I will do it without hesitation!¡± ¡°Tomorrow, when the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion comes to claim the bride, if no one steps up to block the gate, you will lead our maids and servants to block their way. Do not let the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage take your second sister as if we have no men in the Duke of Zhen Mansion, thereby tarnishing our reputation.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Eldest Young Lady! When it comes to tough actions, no one in Dadu City can outdo me, Bai Jinzhi!¡± The fourth young lady confidently promised. Bai Qingyan saw Lu Ping from afar, smiled, and told the three children: ¡°Alright, you go dress up now. Grandmother has invited a palace artist to paint us sisters before your second sister¡¯s wedding day tomorrow. Make sure to look your best!¡± The three little girls respectfully saluted Bai Qingyan before leaving. Lu Ping, nearly forty but looking particularly old and stern, clasped his fist in salute to Bai Qingyan: ¡°Eldest Young Lady, you sought me.¡± ¡°Uncle Ping, let¡¯s talk while walking.¡± She stood and left the corridor. Seeing her solemn expression, Lu Ping became alert, took the umbrella from Chun Tao and held it over Bai Qingyan¡¯s head, following her properly. She tightly held the hand warmer, her steps steady, avoiding the servants sweeping the snow in the yard. It was only then that she slowly spoke: ¡°Last night, someone sent me an anonymous message, asking me to go to Zuian Square on Changan Street tomorrow at noon, saying they have news of the South Frontier for me!¡± Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Chapter 4: King Liang_1 Chapter 4: Chapter 4: King Liang_1 ¡°Lu Ping¡¯s expression changed: ¡®Who?!¡¯ Who could have bypassed the guards of the Bai Mansion and delivered the message to the eldest daughter in the inner quarters? ¡®I didn¡¯t see anyone, and I didn¡¯t mention the matter to anyone!¡¯ Lu Ping lowered his eyes, staring at the tips of his shoes, deep in thought, his palms already sweaty. If this message was brought in by an outsider, then their guard team truly deserved to die a thousand times over¡­ ¡®I thought long and hard and still had doubts. Why would a message from the Southern Border be sent to me for no reason, instead of to the elders of the family? And why choose the day of the second young lady¡¯s wedding?¡¯ Bai Qingyan¡¯s steps halted as she gazed steadily at Lu Ping, her expression as calm as water: ¡®Therefore, tomorrow I would like to ask you to go to Zuian Square and keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals¡­¡¯ Bai Qingyan wanted Lu Ping to personally go to Changan Street to investigate the details of King Liang¡¯s assassination. It would be best if he could find out who the assassin was. In case Bai Jinxiu couldn¡¯t avoid King Liang¡¯s assassination, Lu Ping being there wouldn¡¯t let Bai Jinxiu lose her life. Bai Qingyan couldn¡¯t tell Lu Ping directly about King Liang¡¯s upcoming assassination, so she came up with this idea. ¡®Lu Ping accepts the order.¡¯ Lu Ping said solemnly. ¡®Uncle Ping, be cautious in all things. Note any suspicious persons and check them thoroughly later, so that the whole Duke¡¯s mansion does not fall into someone else¡¯s trap.¡¯ Bai Qingyan warned. ¡®Don¡¯t worry, Miss. Lu Ping knows the gravity of this matter.¡¯ Lu Ping handed the umbrella in his hand to Chun Tao, saluted Bai Qingyan, and then hurriedly left. Seeing Bai Qingyan staring at Lu Ping¡¯s departing figure in a daze, Chun Tao softly reminded: ¡®Miss, shall we go back to the room and change into some bright-colored clothes? We¡¯ll be painted later, and the colorful clothes look good in the painting.¡¯ She withdrew her gaze. Due to her long illness and weakness, her voice was light and faint: ¡®I¡¯m tired. I won¡¯t join the fun¡­ Let¡¯s go back.¡¯ When Bai Qingyan returned to Qinghui Courtyard, Shen Qingzhu was already waiting under the corridor. Looking at the young and vibrant Shen Qingzhu in front of her, her eyes turned red. Shen Qingzhu had grown up with Bai Qingyan. Though called master and servant, they were more like sisters. At the age of ten, full of youthful pride, she implored her grandfather to take her to the battlefield. Her grandfather gave her two years, saying that if she could train a female guard team within those two years, she would be allowed to go to the battlefield. It was then that she chose Shen Qingzhu. Later, this female guard team protected her several times on the battlefield. At the age of sixteen, she disguised as a man and went to the battlefield with her grandfather for the second time. She was pierced by an enemy spear and fell into the swift currents in the cold winter. Most of the guard team was annihilated, but they dragged her out of the river. The military doctor said it was a miracle that Bai Qingyan survived, but it doomed her to be childless. Shen Qingzhu blamed herself for not protecting Bai Qingyan well. After returning, she volunteered to train in the army. She was valued by Vice Commander Shen and taken as an adopted daughter. However, after learning the skills, she resolutely returned to the Bai Mansion, devotedly guarding Bai Qingyan. ¡®Come in!¡¯ Bai Qingyan said. Chun Tao personally lifted the curtain for Shen Qingzhu: ¡®Miss Shen, please.¡¯ Dressed in a neat outfit, Shen Qingzhu followed Bai Qingyan inside and clasped her fist in salute: ¡®Miss, what are your orders?¡¯ Seeing Bai Qingyan unfasten her cloak and hand it to Chun Tao, set down the hand warmer, and sit at the desk to write a letter, Shen Qingzhu didn¡¯t come too close, fearing the cold air might pass on to Bai Qingyan. Bai Qingyan wrote quickly and, after putting down the writing brush, instructed Chun Tao: ¡®Chun Tao, keep guard outside and don¡¯t let anyone approach.¡¯ ¡®Yes.¡¯ Chun Tao lifted the curtain and went out. Bai Qingyan sealed the letter, held it tightly, and walked to Shen Qingzhu: ¡®Qingzhu, take some trusted men and head for the Southern Border immediately. Travel as fast as you can! Deliver this letter to my Bai family! The matter is urgent, and I trust no one but you!¡¯ ¡®Yes!¡¯ Shen Qingzhu took the letter with both hands without asking any questions. Just as she was about to leave, Bai Qingyan grabbed her wrist. ¡®Does the young lady have any other instructions?¡¯ Bai Qingyan¡¯s grip was strong, and her eyes were filled with immense hatred: ¡®If¡­ If all my Bai family members are gone, you must obtain the records of the marching routes and battle conditions from the Bai family¡¯s official historian! Deliver this letter to your adoptive father General Shen and find my grandfather¡¯s vice commander, Liu Huanzhang¡­ and kill him.¡¯ Shen Qingzhu was shocked, looking at Bai Qingyan. What did she mean, all of the Bai family members being gone? Bai Qingyan¡¯s face was grim. Shen Qingzhu knew the matter was significant and solemnly nodded: ¡®Qingzhu accepts the order!¡¯ Seeing Shen Qingzhu¡¯s pale face as she left the room, Chun Tao hurried in with concern: ¡®Miss¡­¡¯ Bai Qingyan stood by the brazier, staring at the flickering charcoal, calming her turbulent emotions. Do your best¡­ Leave the rest to fate. ¡®Chun Tao, I¡¯m tired.¡¯ Bai Qingyan¡¯s expression was somewhat dazed. ¡®I will attend to you, Miss, so you can rest a bit.¡¯ Chun Tao helped Bai Qingyan remove her hairpin and change into comfortable clothes. She lay down on the couch for a short nap but was soon awakened by Nanny Qin, who had come on behalf of Mrs. Dong, to drink a bowl of bitter medicine. Seeing Bai Qingyan frown painfully after drinking, Nanny Qin felt distressed and quickly offered hot water for her to rinse her mouth: ¡®Miss, bear with it a little longer. Doctor Hong said after drinking this medicine for another month, your cold illness will improve!¡¯ Bai Qingyan pressed her lips with a handkerchief and picked a preserved plum from the box Chun Yan held, which made her feel better. ¡®Tomorrow is the second sister¡¯s wedding. Mother has many things to attend to. Nanny Qin, you are mother¡¯s right hand. She cannot do without you. You don¡¯t need to make four or five trips to me daily. Please tell mother not to worry about me.¡¯ Nanny Qin nodded: ¡®Alright, Miss, don¡¯t worry. This old servant will convey your message.¡¯ Seeing Bai Qingyan already picking up the military book on the small table by the couch, Chun Tao tactfully put down the box and smiled: ¡®Nanny, let me see you out.¡¯ Nanny Qin saluted Bai Qingyan and, while leaving, instructed Chun Tao: ¡®With the festivities in the mansion tomorrow, the maids and servants might not be diligent. The steward nanny who usually attends to Miss will only return tomorrow. Remember to remind the women tending the Earth Dragon to keep the fire burning and ensure this room¡¯s brazier is warm! Miss is sensitive to cold. The girls keeping watch at night must stay alert!¡¯ ¡®Don¡¯t worry, Nanny Qin!¡¯ Chun Tao smiled as she saw Nanny Qin out. ¡®I¡¯ll personally oversee it.¡¯ No sooner had Chun Tao seen Nanny Qin off, she saw Chun Yan with snow all over her head, running in from the entrance and quickly asking, ¡®Is the miss awake?¡¯ ¡®Awake. She just took her medicine and is reading now.¡¯ Chun Tao brushed the snow off Chun Yan¡¯s hair. ¡®Where did you go to get so cold? Aren¡¯t you afraid of passing it on to the miss?¡¯ Chun Yan mysteriously smiled: ¡®Good news. I¡¯ll report to the miss first. It will surely cheer her up!¡¯ Saying this, Chun Yan excitedly entered the room with the curtain, even though Chun Tao could not stop her. ¡®Miss!¡¯ Chun Yan saw Bai Qingyan leaning against the golden-cloud embroidered pillow, reading a book. She curtsied and said with a smile, ¡®Miss, His Highness King Liang, upon hearing this morning that Doctor Hong had visited, feared you might be unwell. He secretly came to the back gate of our mansion. I got the news and went to see him. His Highness, rather hesitantly, said he came to fetch the military books annotated by the Duke¡­¡¯ Hearing ¡®King Liang,¡¯ Bai Qingyan¡¯s whole body stiffened. She almost couldn¡¯t maintain her composure, the hand on the small table gripping tightly, her nails nearly digging into the hardwood. In her past life, this was how she personally handed the annotated military books to King Liang. Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Chun Yan_1 Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Chun Yan_1 King Liang was like a festering sore on Bai Qingyan¡¯s wounded heart, oozing with poison. Every time she thought of him, her wound flared up. It didn¡¯t threaten her life, but it disgusted her completely and made her deeply uneasy. Suppressing her emotions, Bai Qingyan looked up at Chun Yan, who was still chattering happily. ¡°The maid heard from Prince Liang¡¯s aide, Tongji, that the prince arrived before dawn and has been waiting ever since. When I saw him just now, his face was purple from the cold!¡± Chun Yan said, feeling both moved and pained. Bai Qingyan turned a page of her book without responding. Chun Yan couldn¡¯t understand. Someone as noble as Prince Liang, a son of the Imperial Family, had humbled himself to wait in the snow at the corner gate of the Duke¡¯s mansion all day. She found it touching, yet their young lady remained so indifferent. Could it be that she still couldn¡¯t forget the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion? Chun Yan¡¯s voice lowered further: ¡°The prince was worried you¡¯d be upset about the Princely Heir marrying your younger sister tomorrow and wanted to find an excuse to speak with you.¡± ¡°You agreed on our lady¡¯s behalf?!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s face darkened with anger. ¡°You¡¯re far too reckless! If anyone accuses our lady of having secret dealings with Prince Liang, her reputation will be ruined!¡± Chun Yan, lost in her feelings, hadn¡¯t considered the consequences. Startled by Chun Tao¡¯s scolding, she stammered: ¡°My lady, I¡­¡± In her second life, Bai Qingyan understood that Chun Yan¡¯s favor towards Prince Liang blossomed around this time because she frequently served as an intermediary. Bai Qingyan asked calmly, ¡°What did Prince Liang say?¡± Chun Yan answered nervously: ¡°The prince said the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion is short-sighted. Because of your difficulties in bearing children, they decided to have the Princely Heir marry your younger sister. All they cared about was marrying someone from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s family; they didn¡¯t care who. But to the prince, he was grateful for their short-sightedness. It gave him a chance to win your heart.¡± This was how Prince Liang deceived her. He also deceived her loyal maid and her mother. The entire Bai family believed the prince loved her deeply and didn¡¯t care about her difficulties in having children. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, emitting a cold air. Not knowing if she had made another mistake, Chun Yan stood there awkwardly: ¡°My lady, did I do something wrong again?¡± Prince Liang wanted the military strategy book annotated by her grandfather. If she didn¡¯t give it to him, he would find another way due to his relentless nature. Didn¡¯t he want to copy her grandfather¡¯s handwriting? Bai Qingyan had a unique strategy book given to her by her grandfather, with annotations from the Ancestral Emperor. She decided to give that book to Prince Liang to copy. Bai Qingyan, with her long, glossy black hair, asked Chun Tao to fetch a carved redwood box from the bookshelf: ¡°Bring this set of military strategy books given to me by my grandfather to Prince Liang and thank him on my behalf for his concern.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Yan, delighted, eagerly took the box: ¡°I will deliver the books to Prince Liang immediately!¡± Chun Tao, worried, grabbed Chun Yan and whispered: ¡°Be careful when you meet Prince Liang. Don¡¯t cause trouble for our lady. If you do, you¡¯ll face the madam¡¯s wrath, no matter how lenient our young lady is.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sister Chun Tao!¡± Chun Yan, straightforward and cheerful, believed the prince¡¯s words moved their lady. She took the redwood box and hurried out. The north wind howled, swirling snowflakes in the air. Even through the tightly closed carved wooden window, the sounds of the storm were audible. Bai Qingyan turned back to her book, much calmer than when she first returned in her second life. Reflecting on her previous life, she remembered that the so-called ¡°treasonous letters¡± found in her grandfather¡¯s study had pushed the Bai family to the brink. This showed that Prince Liang or Li Mao¡¯s people had already infiltrated the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Only a few people had access to her grandfather¡¯s study. Bai Qingyan wasn¡¯t in a rush. She had time to find out who they were. For a long time, she couldn¡¯t understand why Prince Liang and Li Mao colluded with Liu Huanzhang to exterminate the Bai family, which had no male heir. Later, she understood. Prince Liang and his allies wanted the Bai family army. But unlike other general families, the Bai family allowed both males and females to learn martial arts and military strategies. Everyone knew that in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, starting with Bai Qingyan, both men and women had to learn military strategies, riding, spear, and swordsmanship. Even if they wiped out the Bai family men, as long as one Bai family member remained, and that person wasn¡¯t a fool, the loyal Bai family army wouldn¡¯t follow anyone else¡¯s command. Moreover, Bai Qingyan, along with her younger sisters Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong, had once donned armor and fought on the battlefield with their grandfather, shedding blood alongside the Bai family soldiers. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, gripping her book tightly. In her previous life, every time she thought of her family¡¯s massacre, it felt like her heart was being torn apart by hot oil. She wished she could skin Liu Huanzhang and Li Mao alive, but she was bound by Prince Liang¡¯s false affections, serving like a beast of burden. She had endured the unbearable heartache. Now, heaven had pitied her and given her a second chance. Although she didn¡¯t know if she could change the fate of her grandfather and father, she could alter the Bai family¡¯s outcome. She couldn¡¯t let hatred cloud her judgment. She had endured for so many years. With her grandmother, mother, and all female relatives of the Bai family still alive, there was nothing to fear. Slowly and steadily¡­ One step at a time. She would personally bring down the treacherous villains who framed the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion from their high positions. ¡¤ Before dawn, under the misty snow, smoke already curled from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. The main gate of the mansion, adorned with red lanterns and silk, was wide open. The steward of the front yard had already begun bustling about. Servants and maids moved in and out through the corner gate in an orderly fashion. In the back yard, the Green Bamboo Pavilion, where Second Young Lady Bai Jinxiu lived, was lively. Nannies and maids busied themselves, while other courtyards remained quiet. In Qinghui Courtyard, two old women in blue cotton robes had just added charcoal to the Earth Dragon¡¯s stove when they noticed the lights in Bai Qingyan¡¯s main room were lit. Mourning time. After finishing breakfast, Bai Qingyan put on a thick fur-lined cloak and, holding a hand warmer, walked along the covered corridor towards Bai Jinxiu¡¯s chambers. Chun Tao, Chun Yan, and a group of maids followed closely, attending to her. When Bai Qingyan arrived at Bai Jinxiu¡¯s door, Bai Jinxiu had already changed into her wedding clothes and was about to apply makeup. Hearing the maids outside greeting ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡± in unison, Bai Jinxiu stopped the nanny from powdering her face, lifted her skirt, and came out to greet her sister with both surprise and joy. ¡°Eldest Sister, why did you come in such heavy snow? Aren¡¯t you afraid of catching a cold!¡± Inside Bai Jinxiu¡¯s room, two burning stoves made it very warm. The red carpet, the peanuts, longans, and the red decorations created a festive atmosphere. Bai Qingyan handed her hand warmer to Chun Tao, loosened her cloak, took Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand, and led her to the inner room, seating her before the vanity mirror: ¡°Eldest Sister came to see you off. Chun Tao, bring the items in¡­¡± Chun Tao received a long, embroidered box from a maid outside and presented it to Bai Jinxiu, saluting as she opened it. Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Welcoming the Bride_1 Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Welcoming the Bride_1 Bai Jinxiu saw the entirely white sword sheath, carved with the Bai family¡¯s military totem. She quickly stood up, walked briskly to the brocade box, and carefully took out the sword, gripping it in her hand, her heart racing. ¡°Qingfeng Sword?!¡± This was the Bai family¡¯s heirloom sword! Back then, after her eldest sister got injured on the battlefield and lost her engagement to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s family, their grandfather was worried that Bai Qingyan would be stubborn and remain unmarried for life. He was also concerned that the sisters-in-law wouldn¡¯t get along with Bai Qingyan, so he specially passed the heirloom sword to her. Bai Qingyan tucked Bai Jinxiu¡¯s stray hair behind her ear and gently said, ¡°The Marquis¡¯s wife is the stepmother of the Princely Heir. It¡¯s inevitable that there will be conflicts. Remember, you should never have to compromise on everything. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s family stands behind you.¡± In the previous life, Bai Jinxiu died on her wedding day and never entered the Marquis¡¯s household. Afterwards, Qin Lang, the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, married the soft-hearted second daughter of the Chief of Staff. She was bullied by her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law until she died of illness before the age of thirty. Listening to Bai Qingyan¡¯s heartfelt words, Bai Jinxiu, who was anxious about entering an unfamiliar environment, felt comforted to the point of tears. Bai Qingyan pulled out a handkerchief to wipe Bai Jinxiu¡¯s tears, but Bai Jinxiu held her hand instead. She stepped closer to Bai Qingyan, lowered her voice seriously, ¡°His Highness, King Liang, is deeply in love with you. He will surely cherish and protect you. Don¡¯t miss out on such a good marriage!¡± Bai Qingyan recalled how, in her previous life, Bai Jinxiu had begged King Liang to protect her well and not fail her. Overwhelmed with emotions, her eyes turned red. ¡°Quickly apply your makeup!¡± At Si time, the sound of firecrackers was heard at the mansion¡¯s entrance. Bai Qingyan glanced up toward the partition outside and rubbed her fingers on the teacup. ¡°Oh dear, what should we do? The Second Young Lady hasn¡¯t finished her makeup yet!¡± ¡°This young gentleman from the Marquis¡¯s household is too anxious! Why did he arrive half an hour earlier than the scheduled time?¡± ¡°Oh no! The earrings can¡¯t be found¡­¡± ¡°The bridal veil?! The bridal veil is missing too!¡± Inside the boudoir, the maids and nannies were in a frenzy, searching for things everywhere. As expected, just like in her previous life, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s wedding carriage arrived half an hour ahead of schedule. The elder relatives who were supposed to block the door were likely gambling in some remote place. However, it didn¡¯t matter. Bai Qingyan had already arranged for their fourth sister, Bai Jinzhi, to guard the main gate with a chessboard ready. Today, their Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion must not, like the previous life, have no one blocking the door, letting Bai Jinxiu leave an hour early and lose her life. At this moment, the bridegroom, the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Lang, dismounted at the front gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. The young, handsome lad exuded exceptional charm, his face beaming with joy, likely due to the celebratory occasion. The marriage of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s daughter to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was the most anticipated joyous event in Dadu City before the Year-end. All the famous playboys of Dadu City followed Qin Lang to join in the wedding festivities. ¡°Our young Duke Qin is having it too easy, marrying the Duke of Zhen¡¯s daughter while the seventeen young masters of the Bai family are away fighting in the southern border!¡± cried Lu Yuanpeng, the youngest legitimate grandson of the Right Prime Minister. Because Bai Qingyan¡¯s grandfather, the Duke of Zhen, and her grandmother, the Eldest Princess, were still alive, and since the Eldest Princess did not reside in the princess¡¯s mansion but lived instead in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, the Bai family had never split into separate households. This is why the Bai family¡¯s younger generation was collectively referred to as the seventeen young masters. Usually, Lu Yuanpeng was close to the Bai family¡¯s seventeen young masters and made jokes without reservation. ¡°Everyone, all say the Bai family¡¯s army of the Duke of Zhen is invincible, entering enemy territory as if walking into an uninhabited place. Today, as we come to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion to welcome the bride, let¡¯s also experience what it¡¯s like to enter an uninhabited place. Everyone, charge! Let¡¯s snatch the bride!¡± The crowd outside the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion laughed heartily and, following Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s order, began to charge in. Unexpectedly, before anyone could rush in, they were stopped by the meticulously trained maids and servants of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, lined up like soldiers. This sight startled the playboys who came to welcome the bride. ¡°Is the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion planning to have maids block us?¡± Lu Yuanpeng asked in surprise, eyeing the formation. Moments later, Fourth Young Lady Bai Jinzhi of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion stepped out from behind the line of maids with a horsewhip in hand, exuding a heroic and spirited demeanor. ¡°The people of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, listen to my orders!¡± Bai Jinzhi raised the long whip in her hand. ¡°Hear the Fourth Young Lady¡¯s command!¡± The maids and guards of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion responded in unison, orderly and disciplined, intimidating the rowdy playboys who had come to pick up the bride. ¡°My eldest sister has ordered, those who forcefully enter the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion shall not be shown any mercy. Let no one think that our Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion lacks men!¡± Bai Jinzhi swung her whip, scaring off the playboys trying to rush forward. The sharp sound of the whip slicing the air commanded unexpected respect. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, indeed the backbone of the nation, even the daughters had strong and heroic stances. The Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Lang, stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Fourth Young Lady Bai Jinzhi, ¡°Fourth Young Lady, you misunderstand. The Duke of Zhen is a pillar of our nation. We enjoy peace and prosperity in Dadu due to the Duke and his sons shedding blood on the frontier. Even if we are mischievous, we wouldn¡¯t dare to belittle the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Please, Fourth Young Lady, let us in!¡± ¡°Very well!¡± Bai Jinzhi retained her proud and unrestrained demeanor as she put away her whip. ¡°Bring out the chessboard!¡± The household servants of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion cautiously brought out a chessboard, placing it at the entrance with a stool. Fourth Young Lady Bai Jinzhi then said, ¡°My eldest sister said that our Bai family has generations of generals. The chessboard is like a battlefield. If the Princely Heir¡¯s wedding party can break through the chess game, you will be qualified to enter and pick up my second sister!¡± Outside, Bai Jinzhi firmly blocked the gate, while inside the boudoir, Bai Qingyan leaned over to help Bai Jinxiu put on her earrings. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even without Grandfather and Second Uncle, our Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion won¡¯t let the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage look down on our Bai family as if we are defenseless.¡± ¡°Big Sister! Big Sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi rushed in hastily, panting and placing a piece on the chessboard, fanning herself with her hand. ¡°Big Sister, Qin Lang placed a white piece here, and everyone is cheering. Did he break it?¡± According to the timeline, it was still before the time King Liang would be assassinated. Bai Qingyan handed her teacup to Bai Jinzhi, wiped her sweat with a handkerchief, and then observed Qin Lang¡¯s placement of the white piece on the chessboard. Bai Jinzhi gulped down the tea, craned her neck, and leaned close to Bai Qingyan, hoping to see where Bai Qingyan would place the piece. Qin Lang placed the white piece in a position that avoided many traps on the chessboard. It wasn¡¯t overly aggressive, steadying the advantage while supporting the overall strategy. From the whole board, it was evident that no matter where the next black move landed, it couldn¡¯t prevent an overwhelming defeat. After pondering for a moment, Bai Qingyan pressed her sleeve with her left hand, picked a black piece from the chess box, and placed it on the board. Bai Jinzhi saw where Bai Qingyan placed the piece, then quickly ran to the main gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, placing a black piece where Bai Qingyan had indicated on the chessboard. Outside, there were exclamations. With the placement of the black piece, the situation changed drastically. The black pieces surged like a mighty wave, instantly taking half of the white pieces¡¯ territory. ¡°Marvelous!¡± Lu Yuanpeng exclaimed, ¡°This black piece is like a sudden troop, cunning and deceitful, reversing the killing momentum in an instant. Ruthless and terrifying! May I ask, who in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion is playing with the black pieces?¡± ¡°My eldest sister,¡± Bai Jinzhi said proudly. For a moment, everyone recalled that in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, there was only one person whose name shared the same character ¡°Qing¡± as the men in the family, the eldest young lady. Qin Lang was dazed upon hearing that Bai Qingyan was the one playing with the black pieces. Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Promising Future_1 Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Promising Future_1 A servant from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence rode through the crowd and squeezed to the side of the wedding steward, whispering: ¡°Steward, our wedding procession needs to change route. Half an hour ago, Prince Liang was assassinated on Changan Street. The Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s office has sealed off Changan Street to conduct a thorough investigation. The wedding procession may need to make a large detour to return!¡± The wedding steward was also taken aback. Fortunately, the Eldest Young Lady of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence had set up a chess match to block the door. Otherwise, if they had arrived half an hour earlier as planned, they might have encountered the assassination of Prince Liang on their return trip. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence naturally also received this news. The stewards of the two families met and discussed it. Bai Qingyan¡¯s mother, Mrs. Dong, immediately instructed her chief maid, Tingzhu, to inform Bai Qingyan to let the wedding procession proceed, so as not to miss the auspicious time. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Madam sent me to inform you that the steward of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence said the wedding procession needs to detour. The time blocking the door is almost enough. If it is delayed further¡­ it might miss the auspicious time!¡± Upon hearing about the detour, Bai Qingyan felt relieved. She nodded, letting the maid go to relay the message to Bai Jinzhi: ¡°Go and tell Fourth Young Lady that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence sees the sincerity of the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage in seeking to marry our Second Young Lady. We hope he cherishes our Second Young Lady and doesn¡¯t let her be heartbroken! This chess match¡­ can wait until the return visit after the wedding.¡± Bai Jinxiu looked at her eldest sister, her eyes red and swollen beyond measure. The sound of firecrackers rang out as Qin Lang, surrounded by countless playboys of Dadu, rushed into the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. Bai Qingyan, wrapped in a fox fur coat, stood under the corridor, watching Qin Lang carry the goose and enter. He bowed to the hall, offered the goose, served tea, and then joyfully led the bride out of the main hall, walking towards the gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. She slightly curved her lips, and said to Chun Tao behind her: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The entire Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence was bustling with joy. Qin Lang, with a face full of smiles, thanked the congratulating guests as he held the red cord. His peripheral vision caught a fleeting slender figure at the corner of the corridor, causing him to pause¡­ and fall into a daze. Originally, he was supposed to marry Bai Qingyan. Once, when Bai Qingyan accompanied the Duke of Zhen to a campaign, he had seen her off. He still remembered that at that time, Bai Qingyan¡¯s brows and eyes hadn¡¯t fully opened up. She was astonishingly beautiful, like a picture, in her armor with a sword at her waist, exuding heroic grace. He once believed himself incredibly fortunate to marry such a lady. In his youth, unable to suppress his feelings, he gave his family heirloom, a jade pendant, to Bai Qingyan before the campaign, and bowed, promising: ¡°May you return safely. Don¡¯t forget the one waiting for you. When you return, I will marry you.¡± Now, he was here with the goose to marry someone else. Ultimately, he had failed her. ¡°Congratulations, Princely Heir!¡± The voice of others congratulating brought Qin Lang back to his senses. Smiling, he returned the gesture and stepped over the threshold of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence with the bride. Upon hearing the sound of firecrackers as Bai Jinxiu boarded the bridal sedan chair, Bai Qingyan paused and looked towards the main gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± A sweeping maid from the Qinghui Courtyard ran up to Bai Qingyan, bowing and saying, ¡°Lu Ping from the guards has come to Qinghui Courtyard. He said he has something to report to you.¡± Bai Qingyan nodded, and took the hand warmer from Chun Tao¡¯s hand: ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± In her previous life, at the end of the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, on the day Second Young Lady of the Bai family was leaving for her wedding, she was tragically killed by an assassin¡¯s blade while protecting Prince Liang. Then, on New Year¡¯s Eve, the war report came in¡­ the young men of the century-old aristocratic Bai family in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence had all died in battle. Bai Qingyan¡¯s grandmother, the Eldest Princess of that time, was devastated by the news and fell ill, passing away shortly after. In February of the sixteenth year of Xuanjia, Bai Qingyan¡¯s mother, Mrs. Dong, received news in advance that the Left Prime Minister, Li Mao, had colluded with Prince Liang to accuse the Duke of Zhen, Bai Weiting, of betraying Jin to Nanyan, leading to the catastrophic defeat of Jin and the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers in the southern regions. The evidence would return to Dadu City within two months. Mrs. Dong made a decisive decision, instructing the loyal Steward Liu to take Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong out of the city to investigate. She privately told Steward Liu that if Dadu City changed¡­ he should raise Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong as his daughters, keeping their identities hidden to preserve their lives. She also ordered the Bai family¡¯s Hidden Guards to split into two groups, escorting the pregnant Fifth Madam, Mrs. Qi, and any underage children out of the city to evade danger. In March of the sixteenth year of Xuanjia, Liu Huanzhang, the former deputy of the late Duke of Zhen, Bai Weiting, entered the Capital to testify against Duke of Zhen for treason. Liu Huanzhang claimed that he had spared no effort to annihilate the traitorous Bai Clan. However, he had suffered severe injuries and was saved by a farmer. After recovering, he returned to reveal Duke of Zhen¡¯s treachery. That day, the imperial guard surrounded the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, finding correspondence between Duke of Zhen and Prince of Nanyan in the Duke¡¯s study. The evidence was irrefutable. With no male descendants left in the Bai Clan, Emperor Xuanjia, to show his magnanimity, sentenced the Bai family to confiscation of property and exile, ordering the capture of any remaining Bai family members. On the night of their imprisonment, Bai Qingyan¡¯s mother, Mrs. Dong, and several aunts hanged themselves, leaving behind a letter, ¡°Asking the Emperor,¡± enumerating the Bai family¡¯s loyal service over generations, proclaiming their undying loyalty to Heaven. It sharply criticized the Emperor for tolerating treacherous officials, leading to corruption in the Imperial Court, and questioned why, compared to the previous emperor¡¯s reign, there were no more loyal ministers willing to die for justice. Every word resounded powerfully, shocking the ears. The letter, like wildfire, spread across Dadu City, shaking the entire Imperial Court. Fifth Madam Mrs. Qi, who had just given birth to a daughter, was devastated by the news. Protected by loyal servants and the people, she carried the Bai family¡¯s ancestral tablets and a thin coffin. Dressed in mourning clothes, she slashed her throat in front of the palace gates during a heavy downpour, demanding justice for the Bai family from the Emperor, her blood splattering three feet high. She gazed at the falling snowflakes, pulled her white fox cloak tighter around her, and walked towards the inner courtyard. Her steps were slow but grew more determined with each step. In her previous life, her grandmother had asked her mother and her to protect the Bai family and all its widows. She and her mother had failed to do so, unable to change the Bai family¡¯s fate. The anguish and burning hatred in her heart had driven her to wish for a swift death. Bai Qingyan wiped away the tiny tears at the corners of her eyes, her lips curling into a cold, sharp smile. This time, she had protected her second sister, Bai Jinxiu, and there was hope for the future. She vowed that no member of the Bai family would die in vain again. She would preserve the honor of the Bai Clan, whether by fair means or foul, through schemes or honesty, no matter the cost! As she turned down the corridor, she nearly collided with a man dressed in a blue-gray long gown, covered with a gray-furred cloak. The hand warmer rolled off the corridor, but the man quickly caught her. She looked up, meeting a pair of deep, serene eyes, soft and calm, yet seemingly able to see through everything, unfathomably profound. Meeting an old acquaintance again¡­ she couldn¡¯t control her racing heart. This man was the Ninth Prince of Yan, born to the same mother as the Emperor of Yan, and the future Regent Prince of Yan. He had renamed himself Xiao Rongyan and, under the reputation of being the world¡¯s wealthiest merchant, traveled through various countries, establishing businesses and gathering information for Yan. It was said that Xiao Rongyan, the wealthiest merchant, was gentle and steady, but she knew how deep his schemes and ruthless his methods were. He toyed with hearts seamlessly, maneuvering effortlessly between the aristocracy of various countries, and was deeply connected with the Princes of Jin. Most of Dadu City¡¯s playboys revered him. In her previous life, before Prince Liang¡¯s rebellion and Yan¡¯s army entering Dadu City, Xiao Rongyan, moved by the Bai family¡¯s plight, had given her his jade cicada for her to escape. A cold wind, carrying snowflakes, blew into the corridor. Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands cooled as she quickly took a step back and bowed: ¡°Thank you.¡± Xiao Rongyan had a high nose and thin lips, exuding a strikingly handsome appearance with a refined, gentle demeanor. He withdrew the hand that had just supported Bai Qingyan, unconsciously rubbing the white jade cicada in his hand. His eyebrows and eyes showed a light, warm smile, his voice deep and steady: ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± The attendant following Xiao Rongyan had already picked up the hand warmer and suitably handed it to Chun Tao. Chun Tao quickly bowed and thanked him. Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart pounded as she lowered her head and bypassed the tall, cleanly-cut figure of Xiao Rongyan, hastily walking towards the inner courtyard with Chun Tao. Xiao Rongyan took two steps forward, then turned back to watch Bai Qingyan¡¯s hurriedly departing figure¡­ A few years ago, he had seen her in the Shu Kingdom¡¯s palace. At that time, with Shu Kingdom¡¯s defeat, he was trapped in Shu Kingdom¡¯s palace amidst the cacophony of battle. To stop the slaughter, the Duke of Zhen had ordered Bai Qingyan, clad in battle armor, wielding the head of Great General Pang Pingguo, to gallop through the palace gates. That scene of a young lady in a billowing red cloak, riding straight to the high steps of Shu Kingdom¡¯s main hall, raising Pang Pingguo¡¯s head and shouting, ¡°Pang Pingguo is dead, surrender and be spared!¡± was still vivid in his mind. ¡°Brother Xiao! Brother Xiao, why are you still here?¡± Lu Yuanpeng ran up to Xiao Rongyan, craning his neck towards where Xiao Rongyan had been looking, but saw nothing. ¡°What were you looking at?¡± Xiao Rongyan smiled faintly and elegantly, exuding a calm nobility: ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Not probing further, Lu Yuanpeng dragged Xiao Rongyan¡¯s wrist: ¡°Brother Xiao, why were you in the bathroom for so long? Qin Lang has already taken the bride! Let¡¯s go to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence for the festivities!¡± Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Foresight_1 Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Foresight_1 Lu Ping returned and changed clothes, then rushed to Qinghui Courtyard. He paced back and forth under the eaves, his breath forming white mist with each hurried exhale, his face ashen. As soon as he saw Bai Qingyan entering the courtyard, surrounded by maids, he hurried to greet her with a clasped fist salute: ¡°Eldest Miss¡­¡± Bai Qingyan glanced at Chun Tao, who understood and handed the umbrella to Lu Ping, standing still with the other maids. Lu Ping held the umbrella over Bai Qingyan as they walked to the ginkgo tree in the courtyard. Once there, he put the umbrella away, and Bai Qingyan turned to him: ¡°Uncle Ping, please speak.¡± Lu Ping¡¯s throat bobbed. He exhaled a cloud of white mist and knelt on one knee: ¡°Eldest Miss, please forgive me!¡± Her grip on the hand warmer tightened, but she maintained her composure: ¡°Uncle Ping, stand up and speak first.¡± Lu Ping stood up, looking at Bai Qingyan with guilt; ¡°Today, at the gate of Zuian Square, King Liang was attacked by assassins, sustaining several severe stab wounds! Before Jing Zhaoyin could seal off the area, I witnessed an old friend covered in blood. After bringing him back to the manor, I discovered he was one of the assassins. I plead for punishment!¡± Lu Ping knelt down again as he spoke. Bai Qingyan lightly rubbed the hand warmer with her fingers. Her blood boiled at the phrase ¡°severe stab wounds.¡± If King Liang were to die this time, it would spare many future troubles. Her heartbeat quickened. She bent down to help Lu Ping up: ¡°Uncle Ping, where have you placed him now?¡± ¡°The woodshed in the back courtyard.¡± Lu Ping¡¯s face turned ashen with shame for bringing trouble to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s manor; ¡°With Jing Zhaoyin sealing the city, I dared not send him out of the manor hastily. It was my reckless mistake. I ask for your punishment!¡± Just as he was about to kneel again, Bai Qingyan stopped him. ¡°Since the person has been brought back, asking for punishment is futile. We need to think about how to handle it properly.¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were deep and unreadable. Bai Qingyan stood under the tree for a moment and said: ¡°Uncle Ping, take me to see him.¡± She wanted to understand why King Liang was attacked. If she could grasp any evidence against him, she could place an obstacle on his path to ascend. Moreover, seeing the assassin herself would allow Bai Qingyan to determine whether or not he should be kept alive. Bai Qingyan brought Chun Tao and, with Lu Ping, braved the snow to the woodshed in the back courtyard. However, aside from a pool of blood, there was no one inside. Seeing the drag marks on the ground, Bai Qingyan looked toward the stacked firewood: ¡°Since the chivalrous hero is under the Bai family¡¯s protection, why hide?¡± Chun Tao¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she stepped forward, raising her arm to shield Bai Qingyan, fully alert. Bai Qingyan patted Chun Tao¡¯s hand, signaling her to lower it. The man hiding behind the firewood, realizing he was discovered, pushed away the logs. The man sat among the kindling; half his face covered in dried blood, making his pallor even starker. He wore dark clothes, heavily wounded and weak, yet his aura was fiercely menacing. Bai Qingyan kept her composure outwardly, but her hand gripped the hand warmer tightly. The assassin Lu Ping rescued was none other than Qin Shangzhi, the future advisor to the Crown Prince. In their past life, Qin Shangzhi never gained the Crown Prince¡¯s trust, despite his talents, and died in despair. Qin Shangzhi scrutinized Bai Qingyan before sneering: ¡°Eldest Miss, how do you plan to deal with me, an assassin? To curry favor with King Liang?¡± ¡°Qin Shangzhi!¡± Lu Ping scolded. Bai Qingyan raised her hand, signaling Lu Ping to stay calm: ¡°How did the chivalrous hero know I¡¯m the Bai family¡¯s eldest miss?¡± Qin Shangzhi chuckled, his bloody teeth bared, leaning leisurely: ¡°Only someone who can command Lu Ping¡¯s respect would be a master from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s manor. The daughters of the manor are all trained warriors, capable of enduring the cold in thin cotton clothing. But a lady garbed in top-quality fox fur like you¡­ must be the eldest miss, who was injured on the battlefield early with the Duke.¡± ¡°May I ask why the chivalrous hero attempted to assassinate King Liang?¡± Bai Qingyan asked. ¡°Should he not die?!¡± Qin Shangzhi¡¯s dark eyes were filled with boundless hatred, like prairie flames in the pre-dawn hours, ¡°Feigning humility and fear, but secretly forming factions, dereliction, and embezzlement, committing murder casually! He even killed my family to force us into his service, cough, cough¡­¡± Qin Shangzhi started coughing up blood in agitation. Clutching his chest, he gazed coldly at Bai Qingyan with a chilling sneer: ¡°Pity your Bai family, loyal to Jin Kingdom like watchdogs. Soon enough, you will share my fate of a ruined family.¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± Chun Tao fumed, ¡°Eldest Miss, ignore his madness. Let Lu Ping take him to the official government!¡± ¡°At your command, Eldest Miss!¡± Though Lu Ping felt pity, he couldn¡¯t risk implicating the Duke of Zhen¡¯s manor. Bai Qingyan was shocked, like a storm raging inside her upon hearing Qin Shangzhi¡¯s words. So, Qin Shangzhi had foreseen the Bai family¡¯s demise even back then. Recalling the last life¡¯s appraisal of Qin Shangzhi by the Yan Regent Prince, Xiao Rongyan, Bai Qingyan swiftly made a decision. She handed the hand warmer to Chun Tao and took a couple of steps towards Qin Shangzhi. ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± Chun Tao was worried. To everyone¡¯s surprise, Bai Qingyan bowed respectfully to Qin Shangzhi. Startled, Qin Shangzhi gripped his clothes tightly, bewildered by her gesture. ¡°Eldest¡­ Eldest Miss!¡± Lu Ping was at a loss. ¡°Sir, if you recognize the Bai family¡¯s loyalty and foresee our plight, I dare ask how the Bai family might save themselves?¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s expression was frank and righteous, unperturbed by Qin Shangzhi¡¯s words, seemingly already aware of his insights. Qin Shangzhi, now indebted to the Bai family for saving his life, wouldn¡¯t disregard his duty. He pressed his lips: ¡°Seeing how Eldest Miss anticipates this, I need not elaborate. But, to save the Bai family, the Duke of Zhen must retire.¡± ¡°The undefeated legend of the Bai family army displeases the current emperor. The Duke¡¯s integrity and loyalty have long been at odds with the court sycophants. Words can become as blazing as gold, and accusations as consuming as bones. The emperor will no longer tolerate the Duke of Zhen¡¯s overshadowing merit. If the Duke doesn¡¯t retire, the seventeen brave sons of the Bai family may all perish in the southern border.¡± Every word from Qin Shangzhi hit the previous life¡¯s tragic outcome, where the seventeen sons of the Bai family perished in the southern border. Bai Qingyan trembled and looked up at Qin Shangzhi, startled: the emperor?! In her past life, Bai Qingyan never suspected the emperor¡¯s disfavor towards her family. The Bai family had always been loyally heroic and honorably straightforward, embodying uprightness and integrity. As Qin Shangzhi said, the Bai family was loyal like watchdogs of Jin Kingdom! Words can become as blazing as gold, and accusations as consuming as bones!? Her palm tightened as she grasped a spark of thought in her mind. ¡°Thank you for your guidance, sir!¡± Bai Qingyan bowed again. Chun Tao quickly supported Bai Qingyan, only to hear her say: ¡°Uncle Ping, take good care of Mr. Qin.¡± Lu Ping gratefully responded: ¡°Lu Ping obeys!¡± Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Outer Room_1 Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Outer Room_1 Bai Qingyan looked at Qin Shangzhi, ¡°If Mr. Qin does not mind, I earnestly request¡­¡± ¡°I will leave as soon as my wounds heal!¡± Qin Shangzhi interrupted her hurriedly before she could finish. Qin Shangzhi understood Bai Qingyan¡¯s intentions. He cupped his hands in salute, ¡°Miss, please forgive me. I acted rashly and impulsively this time, attempting to assassinate King Liang. It cost my brothers their lives, and I deeply regret it. My ambition in this life lies in state affairs and the royal court. Even if I die trying, I must stop King Liang from ascending. I do not wish to be confined to the inner court.¡± Qin Shangzhi¡¯s aspirations were indeed grand; otherwise, in the previous life, he would not have entered the Crown Prince¡¯s residence. Bai Qingyan did not wish to force him with gratitude. After a moment of silence, she bowed and said, ¡°The royal court is like the sea, and you are like a dragon. I wish you success in achieving your ambitions, riding the clouds and controlling the rain, ascending to the heavens.¡± Qin Shangzhi seemed surprised by her words. He clutched his chest tightly and struggled to stand, offering a rare, respectful salute to Bai Qingyan. Bai Qingyan nodded and took the hand warmer from Chun Tao, walking back along the same path. Although Qin Shangzhi was unwilling to stay and help her, his words had enlightened her. She thought of the letter ¡°Asking the Emperor¡± her mother had left behind after committing suicide in prison in the previous life. She remembered the scene of furious students in Dadu seeking justice for the Bai family, and King Liang, troubled in his residence, lamenting his inability to ease the Emperor¡¯s worries. Public opinion can destroy even gold and bones, and the words of people are terrifying. Even the current Emperor, who held supreme power, had things he feared: public opinion, people¡¯s anger, and the legacy of oppressing the loyal and good. Now, with her grandfather¡¯s life or death unknown, possibly dead in the southern frontiers, the Bai family could no longer retreat. If they could not retreat, she would advance further, elevating the Bai family¡¯s reputation to its peak, making the Emperor fear public opinion and dare not act against them. Even if the Jin Kingdom ultimately could not escape being destroyed by Yan, under a great reputation, she hoped to protect the Bai family. Nanny Jiang, who was on her way to Qinghui Courtyard to fetch Bai Qingyan, hadn¡¯t expected to meet her on the road. She hastened forward. ¡°Miss!¡± Nanny Jiang bowed in greeting, ¡°The Eldest Princess has sent for you.¡± Bai Qingyan pressed her lips together, ¡°Does Grandmother have something planned?¡± Nanny Jiang nodded, her eyes red. Bai Qingyan then lifted her foot to follow Nanny Jiang to the Eldest Princess¡¯s Changshou Courtyard. Along the way, she inquired about her grandmother¡¯s condition since her departure yesterday. ¡°Miss, rest assured. The Eldest Princess is, after all, an Imperial Family daughter; she can hold on.¡± Nanny Jiang shielded Bai Qingyan with an umbrella, her eyes reddening, ¡°But you are still a child¡­¡± As they spoke, they arrived at Changshou Courtyard. The maid lifted the curtain for Bai Qingyan. Seeing her enter, Nanny Jiang dismissed all the maids, then took Bai Qingyan¡¯s white fur cloak, saying, ¡°The old servant will guard outside. Miss, have a good talk with your grandmother.¡± From behind the bead curtain, Bai Qingyan saw her grandmother sitting on the kang, with eyes closed, fingering Buddha beads. Her eyes reddened. ¡°Grandmother¡­¡± Bai Qingyan called softly. The Eldest Princess opened her eyes. Seeing Bai Qingyan pushing aside the bead curtain to enter, she extended her hand, ¡°Kid, come here!¡± As instructed, Bai Qingyan walked up to the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess moved her lips, took several breaths, and then asked with red-rimmed eyes, ¡°Tell Grandmother, who gave you the news that arrived before the Imperial Court¡¯s?¡± ¡°Before leaving, Grandfather ordered two of his best Hidden Guards, once given to me by Grandfather, to accompany him and protect him. One of them returned with his last breath to deliver the message: Our Bai family was betrayed by his deputy Liu Huanzhang colluding with court officials! Without evidence, I dared not make it public and quietly arranged for him to be buried.¡± Bai Qingyan had thought of this explanation before coming to Changshou Courtyard yesterday. The Duke of Zhen had indeed given her two outstanding Hidden Guards, who accompanied him on his expedition last life as well, but had perished while protecting him. The Eldest Princess couldn¡¯t help but grieve, her lips trembling violently. After a long while, she closed her eyes and slapped the table forcefully. ¡°The men of the Bai family can die on the battlefield, shrouded in horsehide, but they must not be brought down by treachery!¡± ¡°Grandmother, given the current situation, we must make plans early¡­¡± Bai Qingyan clasped the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand, clearly already having considered her strategy, ¡°If indeed all the men of the Bai family have been betrayed, someone must be plotting to take the Bai family¡¯s army from us!¡± The Eldest Princess gripped the edge of the kang table tightly. ¡°But the Bai family army has always recognized only Bai family members! Grandfather, Father, and Uncles are likely doomed. Those who harmed us probably have more plans. Grandmother¡­ Now you are our only pillar of support!¡± Bai Qingyan analyzed with the Eldest Princess. ¡°They dream!¡± The Eldest Princess gritted her teeth, ¡°Before the late Emperor passed, he left me a unit of Imperial secret guards. They have remained hidden at my dowry estate for years, untouched. It seems they must move now.¡± Bai Qingyan was quite surprised. She had never heard her grandmother mention having such a unit of secret guards. If this were true, she wouldn¡¯t worry about her grandmother¡¯s safety. ¡°Grandmother, even if Grandfather, Father, Uncles, and Brothers are all gone, you still have me!¡± Bai Qingyan held the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand tightly, solemnly vowing, ¡°Grandmother must take care of her health and be safe! With Grandmother here, I have confidence. I will fight to protect the Bai family and ensure our men do not die unjustly¡­¡± The Eldest Princess was moved to tears by Bai Qingyan¡¯s words and held her tightly, choking with sobs. After a long while, the Eldest Princess pressed a handkerchief to her eyes and asked Bai Qingyan, ¡°Kid, do you already have a plan?¡± ¡°The trouble came from within. We need to thoroughly investigate the household staff in secret. I will discuss this with Mother; Grandmother, please just oversee without worry!¡± The Eldest Princess nodded. Bai Qingyan thought of the son King Liang brought from Second Uncle¡¯s outside household in the previous life. She looked at the Eldest Princess and asked, ¡°I have another question. Did Second Uncle have an outside household?¡± The period Second Uncle was Bai Qingyan¡¯s father¡¯s full brother and the Eldest Princess¡¯s second son. The Eldest Princess pressed her lips together. Seeing her grandmother¡¯s look, Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart sank. So, King Liang¡¯s supposed son from the outside household was real. ¡°Not exactly an outside household but indeed your Second Uncle wronged your Second Aunt. When he was traveling, a girl saved him, and they formed a bond¡­¡± The Eldest Princess hesitated, unable to say more as Bai Qingyan was unmarried, ¡°Before returning, he gave her a dragon-patterned jade pendant as a token, intending to discuss with your Second Aunt upon his return and bring her into the household as a legitimate concubine. But your Second Aunt was pregnant, so he never mentioned it.¡± Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Betrayal_1 Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Betrayal_1 Then later, a crisis occurred at the border. Grandfather took Father and Second Uncle to the front line. When they returned in triumph three years later, they sought out that girl again, only to learn that a flood had ravaged her hometown years ago. Everyone believed that girl had died. A few years ago, who would have known that the girl, carrying a boy, approached the side gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence? Seeing Second Son and Daughter-in-law living harmoniously, the Eldest Princess did not want the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence to be disrupted by this matter. She hid it from everyone and sent the person directly to her own estate to raise. Bai Qingyan felt her temples throbbing. Thinking about the previous life when the Duke of Zhen became an empty title. After Second Uncle¡¯s illegitimate son inherited the title, he engaged in corrupt practices, seized women by force, and murdered tenants. The Bai family¡¯s hard-earned reputation was utterly ruined. Even Shen Qingzhu, who was like a sister to Bai Qingyan, was turned into a beautiful figurine by that scoundrel for others to admire. Bai Qingyan felt a surge of blood in her heart, as though a mountain was pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She wished she could immediately hack that scoundrel with a knife! Bai Qingyan unwillingly asked, ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s Second Uncle¡¯s child?¡± The Eldest Princess looked pale, leaning on a soft pillow, and sighed, ¡°That child looks almost exactly like your Second Uncle when he was young.¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands, hidden in her sleeves, tightened. Her nails dug into her palms. If he wasn¡¯t Second Uncle¡¯s child, she feared she would have Lu Ping eliminate the threat now. But, if he was Second Uncle¡¯s offspring¡­ Bai Qingyan felt a sharp pain in her heart. After a moment, she forced herself to make a decision. She then looked at the Eldest Princess. ¡°Then bring him back!¡± While the child was still young, maybe proper teaching could change him. Even if he couldn¡¯t be changed¡­ it would be better for the child to be in her grasp than in the hands of King Liang. ¡°Alright, bring him back. Grandmother will raise him herself!¡± The Eldest Princess firmly grasped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand. ¡°As for your Second Aunt, Grandmother will speak to her after your Second Sister returns.¡± Bai Qingyan nodded, her fingertips cold. She forced down the nausea and revulsion, not letting her thoughts wander. She began discussing her plans for Bai Jintong with the Eldest Princess. ¡°Grandmother, after careful consideration, I believe the Bai family should have a retreat plan. Even a cunning rabbit has three burrows, let alone the Bai family.¡± ¡°Tell me what you have in mind.¡± ¡°Grandmother, do you remember that third sister, Jintong, once helped my mother manage the household and increased the shop¡¯s income by thirty percent within half a year? My mother joked that if Third Sister went into business, she would become as wealthy as Xiao Rongyan, the richest man.¡± The Eldest Princess nodded, remembering that because of this joke, Bai Jintong indeed had the idea of going into business. The Duke of Zhen was furious, declaring that no Bai family child would degrade themselves by becoming a merchant. ¡°Grandmother, if Third Sister wishes, we could pair her with a loyal and capable steward. Let Third Sister disguise herself as a man and demonstrate her talents, secretly accumulating wealth.¡± ¡°Secretly accumulating wealth?¡± Kid, what are you planning? You¡­¡± The Eldest Princess looked at Bai Qingyan in astonishment, her hand trembling slightly. ¡°Are you planning a rebellion?¡± The Eldest Princess gripped Bai Qingyan¡¯s fingertips so tightly that it hurt. Bai Qingyan shivered and was stunned. The atmosphere between grandmother and granddaughter instantly became like a taut bowstring, stretched to the limit and ready to snap at any moment. How could she forget¡­ the Eldest Princess was her grandmother, but she was also a daughter of the royal family, the Eldest Princess of Jin Kingdom. The territories of Jin belonged to the Lin family. In protecting the Bai family, her greatest difference with her grandmother was that she was willing to rebel for the Bai family. But her grandmother wanted to protect both the Bai family and the Jin Kingdom. But Grandmother did not know that the current emperor was already displeased with the Bai family and how the emperor treated the Bai family! As Qin Shangzhi said, in the previous life, the Bai family ended up utterly destroyed because of the emperor¡¯s orders. With such a ruler¡­ if he truly pushed her Bai family to destruction like before, how could she not rebel? She closed her eyes, breathing erratically. If it weren¡¯t for the emperor, why would the men of the Bai family all die tragically? Why would her mother and the other aunts hang themselves? Why would Aunt Five, who had just given birth, despair to the point of taking her own life at the palace gates?! Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart ached as if being cut by a knife. It hurt so much that she trembled all over when she thought of these things. ¡°Kid!¡± The Eldest Princess saw the immense hatred in Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes and pulled her close, her gaze cold and stern. ¡°Are you planning a rebellion?!¡± The Eldest Princess knew Bai Qingyan¡¯s capabilities. Although Bai Qingyan had stayed secluded for many years, her reputation in the Bai family army was extremely high. If she had rebellious thoughts, raised her arm¡­ Jin would be in turmoil. The Eldest Princess couldn¡¯t even bear to think of such a scene. If her most beloved granddaughter really planned to rebel¡­ The Eldest Princess gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with red veins. If Bai Qingyan did intend to rebel, as the Eldest Princess of Jin Kingdom, she could not sit idly by. Even if it meant imprisoning Bai Qingyan for life, or more extreme measures, she could not allow anything to undermine the Lin family¡¯s imperial power. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, suppressing the overwhelming hatred in her heart. After a while, she spoke softly, ¡°Grandmother, the Bai family ancestral teachings value loyalty, righteousness, and put personal honor and life last. Your granddaughter would never dare defy these teachings or tarnish the Bai family¡¯s century-old reputation for loyalty and courage.¡± ¡°Third Sister enjoys this path. Let her change her name and disguise herself as a man, staying far from Dadu City. If the Bai family encounters misfortune, at least Third Sister can be preserved! Furthermore, Third Sister¡¯s business acumen can help the Bai family with finances.¡± Seeing Grandmother¡¯s intense gaze still fixed on her, seemingly unconvinced, she added, ¡°Over the past few days, I have thought repeatedly. If Grandfather, Father, Uncles, and Cousins cannot return, I hope Grandmother permits the family to move back to our ancestral home in Shuoyang. The intrigues in Dadu City are too dangerous. Grandfather¡¯s uprightness has offended many treacherous officials. With no one from our family in court, public opinion could destroy us. Retreating to Shuoyang is our only way to preserve the Bai family.¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, the Eldest Princess remained silent for a moment before releasing her grip and nodding while fingering Buddha Beads. Bai Qingyan was right. Public opinion was potent. Recently, while victory reports had come frequently, treacherous officials in the court praised the Duke of Zhen openly but hinted that his merits overshadowed the ruler, causing discord. The Eldest Princess was aware of this. The Eldest Princess spoke earnestly, ¡°Kid, remember this well. You are the granddaughter of the Eldest Princess of Jin Kingdom, and royal blood flows within you. You must never harbor rebellious thoughts!¡± She looked down at her pale fingertips, held tightly by the Eldest Princess, feeling uncontrollable exhaustion and chill. With a hoarse voice, she replied, ¡°Your granddaughter will remember.¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan like this, the Eldest Princess softened, gently caressing her head. ¡°The painter sent the painting of you and your sisters yesterday. Why wasn¡¯t yours among them?¡± ¡°Your granddaughter doesn¡¯t enjoy such bustle,¡± Bai Qingyan said softly. If the Bai family couldn¡¯t survive, what use was a painting? After conversing with the Eldest Princess for a while, Bai Qingyan rose to take her leave. Just as she reached the gate of Changshou Courtyard, she heard Nanny Jiang sending Grandmother¡¯s maid, Lianxin, to call for Third Miss. Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Position_1 Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Position_1 She stood at the doorway of Changshou Courtyard, staring at the plaque in a daze. An indescribable bitterness and loneliness spread throughout her body. She had believed that her grandmother would, like her, protect the Bai family and their relatives with her life. But her grandmother was the Eldest Princess of Jin; her surname was Lin¡­ Jin was the world of the Lin family! Chun Tao saw Bai Qingyan gazing at the plaque of Changshou Courtyard with red-rimmed eyes. She thought Qingyan was worried about the Eldest Princess¡¯s health and softly consoled her: ¡°Miss Bai, the Eldest Princess has been blessed with profound fortune. She will surely recover after the winter.¡± Bai Qingyan came back to her senses, clenched the hand warmer tightly, and nodded: ¡°Let¡¯s go back!¡± Forget it. The matter of rebirth was too illusory to make her grandmother believe in it without doubt. If it caused her grandmother to become wary of her, it would make some things harder to accomplish. At least, as long as it did not touch the Lin family¡¯s sovereignty over Jin, her grandmother and she stood on the same ground when it came to protecting the Bai family. ¡¤ Chun Tao had just helped Bai Qingyan into the courtyard when they saw Chun Yan standing under the corridor, pacing back and forth anxiously with a pale face. Upon seeing Bai Qingyan enter, Chun Yan immediately rushed over. She twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her eyes red with urgency: ¡°Miss Bai, King Liang was attacked today on Changan Street. He¡¯s unconscious, in critical condition! Please ask Doctor Hong to check on His Highness. Doctor Hong is the senior of Doctor Huang, the director, and is highly renowned. He can surely save His Highness!¡± Chun Tao, who had accompanied Bai Qingyan to see Qin Shangzhi today, felt her heart pound upon hearing Chun Yan¡¯s words. Bai Qingyan¡¯s sharp eyes turned to Chun Yan. She wished she could tear King Liang apart and let him die; it would be too lenient for him. Why should she invite Doctor Hong to save him¡­ what a ridiculous daydream?! ¡°Chun Yan, have you lost your mind? King Liang was attacked; the Imperial Medical Bureau will handle it! How can our Miss Bai invite Doctor Hong to see King Liang? Does Miss Bai not care about her reputation anymore?!¡± Chun Tao reproached sternly. Chun Yan hurriedly knelt, tears falling incessantly: ¡°Miss Bai, Chun Yan knows she was wrong. Chun Yan was just worried for you!¡± ¡°The more you talk, the more nonsensical you get! You¡­¡± Before Chun Tao could finish, Bai Qingyan coldly gave Chun Yan a glance: ¡°How about I send you, along with your indenture, to King Liang¡¯s residence?!¡± Chun Yan was shocked, her eyes wide open as she kowtowed: ¡°This maid knows her mistake. Miss Bai, please calm your anger!¡± ¡°Chun Yan, do not forget whose maid you are and where your loyalty should lie. I will not tolerate a servant with divided loyalties!¡± After saying this, Bai Qingyan walked towards the inner room. If it weren¡¯t for Chun Yan¡¯s minor usefulness, she would have had her dismissed long ago. Chun Tao glared fiercely at Chun Yan and then hurriedly followed after Bai Qingyan, lifting the curtain for her. Chun Yan, kneeling in the courtyard, did not dare to plead anymore as she watched Bai Qingyan¡¯s receding figure. She wiped her tears incessantly, unable to understand why Miss Bai was so heartless. King Liang was deeply in love with Miss Bai, attentive and devoted. Now that he was in mortal peril, how could she be so indifferent? Could it really be that going to the battlefield turned her heart to stone? Bai Qingyan had just finished her lunch when Bai Jintong rushed into Qinghui Courtyard, not bothering to shake off the snow from her clothes, and burst into Bai Qingyan¡¯s room: ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Qingyan covered her mouth with a cloth and spat the mouthwash into the spittoon. Seeing Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes sparkle with undisguised joy, she felt a warmth in her heart. It was wonderful to see her third sister¡¯s lively smile again! She smiled and asked: ¡°Did you eat at Grandmother¡¯s?¡± Bai Jintong handed her cloak to the maid who had followed her in and walked to Bai Qingyan¡¯s side: ¡°You all go out first.¡± ¡°Chun Tao, stand guard outside¡­¡± Bai Qingyan said to Chun Tao. Chun Tao nodded and led the maids out of the inner room. ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jintong sat on the stool next to Bai Qingyan, unable to contain her excitement as she grabbed Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands: ¡°Grandmother has given me capital and men. She¡¯s allowing me to dress as a man and go into business! Grandmother won¡¯t force me to marry anymore!¡± The Eldest Princess planned to bring back the grandson raised on the estate and, by the fifteenth day of the first month, would take the Bai sisters to Qingan Temple to pray. At that time, she would find an excuse to stay at Qingan Temple and teach her long-unseen grandson well. Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, smiling as she rubbed Bai Jintong¡¯s cold fingers that had frozen in the wind. She asked: ¡°Did Grandmother explain why?¡± Bai Jintong replied cheerfully: ¡°Grandmother said that the Bai family has seventeen sons and will need to split the family estate in the future. Since I have a talent for business, she¡¯s entrusting me to earn a prosperous family fortune for my brothers and cousins! Although Grandmother didn¡¯t state it outright, I can see it. But what does that matter? I¡¯ve always wanted to pursue business!¡± Bai Qingyan lowered her gaze, recalling how Grandmother had questioned if she harbored rebellious thoughts. The intense emotions and unintentional killing intent had made her eyes mist, making it almost impossible to breathe. Suppressing the pain in her heart, she poured a cup of hot tea for Bai Jintong and pushed it in front of her, then solemnly spoke: ¡°What we talked about today stays between you and me. You must keep it to yourself¡­¡± There were things Bai Qingyan couldn¡¯t say to her grandmother but had to tell Bai Jintong. They were both Bai family children. Bai Qingyan believed that Bai Jintong, like her, would protect the Bai family with her life. Bai Jintong looked seriously at Bai Qingyan: ¡°Eldest Sister, please speak.¡± ¡°Grandfather¡¯s high achievements have alarmed the Emperor. His honesty and straightforwardness have long been at odds with the court ministers close to the Emperor. The current Emperor, believing falsehoods, sees our Bai family as a fierce tiger lying beside him that he wants to eliminate! Grandfather¡¯s situation in the southern border is dangerous¡­¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s heart tightened as she gazed at Bai Qingyan, whose eyes held a deep rage and killing intent. She trembled with fear: ¡°Eldest Sister?!¡± Bai Qingyan gripped her hand tightly to indicate she should listen: ¡°You changing your name and dressing as a man is to protect you and to entrust you with the Bai family¡¯s way out! Why is the wealthy merchant Xiao Rongyan received like a prince and frequenting the homes of aristocrats in Jin? Because wealth can protect lives¡­and open doors.¡± Bai Jintong, who had initially only wanted to use her business talents, suddenly felt a heavy burden on her shoulders, making it difficult to breathe. Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice turned hoarse: ¡°The Bai family, a prominent aristocratic family, doesn¡¯t lack silver coin or worldly possessions. What we lack is an escape route. The household is under Grandmother¡¯s care; the outside world is yours. The extent you can achieve with your intelligence is both your opportunity and the Bai family¡¯s fortune. Eldest Sister hopes you understand the gravity of this.¡± Bai Jintong clenched her fists, no longer as energetic as when she had rushed into Qinghui Courtyard. She had become much more composed. She stood up and bowed to Bai Qingyan: ¡°Eldest Sister, rest assured! Jintong will do her utmost.¡± Bai Jintong left Bai Qingyan¡¯s place with a heavy heart. Her maid hurried forward to put the cloak over her shoulders. She looked down at her feet in a daze. Eldest Sister¡¯s cautious and prudent nature meant she never spoke without purpose¡­ Standing outside Qinghui Courtyard, Bai Jintong gazed at the intricately decorated Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion. She broke into a cold sweat. Perhaps the Bai Mansion¡¯s illustrious reputation in Dadu City had blinded her and everyone else in the family. If not for Eldest Sister pointing it out, she would never have thought that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion might provoke the Emperor¡¯s jealousy. Chun Tao, after seeing Bai Jintong off, was about to enter the house when she saw two young maids at the door rummaging through things. They had found the sandbags the steward Nanny had put away long ago. Chun Tao frowned, glanced towards the main house, and walked quickly down the steps, lifting her skirt as she went, whispering: ¡°Why have you brought these out?¡± Ever since Bai Qingyan had been injured, Mrs. Dong, worried that the sight of these things would sadden her, had instructed the steward Nanny Tong to put them away. ¡°What are you bringing out?¡± Mrs. Dong entered the Qinghui Courtyard, supported by Nanny Qin. ¡°Madam!¡± Chun Tao hurriedly bowed and saluted. Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Mother_1 Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Mother_1 Mrs. Dong¡¯s facial features were extremely beautiful and exquisite, exuding an aura of nobility. Her whole demeanor commanded respect without anger. The two young maids were startled and hurriedly bowed and said, ¡°Reporting to Madam, the Eldest Young Lady instructed us to take out the sandbags used for martial training when she was little.¡± Mrs. Dong frowned and, without saying a word, walked toward the main house. Chun Tao hurriedly stepped forward to lift the curtain for Mrs. Dong. Mrs. Dong entered and saw Bai Qingyan leaning against the spring pillow. She removed her cloak and took the food box from a maid, walking towards Bai Qingyan. ¡°Kid, are you tired?!¡± After talking so much with Bai Jintong earlier, she was utterly exhausted. Especially thinking about her grandmother¡¯s attitude in protecting the Jin royal family, Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart ached unbearably. Given Bai Qingyan¡¯s understanding of her grandmother¡­ if she had indeed spoken out in defiance at that time, she would probably have been sent to the family temple by her grandmother, never to see daylight again. Seeing her mother, Bai Qingyan almost couldn¡¯t suppress her surging emotions, nearly bursting into tears. She wanted nothing more than to rush into her mother¡¯s arms. She held back the burning pain in her heart, quickly got up with a smile to greet her: ¡°Such heavy snow, why did you come, mother?¡± Supporting Mrs. Dong to sit on the soft couch, she stood by her mother¡¯s side, holding her hand without letting go, her eyes reddening. ¡°Second Sister has gotten married. Mother, you have been working hard for so long. Why don¡¯t you take a good rest?¡± ¡°These days have been busy. Mother hasn¡¯t had time to come and accompany Kid!¡± Mrs. Dong gently stroked her daughter¡¯s black hair. ¡°Come, sit down! This is the black chicken soup I made for you!¡± Bai Qingyan nodded and sat on the other side of the small table. Watching her mother personally open the food box and place the soup cup in front of her, she used a small spoon to taste a bit. Her long eyelashes drooped, hiding her reddened eyes. It felt so good that her mother was still there! Bai Qingyan¡¯s nose tingled, and she quickly lowered her head for fear that Mrs. Dong would see her tears falling into the soup. ¡°Why did you have the young maids in the courtyard take out the sandbags?¡± Mrs. Dong asked softly. Bai Qingyan kept her head low, drinking a mouthful of soup as she replied, ¡°My body hasn¡¯t been in good shape. I¡¯ve been bedridden for too long these past two years. I want to move a bit¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s good to want to move around, but it¡¯s freezing in winter. You should take it slow! Wait until the spring flowers bloom before getting active again!¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s brows furrowed as she advised. When her daughter was young, the Duke raised her like a son. Every day, she wore sandbags to practice military boxing and squatted horse stances, enduring countless hardships. In those days, when Bai Qingyan was healthy, Mrs. Dong felt heartache for her daughter. Now that Bai Qingyan¡¯s body was not well, how could Mrs. Dong have the heart to see her suffer the same hardships she did as a child? Bai Qingyan felt warmth in her heart. She looked up with a smile. ¡°Mother, I know my limits. I won¡¯t exhaust myself. Besides, practicing calligraphy with a wrist sandbag indoors won¡¯t make me catch a cold.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s still too taxing! Mother worries you can¡¯t handle it¡­¡± Seeing the concern in Mrs. Dong¡¯s eyes, Bai Qingyan pretended to be scalded and coughed heavily, tears streaming down her face from the discomfort. ¡°Hurry, bring a glass of water for your lady!¡± Mrs. Dong hurriedly got up, walking behind Bai Qingyan to help her breathe. ¡°You¡¯ve grown so big, how can you choke while drinking soup!¡± Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t want to worry her mother. She looked up and took the handkerchief Chun Tao handed over, wiping her tears with a smile. ¡°Mother, although I¡¯ve been injured and my martial arts skills are gone, you can¡¯t spoil me like a fragile patient. I am the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. I must set an example for my younger siblings.¡± This was a phrase the Duke had often said while raising Bai Qingyan. Mrs. Dong took out a handkerchief to wipe Bai Qingyan¡¯s mouth, sighing. ¡°In all of Dadu City¡­ only the daughters of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion are so hardworking!¡± ¡°But with Mother making soup for me, I don¡¯t feel any hardship!¡± Bai Qingyan held Mrs. Dong¡¯s hand, rubbed her face against it affectionately, and didn¡¯t want to let go. Bai Qingyan had been raised under the care of the Eldest Princess and the Duke of Zhen, growing up with a mature demeanor. Even when she was young, she seldom acted spoiled with Mrs. Dong. Today, her sudden display of affection and childishness made Mrs. Dong¡¯s eyes well up. She laughed softly and tapped Bai Qingyan¡¯s forehead with her finger. ¡°The older you get, the more childish you become, acting spoiled with Mother!¡± ¡°Mother, no matter how old I get, I am still your daughter¡­¡± Bai Qingyan said warmly, though her heart was filled with sadness. In this life, she would never allow her mother to reach the point of taking her life. She would sacrifice herself if necessary! All the maids and nannies in the room watched Bai Qingyan¡¯s tender display, covering their mouths with handkerchiefs to stifle their laughter. ¡°I know what you¡¯re up to. You must want my permission to act recklessly!¡± Mrs. Dong shook her handkerchief and sat on the other side of the small table again, pushing the soup in front of Bai Qingyan. ¡°Alright, go ahead and practice if you must. Just remember not to overdo it and don¡¯t push yourself too hard!¡± Bai Qingyan obediently nodded. ¡°Kid understands.¡± Mrs. Dong did not see Nanny Tong, who managed Bai Qingyan¡¯s room, in the Qinghui Courtyard, so she asked, ¡°Hasn¡¯t Nanny Tong come back yet?¡± ¡°Nanny Tong¡¯s son was seriously injured this time. Before lunch, I had Chun Yan take some Silver to Nanny Tong¡¯s home and tell her to return after her son has fully recovered.¡± Seeing the motherly compassion, Mrs. Dong nodded. ¡°Your room cannot be without a managing nanny. Before Nanny Tong returns¡­¡± ¡°Mother, although Nanny Tong is not here, Chun Tao is calm and experienced enough to be relied upon. I want Chun Tao to gain more experience during this time. Please don¡¯t worry about the matters in my room!¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, Chun Tao was both surprised and honored. She hurriedly bowed. ¡°Thank you, Eldest Young Lady, for your trust. I will live up to your expectations.¡± Mrs. Dong nodded. ¡°Chun Tao is indeed reliable.¡± ¡°You flatter me, Madam. I am humbled.¡± Chun Tao became increasingly respectful. Mrs. Dong glanced at Bai Qingyan, who had a smile at the corner of her lips, and thought of Bai Jinxiu¡¯s grand wedding today. Her own daughter¡¯s marriage seemed far off, filling her with an unbearable sadness. Afraid that her daughter would notice her sorrow and become upset, Mrs. Dong only stayed a short while before leaving. The next day, at the early hour of cockcrow, a cleaning maid came out with a wooden basin, yawning. She saw Bai Qingyan practicing horse stance in the courtyard and immediately stopped yawning, bowing in respect. ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± ¡°Do what you need to do and mind your own business!¡± Chun Tao instructed. Bai Qingyan wore thin training clothes, sweat dripping from her chin and steam rising from her head and body. Chun Tao stood by, looking worried but not daring to say a word, constantly wringing the handkerchief in her hands and glancing at the water clock, hoping time would pass quickly. Bai Qingyan was soaked in sweat, her clothes half-wet. She had been holding the horse stance for half an hour and hadn¡¯t even started with the sandbags yet. She seemed to be at her limit. Now, to regain her lost martial arts skills, Bai Qingyan had to endure the same hardships she did as a child. No matter how difficult, she had to persevere! In her past life, to be able to fight on the battlefield again, she had endured even greater hardships, nearly losing her life several times, but she survived on sheer hatred. In this life, with her beloved family still around, even if she had to endure a thousand times more suffering than before, she could bear it and had to. She couldn¡¯t be a useless person when the Bai family faced difficulties, only to fight back desperately then. Heaven had mercy, allowing her and the Bai family to return. It wasn¡¯t to let her come back and be mediocre, letting the Bai family fall again. Bai Qingyan clung to that determination with all her willpower. When an hour passed, Chun Tao quickly ran up to support Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, an hour has passed!¡± Bai Qingyan was drenched, her legs weak like jelly. She almost stumbled as she stood up. ¡°Careful, Eldest Young Lady!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s eyes reddened with heartache. ¡°Prepare some water!¡± Bai Qingyan ordered hoarsely. ¡°Yes¡­¡± Chun Tao responded immediately. Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Return to the Family_1 Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Return to the Family_1 Today was Bai Jinxiu¡¯s third-day return to her parents¡¯ home after marriage. Second Lady, Mrs. Liu, had gotten up early to arrange her daughter¡¯s return to the mansion. Although she was sitting in the Eldest Princess¡¯s room, her mind was already outside the mansion gate, constantly craning her neck and looking out, waiting for the servants to report that her daughter and son-in-law had arrived. ¡°Why aren¡¯t they back yet at this hour?¡± Mrs. Liu put down the tea in her hand and turned to send her maid Qingshu to the front to meet them. Fifth Lady, Mrs. Qi, who was heavily pregnant, couldn¡¯t help but cover her mouth with a handkerchief and laugh: ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡¯re too anxious. Second Sister and her new husband are newlyweds. It¡¯s understandable if they got up late. We all have been through this, you know.¡± ¡°Look at Fifth Sister-in-law, daring to talk recklessly even in front of Mother,¡± Third Lady, Mrs. Li, teased. Mrs. Dong, sitting below the Eldest Princess, smiled without speaking, just lowering her eyes to touch the jade bracelet on her wrist, feeling a bit uncomfortable as this marriage was supposed to be for her daughter. The girls of the Bai family were all sitting on small stools, chatting lively. Bai Qingyan, watching the bustling room, felt both warm and happy inside. Soon, Qingshu, who was by Mrs. Liu¡¯s side, hurriedly stepped into the Changshou Courtyard, followed by Nanny Wu from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion. Nanny Wu was the most favored nanny of the Marquess. When she saw Nanny Jiang standing under the corridor, she hurriedly walked up to her and bowed: ¡°Old sister¡­¡± ¡°Why did Nanny Wu come today? Did our Second Miss and her husband get up late?¡± Nanny Jiang politely pulled up Nanny Wu and asked with a smile. Nanny Wu¡¯s face turned even worse. She awkwardly replied: ¡°Our eldest young lady slipped while playing with our mansion¡¯s girls yesterday, fell into the lake, and coughed up water. It wasn¡¯t serious, but this morning she suddenly developed a fever! So, she won¡¯t be able to return today¡­¡± Nanny Jiang was startled inside and quickly said: ¡°Nanny Wu, please wait a moment while I report to the Eldest Princess.¡± Inside the room, Second Lady Mrs. Liu was so shocked by the news that she stood up: ¡°What?! What is going on with the Qin family?! Jinxiu fell into the lake yesterday, and they only reported it to us today. Are they bullying because our Duke and Jinxiu¡¯s father are not around?¡± Bai Qingyan gripped the teacup tightly, lifted her eyes to look through the partition at Nanny Wu outside, who was twisting her handkerchief. Instantly, she clenched her teeth in a rage. In her previous life, the legitimate second daughter of the Chief of Staff to the Ministry of Personnel married into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion. She did not return on the third day, reportedly because she slipped while playing and fell into the lake. She remembered that the Chief of Staff¡¯s legitimate second daughter ended up dying of depression before the age of thirty. She squeezed the teacup hard, her face slightly pale. Could it be that Bai Jinxiu wouldn¡¯t escape this fate even after marrying into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion? Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand holding the teacup trembled with weakness. She did not know whether it was due to over-exercising in recent days or because she was too angry. ¡°Second Aunt, don¡¯t panic!¡± Bai Qingyan steadied herself, put down the teacup, and stood up: ¡°Grandmother, let Second Aunt take Doctor Hong to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion to check on Second Sister!¡± ¡°But¡­ just married, would it be too arrogant for us from the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s Duke¡¯s mansion to bring a doctor to the in-laws? Wouldn¡¯t the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion resent us?¡± Fourth Lady Mrs. Wang, who had a docile nature, asked cautiously. ¡°Second Sister is skilled in martial arts and a good swimmer! Saying she slipped while playing and fell into the lake and choked on water¡ªis that believable? There must be more to it.¡± Bai Qingyan raised her voice, unable to hide her anger, ¡°Grandmother, you and Mother, one is the reigning Eldest Princess, and the other holds a royal title. It is indeed unsuitable for you to take Doctor Hong! But if Second Aunt, out of maternal concern, brings him, then it is not so surprising.¡± ¡°I want to go too!¡± Fourth Girl Bai Jinzhi stood up and bowed to the Eldest Princess, ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯m worried about Second Sister! I want to go too!¡± ¡°Grandmother, I want to go too!¡± Third Girl Bai Jintong also stood up. ¡°I want to go! I want to go!¡± Inside the room, several girls clamored to go see Bai Jinxiu. ¡°Mother!¡± Second Lady Mrs. Liu¡¯s eyes turned red, ¡°Please let me go! I¡¯m worried about Jinxiu!¡± The Eldest Princess, with a stern face, fiddled with the sandalwood Buddha beads in her hand. Her second daughter-in-law had an impulsive nature, and the younger children were too young to stay calm. This incident clearly had more to it. Perhaps Bai Jinxiu had suffered some grievances. If more people went¡­ it would also let the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion know that the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s Duke¡¯s mansion was not to be bullied. She looked towards Bai Qingyan, and after a while, spoke: ¡°Second daughter-in-law, you take a few of our girls to check on Jinxiu. Kid¡­ you go too, to find out what happened. The girls of the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s Duke¡¯s mansion are not to be wronged at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion! Nanny Jiang, you go with the second daughter-in-law.¡± Nanny Jiang bowed in acceptance. Second Lady Mrs. Liu gratefully bowed to the Eldest Princess. Nanny Jiang, to some extent, represented the Eldest Princess. Having Nanny Jiang accompany¡­ would also let the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion know how much the Eldest Princess valued Bai Jinxiu. Mrs. Dong, hearing that her daughter was to go, quickly said: ¡°Mother, Kid¡¯s health¡­¡± ¡°Mother, I am fine. I wouldn¡¯t be at ease if you did not let me go to see Second Sister!¡± Bai Qingyan reassured Mrs. Dong. Her heart was like an oven at the moment. If she did not go, how could she know how Bai Jinxiu was doing, or whether she could stay at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion? In the Bai family, Bai Qingyan was the legitimate eldest daughter. When there were no children in the Bai family, Second Lady Mrs. Liu also doted on Bai Qingyan. Naturally, she knew Bai Qingyan¡¯s calm and meticulous nature. With Bai Qingyan accompanying¡­ if Bai Jinxiu was reluctant to speak to her mother, she would definitely speak to Bai Qingyan. Despite her unwillingness, Mrs. Dong still asked Nanny Qin beside her to prepare the carriage and horses. When Nanny Wu from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage heard that Second Lady Mrs. Liu was bringing a doctor, along with the girls of the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s Duke¡¯s mansion, to see Bai Jinxiu, she panicked and quickly said she would return to report back so that their Marchioness could be prepared, then hurriedly left by carriage. Mrs. Dong returned with Bai Qingyan to Qinghui Courtyard, selected a very dense fur cloak for Bai Qingyan, and tied it for her before sending her out: ¡°Mother didn¡¯t want you to go to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, but you insisted! Once there, don¡¯t be too aggressive¡­ otherwise, people will say you are narrow-minded and can¡¯t stand seeing Second Sister married to the Princely Heir. Understand?¡± ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry! I know what to do!¡± At the corner gate of the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s Duke¡¯s mansion, several spacious and luxurious carriages began to move slowly towards the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion. ¡¤ At the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, Second Lady Mrs. Liu saw her daughter lying in bed, pale, and almost fainted with weak knees. She sat by the bed, holding her daughter¡¯s hand, calling her name: ¡°Jinxiu! Jinxiu¡­ Mother is here! Open your eyes and look at Mother!¡± Nanny Luo, the housekeeper by Mrs. Liu¡¯s side, held Mrs. Liu and said with reddened eyes, ¡°Second Lady, let Doctor Hong check on Second Miss first.¡± Bai Qingyan saw Bai Jinxiu barely breathing, her hand hidden in her sleeve clenched tightly in anger, shaking with uncontrollable rage boiling in her blood, wishing she could take a knife and cut down the Marquis¡¯s wife, that heartless viper. Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Divorce_1 Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Divorce_1 She took a few steps toward the inner room, covering her mouth as she whispered something into Bai Jinzhi¡¯s ear. Bai Jinzhi¡¯s reddened eyes suddenly sparkled. She gripped the long whip behind her waist and nodded before rushing out. ¡°You go too, don¡¯t let the Fourth Young Lady suffer a loss!¡± Bai Qingyan turned slightly and instructed Chun Yan. ¡°Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Third Young Lady Bai Jintong stepped forward, looking puzzled at Bai Qingyan. ¡°What did you say to Xiao Si? Where did she go?¡± Bai Qingyan tightened her grip on the hand warmer, her voice cold and harsh: ¡°Didn¡¯t they say Second Sister and the little sister-in-law were just playing? Since Second Sister¡¯s little sister-in-law enjoys playing so much, our Xiao Si has a reputation to uphold. Not seeking her out for a little fun would be a disservice to that reputation!¡± The Fifth and Sixth Young Ladies surrounded the bed, tearfully looking at Bai Jinxiu. ¡°How is Doctor Hong?¡± Mrs. Liu wringed the handkerchief in her hand, deeply concerned. ¡°She caught a cold, the fever won¡¯t subside¡­ Did she also suffer some head trauma?¡± Doctor Hong rolled up his sleeves, just about to examine Bai Jinxiu¡¯s head. Nanny Wu, from the side of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, shouted: ¡°Our eldest young mistress is highly esteemed; how can we let a rural doctor touch her?!¡± Bai Qingyan directed a sharp glare at Nanny Wu. Mrs. Liu, also a fierce character, didn¡¯t wait for her steward, Nanny Luo, to act. She personally pushed Nanny Wu aside: ¡°My daughter married well into your Marquis Mansion, and now she lies here unconscious! Who do you think you are to stop Doctor Hong from treating my daughter?! Filthy scum¡­¡± Before Mrs. Liu could say anything more offensive, Bai Jintong already cast a sidelong glance at Nanny Wu and spoke: ¡°The valued guests of the Duke of Zhen Mansion become rural doctors at the Marquis Mansion? Marquis of Loyalty and Courage really has a big mouth!¡± Nanny Jiang sensed something wrong and subtly observed the nervous Nanny Wu. Nanny Wu stood timidly to the side, sneaking glances at the solemn-looking Nanny Jiang, her heart sinking. She quickly plastered a smile on her face and said: ¡°Our eldest young mistress fell into the water yesterday. Our madam invited the Imperial Physician over to examine her. The Second Madam, the Third Young Lady misunderstood.¡± ¡°Where is your Crown Prince?!¡± Mrs. Liu, seeing her daughter in such a state and not seeing her son-in-law, immediately flew into a rage. ¡°Today, since the eldest young mistress can¡¯t return home, the princely heir went to the Fanxing Tower to attend a poetry meeting and meet friends,¡± Nanny Wu deliberately stoked the fire. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t someone ask the Crown Prince to come back!¡± Nanny Luo looked at Nanny Jiang, considering Nanny Jiang represented the Eldest Princess. Bai Qingyan knew Qin Lang¡¯s stepmother was difficult to deal with. She probably intended to stoke dissatisfaction from the Duke of Zhen Mansion towards Qin Lang, deliberately sending him away. Holding back her anger, she said: ¡°Third Sister, have a servant from the Duke of Zhen Mansion go to Fanxing Tower to invite Crown Prince Qin back.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t right. Our princely heir is attending a poetry meeting, an important matter for men¡­ How could he return for such a trivial issue!¡± Nanny Wu, back in her own territory, was more arrogant than she was at the Duke of Zhen Mansion. Bai Qingyan¡¯s icy, deep eyes fixed on Nanny Wu, the sharp-tongued one, and she asked sternly: ¡°Is this your idea or the lady of your marquis?¡± Having her intentions exposed, Nanny Wu felt a chill under Bai Qingyan¡¯s stare and didn¡¯t dare to make a sound. She thought of how this eldest young lady of the Bai family had once followed Duke Bai to the battlefield, personally beheading enemy generals. The very thought made her panic. Every glance from this eldest young lady made Nanny Wu¡¯s heart pound. ¡°I¡¯ll go at once!¡± Bai Jintong took a deep look at Nanny Wu before lifting her skirt and heading out. Bai Qingyan sat down on the soft couch, holding a hand warmer. She looked at Nanny Wu again and asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t I seen any of my second sister¡¯s dowry maids around?¡± Nanny Wu felt a shiver run down her spine, sensing something was wrong. Just now, worried and busy, Mrs. Liu hadn¡¯t noticed. But now she realized that none of Bai Jinxiu¡¯s dowry maids were present. Mrs. Liu, furious, pointed at Nanny Wu: ¡°Where are my daughter¡¯s dowry maids?! Speak!¡± ¡°Second Madam, Eldest Young Lady, the eldest young mistress fell into the water because the maids didn¡¯t serve her well. Our marquis mansion has strict rules, unlike the lenient Duke¡¯s mansion. If the master has problems, it¡¯s the servants¡¯ fault. So, our lady decided to sell them all off!¡± Nanny Wu lowered her eyes, nervously explained. Bai Qingyan almost laughed out of anger, her chest heaving violently. She nearly crushed the hand warmer in her grasp. Such strict rules! ¡°The lady of your marquis mansion really carries herself with grandeur! She dares to meddle with my daughter¡¯s dowry! The contracts of my daughter¡¯s dowry maids belong to my daughter. Yet, your lady dared to sell them while my daughter was unconscious!¡± Mrs. Liu was so furious that her chest hurt, wondering what kind of hellhole her daughter had married into. Tampering with the dowry would ruin reputations if word spread. Nanny Wu panicked and quickly said: ¡°This was done with the consent of the eldest young mistress!¡± Mrs. Liu¡¯s heart grew heavier: ¡°Do you think my daughter hasn¡¯t woken up, so you can deceive me?!¡± Just as Mrs. Liu finished, a maid stumbled in, her hair in disarray, a whip mark on her face. ¡°Bad news! Bad news! The Fourth Young Lady of the Bai family has gone mad¡­ She wants to kill our Second Young Lady and Madam!¡± Nanny Wu¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing this. She hastily lifted her skirt and rushed out but quickly turned back, bowing to Mrs. Liu and Nanny Jiang: ¡°Second Madam, Nanny Jiang, please do something! Has the Fourth Young Lady of the Bai family gone mad, daring to assault people at our Marquis Mansion?!¡± Nanny Jiang, who stood with her hands clasped in front of her, heard this and looked at the composed Bai Qingyan. Their eyes met. Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze was clear, and Nanny Jiang immediately understood that Bai Qingyan was intentionally causing a scene. She slightly nodded at Bai Qingyan. Mrs. Liu let out a cold laugh: ¡°My daughter is lying here on the brink of death. Do I care about your second young lady and madam?!¡± Nanny Wu was dumbfounded by Mrs. Liu¡¯s response. The Bai family was simply¡­ unreasonable. She could only look to Nanny Jiang for help: ¡°Nanny Jiang?! Nanny Jiang, please say something!¡± Nanny Jiang, looking at the bloodless Bai Jinxiu on the bed, also felt heartache: ¡°This old servant will follow the Second Madam¡¯s orders.¡± Before Nanny Jiang left, the Eldest Princess had instructed her that nothing was more important than her granddaughter¡¯s life. Bai Qingyan understood that in her previous life, the Chief of Staff¡¯s wife had kept things quiet for the sake of her daughter¡¯s situation but had sown the seeds for future troubles. In her current life, Bai Jinxiu¡¯s life was of utmost importance. Blowing things out of proportion would make the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage more cautious. Bai Qingyan had already made up her mind. As the saying goes, things must be broken before they can be remade. Hopefully, Qin Lang wouldn¡¯t disappoint her, and she could use this opportunity to truly establish herself. If Qin Lang proved useless, even though a high-status family in Dadu City had never divorced before, she would, before news from the Southern Border reached, still force a divorce while the Duke of Zhen Mansion held power. Divorce would be better than letting Bai Jinxiu suffer a lifetime as the legitimate second daughter of the Chief of Staff. Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Witness Testimony_1 Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Witness Testimony_1 Doctor Hong also finished examining Bai Jinxiu. He stroked his goatee and glanced at Bai Qingyan; when he saw Bai Qingyan nod slightly at him, he lowered his eyes and said, ¡°Second Miss first sustained a head injury, then fell into the water! The cold water entered her lungs, and her high fever won¡¯t subside. I¡¯m afraid¡­¡± Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, felt her legs go weak. If Qingshu hadn¡¯t held her, she would have collapsed to the ground. Bai Qingyan approached with a solemn face and bowed to Second Madam, Mrs. Liu. ¡°Second Sister is in grave danger. Do you wish to stay here to take care of her until she recovers, or do you want to take her back to the Duke¡¯s Manor for treatment? Aunt, you must decide!¡± Nanny Wu¡¯s eyes widened. A married woman leaving her husband¡¯s house without permission was absolutely forbidden! If Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, took Bai Jinxiu away, it might sever ties between the two families. ¡°Second Madam, you mustn¡¯t! The Young Madam has just married into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household. If you take her back, how will people view the Marquis¡¯s family? They will think the two families are cutting off relations! Even the Eldest Princess wouldn¡¯t agree to this, right, Nanny Jiang?!¡± ¡°My daughter has just married into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household and now her life is at risk! I don¡¯t care what anyone thinks of the Marquis¡¯s family!¡± Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, clutched her chest and turned to Nanny Jiang. ¡°Nanny! Please inform Mother¡­ Jinxiu was hit on the head and pushed into the lake. All her maids were sold off, and she doesn¡¯t even have someone to attend to her. I must take her back to the manor for care! If Mother doesn¡¯t agree¡­ I¡¯ll take Jinxiu back to my parent¡¯s house!¡± Nanny Jiang bowed to Second Madam, Mrs. Liu. ¡°This old servant will report to the Eldest Princess immediately. Please don¡¯t worry, Second Madam. The Eldest Princess has always doted on the Second Miss and would never prioritize any relationship over her granddaughter¡¯s life!¡± These words struck Nanny Wu like a thunderbolt, almost making her kneel. She never expected Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, to disregard the reputation of both families to protect her daughter, without considering Bai Jinxiu¡¯s future in the Marquis¡¯s household. ¡°Qingshu, you¡¯re quick. Accompany Nanny Jiang.¡± After giving the order, Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, moved to the bedside, grasping her daughter¡¯s hand and crying uncontrollably. Qingshu, whose eyes had been red at the sight of Bai Jinxiu¡¯s condition, immediately complied and helped Nanny Jiang out swiftly. ¡°Nanny Jiang! Nanny Jiang, you mustn¡¯t!¡± Nanny Jiang ignored her. Unable to stop Nanny Jiang, Nanny Wu hurriedly knelt before Second Madam, Mrs. Liu. ¡°Second Madam! You mustn¡¯t stir up trouble with the Eldest Princess!¡± At this moment, Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, was holding her daughter¡¯s hand, staring at her pale face and unconscious state, already crying to the point of being heedless of anything else. Chun Yan ran in, covering her mouth, and whispered in Bai Qingyan¡¯s ear, ¡°The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s guards have gone to the inner courtyard! Miss Bai¡­ what if Fourth Miss suffers?¡± ¡°Jinzhao, Jinhua, stay here with Aunt.¡± Bai Qingyan, exuding an aura of danger, stood in place as Chun Tao draped a white fox fur cloak over her. She glanced at Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, who was crying by Bai Jinxiu¡¯s bedside and said slowly, ¡°I¡¯ll go and take a look. Fourth Sister is impulsive¡­ I hope she doesn¡¯t end up injuring the Marchioness.¡± Seeing that she couldn¡¯t stop Nanny Jiang, Nanny Wu decided to quickly report to the Marchioness. Her eyes flickered as she scrambled up from the ground. ¡°This old servant will lead the way for Miss Bai! I will lead the way!¡± Supported by Chun Tao, Bai Qingyan left the newlywed¡¯s room and walked briskly towards the Marchioness¡¯s courtyard. Nanny Wu tried to get close to Bai Qingyan, but Chun Yan rudely swatted her away with a handkerchief. Knowing that Bai Qingyan was raised by the Eldest Princess and held considerable sway with her, Nanny Wu cautiously spoke to Bai Qingyan with a pleading face. ¡°Miss Bai, this matter really can¡¯t be blamed on our two young misses. Originally, the Princely Heir was betrothed to you, but then the Young Madam married in, and our two young misses only had a few words with her.¡± Bai Qingyan paused and turned to look at Nanny Wu with a half-smile. No wonder in her previous life, after the First Young Female of the Ministry of Personnel¡¯s Chief of Staff¡¯s family passed away in resentment, the Chief of Staff¡¯s wife managed to bring down Mrs. Jiang with severe measures. Even the close maid of the main mistress of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household revealed itself to be such an incompetent and disgraceful figure. The decline of the Marquis¡¯s household was apparent. ¡°If you keep spouting nonsense, I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart! Do you want to blame our Miss Bai for what your two young misses did?!¡± Chun Yan fumed. ¡°Chun Tao, tie her up and hand her over to Second Madam! Tell Second Madam that this maid just claimed¡­ that the two young misses from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household argued and hurt our Second Miss!¡± Bai Qingyan glanced at Nanny Wu before continuing forward. ¡°She¡¯s the close maid of the Marchioness. If this matter goes to court, this maid can be a witness.¡± Hearing the word court, Nanny Wu¡¯s face turned pale, and her legs went weak as she knelt immediately. ¡°Miss Bai! I am the close maid of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household. You can¡¯t tie me up! I didn¡¯t say that our young misses hurt anyone! If I tarnish our young misses¡¯ reputations, I couldn¡¯t make up for it even with my life!¡± Bai Qingyan ignored her. Before the group even got close, Bai Qingyan heard the cries of maids and saw a disheveled maid leading a group of guards rushing into the Marchioness¡¯s courtyard. Bai Qingyan tightened her grip on Chun Tao¡¯s hand, who quickened her pace in understanding. ¡°Hand over the wretches who injured my Second Sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi wielded a long whip, cracking it in the courtyard filled with broken branches and snow. The maids and servants bore whip marks from Bai Jinzhi, who, fearing her status, didn¡¯t retaliate and could only tremble and loudly beg Fourth Miss Bai for mercy. The young guard leading the Marquis¡¯s household¡¯s security took three quick strides forward, seizing Bai Jinzhi¡¯s whip. His face was stern as he stared at her. ¡°Please restrain yourself, Fourth Miss Bai. This is the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household, not your Duke¡¯s Manor! Such insolence will not be tolerated here!¡± Bai Jinzhi gritted her teeth, trying to pull back the whip, but found she couldn¡¯t move it despite using all her strength. Taken aback by her first loss, Bai Jinzhi widened her eyes, gritted her teeth, and braced herself. Yet, she still couldn¡¯t pull the whip free. ¡°Fourth Sister¡­¡± Bai Qingyan called out, prompting the guard to release the whip in Bai Jinzhi¡¯s hand. Retrieving her whip, Bai Jinzhi gave the guard a deep look and walked over to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± The young guard watched Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinzhi walk toward the main room under the shelter of a group of maids and tutored attendants. He then turned to his fellow guards. ¡°Stand guard here. Ensure that Fourth Miss Bai doesn¡¯t hurt anyone again.¡± Inside, Marchioness Jiang clutched her two daughters tightly, shivering in a corner. Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Home Tutoring_1 Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Home Tutoring_1 Until she heard the maids outside calming down and repeatedly calling ¡°Miss Bai,¡± did she finally relax and straighten her attire. When the maid came in to report that Miss Bai had arrived, Mrs. Jiang, the Marquis¡¯s wife, was already sitting upright. The hair of the two young ladies of the Marquis Mansion was disheveled, and they were both sobbing into their handkerchiefs. ¡°Invite Miss Bai in,¡± Mrs. Jiang, the Marquis¡¯s wife, took the hand warmer and held it in her hands, a shadow crossing her eyes. Since the founding of the Jin Kingdom, the Duke of Zhen Mansion had been rampant in Dadu City for too many years. Even a small fourth girl from the Bai Mansion dared to whip her daughter in their Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage! But times had changed. Half a month ago, Mrs. Jiang heard a secret from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. She knew that the century-old aristocratic family of the Duke of Zhen Mansion would soon perish along with the Duke of Zhen. In the future, the top aristocratic family in Dadu City would be their Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage. Even if Qin Lang married the Duke of Zhen Mansion¡¯s daughter, when the Duke of Zhen Mansion perished, his daughter would become a burden. The position of the Princely Heir would eventually be her son¡¯s. Seeing Bai Qingyan enter and salute, Mrs. Jiang no longer feared the Bai family. She spoke with an air of authority, ¡°Miss Bai understands etiquette. Since the Bai and Qin families are related by marriage, I can be considered your elder and will say a few words today. Even if there is any conflict among girls, it is unthinkable for a junior to whip someone in front of an elder. How did the fourth girl from the Bai family become so reckless? Such behavior is no different from that of a shrew!¡± Thinking of the whip marks on her two daughters, Mrs. Jiang¡¯s heart ached to the point she wished someone would slap Bai Jinzhi. ¡°Your daughter injured my second sister and pushed her into the lake. Her life and death are still unknown! Your Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage truly teaches people how to take lives!¡± The fourth girl, Bai Jinzhi, was not intimidated by Mrs. Jiang¡¯s authority. The fourth girl from the Duke of Zhen Mansion in Dadu City, Bai Jinzhi, was known for her chivalrous spirit. She had whipped a noble boy who injured an old man while riding, and today she did not care about her reputation in seeking justice for Bai Jinxiu. But while Bai Jinzhi did not care, Bai Qingyan did care. If Mrs. Jiang pinned these words on Bai Jinzhi today, Bai Jinzhi¡¯s reputation would be tarnished. Before Mrs. Jiang could speak again, Bai Qingyan straightened up and looked at Mrs. Jiang with cold, clear eyes, questioning, ¡°Since the Marquis¡¯s wife understands etiquette so well and poses as an elder to point out the family education of the Duke of Zhen Mansion, how did the two young ladies of the Marquis Mansion turn out to be so vicious? A sister-in-law plotting to kill her own sister-in-law, how is this different from beasts?!¡± ¡°You!¡± Mrs. Jiang originally intended to vent her anger, but her words got stuck in her throat. She clutched the edge of the table, her expression becoming increasingly unfriendly as she suppressed her anger. ¡°Our daughters were only playing with their sister-in-law. Such a serious accusation of plotting against their sister-in-law, Miss Bai, do not lay such serious charges so casually on the heads of our girls from the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage.¡± Bai Jinzhi was about to explode, but Bai Qingyan held her back. Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes darkened, suppressing her urge to skin Mrs. Jiang alive. But the murderous intent in her eyes showed. Mrs. Jiang felt a chill from Bai Qingyan¡¯s stare and uncomfortably adjusted her collar. Bai Qingyan curled her lips into a cold smile, slowly and methodically saying, ¡°My second sister has a huge bloody hole in her head and her life hangs in the balance. The Marquis¡¯s wife calls it a game between sisters-in-law! Now the two young ladies of the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage have suffered only minor injuries, yet the Marquis¡¯s wife labels my fourth sister as lacking manners, lacking upbringing, and a shrew. It seems the Marquis¡¯s wife thinks we are easy to bully because of our young age!? Should I call for my grandmother, the Eldest Princess?¡± Mentioning the Eldest Princess of the Bai family¡¯s old ancestor, Mrs. Jiang realized she had lost her composure. Even if all the men in the Bai family perished, the Duke of Zhen Mansion still had the Eldest Princess. Mrs. Jiang suppressed her emotions, pressed her lips with a handkerchief, and grudgingly said to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Miss Bai is indeed eloquent, but words can easily lead to trouble. Miss Bai is already nineteen, and no matchmaker has come to propose. If the reputation of loving arguments spreads, who would dare to marry Miss Bai? My words are for your own good!¡± Reputation was something Bai Qingyan no longer cared about, but Bai Jinzhi¡¯s face turned red with anger. ¡°You¡­¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was cold, unhurried, and unbothered, ¡°The Marquis¡¯s wife, please keep such kindness for your two daughters and son! My second sister has been married to the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage for only three days. First, the two girls from the Marquis Mansion plotted against her life. Then, the Marquis¡¯s wife interfered with her dowry. If this spreads¡­who would dare to marry a daughter from the Qin family or a son from the Qin family?!¡± Mrs. Jiang broke into a cold sweat. She had two daughters before having a son, whom she cherished dearly. To protect her two daughters, she followed Nanny Wu¡¯s advice and sold Bai Jinxiu¡¯s maids. But in her panic, she forgot that those maids were part of Bai Jinxiu¡¯s dowry. If this really caused trouble, it would be hard for her son to marry in the future. ¡°I forgot to inform the Marquis¡¯s wife, your Nanny Wu confessed. She admitted that your second girl argued and fought with my second sister, injuring her. I have already had her tied up and sent to my second aunt. Nanny Jiang has also returned to the Duke of Zhen Mansion to report to my grandmother. The Marquis¡¯s wife, do take care of yourself.¡± After speaking, Bai Qingyan saluted Mrs. Jiang and walked out with Bai Jinzhi. ¡°Mother!¡± The eldest girl who caused the injury trembled, frightened and panicked, as she clung to Mrs. Jiang, the Marquis¡¯s wife of Loyalty and Courage, ¡°What should we do?¡± ¡°Mother!¡± The second girl was frightened to tears. Although it was the second girl who quarreled with Bai Jinxiu, it was the eldest girl who hit her on the head, and the second girl who pushed her into the water. Mrs. Jiang knew she had to endure for now. Despite the troubles, the Duke of Zhen Mansion was still the most powerful family in Dadu City. To settle the issue, she must swallow her pride: ¡°Quickly, go get the Marquis!¡± But before Mrs. Jiang could lower herself further, the second sister-in-law of the Bai family had already ordered people to carry Bai Jinxiu out of the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage. Nanny Jiang even brought the Eldest Princess¡¯s grand convoy to bring Bai Jinxiu back to the mansion with great fanfare. Mrs. Jiang¡¯s heart raced. She never expected the second sister-in-law, Mrs. Liu, to disregard Bai Jinxiu¡¯s future and make such a bold move, ignoring all reputation. That day, the second girl from the Duke of Zhen Mansion had a grand wedding, with the Princely Heir from the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage gracing the event. The union of the two matched perfectly, and people still discussed the beautiful couple. But who could have imagined that upon returning, Miss Bai¡¯s life would hang by a thread? Outside the Marquis Mansion of Loyalty and Courage, a crowd of people had already gathered, buzzing with gossip. Surrounded by maids and servants, Mrs. Jiang, the Marquis¡¯s wife, hurried out, crying in front of everyone, ¡°Second Madam! Second Madam¡­moving Jinxiu back to the Duke of Zhen Mansion in this heavy snow might worsen her condition. Just now, the fourth girl also whipped my two daughters fiercely. They know their mistakes and promise never to play by the lake with their sister-in-law again! If I have any shortcomings in my care, please point them out, but please, do not do this!¡± Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Eye-Opening_1 Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Eye-Opening_1 Bai Qingyan, who was already in the carriage holding a hand warmer, pulled back the carriage curtain to look at Mrs. Jiang, who was feigning weakness, and couldn¡¯t help but sneer. Her words were spoken so beautifully. They appeared to be an apology but secretly accused the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household of being too domineering. They said her sister-in-law fell into the lake while playing and that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s fourth young lady lashed out with a whip at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household¡¯s two girls without discernment. In the heavy snow, she took the injured married woman back to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household by force. ¡°She is full of lies!¡± The fourth young lady, Bai Jinzhi, grabbed the whip at her waist and was about to get off the carriage, but her third sister, Bai Jintong, held her back. ¡°Even if the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s wife has a noble title, if you impulsively whip her at their mansion, it will give her what she wants. Your reputation will be ruined!¡± Bai Jintong patted Bai Jinzhi¡¯s hand and said, ¡°You sit quietly in the carriage. I will go to Eldest Young Lady¡¯s carriage to discuss this with her.¡± Second Madam Liu, who was about to get on the carriage, shouted angrily with a trembling voice and tears, ¡°My daughter married into your mansion for just three days! Her life is almost gone! How can I dare to leave my daughter in your wolf¡¯s den of a Marquis Mansion?¡± Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, was not yet at the door when he heard his wife apologizing meekly. Seeing Second Madam Liu so aggressively making their mansion out to be a demonic cave, he couldn¡¯t help but become furious. He lifted the hem of his robe and stepped out of the mansion. ¡°Second Madam, have you forgotten that Bai Jinxiu has already married into our mansion?!¡± Qin Dezhao stood with his hands behind his back, his face stern and looking very intimidating. Nanny Jiang, fearing Second Madam Liu would impulsively say something that others could use against her, stepped forward to greet her, but before she could speak, Bai Qingyan¡¯s clear voice was heard¡­ ¡°The marquise can turn black into white with her sharp tongue¡­ Calling murder and mayhem mere playful banter! We were forced to carry our second sister back home in the heavy snow, yet the marquise made it out to be unreasonable and domineering! Truly eye-opening.¡± Bai Jintong saw Chun Tao lift the curtain for Bai Qingyan to get off the carriage and stood silently beside it. Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, clenched his fist behind his back, his deep eyes fixed on the steady pace of Bai Qingyan, ¡°Miss Bai, watch your words.¡± Nanny Jiang hurried forward to support Bai Qingyan, protecting her. Second Madam Liu, her eyes red with anger, shouted emotionally, ¡°Marquis, your two daughters are truly fierce! They struck my daughter¡¯s head, leaving a massive bleeding wound, and in the dead of winter pushed her into the water! What grievance could drive such beastly cruelty towards my daughter?!¡± Qin Dezhao turned to look at Mrs. Jiang, who shook her head in panic. He then looked at Second Madam Liu, ¡°Second Madam, could this be a misunderstanding?¡± ¡°Bullshit misunderstanding!¡± Second Madam Liu cursed angrily, tears streaming down her face as she pointed at the Marchioness, glaring as if wanting to tear her apart, ¡°Ask your good wife! Her spiteful maids have already admitted that your two daughters injured my daughter. Yet she lightly dismisses it as sister-in-law¡¯s playful banter! While my daughter was unconscious, she had the audacity to reach into my daughter¡¯s dowry, selling all her maidservants. When my daughter most needed care, she had no one by her side. This is clearly an attempt on her life!¡± Second Madam Liu, crying out in anguish, clutched her chest, her eyes filled with hatred, ¡°What kind of mansion is this?! It¡¯s a death trap! I was blind to have pushed my daughter into your Marquis Mansion, a pit of fire! Are you even human? You¡¯re a pack of wicked wolves!¡± ¡°Second Madam! Bai Jinxiu slipped and fell unconscious. No one wanted this!¡± Qin Dezhao shouted angrily, ¡°I respect you as my in-laws, but speak ill again, and don¡¯t blame me for losing my temper!¡± ¡°Marquis¡­¡± Bai Qingyan spoke coldly and slowly, ¡°My second sister is an excellent swimmer. Among all in Dadu City, few men could match her skills. Do you find it laughable that she would slip and fall unconscious?¡± Qin Dezhao was frustrated, ¡°Regardless, Bai family¡¯s second young lady is the daughter-in-law of our Marquis Mansion, part of the Qin family! How could your Bai family just take her away as you please? And think nothing of our mansion?!¡± Bai Qingyan raised her eyes, already showing a resolute spirit, ¡°As Marquis said¡­ My second sister married into the Marquis Mansion; she is part of the Marquis Mansion. But now that she¡¯s grievously injured by the two young ladies of the mansion, and if the Marquis Mansion neglects her, should our family not care? Should my grandmother, the Eldest Princess, also not care? What kind of marriage is this¡­ or is it a death sentence?!¡± ¡°Utter nonsense!¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s face turned livid with anger. ¡°If the Marquis believes I speak nonsense, dare to let the two young ladies of the mansion swear on their lives that they didn¡¯t cause the head injury or push her into the water¡­¡± Bai Qingyan slowly stepped up the high steps of the Marquis Mansion, her eyes burning intensely at Qin Dezhao, her aura becoming more imposing, ¡°Dare to let the marquise swear she didn¡¯t meddle with my second sister¡¯s dowry maids. If there are lies, may their entire family meet a bad end, their bodies covered in sores and rot away.¡± The marquise, Mrs. Jiang, was so startled by the battlefield-like aura from Bai Qingyan that she clutched Qin Dezhao¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Marquis¡­¡± ¡°Does the marquise and the two young ladies have the courage? If they dare say a word of affirmation, I will today end my life and drink poison to apologize to the Marquis Mansion!¡± Bai Qingyan spoke quickly and firmly, clarifying everything with a few words, causing the onlookers to discuss fervently. ¡°Oh my, to interfere with daughter-in-law¡¯s dowry, that¡¯s plotting to murder for money!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it? Who would have thought the Marquis Mansion would behave like this?¡± ¡°I heard they have a legitimate young master in the mansion. Anyone marrying their daughter into the Marquis Mansion would be doomed!¡± Qin Lang, rushing back from Fanxing Tower, saw the commotion at the mansion gate, with carriages and onlookers. Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words from afar, his heart pounded, and he dared not advance. Marquis Qin Dezhao clenched his fists, biting his teeth, ¡°Your Bai family¡¯s daughters act wildly within the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, neglecting virtue and propriety, playing with weapons daily, is already bad enough. Now, meddling in others¡¯ affairs and publicly slandering elders. Aren¡¯t you afraid someone will accuse the Duke of Zhen and his heir for raising unruly, undisciplined daughters?¡± Bai Jinzhi and Bai Jintong were both furious. Bai Jinzhi had already gotten out of the carriage. If Bai Jintong hadn¡¯t held her back, she might have rushed forward to argue with Marquis of Loyalty and Courage using a whip. Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Arrogance_1 Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Arrogance_1 Bai Qingyan¡¯s calm and clear eyes gazed at Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, as she erupted in fury and spoke sternly, ¡°If anyone wants to accuse my grandfather or my father, then go ahead and do it! The daughters of the Bai family do not learn the virtues of women; what we learn is to protect our home and country and the skills to fight bloody battles with thousands of troops! We learn to be willing to wrap our bodies in horse skin and die in battle, but never to let the people and monarch of Jin Kingdom be humiliated! The sons and daughters of the Bai family hold our heads high with clear conscience, and bow without shame! If being righteous in our actions means rejecting the filthy tricks of scheming in the inner quarters and being open and just in our conduct, if that means being wild, then I, Bai Qingyan, will not only be wild today but also wilder in the future!¡± ¡°Good!¡± ¡°Such open and upright conduct! The entire family of the Duke of Zhen¡­ regardless of gender, truly embodies pride and integrity!¡± Some could not help but cheer loudly. For a moment, the onlooking citizens recalled the daughters of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household fighting bloodily on the battlefield during the national crisis. They thought of the Duke of Zhen, far away in the Southern Border, bringing the sons of the Bai family to the battlefield to protect the country! More than half a year had passed since the Duke of Zhen¡¯s expedition to the Southern Border. The citizens still remembered the grand scene of their departure, as the men of the Bai family stood in their military uniforms, embodying righteousness. The citizens couldn¡¯t bear it and whispered among themselves. ¡°This Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household is bullying the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household because their men are not here!¡± ¡°Shameless bastards, they revel in peace and safety in Dadu City while the sons of the Bai family shed blood in the Southern Border. How dare they bully the daughter of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household!¡± ¡°They say the women of the Bai family do not learn the virtues of women and instead wield weapons. Among the women who learn the virtues, how many can go to the battlefield? The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage holds the title of loyal and courageous¡­ yet never goes to the battlefield, unlike the daughters of the Bai family! And he has the face to say these things!¡± Qin Dezhao gritted his teeth, his face turning green with anger, and clenched the thumb ring on his hand behind his back. ¡°Miss Bai sure has a sharp tongue!¡± ¡°She can¡¯t compare to the Marquis¡¯s wife, who can twist the truth!¡± Bai Qingyan showed no fear of Qin Dezhao¡¯s imposing presence, with anger evident on her face. Qin Lang did not dare to look any longer. He squeezed through the crowd to the front, bowed to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage and the people of his household, then lowered his eyes and bowed deeply to the Second Madam, Mrs. Liu. ¡°Mother-in-law.¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze fell on Qin Lang without a hint of emotion. Mrs. Liu, her eyes red, glared at Qin Lang, her face contorted with rage, wishing she could slap him. ¡°I thought the Crown Prince Qin was a rare good man in Dadu City. But it turns out he¡¯s such a heartless person. Your new wife was nearly killed by your two sisters and lies unconscious in bed, yet you still have the interest to recite poetry at Fanxing Tower! Are you even human?!¡± Mrs. Liu clutched her chest, crying out. ¡°Unconscious?!¡± Qin Lang¡¯s face was filled with shock. He turned towards the Marquis¡¯s wife, Mrs. Jiang. ¡°But Mother clearly told me¡­¡± ¡°Marquis!¡± Mrs. Jiang panicked and spoke before Qin Lang. ¡°I told the Crown Prince to attend the poetry gathering. No matter how big the matter in the inner quarters, it can¡¯t hinder a man¡¯s social prospects! It¡¯s all my fault¡­ I didn¡¯t expect Jinxiu to be so seriously ill! As soon as she was injured, I sent my name card to call for an Imperial Physician! The physician said a few days of rest wouldn¡¯t matter! But today, the rural doctor brought by the Second Madam claims Jinxiu is in mortal danger. How am I supposed to know who to believe?¡± Mrs. Jiang could not let Qin Lang reveal her deceit in front of so many citizens of Dadu City. She had to put on a thoroughly aggrieved and sorrowful act. Standing by the carriage, Bai Third Miss, Bai Jintong, spoke coldly, ¡°A rural doctor? This is the first time I¡¯ve heard someone call the senior brother of the Imperial Medical Bureau¡¯s Director, Doctor Huang, a rural doctor!¡± Qin Lang pressed his lips together, his side hand clenched tightly, his face growing uglier. He could not say in front of all these onlookers that Mrs. Jiang forbade him from seeing Bai Jinxiu, claiming it was bad luck for men to see blood. Mrs. Jiang also told him Bai Jinxiu was fine, and that she was bedridden only to avoid catching a cold, insisting he join the poetry gathering at Fanxing Tower. Bai Qingyan laughed coldly, ¡°Marquis¡¯s wife, are you suggesting my second sister is unfilial for not waking up, causing my Second Aunt grief? May I ask which Imperial Physician you invited? I will have Nanny Jiang fetch my grandmother¡¯s name card and invite Director Huang and other doctors to examine my second sister¡¯s condition together!¡± Marquis¡¯s wife Mrs. Jiang turned pale. She could not have imagined the highly regarded Doctor Hong was actually residing at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household. Nor that the Bai family had brought Doctor Hong to diagnose Bai Jinxiu today. ¡°Marquis¡¯s wife¡­ tell us which Imperial Physician you invited!¡± Bai Third Miss Bai Jintong pressed. Qin Lang closed his eyes, lifted his garments, knelt heavily before Mrs. Liu, and kowtowed. ¡°Mother-in-law, it¡¯s all my fault!¡± ¡°I cannot bear you calling me that! Your title is a curse on my daughter¡¯s life!¡± Mrs. Liu cried from within the carriage. ¡°Return home!¡± Before Bai Qingyan was helped into the carriage by Chun Tao, she glanced at Qin Lang, who remained kneeling. In her previous life, she had no idea that Crown Prince Qin, son of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, was so cowardly. No wonder he couldn¡¯t protect his wife. Chen Qingsheng, sent by Mrs. Dong to guard Bai Qingyan, discreetly placed the carriage stool at Bai Qingyan¡¯s feet and respectfully stooped at her side, reminding, ¡°Miss, be careful of your step.¡± Chen Qingsheng, the nephew of Mrs. Dong¡¯s nanny and Chun Tao¡¯s cousin, lacked other skills but had connections throughout Dadu City. Above all, his loyalty to Mrs. Dong stood out. The citizens, curious onlookers, followed the Duke of Zhen¡¯s carriage all the way to its gates. Mrs. Dong, having heard the news early, personally welcomed the unconscious Bai Jinxiu at the gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. While everyone busied themselves moving Bai Jinxiu into the mansion, Bai Qingyan called Chen Qingsheng aside and gave him instructions. Chen Qingsheng nodded and quickly disappeared into the crowd. ¡¤ The news of the second girl of the Duke of Zhen falling unconscious on her return visit, being taken back to the Duke¡¯s mansion in the Eldest Princess¡¯s carriage, spread like wildfire. Within an hour, it became the hottest topic in all of Dadu City. But the most talked-about event was the marquis of Loyalty and Courage accusing the Bai family girls of not learning women¡¯s virtues, only to be rebuffed speechlessly by the eldest Miss Bai. Taverns, long streets, even the pleasure quarters buzzed with this discussion. ¡°The eldest, second, and third Misses of the Bai family all fought beside the Duke of Zhen on the battlefield. So what if they¡¯re daughters? Who says daughters can only remain in the inner quarters tending to their husbands and raising children? They too can stand tall and proud!¡± ¡°Facing bloody battles with thousands of troops, wrapping their bodies in horse skin, never allowing the people or the monarch to suffer humiliation! Throughout the Jin Kingdom, only the most loyal and brave Duke of Zhen¡¯s household can raise daughters with such heroic spirits! The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡­ ha, only bullies the Bai women while their men are away, truly unworthy of the title loyal and courageous! Unworthy of being called a man!¡± Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Asking for Punishment Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Asking for Punishment ¡°All members of the Bai family are loyal and upright, their characters impeccable. Whether men or women, they all stand tall and righteous, embodying a spirit of integrity!¡± Occasionally, drunken men would say that a woman¡¯s virtue lies in her lack of talent and that her main duty is to manage the household and educate the children. But such remarks would quickly be drowned out by the praises sung for the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion. On the third day after her marriage, Second Miss Bai Jinxiu lay at death¡¯s door. She was carried back horizontally to the mansion, causing the whole mansion to be as taut as a drawn bowstring. Servants and maids moved in and out of the side door in an orderly manner, lighting lanterns without daring to speak loudly. Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, stayed by Bai Jinxiu¡¯s bedside, clutching her daughter¡¯s cold fingers, tears streaming down as she softly called her daughter¡¯s name. Imperial Physician Huang, director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, along with Doctor Hong stood outside the partition, discussing the medication for Bai Jinxiu. The Eldest Princess and other ladies of the Bai Mansion wore heavy expressions as they stayed in Bai Jinxiu¡¯s chamber, waiting for the doctors to reach a conclusion. Third Miss Bai Jintong, feeling oppressed by the heavy atmosphere, stepped out to catch her breath. She saw Chen Qingsheng, the cousin of Chun Tao, bowing respectfully and speaking in a low voice to Bai Qingyan, who stood under the corridor. Noticing someone stepping out from the room, Chen Qingsheng immediately stopped speaking and stood respectfully beside Bai Qingyan, giving a salute to Bai Jintong: ¡°Good evening, Third Miss.¡± ¡°You may go!¡± Bai Qingyan said to Chen Qingsheng. Watching Chen Qingsheng hastily leave after saluting, Bai Jintong walked over to Bai Qingyan and whispered, ¡°That looked like Chun Tao¡¯s cousin. Did Eldest Sister give him some errand?¡± Bai Qingyan adjusted her fox fur cloak and walked a few steps down the corridor with Bai Jintong. Chen Qingsheng was someone she intended to have follow Bai Jintong. She spoke softly, ¡°Chen Qingsheng is very adept at dealing with people. In Dadu City, whether it¡¯s the staff and shopkeepers in teahouses and taverns or the stewards and servants in noblemen¡¯s residences, he can get to know anyone he wants. He has ways to acquire any information. Having him by your side when you go out after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month will surely benefit you.¡± ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s throat choked up as she recalled how candidly Bai Qingyan had spoken to her, analyzing the Bai family¡¯s situation thoroughly. She felt the weight on her shoulders increase immensely. Earlier, Bai Qingyan had instructed Chen Qingsheng to spread the news about today¡¯s incident at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s Mansion through various teahouses, taverns, and brothels, intending to elevate the reputation of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion even further. This was a test for Chen Qingsheng. If he handled this well, Bai Qingyan would be confident in placing him by Bai Jintong¡¯s side. Unexpectedly, Chen Qingsheng exceeded her expectations. Without involving a single person from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion, he spread the news through his connections, managing to keep himself completely out of it, demonstrating his experienced and efficient methods. As Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong were talking, they saw a maid rush through the Green Bamboo Pavilion¡¯s courtyard gate and hurry to the maid at the corridor, saying, ¡°Please inform Nanny Jiang that the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage is outside our mansion, bearing thorns and asking to be let in to apologize. He refuses to come in and is kneeling outside the mansion. The Right Prime Minister¡¯s little grandson and several other young masters are with him, seemingly drunk. We servants don¡¯t know what to do.¡± Bai Jintong was greatly surprised and turned to look at the calmly composed Bai Qingyan. Typically, even if a husband and wife had a severe conflict, the husband would choose an auspicious day to formally apologize to the elders. Noble families would never have a man bearing thorns to apologize, as it would publicize their family scandal. However, Bai Jintong understood after a moment¡¯s thought. Given the magnitude of today¡¯s incident, if the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s Mansion didn¡¯t show a strong stance, there was no way to resolve it. But thinking of Bai Jinxiu lying on the bed, barely breathing, Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes reddened with anger. She gritted her teeth: ¡°Second Sister is lying in bed, her life in the balance, and he went drinking! And only after drinking does he come to apologize and seek forgiveness. This is too lenient!¡± Bai Qingyan remained silent, knowing that Qin Lang¡¯s arrival meant there was still hope. After about half a cup of tea¡¯s time, Nanny Jiang came out of the room and followed the gatekeeper maid to the outside. Bai Qingyan knew then¡­ Grandmother and Second Aunt must have agreed to send Nanny Jiang to invite Qin Lang into the mansion. After all, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s Mansion had shown such humility. There had never been a precedent of separation in noble families in all of Dadu City. The elders, thinking of Second Sister¡¯s future, could not let Qin Lang kneel outside the mansion indefinitely. ¡°Second Aunt! Have you lost your mind? Second Sister is so gravely injured, lying in bed. How can you let him step into our Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion!¡± Fourth Miss Bai Jinzhi¡¯s angry voice came from inside the room, ¡°If it were up to me, I would go out and whip him away! How could you invite him in?¡± ¡°What else can we do? Your Second Sister is already part of the Qin family. There is no precedent of separation among noble families in our dynasty. Do you want your sister to live a life of solitary prayer forever?¡± Second Madam, Mrs. Liu, was also filled with resentment and unwillingness. ¡°My poor Jinxiu! Mother should never have agreed to let you marry into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s Mansion! Such a mother-in-law, such a sister-in-law, such a husband! How will you get through the days ahead?¡± Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, gently stroking the hand warmer in her hands, hiding the slight redness in her eyes. She was fortunate to be reborn and would absolutely not let Bai Jinxiu suffer for a lifetime. Bai Jinxiu was the sister she would protect with her life. No one could mistreat her! ¡°I¡¯m going to whip him back!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s angry voice threatened to blow the Green Bamboo Pavilion¡¯s roof off. Bai Qingyan looked up to see her storming out of the room in a fury. Third Madam, Mrs. Li, fearing her daughter would cause trouble, hurried out after her but failed to stop Bai Jinzhi, anxiously waving her handkerchief and urgently instructing the rough housemaids to tie Bai Jinzhi up and bring her back. But Bai Jinzhi was skilled in martial arts from a young age. These few rough maids were no match for her and would likely get whipped themselves while trying to stop her. Bai Qingyan stepped forward and curtsied to Third Madam, Mrs. Li: ¡°Third Aunt, please don¡¯t worry. Jintong and I will go see Fourth Sister. We won¡¯t let her cause trouble.¡± ¡°Yes, yes! Kid¡­ Jinzhi always listens to you! Jintong, protect your eldest sister and quickly bring that disobedient girl back for me!¡± Third Madam, Mrs. Li, said anxiously. ¡°Rest assured, Third Aunt!¡± Bai Qingyan hurried down the steps with Bai Jintong and swiftly walked toward the front courtyard. ¡¤ When Nanny Jiang reached the mansion gate, she saw Qin Lang kneeling outside, bearing thorns. Several young dandies from Dadu City, who were on good terms with Qin Lang, had also come to support him. Right Prime Minister¡¯s little grandson, Lu Yuanpeng, smilingly gave Nanny Jiang a half bow: ¡°Nanny, we accompanied Qin Lang to apologize with thorns and also wanted to check on Second Miss. How is she doing?¡± Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: Chapter 20: The Eldest Legitimate Daughter _1 Chapter 20: Chapter 20: The Eldest Legitimate Daughter _1 The son of the Imperial Censor, Sima Ping, seeing Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s drunken stupor, quickly tugged at Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s sleeve, almost causing the already unsteady Lu Yuanpeng to fall. Sima Ping could only deeply bow to Nanny Jiang and apologize, ¡°Nanny Jiang, please forgive us. Yuanpeng drank too much today. We beg for your understanding.¡± Xiao Rongyan, draped in a gray squirrel coat, stood upright in front of a carriage not far away. Even in the shadows, he was so distinguished that he was hard to ignore. Seeing Nanny Jiang, who was beside the Eldest Princess, come out personally, Xiao Rongyan¡¯s lips curled into a smile. His deep-set eyes were full of calm and composure. Qin Lang, reeking slightly of alcohol but not overly drunk, knew that Nanny Jiang represented the Eldest Princess. He gave a heavy bow, ¡°Qin Lang is here to apologize to the Eldest Princess and my mother-in-law!¡± ¡°Hurry, help the Crown Prince up!¡± Nanny Jiang instructed the servants behind her. A servant stepped forward quickly from behind Nanny Jiang, bowing respectfully as he helped Qin Lang up. ¡°Heavy snow hasn¡¯t stopped. The Crown Prince drank too much. I have already sent someone to inform the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. The Crown Prince should come inside, sit for a while, and drink some sober-up soup. The mansion will send someone to fetch you shortly. Please¡­¡± Seeing the servants of the Duke of Zhen mansion supporting the hunched Qin Lang inside, Xiao Rongyan slowly turned around, about to board his carriage, but was pulled back by Lu Yuanpeng, who had squeezed out of the crowd. ¡°Brother Xiao, it was your idea. You can¡¯t just leave! We must see it to the end¡­¡± With that, the drunken Lu Yuanpeng dragged Xiao Rongyan towards the steps of the Duke of Zhen mansion, ¡°Hey, hey, hey! Don¡¯t close the door, don¡¯t close the door! Nanny Jiang, Nanny Jiang¡­ I finally made it here. I must pay my respects to the old ancestor!¡± Sima Ping and a group of playboys shouted after Lu Yuanpeng. ¡°Yuanpeng!¡± ¡°Yuanpeng, don¡¯t drag Brother Xiao into your nonsense!¡± ¡°Lu Yuanpeng¡­¡± Lu Yuanpeng paid no heed, displaying none of a gentleman¡¯s demeanor. He pulled Xiao Rongyan, forcefully squeezing through the gates of the Duke of Zhen mansion like a hooligan. Who knew, just as Lu Yuanpeng pulled Xiao Rongyan through the gates of the Duke of Zhen mansion, Bai Jinzhi rushed out of the brightly lit corridor with a face full of rage, raising her whip towards Qin Lang. Startled, Lu Yuanpeng immediately burped. ¡°Fourth sister!¡± Bai Jintong, with excellent skills, had already shielded Qin Lang just as Bai Jinzhi¡¯s whip swung. He firmly caught the fierce whip, wielded it with a deft twist, and held it in his hand, his expression solemn. ¡°Don¡¯t be rude! Step back!¡± Nanny Jiang was also shocked, clutching her handkerchief against her beating heart. When she saw Bai Qingyan in the corner of her eye, her heart settled down. ¡°Third sister! Why are you stopping me?¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes were red, pointing at Qin Lang. ¡°Second sister is lying on the bed, life and death uncertain, and he still went to the poetry gathering and drank! The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage mansion is full of black-hearted scoundrels. He is heartless too!¡± Qin Lang was deeply ashamed, his fists clenched, ¡°Third Miss doesn¡¯t need to stop her. This whip, I deserve it.¡± Through the falling snow, Xiao Rongyan glanced casually at the figure gradually approaching from the corridor, calm and unhurried. Bai Qingyan stood beneath the corridor, draped in a fox fur. The red lanterns reflected the falling snow, illuminating her clean and exquisite features. Her eyes were dark and indifferent, her whole person tranquil and serene, sharply contrasting with the assertive demeanor she displayed in front of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage mansion earlier today. ¡°Bai Jinzhi, step back.¡± Hearing the voice, Bai Jinzhi turned to see Bai Qingyan. She glared at Qin Lang with tear-filled eyes before reluctantly stepping back beside Bai Qingyan. Bai Qingyan, seeing Bai Jinxiu lying on the bed, hated both the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage mansion and Qin Lang. However, she could still understand Qin Lang¡¯s difficult situation, having to contend with a stepmother like Mrs. Jiang and the pressures of filial duty. With the courage from the alcohol, Qin Lang finally dared to look directly at Bai Qingyan. Whether it was because he had been drinking, Bai Qingyan¡¯s stunning beauty came into full view. Qin Lang¡¯s emotions were complicated, and he clenched the jade pendant at his waist in guilt, his palm becoming sticky. He quickly averted his gaze, not daring to look at Bai Qingyan. ¡°Is that the Duke of Zhen mansion¡¯s eldest daughter?!¡± Lu Yuanpeng was dumbfounded, completely unaware of the snow falling on his eyelashes. With profound eyes, Xiao Rongyan remained calm. His hand, hidden under his gray squirrel coat, rubbed the jade cicada leisurely, responding faintly, ¡°Yes.¡± As Bai Qingyan stepped out of the corridor, she met Xiao Rongyan¡¯s calm gaze, her steps momentarily faltering. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s overly deep eyes held a smile. He nodded at her gently, exuding warmth and steadiness. Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand, holding the hand-warmer, tightened instinctively. Her heartbeat quickened inexplicably, breathing a bit unevenly. In her previous life, Bai Qingyan had privately faced countless fierce opponents on the battlefield. Few had left a lasting impression on her; even fewer had instilled fear. But no one ever gave her such a strong sense of dread as Xiao Rongyan did. Beneath Xiao Rongyan¡¯s steady and refined exterior was the ambition of a wolf, with the ability to annex other countries while casually conversing, his depth never fully grasped by Bai Qingyan until her death. Seeing Lu Yuanpeng, Bai Qingyan understood why Xiao Rongyan came with Qin Lang. She closed her eyes momentarily, suppressing her unease and excessive concern for Xiao Rongyan. She then stepped out of the corridor. Nanny Jiang quickly turned, took the umbrella from a servant, opened it, and supported Bai Qingyan. ¡°Crown Prince Qin,¡± Bai Qingyan maintained a cautious distance from Qin Lang as she gave a shallow bow, ¡°Crown Prince, bearing a light garment and a bundle of sticks for the sin, do you have a solution in mind?¡± Qin Lang, bowing his head in shame, replied, ¡°I¡­ I do not.¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart sank, her internal fury growing, no wonder Qin Lang couldn¡¯t protect his wife in the previous life. Apologies alone were useless! Unable to hold back her anger, her voice rose, ¡°Crown Prince, is this how you will answer my grandmother and second aunt? Then I must ask, Crown Prince, what sin are you atoning for today? Apologizing for the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s wife, the two young ladies in your mansion, or for yourself?¡± The cold wind blew the snow through the gaps. Qin Lang¡¯s eyes reddened, his lips trembled, but he said nothing. Instead, he bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Qin Lang is ashamed. I have no words.¡± That day at the Duke of Zhen mansion, when Qin Lang came to greet her for the wedding, she saw his strategy was not of a cowardly person without vision. Through chess, one could see the person¡­ Bai Qingyan thought Qin Lang had ambition and the strategy to match. After a moment of thought, Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand holding the hand-warmer tightened, pressing down her anger slowly. She spoke methodically, ¡°When our Jin Kingdom was founded, those who made significant contributions were granted titles. The Marquis of Dingguo¡¯s title was hereditary. By law, the eldest son should inherit the title, but the Marquis favored his younger son, causing family strife and brotherly discord. When the Marquis of Dingguo died, the elder son inherited. The younger son, holding a grudge, killed his mother and brother, resulting in a tragedy.¡± Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Jinxius Future_1 Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Jinxiu¡¯s Future_1 Bai Qingyan mentioned the Marquis of Dingguo. Qin Lang immediately understood. The current series of farces at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence was all because of this title. The stepmother wanted Qin Lang¡¯s younger brother to inherit the title. However, she couldn¡¯t say it openly due to ancestral laws, so she caused many troubles for Qin Lang in secret. She even drove away Qin Lang¡¯s mentor, damaging his reputation. This time, she aimed to provoke a conflict between him and the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence by plotting against Bai Jinxiu. Seeing Qin Lang¡¯s pale face and tightly clenched fists, with veins bulging, Bai Qingyan knew he understood. Qin Lang understood the thoughts of Mrs. Jiang, the mistress of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence, better than Bai Qingyan. But what use was understanding? Qin Lang, bound by filial piety, couldn¡¯t act no matter how capable he was. Bai Qingyan, sensing Qin Lang wasn¡¯t beyond saving, calmly said, ¡°Using bronze as a mirror can correct one¡¯s attire. Using history as a mirror can discern rise and decline. Using people as a mirror can understand gains and losses. In ancient times, Yao and Shun abdicated. Why doesn¡¯t the Crown Prince do the same? After all, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage has become an empty title. The Crown Prince has great ambitions, so why worry about not achieving a prosperous future?¡± ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi exclaimed in shock. Qin Lang¡¯s pupils trembled. He looked up sharply at Bai Qingyan¡¯s calm face. Did she mean he should voluntarily give up his position as the Princely Heir? How could she say such startling words?! Over the years, Qin Lang had thought of resisting and coping. He mingled openly with the dandies of Dadu City while secretly working hard to win first place in the imperial exams. But this was to secure his position as Princely Heir. He had never thought of not wanting this position. Not only Bai Jinzhi but even Bai Jintong was taken aback by Bai Qingyan¡¯s words. From a distance, Lu Yuanpeng, standing with Xiao Rongyan, quietly asked, ¡°Brother Xiao, can you hear what Miss Bai is saying to Qin Lang? Why does Nanny Jiang look so panicked? Could it be she¡¯s asking Qin Lang to divorce their second daughter?¡± Xiao Rongyan smiled faintly, brushing off the leaves blown onto his cloak by the wind, his every move elegant, ¡°Forcing entry into the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence was already impolite. Eavesdropping is even less gentlemanly.¡± Xiao Rongyan didn¡¯t expect Bai Qingyan to have such vision and courage. He observed those in high positions in Dadu City and found few who matched Bai Qingyan¡¯s perspective. Despite Qin Lang¡¯s keen understanding of the affairs in the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence, growing up in a wealthy environment made it hard to take drastic actions. He feared Miss Bai¡¯s painstaking efforts might be in vain. ¡°The second young lady has awakened! The second young lady has awakened¡­¡± The clear voice of a maid rang out from the backyard. The entire Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, with shouts of ¡°The second young lady has awakened¡± echoing. Bai Qingyan couldn¡¯t hide the joy in her eyes. The heaviness on her brows was replaced by happiness. Qin Lang¡¯s throat tightened as he craned his neck to look toward the inner residence of the Duke of Zhen. ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi looked back at the inner residence, full of joy, grabbing Bai Qingyan¡¯s arm, ¡°Second Sister has awakened! Let¡¯s go see her!¡± A maid carrying a lantern quickly approached, bowing to Bai Qingyan from behind, ¡°Miss Bai, third young lady, fourth young lady, the second young lady has awakened!¡± Bai Qingyan nodded, turning to Qin Lang, ¡°Failing to comfort your mother is unfilial. Failing to protect your wife fully is unjust! The Crown Prince should know that sometimes things must be broken to be established anew! Or is the Crown Prince truly willing to be an unfilial and unjust person for an empty title? I have said all I can. The Crown Prince must now decide for himself.¡± After a shallow bow, Bai Qingyan couldn¡¯t help but glance deeply at Xiao Rongyan before hurriedly heading to the backyard with Bai Jintong and Bai Jinzhi. Nanny Jiang gestured to Qin Lang, ¡°Please have the two young gentlemen wait in the hall. Crown Prince, this way, please.¡± ¡°Nanny Jiang¡­¡± Lu Yuanpeng called out, just about to follow them to the inner residence, but was stopped by Xiao Rongyan, ¡°This is a private matter between the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence and the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. We shouldn¡¯t get involved.¡± Bai Qingyan and her sisters hurried to the Green Bamboo Pavilion. Bai Jinxiu was leaning against the bed, softly comforting the tearful second wife, Mrs. Liu. As soon as they entered, Bai Jintong and Bai Jinzhi rushed to the bedside, asking about Bai Jinxiu¡¯s condition, while Bai Qingyan stood by the screen, feeling a mix of emotions. Though she knew Bai Jinxiu was safe, Bai Qingyan had always felt on edge until now. With Bai Jinxiu awake, her anxiety finally eased. Nanny Jiang entered after lifting the curtain, bowing to the Eldest Princess, ¡°Eldest Princess, the Crown Prince is waiting at the Chuihua gate.¡± The Eldest Princess played with her Buddha beads, looking at Bai Jinxiu, ¡°Second daughter, if you don¡¯t want to see him, then don¡¯t.¡± After this ordeal, Bai Jinxiu had made up her mind. Her eyes were clear as she said, ¡°Grandmother, this wasn¡¯t the Crown Prince¡¯s fault. I don¡¯t blame him. I want to¡­ speak with him alone.¡± Since Qin Lang and Bai Jinxiu were husband and wife, meeting alone wasn¡¯t inappropriate. The Eldest Princess nodded and instructed her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dong, ¡°All of you sisters-in-law may leave. We¡¯ve had enough for today. Let the children rest. Nanny Jiang, you stay. Whether the Crown Prince stays or leaves, let the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence know.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Nanny Jiang responded. Seeing Bai Qingyan by the screen, Bai Jinxiu¡¯s smile became more radiant, hoping to reassure her eldest sister. Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t approach but returned the smile, her eyes reddening slightly. For Bai Qingyan, as long as Bai Jinxiu was safe, nothing else mattered. Though Bai Jinxiu hadn¡¯t been conscious, she knew what happened outside the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence that day. Without Bai Qingyan causing a scene, Bai Jinxiu couldn¡¯t imagine the torment she might have faced from her mother-in-law in the future. After settling Bai Jinxiu, the women of the residence slowly left the Green Bamboo Pavilion. Nanny Jiang then invited Qin Lang into the yard. Bai Jinzhi stood at the doorway of Bai Jinxiu¡¯s room, glaring at Qin Lang as he entered. She gripped the whip behind her tightly. Seeing Nanny Jiang shake her head, Bai Jinzhi grudgingly released the whip and walked away, but not before roughly bumping Qin Lang with her shoulder in anger. Entering the room, Qin Lang saw Bai Jinxiu leaning against the bed, her face pale and breathing weak. He was filled with shame, his lips trembling as he wanted to ask about her well-being but remembered how he, under the pressure of filial piety from Mrs. Jiang, hadn¡¯t visited her after she was injured. Ashamed of his cowardice, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to speak. It wasn¡¯t until a faint noise came from the burning silver frost charcoal in the brazier that Qin Lang finally bowed deeply, unable to utter a word. ¡°The Crown Prince¡¯s clothes are thin. Nanny Jiang, please bring a cloak for him,¡± Bai Jinxiu said gently. Nanny Jiang immediately fetched a fur cloak for Qin Lang, placed it over him, served him hot tea, and moved the brazier closer before stepping out with the maids, standing guard at the door. Not long after his conversation with Bai Jinxiu, Qin Lang, looking distraught, emerged from the room and half bowed to Nanny Jiang, ¡°Qin Lang takes his leave. I will visit to pay respects to the Eldest Princess and mother-in-law another day!¡± Without waiting for a maid to bring a lantern, he hurriedly left the Green Bamboo Pavilion. Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: 22nd Chapter: The Path of Filial Piety_1 Chapter 22: 22nd Chapter: The Path of Filial Piety_1 Qin Lang had just left, and Second Lady Mrs. Liu returned. She was worried about Bai Jinxiu; with her husband not at home, she planned to stay at the Green Bamboo Pavilion watching over her daughter tonight. Nanny Jiang, seeing that the Green Bamboo Pavilion had been settled, instructed the maids to take good care of Bai Jinxiu tonight and then braved the snow to return to the Changshou Courtyard to report the day¡¯s events to the Eldest Princess. ¡°As soon as Sister Two was carried into the Green Bamboo Pavilion, Sister One immediately gave orders, instructing everyone in the house to mind their tongues and not speak rashly about Sister Two¡¯s injury. Talking about it to people outside the house was also forbidden, with a penalty of fifty lashes and being sold if caught! The servants in the house have been quite honest. I heard from Nanny Hai that quite a few servants from the Qinggui Mansion came to our house to use silver to ask around today, but our servants didn¡¯t dare spill anything,¡± Nanny Jiang gently massaged the Eldest Princess¡¯s shoulders. The Eldest Princess nodded. Nanny Jiang then recounted what happened in the front yard after Qin Lang was invited in, including Bai Qingyan¡¯s words encouraging Qin Lang to follow in the virtuous footsteps of Yao and Shun and abdicate. The Eldest Princess, with closed eyes, fiddled with Buddha beads in her hand and slowly said, ¡°Kid sees things clearly. The words ¡®filial piety¡¯ weigh heavily on Qin Lang, and if he lacks the courage to renounce his title, even as the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, he will still be controlled by Mrs. Jiang. Jinxiu is Qin Lang¡¯s wife, and as a married couple, their days will inevitably be difficult.¡± Nanny Jiang nodded in agreement before sighing, ¡°Eldest Princess, you mean Sister One is planning for Sister Two¡¯s future. But I worry if Crown Prince Qin loses the title and must compete for accomplishments, our Sister Two will endure hardship for several more years.¡± ¡°Having me here can always lend a hand or two, better than a lifetime being controlled by Mrs. Jiang. Kid made it very clear; it depends on whether Qin Lang can make a decisive move,¡± the Eldest Princess sighed. ¡¤ The next morning, the heavy snow had stopped. Just at dawn, Qin Lang, alone without his attendants, stood at the entrance of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, seeking an audience with the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess had just risen and had not yet had breakfast. When she heard from Nanny Jiang that Qin Lang had arrived, she was quite surprised. The Eldest Princess vaguely guessed that Qin Lang had made up his mind to renounce his title and understood why he sought her instead of reporting to his father, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. She admired Qin Lang¡¯s decisiveness. ¡°Have someone invite Qin Lang in,¡± the Eldest Princess instructed Nanny Jiang, ¡°and prepare the carriage. Today, we might need to go to the palace.¡± As soon as Qin Lang entered the main house of the Changshou Courtyard, he solemnly knelt before the Eldest Princess, ¡°Grandson-in-law could not protect his wife, causing Jinxiu to nearly lose her life. I am ashamed before my grandmother and mother-in-law, beyond words. After reflecting deeply upon returning to the mansion yesterday, I realized that while I hold the title of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s heir, I am unworthy of the title. Being physically strong but unable to be loyal to the ruler, as a son unable to ease my mother¡¯s worries, and as a husband unable to protect my wife, I am ashamed to face my parents and owe my wife. I am willing to repent and renew myself, voluntarily renouncing my title, and focusing on studying, hoping not to waste the ancestral legacy and to someday become a useful person in Jin.¡± Qin Lang had not slept all night. He initially thought of earning military merit on the battlefield like the Bai family sons but knew he was not suited for it. His skills were enough for self-preservation, but battling the enemy would be challenging. Since ancient times, during war, generals wielded power; in peacetime, scholars held the world. After considering it, Qin Lang realized his only path was to pursue scholarly honors. ¡°Stand up!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s face was full of gratification, ¡°After breakfast, you will accompany me to the palace.¡± Qin Lang kowtowed heavily once more, ¡°Thank you, Grandmother.¡± Qin Lang understood that although Mrs. Jiang wished day and night for him to renounce his title on his own, she would never let him make a move right after Bai Jinxiu¡¯s accident. So, Qin Lang bypassed the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage and Mrs. Jiang and sought out the Eldest Princess. Over the years, Qin Lang had felt resentment. Now, right after Jinxiu¡¯s accident yesterday, Qin Lang came to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion to ask the Eldest Princess to take him to the palace and renounce his title. He intended to put Mrs. Jiang on the spot. He wanted to show the world that, out of filial piety, he could not stand up to his stepmother to seek justice for his wife, feeling ashamed towards his wife and thus choosing to renounce his title and endure hardship. Yesterday, the incident in front of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion was known to everyone in Dadu City, ensuring that Mrs. Jiang¡¯s reputation had taken a hit. By decisively making this choice today, Qin Lang ensured that Mrs. Jiang¡¯s reputation would be thoroughly tarnished. The Eldest Princess grew more appreciative of Qin Lang. While he seemed indecisive, once he made up his mind, he acted with lightning speed. Without using deceit or trickery, he managed to ruin Mrs. Jiang¡¯s reputation. It was truly impressive. ¡¤ Qinghui Courtyard. Bai Qingyan had just finished her morning exercises when Chun Yan told her that Qin Lang had visited Grandmother¡¯s courtyard this morning and was now heading to the palace with Grandmother. ¡°The more I think about it, the more scared I become. Thank goodness you didn¡¯t marry into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion. That place is indeed as Second Lady said, a fiery pit and den of demons!¡± Chun Yan assisted Bai Qingyan, who was steaming from her exercises, into the inner room. Bai Qingyan frowned, feeling disgusted by Chun Yan¡¯s words. Before she could scold her, Chun Tao spoke first, ¡°Chun Yan, don¡¯t say such things again!¡± Chun Tao held the curtain open for Bai Qingyan and then turned to Chun Yan, saying, ¡°You are the eldest miss¡¯s personal maid! With Second Miss still bedridden, if anyone hears what you said, how will they see our miss?!¡± ¡°I only said it in front of the miss!¡± Chun Yan chuckled, slipping into the room ahead of Chun Tao. Once inside, Chun Yan lowered her voice and flatteringly said to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Miss, this morning Tongji, who is by King Liang¡¯s side, came. He conveyed a message from King Liang to the miss, saying His Highness is fine and asking the miss not to worry.¡± Bai Qingyan tightly gripped the face-washing cloth. He¡¯s not dead? What a tenacious life¡­ If only she had known, she would have hired an assassin to ambush him, stabbing King Liang¡¯s heart a few more times to ensure there was no possibility of survival. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, suppressing the anger in her heart, and flung the cloth into the copper basin. Chun Tao, terrified, poked Chun Yan¡¯s forehead, ¡°Why are you always around people from King Liang¡¯s side! We are the eldest miss¡¯s maids. If others see it¡­¡± ¡°Sister Chun Tao, I know my limits!¡± Chun Yan interrupted Chun Tao, looking unhappy. She then scooted over to Bai Qingyan, saying, ¡°I was just afraid the miss might worry about King Liang.¡± Just hearing the words ¡°King Liang¡± made Bai Qingyan incredibly uncomfortable. She suppressed her irritation and instructed Chun Tao to prepare breakfast. ¡°Chun Yan will be sixteen this year, right?¡± Bai Qingyan asked. Chun Yan¡¯s ears turned red, and she joyfully replied, ¡°Miss, I will be sixteen next month.¡± Bai Qingyan, with a faint smile, looked at Chun Yan, ¡°Chun Yan is growing up and having more thoughts. After all, a grown woman can¡¯t be kept. When Nanny Tong returns, I will instruct her to find a good family for you and prepare a dowry. It won¡¯t be in vain for our time as master and servant.¡± Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Losing Face_1 Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Losing Face_1 Chun Yan¡¯s face turned pale instantly. She hurriedly knelt down, saying, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, this maid¡­ this maid never had such thoughts. This maid is determined to follow the Eldest Young Lady in life and death. Wherever the Eldest Young Lady goes, this maid goes too! Even if the Eldest Young Lady gets married in the future, this maid will surely stay by her side to serve both the Young Lady and the Young Master!¡± Bai Qingyan glanced at Chun Yan. Chun Yan must have believed that Bai Qingyan had no other future except marrying into King Liang¡¯s mansion, so she was thinking of becoming her dowry maid there; otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t work so hard to please her on behalf of King Liang. Feeling uninterested, she didn¡¯t want to waste her breath lecturing Chun Yan and picked up her chopsticks to eat. For now, she couldn¡¯t deal with Chun Yan. If Chun Yan, who could inform King Liang, left, King Liang would undoubtedly find other people in the Duke¡¯s mansion. At that time, she would be in the open while King Liang¡¯s people would be in the dark, causing more headaches. Even though Chun Yan was annoying with her constant praise of King Liang, she wasn¡¯t deeply conniving and wore her heart on her sleeve. For several days, Bai Qingyan practiced morning and evening, feeling so sore that she couldn¡¯t even hold her chopsticks while eating. Chun Tao ladled a bowl of chicken soup millet porridge for Bai Qingyan, looking worried as she said, ¡°Miss, if this continues, this maid fears that it will take a toll on your health.¡± ¡°These past few days, being all sweaty morning and night has actually made me feel much lighter.¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan say this, Chun Tao dared not persuade her further, only lowering her head to glance at Chun Yan kneeling there, trembling and wiping tears, and shook her head. After finishing breakfast, Bai Qingyan changed clothes to visit Bai Jinxiu, allowing Chun Yan to get up and attend to her. Chun Yan tearfully handed the hand warmer to Bai Qingyan, respectfully stepping aside. Ever since she followed the Eldest Young Lady, this was the first time she had been punished so humiliatingly by her. All the maids coming in and out saw her kneeling there. As Bai Qingyan draped the fox-fur cloak over her shoulders and stepped out of the Qinghui Courtyard, she saw Chen Qingsheng, who had been waiting at the door and joking with the sweeping maids, hastening over. He bowed to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± ¡°Speak as we walk,¡± Bai Qingyan said. ¡°Yes,¡± Chen Qingsheng said respectfully, bending slightly and lowering his voice. ¡°I found out that the six confidant maids accompanying the Second Young Lady as her dowry haven¡¯t been sold. It seems that the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s family searched the dowry but couldn¡¯t find their contracts. Eldest Young Lady, watch your step¡­¡± Chen Qingsheng reminded Bai Qingyan to avoid the icy path underfoot and continued, ¡°The gatekeeper at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion said his wife told him last night that, except for Mingyu, who was taken out of the mansion and arranged properly by Nanny Wu, the other five maids were all drowned!¡± Bai Qingyan halted her steps, glanced sideways at Chen Qingsheng, and wondered if he was telling her that Mingyu had betrayed her mistress. The dowry maids of Bai Jinxiu, chosen by their mother and second aunt, were simple and intelligent girls. Bai Qingyan had seen them on the wedding day. But five young lives drowned just like that. Mrs. Jiang, Madam of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, was indeed ruthless and vicious. Chen Qingsheng continued, ¡°To avoid having the clothes on the five maids traced back to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, Mrs. Jiang¡¯s Nanny Wu ordered their clothes stripped off, rolled them in straw mats, and threw them to the Burial Mound on a snowy night. The servants tasked with burying the bodies didn¡¯t understand the situation, found it hard to dig the frozen ground, and, thinking they were just drowned maids, didn¡¯t bother digging a proper grave, leaving the bodies in the snow hoping the heavy snow would cover them overnight before they went for drinks. The tavern owner said when they arrived, one seemed uneasy while the other reassured him that by the time the ice melted, the corpses would have been eaten by winter-foraging wild animals.¡± Rage flared in Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart, but she forced it down after a moment. ¡°Continue,¡± she said. ¡°I also found out from the steward of the private brothel that the Second Young Lady¡¯s head maid Mingyu¡¯s brother¡­ hired two brothel women yesterday, saying he had come into some unexpected wealth. I stayed vigilant and have now discovered that Mingyu was unharmed and moved to Mrs. Jiang¡¯s dowry manor.¡± ¡°Why do you always tell the Eldest Young Lady about filthy things¡­¡± Chun Tao said in a small voice, her ears turning red. ¡°Forgive me, Eldest Young Lady. It was my oversight!¡± Chen Qingsheng immediately knelt to ask for forgiveness. ¡°No matter, get up,¡± Bai Qingyan said. Chen Qingsheng was indeed clever and capable. Bai Qingyan had sent him to investigate the whereabouts of Bai Jinxiu¡¯s dowry maids. She hadn¡¯t expected him to find out so quickly and so thoroughly. ¡°You go wait at the Chuihua gate. You might have to make another trip soon,¡± Bai Qingyan said after thinking a moment. ¡°Send someone to the Burial Mound, find the bodies of the Second Young Lady¡¯s dowry maids, keep them under guard, and report it to the authorities. Don¡¯t let wild animals desecrate them. They are, after all, our Bai family members. Even if they¡¯re maids, they shouldn¡¯t die so unjustly, left to be exposed in the wilderness.¡± ¡°Yes, I understand,¡± Chen Qingsheng said. Chun Tao supported Bai Qingyan as they walked to the Green Bamboo Pavilion, sighing inwardly¡­ Back then, when Mingyu¡¯s black-hearted parents wanted to sell her to a brothel, it was the Second Young Lady who pitied her, bought her, and kept her close, giving her great face, making her a first-class maid. And now she had betrayed the Second Young Lady. Chun Tao couldn¡¯t help but think of Chun Yan, feeling her heart thud. She looked at Bai Qingyan, harboring a suspicion. ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­ do you no longer trust Chun Yan?¡± Knowing Chun Tao¡¯s keen sense and loyalty, Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t hide it. ¡°Chun Yan has grown up and her heart has grown fonder of King Liang. Can¡¯t you see her obvious attentiveness to him?¡± The reason Bai Qingyan still kept Chun Yan was merely to see what else King Liang would have Chun Yan do. Seeing Chun Yan¡¯s close interaction with those from King Liang¡¯s mansion, Bai Qingyan even suspected that the letter placed in Grandfather¡¯s room might be related to Chun Yan. Chun Tao pressed her lips together. No wonder the Eldest Young Lady had become distant from Chun Yan and from King Liang recently. But if this issue delayed the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s chance for a good marriage, Chun Tao thought, it was not worth it. When Bai Qingyan arrived at the Green Bamboo Pavilion, the Bai sisters were all gathered by the bed, chatting and laughing with Bai Jinxiu. As she stood in the courtyard, hearing the laughter and teasing from her sisters inside, her heart felt inexplicably cheerful. Bai Qingyan had lived through one previous life. In this life, she could endure any hardship and give up anything. All she needed was to ensure the safety of her elders and the carefree laughter of her sisters. Hearing the maids outside repeatedly calling ¡°Eldest Young Lady,¡± Bai Jinxiu quickly looked toward the door. Bai Jintong even came out to support Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Sister is here¡­¡± ¡°What are you all talking about? I heard laughter from afar,¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart softened considerably. She handed the hand warmer to Chun Tao and unfastened her cloak. Chun Tao quickly came forward to take the cloak and then stood properly behind Bai Qingyan, head down. Bai Jinzhi put down a handful of melon seeds she was holding, stood up, and greeted Bai Qingyan cheerfully. ¡°We were just talking about how yesterday, at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, you rendered the old shrew of a lady, Mrs. Jiang, so mad that she was practically steaming!¡± Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Human Nature Is Evil_1 Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Human Nature Is Evil_1 ¡°Eldest Young Lady is the most amazing!¡± Fifth Miss ran up to Bai Qingyan, tugging on Bai Qingyan¡¯s sleeve coquettishly, her eyes full of admiration. ¡°When I grow up, I want to be as amazing as Eldest Young Lady.¡± Bai Qingyan raised her hand to touch the small bun on Fifth Miss¡¯s head. Looking at her sister¡¯s carefree, sweet smile, a warm current dispelled the chill from her body, making her feel warm all over. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, please sit!¡± Bai Jintong pressed Bai Qingyan onto the stool and then chased out Fourth Miss Bai Jinzhi and Fifth and Sixth Misses, telling them to get some snacks from the kitchen for Bai Qingyan. Bai Jinxiu had already heard this morning from Bai Jintong about what Bai Qingyan had said to Qin Lang last night. Her eyes turned slightly red, and she choked, ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Knowing what Bai Jinxiu wanted to say, Bai Qingyan grasped Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand and gently patted it. She smiled softly at Bai Jinxiu and spoke slowly, ¡°This morning, Qin Lang came to our house, asking Grandmother to request an audience with the Empress Dowager to relinquish his Princely Heir position. Although Qin Lang won¡¯t have the title in the future, letting the world know that Mrs. Jiang is a cruel mother will give you an excuse to move out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence and live your own life behind closed doors.¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes grew hotter from Bai Qingyan¡¯s words. She felt more and more ashamed for not living up to the expectations when Bai Qingyan had given her the family sword. She nodded with a choked voice, ¡°I understand, Eldest Young Lady! Last night, I also said the same thing to the Princely Heir.¡± Seeing Bai Jinxiu¡¯s tears falling, Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart ached, and her eyes reddened. She used a handkerchief to wipe Bai Jinxiu¡¯s tears away. ¡°When the time comes, I¡¯ll have my mother and second aunt select some capable maids and servants for you. Without a domineering mother-in-law, everything will get better! Don¡¯t be afraid¡­ Our Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence and Grandmother are always behind you. In this Dadu City, no one can bully a daughter of the Bai family.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Qin Lang to be so courageous to make such a decision.¡± Bai Jintong sat next to Bai Qingyan, her eyes solemn. ¡°Let¡¯s hope that those two venomous snakes at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence, who have harmed Second Sister, will understand the power of our Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence and never dare to provoke Second Sister again.¡± ¡°A rotten apple spoils the barrel. Ten years of rot still stinks. Nature once evil, can it change? Difficult as ascending to heaven.¡± Bai Qingyan extended her hands towards the fire, looking at Bai Jinxiu with a faint smile. ¡°To make them behave, you must break their backbones with one strike, crush their supports! Let them know what pain and fear are, so that when they hear your Second Sister¡¯s name, their legs will tremble. Only then¡­ can your Second Sister find peace.¡± ¡°Support?! Eldest Young Lady, are you referring to Mrs. Jiang, the wife of the Marquis?¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes brightened. Once Bai Qingyan made a move, it was never a child¡¯s play to scare off the mother and daughter of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. The mother and daughter were good at behind-the-scenes schemes, like fleas; if not crushed, they would eventually rise and cause even more trouble for Bai Jinxiu. She did not want to leave any future troubles for Bai Jinxiu, nor did she want Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hands stained with such dirt. She decided to deal with Mrs. Jiang of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence thoroughly this time. Bai Qingyan asked, ¡°Where is the contract of the maidservant who came with you?¡± ¡°At the bottom layer of my jewelry box¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu knew Bai Qingyan would use it and signaled Bai Jintong to fetch it. ¡°The property deeds and servant contracts bestowed by Grandmother and Mother for my dowry are all there. I originally planned to retrieve them when I return home.¡± Bai Jintong got up and took the contract from the redwood inlaid jewelry box and handed it to Bai Qingyan. Bai Qingyan picked out Mingyu¡¯s contract and handed the rest back to Bai Jintong to keep. ¡°Keep these contracts well; they will be useful in the future.¡± ¡°Mingyu, she is¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu clenched the brocade under her, ¡°She¡­¡± Not wanting Bai Jinxiu, whose body was injured, to be stressed, she gently held Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand and advised, ¡°Your recovery is the priority. Don¡¯t trouble yourself with these ungrateful things. Leave it to capable people to handle.¡± Saying this, she turned and handed Mingyu¡¯s contract to Chun Tao, with a double meaning in her words, ¡°Tell your cousin that Mingyu is ungrateful. Although the Second Girl is kind-hearted, the heavens utterly reject traitors. If he handles this matter well, there will be a significant reward.¡± This would also show the servants in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence what the consequence of betrayal was. Chun Tao acknowledged, received the contract with both hands, and left the Green Bamboo Pavilion. ¡¤ That day, shortly after noon, the Eldest Princess brought Qin Lang back from the palace. The news that the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage had requested to relinquish his title spread throughout Dadu City. Madam Jiang of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence received the news and slumped into her chair, her legs weak as if they were made of mud, sweating profusely. ¡°Mother, isn¡¯t this a good thing? Why does your face look so bad?¡± Second Miss Qin cheerfully tugged at Mrs. Jiang¡¯s sleeve with a happy expression. With Qin Lang relinquishing his title, their brother would be able to inherit it. Mrs. Jiang had no strength left even to scold her daughter. She clutched her chest tightly, knowing that her reputation was ruined. Not only her reputation but also her children¡¯s future¡­ Who would dare marry a Qin family daughter or wed a Qin family son after this? Anger overcame her. She slapped Second Miss Qin, causing her to fall to the ground. Second Miss Qin covered her burning face with one hand, staring at Mrs. Jiang with teary eyes. ¡°Mother?! Why did you hit me?!¡± ¡°Fool! If it weren¡¯t for you and Bai Jinxiu quarreling and fighting, would things have escalated to this point?!¡± After scolding her daughter, Mrs. Jiang forced herself to remain calm. As long as the Emperor¡¯s decree had not been issued, there was still room for maneuver. It was too late to enter the palace today; tomorrow, she would beseech the Empress to ask the Emperor for mercy, to make a proper show as a good stepmother, declaring that only Qin Lang could be the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. Perhaps then, the situation could be salvaged. ¡°Nanny Wu!¡± Mrs. Jiang called out. Seeing the sallow-faced Nanny Wu entering from outside, she hurriedly instructed, ¡°Quickly send my calling card to the palace. I will enter the palace to meet the Empress Dowager tomorrow.¡± After saluting Mrs. Jiang, Nanny Wu said, ¡°Madam, there¡¯s trouble! Steward Xu from the estate came with injuries¡­ saying that today, someone from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, with a group of guards, stormed into your estate¡­ and took Mingyu away with her contract!¡± Mrs. Jiang fell back onto the chaise longue, almost losing consciousness. ¡°Madam! Madam!¡± Nanny Wu quickly supported her. ¡°Does the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence know everything? Do they know about us drowning those maids?¡± Mrs. Jiang clutched her chest, feeling breathless. ¡°Though it¡¯s not a big deal for a wealthy family to dispose of a few servants, Mingyu knows the ins and outs of everything. If she tells it all to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, it would be hard to explain to the Eldest Princess¡­¡± Nanny Wu worriedly glanced at Second Miss Qin, who was crying profusely. ¡°Mother!¡± Just thinking of the Eldest Princess¡¯s intimidating presence made Second Miss Qin¡¯s legs weak. She cried, clutching Mrs. Jiang¡¯s clothes, ¡°What should we do?! If the Eldest Princess finds out, she definitely won¡¯t let us go!¡± Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Calculations Full of Heart_1 Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Calculations Full of Heart_1 Mrs. Jiang hit a snag this time. Had she not heard from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage that the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen Mansion was doomed, she wouldn¡¯t have dared to act so arrogantly and handle Bai Jinxiu so carelessly. She was still impulsive. If she wanted to deal with Bai Jinxiu, she could have waited until the news of the deaths of the Duke of Zhen and the Bai men reached Dadu before making a move. Besides, the Bai family had an Eldest Princess behind them. She had been suppressed by Mrs. Dong for so many years and felt that her time to rise had finally come, so she did not curb her arrogance. Nanny Wu¡¯s eyes rolled. She poured a cup of tea for Mrs. Jiang and leaned in to speak, ¡°Madam, Second Lady, let¡¯s not rush! This old servant thinks even if the Eldest Princess knew about this, it wouldn¡¯t blow up beyond control. At most, it would scare you and the two young ladies of our mansion. Just think, as long as Bai Jinxiu is now part of the Qin family, things won¡¯t go well for her even if the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion is not good. She is the daughter-in-law of the Qin family and has to live under your thumb. Your virtue alone is enough to control Bai Jinxiu tightly! The Eldest Princess can¡¯t be ignorant of this!¡± Mrs. Jiang listened to Nanny Wu¡¯s words and nodded, quickly calming down. Thinking that the news from Nanjiang would come soon, her panicked mind gradually settled. Seeing that Mrs. Jiang¡¯s complexion had improved significantly, Nanny Wu continued, ¡°Moreover! Didn¡¯t the Bai family¡¯s Miss Bai claim that Bai Jinxiu¡¯s martial arts skills and swimming abilities surpassed those of most men in Dadu City? She could get up after being stabbed on the front line, so how could she not survive a slight knock against a stone in our Marquis Mansion? She was almost dead during the day in our mansion but awoke as soon as she returned to the Duke of Zhen Mansion? This was merely an accident where the two young ladies played with her and she accidentally fell into the water. Yet she makes a fuss clearly to leverage this to control you as her mother-in-law. She has no virtue as a wife!¡± Thinking of how Miss Bai had her tied up and humiliated in the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion today, Nanny Wu was infuriated! She was the most favored nanny of the Marchioness of Loyalty and Courage. If she couldn¡¯t deal with Miss Bai, couldn¡¯t she at least torment Bai Jinxiu? She had to vent this anger. Mrs. Jiang¡¯s chest heaved with anger. ¡°The Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion is indeed full of schemers! I knew she had this intention! She is dreaming!¡± ¡°Madam, don¡¯t be angry! This old servant suggests that madam endure for a while. When Bai Jinxiu returns to our mansion, you, as her mother-in-law, can impose rules on her. Even the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion can¡¯t find fault!¡± Nanny Wu soothed Mrs. Jiang¡¯s back and spoke in a low voice. Mrs. Jiang let out a long breath, straightened her back, and said, ¡°You are right! However, we must show a humble and lowly attitude to others! Nanny Wu, prepare a lavish gift. Tomorrow after we leave the palace, we will visit the Eldest Princess and then bring Bai Jinxiu back to the mansion. You go to the storeroom and select the best millennial ginseng. ¡°The more precious, the better!¡± ¡°Madam is large-hearted. As a mother-in-law, you condescend to visit your daughter-in-law. There¡¯s no other mother-in-law like you in all of Dadu City! This old servant will go prepare now!¡± Nanny Wu quickly went out to have someone open the storeroom. Mrs. Jiang picked up the tea cup and took a sip, hoping to hear soon the news of the deaths of the Bai men in Nanjiang. Only when she saw Mrs. Dong of the Duke of Zhen Mansion crying would her heart be truly satisfied. When she was a girl, Mrs. Dong¡¯s family background and talents overshadowed Mrs. Jiang¡¯s in every aspect. Mrs. Jiang, due to the decline of her family, was forced to bow to Mrs. Dong, always hoping for a day to overturn her fate. Later, she married into the prestigious Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion. Even as a second wife, she finally managed to outweigh Mrs. Dong. But she didn¡¯t know which incense Mrs. Dong burned correctly. Within a few years, Mrs. Dong married the heir of the Duke of Zhen Mansion, whose title was higher than her own family¡¯s. She had been infertile for two years after entering the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion, but as soon as Mrs. Dong entered the Duke of Zhen Mansion, she got pregnant. Ten months later, Mrs. Dong gave birth to a daughter. Mrs. Jiang finally sighed in relief. But who knew the Duke of Zhen and the Eldest Princess doted on the girl child like a treasure, loving her even more than the boys in the mansion! Mrs. Jiang was enraged. All these years she held her breath, not wanting to fall too far behind Mrs. Dong, hoping her son Qin Lang would err so that her own son could become the Princely Heir of the Marquis. But heaven did not comply with her wishes! Now, heaven had finally opened its eyes. Mrs. Dong¡¯s husband and son died in Nanjiang, and the entire line of men of the Duke of Zhen Mansion was destroyed. In the future, Dadu City would no longer have a place for the Bai family. She finally breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking of Mrs. Dong¡¯s future misery, Mrs. Jiang felt a bit relieved, deciding that for now, she should endure a bit longer and allow the Duke of Zhen Mansion a few more days of arrogance. Mrs. Jiang¡¯s plans were meticulous, but before she could send her card to the palace, the Emperor approved Qin Lang¡¯s request to become the Princely Heir and sent an eunuch with lavish rewards. ¡°The son of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Lang, does not wish to rely on ancestral grace and idly end his life. Full of loyalty and courage, he seeks to earn merits and serve the Emperor. He should be a model for the sons of noble families. Grant 100 taels of gold, a house, and hope Qin Lang studies diligently. Next year at the imperial examination, I¡­ eagerly await.¡± Kneeling at the forefront of the people in the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion, Qin Lang¡¯s eyes immediately filled with tears. He solemnly kowtowed and received the decree gratefully. The eunuch, smiling broadly, looked at the standing Qin Lang with red-rimmed eyes and said, ¡°Young Master¡¯s resolute spirit is admirable! The Empress Dowager asked me to convey to you that His Majesty regards you highly. Do not disappoint His Majesty¡¯s expectations, and be the exemplary son of nobility. Moving to a new house and walking a new path, your future is bright.¡± Upon hearing the Empress Dowager¡¯s words, Qin Lang immediately knelt down and solemnly kowtowed again. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, for your concern! Qin Lang¡­ will certainly not disappoint Your Majesty and Empress Dowager. I will work diligently and stand on my own!¡± The face of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage turned livid. Although the Emperor personally awarded Qin Lang, Qin Lang had sought the position of Princely Heir without consulting him as his father but instead asked the Eldest Princess for help. Moreover, bestowing a house and the Empress Dowager¡¯s instruction for Qin Lang to move in and start anew clearly highlighted the discord within the Marquis Mansion, which would make him a laughingstock among the city¡¯s nobles the next day. The marquis turned around, his fierce gaze glaring at Mrs. Jiang, whose face instantly turned ashen, trembling like a leaf. Mrs. Jiang knew that this time, not only had she brought shame to her husband, the marquis, but her reputation was also utterly ruined. She had hoped for years that Qin Lang would make a mistake, and the position of Princely Heir would fall to her own son! But now that Qin Lang willingly relinquished the heir title, this position turned into a hot potato. She felt humiliated at the thought of her own son taking it. Qin Lang placed the imperial decree on the incense table and was about to return to his courtyard when the marquis called him. With a wave of his hand, the marquis slapped Qin Lang so hard that half of his face went numb. Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Chapter 26: To Be Used_1 Chapter 26: Chapter 26: To Be Used_1 ¡°You unfilial and rebellious thing! Such an important matter as requesting to relinquish the Princely Heir position, and you didn¡¯t even say a word! Do you think this position is like carrots and cabbage, something you can just discard if you want? You even alarmed the Eldest Princess! You are using the reputation of our Marquis Mansion to fight for your own future!¡± Qin Lang¡¯s eyes reddened, his throat tightened. After a moment of silence, he stepped back and bowed deeply to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. ¡°Since mother passed away, you remarried. No matter how I adhered to filial piety, the stepmother was displeased. Despite my diligent studies, you were dissatisfied. I couldn¡¯t understand why. Until this autumn, I saw my younger brother around you and mother. You praised his talent, remarkable and fluent. Stepmother wept, questioning why the younger brother was not the eldest son, lamenting the injustice of ancestral rules and rites. Only then did I realize your favored choice for the Princely Heir was my younger brother. I have no great talent and know I can¡¯t relieve your worries, which would be unfilial. Reflecting on myself, I request to relinquish the Princely Heir position to redeem myself. It was not out of unfilial intent. I will soon move out of the Marquis Mansion. I earnestly wish for the mansion¡¯s harmony, your health, and my wife¡¯s safety. I plead for your forgiveness!¡± The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s pupils trembled. He watched Qin Lang rise, bow deeply again, and turn to leave. His lips quivered as he raised his hand, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t call out to Qin Lang. Bai Qingyan sweated from her evening exercise after dinner. Her body began to adapt, no longer as sore as the previous days. After bathing, Chun Yan was drying Bai Qingyan¡¯s hair with a cloth while she sat under the lamp reading a book. Chun Tao came in with hot tea. ¡°First Miss, your cousin has completed the task you assigned. It¡¯s late, so he didn¡¯t come into the inner house. He sent me to inform you.¡± Chun Tao placed the hot tea beside Bai Qingyan. Chen Qingsheng was a very intelligent person. Bai Qingyan had no further concerns about him. Even though she had spoken implicitly today, Chen Qingsheng clearly understood what needed to be done. Bai Qingyan looked up from her book and asked, ¡°How did your cousin handle it?¡± Chun Tao initially did not want these dirty matters to tarnish Bai Qingyan¡¯s ears. But since Bai Qingyan asked, Chun Tao had no reason to hide it. ¡°My cousin had Lu Ping lead people to the manor of Mrs. Jiang in the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s Mansion. They used a contract to forcefully take Mingyu away, tied her up, and brought her into the city with a fanfare, delivering her to her family¡¯s home. He said¡­ Mingyu betrayed her masters. Though Second Miss didn¡¯t hold a grudge for her years of service, she dared not use her again. So, she was sent back home, allowing her family a chance to redeem her with money. They must take care in the future.¡± Chen Qingsheng handled it beautifully¡­ The Bai Mansion¡¯s reputation should not be stained. Feeling satisfied, Bai Qingyan closed her book and placed it on the small chicken-wing wood table, knowing there was more. She took a sip of tea and said, ¡°Continue¡­¡± ¡°Mingyu¡¯s brother feared the Duke of Zhen Kingdom¡¯s power. He scraped together money and borrowed from a pawnshop to repay our mansion. Before my cousin left, he subtly warned Mingyu¡¯s brother. Later, a servant from the pawnshop further reminded him. Mingyu¡¯s brother claimed family misfortune, broke her legs, and sold her to a private brothel as a lowly prostitute.¡± Bai Qingyan put down her teacup, confirming Chen Qingsheng was indeed valuable. Her eyes gleamed with a smile as she asked, ¡°What else?¡± Chun Tao blushed and continued, ¡°My cousin said you need not worry, he had informed the right people. Mingyu is now the lowest of brothel workers, as long as she breathes¡­¡± Chun Tao couldn¡¯t go on. Understanding, Chun Yan shivered. ¡°This¡­ Chen Qingsheng usually appears so gentle and carefree. How could he act so ruthlessly? After all¡­ he did know Mingyu.¡± Turning Mingyu into the lowest prostitute, to serve as long as she breathes, truly the epitome of degradation. Chun Tao cautiously watched Bai Qingyan, worrying she might find Chen Qingsheng too cruel and heartless. ¡°Your cousin did very well! It will show those harboring disloyal thoughts the consequences of betrayal.¡± Bai Qingyan smiled at Chun Tao. ¡°Tomorrow, give your cousin a hundred taels of silver as a reward.¡± ¡°Maid thanks you on behalf of my cousin.¡± Bai Qingyan looked at Chun Yan¡¯s pale face. ¡°Go to the small kitchen and see if the sheep milk custard is ready and take it to Second Miss.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Tao perceptively took the cloth to continue drying Bai Qingyan¡¯s hair. Once Chun Yan left, Bai Qingyan said, ¡°Tell your cousin to do two more things for me¡­¡± ¡°Anything you command, Miss.¡± Bai Qingyan picked up her book and turned a page nonchalantly. ¡°The matter of Mrs. Jiang ordering the drowning of Second Miss¡¯s dowry maid, you can start spreading it!¡± Previously, Bai Jinxiu was injured and fell into water, her life in danger, and was taken back to the Duke of Zhen Kingdom¡¯s mansion. Then, the Duke of Zhen Kingdom publicly exposed Mingyu¡¯s betrayal from Mrs. Jiang¡¯s dowry manor, sending her back to her family. Now, the citizens of Dadu City, both commoners and nobility, were already speculating about Bai Jinxiu¡¯s incident. The Duke of Zhen Kingdom¡¯s mansion was tight-lipped, not leaking a single word. With no definitive information, idle people from backyards and taverns were driven curious to distraction. At this time, revealing the death of the servant girl from Mrs. Jiang¡¯s manor would not only give people fodder for a grand drama but also put the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion¡¯s reputation at stake. Step by step, revealing incident after incident, in a steady pace would captivate the audience, keeping all eyes on the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion. Then, it would be up to the Marquis whether to protect Mrs. Jiang or preserve the mansion¡¯s reputation. ¡°Before making it public¡­ send someone to the village heads of the dowry maids to erase their slave status, allowing them to be properly buried as free individuals after the matter is settled.¡± Chun Tao never questioned Bai Qingyan¡¯s arrangements and promptly replied, ¡°Yes, once I assist you to rest, I will inform my cousin!¡± ¡°Additionally, three days later, grandmother will send someone to the manor to bring two people. Grandmother and I wish to test their character; let your cousin handle it.¡± Regarding the uncle¡¯s offspring left outside, Mrs. Liu was angered but still agreed. After all, she knew about the uncle¡¯s romantic involvement with a girl who saved him during his travels. As for the extra child, the mansion already had concubine-born children, and she treated them equally. It was just adding another place at the table, she didn¡¯t want to make a fuss. Bai Qingyan turned to look at Chun Tao with a smile, her gaze affectionate. ¡°Your cousin is indeed capable. After the New Year, I plan to let him train outside for two or three years. He can easily become a steward, and I can then safely entrust you to him.¡± Chun Tao blushed deeply and coyly said, ¡°Miss!¡± Seeing Chun Tao¡¯s red cheeks and bashful eyes, Bai Qingyan lightly patted her hand, smiling gently. Chun Tao had been with her for many years, and her thoughts couldn¡¯t be hidden from Bai Qingyan. In her previous life, Chun Tao had followed her to the southern borders to protect her, even before marrying Chen Qingsheng, they were separated by life and death. In this life¡­ Bai Qingyan vowed to see Chun Tao married gloriously, happily spending her life with her beloved. Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Shenanigans_1 Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Shenanigans_1 The next morning, Bai Qingyan had just finished her breakfast when a young maid reported that the families of the five maidservants who had accompanied Bai Jinxiu were kneeling at the mansion gate, tearfully begging to know where their daughters had been sold. They had heard that the Second Young Lady Bai was compassionate and had allowed Mingyu¡¯s family to buy back their unfaithful daughter. They thought that even though their daughters might not serve well, they were at least loyal. So perhaps they could buy them back too. Poor families were usually unwilling to send their daughters to brothels. Out of desperation, they sent them to noble households as servants, hoping that their children could at least have a meal and not starve to death. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence had always been known for its loyalty and kindness. Having their daughters serve the Second Young Lady Bai was a blessing. But if they were resold, they feared their daughters might end up like Mingyu, who had been sold into a brothel, unable to live or die. Bai Qingyan covered her mouth with a cloth and spat the rinse water into a spittoon before speaking. ¡°Chun Tao, go to the Second Young Lady and fetch the contracts of the five maids. Hand them to Steward Hao. Have him send a sharp-tongued steward to return the contracts to the maids¡¯ parents. Tell them that the Second Young Lady fell into the water and has been unconscious, so she doesn¡¯t know where the five maids were sold. Now, our house is sending people to inquire. Any human trafficker who dares to take people without seeing their contracts will be reported to the authorities by our Duke¡¯s residence.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Tao responded and quickly ran to the Green Bamboo Pavilion where Bai Jinxiu resided. Upon receiving the orders, Steward Hao immediately sent Steward Liu, who handled purchases, to bring the contracts to the gate. Before Steward Liu left, Steward Hao stroked his beard and pondered for a moment. ¡°Early this morning, I received instructions from the Princely Heir¡¯s wife to send people to find a few human traffickers in the city to inquire about the Second Young Lady¡¯s maidservants. The Princely Heir¡¯s wife did not ask the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s wife but had our house investigate instead. Plus, our son-in-law has already requested to give up his position as Princely Heir. This shows that our house is bound to break ties with the Marquis¡¯s mansion. So, you need not worry about them being in-laws. Just explain the grievances of the Second Young Lady clearly!¡± ¡°Rest assured, Steward Hao!¡± Steward Liu understood perfectly. As soon as Steward Liu stepped out of the gate, he saw not only the parents of the five maidservants but also a large crowd of onlookers. He immediately ordered the servants to help the parents up. With reddened eyes, Steward Liu said, ¡°Everyone, I am truly sorry! Our Second Young Lady suffered a great calamity. She was knocked unconscious and thrown into the lake. After being carried back, still unconscious, several Imperial Physicians worked tirelessly to snatch her from the hands of King of Hell. When she woke up and learned that her maidservants had been sold by her mother-in-law, she fainted again. When she regained consciousness, she couldn¡¯t believe it because the contracts were still in her hands. Which human trafficker would dare to take people without contracts? So, early today, the Princely Heir¡¯s wife already sent people to inquire about the maidservants with the human traffickers in the city.¡± Then, Steward Liu took out the contracts of the five maids from his chest and had their parents come forward to claim them. After handing out the contracts, Steward Liu said, ¡°Our Second Young Lady commanded me to return the contracts to you. Once we find your daughters, if they are willing to stay and serve the Second Young Lady, she will treat them as family, and they won¡¯t be mistreated. If they don¡¯t wish to stay, the Second Young Lady will send them back to you with a generous dowry when they marry, to honor the master-servant relationship. Our First Young Lady is grateful because your daughters were sold to protect our Second Young Lady. She has already sent people to the village heads to remove your daughters¡¯ slave status. When they return, they will be legitimate citizens.¡± ¡°Great kindness from the First and Second Young Ladies!¡± The parents of the maidservants immediately kowtowed in thanks. ¡°But, what if we can¡¯t find our poor daughters?¡± Steward Liu clasped his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since the maidservants came from the Duke¡¯s residence, if we can¡¯t find them, we will definitely report to the authorities!¡± The onlookers praised the Bai family for its righteousness. ¡°Look at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, showing such loyalty to the people. They even care for their servants like this! The five maidservants were sold because of the Second Young Lady; not only are they looking for them, but they are also removing their slave status. This is indeed a great grace.¡± ¡°That Second Young Lady of the Bai family has had such hard luck to end up with such an in-law!¡± ¡°The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s wife must have quite a character. Servants are like dowries that their mistresses can walk on. She dared to sell them without even getting the contracts. Shameless!¡± ¡°What do you know? There must be some inside story here!¡± one observer said deeply. ¡°Think about it. The Duke¡¯s residence is ready to break ties with the Marquis¡¯s mansion to bring back the Second Young Lady, who was half-dead. Then there¡¯s the maid Mingyu, who was found on the properties of the Marquis¡¯s wife. Of the six maidservants, she was the only one not sold. Can¡¯t you see the ulterior motives?¡± ¡°Yeah, and then Crown Prince Qin resigned from his position as Princely Heir. Tsk, tsk¡­ such deep waters in these meritorious families!¡± ¡°There¡¯s truth in the saying that when a stepmother arrives, a stepfather follows. Crown Prince Qin isn¡¯t having it easy either! The daughters of the Duke¡¯s residence would rather break than bend. The Marquis¡¯s wife probably feared she couldn¡¯t control her daughter-in-law, so she used the daughters as an excuse to¡­¡± Someone made a throat-slitting gesture. ¡°Those five maidservants are probably already dead! Think about it, the contracts are still with the Second Young Lady of the Bai family! Which human trafficker would dare to take them without the contracts? The Marquis¡¯s wife must know what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°Those five maidservants must have met their demise! With the contracts still in the Second Young Lady¡¯s hands, which human trafficker would dare to accept them? Only the Marquis¡¯s wife knows what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°And then there was the maid who was once by the Second Young Lady¡¯s side. She must know the truth¡­ that unfaithful one, Mingyu, who was sold into a brothel after her brother broke her leg. Pity she¡¯s gone mad, babbling nonsense. She kept smiling and saying, ¡®The Marquis¡¯s wife promised her to be Crown Prince Qin¡¯s concubine.''¡± ¡°You know so much detail; have you been to that brothel?¡± The onlookers burst into laughter. An observant person spotted the Marquis¡¯s carriage from afar and shouted, ¡°Isn¡¯t that the carriage from the Marquis¡¯s mansion?!¡± ¡°Well, well, does the Marquis¡¯s mansion have the nerve to come to the Duke¡¯s residence!¡± ¡°Shh! Do you want to die?! Do you know what kind of people the Marquis¡¯s mansion harbors? It¡¯s okay to gossip behind their backs, but if they hear this and bear a grudge, you won¡¯t even know where to cry!¡± As the Marquis¡¯s carriage stopped in front of the Duke¡¯s residence gate, the onlookers fell silent, casting disdainful glances at the Marquis¡¯s wife as she alighted from the carriage. Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Asking for Punishment _1 Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Asking for Punishment _1 The parents of the five maids beside Bai Jinxiu hated Mrs. Marquis of Loyalty and Courage deeply, but due to her power, they could only stand aside timidly, heads down and not daring to speak. Mrs. Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Mrs. Jiang, with rich gifts, grandly arrived at the Duke of Zhen Mansion, saying she came to greet the Eldest Princess and also wanted to take Bai Jinxiu back to the Marquis Mansion for care. The Second Lady, Mrs. Liu, unwilling to see Mrs. Jiang, asked Mrs. Dong, the wife of the Princely Heir, to deal with her, while she herself stayed firmly in the Green Bamboo Pavilion to accompany the injured Bai Jinxiu. Mrs. Jiang entered without being welcomed by the masters and was instead invited in by a rough maid in the Duke of Zhen Mansion. Though she came to show submission, she still felt resentment for being neglected and couldn¡¯t hide her malicious intentions, revealing them on her face. She planned how she would vent her anger once the news of the Duke of Zhen Mansion¡¯s men being killed came back. Nanny Wu supported Mrs. Jiang as they walked into the Duke of Zhen Mansion, with her mouth pursed, saying, ¡°This Duke Mansion is too neglectful of the madam.¡± Hearing Nanny Wu¡¯s grievance on her behalf, Mrs. Jiang¡¯s mood calmed down. She said with a smile, ¡°Yesterday you still advised me, how come today it¡¯s you who can¡¯t hold your temper? After all, Bai Jinxiu is my daughter-in-law. If their Duke Mansion disrespects me, can I give Bai Jinxiu a good face? As long as I can take Bai Jinxiu back today and keep Qin Lang from moving out of the Marquis Mansion, the Marquis¡¯s face will look better! Anyway, the days are still long¡­ let¡¯s just wait and see.¡± ¡°Madam is wise!¡± Nanny Wu said with a flattering smile, supporting Mrs. Jiang as they walked towards the inner courtyard. Nanny Wu had followed Mrs. Jiang for many years and understood her temperament well. If she hadn¡¯t complained earlier, Mrs. Jiang would have been unable to hold her anger when she met the wife of the Princely Heir of the Duke of Zhen Mansion later. By complaining first, Mrs. Jiang would feel she possessed great tolerance and would manage to hide her emotions deep inside. Just as they walked into the Duke of Zhen Mansion through the Chuihua gate, Mrs. Jiang saw the steward nanny beside the wife of the Princely Heir, standing there. When Mrs. Jiang approached, Nanny Qin smiled and bowed, saying, ¡°Greetings to the Marquis¡¯s wife, the Eldest Princess just sent a maid over, saying she doesn¡¯t feel well today and won¡¯t be seeing the Marquis¡¯s wife! The Second Lady is busy taking care of our Second Young Lady, and can¡¯t come either. Our wife of the Princely Heir, along with the Eldest Young Lady and the Third Young Lady, are waiting for the Marquis¡¯s wife and sent me to greet you.¡± Upon hearing that Miss Bai was also present, Nanny Wu¡¯s old face twitched in fear. It should be known that Miss Bai had been on the battlefield, having seen blood and killed people! Mrs. Jiang¡¯s face did not look much better. It was understandable that the Eldest Princess would not see her, but what position did Mrs. Liu hold to act haughty? Did she think she could look down on her? Although being received by the wife of the Princely Heir was not considered a disgrace, that Miss Bai was entirely unruly; she seemed gentle and polite but exuded a murderous aura when speaking. That day at their Marquis Mansion gate, even their Marquis was speechless, how could Mrs. Jiang not feel frightened meeting her? Though she was unhappy, Mrs. Jiang still had to put on the demeanor of an elder, saying, ¡°Miss Bai is weak, how can she not rest well, making me feel uneasy.¡± Nanny Qin led the way, hearing Mrs. Jiang comment on Bai Qingyan¡¯s health, she rolled her eyes internally but did not show it. Without responding, she straightened her back and led the way. Mrs. Jiang felt slighted, waved her handkerchief, and said no more. Nanny Qin led Mrs. Jiang into the house, where Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan, along with Bai Jintong, were laughing and talking, showing obvious signs of neglect, which immediately enraged Mrs. Jiang. Mrs. Jiang walked in with a smile, saying, ¡°I must have come at the wrong time today. I wanted to greet the Eldest Princess, but she is unwell! Even my in-law has to take care of Jinxiu and can¡¯t come!¡± Mrs. Dong, hearing the sarcastic remark, glanced at Mrs. Jiang with her phoenix eyes, recalling what Fourth Miss Bai Jinzhi had said. That day at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, Mrs. Jiang had ridiculed Bai Qingyan¡¯s health and age. Mrs. Dong, now full of hatred for Mrs. Jiang, gave her no pleasant look. Mrs. Dong withdrew a handkerchief to press the corner of her lips, looking at Mrs. Jiang with a stern face, saying, ¡°Hearing the Marquis¡¯s wife, it sounds as if my mother¡¯s illness came at an inconvenient time just when you arrived. And my second sister-in-law has no sense of priority, leaving such a distinguished Marquis¡¯s wife unattended to take care of her dying daughter.¡± Mrs. Jiang¡¯s throat tightened, humiliated and unable to maintain her smile. Known for her virtuous and kind reputation, Mrs. Dong had always been a matronly model. But Bai Qingyan knew her mother was formidable and fiercely protective. For anyone who bullied her children, Mrs. Dong would fear nothing. Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong still adhered to the formalities, and they stood up to greet Mrs. Jiang with a brief salute. Bai Qingyan sat down and asked with a smile, ¡°The Marquis¡¯s wife visits today, is it to have the Duke of Zhen Mansion welcome you at the main gate to show off your noble status? Upon arrival, you immediately start questioning the faults of my grandmother and second aunt?!¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, Mrs. Jiang felt a rush of fear, remembering the fright Bai Qingyan had given her at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion gate that day. Mrs. Jiang¡¯s palms were sweating. She knew that today was different from the past. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage had made mistakes, and they had to lower their faces and submit to ease the Duke of Zhen Mansion¡¯s anger. But the way Mrs. Dong and Miss Bai spoke was infuriating. Mrs. Jiang¡¯s nails were about to dig into her skin when she finally conceded, saying, ¡°How dare I question the Eldest Princess!¡± ¡°So, the Marquis¡¯s wife blames my second aunt¡­¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s face turned cold immediately, ¡°I thought the Marquis¡¯s wife visited today to apologize, but it turns out you came to find fault!¡± Mrs. Jiang, already narrow-minded, felt insulted by a mere concubine-born girl challenging her, her face turned black: ¡°A concubine-born dares to shout at me, Mrs. Dong, don¡¯t you manage your daughters? Aren¡¯t you afraid of others questioning your family upbringing if this gets out?!¡± Mrs. Dong heavily placed her teacup down and glared at Mrs. Jiang in displeasure: ¡°The Marquis¡¯s wife should worry more about your own family¡¯s upbringing! Your two legitimate daughters even plan to harm their new sister-in-law¡¯s life over small disputes! You extend your hand into your daughter-in-law¡¯s dowry, selling off her maids when she was gravely injured and unconscious. This has spread all over Dadu City, and all the noble families are laughing about it! Instead of thinking about how to recover your family¡¯s reputation, you have the gall to judge the Duke of Zhen Mansion¡¯s upbringing, truly shameless!¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s words trampled Mrs. Jiang¡¯s dignity deep into the mud. ¡°You!¡± Mrs. Jiang¡¯s chest heaved violently, trembling with anger, unable to utter a word. Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Generations of Stubbornness_1 Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Generations of Stubbornness_1 Nanny Wu knew today¡¯s purpose was to fetch Bai Jinxiu and stop Qin Lang from moving out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion. She quickly smiled to smooth things over. ¡°Oh, Madam Crown Princess, you¡¯ve misunderstood! Our madam didn¡¯t mean it that way! No matter what, our madam would never dare to have the Eldest Princess welcome her! Our madam is just concerned about the Eldest Princess and our young madam. She has a good heart but speaks poorly. How could it be an accusation?¡± Nanny Wu smiled apologetically and subtly tugged at Mrs. Jiang¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Our madam heard the young madam woke up and came specifically to take her back to the mansion. Since we¡¯re here, we must pay our respects to the Eldest Princess. Hearing that the Eldest Princess was ill and feeling it was an inappropriate time, she just said a word! Madam Crown Princess, you and our madam have known each other since childhood. Don¡¯t you know her?¡± Mrs. Jiang stifled her anger, nearly tearing the handkerchief in her hand, and said, ¡°That¡¯s right! Madam Crown Princess and I have known each other since childhood. This is just a misunderstanding.¡± Mrs. Dong did not respond to Mrs. Jiang¡¯s words at all. Hand adorned with a fine jade bracelet resting on the armrest, her demeanor as the head mistress was far more dignified than Mrs. Jiang¡¯s. ¡°So, you came today to apologize?¡± ¡°And to bring Jinxiu back to the mansion. After all, Jinxiu is already a member of the Qin family. It¡¯s inappropriate for her to stay at her maiden home, lest people laugh,¡± Mrs. Jiang said. ¡°Jiang Fengchun, stop circling around! Yesterday, His Majesty issued an edict granting Qin Lang a residence. Once Qin Lang moves out, it signifies the discord within the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion. The incident where your daughters harmed our Jinxiu will be exposed! Realizing there¡¯s no way out, you came to our Duke¡¯s Mansion, intending to take Jinxiu back, hoping to control Qin Lang and prevent him from moving out to save your mansion¡¯s face, correct?¡± Suddenly being exposed by Mrs. Dong, Mrs. Jiang¡¯s face turned even worse. Nanny Wu quickly chimed in, ¡°Madam Crown Princess, our madam is also thinking for the family. In a family, we shouldn¡¯t speak as if we¡¯re from different households! You say¡­ with both parents still here, how can he move out? Look at the prosperous Zhen Duke¡¯s Mansion, isn¡¯t it because they haven¡¯t separated the family that they have someone like Bai Qingyan? If the princely heir moves out while his parents are alive, others might question his filial piety in the future.¡± A nanny wasn¡¯t someone Mrs. Dong deemed worthy of responding to. She simply lifted her teacup. Bai Qingyan slowly asked, ¡°Are these words from the madam?¡± Mrs. Jiang, unwilling to speak to Bai Qingyan, wanted to drink tea but found that Mrs. Dong had not even offered a cup. She flung her handkerchief in anger. ¡°I¡¯m doing this for the good of Qin Lang and his wife.¡± ¡°Madam, you speak boldly. The Empress Dowager ordered my brother-in-law to move to a new house and take a new path. Yet, you say not letting him move out is for his good. Are you suggesting you¡¯re wiser than the Empress Dowager?¡± Bai Jintong raised her eyebrows. Mrs. Jiang¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She wouldn¡¯t dare question the Empress Dowager¡¯s words even if she had the guts. ¡°Watch your tongue!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze was intense, her voice soft. ¡°Madam came today without bringing your two daughters to apologize to my second sister. You entered our Duke¡¯s Mansion with an attitude and then wanted to take my second sister back! Do you think the Bai family fears your mansion, or do you think we¡¯re foolish enough to send my second sister back to suffer?¡± ¡°Let me be clear¡­¡± Bai Jintong spoke slowly. ¡°The other day when brother-in-law came to apologize in person, my second sister told him¡­ she endured your daughter¡¯s stone attack to clear the way for him to leave the mansion. If he doesn¡¯t have the courage to move out, he¡¯s unworthy of a Bai family daughter, and divorce is inevitable. Even if it means mutual destruction, she would request a divorce paper and never live with him again!¡± Mrs. Jiang and Nanny Wu both widened their eyes. They never expected Bai Jinxiu, who seemed so gentle and weak, to use such a ruthless tactic! Divorce?! How could a reputable family tolerate divorce? Mrs. Jiang¡¯s hands trembled with anger. Bai Jinxiu was so vicious! This was clearly pushing her to the brink! Bai Qingyan¡¯s cold gaze swept over Nanny Wu as she sneered. ¡°Now that His Majesty has issued an edict, and the Empress Dowager has given clear instructions, who dares use filial piety to speak of Qin Lang¡¯s future, it¡¯s an accusation against His Majesty and the Empress Dowager! Qin Lang has packed and is ready to move out, with great days ahead for my second sister. But madam¡­ hasn¡¯t your years of scheming been for this princely heir position? Now that Qin Lang is openly giving it up, why don¡¯t you dare accept it?¡± Nanny Wu broke into a cold sweat. She had just spoken about filial piety. ¡°Dong Wanjun, I came today, kindly, to bring Bai Jinxiu back! Ask around Dadu City, how many mothers-in-law are as magnanimous as I am! Yet, I get nothing in return?! Haven¡¯t had a sip of tea, and now these two children from your Duke¡¯s Mansion are stepping on me!¡± Mrs. Jiang, also furious, called Mrs. Dong by her full name and slammed the table. ¡°Even as a stepmother, Qin Lang¡¯s father, our marquis, is still present! Family shouldn¡¯t separate while parents are alive; your second daughter, encouraging Qin Lang to move out right after marriage, defies filial piety! Aren¡¯t you afraid of becoming the target of public criticism?¡± Mrs. Dong blew on her tea slowly, too lazy to argue. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking? You believe that since the Bai Mansion married a daughter into your mansion and you¡¯re the legitimate mother-in-law, our Bai Mansion would hold you in esteem for Jinxiu¡¯s future! But Jiang Fengchun, the Bai family has tough bones that aren¡¯t easily chewed. Reflect on whether your teeth are strong enough before you come again.¡± ¡°Dong Wanjun!¡± Mrs. Jiang rose, slamming the table, and threw her handkerchief. ¡°We shall see! You will regret this!¡± Nanny Wu barely managed to restrain the furious Mrs. Jiang, winking continuously. ¡°Madam, the young madam¡¯s injury angered the Crown Princess who¡¯s her family. Watch your temper; misunderstandings between our families could remain unresolved otherwise!¡± Bai Qingyan, looking at Mrs. Jiang about to storm out, spoke slowly. ¡°Speaking of my second sister¡¯s injury, may I ask madam, where did you sell my second sister¡¯s dowry maids after she fell unconscious? The parents of those five dowry maids are kneeling at our Duke¡¯s Mansion gate, asking. I¡¯m curious what kind of powerful backer dares take them when their contracts are in my second sister¡¯s possession! Or¡­ are the five maids in a plight like Mingyu, kept on your estate?¡± Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Involved in it_1 Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Involved in it_1 Nanny Wu¡¯s heart was pounding uncontrollably. Nanny Wu waited for Mrs. Jiang to deal with the maidservants before she remembered the contract of the maidservants¡¯ indenture. Unfortunately, up until now, she hadn¡¯t been able to find the contracts in Bai Jinxiu¡¯s dowry. The original plan was to keep Mingyu behind. If the Duke¡¯s Mansion pursued the matter, Mingyu, the personal maid, would step forward and claim that Bai Jinxiu had personally ordered her to give the contracts to Mrs. Jiang. But who could have expected that the Duke¡¯s Mansion would send someone with Mingyu¡¯s contract to forcibly take her from Mrs. Jiang¡¯s estate? Needless to say, the other five maidservants¡¯ contracts must still be at the Duke¡¯s Mansion. Before Nanny Wu could deliberate on how to speak, the guilty Mrs. Jiang had already lost her temper: ¡°Bai Jinxiu just entered the Qin family, yet she doesn¡¯t think about honoring her in-laws. She disregards wifely virtues and uses deceit to instigate her husband to split from the family. And you have the nerve to ask me about those maidservants! If I, as her mother-in-law, beat Bai Jinxiu to death, no one in the world would say a word against it! Nanny Wu, leave now!¡± Nanny Wu, covered in sweat, followed Mrs. Jiang. ¡°Madam, if you leave this door today with the idea of spreading rumors that my second sister conspired with Qin Lang to move out of the Marquis Mansion, slandering her, I advise you to think twice! Our Duke¡¯s Mansion will deny everything, and my mother will surely stand up for my second sister and explain everything.¡± Bai Qingyan stood up, smiling, ¡°My mother is praised by the Emperor himself as the model matriarch of Dadu City. Lady, think about the reputation you will have, especially with your crimes of conspiring to harm others and meddling with your daughter-in-law¡¯s dowry. If you then smear her name, won¡¯t that be quite ironic?¡± The words Bai Jinxiu spoke to Qin Lang would damage her reputation if spread. Bai Jintong, standing beside Bai Qingyan, shook her head as if helpless: ¡°I told the madam what my second sister said, hoping she would add fuel to the fire! Eldest sister, you are too kind-hearted to remind her.¡± ¡°Dong Wanjun, do you think your Duke¡¯s Mansion wants to tear apart relations with our Marquis Mansion?¡± Mrs. Jiang gritted her teeth, wringing the handkerchief in her hand. Mrs. Dong lazily lifted her eyes: ¡°Those two daughters of yours almost killed our Duke¡¯s second young lady, and you dare ask for face here?!¡± Bai Jintong stood with her hands behind her back, smiling coldly: ¡°Is the Marquis Mansion¡¯s face thicker than the city walls? We made a grand show of bringing my second sister back! Is that not enough?!¡± ¡°You people¡­ fine! Go on, be arrogant!¡± Mrs. Jiang was so enraged her whole body trembled. She spat, ¡°It won¡¯t be long before you¡¯ll be crying! Nanny Wu, let¡¯s go!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze lifted, her deep eyes fixed on Mrs. Jiang¡¯s retreating figure. Standing at the door, Nanny Qin saw Mrs. Jiang storm out and politely stepped forward to guide her out. Mrs. Jiang, full of anger, lashed out at Nanny Qin: ¡°What, you need to watch me even as I leave? Afraid I¡¯ll steal something from your Duke¡¯s Mansion?!¡± Once the Marchioness left, Mrs. Dong threw down her tea cup in disgust: ¡°That Jiang woman, always thinking she¡¯s the smartest in the world, and everyone else is a fool to be trampled upon by her!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s engagement was arranged when Qin Lang¡¯s mother was gravely ill. Back when her mother was still a maiden, she had been saved from bandits by Madam Dong and Mrs. Dong, preserving her chastity. Ever since, she was deeply grateful and stayed close to the Dong family, forming a sisterly bond with Mrs. Dong. When Qin Lang¡¯s mother fell seriously ill, knowing her days were numbered, she entrusted Qin Lang to Mrs. Dong. She privately knelt and begged Mrs. Dong to promise her daughter to Qin Lang so that Mrs. Dong would become his rightful mother. Moved by the sincerity of her dying sister, the young Mrs. Dong agreed boldly, giving Qin Lang¡¯s mother a keepsake as a token and sealing the promise privately. Qin Lang¡¯s mother, out of deep love for her son, knowing she had no deep affection for Marquis Qin Dezhao, feared that if a stepmother entered the household, the heirship of the Princely Heir would be changed. To secure Qin Lang¡¯s position, she calculated even with her sworn sisterhood. Had it not been for the declining status of Qin Lang¡¯s maternal family and knowing that Mrs. Dong was favored by the Duke of Zhen and just waiting for her grandfather¡¯s three-year mourning period to propose marriage, Qin Lang¡¯s mother wouldn¡¯t have clung to this lifeline and begged the yet unmarried Mrs. Dong for this engagement. Later, after Qin Lang¡¯s mother passed away, the Marquis remarried Mrs. Jiang. Mrs. Dong knew full well what kind of person Mrs. Jiang was. Ever since Bai Qingyan was born, she had been worried for her. Who would have thought that when Bai Qingyan came of age she would suffer an injury that made childbirth difficult, leading Duke Zhen to want to annul the engagement between the Duke¡¯s Mansion and the Marquis Mansion? It was the Marquis himself who came to convince him to replace Bai Qingyan with Bai Jinxiu as Qin Lang¡¯s betrothed. The Duke initially disagreed, but after speaking with the Marquis, he relented. As a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dong couldn¡¯t say much more, fearing that saying too much would make the second mistress, Mrs. Liu, think she was unhappy with the change in engagement. After a few unsuccessful attempts to persuade, she decided to keep quiet. Who knew that years later, Bai Jinxiu¡¯s marriage would lead to such a loss? Had she known, she would have opposed it vehemently back then. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be angry.¡± Bai Qingyan comforted Mrs. Dong. ¡°Before going to the Marquis Mansion, I thought the Marchioness was a formidable figure. Now, it seems she¡¯s nothing much. With Qin Lang moving out being inevitable, you and the second mistress should send more capable nanies and servants to Jinxiu. Without a mother-in-law¡¯s interference, how could Jinxiu not have a good life?¡± Mrs. Dong sighed and nodded. Fortunately, the Emperor issued a decree, and even the Empress had spoken. Even if Mrs. Jiang had three heads and six arms, this was a done deal. Thinking of Bai Qingyan questioning Mrs. Jiang about the whereabouts of the five maidservants, Mrs. Dong hesitated but then told her daughter the truth: ¡°Yesterday, your second aunt asked me to send someone to find the remaining five maidservants of your second sister, to understand the whole story and seek future revenge. Although I sent people to inquire with the city brokers this morning, it¡¯s clear in my heart that those five maidservants are likely gone. Your second aunt is straightforward and doesn¡¯t know how wicked Mrs. Jiang is. I¡¯m unsure how to break it to her.¡± The five maidservants, as they were from the Duke¡¯s Mansion, anyone dealing with city brokers would not dare to tamper with them without their contracts. Only the second mistress, Mrs. Liu, believed this. ¡°Mother, why do you need to explain to the second mistress? If we can¡¯t find the five maidservants of our Duke¡¯s Mansion, we¡¯ll report it to the officials and have them search.¡± Bai Qingyan suggested firmly. Seeing her daughter¡¯s resolute and composed demeanor, Mrs. Dong¡¯s worries melted away: ¡°My child is right! I¡¯m being foolish! If our servants go missing, we should indeed report it to the authorities! We need to have our steward take the maidservants¡¯ contracts and their biological parents to the officers!¡± Bai Qingyan walked out of the hall, her face solemn, repeatedly pondering the Marquis¡¯s wife¡¯s parting words¡ªthere won¡¯t be long before you¡¯re crying. These words seemed to have deeper meaning. She lowered her eyes, gazing at the stone path beneath her feet, wondering if the Marquis¡¯s wife knew something, which gave her the audacity to act against Bai Jinxiu just after her arrival? That day, at the Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Jiang acted unafraid despite her daughter¡¯s injury to someone. The usually cautious Marquis, even when angered by their removal of Bai Jinxiu, thinking the Bai family had dishonored them, why remained so adamant in such clear-cut right and wrong? A cold sweat formed on her back. Regarding the Bai family¡¯s affairs¡­ how many influential figures in Dadu were involved? Bai Jintong walked slowly beside Bai Qingyan, visibly pleased: ¡°Seeing that vile woman trembling with anger was indeed satisfying!¡± Not hearing a response from Bai Qingyan, Bai Jintong couldn¡¯t help but think about the five maidservants and asked, holding a glimmer of hope: ¡°Eldest sister, are the five maidservants really in as dire a situation as Aunt said?¡± She came back to her senses and didn¡¯t hide the truth: ¡°Except for Mingyu, all of your second sister¡¯s maidservants were drowned. The Marchioness feared their clothes might reveal their identities, so she ordered their clothes stripped off. On a snowy night, wrapped in straw mats, they were thrown into the Burial Mound.¡± Chapter 31 - Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Wrist Tricks_1 Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Wrist Tricks_1 She rubbed the hand warmer, lowered her head, her eyes cold and clear. ¡°At this hour, the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s office should have already received the report and sent people to the Burial Mound outside Dadu City to investigate those female corpses.¡± Right now, the attention of everyone in the Capital was focused on the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion and the Duke of Zhen Mansion. From what she knew, many aristocratic families were openly and secretly probing for news about the two houses. Mrs. Jiang of the Marquis Mansion naturally poured out her grievances and complaints, while Mrs. Dong, the wife of the Princely Heir of the Duke of Zhen Mansion, claimed to know nothing, only saying they needed to find the five maids sold by Mrs. Jiang to clarify the truth. Mrs. Liu, the second lady, avoided everyone out of worry for her daughter¡¯s well-being. However, the more these aristocratic families and commoners probed for information to no avail, the more they would speculate and fabricate stories, eagerly waiting for those five maids to be found and to prove their own wisdom. Even Bai Jintong, who had been on the battlefield, was astonished by Mrs. Jiang¡¯s clean and swift methods. She looked at Bai Qingyan and asked, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, you found everything out, so you asked Aunt to report it to the authorities and escalate the situation?¡± Bai Qingyan strolled leisurely. ¡°The Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s office received a report about five unidentified female corpses. Our mansion happened to be looking for the five maids sold by the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. The Jing Zhaoyin wouldn¡¯t need to investigate deeply to guess that the wife who claimed to have sold the five maids would certainly have someone from our Duke¡¯s mansion sent to identify the bodies.¡± ¡°But, Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Jintong placed one hand behind her back, exuding a bit of masculine aura. ¡°In our dynasty, maids and servants are considered movable property of their masters. Even taking it to the authorities would only mean that Mrs. Jiang reached into Second Sister¡¯s dowry, but this established reputation won¡¯t harm Mrs. Jiang one bit. Is it worth it?¡± ¡°Therefore, this morning, we already had someone remove the maid status of those five maids, and Second Sister returned their contracts to their parents.¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes brightened, and she wrapped her hands around Bai Qingyan¡¯s arm. ¡°Without their maid status, they are now commoners, and killing commoners requires repayment with one¡¯s life! When Eldest Young Lady told Second Sister to keep those maid contracts, it was for today, wasn¡¯t it?! So¡­ can we really make that vicious woman pay with her life? Shouldn¡¯t we think of more ways to ensure the outcome of this case? After all, that vicious woman deserves a thousand cuts!¡± Bai Qingyan gazed at Bai Jintong¡¯s bright eyes, feeling a hint of worry. Seeing that Bai Jintong was about to leave home, she realized her nature was still a bit lacking in steadiness. Since she had spoken to Bai Jintong about these matters, it was a good opportunity to use this case to explain things more clearly to her. Bai Jintong was the smartest and most clever of all the sisters, but due to her young age, she sometimes acted out of impulsiveness. Her greatest strength was that she understood immediately once the reasoning was explained. ¡°What we initially wanted was for your second sister to be free from her mother-in-law¡¯s control and for the two girls in the Marquis Mansion to no longer dare to provoke your second sister. We didn¡¯t want Mrs. Jiang¡¯s life, right?¡± Bai Qingyan held Bai Jintong¡¯s hand and spoke softly as they walked. Bai Jintong nodded, not understanding Bai Qingyan¡¯s intention. ¡°Then we must drive Mrs. Jiang out of the Marquis Mansion so your second sister can be completely free from this mother-in-law¡¯s control. Otherwise, even if they live in separate houses, Mrs. Jiang could still use filial piety to force your second sister to tend to her if she claims sickness. As for the two girls in the Marquis Mansion, without their mother, your second sister as the eldest sister-in-law would have to handle their marriages. In that case, would they dare to cause trouble under her watch? Isn¡¯t that correct?¡± Bai Jintong thought for a moment and then nodded. ¡°So, the outcome of the case doesn¡¯t matter! If Mrs. Jiang is sentenced to death, that would be delightful for us, but it is not the goal. What we want are the consequences like we planned after Mrs. Jiang is entangled in a murder case. Once involved in a murder case, even if she doesn¡¯t pay with her life for those five maids, her reputation would be tarnished with the stain of murder. Aristocratic families involved in murder cases would surely alarm the Imperial Censorate, and the keen-eyed Censors would undoubtedly be itching to impeach. That¡¯s the first point. The second is that the two daughters and one son raised by Mrs. Jiang, with their mother¡¯s reputation damaged, would find it hard to hold their heads high in the Capital.¡± ¡°Now think about it¡­ with the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s selfish and profit-seeking nature, would he keep Mrs. Jiang in the mansion, allowing her to continue damaging his and his children¡¯s reputation? Our goal is almost within reach¡­ but if you used methods to push Mrs. Jiang to her death and it backfired, what then?¡± Seeing the slight hesitation in Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes, Bai Qingyan stopped and adjusted her cloak, saying softly, ¡°Soon you will leave home alone. Eldest Young Lady is taking this opportunity to teach you¡­ whatever strategy you use, remember the goal you hope to achieve. All the tactics should pave the way for that goal. Never seek more than necessary, or you may end up with nothing. Furthermore, don¡¯t just look at the outcome. Take this case for example, the outcome isn¡¯t important. Think more about whether the consequence is what you want. The result and the aftermath might seem similar but are worlds apart.¡± Bai Jintong suddenly recalled the moment in Bai Jinxiu¡¯s room when Bai Qingyan said, ¡°To subdue them, you must break their backbone in one strike and crush their support! Make them understand pain and fear, so when they hear your second sister¡¯s name, their legs will tremble. Only then will your second sister have peace.¡± Bai Jintong always prided herself on her intelligence, though she knew she wasn¡¯t as good as Eldest Young Lady, she thought the gap wasn¡¯t too wide. Now, seeing the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s clean and swift handling of the Marquis Mansion, her meticulous planning made her realize she still had much to learn from her. ¡°Bai Jintong will remember Eldest Young Lady¡¯s teachings, inscribed in my heart, never to be forgotten.¡± Bai Jintong bowed respectfully to Bai Qingyan, wholeheartedly convinced. Bai Qingyan helped Bai Jintong up, holding her hand. ¡°You are about to leave home. The world outside is vast and different from home. Eldest Young Lady said more today in hopes that you will be prudent in your actions.¡± ¡°Bai Jintong understands! Eldest Young Lady, rest assured!¡± Bai Jintong, with reddened eyes, squeezed Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll accompany Eldest Young Lady back to the inner courtyard.¡± As they walked a few steps, they saw Qin Shangzhi, recovering in the Duke¡¯s mansion, standing not far away as if looking at them. Bai Qingyan smiled and bowed in greeting. Bai Jintong, not knowing why, followed and bowed as well. Qin Shangzhi looked at Bai Qingyan with a frown, wanted to say something, but in the end, he cupped his fists and turned to leave. Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Paying a Visit_1 Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Paying a Visit_1 ¡± Qin Shangzhi once told Miss Bai that if she wanted to protect the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household, she should retreat. But judging by Miss Bai¡¯s behavior these past two days, she seemed to have lost her mind over the injury of the second Miss Bai, adopting a stance of preferring to die with honor rather than live in disgrace. This put the entire Duke¡¯s household in a precarious position. Qin Shangzhi wanted to remind her that being too full of oneself would lead to loss, and overflowing water would spill. But seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s clear eyes, he feared she had other plans. So he said no more, hoping that this Miss Bai could truly protect her family¡¯s loyalty. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, that person is¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s a guest of our household!¡± she said. Upon returning to Qinghui Courtyard, she dismissed everyone, stood with her eyes closed in front of the brazier, and recalled the words of Mrs. Jiang before she left. Mrs. Jiang, a woman of the inner court, couldn¡¯t stir up much trouble. But what about Qin Dezhao? Qin Dezhao was currently a doctor in the Ministry of Revenue. When news came back from the southern borders about the Bai family¡¯s misfortune and the joint forces of Nanyan and Xiliang advancing towards Sanlang Pass, her grandfather¡¯s deputy general, Liu Huanzhang, requested to go to battle. Qin Dezhao was promoted to Chief of Staff responsible for military logistics. She suddenly opened her eyes, thinking about the batch of military supplies sent to the southern frontlines two months ago, and felt a chill down her spine. The army hadn¡¯t moved, but the supplies went first. Provisions were the foundation of an army. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was responsible for the supply preparations. He must have known there would be issues with the supplies, and perhaps those issues were Qin Dezhao¡¯s doing. ¡¤ Second Madame Liu heard that today, because of Bai Jinxiu, Mrs. Dong had already had a falling out with Mrs. Jiang. She was filled with inexplicable gratitude. Only now did she realize that Mrs. Dong had genuinely been thinking about Jinxiu¡¯s best interests when she advised her to reconsider the marriage. She had misunderstood and thought Mrs. Dong held some resentment and was intentionally causing trouble. That night, after settling Bai Jinxiu, Second Madame Liu brought substantial gifts to see Mrs. Dong. The two sisters-in-law talked late into the night, and it was only with red eyes that Second Madame Liu left Mrs. Dong¡¯s place. Perhaps guided by Mrs. Dong¡¯s advice, Second Madame Liu no longer held all the anger. She was already considering how to arrange Qin Lang¡¯s new residence. She let out a long sigh and said to the steward Nanny Luo: ¡°Nanny Luo, tomorrow, instruct Nanny Pang to pick some reliable and hardworking maids and servants from the household to be sent to the new residence that His Majesty granted to my son-in-law. Also, have Nanny Wan find Matchmaker Wang to pick some good ones to send there!¡± ¡°Rest assured, Second Madame. I will handle it properly!¡± Nanny Luo supported Second Madame Liu as they walked to her courtyard. ¡°Nanny Luo, there is something I need to discuss with you. You¡¯ve served by my side for many years, and your family is here under the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household. But concerning Jinxiu¡­ I am truly worried. As her mother-in-law, I can¡¯t always be at my son-in-law¡¯s new residence. So I want you to stay by Jinxiu¡¯s side for now and help her out. I trust no one but you! You are the only one who can manage the chief attendants and stewards given to Jinxiu as dowry.¡± Second Madame Liu stopped and patted Nanny Luo¡¯s hand. Nanny Luo was moved to tears by Second Madame Liu¡¯s words and nodded repeatedly: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Second Madame. I watched the second young lady grow up! I will definitely help the young lady well! Besides, the Eldest Princess, the Princely Heir¡¯s wife, our eldest young lady, and third young lady will all risk their lives to protect our second young lady!¡± Second Madame Liu gripped Nanny Luo¡¯s hand firmly, and the two of them walked back through the snow, their footsteps deep and shallow. ¡¤ Snow had fallen all night, thickly covering the ancient green bricks and green tiles of the Duke¡¯s household. Before dawn, smoke had already started swirling from the main kitchen, and maids and servants were bustling around. Farmers delivering vegetables and meat to the Duke¡¯s household gathered at the brightly lit back gate, chatting, joking, and subtly inquiring about the gossips between the Duke¡¯s household and the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s household. At dawn, lamps in the servants¡¯ rooms of each courtyard were lit one by one. Rough maids, exhaling white breaths, shivered as they came out of the rooms into the winter wind. They saw Chun Tao accompanying the eldest young lady standing in the courtyard practicing horse stance, with steam rising from her head, making her look as if she were just pulled from hot water. The maid, accustomed to the sight, bowed without making a sound and went out with a broom to sweep the courtyard. After Bai Qingyan finished her breakfast, she leaned by the window on a large embroidered cushion of golden clouds, reading a book. A maid from her mother Mrs. Dong¡¯s side tactfully arrived at Qinghui Courtyard. Hearing the maids outside greeting Tingzhu with laughter, Chun Tao quickly went out to meet her, seeing Tingzhu already standing under the eaves. She smiled and asked: ¡°Sister Tingzhu, you look so happy. Is there good news?!¡± Tingzhu was genuinely happy. She rubbed her cold arms and smiled at Chun Tao: ¡°This year, Madam Dong from Dengzhou and Second Master Dong, have come to Dadu to celebrate the New Year. They entered the city last night. Madam Dong did not send anyone ahead because she was afraid of making our madam anxious. Early this morning, Madam Dong asked Second Master Dong and Second Madame Dong to bring generous gifts to pay their respects to the Eldest Princess. They are now in Changshou Courtyard, talking, and she specifically sent me to invite the eldest young lady over.¡± ¡°That is indeed good news! Our madam hasn¡¯t seen Madam Dong for several years. She must be very happy now!¡± Chun Tao held the thick felt curtain for Tingzhu. ¡°Isn¡¯t it!¡± Tingzhu laughed as she entered the door. Hearing Tingzhu¡¯s words from outside, Bai Qingyan closed her book and instructed Chun Yan to prepare clothes for her. She remembered that in her previous life, her second uncle Dong Qingyue had brought her grandmother to Dadu City on the nineteenth day of the twelfth month. But at that time, Bai Jinxiu had just passed away, and she was gravely ill. She hadn¡¯t seen her second uncle on the day he visited. Later, when the Duke¡¯s household encountered trouble, other aunts¡¯ families avoided them. Her second uncle, Governor Dong Qingyue from Dengzhou, risked his life to appeal for justice for the Bai family. Her eldest uncle, Chief of Honglu Temple Dong Qingping, wearing mourning and sackcloth, collected and buried the Bai family¡¯s remains. Countless memories from her past life surged in, and Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes turned red, feeling overwhelmed with bitterness. She couldn¡¯t wait to visit the only uncle who had stood up for the Bai family. Through the screen inlaid with mutton-fat jade and emerald, Tingzhu saw Chun Yan wrapping Bai Qingyan in a fox fur cloak. She smiled and greeted: ¡°Eldest young lady, Second Master Dong and Second Madame Dong from the Dong family in Dengzhou have come to pay their respects to the Eldest Princess. Madam sent me to invite you.¡± Bai Qingyan smiled, took the maid¡¯s newly prepared hand warmer, and nodded: ¡°I heard. Let¡¯s go!¡± Upon entering Changshou Courtyard, Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t bother to change her footwear in the warming room but headed straight to the main room. The maid in a dark blue padded jacket hurried to lift the curtain for Bai Qingyan and announced her arrival. Standing at the door, Bai Qingyan handed the hand warmer to Chun Yan, and as she untied her cloak, Chun Tao stepped forward to help her remove the white fox fur cloak. Bai Qingyan walked straight into the main room. Chun Tao had never seen Bai Qingyan in such a hurry before. She hastily handed the cloak to Chun Yan and followed her inside. In the main room, the Eldest Princess was leaning on a large embroidered cushion of golden clouds, laughing, and said: ¡°Kid came so quickly today. It must be because you miss your uncle and aunt!¡± Chapter 33 - Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Proposal_1 Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Proposal_1 Kid wore a light yellow jacket and skirt embroidered with branch patterns, making her black hair look like crow feathers, radiant and elegant. She had an unmatched graceful figure and an aura of a legitimate daughter. Second uncle Dong Qingyue was thirty-eight this year, unlike his elder brother, Dong Qingping, who appeared gentle and scholarly, easygoing and peaceful. He had dark skin and looked very formidable. Though he was the youngest son in the Dong family, he carried an imposing presence that commanded respect naturally, even more so than his elder brother. He was also more stable. As soon as Kid saw Dong Qingyue, her eyes reddened uncontrollably. Back then, second uncle had petitioned on behalf of the Bai family, but was accused of being an ally of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence and was stripped of his official position and exiled to the border. Second uncle, with chains on his head and hands, had loudly proclaimed before leaving, ¡°Their loyal souls have been defamed, and their heroic spirits have perished! How the Jin kingdom¡¯s rivers and mountains fall, I shall watch!¡± ¡°Grandmother! Mother¡­¡± After paying respects to the Eldest Princess and Mrs. Dong, Kid solemnly performed a grand salute to Dong Qingyue and his wife. Second aunt, Mrs. Cui, quickly stood up to support her, ¡°Kid, what are you doing?¡± She held Mrs. Cui¡¯s hand and helped her sit down, ¡°We haven¡¯t seen each other for many years. How is grandmother? How are uncle and aunt?¡± Dong Qingyue put down his teacup and smiled, his tiger teeth slightly diminishing his imposing demeanor and revealing a bit of warmth, ¡°Everyone is well! Especially your grandmother who misses you a lot! Three years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Kid has grown up so much.¡± Today, Dong Qingyue and Mrs. Cui came together, instructed by Madam Dong, to propose marriage for her legitimate second son, Dong Changyuan, to Kid. Mrs. Cui was initially reluctant. Even though she liked Kid very much, this daughter-in-law would be three years older than her son, and had difficulties with childbirth. What should they do if they couldn¡¯t have children? In Dengzhou, Mrs. Cui cried and made a fuss. But Madam Dong and her husband said that precisely because Kid had difficulties with childbirth, even becoming a second wife would be challenging. Only by marrying her into their own family and keeping her close would she not be bullied by her in-laws. At that time, they could take a concubine for Dong Changyuan, and any children would be under Kid¡¯s name. This way, Kid would not be bullied, and Dong Changyuan would also have children in the future. Even so, those children would still be concubines¡¯ offspring. Any noble family would prefer to have more legitimate sons. Despite her unwillingness, Mrs. Cui had no choice but to comply, as Madam Dong and her husband had made up their minds. Mrs. Cui smiled and patted Kid¡¯s hand, her face smiling but her eyes full of bitterness, unable to express her sorrows. Naturally, Mrs. Dong was overjoyed to hear about this. Although marrying into her maternal family was somewhat beneath Kid¡¯s status, this way, Mrs. Dong would no longer worry about her being bullied by her in-laws. Kid would have her grandmother¡¯s protection above and her uncles¡¯ love below. It would be nothing more than taking a concubine for Dong Changyuan to carry on the family line. Even if Kid had no difficulties with childbirth, this was a match others could only dream of. ¡°Today, your grandmother instructed me and your aunt to come here first. One is to pay respects to the Eldest Princess. Second, your grandmother misses you but is too weary from the journey to come. So, we are here to take you to your eldest uncle¡¯s residence,¡± Dong Qingyue said with a smile. Before Kid arrived, Dong Qingyue and Mrs. Cui had already discussed the intention of marriage with the Eldest Princess. This time they were taking Kid to meet Dong Changyuan to see if she was satisfied. As long as Kid nodded, Madam Dong would immediately ask Lady Shoushan, the mother-in-law of her eldest son, Dong Qingping, to come and arrange the marriage. Both families were aware of this, only keeping Kid in the dark. Seeing her daughter-in-law Mrs. Dong¡¯s satisfied expression, the Eldest Princess naturally approved and let Kid go. She only urged her to return early and asked Nanny Jiang to bring some tonic medicines for Kid to take to Madam Dong. ¡°Daughter-in-law, you haven¡¯t seen Madam Dong for many years either. Go with Kid,¡± the Eldest Princess said with a smile, turning to Mrs. Dong. Suppressing her delight, Mrs. Dong thought for a moment and said, ¡°But¡­ today I need to pick servants and maids for the new house of the second son-in-law. I have made arrangements with the human traders, and they will bring people over at the hour of si (9-11 am).¡± ¡°Let the second daughter-in-law take care of it. If you¡¯re still worried, leave Nanny Qin to assist her!¡± the Eldest Princess ordered. Mrs. Dong quickly got up to thank her, even more delighted. In the carriage, Mrs. Cui couldn¡¯t help but wipe her tears again with her handkerchief. Dong Qingyue held her hand to comfort her, ¡°You see, Kid has grown even more beautiful, her manners refined, and her temperament remarkable. Besides the issue of childbirth, be it her family or herself, our Brother Yuan cannot match Kid!¡± Mrs. Cui glared at Dong Qingyue, ¡°Your niece is the best! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you¡¯re solving your sister¡¯s problem and repaying your brother-in-law¡¯s favor! Poor Brother Yuan¡­¡± Seeing Mrs. Cui start crying again, Dong Qingyue¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Whether you agree or not, Dong Changyuan will marry! No more discussion! Stop crying, or mother will punish you!¡± Seeing her husband¡¯s face darkened, Mrs. Cui bit her lip, and her tears fell even more. In the four-horse carriage adorned with dark blue tops, Mrs. Dong revealed to Kid Madam Dong¡¯s plan. ¡°Since your grandmother learned of your injury, she has been unable to sleep. The only way to prevent your mother-in-law from bullying you is to keep you close. Just now, your second uncle said¡­ Brother Yuan didn¡¯t even have a maid in his house all these years! Although Brother Yuan is three years younger than you, he is mature for his age and has a knack for studying. He¡¯s the perfect match!¡± Mrs. Dong, beaming, held Kid¡¯s hand, scrutinizing her for a moment, then her eyes reddened, ¡°Now that your marriage is settled, I can die in peace.¡± Only then did Kid understand why Mrs. Cui had smiled at her with a helpless bitterness in her eyes earlier at the Eldest Princess¡¯s place. She held Mrs. Dong¡¯s hand, her heart tangled with emotions but unable to speak, ¡°Mother, Brother Yuan is second aunt¡¯s only child. Would she agree for her legitimate son to marry a wife who can¡¯t have children?¡± ¡°Brother Yuan is a second legitimate son, not the eldest. Your second aunt has always been very fond of you. She shouldn¡¯t mind, right?¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s words were uncertain. Chun Yan, following beside the carriage, stretched her ears. Hearing Mrs. Dong¡¯s words, her face turned pale, and she couldn¡¯t keep up with the carriage. ¡°Chun Yan! What are you doing?! Keep up!¡± Chun Tao scolded with a frown. Chun Yan finally lifted her feet. Her mind was in turmoil, and her legs weakened, making it hard to keep up with Chun Tao. She had to jog at the end of the team. If the young lady married the legitimate second son of her uncle¡¯s family, what would happen to King Liang? What would she do? She feared she would never see the noble and otherworldly King Liang again. Thinking of this, Chun Yan¡¯s eyes reddened, and she planned to quickly inform King Liang. Chapter 34 - Chapter 34: Chapter 34: The Meeting Gift_1 Chapter 34: Chapter 34: The Meeting Gift_1 Bai Qingyan looked at Mrs. Dong¡¯s joyous face and didn¡¯t want to say she would never marry, fearing it would sadden her. She only said, ¡°I just saw Second Aunt¡¯s eyes were red. She must have cried before coming. Second Aunt loves me because I am her niece, but she won¡¯t necessarily like a daughter-in-law who has difficulty bearing children. Grandmother and Uncle care about me, but one cannot force a cow to drink. In the end, one still has to live under the mother-in-law¡¯s hand in the back courtyard. Mother, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Mrs. Dong didn¡¯t speak, considering it carefully. ¡°Mother, Grandmother and Uncle have been so good to you and me. Are you willing to disturb Grandmother¡¯s peaceful later years by causing discord between her and her daughter-in-law over my marriage? Marriage isn¡¯t the only path in life. This is what you used to comfort me with.¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s words were all to comfort her daughter when she was injured. She didn¡¯t want to let go of this marriage, her lips quivering, ¡°Perhaps, it¡¯s better to meet Brother Yuan first. What if¡­ Brother Yuan is willing?¡± Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t argue with Mrs. Dong. Her mother said that Grandmother had been planning her marriage with Dong Changyuan since she was injured, but she hadn¡¯t heard about it in her past life. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes and thought about it, quickly figuring it out. In her previous life, when her grandmother, second uncle, and second aunt came to Dadu for the New Year, they indeed brought the second son, Dong Changyuan, from Dengzhou. However, at that time, Bai Jinxiu had unexpectedly died on her wedding day not long ago. Grandmother probably felt it was inappropriate to mention a marriage proposal, and later, the news of the Bai family men dying in Nanjiang on New Year¡¯s Eve came back¡­ She knew her grandmother loved her, and she didn¡¯t want to cause a rift between her grandmother and second aunt because of her. Before the carriage arrived, Madam Dong, with white hair, was already standing at the gate of the Dong Mansion, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Mrs. Song and four grandsons and two granddaughters to welcome her daughter and granddaughter. Madam Dong wore a gray squirrel fur coat embroidered with gold patterns, and her hands were wrapped around Buddha Beads, constantly looking toward the right side of the long street. Dong Changyuan stood beside Madam Dong with his hands folded behind his back, dressed in a stone-blue straight gown with a black jade pendant hanging from his waist. The handsome young man showed no emotion on his refined face. ¡°They¡¯re here, they¡¯re here!¡± a servant woman shouted, ¡°I see Second Master¡¯s carriage!¡± Madam Dong lifted her coat¡¯s hem, held up by Mrs. Song, took a few steps forward. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t rush, Wan Jun and Kid can¡¯t fly!¡± Mrs. Dong, playing with Madam Dong. Dong Tingzhen, Mrs. Dong¡¯s second daughter, also laughed as she held Madam Dong: ¡°Grandmother, don¡¯t hurry. If you fall, Aunt and Big Cousin will worry!¡± Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the Dong Mansion. Mrs. Dong got off the carriage first and, upon seeing her white-haired mother, immediately burst into tears: ¡°Mother!¡± ¡°Wan Jun!¡± Madam Dong¡¯s eyes moistened as she hurried down the steps. Chun Tao and Chun Yan, who had been walking alongside the carriage, helped Bai Qingyan down. She bowed and greeted, ¡°Grandmother, Aunt!¡± ¡°My Wan Jun, my Kid!¡± Madam Dong hugged her daughter with one arm and her granddaughter with the other, tears streaming down, making Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes red as well. Several cousins and siblings came forward to pay respects. Only Dong Changyuan stood at the top of the steps, holding his jade pendant tightly, not wanting to look at anyone. Seeing Dong Qingyue standing by the carriage, dead-eyed and expressionless, Mrs. Cui quickly called Dong Changyuan. He reluctantly walked down the steps and deeply bowed, ¡°Chang Yuan greets Aunt and Cousin.¡± He didn¡¯t glance at Bai Qingyan. ¡°Brother Yuan has grown so much! Such a handsome young man!¡± Mrs. Dong praised, wiping her tears with a handkerchief. Mrs. Song hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s ill-mannered to stand at the gate talking. Kid¡¯s health is fragile and she fears the cold! Mother, let¡¯s find a warmer place to chat.¡± ¡°Yes, yes! Let¡¯s talk inside!¡± Madam Dong, holding her daughter and granddaughter¡¯s hands, led them inside, not wanting to let go, seeing no one but her daughter and granddaughter. Inside, Madam Dong hugged Bai Qingyan, showering her with affection. Her tears never stopped, soaking Bai Qingyan¡¯s new clothes. Dong Changyuan sat at the back, drinking tea by himself, not looking at anyone, indifferent, his resistance clear to Madam Dong, let alone Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan. Though she worried about her daughter¡¯s lifelong happiness, Mrs. Dong didn¡¯t want her daughter to marry a man who didn¡¯t care about her. Seeing Mrs. Cui, who showed signs of weeping on the carriage, and her daughter with red eyes, Mrs. Dong decided she¡¯d talk to her mother about canceling the marriage. ¡°Brother Yuan, I haven¡¯t seen you in years. You¡¯ve grown into an adult.¡± Mrs. Dong smiled, then beckoned Tingzhu to present Dong Changyuan¡¯s meeting gift. Dong Changyuan finally stepped forward and bowed. Madam Dong held Bai Qingyan, looking at her handsome second grandson, thinking they were a perfect match. ¡°Last year, your grandmother wrote that you topped the township examination and earned the title of Top Graduate! Aunt is also happy for you!¡± Mrs. Dong motioned Tingzhu to present the gift to Dong Changyuan, ¡°These two Shoushan Stones would be wasted if kept by me. They best serve Brother Yuan to carve into seals.¡± Dong Changyuan quickly declined, bowing, the Shoushan Stones too precious, he was indeed afraid to accept. ¡°A gift from an elder cannot be declined! Your aunt gave it to you. Keep it well and don¡¯t disappoint her kindness!¡± Madam Dong implied. Bowing, Dong Changyuan¡¯s face grew uglier, not wanting to accept the generous gift. Mrs. Song covered her lips with her handkerchief and chuckled, ¡°My sister¡¯s gift is too precious, it¡¯s scared Brother Yuan!¡± Hugged by Madam Dong, Bai Qingyan saw Mrs. Cui¡¯s red eyes. Not wanting her second aunt and Dong Changyuan to argue over her marriage, she said, ¡°Mother hopes Chang Yuan can top the exam again, bringing glory to the Dong family and making her proud.¡± Hearing the clear and gentle voice, Dong Changyuan, though not disliked, lowered his head more. Bai Qingyan stood beside Madam Dong and smiled, ¡°First meeting Brother Yuan today, I prepared a gift.¡± Upon hearing this, Chun Tao quickly presented the top-quality Hui ink and Xizhi inkstone Bai Qingyan had prepared. Seeing the ink and inkstone, Dong Changyuan, a lover of calligraphy, couldn¡¯t help but admire them. But remembering they were gifts from someone he was forced to marry, his joy turned sour as if he had swallowed a fly, his discomfort evident. He bowed his head and said, ¡°Cousin¡¯s gift is too valuable. Chang Yuan dares not accept without earning it.¡± Chapter 35 - Chapter 35: 35章：Cherish Blessings_1 Chapter 35: 35Õ£ºCherish Blessings_1 He only heard that clear and laughter-filled voice, unhurriedly saying, ¡°Cousin Chang Yuan, there¡¯s no need to be so polite. When my seventeen younger brothers were beginning their studies, I gifted them with Hui ink and She inkstones. Uncle and Aunt treat me like their own child, so I naturally see you as my own brother! It is only because you have won the title of Jieyuan that I carefully selected the quality of the ink and inkstone. If you acknowledge me as your sister, then don¡¯t refuse this gift.¡± Upon hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, Mrs. Cui suddenly looked at Bai Qingyan and Mrs. Dong, her heart torn between joy and sorrow. Although Mrs. Dong did not expect Bai Qingyan to say such things in front of everyone, she had already mentally prepared herself and was not as flustered as Madam Dong and others. She simply sipped her tea calmly. Dong Changyuan was dazed for a moment before he finally looked up, gazing seriously at his cousin for the first time. He saw Bai Qingyan dressed in a moon-white plain gauze dress, her eyes clear and her smile both distant and intimate, perfectly balanced without any pretense. Her black hair, as smooth as crow feathers, was partially tied into a neat bun with a white jade hairpin. Despite such a simple and elegant appearance, it couldn¡¯t hide her breathtaking beauty. Her sophisticated and serene demeanor imparted a sense of calm and ease. Dong Changyuan¡¯s heart inexplicably skipped a beat. He quickly lowered his head, his ears turning red, feeling a faint sense of shame. Previously, he resented his grandmother for forcing him to marry this cousin under threat and was filled with indignation and reluctance. Therefore, he had harbored ill will against this cousin even before meeting her. Today, he had not given Bai Qingyan a proper look at all. Who would have thought that his cousin had no intention of marrying him? Her dignified and brilliant demeanor made him feel petty and narrow-minded in comparison. After having lunch at Dong Mansion, Mrs. Dong and Madam Dong spoke privately for a while before returning home. Chun Yan, who was feeling distracted, helped Bai Qingyan change into her regular clothes and casually remarked, ¡°Second Uncle¡¯s legitimate second son, his eyes were raised to the skies after merely winning the title of Jieyuan. I saw with my own eyes at the entrance of Dong Mansion that he didn¡¯t even look at you, Miss. It¡¯s clearly a sign of disrespect!¡± Bai Qingyan was leaning against the window, propped up by a brocaded cloud pillow, reading a book. She didn¡¯t raise an eyelid as she responded, ¡°And why are you trying to make trouble for Cousin Chang Yuan in front of me?¡± Chun Yan¡¯s face turned red from being exposed. Having learned her lesson from last time, Chun Yan refrained from mentioning King Liang again this time. Instead, she said, ¡°I just think Second Uncle has lofty ambitions. With Miss¡¯s family background and beauty, what kind of noble family wouldn¡¯t want you as their daughter-in-law? How dare they covet you!¡± Seeing that Bai Qingyan¡¯s expression had not changed, Chun Yan couldn¡¯t control herself and stepped closer, daring to speak well of King Liang: ¡°Prince Liang doesn¡¯t mind Miss¡¯s status and is truly sincere towards you. That is Miss¡¯s great fortune! You must not waste such luck.¡± Ha¡­ Was it really her good fortune?! Bai Qingyan thought to herself how foolish she had been in her past life. Chun Yan¡¯s disloyalty had been so obvious, yet every time Chun Yan praised King Liang¡¯s affections for her, she had believed it. She closed her book and casually tossed it onto the small table made of chicken-wing wood, toppling the tea cup made of Haitang frozen stone leaf shape: ¡°Chun Yan, you have the audacity to think you can decide my marriage? Who gave you such courage and face?¡± Chun Yan¡¯s legs went soft, and she knelt down: ¡°Miss, I wouldn¡¯t dare! That¡¯s not what I meant! I just think¡­ I just think that Miss marrying Second Uncle¡¯s legitimate second son is too unfair! I am doing this for Miss!¡± Chun Yan trembled like a sieve, tears streaming down in big drops: ¡°I am just not resigned on behalf of Miss. Prince Liang, a Prince, is so humble towards you, but this Jieyuan doesn¡¯t even give you a proper look!¡± Chun Tao came in, originally to tell Bai Qingyan that the Jing Zhaoyin Mansion had sent someone to summon the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage for questioning. However, upon entering and seeing the situation, she hurriedly used a cloth to clean up the spilt tea on the small table. Bai Qingyan¡¯s chest was heaving with anger: ¡°Get out!¡± Chun Yan left the room crying. Chun Tao replaced her tea with Babao tea, smiling and comforting her: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if Miss is angry with Chun Yan. Just don¡¯t break your favorite Haitang frozen stone leaf-shaped tea set.¡± She suppressed her anger, picked up her book again, and turned a page: ¡°Have someone secretly keep an eye on Chun Yan. Report her movements at all times¡­¡± Chun Tao¡¯s face showed reluctance, but she acknowledged the order and then gathered her composure to say, ¡°Miss, early this morning, the parents of the five accompanying maids of Second Miss went to the Jing Zhaoyin Mansion to claim the bodies. By noon, the Jing Zhaoyin Mansion had sent someone to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion to question the wife about which human trafficker she sold the five maids to. Unable to evade, the wife had to admit that the five maids were beaten to death for not taking good care of the Second Miss. Right now, the officers from Jing Zhaoyin Mansion are blocking the entrance, and there is a standoff with the mansion guards.¡± ¡°The matter with the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage will be dealt with by Jing Zhaoyin Mansion. We¡¯ll just watch.¡± Bai Qingyan said, ¡°I¡¯m just not sure if this will delay Qin Lang¡¯s move out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion tomorrow.¡± Because Qin Lang had an imperial decree to move out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage couldn¡¯t stop him and was very troubled. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, went through great effort to secure the position of doctor at the Ministry of Revenue. Finally finding stability among the nobility in Dadu, now anyone could bring up the disputes between his stepmother and legitimate son and talk about it. It was truly embarrassing. Fortunately, King Liang sent his advisor to personally comfort him and promised that once the situation in the southern frontier was resolved, he would recommend him to the Emperor for the position of Minister of Revenue. Holding a high position, no one in the entire Dadu¡¯s nobility would dare to look down on him then! In a private room in a restaurant, the drunken Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, remembered the Duke of Zhen and the Princely Heir far away in the southern frontier, poured a cup of wine and raised it to the sky: ¡°Duke, Princely Heir! Don¡¯t blame me¡­ The Duke¡¯s House¡¯s merits make the Emperor feel threatened. The entire court cannot tolerate you! I¡¯m merely following orders; the provisions and supplies I owe you, I¡¯ll repay you in the next life¡­ hic¡­¡± Qin Dezhao hiccupped and suddenly laughed foolishly: ¡°In the next life, I¡¯m afraid I still won¡¯t be able to repay!¡± With that, Qin Dezhao raised his head and downed the strong wine in one gulp. ¡°Marquis! Marquis! There¡¯s trouble at the mansion¡­¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s long-time attendant hurriedly pushed the door open. ¡°What kind of behavior is this?! Qin Dezhao, seething with anger, heavily placed his wine cup down, his sharp gaze directed at the attendant, ¡°Isn¡¯t it just Qin Lang moving out of the mansion? What other big trouble could there be?¡± ¡°No, Marquis! The officers from Jing Zhaoyin Mansion are blocking our mansion¡¯s entrance to arrest the wife!¡± Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Prison - Part 1 Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Prison ¨C Part 1 ¡°What?!¡± Qin Dezhao, knowing he was drunk, thought he misheard. ¡°Has the Jing Zhaoyin lost his mind? How dare he come to our Marquis of Loyalty and Courage mansion and arrest the Marchioness without any reason?!¡± ¡°The five maidservants who were sold off by the Madam, their bodies were found at the Burial Mound outside the city, and their parents have claimed the corpses. That¡¯s why the Jing Zhaoyin came to arrest the Madam. The servants are looking everywhere for the Marquis, waiting for you to return and take charge!¡± The follower said with a mournful face. The drunken Qin Dezhao slapped the table and stood up, his eyes filled with ferocity as he roared, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about a few maidservants being beaten to death? Has the Jing Zhaoyin gone mad, or does he want to become my enemy?¡± ¡°Marquis, those maidservants had already been freed from servitude and were civilians. The Madam is involved in a murder case, which is why the Jing Zhaoyin came to arrest her! Marquis, please return to the mansion quickly!¡± The follower, sweating profusely, was almost in tears. Qin Dezhao sobered up significantly. How could they free maidservants of their servitude? In his half a lifetime, he had never heard of such a thing! ¡°Return to the mansion!¡± The follower quickly took down Qin Dezhao¡¯s gray mouse fur cloak and draped it over him, helping him downstairs. Just as Qin Dezhao stepped out of the tavern, he was about to board the carriage when he saw the carriage of his cousin, the Imperial Censor Sima Yan, stop in front of his own. Sima Yan lifted the curtain of his carriage and looked at Qin Dezhao. Qin Dezhao quickly cupped his hands, ¡°Cousin¡­¡± Sima Yan¡¯s face was displeased, ¡°The news of your Madam being involved in a murder case reached the Imperial Censor¡¯s Office half an hour ago, and you still have the leisure to drink here?!¡± Qin Dezhao felt a chill up his spine, ¡°I¡¯m heading back to the mansion right now!¡± ¡°The current administration is displeased with the atmosphere among the meritorious families. Listen to your brother¡¯s advice, have your Madam quickly go with the officers from the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s Office and answer their questions. Do not rely on the prestige of the marquis¡¯s mansion to resist! Your mansion¡¯s internal conflicts between the heir and his stepmother have already come to light. The heir, Qin Lang, volunteered to relinquish his position and was praised by the emperor. Who can guarantee that some court officials won¡¯t seize the opportunity to report on your mansion? If that happens¡­ it is not impossible that the emperor might strip your mansion of its prestige! Remember this¡­¡± The cold wind blew, and Qin Dezhao felt a chill all over. ¡°Thank you for your advice, cousin!¡± Qin Dezhao responded respectfully. Sima Yan sighed, looked at Qin Dezhao, and shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s the end of the year. Tell your Madam to stay out of trouble and not keep causing problems!¡± With that, the Imperial Censor Sima Yan dropped the curtain and told the coachman to drive away. Qin Dezhao hurriedly ordered his coachman to return to the mansion quickly. Ever since Mrs. Jiang injured Bai Jinxiu, who had just married into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage mansion, misfortune seemed to have plagued their household. At this moment, Qin Dezhao also resented Mrs. Jiang. The main gate of the marquis¡¯s mansion was surrounded by onlookers and the officers from the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s Office, with the gate tightly closed. Qin Dezhao avoided the commotion and had the follower park the carriage at the corner gate. He entered with a sullen face. As soon as he walked into the inner courtyard, he heard Mrs. Jiang inside the house, yelling at the servants. His veins bulged with anger, and he lifted the curtain and entered. ¡°Marquis¡­¡± Nanny Wu saw Qin Dezhao enter and quickly bowed in greeting. Qin Dezhao, with a determined stride, snatched the whip from Mrs. Jiang¡¯s hand and slapped her, causing the Marchioness to collapse onto the soft couch. ¡°You ignorant and vicious woman, you¡¯ve caused a huge scandal and are still here beating and scolding people!¡± Nanny Wu and the other maidservants were so frightened that they all knelt down, not daring to lift their heads. Mrs. Jiang held her face, looking up at the furious Qin Dezhao with wide eyes. She wanted to get angry but, thinking of the officers outside waiting to arrest her, quickly kneeled at Qin Dezhao¡¯s feet. ¡°Marquis! Marquis, you must save me! This is a plot by the Duke¡¯s mansion! Yesterday, they said those maidservants¡¯ contracts were with Bai Jinxiu, but now they claim the five maidservants are civilians! The Duke¡¯s mansion wants me dead, Marquis, you cannot ignore this!¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s eyebrows twitched, and he calmed down. After a moment of thought, his eyes filled with a cold light, ¡°You say¡­ yesterday they said the maidservants¡¯ contracts were with Bai Jinxiu?!¡± ¡°It¡¯s the absolute truth. If I lie, let me be torn to pieces! If you don¡¯t believe me¡­ ask Nanny Wu!¡± Mrs. Jiang clung to Qin Dezhao¡¯s leg, crying without any dignity. The trembling Nanny Wu banged her head on the floor, ¡°Marquis, yesterday I accompanied the Madam to the Duke¡¯s mansion to bring back the young Madam and ease the tension caused by the heir leaving the mansion! But the third Miss of the Bai family said the young Madam was injured by our lady with a stone to pave the way for Qin Lang¡¯s departure. Miss Bai also said the five maidservants¡¯ contracts were with the young Madam, and no slave trader would dare take them without seeing the contracts! This is all absolutely true!¡± The Duke¡¯s mansion¡­ Qin Dezhao gritted his teeth, his sharp gaze intimidating everyone. Nanny Wu didn¡¯t even dare to raise her head. Qin Dezhao closed his eyes and completely sobered up, ¡°You should go with the officers from the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s Office. I will find someone to handle it, and you won¡¯t be wronged! But if you don¡¯t go¡­ the entire marquis¡¯s mansion and your son will be implicated.¡± Hearing this, Mrs. Jiang turned pale and collapsed on the ground. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage mansion was in turmoil, and the news of the Marchioness being imprisoned was reported to the Duke¡¯s mansion by the stewards left there by Bai Jinxiu that very night. This was just as Bai Qingyan had predicted, and she was not particularly pleased by it. Before Bai Qingyan retired, Chun Tao hesitantly reported that the little maidservant Yingshuang, who had been secretly following Chun Yan, reported that Chun Yan had met with a servant in the front courtyard today. ¡°Seeing the servant leave the mansion, little Yingshuang, not knowing her place, followed him outside and witnessed the servant heading to the back gate of King Liang¡¯s mansion to whisper with their people. Without a word, she knocked him out with a punch and brought him back. She just threw him to Lu Huyuan and came to Qinghui Courtyard happily asking for pine nut candy as a reward¡­¡± Chun Tao said with a mix of tears and laughter. Sitting in front of the bronze mirror, Bai Qingyan, who had been filled with anger, was instantly amused, ¡°Yingshuang is fourteen this year, isn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°Yes, Miss, she is fourteen, you still remember¡­¡± Chun Tao took the white jade comb and began combing Bai Qingyan¡¯s hair. Yingshuang was brought back by Shen Qingzhu when she was ten. She was not only weak but also not very bright, and because she ate a lot, her parents sold her as they couldn¡¯t afford to raise her. Yingshuang had been following Shen Qingzhu for so many years, and no one knew how skillful she had become. ¡°Tomorrow, inform Nanny Qin and transfer Yingshuang to Qinghui Courtyard. Have Chun Xing and others teach her proper manners. She will stay at Qinghui Courtyard from now on,¡± Bai Qingyan said. Chun Tao bit her lip, hesitating as she thought of asking forgiveness for Chun Yan, who grew up with her. ¡°Miss, Chun Yan she¡­¡± ¡°Ignore her, just have someone keep an eye on her.¡± Chapter 37 - Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Reluctant Marriage_1 Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Reluctant Marriage_1 ¡°Miss¡­¡± Chuntao set down the white jade comb, solemnly knelt beside Bai Qingyan, and choking with red eyes said, ¡°Chuntao knows that Chun Yan¡¯s betrayal deserves death, but this servant only begs Miss to spare Chun Yan¡¯s life. It is not that I am soft-hearted, but I wish to repay the favor Chun Yan did when she once saved my life.¡± She looked at the innocent and kind Chuntao, sighed after a moment, and helped her up. ¡°Enough, as long as she does nothing to harm the Bai family, I will spare her on your account. Hopefully, she won¡¯t disappoint your pleading for her. Wipe your tears and go tell Uncle Ping to quietly keep the servant captured by Yingshuang under watch. Don¡¯t let this get out.¡± Chuntao, with tearful eyes, looked at Bai Qingyan. ¡°Yes! Thank you, Miss!¡± King Liang, who was still nursing his injuries in the mansion, received the news. He closed his eyes, leaned back against the cushion, clutching his chest. His handsome face, angular and pale as snow, lacked any trace of blood. His voice, as cold as a corpse¡¯s tomb, said, ¡°Has this Dong Changyuan been investigated thoroughly?¡± ¡°Dong Changyuan studied under the great scholar Mr. Lu. He became the top provincial graduate in his youth. Some even predicted he would achieve the highest honors in all three imperial exams. Over the years, many matchmakers have almost broken down the Dong family¡¯s door, but Madam Dong seems intent on keeping this legitimate grandson for her granddaughter. She refused everyone. Moreover, this top scholar doesn¡¯t have even one chamber maid, quite clean indeed,¡± reported King Liang¡¯s subordinate truthfully. King Liang opened his eyes, his deep, fox-like eyes showing intense coldness. His heart thrumming with anger, he couldn¡¯t help but cough softly, his chest tearing with pain. After a long while, he called, ¡°Tongji¡­¡± Tongji quickly entered, carrying a steaming bowl of bitter medicine. ¡°Master!¡± ¡°Tomorrow morning, take my royal jade pendant to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion to find Chun Yan. Instruct her to pass the pendant to Bai Qingyan! Tell Bai Qingyan I wish to marry her as my Princess and to wait for me.¡± King Liang¡¯s calculation was clear. First, the status of a Prince would pressure the Dong family not to propose marriage. Second, as long as Chun Yan accepted the jade pendant, it would prove Bai Qingyan had a private relationship with him. Her reputation would be tarnished and her chances of bearing children slim. Who would dare to marry her then? Tongji¡¯s brow knitted into deep furrows. ¡°But Your Highness initially said side consort. The title of Princess is so honorable¡­ What about the heir of the Bai family¡­¡± ¡°How dare you disobey me? Cough, cough¡­¡± Tongji, shaken by King Liang¡¯s gaze, nodded quickly and agreed. The next morning, Dong Changyuan accompanied Madam Dong with rich gifts to visit. Firstly, to visit the Eldest Princess, and secondly, because Dong Changyuan spoke regretfully to Madam Dong the night before, pleading for another chance with the Duke¡¯s family to see if their marriage to Bai Qingyan could still be negotiated. It wasn¡¯t that Dong Changyuan lusted for beauty. He saw his cousin Bai Qingyan as bright as a clear moon and flawless as ice. The thought of her marrying someone else and being disdained by her husband¡¯s family over her offspring was heartbreaking. The Eldest Princess and Madam Dong chatted warmly in the inner hall when Nanny Jiang was sent to invite Bai Qingyan to Qinghui Courtyard. Chun Yan, after sending Nanny Jiang out, stood at the door with her face long and drooping as if someone owed her money. She muttered, ¡°Why did that Lord of Dengzhou come to our mansion again after seeing the Duke¡¯s family yesterday?¡± Yesterday, Chun Yan had someone report to King Liang. She wondered if he had received the message and had any countermeasures. If Miss really married into Dengzhou, how could she ever see King Liang again? Seeing Bai Qingyan was already dressed and out, Chun Yan stepped forward to assist, but Bai Qingyan said, ¡°Chuntao can accompany me.¡± Chun Yan retracted her hand, eyes reddening as she stood aside. Bai Qingyan ignored her and left Qinghui Courtyard holding Chun Tao¡¯s hand. Holding a bowl of sugared pine nuts and eating heartily, Yingshuang noticed Chun Yan¡¯s red eyes. She looked at her own candy, painfully furrowing her brows, and offered it forward. ¡°Candy?¡± Chun Yan glared at Yingshuang, raising her hand to knock the candy out of Yingshuang¡¯s hand. ¡°Who wants your candy, fool!¡± Yingshuang watched the pine nuts scatter across the ground, then casually pushed Chun Yan to the ground. Chun Yan turned, glaring at Yingshuang. ¡°You¡­¡± Yingshuang, fearless of heaven or earth, raised her chin. Chun Yan, knowing she couldn¡¯t match Yingshuang, got up, brushed the dust off herself, and angrily said, ¡°I won¡¯t argue with a fool like you!¡± After Chun Yan left, Yingshuang bent down to pick up the pine nuts given by Chuntao, blew off the dust, wrapped them again, and sat under the eaves happily eating again. The Eldest Princess and Madam Dong were talking inside while Dong Changyuan, unable to contain himself, kept looking out to Changshou Courtyard. In the brilliant morning light, a slender, tall figure in white slowly appeared. Dong Changyuan¡¯s heart warmed, and he couldn¡¯t help but walk down the steps, bowing deeply. ¡°Cousin¡­¡± She smiled in return. ¡°Why are you standing under the eaves, Cousin? Is it too stuffy inside?¡± ¡°I was waiting here for you,¡± Dong Changyuan, ears turning red, bowed again. ¡°Firstly, to apologize for my neglect yesterday.¡± ¡°No harm.¡± She nodded lightly. ¡°Secondly¡­ secondly¡­¡± Dong Changyuan, unable to straighten up, blushed and his heartbeat raced. ¡°May I ask you to speak privately?¡± Bai Qingyan turned to look at Chuntao. Understanding immediately, Chuntao stood at a distance. Fortunately, this was Changshou Courtyard, observed by many servants, not a breach of propriety. ¡°Please speak, Cousin.¡± Dong Changyuan, face red, straightened up. ¡°I know your marriage has caused Aunt much worry over the matter of heirs. You¡¯re a woman of virtue and talent, bright as jade and flawless as ice. How could¡­ How could you accept a marriage that slights you because of heirs and suffer at your husband¡¯s family¡¯s disdain?¡± Dong Changyuan bit his lip and solemnly declared, ¡°I cannot bear to see your brilliance dim. I boldly ask you to reconsider me.¡± Surprised for a moment at Dong Changyuan¡¯s earnestness, Bai Qingyan gently laughed. ¡°Thank you for your kindness. I never intended to marry. Grandfather and Father have arranged my retreat. Cousin needn¡¯t worry for me. You are an upright gentleman, an uncut gem fit to match with someone pure. Compassion is no reason for compromise. But¡­ such talk of lifelong celibacy might pain my mother. I ask Cousin to keep this secret, not letting her know.¡± Dong Changyuan could see she didn¡¯t wish to marry him. Yet he hadn¡¯t expected she intended never to marry. Inside, the Eldest Princess and Madam Dong shook their heads. Madam Dong remarked, ¡°Seeing Changyuan¡¯s expression, Kid doesn¡¯t seem willing. Last night, Changyuan knelt before me, begging me to use this old face once more. He didn¡¯t wish to see such a bright, clear woman suffer from a marriage for heirs.¡± Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Grievance_1 Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Grievance_1 Mrs. Dong clutched the handkerchief in her hand, already deeply moved, wishing she could agree immediately. Madam Dong sighed and looked at the Eldest Princess: ¡°After all, they are my grandson and granddaughter. What¡¯s there to be ashamed of? But if Kid doesn¡¯t nod to this marriage, we can¡¯t force him. Thinking about Kid¡¯s lifelong matter, it really makes my heart ache!¡± ¡°Mother!¡± Mrs. Dong looked urgently at Madam Dong. ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Eldest daughter-in-law, don¡¯t you know your own daughter¡¯s temperament? If you force her to marry, would she be happy inside?¡± The Eldest Princess interrupted Mrs. Dong. The Eldest Princess was Bai Qingyan¡¯s grandmother. Naturally, like Madam Dong, she worried about Bai Qingyan. But Bai Qingyan would rather break than bend and would never compromise against her will. Mrs. Dong dabbed her tears with a handkerchief. ¡°Forget it! If Kid never marries in her lifetime, as long as she is happy.¡± Later, Dong Changyuan and Bai Qingyan entered the room, Dong Changyuan standing like a statue beside Madam Dong, not uttering a word. Madam Dong sat briefly and then took Dong Changyuan back to the mansion. Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan personally escorted Madam Dong to the door. After some reluctance, Mrs. Dong sent Madam Dong onto the carriage. After watching Madam Dong¡¯s carriage depart, Bai Qingyan was summoned back to Changshou Courtyard by Nanny Jiang. The Eldest Princess spoke to her about the son of her second uncle who was to be brought back to the mansion. ¡°Go ahead and test the character of those two people. If the boy¡¯s birth mother is honest and forthright, bring them both back. If she¡¯s ambitious, send her back immediately!¡± ¡°Grandmother, don¡¯t worry. I understand!¡± Bai Qingyan nodded. Nanny Jiang entered, holding a tray of eight-treasure tea, smiling as she said: ¡°The little maid named Chun Yan in the eldest sister¡¯s courtyard, she¡¯s been anxiously peeking around outside Changshou Courtyard for some time now, her face red with worry. Cui¡¯er went out but couldn¡¯t find out anything. Does the eldest sister want to call her in and ask?¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart sneered. What could make Chun Yan so anxious but unable to tell others? Aside from that exalted King Liang! Bai Qingyan changed the subject. ¡°I just heard mother say, Qin Lang came to talk to the second sister this morning. Today is the day he moves out of the Marquis Mansion. He will wait quietly in the mansion for the second sister to return.¡± The Eldest Princess nodded. ¡°Qin Lang is decisive. It¡¯s not in vain that you paved the way for him¡­¡± Bai Qingyan served the Eldest Princess Buddha in Changshou Courtyard and only came out after having lunch. Chun Yan, who had been nestled in the snow all morning, hurriedly greeted her, her face red from the cold. ¡°Miss Bai¡­¡± Her cold eyes glanced at Chun Yan. ¡°We¡¯ll talk back inside.¡± Chun Yan¡¯s legs were numb. She gritted her teeth and chased after Bai Qingyan. As soon as they entered the door, she eagerly took out a jade pendant that had been warm in her bosom for a while and handed it to her. ¡°Miss Bai, this is the jade pendant that King Liang had Tongji deliver. King Liang said he would formally propose to marry you as his main wife!¡± A rush of blood went to her head. Bai Qingyan¡¯s cold and fierce eyes stared at Chun Yan. She had never expected Chun Yan, this treacherous servant, to be so bold as to accept King Liang¡¯s personal jade pendant! Chun Tao¡¯s eyes widened. Her face flushed red, her chest heaving dramatically. ¡°Chun Yan, how dare you! Are you insane?!¡± Enraged, Bai Qingyan gripped the edge of the small table fiercely, staring at Chun Yan. ¡°Chun Yan, you really are audacious. You made the decision for my marriage and set me with King Liang! I¡¯m terribly sorry we didn¡¯t let you manage the entire Duke¡¯s household!¡± Chun Yan immediately knelt down. ¡°Chun Yan wouldn¡¯t dare, Miss Bai! Chun Yan did it for you! Miss Bai, think about it. The Princess¡¯s esteemed position¡­ The Lord of Dengzhou is just a mere Juren. What right does he have to covet our miss!¡± She almost couldn¡¯t resist slapping this treacherous servant but thought that keeping Chun Yan would allow her to investigate which petty people in the mansion were King Liang¡¯s. She suppressed the urge, feeling utterly nauseated. She closed her eyes, her temples throbbing. ¡°By the end of the day, return this thing the way it came! Or don¡¯t blame me for breaking your legs! Get out!¡± Chun Yan left the room in tears. Chun Tao almost cried out of anger. How could Chun Yan plead with Miss Bai after being rebuked at noon; she must be out of her mind. Seeing Bai Qingyan close her eyes in agitated breathing, Chun Tao felt immense guilt. She quickly poured her a cup of water. ¡°Miss Bai, this maid will severely punish Chun Yan later.¡± After a moment, she calmed down, eyes still closed. ¡°Go find out who allowed Chun Yan to go out today. Tell the steward to find a reason to detain that person, saying the steward has assigned them a task outside to avoid suspicion!¡± ¡°Yes, this maid will handle it right away!¡± Chun Tao responded promptly. Before the sun set, the Duke of the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s carriage steadily stopped at the entrance of Manjiang Tower. Chen Qingsheng, who was sitting with the coachman, leaped off the carriage and informed Bai Qingyan inside, then went into Manjiang Tower to make arrangements. The shop assistant saw Chen Qingsheng and quickly informed the shopkeeper. ¡°Head Shopkeeper, Master Chen has arrived!¡± The Head Shopkeeper, seeing Chen Qingsheng, beamed with joy and hurried out from behind the counter. ¡°Master Chen, as per your instructions, I had the best private room cleaned early this morning. The stove has been burning warmly all day, no guests have been let in, and we¡¯re waiting for Miss Bai.¡±Update by n0vgo. co Chen Qingsheng quickly walked two steps and respectfully handed over some silver. ¡°Thank you, Head Shopkeeper. Without your permission for Madam Luo of the Luo family wonton stand to use your kitchen, our Miss Bai might not have tasted fresh wontons. When Miss Bai rewards us, I must treat you to a drink! You can¡¯t refuse!¡± ¡°Master Chen, what are you saying? Your business is my business!¡± The Head Shopkeeper guaranteed, warmly pushing the silver back, grateful. ¡°Besides, I know you did this to let Miss Bai taste our food on her way. If Miss Bai of the Duke of the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s mansion says it¡¯s good¡­ won¡¯t all the noble families know about our Manjiang Tower? I understand your kind intentions, Master Chen. Rest assured¡­ We will serve Miss Bai well today.¡± Spring Tao and Chun Yan had already helped Bai Qingyan down from the carriage. The shop assistant at the door was so stunned that he stood there, though he wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with seeing wealthy young ladies in the Dadu City¡ªit was his first time seeing someone as stunning as Bai Qingyan. ¡°Let¡¯s settle accounts clearly!¡± Chen Qingsheng hurriedly stuffed the silver into the shopkeeper¡¯s hands, then quickly walked back two steps to personally greet Bai Qingyan. The Head Shopkeeper followed behind, holding the silver, bowing and smiling. In doing so, Chun Yan was squeezed to the back. Chun Yan, who had been reprimanded by Bai Qingyan at noon, couldn¡¯t understand why Miss Bai hadn¡¯t scolded Chen Qingsheng and the shopkeeper for taking her place after she had sent back King Liang¡¯s jade pendant. Feeling wronged, Chun Yan trailed behind with a pout on her face. Chapter 39 - Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Wandering_1 Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Wandering_1 Bai Qingyan watched Chen Qingsheng¡¯s methodical dealings with the shopkeeper, feeling increasingly satisfied with Chen Qingsheng. In the future, when Third Sister goes into business, Chen Qingsheng will definitely become a strong supporter for her. She turned her head and said to Lu Ping and the accompanying guards, ¡°Uncle Ping, you all stay downstairs and do not act rashly. Follow my instructions.¡± Lu Ping cupped his fists and agreed. ¡°Miss Bai, the shopkeeper has already arranged a private room! Though Manjiang Tower is a newly opened establishment and not as famous as the neighboring Que Tower, it is more serene.¡± Chen Qingsheng led Bai Qingyan to the stairs, saying, ¡°Miss Bai, be careful of your steps.¡± ¡°Yes, yes! The best private room was cleaned up for Miss Bai early this morning! When the sun sets, Miss Bai can push open the window, lean against the beauty railing in the corridor, and view the red lanterns lining the street. It¡¯s an absolutely perfect spot! Not inferior to the viewing position in the private rooms of Que Tower next door!¡± The head shopkeeper followed behind with a smile. ¡°Shopkeeper, you are very thoughtful! You may go about your business. We will attend to Miss Bai.¡± Chun Tao said with a cheerful smile. ¡°Yes, yes!¡± The shopkeeper stood downstairs, nodding repeatedly. Chen Qingsheng opened the door to the private room for Bai Qingyan, knowing she feared the cold. He hurried inside to close the facing windows and said, ¡°Miss Bai, although this room has a good location, the windows are too close to those in the private rooms of Que Tower next door. I¡¯ll close them for you first.¡± Chen Qingsheng arranged things meticulously. Probably worried that Bai Qingyan might get bored sitting here, he placed a chessboard under the carved wooden window and a chess manual on the small table. Bai Qingyan unclasped her cloak and walked straight to the chessboard. Her eyes glanced over it briefly. This endgame, wherever Chen Qingsheng found it, was new to her and piqued her interest. The private room was brightly lit with candles and had five braziers burning fiercely, making it feel warm even though the window had just been opened. Seeing the waiter standing at the door with tea, Chen Qingsheng quickly stepped forward, took the tea, and tipped the waiter. As he poured the tea, he said, ¡°The shopkeeper of Manjiang Tower took over this place just half a month ago. About half a year ago, the owner of Que Tower next door became an in-law with an official from the street supervisory yamen. Later, when Que Tower expanded, it occupied half of the adjacent alley to Manjiang Tower, blocking the light from this window! Because of this, the former owner of Manjiang Tower sued Que Tower, but after losing his fortune without resolving the matter, he returned angrily to his ancestral home.¡± Chen Qingsheng indeed knew everything about the big and small matters of Dadu City. ¡°Miss Bai, please have a seat. I will keep watch downstairs. As soon as the carriage enters the city, I will come back to report.¡± Chen Qingsheng bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Chun Tao, I saw some figurine makers by the roadside when we got off the carriage. Please go with Chen Qingsheng to buy some for the young ladies in the household and bring them back later.¡± She took a sip of tea, smiling warmly. Normally, Chen Qingsheng and Chun Tao seldom had the chance to meet, as one was in the inner courtyard and the other in the outer courtyard. Bai Qingyan knew this and wanted to give them an opportunity to be alone, wishing that in this life, they could come to truly know and cherish each other, not miss each other and regret it for life as before. Chen Qingsheng and Chun Tao both blushed deeply, hurriedly bowing out of the room. In the spacious private room, only Bai Qingyan and Chun Yan were left. Not looking at Chun Yan¡¯s greatly aggrieved face, she said, ¡°Stand guard at the door.¡± Chun Yan¡¯s eyes reddened instantly. She bowed and exited, sniffling. The heat from the fire was too much, and Bai Qingyan felt a thin layer of sweat forming after sitting for a moment. She pushed open the two windows, raising her eyes to meet the deep, well-like eyes of a man across the way. She was taken aback. Xiao Rongyan, who stood by the window opposite, was also quite surprised. His hand, which had been rubbing a jade cicada, paused unconsciously. Dressed in a white robe, Xiao Rongyan stood tall and slender in the light. His gaze was calm as water. Although he appeared gentle and noble, in that moment when their eyes met, Bai Qingyan clearly saw the depth and steadiness of his hidden designs. In an instant, the warmth in Xiao Rongyan¡¯s eyes replaced the imposing cold authority of moments before. He gently nodded at her, looking like a completely different person from the powerful and cold ruler. The two windows were only three feet apart. In both this life and the previous, she had never been so close to Xiao Rongyan. Closing the windows hurriedly would appear too cowardly and show a lack of composure. Thus, she stiffly straightened her back and slightly bowed. From the private room in Que Tower, Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s voice arguing fiercely could be heard: ¡°What I said is true! If you don¡¯t believe me, ask Brother Xiao if Miss Bai isn¡¯t truly unparalleled in beauty. Miss Bai is far more stunning than Princess of Nandu, Liu Ruofu, who is reputed as the first beauty, isn¡¯t she, Brother Xiao?!¡± Xiao Rongyan didn¡¯t turn his head, gazing calmly at Bai Qingyan¡¯s exquisite features. The light smile almost hidden in his dark eyes, he responded, ¡°Indeed¡­ unparalleled.¡± The low, warm voice, steady and rich, made her face instantly heat up. How could this person¡­ be so audacious?! ¡°See! See!¡± Lu Yuanpeng slapped the table excitedly, ¡°And you said I exaggerated! Now that Brother Xiao has spoken, you should believe it! You have no idea, under the snowy red lanterns, Miss Bai, in her white fox fur, standing in the corridor, was like a scene from a painting¡­¡± She hurriedly closed the two windows, her sleeve sweeping the chess pieces to the ground with a clatter. Chun Yan quickly pushed the door open and came in, seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s ears and neck turn red as she bent down to pick up the chess pieces. Chun Yan hurried forward, ¡°Miss, let me pick them up!¡± Bai Qingyan nodded. She wiped her sweaty hands with a handkerchief and subconsciously turned to the already-closed window. Outside, she thought she could still vaguely see Xiao Rongyan¡¯s figure, making her heart beat even faster. As Chun Yan picked up the chess pieces, she noticed Bai Qingyan¡¯s flushed face. She put the pieces back in the box and said with a smile, ¡°Miss, your face is all red. You must be hot. Shall I open the window for some air?¡± Her heart pounding like a drum, Bai Qingyan grabbed Chun Yan¡¯s hand as she reached for the window. Her voice was sharp, ¡°No need!¡± ¡°Miss?!¡± It was the first time Chun Yan had seen her lady so flustered, and she was startled. Bai Qingyan¡¯s throat tightened. She withdrew her hand from Chun Yan¡¯s arm, trying to hide her inner anxiety, and said sternly, ¡°Go guard outside the door!¡± Feeling even more wronged by Bai Qingyan¡¯s recent sternness and distance, Chun Yan choked back her tears, bowed to Bai Qingyan, and stood guard outside the door. Once again, alone in the private room, Bai Qingyan turned to look outside the window. Noticing the person across the window was no longer there, she felt a little more at ease. Although the window opposite was open, Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s rowdy voices from the group of dandies in Dadu City kept drifting over. Occasionally, a ¡°Brother Xiao¡­¡± reached her ears, inexplicably making her uneasy. Chapter 40 - Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Young Noble_1 Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Young Noble_1 Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, and it took her a while to calm down. She picked a piece from the chess box. Chun Tao and Chen Qingsheng bought flour figurines. After chatting briefly downstairs, they hurried upstairs to serve their young lady. ¡°Big Miss, I bought many flour figurines, and I got one for you too! Look¡­¡± Chun Tao bent over with a bright smile, holding a small figurine in front of Bai Qingyan. ¡°Big Miss, look at this general on horseback. Doesn¡¯t he look like you? So majestic!¡± Bai Qingyan looked at the small figurine of the general on horseback in Chun Tao¡¯s hand, a mix of feelings swirling in her heart. Nowadays, her body needed a few more years if she wanted to don armor and go to battle again. Night fell upon Lincheng. After the Bell Tower lit its lanterns, each shop followed suit, lighting the long street with red lanterns, enveloping Dadu City, covered in white snow, in a warm glow. Tea houses and restaurants were brightly lit and prosperous, their doors busy with people coming and going, bustling with noise. Chen Qingsheng saw an elmwood carriage painted with the Bai family¡¯s emblem of the Duke of Zhen. After passing the city gate inspection, it slowly made its way down the long street, rushing towards Manjiang Tower. Chen Qingsheng rushed upstairs, lifting his hem, and informed Bai Qingyan, who was eating wontons, ¡°Big Miss, the carriage has entered the city!¡± ¡°I know; you may go!¡± She lifted her spirits, pressing her lips with a handkerchief, and ordered, ¡°Chun Tao, open all the partitions.¡± Chun Tao responded and pushed open all the carved flower partitions that separated the corridor on the second floor. This cousin, though she hadn¡¯t faced him in her previous life, she¡¯d heard plenty about his deeds. The reputation the Bai family had accumulated was utterly squandered by him. Bai Qingyan picked up a teacup, gripping it tightly in her hand, her eyes sharp and cold. In this lifetime, this cousin had not yet fallen into King Liang¡¯s grasp. She didn¡¯t know his character. If he had a good nature, then she would guide him onto the right path with all her heart. If he was inherently malicious, she would seize the opportunity to trample on him to enhance the Bai family¡¯s reputation. That way, he would still have contributed to the Bai family in some way. ¡°Miss, your cloak!¡± Chun Yan brought the cloak to drape over Bai Qingyan. Chun Tao replaced the charcoal in the silver-plated plum blossom hand warmer and handed it to Bai Qingyan. She held the hand warmer, standing under the hot red lanterns in the corridor. Seeing Chen Qingsheng talking to Lu Ping downstairs, she looked towards the distant carriage of the Duke of Zhen, her eyes clear. Inside the carriage, a beautiful woman lifted the curtain with her hand, gazing at the brightly lit Dadu City outside the window, her heart pounding in awe of the bustling scene. ¡°Son, we¡¯ve finally¡­ entered Dadu City!¡± The woman looked back at her son, who lay on the long seat in the carriage, his head propped on one hand, chewing a straw. ¡°Once we enter the Duke¡¯s Mansion, your name will be under the second wife¡¯s name. You will become a young master of the Duke¡¯s Mansion! They say there are seventeen young masters in the Duke¡¯s Mansion, and you will be the eighteenth!¡± Bai Qingxuan pulled the straw from his mouth, propped himself up with one hand, and squinted his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to any battlefield or be the eighteenth. I just like beauties. Mom, do you think the maids in the Duke¡¯s Mansion are all very beautiful?¡± ¡°Watch your mouth, you little ancestor!¡± The woman hurriedly lowered the curtain, staring at Bai Qingxuan with a pale face. ¡°Once you¡¯re in the Duke¡¯s Mansion, you must control your bad habits! The Duke¡¯s Mansion is not like the village. If you mess up the life of a tenant¡¯s daughter, we can settle it with silver! But if your grandmother, the Eldest Princess, or the Duke finds out you harmed a maid in the mansion, your leg won¡¯t be spared!¡± Hearing this, Bai Qingxuan, biting on the straw, laid back down, crossing his legs. ¡°Then what¡¯s the fun in returning to the Duke¡¯s Mansion? I¡¯d rather stay in the village!¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you have some ambition¡­¡± Before the woman finished speaking, the carriage suddenly stopped, causing her to fall and hit her head inside the carriage, crying out in pain. Bai Qingxuan, in pain from the fall, spit out the straw in his mouth. He didn¡¯t help his mother but pushed open the carved wooden door of the carriage, grabbed the coachman by the hair, and smashed his head against the rail, angrily shouting, ¡°You blind dog, how are you driving? Trying to kill me on purpose?!¡± The coachman¡¯s head immediately bled. When he saw Bai Qingxuan¡¯s fierce expression as if he wanted to eat him, he fell off the carriage, knelt, and begged for mercy. ¡°Master, please spare me! Master, please spare me! It wasn¡¯t my fault; a child suddenly rushed out. I was afraid of hurting someone!¡± Bai Qingyan, standing upstairs, gripped the hand warmer until her knuckles turned white. She was instantly filled with rage. How could her uncle have such a creature for a son? Even knowing the evil deeds Bai Qingxuan had done in his previous life, she hadn¡¯t expected him to be so violent and cruel at such a young age. At that moment, Bai Qingyan felt it was a terrible mistake to bring such a person back to the Duke¡¯s Mansion. She should have ordered Shen Qingzhu to kill him upon her rebirth, leaving no hidden troubles. Bai Qingyan¡¯s killing intent inadvertently leaked, startling Chun Tao. ¡°Big Miss?¡±Upd@te by n0vgo .c0 ¡°We¡¯re going downstairs¡­¡± Bai Qingyan gave Bai Qingxuan a deep look before turning around. Kneeling on the carriage, Bai Qingxuan glanced at the child protected in the old woman¡¯s arms, who was crying in fear, then jumped down from the carriage. The coachman, holding his bleeding head, knelt to make way for Bai Qingxuan, afraid of being affected. Bai Qingxuan walked towards the old woman and child. Looking down from above, his smile was eerie and sinister. ¡°Boy¡­ cough cough cough¡­ the boy was picking herbs for me. Cough cough¡­ afraid that the wheels would crush the medicine wrapped in cowhide paper, he offended you. Please forgive him¡­¡± The frail old woman was about to leave with her grandson, but as soon as she stood up, Bai Qingxuan kicked her down. The child in her arms fell to the ground and rolled away. The old woman, panicking, called out the child¡¯s name but was unable to get up before Bai Qingxuan mercilessly stomped on her back. She spat out blood and coughed violently. The dirty-faced child, holding the herbs, cried loudly, ¡°Grandmother! Grandmother!¡± Bai Qingxuan used all his strength to stomp on the old woman. Leaning down with a face like a demon, he said, ¡°Because the little master picked herbs for you, I have to get hurt for nothing? Who gave you the gall! I am a young master of the Duke¡¯s Mansion. If I¡¯m injured, your life and that of your entire family wouldn¡¯t be enough to compensate!¡± Bai Qingxuan¡¯s eyes were blood-red and violent, scaring the onlookers around them into stepping back. Bai Qingyan, having descended to the last step, heard Bai Qingxuan¡¯s words, and her anger flared. How could she have thought of guiding such a being onto the right path? Bai Qingyan, face dark with rage, called out, ¡°Chen Qingsheng!¡± Chen Qingsheng, who had some martial skills, immediately understood when he saw Bai Qingyan¡¯s stern expression. In three moves, he had Bai Qingxuan pinned against the carriage. Chapter 41 - Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Arrogant and Presumptuous Youth_1 Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Arrogant and Presumptuous Youth_1 ¡°You lowly commoner! How dare you lay a hand on me!¡± Bai Qingxuan, not expecting someone more skilled than him, was tightly pressed against the carriage, unable to move. Bai Qingxuan¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. He struggled and cursed, ¡°I am the son of the Duke of Zhen! You lowly commoner dare to touch me. When my grandfather returns, he will exterminate your nine clans!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were filled with a fierce, murderous intent. To dare to say such words about exterminating nine clans! Leaving this heartless scum in the Bai family might bring about the family¡¯s doom. ¡°Let go of my son!¡± The woman lifted the carriage curtain, jumped down like a shrew, and angrily hit and tore at Chen Qingsheng. ¡°You lowly commoner! My son is the most esteemed son of the Duke of Zhen! If you hurt my son, the Duke will surely kill your entire family when he returns!¡± Being the woman of the Bai family¡¯s second master, Chen Qingsheng dared not lay hands on her by any means. He took a slap from the woman on his face and could only awkwardly turn his face to avoid her. Bai Qingyan stepped out of the doorway, clenching the hand warmer in her hand. Her heart boiled with anger as if being cooked by fire. This mother and son¡­ they were utterly foolish, vile, and malicious. She closed her eyes, suppressing her boiling murderous intent, and ordered, ¡°Chen Qingsheng, let him go! Have someone take the coachman and the old man to the medical clinic across the street first!¡± ¡°Yes, Eldest Young Lady!¡± Chen Qingsheng obeyed the order and instructed the Bai Mansion guards to take the injured to the medical clinic across the street. The coachman, who was supported up, hurriedly bowed to Bai Qingyan in gratitude, ¡°Thank you, Eldest Young Lady! Thank you, Eldest Young Lady!¡± ¡°You just wait! I will drag you to see an official!¡± The woman glared at Chen Qingsheng, quickly supporting her son and tearfully asked, ¡°Xuan¡¯er, did that lowly commoner hurt you anywhere?!¡± As Bai Qingyan walked to the front of Manjiang Tower, the patrons and waiters crowded at the door watching the commotion hurriedly made way. Just as Bai Qingxuan, who was holding his neck and preparing to cry in pain, saw Bai Qingyan, he was stunned¡­ immediately filled with admiration, revealing a chilling gaze like a hungry wolf seeing prey. He pushed the woman aside, squinted his eyes, and walked toward Bai Qingyan with a grin, ¡°What a beautiful little lady¡­¡± ¡°You are outrageous!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s heart surged with anger at the foul words. Chen Qingsheng feared that this scoundrel might hurt Chun Tao, quickly stepped forward to shield Bai Qingyan and Chun Tao, preventing Bai Qingxuan from approaching further. Bai Qingxuan¡¯s gaze swept over Chen Qingsheng, then fixated on the cold, snowy features of Bai Qingyan. He circled around her, eyes filled with excitement as if examining merchandise, eager to approach and closely observe Bai Qingyan¡¯s beauty. Chen Qingsheng¡¯s expression darkened, just about to knock down Bai Qingxuan when Bai Qingyan spoke, ¡°Chen Qingsheng, go check how the lady and the coachman at the clinic across the street are doing, and if the child is injured.¡± Chen Qingsheng gritted his teeth and replied, obeying and stepping aside. ¡°Now that¡¯s sensible! This beautiful little lady knows how to judge the situation. My grandfather, the Duke of Zhen¡­ even the Emperor dares not provoke him!¡± Bai Qingxuan thought the stunning little lady in front of him was cowed by the prestige of the Duke of Zhen and grew even more arrogant. Her pupils slightly constricted. If not for gripping the hand warmer tightly, she feared she might not have been able to resist drawing her sword and hacking the person in front of her to pieces. Bai Qingxuan stepped forward, only three steps away from her. After another detailed examination, Bai Qingxuan smiled and said, ¡°Which family is the little lady from? When my grandfather, the Duke of Zhen, returns victorious, I¡¯ll have him go to your house to ask for you! I¡¯ve never seen such a beautiful woman before. If made into a beauty jar¡­ it would be unique in the world!¡± At the mention of a beauty jar, her boiling blood instantly turned to ice, her gaze turning cold and grim like it was laced with poison. She could hardly restrain herself from tearing this foolish animal apart. Yet she was now a cripple with no martial arts, unable to do anything, gritting her teeth tighter, holding the hand warmer even tighter. Standing at the viewing corridor on the second floor of Yanque Tower, Xiao Rongyan, hands behind his back, his ink-black eyes darkened upon hearing this. ¡°Brother Xiao, isn¡¯t that the Duke¡¯s eldest legitimate daughter?!¡± Lu Yuanpeng anxiously pulled Xiao Rongyan¡¯s sleeve. Xiao Rongyan remained unmoved. He picked a peanut from the small dish in Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s hand¡­ ¡°Thud¡ª¡± Bai Qingxuan¡¯s kneecaps were suddenly hit by something, causing him to kneel straight down before Bai Qingyan. Lu Ping, who had been hidden in the crowd waiting for Bai Qingyan¡¯s orders, thought Bai Qingxuan was going to make a move on the Eldest Young Lady. He immediately stepped in front of Bai Qingyan, kicked Bai Qingxuan in the chest, sending him rolling down the stairs. ¡°Take him down!¡± With Bai Qingyan¡¯s command, the guards brought by Lu Ping immediately pressed Bai Qingxuan to the ground, making him unable to move. ¡°Let go of my son! Let go of my son!¡± The woman rushed up, clawing at the Bai Mansion guards, angrily cursing at Bai Qingyan, ¡°Which family¡¯s little nobody are you to be so rude?! How dare you have your family¡¯s servants lay hands on the son of the Duke of Zhen! Do you not want your entire family to live?!¡± Bai Qingyan gritted her teeth. Such malicious, reckless dogs¡ªif not crushed to establish the Bai family¡¯s reputation, their existence in this world would be a waste. ¡°You are outrageous!¡± Chun Tao was so angry that her face turned pale. ¡°Even the Duke¡¯s eldest legitimate daughter is not someone you can insult!¡± The woman, hearing that the young lady before her was the Duke¡¯s eldest legitimate daughter, was shocked and stepped back two paces. If not for holding onto the carriage, she would have almost knelt with weak legs. Since that day at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, the name of the Duke¡¯s eldest legitimate daughter had spread not only in Dadu City but even in the countryside. It was said that the Duke¡¯s eldest legitimate daughter had been raised under the knees of the Duke of Zhen and the Eldest Princess, deeply loved by them. Moreover, she was reputed to be filled with the indomitable spirit of the Bai family and extraordinary bearing. Bai Qingxuan looked up, surprise in his eyes, at Bai Qingyan, who stood in a pure white fox fur coat under the brilliant lights of Manjiang Tower, her expression solemn. He sensed intense disgust and murderous intent in her tranquil gaze. ¡°When your second uncle was studying abroad, your mother saved him! Our grandmother sent people to search for your mother and you but couldn¡¯t find you two. Now, bringing you two into the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion was our grandmother¡¯s act of mercy! Who gave you the gall to use the Duke¡¯s prestige to act without reason?¡± Bai Qingxuan felt unwilling in his heart, but had to yield to Bai Qingyan, biting his teeth tightly, ¡°Just a lowly commoner! He wasn¡¯t even beaten to death! Why make a fuss over nothing, Eldest Sister?!¡± At the repeated mention of ¡°lowly commoner,¡± her brow twitched violently, the rage in her heart growing, unable to restrain herself, she took three steps forward and kicked Bai Qingxuan to the ground. The Duke¡¯s guards quickly stepped forward to press him back to his original kneeling position. ¡°Lowly commoner?!¡± Her chest filled with rage, unable to hide her loathing, her words were intense, ¡°The so-called lowly commoners in your mouth are exactly why the Bai family has gone to battle for generations, bodies shattered! The people of Jin Kingdom provide for us with their taxes. We in the Bai family fear we cannot repay the people in the slightest. Even at the age of sixty, my grandfather still takes to the battlefield, leading the Bai family¡¯s men¡ªall of them! The youngest, no more than ten years old! The Bai family sees the people of Jin Kingdom as their flesh and blood kin. Yet, in your arrogant mouth, they are lowly commoners?!¡± Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Generations of Loyal Bones_1 Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Generations of Loyal Bones_1 Bai Qingyan¡¯s words made the people gathered in front of Manjiang Tower suddenly have tears in their eyes and their hearts surge with passion. They remembered that indeed, all ten-year-old children of the Bai family from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion would train in the battlefield with the Duke. They recalled that half a year ago, when the Duke of Zhen marched to war, even the seventeenth son of the Bai family, who was not yet taller than a horse, was clad in armor and rode alone. The eldest daughter of the Bai family before their eyes also went to war at ten and was severely wounded in a fierce battle at sixteen, with little hope of having children for the rest of her life. Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words about considering the people as her kin and her humility in fearing that the Bai family might not be able to repay the taxes that support them! Having such a Duke¡¯s Mansion and such sons of the Duke sacrificing their lives at the front lines, how could the people not feel grateful and moved? How could they not appreciate a Duke¡¯s Mansion that, despite its high status, did not treat them as insignificant? Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was steady and clear, echoing resoundingly, ¡°An illegitimate son not included in the mansion¡¯s genealogy, who has never fought bloodily to protect the nation! Who has never achieved merit for the people! Where does he get the audacity to claim himself as a son of the Duke! Where does he get the audacity to use the Duke¡¯s influence to bully and kill the citizens of Jin?¡± These words were undoubtedly stepping on Bai Qingxuan¡¯s face into the mud. The entire long street was crowded with people, with every viewing balcony of the restaurants along the street also filled with people. The most famous idle youths of Dadu City were on the balcony of Yanque Tower¡¯s second floor. Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, they were stunned. So, this was how the Bai family educated their children! Even a woman had such a strong sense of duty and integrity. Despite losing her martial skills, she did not lose her spirit, embodying the Bai family¡¯s pride. No wonder the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen, which had been a military family for a hundred years, never produced any worthless offspring. Xiao Rongyan stared at Bai Qingyan, who stood resolutely in the dim light, clutching the jade cicada tightly, his deep, dark eyes containing only her slender and upright figure. ¡°This¡­ Sister Bai is truly righteous!¡± Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s throat rolled as he felt sincere respect from the bottom of his heart. He no longer held any previous superficial thoughts due to Bai Qingyan¡¯s beauty. ¡°Miss¡­¡± Chen Qingsheng hurriedly came out of the medical hall opposite, bowing deeply before speaking, ¡°Doctor Liu from the opposite Huichun Hall said the elderly lady, having been kicked, spat out the blood accumulated in her lungs, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise! The coachman¡¯s bleeding has stopped, and the child only has superficial injuries that will heal with some days of medication.¡± Bai Qingxuan, now utterly hateful towards Bai Qingyan, could no longer feign submission, and glared angrily at the guards of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, ¡°Everything¡¯s fine now, why won¡¯t you let me go!¡± Without Bai Qingyan¡¯s order, the guards did not dare to release him and pressed Bai Qingxuan down even harder as he struggled anxiously. Seeing Bai Qingxuan¡¯s unrepentant and defiant look, her heart sank completely with no intention of teaching him anymore. ¡°Grandfather set the family rules, and the Bai family military regulations are the family law! Bullying the people¡­ thirty rods for soldiers, and for Bai family descendants who offend, the penalty is doubled! Fifty rods!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze was scorching like a mirror, biting her words out, ¡°Uncle Ping, borrow a rod from the shopkeeper of Manjiang Tower, and beat him right here on the long street!¡± Bai Qingxuan stared wide-eyed at Bai Qingyan. ¡°No!¡± A woman crawled to Bai Qingyan¡¯s feet, kowtowing and crying, ¡°Xuan¡¯er is still young, Miss! Fifty rods will kill him! He must not be beaten!¡± ¡°Bai Qingyu, the legitimate son of the Bai family, was twelve years old when he received sixty rods for chasing bandits and trampling wheat fields! Bai Jinxiu, the second daughter of the Bai family, went to war at ten and received fifty lashes when her horse injured a lumberjack on the march! Were any of them older than your son when they were punished?¡± Bai Qingyan looked at the woman¡¯s act with deep disgust, raising her voice. ¡°Miss, the rod is here!¡± Lu Ping returned with the rod. Seeing the thick wooden rod, the woman cried in panic, crawling back to the ashen-faced Bai Qingxuan, holding him tightly, ¡°Xuan¡¯er is of the noble flesh of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, and these fifty rods¡­ let me take it for him! Please, Miss, have mercy!¡± ¡°As if youth isn¡¯t an excuse, you now speak of nobility?!¡± Bai Qingyan sneered coldly and unhurriedly said, ¡°In the third year of Xuanjia, during the Battle of Pingcheng, the Xiliang army besieged the city. Our army had no grain for three days. My father, the Princely Heir of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, took livestock from the city¡¯s households to feed the soldiers, waiting for reinforcements. After the victory at Pingcheng, my father knelt to the people in apology, and barebacked in the snow, took two hundred rods! He said that before the law and military regulations, there is no nobility! Wasn¡¯t my father¡¯s status noble?! What makes your son, an illegitimate child, untouchable?!¡± Bai Qingyan tightened her grip on the hand warmer. ¡°Pull him away and hit him hard! Not one rod less!¡± Amid the woman¡¯s cries, Bai Qingxuan was pressed to the ground by the guards, and Lu Ping personally wielded the rod. The dull thud of the wooden rod hitting flesh echoed through the long street with Bai Qingxuan¡¯s screams. After thirty rods, the blood already oozed from Bai Qingxuan¡¯s buttocks, and his screams were weak. The idle youths on the upper floor felt their chills as if the rod landed on their bodies alongside white Qingyan¡¯s cold and unchanging expression. After fifty rods, Bai Qingxuan lost consciousness, and the woman broke free from the guards, holding Bai Qingxuan and crying heart-wrenchingly. Bai Qingyan¡¯s anger had not fully subsided, but she couldn¡¯t actually kill him on the long street, so she said indifferently, ¡°Have him carried back to the mansion and treat him well!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Lu Ping responded, ordered someone to call a doctor, and had Bai Qingxuan carried onto a carriage. ¡°Chen Qingsheng, stay and take the wounded elder and child home. Apologize and comfort them well!¡± Bai Qingyan said, ¡°Return to the mansion. I am tired!¡± Seeing the Bai mansion¡¯s eldest daughter¡¯s carriage approaching, the onlookers spontaneously made a path for it to pass. On the carriage, Bai Qingyan rested one hand on the spring pillow, closed her eyes, her throat rolled, and tears seemed to glimmer in her eyes, with sorrow and desolation filling her chest. Today, speaking of her siblings and father¡¯s past, images of her grandfather, father, and uncles gathered around the fire in front of the camp, discussing strategies, flooded her mind. Scenes of the Bai family¡¯s brothers full of vigor before setting off to war flashed before Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes, making her whole body tremble uncontrollably. Today, things went far more smoothly than Bai Qingyan had expected. It would indeed elevate the Bai family¡¯s reputation even higher when speaking of the Bai family¡¯s ancestral teachings and recalling the Bai family¡¯s loyalty to the king and the people¡­ falling into ruin due to the suspicions and punishments inflicted, she was filled with intense hatred. It was the Jin royal family that betrayed the Bai family¡¯s generations of loyalty. Chapter 43 - Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Compensation_1 Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Compensation_1 Nanny Jiang had been waiting early at the gate of the Duke¡¯s Mansion for Bai Qingyan. The matter of testing Bai Qingxuan¡¯s character had been approved by the Eldest Princess. After all, if all the men of the Duke of Zhen Mansion truly died in the southern border and there was only this one son left, with the Eldest Princess present, the possibility of this son inheriting the title of Duke of Zhen was quite high. People¡¯s hearts were unpredictable. Since he did not grow up in the Duke¡¯s Mansion, even the Eldest Princess could not be at ease without testing him. The Eldest Princess, sitting on the soft couch, trembled uncontrollably as she twirled the Buddha Beads after listening to Bai Qingxuan¡¯s actions. If Bai Qingyan hadn¡¯t been present today, not only would the Duke of Zhen Mansion¡¯s century-old reputation have been ruined, but the claim that even the Emperor did not dare provoke the Duke of Zhen and wanted to exterminate the Nine Clans would have reached the Emperor¡¯s ears, making him suspicious of the Bai family. The Eldest Princess closed her eyes. ¡°Kid did very well! This child is so violent in nature. It will take some effort to educate him. For now, have someone watch him and keep him confined to the mansion to avoid any trouble.¡± Grandmother was, after all, old. Even knowing that Bai Qingxuan was a miscreant, she could not harden her heart to send him back to the manor. She felt discontent, but still nodded in agreement, clearly unwilling to say more. Leaving the Changshou Courtyard, Bai Qingyan noticed two half-human-high snowmen piled up under the lantern by the courtyard gate. The snowmen¡¯s mouths were made in a peanut arc of a smile. Recalling the peanut that had struck Bai Qingxuan¡¯s knee, forcing him to kneel in front of Manjiang Tower today, Bai Qingyan clutched the hand warmer tightly, lowering her eyes in unease. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s skills were indeed formidable, but why did he help her?! She remembered that in the previous life, during the expedition with King Liang, the Jin and Yan armies faced off. Bai Qingyan planned to capture Xiao Rongyan alive, but only managed to capture his vanguard General Yue Quanyong. Yue Quanyong had said that if not for Xiao Rongyan being seriously injured in his heart and lungs, with Xiao Rongyan¡¯s martial skills, they would never have fallen into Bai Qingyan¡¯s trap and failed to escape. It seemed his words were not false. Nanny Jiang, seeing Bai Qingyan staring at the snowmen in a daze, said smilingly, ¡°These were made by Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister for the Eldest Princess today!¡± Bai Qingyan nodded. ¡°Nanny, go back to attend to Grandmother. No need to see me off.¡± Nanny Jiang lifted the curtain to enter and found the Eldest Princess somewhat lost in thought. Walking lightly to the Eldest Princess¡¯s side, she gently massaged her shoulders. The Eldest Princess, staring at the direction of the partition screen, asked Nanny Jiang in a low voice, ¡°Nanny, do you think Kid blames me for questioning her loyalty that day? Nowadays, she isn¡¯t as close to me as before.¡± ¡°Eldest Princess, be at ease! Big Miss was raised by you personally. Don¡¯t you know her filial heart?¡± Nanny Jiang said with a smile, speaking for Bai Qingyan. ¡°So many things have happened in our mansion lately. Big Miss is still just a child; it¡¯s inevitable she¡¯ll feel overwhelmed. Eldest Princess, you should be more considerate of Big Miss. How could you expect a child to come and comfort you?¡± Hearing Nanny Jiang¡¯s words, the Eldest Princess closed her eyes tiredly and sighed long. She let out a faint laugh. ¡°You¡¯re right; it¡¯s my fault. Later, fetch the imperial jade chess set from my storeroom and send it to Kid tomorrow morning. She loves to play with those.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll serve the Eldest Princess to bed first, then go to the storeroom to find it. Tomorrow morning, just as Tianxiu Workshop is coming to deliver new clothes and jewelry for the ladies of the house for the New Year¡¯s Eve banquet at the palace, I¡¯ll send the chess set to Big Miss.¡± Nanny Jiang said. The Eldest Princess nodded and resumed twirling the Buddha Beads. ¡°What did Wei Zhong say after visiting the secret guard team today?¡± ¡°Wei Zhong said that although the secret guard team has been kept at the Eldest Princess¡¯s manor and was not used, Captain Wan Ruozhong still followed the rules and took one apprentice per person, training them in character and conduct before imparting their lifetime skills. Wan Ruozhong asked Wei Zhong to relay that the newly formed secret guard team is ready and awaits the Eldest Princess¡¯s command.¡± Nanny Jiang said. The Eldest Princess closed her eyes and thought briefly before saying, ¡°After the Lantern Festival, have the team return to the city and send two of them to protect Kid. But don¡¯t let Kid know.¡± Nanny Jiang was slightly surprised but did not ask further, only nodded in agreement. Having the secret guard protect Bai Qingyan in secret was both protection and surveillance. The Eldest Princess still feared Bai Qingyan might develop treasonous intentions. The Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes moistened slightly. She recalled her father¡¯s earnest instructions to watch over the Duke of Zhen Mansion for the Jin royal family and the rebellious look in the granddaughter she had raised by herself. She felt like she was burning in oil. No one knew that the bitterness in the Eldest Princess¡¯s heart was like that of bitter gourd. She had to guard the Bai family¡¯s kin with her life while also protecting the Lin family¡¯s royal lineage. She truly found it difficult to navigate. In recent days, she constantly pondered which was more important, family kin or the Lin family¡¯s throne, but still had no answer today. Bai Qingyan returning from the Eldest Princess¡¯s place had Chun Tao help her change into training clothes, tying sandbags around her arms and legs. While practicing, she meticulously reviewed Xiao Rongyan¡¯s life in the previous life. It seemed that just this year, during the New Year¡¯s Eve banquet held at the Imperial Palace for officials and their families, Xiao Rongyan attended as an honored guest of the King of Qi¡¯s Mansion. However, he was caught secretly meeting with the King of Qi¡¯s side consort¡¯s maid during the banquet. The maid confessed to being a Wei spy on the spot, and Xiao Rongyan was also arrested, imprisoned, and tortured for interrogation. In the previous life, the Bai family was in trouble. Bai Qingyan did not know when Xiao Rongyan was released from prison, nor whether he was injured this time in prison or in subsequent near-death experiences, causing him to lose his martial arts skills just like her. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, her whole body steaming in the cold wind. Perhaps because both lost their martial arts skills in the previous life and shared a common misfortune, she felt a sense of sympathy for Xiao Rongyan. Recalling how Xiao Rongyan had helped her many times after she saw through King Liang¡¯s fa?ade in the previous life, she couldn¡¯t help but feel compassion. A string of maids came out of the small kitchen, carrying buckets of boiling water, following Chun Yan into the main house to pour hot water into the bath barrel. ¡°Big Miss, the time has come!¡± Chun Tao quickly stepped forward to support Bai Qingyan. ¡°The water is ready, Big Miss, please bathe!¡± Bai Qingyan used Chun Tao¡¯s strength to stand. Her legs were not as limp as when she first started practicing. After bathing, Bai Qingyan spread out a piece of Chengxin Hall Tribute paper, dipped the brush in ink, and hesitated for a moment before putting the brush down. Bai Qingyan used all the tribute paper and ink sent by the Eldest Princess from Chengxin Hall, easily letting Xiao Rongyan identify the message source. She instructed Chun Tao to fetch ordinary hemp paper and common account ink, and, using her left hand to hold the brush, began to write¡­ After finishing, Bai Qingyan dried the ink, folded the letter, and handed it to Chun Tao. ¡°Take this early tomorrow morning and give it to your cousin. Have him find a way to deliver the letter to the steward of the Xiao Mansion in the southern city the day after tomorrow, before the New Year¡¯s Eve. Remind him to be careful not to reveal his identity.¡± Xiao Rongyan had helped her many times before, and she had never repaid him. Now, she would help if she could. Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Obedient Awareness_1 Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Obedient Awareness_1 Chun Tao did not ask why and carefully folded the paper, placing it into her sleeve and nodding solemnly, ¡°Miss, don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Miss Bai.¡± Chun Yan pulled back the curtain and entered, curtseying, ¡°Guard Lu Ping has reported that the young master retrieved from the estate has already been settled in Qingming Courtyard. However, it seems he won¡¯t be able to get out of bed for at least half a month.¡± Just half a month, he got off easy. ¡°Hmm.¡± Bai Qingyan nodded, ¡°I understand. Tell Uncle Ping to have someone guard Qingming Courtyard well. No one should enter or leave arbitrarily to prevent the little fourth from using a whip without regard. Today has been hard on him; let Uncle Ping go back to rest early.¡± Lu Ping emerged from the inner courtyard, carrying two bottles of wine and some medicine to Qin Shangzhi. While changing Qin Shangzhi¡¯s bandages, he recounted the events at Manjiang Tower today, full of worry. ¡°Earlier, when there was trouble in front of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, you shook your head and said that although Miss Bai¡¯s words protected the Duke of Zhen Mansion¡¯s reputation, it might make the current emperor dislike them even more. Now this commotion in front of Manjiang Tower¡­ I¡¯m really worried about the Duke¡¯s Mansion!¡± Lu Ping sighed and took a sip of wine, ¡°Do you think there is any way to persuade Miss Bai?¡± Qin Shangzhi¡¯s hand tightened around the wine bottle, and he looked up as if struck by a sudden revelation. His eyes brightened, and with a slap on the table, he laughed heartily, ¡°What a brilliant strategy by Miss Bai!¡± Lu Ping gazed at Qin Shangzhi, ¡°What are you laughing at?¡± ¡°Your Miss Bai¡¯s vision is extraordinary!¡± Qin Shangzhi raised his head and took a hearty gulp of wine, giving a thumbs up with a fervent gaze. ¡°I only saw ten steps ahead, but she has seen ninety-nine steps behind! Your Miss Bai has meticulously planned each step! She aims to raise the Bai family¡¯s prestige among the people, creating momentum and winning their hearts for the Bai Mansion!¡± In Lu Ping¡¯s bewildered eyes, Qin Shangzhi let out a long sigh, ¡°A master strategist seeks advantage, not reliance on people, thus choosing the right person for the task! Your Miss Bai is using military tactics! She aims to make the current ruler fear the influence and public opinion of the Bai family, keeping them from making any moves against the Bai family! Those in high positions may seem to have power in their hands, but they still fear public sentiment, resentment, and the pen of historians a hundred years later!¡± Qin Shangzhi took another large swig of wine and heavily set down the bottle. His heart surged with hot blood, yet he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit despondent over his unrealized potential, ¡°What an incredible girl! But alas¡­ if only your Miss Bai were a man, the Bai family¡¯s glory could be extended for at least three generations!¡± If Bai Qingyan were not a girl, she would surely have a place in the highest halls of power in the future! If Bai Qingyan were not a girl, given her profound wisdom, Qin Shangzhi would willingly enter the Bai Mansion as a counselor! But alas¡­ she was a woman, and no matter her talents, she could only be confined to the inner chambers. ¡°What a pity!¡± Qin Shangzhi sighed deeply, draining his cup, this low lament not knowing whether it was for himself or for Bai Qingyan. ¡¤ The next morning, as Bai Qingyan finished her morning exercise and was having breakfast, Chun Yan walked in with a smile, ¡°As Miss Bai predicted, the fourth young lady heard about what happened on the main street yesterday and rushed to Qingming Courtyard with a whip at dawn. Wielding it with great vigor, she even broke the newly planted saplings in half. The young master and that concubine were so frightened they huddled together in bed, not daring to come out! If you ask me, Miss Bai shouldn¡¯t have let the guards stop her¡­ she should have let the fourth young lady thrash them, teaching them that our Miss Bai isn¡¯t someone they can offend! Such audacity!¡± Bai Qingyan continued drinking her porridge without a word. Chun Tao frowned and said, ¡°Even if that person is unworthy, he is still the second master¡¯s illegitimate son, and that concubine is the second master¡¯s concubine. As servants, we shouldn¡¯t say these things! Don¡¯t mention this again in the future, to avoid bringing trouble to Miss Bai.¡± Chun Yan sulkily pouted and stood aside. Just as Bai Qingyan finished her meal, Nanny Jiang arrived with people from Tianxiu Workshop. ¡°This imperial jade chess set was given to the Eldest Princess by the previous emperor when she was about the same age as you, Miss Bai.¡± Nanny Jiang placed the chess box aside, ¡°The Eldest Princess cherishes you dearly and sent this chess set for you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Grandmother!¡± She fondled the exquisite jade chess pieces, knowing that Nanny Jiang was comforting her on behalf of her grandmother. ¡°Nanny, I understand; Grandmother worries I¡¯m overly concerned, but I won¡¯t be.¡± Nanny Jiang¡¯s eyes reddened, ¡°We know you won¡¯t! You were raised under the Eldest Princess and me; we know your character well!¡± After sending Nanny Jiang off, Chun Tao admired the intricate embroidery on the luxurious clothes, exclaiming, ¡°The clothes from Tianxiu Workshop are indeed exceptional. Look how beautiful they are! Miss, which one will you wear to the palace banquet?¡± She looked at the five sets of clothing sent by Tianxiu Workshop and pointed to a plain white set. Picking up a chess piece, she asked, ¡°How many days has Shen Qingzhu been gone?¡± ¡°Miss Bai, Miss Shen has been gone for nine days now,¡± Chun Tao replied. Bai Qingyan nodded, knowing that Shen Qingzhu should have at least reached Zhancheng by now. In her past life, the news of the Bai family¡¯s men being lost in the southern borders came on New Year¡¯s Eve. She was reborn on the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. By calculating the time, she feared it might be too late to save the Bai family¡¯s men, but she still sent Shen Qingzhu out. She only prayed the heavens would pity her family and allow Shen Qingzhu to save at least one man from the Bai family. She closed her tired eyes, steadying her hot breaths, and placed the chess piece back into the box with tears. Now was not the time for sorrow. New Year¡¯s Eve was approaching soon, and she didn¡¯t have much time left to act. Just as spring followed after winter, Chun Tao had the girl responsible for managing Bai Qingyan¡¯s clothes put the outfits away. As she came out of the room, she saw Chun Yan with a displeased look. She couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you pouting so early in the morning?¡± Chun Yan frowned and whispered to Chun Tao, ¡°I just saw Qin Lang, from a distance, bowing towards our courtyard before leaving. It was so strange!¡± Bai Qingyan began grinding ink, feeling a bit relieved, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Qin Lang had not let her down; he was an insightful person. Yesterday, Qin Lang had already moved out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence into the house bestowed by the emperor. Qin Lang, being kind and intelligent, would move back to their new residence once Bai Jinxiu recovered. Their future life would certainly be peaceful. ¡°You¡¯re worried about too many things¡­¡± Chun Tao adjusted her sleeves in exasperation, ¡°After all, he did not disturb Miss Bai.¡± Chun Yan was about to argue when she saw a gatekeeper woman peering around the entrance of Qinghui Courtyard. She couldn¡¯t help but show a happy expression and sensibly curtseyed to Chun Tao, ¡°Understood, Sister Chun Tao! I just remembered¡­ Tingzhu asked me to go see her today to get some embroidery patterns, I¡¯d better go now!¡± Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Responsibility_1 Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Responsibility_1 After speaking, Chun Yan hurriedly ran out of Qinghui Courtyard. Silver Frost, who was sitting in the room eating pine nut candy, saw Chun Yan leave and immediately stuffed the candy into her chest and followed her. The gatekeeper old lady saw Chun Yan come out and greeted her obsequiously: ¡°Miss Chun Yan!¡± Chun Yan grabbed the gatekeeper¡¯s arm and walked to a secluded place. After looking around to make sure no one was there, she asked: ¡°Does His Highness have any instructions?¡± ¡°Uncle Tong said that His Highness came in person. The carriage is waiting outside the side gate, saying His Highness wants to see Miss Bai, please ask Miss Chun Yan to talk to Miss Bai and let her see His Highness¡­¡± the gatekeeper said. Chun Yan¡¯s heart was pounding heavily, and her face turned red with anxiety: ¡°Isn¡¯t His Highness seriously injured? How did he come in person?! What if he catches a cold again, what should we do?!¡± ¡°This shows His Highness¡¯s true feelings for Miss Bai. Miss, go and report to Miss Bai quickly. Let Miss Bai go fast. In this freezing weather, if anything happens to His Highness at our mansion¡¯s gate, we wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the responsibility!¡± the gatekeeper said. ¡°I understand!¡± Chun Yan¡¯s heart was wholly concerned with King Liang, and she couldn¡¯t help but resent Bai Qingyan. It was all because Miss Bai returned the jade pendant given by His Highness, causing him to rush over with injuries. If anything happened to His Highness, even if Miss Bai died a million times, it would be hard to atone. Chun Yan was both angry and anxious, almost tearing the handkerchief in her hand. She turned and rushed hastily toward the main house. As Chun Yan ran, Silver Frost jumped down from the wall, startling the gatekeeper old lady. The old lady clutched her chest and glared at Silver Frost. Just as she was about to leave, Silver Frost knocked her out with a punch. Silver Frost looked at the fainted old lady at her feet, hoisted her onto her shoulder, and carried her into Qinghui Courtyard. ¡°Miss Bai! Miss Bai!¡± Chun Yan rushed into the main house, circled around the screen, saw Bai Qingyan practicing calligraphy with sandbags tied to her wrists, and kowtowed. ¡°Miss Bai, this maid knows you don¡¯t like hearing about His Highness, but you asked this maid to return His Highness¡¯s jade pendant yesterday. His Highness came personally today. He is seriously injured, almost losing his life, but for you, he came to our Duke¡¯s mansion! Miss¡­ this maid begs you, His Highness truly cares for you! Please see him!¡± Chun Yan¡¯s head knocked repeatedly on the floor, tears flowing down her face, genuinely heartfelt. In her past and present lives combined, Bai Qingyan had never seen Chun Yan so loyal to her. Besides anger, she also felt deep sadness. Outside the door, Chun Tao, who was about to lift the curtain and enter, was startled to see Silver Frost carrying an old lady in. She quickly realized that Chun Yan had gone to meet King Liang¡¯s people and was caught by Silver Frost. Silver Frost casually threw the unconscious old lady on the ground and, smiling, reached out to Chun Tao for candy: ¡°Caught another one! Sister, candy¡­¡± Chun Tao felt deeply ashamed, remembering how she had pleaded for Chun Yan in front of Miss Bai one day, and now she felt embarrassed. Without showing it on her face, she tapped Silver Frost¡¯s forehead: ¡°You fool! Wait here!¡± Chun Tao lifted the curtain and walked in. Seeing Chun Yan kowtowing on the ground, she quickly walked to Bai Qingyan¡¯s side and whispered: ¡°Miss, Silver Frost knocked out another gatekeeper and carried her into the courtyard.¡± Chun Yan didn¡¯t know what Chun Tao whispered to Miss Bai and just looked at Bai Qingyan with teary eyes, hoping she would see King Liang: ¡°Miss¡­¡± Bai Qingyan never glanced at the crying Chun Yan from beginning to end. She finished writing the last word and put down the brush: ¡°Since she was caught, we¡¯ll use today¡­ to clean the Duke¡¯s mansion. Chun Tao, send Chun Xing to inform Mother in her courtyard. Ask Nanny Qin to get Steward Hao, and instruct each steward and all off-duty servants and maids to gather in the front courtyard.¡± Chun Tao curtsied and quickly left to instruct Chun Xing. Soon, Chun Tao returned with a copper basin of water, helping Bai Qingyan wring a handkerchief while asking: ¡°Miss, should I take Silver Frost and the old lady to meet the Princely Heir¡¯s wife? Are you going?¡± Bai Qingyan nodded: ¡°Yes, naturally I have to go.¡± Hearing this, Chun Yan kneeled forward a few steps, crying and begging: ¡°Miss, this maid begs you! Cleaning the mansion can wait, but seeing His Highness is urgent!¡± ¡°Chun Yan! You¡­¡± Chun Tao was startled. She thought Chun Yan was repenting here, not expecting she was demanding Miss Bai to see King Liang. Seeing Bai Qingyan indifferent, slowly untying the sandbags from her wrists after just finishing writing, Chun Yan became more anxious, raising her voice and straightening her spine to accuse Bai Qingyan: ¡°Miss! It¡¯s freezing outside. His Highness is at the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s back gate. If anything happens, can you afford it?!¡± The words ¡°can you afford it?¡± made Bai Qingyan extremely angry. Her sharp gaze directly at Chun Yan sent a chill down her spine, and she broke into a cold sweat. ¡°Afford?!¡± She threw the handkerchief handed by Chun Tao onto the desk, her anger surging. ¡°Chun Yan, are you possessed by a ghost?! Or have a mental breakdown?! Was it Miss who made His Highness wait in the snow at our Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s back gate? What does Miss need to afford?! A Duke¡¯s unmarried daughter, does she have to meet someone just because they stand at our mansion¡¯s back gate?! What kind of reasoning is this? Did Nanny Tong¡¯s teachings go into a dog¡¯s belly?!¡± ¡°But how can it be the same? It¡¯s King Liang!¡± Chun Yan stubbornly retorted, feeling heartbroken for King Liang¡¯s serious injury. Bai Qingyan was utterly disappointed with Chun Yan, suppressing her anger: ¡°As a maid of the Duke¡¯s mansion, worrying about King Liang¡¯s house! Chun Yan¡­ you¡¯re wronged! Today the Duke¡¯s mansion cleans its gates, you go to King Liang to seek a way out!¡± ¡°This maid didn¡¯t mean that!¡± Chun Yan hastily kowtowed, ¡°This maid¡­ this maid is really worried about His Highness¡¯s health! Please, Miss, show mercy! This maid has followed you since childhood and will follow you for life after life!¡± Bai Qingyan sneered: ¡°Follow me for life after life?! You dare to follow me, but I don¡¯t dare to keep you¡­ A maid who arranges her master¡¯s marriage and blackmails her master to meet outsiders, I can¡¯t afford to keep!¡± ¡°Miss! Miss! Chun Yan knows she was wrong!¡± Chun Yan cried out in fear, anxiously begging for mercy. ¡°Usually, Miss thinks you¡¯re young and treats you leniently, spoiling you to the point you don¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth, repeatedly involving Miss with outsiders! Now you dare to force Miss to see King Liang¡­ You¡¯re trying to kill Miss, Chun Yan!¡± Chun Tao cried in anger, hating that she couldn¡¯t slap Chun Yan awake. Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Lifting Up_1 Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Lifting Up_1 She walked around the desk and instructed Chun Tao to bring her the fox fur cloak. Chun Tao hurriedly wiped away her tears and draped the fox fur cloak over Bai Qingyan¡¯s shoulders. Just outside the door, she hesitantly asked, ¡°Miss, what should we do with Chun Yan?! Should we¡­ send her away?¡± Bai Qingyan took a deep breath, barely containing her anger. It wasn¡¯t the right time yet; there was still use for Chun Yan. She knew King Liang¡¯s ruthlessness all too well, as well as the cunning strategies of Du Zhiwei, the counselor by King Liang¡¯s side. If she were to send Chun Yan away now, Du Zhiwei and King Liang would immediately find someone else in the Duke¡¯s residence to bribe. Human nature could not withstand such temptation. At this critical juncture, she couldn¡¯t afford to gamble. In her previous life, she prided herself on her wisdom. She was indeed blind to believe that Chun Yan, who sided with outsiders, was doing it for her benefit when she tirelessly praised King Liang in her presence. Standing under the eaves, she tightly clutched the hand warmer in her hand. After thinking for a moment, she lifted her gaze, her eyes cold. ¡°I won¡¯t take her life. Bring her to the front yard.¡± Chun Tao, hearing this, immediately burst into tears, thinking that her previous plea had made things difficult for Bai Qingyan. She sobbed, ¡°Miss, I¡­¡± Bai Qingyan had a splitting headache, overwhelmed by fatigue. She no longer wished to entangle herself with Chun Yan¡¯s matter. Tightening the cloak around her, she braced herself and walked towards the front yard. King Liang had already sent someone with a jade pendant, promising the position of the main consort. He even visited personally despite his severe injuries, showing his determination to use her for military exploits. Given her frail condition, it was remarkable that King Liang was so ¡°persistent.¡± However, she would rather die than allow herself to be his pawn again. To prevent that heartless, shameless King Liang from forcing her into his residence using underhanded means if his display of affection failed, she needed to publicly expose King Liang¡¯s bribing of their servants. This would make everyone aware of her disgust for his despicable tactics, extinguishing any further schemes he might have. ¡¤ Outside the back gate of the Duke¡¯s residence, an ordinary-looking carriage was parked by a tree, from which occasional coughing could be heard. Tongji, hands tucked into his sleeves, pressed his head against the back gate, eagerly peeking inside. Seeing no sign of anyone coming, he stomped his feet in frustration and cold. Another round of heart-wrenching coughing came from the carriage. Tongji hurried back, gently patting King Liang on the back, clearly displeased. ¡°Miss Bai is truly ungrateful. You¡¯ve offered her the position of main consort, even though she might not be able to bear children. And yet, she dares to refuse! If Your Highness truly desires her, you might as well ask the Empress Dowager for a decree to make her a side consort. Why torment yourself by coming here in person, given your serious injuries? She doesn¡¯t know how fortunate she is!¡± King Liang coughed a few times into his clenched fist, wrapped the quilt around himself, and extended his hand towards the fire, speaking in a low voice. ¡°What do you know!¡± Only when all options were exhausted would he forcefully bring Bai Qingyan into his residence. He needed her talents, so she had to submit willingly. Yesterday, Bai Qingyan efficiently dealt with the illegitimate son who wasn¡¯t recorded in the family¡¯s genealogy. Her reputation as a strong and unyielding woman had become widely known. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t afford to neglect her any longer. Contemplating Bai Qingyan¡¯s recent coldness towards him, King Liang sensed something was amiss. He couldn¡¯t rest easy without seeing her personally. As King Liang continued to wait in the carriage by the back gate, the Duke¡¯s residence was in turmoil. Stewards, servants, old maids, and maids gathered in the front yard, where benches were prepared. They looked at each other in panic, unsure of what major event had transpired. A steward stepped forward to ask Steward Hao, but Steward Hao remained silent, standing on the high steps. Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t hide the fact that King Liang had repeatedly bribed servants to meet with her at the back gate and gifted her the jade pendant. She told Mrs. Dong everything. At first, Mrs. Dong felt pleasantly surprised, but on closer thought, she realized that if King Liang was truly sincere, he would formally visit the Duke¡¯s residence, respect her elders, and inquire respectfully before proposing. However, his frequent secret invitations belittled her daughter. If the matter were to escalate, Bai Qingyan¡¯s reputation would be ruined. Mrs. Dong broke out in a cold sweat. Considering the importance of the family, Mrs. Dong, as the matriarch, understood the seriousness of the situation. Even though it was nearing the end of the year, necessary punishments had to be enforced. Decisively, Mrs. Dong summoned a few ¡®yazi¡¯ (servants who dealt with domestic punishments) and accompanied Bai Qingyan to the front yard. The vast front yard was filled with servants, old maids, and maids. When they saw Nanny Qin supporting Mrs. Dong, followed by Bai Qingyan, they hurriedly bowed. Mrs. Dong¡¯s sharp eyes swept over the crowd. She sat down on a chair under the eaves and asked, ¡°Have the ¡®yazi¡¯ arrived?¡± Steward Hao stepped forward and saluted Mrs. Dong. ¡°Madam, they are waiting.¡± Mrs. Dong nodded and instructed Steward Hao, ¡°Bring them up!¡± Soon, the servant who had reported to King Liang¡¯s residence, the old maid who handed over the jade pendant to Chun Yan, and the old maid who was punched unconscious by Yingshuang that morning were all dragged up, bound tightly. The servant, seeing the serious situation, knelt down with trembling legs, crying. ¡°Spare me, Princely Heir¡¯s wife! I only passed on a message for King Liang to Chun Yan and didn¡¯t do anything to harm our Duke¡¯s residence!¡± The old maid who had been knocked out earlier that morning banged her head on the ground. ¡°Old servant¡­ I only took King Liang¡¯s silver to pass on a message from his servant to Chun Yan!¡± ¡°I only called Chun Yan as King Liang¡¯s servant ordered that one time!¡± The old maid who handed over the jade pendant crawled forward two steps. ¡°Chun Yan! Chun Yan, say something!¡± Chun Yan, standing beside Bai Qingyan, thought of what Chun Tao had said about Mingyu earlier. Her legs gave way, and she knelt down in a cold sweat. ¡°Madam, Miss! I¡­ I¡­¡± Mrs. Dong picked up the tea handed by Nanny Qin, her eyes filled with rage. If it weren¡¯t for her daughter¡¯s earlier plea, she would have had Chun Yan beaten to death! ¡°Tell me what messages you passed to Chun Yan, and what Chun Yan conveyed to King Liang¡¯s residence. Speak truthfully,¡± Bai Qingyan said. She showed no sign of anger, sat down elegantly, and asked slowly. Chapter 47 - Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Loyalty_1 Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Loyalty_1 These three gossipmongers spilled everything cleanly. However, they knew nothing crucial. If it were important, King Liang and Chun Yan wouldn¡¯t have let these three relay it. At most, they were paid to help Chun Yan meet someone at the corner gate. ¡°Besides them, who else helped you pass messages?¡± Bai Qingyan turned her head to ask Chun Yan, who was kneeling and shivering at her feet. Chun Yan bit her lower lip, tears streaming down her face. She put down the hand warmer, picked up the hot tea cup, and blew on it slowly: ¡°This is a chance for atonement. If you don¡¯t speak, even if Chun Tao kneels down and begs me, I can¡¯t forgive you.¡± The elderly woman tied and kneeling in the courtyard hurriedly said, ¡°There¡¯s also Madam Liu! I saw Madam Liu passing messages too!¡± Madam Liu, who was named, immediately knelt down: ¡°Madam, Eldest Miss, please show mercy! I¡­ I only passed a message that one time! Just that one time! I was tempted by seeing Madam Wang take the silver!¡± Pulling out the radish brings out the mud, yet another one. Madam Wang hurriedly knelt on the ground, shaking like a leaf. Mrs. Dong heavily placed her teacup on the small table: ¡°Our Duke¡¯s household has never mistreated its servants. I never thought there would still be those blinded by money! Whoever else is involved, stand up. I might spare you! If someone else points you out, you will be beaten to death without mercy!¡± Mrs. Dong had always governed her household with both kindness and strictness. The Duke¡¯s household was well-managed; otherwise, when Mrs. Dong had strictly forbidden any news about Second Miss Bai Jinxiu returning home from being spread, how could nothing have leaked? King Liang indeed put in great effort for Bai Qingyan, but in the end, he only managed to bribe a gatekeeping servant and four gatekeeping women. Chun Yan¡¯s tears fell even more fiercely. With a desperate look, she crawled to Mrs. Dong¡¯s feet: ¡°Madam! Prince Liang has genuine feelings for our miss. This maid did it for the miss¡¯s good! Prince Liang heard that the lady of Dengzhou wants to match our Eldest Miss with the young master. Even with such heavy injuries, he came personally¡­ just to see the Eldest Miss. Such deep affection, which man in the entire Dadu City could be so wholehearted to our Eldest Miss?¡± Nanny Qin clasped her hands before her stomach, her face stern: ¡°Miss Chun Yan¡¯s words make no sense! If Prince Liang holds such deep affection, he could easily have had a lady visit our household¡­ to probe or to speak on his behalf. Why bribe servants to act in secrecy? How is such behavior different from ruining our miss¡¯s reputation?! You are a personal maid to the Eldest Miss, yet you had close dealings with King Liang¡¯s servant. If the Eldest Miss hadn¡¯t been astute enough to have Yingshuang follow you and been discovered by others¡­ your life as a maid doesn¡¯t matter, but what about our miss¡¯s reputation?!¡± ¡°Madam! Prince Liang truly cherishes our Eldest Miss¡­¡± ¡°It seems Chun Yan eats the Duke¡¯s household¡¯s food but works for the Liang household¡¯s interests!¡± Mrs. Dong let out a low laugh, then said slowly, ¡°Nanny Qin, take Chun Yan¡¯s deed of sale and send her to King Liang¡¯s manor. If King Liang doesn¡¯t accept her, leave her outside the manor, break her legs, and sell her to a brothel.¡± Chun Yan¡¯s face changed drastically. She crawled back to Bai Qingyan¡¯s feet in desperation, tears and snot running: ¡°Eldest Miss! Please save me! I don¡¯t want to go anywhere; I only wish to stay with the Eldest Miss! I¡­ I will never dare again!¡± Though Chun Yan was foolish, she understood that King Liang only saw her because she was the Eldest Miss¡¯s personal maid. If the Eldest Miss despised her, of what use would she be to King Liang? He surely wouldn¡¯t want her, and she would meet the same fate as Mingyu. Thinking of Mingyu, Chun Yan shivered and cried even more miserably. Bai Qingyan looked at the terrified Chun Yan and said lightly, ¡°What did you tell King Liang about me? Today¡­ you must confess everything, or even the gods can¡¯t save you!¡± ¡°This maid, this maid¡­ just told King Liang about the Eldest Miss¡¯s preferences and some childhood things of the Eldest Miss,¡± Chun Yan cried with a guilty conscience, her voice lowered. ¡°Speak clearly, what exactly did you say! Don¡¯t leave out a single detail!¡± She casually picked up her teacup. It wasn¡¯t that she was petty, but in her previous life, King Liang knew everything about her, even where she had scars and which ones itched when it rained. If in this life, King Liang used what Chun Yan told him to destroy her innocence, she couldn¡¯t clear her name no matter what. Better to deal with it openly now so that if King Liang ever had any despicable thoughts, Bai Qingyan would have no worries. Chun Yan was truly intimidated, sobbing as she divulged everything she told King Liang or Tongji during this period. Nanny Qin, upon hearing Chun Yan had told even about Bai Qingyan¡¯s injuries on the battlefield and how her shoulder itched in rainy weather, was so angry she could barely contain herself. Rushing forward, she slapped Chun Yan: ¡°Someone! Drag this vile maid out and beat her to death! Right now! How dare you disclose such private matters of the Eldest Miss?!¡± Always composed, Mrs. Dong was so enraged that her vision darkened, almost fainting. ¡°Eldest Miss! Eldest Miss!¡± Chun Yan clung to Bai Qingyan¡¯s leg, ¡°Eldest Miss, save me! I¡¯ve confessed everything! Save me!¡± ¡°Pull this vile maid away! Don¡¯t dirty the Eldest Miss¡¯s clothes!¡± Mrs. Dong gritted her teeth, wishing she could tear Chun Yan apart. ¡°Mother¡­¡± She shook her head at Mrs. Dong, then looked down at Chun Yan, ¡°What else did you tell King Liang?¡± ¡°Nothing else! Really, nothing else¡­¡± Chun Yan shook her head, crying. After a while, Bai Qingyan put down her teacup and called Chun Tao: ¡°Chun Tao¡­¡± Knowing that Chun Yan had divulged so much about the Eldest Miss to King Liang, Chun Tao trembled with anger, pale-faced. She immediately knelt down: ¡°Chun Tao is here!¡± ¡°That day you knelt before me to plead for Chun Yan. Today, I spare Chun Yan¡¯s life, considering you¡¯ve repaid her lifesaving grace! However, Chun Yan can escape death but not punishment. Beat her fifty times and demote her to a third-class maid! Your monthly allowance will be halved for six months. Do you accept?¡± she asked Chun Tao. Chun Tao kowtowed heavily, ashamed, tears streaming down: ¡°Miss, punish me too! I shouldn¡¯t have pleaded for this despicable wretch!¡± She lifted Chun Tao and grasped her hand: ¡°You are loyal and just; such qualities make you a person of our Duke¡¯s household!¡± Her cold gaze turned to Chun Yan: ¡°Chun Yan, do you accept your punishment?!¡± Shivering, Chun Yan hurriedly expressed her gratitude: ¡°Thank you, Eldest Miss, for sparing my life! Thank you, Eldest Miss, for sparing my life!¡± Chun Yan was dragged away and punished before everyone. The thick paddle struck her buttocks with dull thuds, her screams filled with agony. Before long, blood stained her clothes, and Chun Yan fainted from the pain. Chapter 48 - Chapter 48: Chapter 48: A Night Banquet in the Palace_1 Chapter 48: Chapter 48: A Night Banquet in the Palace_1 Those five maids and servants who had taken bribes from King Liang¡¯s Mansion, upon seeing Chun Yan¡¯s fate, were already trembling uncontrollably, only bowing their heads incessantly to beg for mercy. Mrs. Dong, infuriated by Chun Yan to the point of chest pain, gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Steward Hao, handle this according to the rules. Do not go easy on them¡­¡± Steward Hao immediately stepped forward, efficiently dealing with these five money-grabbing individuals by breaking their legs and having their entire families taken and sold. With the year-end approaching, the Princely Heir¡¯s wife, Mrs. Dong, due to the unclear entanglement between the household staff of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence and King Liang¡¯s Mansion, reorganized the mansion thoroughly. Those deserving punishment were punished, and those to be sold were sold. Even a few stewards were implicated and unjustly affected. Mrs. Dong drastically replaced and adjusted the stewards, especially having the gate guarded with heavy security. Mrs. Dong knew very well that the gate was the first line of defense for the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. No further incidents were permissible. King Liang had been waiting outside the side gate the whole time. Tongji, hearing the commotion inside as they replaced the gatekeepers, could not help but knock on the door, but no one came to open it. After a few moments, someone came to inform King Liang that many servants were being sold off from the Duke¡¯s residence, with some carried out bleeding. King Liang¡¯s heart tightened, knowing that he likely wouldn¡¯t be able to see Bai Qingyan today, so he ordered his men to return to the mansion, instructing Tongji before leaving, ¡°You stay behind. Find a way to contact Chun Yan and ask what happened at the Duke¡¯s residence.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Tongji nodded. Upon returning, King Liang was restless. Tongji returned and reported that all the gatekeeper maids and servants had been replaced. He had bribed some people to call for Chun Yan, but no one dared accept the money, all stating that since the Princely Heir¡¯s wife had just reorganized the mansion, nobody dared to risk offending her now. King Liang could only close his eyes and think of another plan. That night, Chun Xing, who had taken over Chun Yan¡¯s position as the head maid, stood obediently beside Bai Qingyan, speaking of the matter of the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Jiang Fengchun, being released by the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s residence: ¡°Later, the case concluded that since the five dowry maids lost their slave status posthumously after death, they were still considered slaves at the time of death. Thus, the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was deemed not guilty and was released.¡± Bai Qingyan, listening, placed a chess piece on the board, nodding slightly. ¡°I see. You may go and tend to your tasks now.¡± Chun Xing bowed and agreed, noticing Chun Tao entering with red eyes, she then exited the room. ¡°Miss, may I help you settle in?¡± Chun Tao¡¯s voice was thick with emotion. Bai Qingyan asked, ¡°How is Chun Yan?¡± Chun Tao started to cry again, guilt overwhelming her, and she felt ashamed enough to want to die: ¡°The doctor said she would need at least half a month to recover. The execution nanny still hit her too lightly; even breaking her legs wouldn¡¯t be too harsh!¡± Bai Qingyan found such a Chun Tao endearing, patting her hand, ¡°It¡¯s alright! I am not angry anymore, so you should not feel so remorseful! I wouldn¡¯t have done anything severe to Chun Yan even if you hadn¡¯t pleaded for her, as I still have use for her. Just take good care of her, and keep this matter to yourself.¡± Chun Tao blinked her tearful eyes, her spirits lifting immediately upon hearing that Bai Qingyan still had use for Chun Yan. She promised repeatedly, ¡°Rest assured, Miss, I won¡¯t show it on my face, and Chun Yan won¡¯t suspect a thing.¡± Today, upon hearing Chun Yan tell King Liang all of Miss¡¯s secrets, Chun Tao had no more sympathy for Chun Yan. Naturally, she would follow whatever Bai Qingyan instructed. In the Qingming Courtyard, Bai Qingxuan and his mother had been hearing about the major commotion at the Duke¡¯s residence today, disciplining and selling off five families, a total of nearly forty people. His mother was terrified and kept wiping her tears with a handkerchief: ¡°Had I known, I would have stayed quietly at that estate. At least we were still masters there. I thought we could enjoy life at the Duke¡¯s residence, but who knew we¡¯d be beaten before even entering the mansion, and now we¡¯re being watched! This family that readily punishes and kills¡­¡± ¡°Enough, Mother! Stop talking!¡± Bai Qingxuan, struggling with his wounds and lying prone on the bed, was extremely annoyed. His eyes were filled with malice. ¡°When I recover, we¡¯ll see about it!¡± A few days ago, His Majesty had grandly commended Qin Lang, declaring him a model among the aristocracy, influencing the noble families throughout Dadu City to confine their unruly young men at home to study diligently. In recent days, the business at Dadu¡¯s restaurants, teahouses, brothels, and pleasure boats had dwindled day by day. Those noble scions, used to a life of revelry, were suffering bitterly at home. It wasn¡¯t until the palace banquet on the Eve of the Minor New Year that these scions finally had a legitimate reason to gather and share their grievances about their recent confinement. Qin Lang, who also attended the banquet, was endlessly complained to by these normally unruly peers. Qin Lang only smiled foolishly, bowing and apologizing with drinks. Bai Qingyan was brought by the Eldest Princess to sit below the high seats of the Emperor and Empress. Seated opposite them, King Qi and the Princess of Qi immediately rose to greet the Eldest Princess. Bai Qingyan, standing properly behind the Eldest Princess, curtsied in greeting. She remembered that in March of the sixteenth year of Xuanjia, the next year, King Qi would be appointed Crown Prince and reside in the Eastern Palace, his first task being to preside over the case of Duke Bai Weiting¡¯s treason. There was Liu Huanzhang¡¯s testimony and the letters between the Duke of Zhen and Prince of Nanyan found in the Bai family¡¯s house. The Bai family¡¯s crimes were thus confirmed in King Qi¡¯s hands. Later, already the Crown Prince, King Qi petitioned to lessen the punishment for the Bai family¡¯s women, only to be reprimanded by the Emperor and confined in the Eastern Palace for reflection. At that time, she had also deeply hated King Qi. Thinking back now, in the previous life, the evidence was conclusive. As the Crown Prince, King Qi had no choice. Supporting the Eldest Princess to her seat, Bai Qingyan looked up to see Xiao Rongyan seated just behind King Qi, nodding slightly at her with a gentle smile. Her palm tightened, and she lowered her gaze, unable to tell if Xiao Rongyan had received the message or not. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s seat behind King Qi showed how much King Qi valued him. ¡°Chun Tao¡­¡± she turned her head and lowered her voice, hiding her mouth with a handkerchief, ¡°Did your cousin deliver the letter?¡± Chun Tao, kneeling beside her, whispered, ¡°Miss, don¡¯t worry. My cousin said he had a beggar deliver it to the Xiao Mansion¡¯s gate, mentioning a letter for the steward. He saw the beggar deliver it into the steward¡¯s hands himself! The beggar doesn¡¯t know my cousin¡¯s identity.¡± Chen Qingsheng was trustworthy in handling affairs. In her previous life, Xiao Rongyan helped her greatly. This time¡­ she hoped to repay him somewhat. Hearing the eunuch announce the arrival of the Emperor and Empress, she suppressed her deep-seated hatred, supporting the Eldest Princess as they rose to greet. It seemed that the Emperor was in an exceptionally good mood because King Liang, who had been bedridden with serious injuries, was showing significant improvement. After they were seated, she raised her cup along with others, her clear eyes fixed on the Emperor, who was toasting and speaking of righteousness, virtue, and peace. Her gaze was profound. Xiao Rongyan, noticing Bai Qingyan¡¯s steady gaze towards the Emperor without the slightest hint of reverence, found it interesting. He thought of the note given to him by the steward before entering the palace¡ª¡±Ambush at the palace banquet, a traitor in the Qi residence.¡± He raised his cup and drank with the Emperor of Jin, rubbing the cup while glancing at King Qi, who was smiling at him, and returned the smile. Chapter 49 - Chapter 49: 49章：Knowing Oneself_1 Chapter 49: 49Õ£ºKnowing Oneself_1 Eight delicacies and jade food, wine cups in close succession, amidst the pleasant sound of silk and bamboo, cups were exchanged. The hall resounded with music and dance, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity, a grand banquet that could hardly be found anywhere else in the world. Bai Qingyan¡¯s uncle, Dong Qingping, sat below, being mocked by his colleagues for the scratch marks at the corner of his eyes, calling him henpecked. They teased that if he continued to indulge his wife, she might end up controlling the Dong family just like the Empress of Yan did, bringing shame to Dong Qingping. Xiao Rongyan paused slightly while pouring wine, then calmly filled the cup and lifted it, casting his gaze downward. The moment Xiao Rongyan¡¯s gaze fell on Dong Qingping, Bai Qingyan felt a chill. Xiao Rongyan was the youngest and most beloved son of the Empress of Yan. She remembered in a past life, fifteen years later, the Jin Kingdom fell while the Yan rose to power. The Yan attacked the Jin from the north and south with Xiliang. While she fought with King Liang in Xiliang, the Jin Kingdom had no choice but to seek peace with the Yan. Xiao Rongyan agreed to cease the attack, demanding neither territory nor compensation but the surrender of those who had insulted the Empress of Yan. The fate of those people was predictable. Dong Qingping, usually eloquent and graceful, remained calm, but once drunk, he became reckless and indulgent. At that moment, intoxicated, he spoke freely: ¡°The ¡®Comprehensive History of Yan¡¯ records that Mrs. Ji was exceptionally alluring, surpassing even the charms of Daji or Liji. She served King Su with her beauty, first gaining the position of imperial consort to oversee the harem, then maneuvering among high officials to become the empress, commanding unparalleled power and strategy across the land. She was known as Empress Quan. My wife, Mrs. Song, straightforward and with a fiery temper, could never be compared to such a seductive and vicious woman!¡± As he spoke, Dong Qingping burped and looked towards Bai Qingyan¡¯s mother, Mrs. Dong: ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, sister?!¡± Bai Qingyan felt a jolt from Dong Qingping¡¯s words, instinctively glancing at Xiao Rongyan. She saw Xiao Rongyan sipping his wine with a cold smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. Before Mrs. Dong could respond, Bai Qingyan quickly said, ¡°Reviled by thousands and constantly insulted, whether her heart was as venomous as a snake or her charm ensnared the ruler, at that time, the Empress of Yan was just a minor consort. With no power in the palace or influence in court, she survived amidst the fluctuating imperial intrigues and eventually ushered Yan to become a dominant power. How resilient was her wit?¡± Xiao Rongyan¡¯s deep and profound gaze lifted towards her. Bai Qingyan pretended not to notice, fixing her attention on Dong Qingping, her palms sweaty: ¡°To be reviled by the masses is merely the victor¡¯s privilege; how can you speak nonsense just because you drank too much today?!¡± The Emperor leaned on the soft pillow beside him, his gaze falling on Bai Qingyan. ¡°The Empress of Yan usurped power, leading to the nation¡¯s decline! That once formidable monarch¡­ Aren¡¯t they now confined to a small corner, even giving up their capital, Dadu City, to us and living under our patronage?! Isn¡¯t that right!¡± someone shouted with a laugh. As a woman, Bai Qingyan particularly loathed the phrase ¡°a hen crowing at dawn,¡± originally defending the Empress of Yan from Xiao Rongyan¡¯s resentment, she found herself speaking more sincerely now. ¡°Everyone says the Empress of Yan was domineering and ruthless. But it was precisely this venomous woman who transformed Yan from a poor, weak nation into a power comparable to our Jin and Xiliang. Back then, Yan¡¯s government was clean and prosperous; the loyal officials died remonstrating, and the military officials fought to death. After the Emperor of Yan recovered from his madness and took control, he killed the Empress, and everyone in Yan rejoiced. Yet shortly after, Yan fell into rapid decline, becoming subservient to our Jin. What a tragedy!¡± Xiao Rongyan tightly clenched the jade cicada in his hand, his gaze towards Bai Qingyan growing deeper. Once, a woman of bravery and clarity now knelt under the lights in his mother¡¯s Dadu Palace, justifying his mother¡¯s name. With no power in the palace or influence in the court, surviving with a foolish emperor in treacherous times, Bai Qingyan¡¯s words spoke of his mother¡¯s hardships and helplessness. Xiao Rongyan looked down, filled his cup with wine, and drank it in one go to honor Bai Qingyan as a confidante. The Emperor suddenly laughed: ¡°Aunt, your granddaughter is quite formidable! I heard¡­ That day at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion, her words left the Marquis speechless, but now I believe it.¡± Bai Qingyan stood up, respectfully bowing her head and standing submissively at her place. The Emperor squinted his eyes as if in remembrance, turning to the grand eunuch beside him: ¡°What was it that Miss Bai said? She learned¡­¡± The grand eunuch quickly bowed respectfully and continued: ¡°Your Majesty, Miss Bai said she learned the skills of defending the nation and fighting bloody battles with an army! She learned that even if her corpse were covered in horse leather, shattered to pieces¡­ She would never allow the people and Monarch of our Jin to be humiliated!¡± The Eldest Princess smiled: ¡°My granddaughter grew up beside the Duke, raised with a man¡¯s spirit.¡± ¡°I remember that the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhen had also joined the army and gone to war with the Duke! Such words might not be possible from other families¡¯ daughters, but from the Duke¡¯s, they certainly are!¡± Li Mao lifted his cup with a smile, seemingly in jest, ¡°For a hundred years, the Bai family of the Duke¡¯s mansion has raised sons and daughters who excel in battle, never suffering a defeat, achieving glory that has indeed taken all our Jin¡¯s military merit, leaving nothing for others!¡± Li Mao always knew how to voice complaints about the Bai family in front of the Emperor. His words cut into the Duke¡¯s mansion and the Bai family right before her eyes, like thrusting a knife into her heart, igniting a burning wrath within her. How could she bear it?! She turned, her back straight as an arrow, staring coldly at Left Prime Minister Li Mao beneath the high steps: ¡°So the Left Prime Minister sees only military merit! True, the Bai family has been a military lineage for a century. But let the Left Prime Minister visit the ancestral hall of the Bai family and see which of those souls laid down their lives for power and position! The Bai family even has ten-year-olds fighting on the battlefield! The entire family facing life-and-death situations, seeking military merit?! The Bai family seeks to protect the land and ensure the people¡¯s safety! They seek peace and prosperity for the Jin Kingdom!¡± Remembering old events, Bai Qingyan felt a sharp pain in her heart. Her words grew louder, each one a gem, and every utterance resounding, shaking the hall. The entire hall fell into a deathly silence. Li Mao¡¯s face was ashen, awkward and angry, standing there. Those who had been drinking and making merry became suddenly reflective upon hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s words. The Duke¡¯s Bai family was the foremost aristocratic family of the Jin Kingdom, but the sons of the Bai family did not seek shelter under their ancestors, joining the battlefield as young as ten. Meanwhile, they were here, indulging in the pleasures of Dadu City, making no contributions at all. Chapter 50 - Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Military Exploits_1 Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Military Exploits_1 Tears welled up in her eyes, and every word she spoke dripped with blood and flesh. She pointed her five fingers at the Left Prime Minister, Li Mao, and raised her voice. ¡°If the Left Prime Minister has the integrity to protect our country and is willing to sacrifice generations to defend our Jin people and our territory! This military achievement, my Bai family will offer it to the Left Prime Minister! The Bai family army, too, can change their allegiance and follow the orders of the Left Prime Minister! Military achievements?! If the Left Prime Minister wants them, take them! What my Bai family seeks day and night is simply for the men of my Bai family to return whole; that¡¯s all!¡± Sitting below the steps with Mrs. Dong, who held official rank, were Bai Jintong, Bai Jinzhi, Bai Jinzhao, and Bai Jinhua. Their eyes reddened, and they looked up at Bai Qingyan standing tall like a pine tree on the high steps, their fists clenched tight. Even the Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears, and she choked up, unable to speak. Recalling the fate of the Bai family men, wrapped in horse leathers in their past lives, she trembled with pain. After a long time, she swallowed her tears, turned around, and solemnly knelt before the Emperor. ¡°It is the end of the year, and my family has not yet received news from the southern frontier. We are overly worried and have acted improperly in the hall. I beg your Majesty¡¯s forgiveness.¡± The Emperor squinted, his fingers caressing a wine cup, and after a long pause, he laughed slowly. ¡°The Bai family truly is loyal to the bone! But, Miss Bai, your words suggest that your Bai family is loyal to the people of Jin. Does the Bai family have me, the Emperor, in their hearts? Are you loyal to me, the Emperor?¡± The hall was so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Bai Jintong, sitting below the steps, suddenly clenched her clothes tight. She remembered Bai Qingyan telling her in Qinghui Courtyard that the Emperor saw the Bai family as a fierce tiger lying beside him, eager to remove it. Hearing the Emperor¡¯s words today, her whole body turned cold. Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, feeling a heartbreaking cold. This was the Emperor her grandfather and father had sworn unwavering loyalty to! With Xiliang and Nanyan watching like tigers from the sidelines and Daliang and the Rong harboring ill intentions, Jin had few capable generals. Any general in Jin who was granted a marquis would no longer wish for their descendants to suffer at the frontier, preferring them to abandon military paths for scholarly ones. Her grandfather and father had brought all the men of the Bai family to the frontline without leaving any leeway, cultivating successors for Jin who could deter other nations. Such loyalty was invisible to the Emperor of Jin, who instead suspected and schemed against his officials. She knelt again. ¡°The Emperor¡¯s authority comes from the people of Jin! Without the people, there is no Emperor. My Bai family guards the frontier and protects the people, never overstepping our boundaries. If this is not considered loyalty to your Majesty, then what is?¡± A ruler holds the highest position yet lacks the vision of keeping the nation¡¯s welfare and the people in mind. Warriors fight to the death on the battlefield against enemies coveting Jin, while their ruler, in the flourishing Dadu City, schemes against his loyal subjects. Is he fit to be a ruler?! This court was no longer the just and bright court her grandfather had described to her. Generals fought and died in battle, but inside the court, the spirit of the upright officials had vanished. The straight die on the roadside; the crooked gain titles. Look at the court full of sycophants, riding the current, pursuing false fame, honored with titles and high positions! The Bai family¡¯s loyalty and integrity resulted in the extermination of their entire family! How ironic? In their past life, Jin was indeed not wronged when crushed by the Yan they despised so much. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± The Eldest Princess, fearing that the Emperor would take his anger out on Bai Qingyan, quickly knelt down. ¡°This child is spoiled by me. I ask for Your Majesty¡¯s forgiveness.¡± The Emperor was taken aback by Bai Qingyan¡¯s unmasked anger. After a moment, the Emperor chuckled softly, brushed nonexistent dust off his sleeves, and abruptly changed the subject. ¡°Yesterday, an Imperial Censor reported that the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s wife beat to death a maid accompanying the Bai family¡¯s second young lady. These maids are common people. Qin Dezhao¡­ How much do you know about this matter?¡± The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage quickly stepped forward and knelt, sweating profusely, unable to guess the Emperor¡¯s intention for bringing up this matter suddenly. ¡°Replying to Your Majesty, I have already inquired with my wife. She said that because the property deed of the maid accompanying her daughter-in-law, Bai Jinxiu, was held in the Duke¡¯s mansion, as the head of the mansion, she could not be at ease without managing it.¡± Bai Qingyan sneered. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage truly excelled at twisting the truth. ¡°Your Majesty, may I ask the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage a question?¡± She respectfully asked the Emperor. Seeing the Emperor nod, she turned around, standing tall and straight, scanning the faces of the court officials. Many of them were waiting to see the Bai family¡¯s downfall, hoping to witness the collapse of the centennial noble family, the Duke of Zhen. She looked coldly at the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage and asked sharply. ¡°May I ask the Marquis if your wife only learned of the maid¡¯s property deed after inspecting my second sister¡¯s dowry, or can she divine as the legendary Zhuge amongst women?¡± Having experienced the prowess of Miss Bai, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, had prepared his and his wife¡¯s statements. ¡°Your Majesty, it was revealed by Mingyu, the maid accompanying my daughter-in-law Bai Jinxiu, that news of the property deed was known. This is why my wife spared that maid¡¯s life!¡± Qin Dezhao speculated that since the issue with Mingyu caused such an uproar, this explanation was the only way to account for how Bai Jinxiu¡¯s maid ended up at Mrs. Jiang¡¯s villa. Bai Jinzhi, the fourth young lady of the Bai family, clenched her teeth, ready to rise and curse him, but the third young lady, Bai Jintong, pressed her down firmly. ¡°Third sister! He¡¯s lying!¡± Bai Jinzhi glared fiercely at Qin Dezhao. ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive. This is the main hall!¡± Bai Jintong lowered her voice and warned Bai Jinzhi. ¡°The property deed is no trivial matter. Does the Marquis think my second sister is a fool who would discuss it with a maid? The Marquis must know that Mingyu has already gone mad and is using her as an excuse, right?¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s tone was obviously mocking. Qin Dezhao panicked for a moment but quickly steadied himself. ¡°Miss Bai, why attribute such lowly thoughts to me? The maid Mingyu said she inadvertently discovered that her mistress had not brought their property deeds, fearing coercion through them, so she informed my wife!¡± ¡°Does the Marquis know the crime of deceiving the Emperor? In front of His Majesty, the Marquis claims that a maid who cannot even read her own name, bought by my second sister, would know what her own contract looks like?! Marquis, do you think we are so foolish to be easily deceived, or are you at your wit¡¯s end and trying to cover it up?¡± Infuriated, Qin Dezhao racked his brain for a response, his lips moving but finding no words. Chapter 51 - Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Repulsive Appearance_1 Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Repulsive Appearance_1 The Emperor, however, turned back carelessly and asked Bai Qingyan, ¡°I heard¡­ that your chess skills are excellent?¡± She clenched her hand tightly and lowered her eyes, remaining silent. The Emperor¡¯s stance in protecting the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was so blatant that the court officials would certainly follow his lead. When news of the Bai family¡¯s defeat came back, those sycophants good at speculating the Emperor¡¯s intentions wouldn¡¯t hesitate to step on them. No wonder, in her previous life, everyone knew of the Bai family¡¯s loyalty and bravery, yet no one dared to argue for them in court. High-ranking officials imitated their superiors¡¯ behavior. With the Emperor already so displeased with the Bai family, who among the court officials would dare to speak out for them? She bowed deeply, ¡°I only understand a little.¡± ¡°Your aunt¡­ was also very skilled at chess.¡± The Emperor¡¯s gaze fell on Bai Qingyan. He seemed to be caught up in a certain emotion, trying to see another person through Bai Qingyan. He spoke slowly, ¡°When you have time, accompany your grandmother to the palace and keep the Empress company. The Empress is also fond of chess. Rise!¡± The Empress smiled and nodded, but her pale nails dug into her palms inside her sleeves. She had been married to the Emperor for many years and knew that Bai Suqiu, the only daughter of the Duke of Zhen, was the eternal scar on the Emperor¡¯s heart. Though Bai Suqiu had already passed away, she had become irreplaceable in the Emperor¡¯s heart. Now, what did the Emperor mean by letting Bai Qingyan come to the palace when she was free? Could it be that he had taken a liking to her? The Empress felt overwhelmed by thoughts and her chest tightened. The Emperor¡¯s attitude toward the Bai family was ambiguous, seeming both dismissive and affectionate, making it truly unpredictable. A clatter was heard, and a palace maid immediately knelt down and begged for mercy: ¡°Please forgive me, sir! It wasn¡¯t intentional!¡± ¡°No matter¡­¡± Xiao Rongyan calmly brushed off the wine stains on his robe. His elegant demeanor and gentle voice were soothing. The Emperor came back to his senses and looked at the strikingly handsome man behind the King of Qi. The man exuded a scholarly and modest temperament akin to a great sage of the era. The Emperor instantly took a liking to him and said, ¡°You¡­ must be the righteous merchant Xiao Rongyan from the Wei Kingdom that the King of Qi often mentions to me.¡± Xiao Rongyan rose gracefully and bowed to the Emperor, ¡°Grateful for Your Highness¡¯s favor. It is my humble honor to enter the palace and witness Your Majesty¡¯s grandeur. My eternal gratitude.¡± Even flattery, when spoken by such an elegant man, brought more joy. The Emperor, feeling cheerful, burst into laughter. ¡°Mr. Xiao, a righteous merchant of Wei; your talent is renowned. A month ago, at Wenxian Tower, your work ¡®Pingchuan Night Snow¡¯ was exquisite, making me long for the beauty of Pingchuan!¡± The Emperor¡¯s admiration for Xiao Rongyan was apparent. The officials below the high platform each had their own thoughts. ¡°It was a crude work created inebriated. Your Majesty praises me too much.¡± Xiao Rongyan, neither humble nor arrogant, maintained his composure. Despite the wine stains on his robe, he remained unflustered, appearing otherworldly and untouched by earthly dust. ¡°The Wei Kingdom has many famed scholars known for their romantic elegance; you must be among the best, renowned in all lands. There¡¯s no need for such modesty!¡± The Emperor, always fond of literary talents, couldn¡¯t help but ask Xiao Rongyan a few more questions, ¡°Mr. Xiao, did you not return home last year, to stay in the Capital for the New Year?¡± ¡°I heard that the Lantern Festival in Dadu City is a grand event in Jin Kingdom every year. Scholars and poets compete with enthusiasm, showcasing their talents. It¡¯s lively and bustling, so I stayed in the Capital for the New Year. After the Lantern Festival, I will set off back home.¡± The Emperor nodded, noticing the wine stains on Xiao Rongyan¡¯s robe, and said, ¡°Mr. Xiao, please change your clothes first. When you return, share with me the beautiful scenery of Pingzhou.¡± Xiao Rongyan bowed with a smile and agreed. Bai Qingyan noticed that the side consort¡¯s maid serving the King of Qi was gone and had already guessed the situation. She silently prayed for Xiao Rongyan, her gaze inevitably drifting toward him. Their eyes met in the air; Xiao Rongyan¡¯s look was calm and insightful. Her palm tightened and then slowly relaxed, seeing Xiao Rongyan¡¯s sharp and deep gaze. He clearly realized the trickery; but would he be able to escape this calamity? Xiao Rongyan remained composed, his eyes resolute. With a flash of inspiration, he looked away calmly and followed the palace maid to change his clothes. In less than a quarter of an hour, Xiao Rongyan returned, dressed in a new robe. Bai Qingyan finally felt relieved. ¡¤ On the way back to the mansion after the palace banquet, the Eldest Princess was filled with fear. She held Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand tightly and scolded sternly: ¡°Have you lost your mind?! You usually act prudently; why couldn¡¯t you stay calm today? Saying such things in front of the Emperor, if the Emperor really got angry, how many heads do you have to bear the consequences?! If something happened to you too, how would your grandmother live?!¡± The finely crafted elm carriage, with lanterns swaying at the corners, cast flickering shadows inside. Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes to hide the redness, admitting that she had said those words intentionally for the Emperor to hear. She wanted that stubborn and suspicious Emperor to know; she wanted the world to know! The Bai family¡¯s sacrifice in fighting for the Jin Kingdom and the lives of countless people was not something the scheming Emperor could ever compare to! Those words, those matters, were lodged in her heart like a blade in her throat, cutting her constantly. She had to speak them out! Seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s lowered head and her reluctance to speak, the Eldest Princess closed her tearful eyes and choked up. ¡°Grandmother knows, that day when I asked if you had rebellious thoughts, it hurt you. You, child¡­ you have many good qualities but are like your grandfather with a stubborn mind! But Kid¡­ the Imperial Family is my family, I carry the surname Lin! Your blood is also mine! So anyone else in Jin can rebel, but not my descendants! Do you understand?!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s loyalty to the Imperial Family was just like Bai Qingyan¡¯s to the Bai family. How could she not understand? But the Jin Imperial Family had already decayed, corrupted by the power-hungry and scheming royal court and nobles. The rot and stench from inside could only be eradicated by a change of dynasty and power falling into truly capable hands. Otherwise¡­ how could it not perish from within? ¡°Do you understand? Do you? Answer me!¡± Facing the Eldest Princess¡¯s escalating questions, Bai Qingyan could no longer suppress the suffocating despair, exhaustion, and deep sorrow in her heart. She had grown up under her grandmother¡¯s care, her first steps taken with her grandmother¡¯s hand. Her grandmother had taught her to write her first word. When she had a high fever, her grandmother had held her all night, praying to the gods to take ten years of her life for Bai Qingyan¡¯s safety. Her grandmother was of immeasurable importance in her life. Once, she and her grandmother had spoken about everything. Now¡­ they had different goals despite the same ends, walking hand in hand yet wary of each other. They should have been the closest in the world, but were now miles apart. She feared that, in the near future, the deep bond between her and her grandmother would be worn away by mutual vigilance, growing more distant, and even¡­ turning ugly. Chapter 52 - Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Heart Cold and Discouraged_1 Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Heart Cold and Discouraged_1 The chill in her heart couldn¡¯t be warmed by the furnace. She suppressed her bitter words and bowed her head. ¡°Kid understands!¡± The enmity of life and death was far less disheartening than this conflicted mixture of kinship and sorrow, like a dull knife cutting flesh, painful to the point of making it hard to eat or sleep. The Eldest Princess¡¯s throat swelled with grief. After a long moment, she tearfully embraced Bai Qingyan, closed her eyes, and felt a deep ache, only feeling torn between her family and her country. In her youth, the Eldest Princess had once given her heart to the valiant and handsome General Bai Weiting. But the night before the imperial edict of marriage was delivered to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, her most cherished father, with reddened eyes, told her that marrying the Princely Heir Bai Weiting was to fulfill her youthful longing and to keep an eye on Bai Weiting at his pillow. Her father had bestowed supreme military power upon the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence and needed someone to keep it in check on behalf of the Jin Imperial Family to prevent them from harboring rebellious intent. Therefore, she married into the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, becoming a woman of the Bai family, with a mission as a Jin Kingdom Princess beyond merely extending the Bai family¡¯s bloodline. She had resolutely decided she could not watch her most beloved granddaughter, whom she had poured her life¡¯s energy into teaching, develop rebellious intentions. On the way back to the residence, the grandmother and granddaughter each harbored their thoughts, remaining silent without exchanging a single word. ¡¤ Since the day after the palace banquet ended, the streets, alleyways, teahouses, and taverns of Dadu City were abuzz with discussions about the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. Even the idle rich, who typically indulged in frivolous pastimes, were talking, and the fervor of the discussions soared. Even people like Lu Yuanpeng, who usually only entertained themselves frivolously, were saying things like, ¡°The Bai family¡¯s demeanor sets an example for us all!¡± Since the founding of the Jin Kingdom, where there were wars, there was the loyal and courageous Bai Army. To this day, it seemed that everyone in the Jin Kingdom had become accustomed to it. They believed that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence was essentially a sword of the Jin Kingdom, born to protect the country loyally and courageously, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. But the eldest Bai girl¡¯s words in front of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence, her actions in dealing with the Duke of Zhen¡¯s illegitimate son in front of Manjiang Tower, and her eloquence at the state banquet, where she expressed hope for the safe return of the Bai family¡¯s sons, made everyone realize that these legendary warriors of the Bai family were also mortal beings¡­born of mothers and raised by fathers, with families anxiously waiting for their return. It was only for the sake of the Jin Kingdom and its people¡­that they had no choice but to risk their lives on the battlefield. Almost overnight, it was as if someone had unveiled layers of veils, allowing the world to see the generations of loyalty and righteousness passed down in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. People developed a new sense of respect and awe for the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. When the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence¡¯s procurement officers went out to make purchases, the shops in the city and the farmers outside the city all unanimously refused to accept any money from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. Some farmers even delivered fresh fruits to the residence¡¯s gate daily. When the procurement steward reported this to Mrs. Dong, she was caught off guard, both crying and laughing. ¡°Madam, what should we do? The farmers and merchants are blocking the back gate, competing to send things to our residence,¡± the procurement steward Liu, humbly inquired of Mrs. Dong. Mrs. Dong, holding a teacup, thought for a moment before saying, ¡°Accept the items and pay them according to market prices. Tell them that our Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, already content with receiving the emperor¡¯s salary and the people¡¯s tax grain, absolutely will not take a single cent more from the common people!¡± Placing the teacup down, Mrs. Dong hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Tell Steward Hao to instruct everyone in our residence. When they go out, they must not take an extra penny from the common people. If anyone is found violating this, they will be immediately beaten to death without reporting to me!¡± Although the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence¡¯s reputation was currently flourishing, any slight misstep could plant the seeds of future troubles. Mrs. Dong, who had managed the household for many years, was well aware of the stakes. ¡¤ Mrs. Liu kept her eyes on the doctor as he applied new medicine to Bai Jinxiu¡¯s forehead, feeling heartbroken at the thought of her daughter possibly having a scar. With red eyes, she stepped out of the Green Bamboo Garden and hadn¡¯t walked far when she saw Nanny Luo hurriedly approaching with a joyous expression. Nanny Luo bowed and exclaimed, ¡°Second Madam, good news! Early this morning, there were rumors that on the night of the Little New Year¡¯s palace banquet, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage sent Mrs. Jiang to the Quiet Heart Nunnery for penitential cultivation overnight. I specially confirmed the news, and it¡¯s true beyond doubt! Our girl will no longer have to fear her mother-in-law¡¯s control!¡± The Quiet Heart Nunnery was typically a place where women waiting to be punished from prestigious families were sent, with many meeting their ends there, never returning home. Mrs. Liu, upon hearing this, jubilantly exclaimed that Heaven had eyes, ¡°Nanny Luo, prepare a feast! I must treat Sister-in-law to a meal at noon to properly thank her for her help these past days!¡± At the table, Mrs. Liu laughed, ¡°Just hearing of Mrs. Jiang¡¯s misfortune makes me feel as warm as if I¡¯ve drunk a pot of hot wine, and I could eat five bowls of rice!¡± The Fifth Madam, Mrs. Qi, caressing her belly, chimed in with a smile, ¡°Second Sister-in-law, you should thank our eldest Sister-in-law, not the heavens! If it weren¡¯t for her kindness in releasing those five maidservants from slavery, how could things have escalated? How could the Imperial Censor have reported the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, and how could Mrs. Jiang have met her downfall?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no doubt Second Sister-in-law should thank our eldest Sister-in-law. Do you think she prepared this feast just for us? We are merely accompanying guests!¡± The Third Madam, Mrs. Li, covered her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing. Mrs. Liu, in high spirits, asked Nanny Luo to bring a pot of wine and poured a cup to toast Mrs. Dong. ¡°Whether it¡¯s the matter of our son-in-law moving out or Mrs. Jiang¡¯s situation, Sister-in-law has truly put in a lot of effort!¡± ¡°In a family, there should be no formalities!¡± Mrs. Dong, after drinking the wine, happily pulled Mrs. Liu to sit down. ¡°Once Jinxiu heals and moves to the new house, she will be the head of the household and never be at anyone¡¯s mercy again, so you can be at ease.¡± Thinking of Bai Jinxiu, Mrs. Liu¡¯s eyes reddened immediately, and she nodded. In the cold of midwinter, the grand ancient mansion with its blue tiles and brick walls was covered by falling snowflakes, creating a picturesque scene. The Fourth Madam, Mrs. Wang, looking out the window at the snow, sighed with red eyes, ¡°I wonder how our children in the southern frontier are doing. Will they be able to return for the New Year this year¡­¡± ¡°With the Duke of Zhen, the Crown Prince, and their fathers there, it will be fine! Young men should undergo more experiences to take on great responsibilities,¡± said Mrs. Dong, though her words belied her own worry for her son. ¡¤ Though King Liang did not attend the Little New Year¡¯s palace banquet, Bai Qingyan¡¯s words the next day spread throughout Dadu City. How could he not have known? Seeing the rising fame of the Bai residence and Bai Qingyan, King Liang became increasingly uneasy. The Bai residence¡¯s prestige was shining brighter than ever, even prompting his father to inquire about the incident involving the second Miss Bai¡¯s drowned dowry. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was instructed to handle it well. There were rumors outside that, on the night Marquis of Loyalty and Courage returned to his mansion, he immediately sent Mrs. Jiang to the Quiet Heart Nunnery for penitential cultivation as a repentance and blessing. Who knows, when the war reports from the southern frontier arrived, with public sentiment and hearts all inclined towards the Bai family, whether his father would dare move against the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. Chapter 53 - Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Avenging Humiliation_1 Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Avenging Humiliation_1 King Liang sat before the roaring fireplace wrapped in a heavy cloak. The bright flames cast a reddish glow on his deathly pale face. His phoenix eyes were dark, contemplating who knows what. Du Zhiwei, King Liang¡¯s advisor, had planned everything before his death¡­ He first had King Liang work under the guise of serving King Xin, urging King Xin to compete for military merits against the Duke of Zhen. The current emperor was already dissatisfied with the Duke due to his numerous military accolades, so he quickly permitted his favorite son to go to the frontlines and oversee the military, even giving King Xin a golden command arrow. Later, Liu Huanzhang was secretly instructed to communicate with the King of Nanyan, aiming to wipe out the Bai family while all the men were with the Duke of Zhen. At that time, all the capable and battle-tested commanders of the Bai family in Jin Kingdom would be exterminated! The Duke¡¯s residence would then be accused of colluding with the enemy, uprooting the Bai family completely! When war resumed in the southern borders, his father the emperor would have no generals to use and would have to rely on Liu Huanzhang, thereby placing military power under his control. This was the first step. The second step involved keeping Bai Qingyan close, because Du Zhiwei mentioned that King Liang was not adept at military strategies. Therefore, Bai Qingyan, a praised ¡°star general¡± even by the Duke of Zhen, was to be kept around to secure military merits and pave the way for ascending power. Amidst the intense power struggle between King Qi and King Xin, both vying for the position of Crown Prince and resulting in mutual destruction, he, the accomplished prince, could return and easily reap the benefits. Everything proceeded smoothly according to Du Zhiwei¡¯s plan, until the death of Du Zhiwei and the marriage of Bai Jinxiu. Since then, things had not gone as smoothly as before. Bai Qingyan¡¯s family in Dengzhou intended to have their legitimate grandson marry Bai Qingyan, but when he sent her a jade pendant indicating the position of a chief consort, she did not accept it. When he personally went to meet Bai Qingyan, she did not see him. What was to be done? King Liang instinctively wanted to ask Du Zhiwei how to handle this. Just as he was about to call for Du Zhiwei, he remembered that Du Zhiwei had died protecting him during an attack on the long street that day¡­ He violently coughed a few times. Hearing the commotion, Tongji, who was boiling medicine, quickly ran in and poured him a glass of water: ¡°Your Highness, please drink some water!¡± ¡°Cough, cough, cough¡­ Leave!¡± King Liang pulled his cloak tighter around himself. His birth mother was of low status and died early. He was raised by Consort Tong, who, along with the late second prince, treated him like family. However, they were killed by those so-called pillars of the nation from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s faction, meeting a tragic end. Therefore, he was determined to fight for that position! Only by attaining it could he exact justice for Consort Tong and the second prince, no matter the despicable means necessary. Staring at the fire pit in deep thought for a long time, King Liang suddenly called out hoarsely: ¡°Gao Sheng!¡± Hearing him, Gao Sheng entered, cupped his fists, and saluted: ¡°Master!¡± ¡°Go and call Hongqiao over¡­ I have orders for her.¡± Soon, Hongqiao came in through the snow. After hearing King Liang¡¯s orders, she was initially shocked but then knelt down, resolutely declaring: ¡°Your servant owes a debt of gratitude to the second prince. Since he is no longer here, I should have followed him in death. But it was Your Highness who gave me hope for revenge and kept me alive! I understand Your Highness¡¯s intentions. For this mission, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to sacrifice my honor, or even my life. I will see it through to the best of my ability!¡± King Liang coughed lightly twice before shaking his head: ¡°You need to live. As you said, you must live to see our revenge complete. Only then can you give an explanation to the second prince. Follow the plan and do not act rashly.¡± Hongqiao¡¯s eyes reddened as she heavily kowtowed to King Liang. ¡°Go now!¡± King Liang adjusted his cloak, his eyes dark and somber as he watched the flickering flames in the brazier. ¡¤ On the twenty-sixth of the twelfth month, families began preparing for the New Year, slaughtering pigs and stocking up on meat. The procurement offices of noble families were also bustling. Though the men of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence were away in the southern borders this year, the mansion was livelier than ever. The butchers and vegetable farmers kept sending their best goods to the Duke¡¯s residence. The Duchess Consort had previously ordered that as soon as items were delivered, the mansion would promptly send back silver coins. Some commoners who were unable to express their gratitude in words would stealthily leave their goods by the back corner gate in the middle of the night and slip away unnoticed! The procurement steward, Steward Liu, was overwhelmed and hurriedly reported to Steward Hao. This time, Steward Hao decided to receive all the goods, saying they would send more substantial gifts and red couplets to the merchants, butchers, and farmers who regularly interacted with the Duke¡¯s residence on the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month. He also instructed Steward Liu to prepare smaller silver pieces wrapped in red paper to distribute to any children they met, as an early New Year¡¯s gift. The Hao family had served the Bai family for generations. Knowing the generosity of the Bai family masters, they would repay kindness tenfold. Steward Hao felt his arrangements were justified. Madam Dong, living temporarily at the Dong Mansion of the Honglu Temple, planned to return to Dengzhou after the New Year. She originally wished to have Bai Qingyan stay over during the festivities, but since all the Bai family men were not around, she felt it improper to compete for Bai Qingyan during the New Year, which might leave the Bai family mansion desolate. So she invited Bai Qingyan to the Dong Mansion every other day. Mrs. Dong felt it inappropriate for her mother, Madam Dong, to invite only Bai Qingyan, so she told Bai Qingyan to bring along her younger sisters. On this day, apart from the recuperating Bai Jinxiu and the seventh girl Bai Jinse, who caught a cold, all the Bai sisters were at the Dong family¡¯s mansion. Although their cousins at the Dong family were not as bold as the daughters of the Bai Mansion, they were not the troublesome sort and got along well with the Bai girls. When they left, the fifth and sixth girls left, their arms full of trinkets given by their elders and cousins. They were reluctant to part with them and did not let their maids touch their treasures, eagerly playing with them as soon as they were on the carriage. ¡°How skillful our Dong family cousin is, making these birds look so lifelike!¡± Bai Jinzhi marveled at the pair of paper birds in her hands. ¡°It¡¯s nice to be young! I also wanted these paper birds but felt too embarrassed to ask due to my age¡­¡± Hearing this, Bai Jinzhao immediately snatched the paper birds from Bai Jinzhi¡¯s hands and cradled them in her arms: ¡°Fourth Sister is grown-up now. She shouldn¡¯t be snatching from younger ones. Second Sister is recovering¡­ and Seventh Sister has a cold. They missed the fun with the cousins today, so these are tokens I will take back for Second Sister and Seventh Sister!¡± Bai Jintong and Bai Qingyan were amused and burst into laughter. Suddenly, the sound of reins being pulled came from the front, and the carriage of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence slowly came to a halt. ¡°First Miss!¡± Hearing the call, Bai Qingyan lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked outside, only to hear a servant from the Duke¡¯s residence say: ¡°First Miss, there is a girl from King Liang¡¯s mansion kneeling at our gate asking to see you. Steward Hao sent me to inform you.¡± Chapter 54 - Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Character_1 Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Character_1 Hearing the name King Liang, Bai Qingyan¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted, and a chilling aura instantly spread. Before she could ask, Bai Jinzhi anxiously lifted the curtain and, unable to suppress her temper, asked, ¡°What¡¯s the maid from King Liang¡¯s residence causing a ruckus at our mansion for?¡± Bai Jinzhi was seriously furious. The other day, such a commotion was made at the Duke¡¯s mansion, selling off thirty-nine people from five households altogether, just because King Liang had bribed the gatekeeper¡¯s wife, who daily colluded with Chun Yan by Eldest Young Lady¡¯s side. And now, a maid from King Liang¡¯s residence dared to come openly. ¡°The maid from King Liang¡¯s residence said she wanted to plead with Miss Bai, asking Miss Bai to spare her life. Steward Hao sent some grannies and stewards to inquire, but the girl insisted on not speaking without seeing Miss Bai and refused to enter the mansion. She¡¯s kneeling and crying at the gate of our Duke¡¯s mansion! Now there¡¯s a big crowd gathered at our gate.¡± With a cold face, Bai Qingyan asked, ¡°When did this happen? Did it alarm my mother?¡± ¡°A quarter of an hour ago. Steward Hao did not dare to alarm Madam.¡± The servant from the Duke¡¯s mansion quickly replied. ¡°Go back and tell Steward Hao not to alarm my mother. Since she¡¯s here for me, we¡¯ll return respectfully through the front gate. I also want to ask her¡ªhow this maid from King Liang¡¯s residence needs me to spare her life.¡± After finishing, she lowered the curtain, her face heavy with contemplation. Bai Jintong, always perceptive, quickly sensed something unusual: ¡°From King Liang¡¯s residence? Eldest Young Lady, King Liang¡¯s mansion first bribed Chun Yan by your side to spy on your secrets. Then they sent this maid. I guess¡­ they want to use your reputation as leverage! Eldest Young Lady, do you have any idea?¡± She pursed her lips, looking at Bai Jintong without speaking. The other day, the Duke¡¯s mansion had just made a grand example of itself, and she thought she was being overly cautious about King Liang using underhanded methods. She didn¡¯t expect that in just four days, King Liang would impatiently send someone. She truly overestimated King Liang¡¯s character. ¡°What¡¯s to fear from a mere maid?! If she dares to misbehave¡­ see if I don¡¯t whip her to death! Eldest Young Lady, you just return to the mansion, and I¡¯ll ensure she can¡¯t utter a single word!¡± Bai Jinzhi gritted her teeth, gripping the whip at her waist. ¡°It¡¯s better to let it flow than to block it. Let¡¯s see what the maid has to say first, then think of a countermeasure¡­¡± She looked up, smiling at Bai Jinzhi. ¡°Fourth Sister, stand among the crowd and keep a sharp eye. Make sure that girl doesn¡¯t harm herself in front of me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eldest Young Lady!¡± Bai Jinzhi patted her chest in assurance. Bai Qingyan¡¯s words made Bai Jintong understand the meaning immediately: ¡°Right, we can¡¯t let her create a scene of a loyal servant from King Liang¡¯s mansion begging Eldest Young Lady to meet King Liang. People might think our Eldest Young Lady indeed had an affair with King Liang.¡± Bai Jinzhi nodded, feeling more solemn. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, what about me?¡± ¡°And me! And me!¡± Seeing the eager faces of Little Five and Little Six waiting for her orders, she couldn¡¯t help but smile softly. She touched the foreheads of the two children with warmth in her eyes: ¡°You two¡­ return to the mansion with the carriage, go and play with your Seventh Sister. Don¡¯t get involved, or the two ponies I prepared for your birthdays will be gone!¡± She didn¡¯t want her young sisters to witness such filth. Their world should be clean, and she was willing to safeguard it with all her might. Upon hearing that Bai Qingyan was giving them Blood Sweat Ponies, their clear eyes instantly brightened. Ecstatically, they promised not to watch the commotion. Before getting off the carriage, Bai Qingyan saw Hongqiao kneeling properly at the gate of the Duke¡¯s mansion, and she narrowed her eyes. In her previous life, Bai Qingyan had seen Hongqiao in King Liang¡¯s residence. This maid was very loyal to King Liang. Later, King Liang went to Pingshan to suppress bandits, and Hongqiao sacrificed herself to the bandit leader, helping King Liang eliminate the bandits in one swoop. But Hongqiao ultimately died in Pingshan. It was commendable that King Liang thought highly enough of her to send someone as trusted as Hongqiao. Seeing the elegantly decorated carriage slowly stop at the front gate, Hongqiao¡¯s hands tightened at her sides. Chun Tao helped Bai Qingyan off the carriage, with Bai Jintong following closely behind. ¡°Miss Bai has arrived¡­¡± The crowd murmured. Ignoring Hongqiao, who was kneeling on the ground, Bai Qingyan walked straight up the high steps of the Duke¡¯s mansion. Hongqiao, in a panic, inched forward on her knees, quickly calling out, ¡°Miss Bai, I am a maid from King Liang¡¯s mansion, Hongqiao! I know Miss Bai is angry with His Highness because of my shameless service to him, so you cut off ties with His Highness! You refused to accept the Jade Pendant from His Highness¡­ even when he was gravely injured and came to see you personally, you didn¡¯t meet him!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes widened, about to speak up, but she was stopped by Bai Qingyan, who turned and held her hand. Hongqiao cried even more pitifully, ¡°Miss Bai¡­ I am just a lowly maid. Though I admire His Highness, I only hope to serve by his side. I have no other extravagant hopes! His Highness¡¯s heart is only for Miss Bai. How can Miss Bai harm your relationship with His Highness over a humble, disgraceful maid like me? Because you refused to meet him, His Highness, overwhelmed with anger, coughed up blood upon returning. I am truly helpless, begging Miss Bai to save His Highness! Today, I swear by my life¡­ I will no longer obstruct you and His Highness. I only ask Miss Bai to forgive him!¡± Finishing, Hongqiao pulled out the hairpin from her head and aimed it at her heart. From the crowd, Bai Jinzhi was quick to act. The whip¡¯s cracking sound filled the air, precisely striking Hongqiao¡¯s wrist, sending the hairpin flying far away! Bai Jinzhi then controlled Hongqiao. Rage flared up in Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart, her eyes revealing a fierce coldness. For King Liang, this Hongqiao was willing to sacrifice everything. Not only was she eloquent, but she also tried to establish that she and King Liang had an affair. ¡°What a vicious tactic!¡± Bai Jintong gritted her teeth. If it weren¡¯t for Eldest Young Lady being prepared and instructing Bai Jinzhi to watch from the crowd, if Hongqiao had really died in front of the Duke¡¯s mansion, even a thousand explanations from Eldest Young Lady wouldn¡¯t have cleared her name. ¡°Miss Bai, His Highness cannot be without you! This foolish maid didn¡¯t know what else to do! A worthless life like mine can only plead with death for Miss Bai to ease her anger! Please forgive His Highness!¡± Hongqiao cried hysterically. The onlookers murmured, as if uncovering a shocking secret. This seemingly upright Miss Bai appeared to have an affair with King Liang. Hongqiao¡¯s words turned Chun Tao¡¯s face livid with anger. Publicly, this maid implied that their Miss Bai had an affair with King Liang! Chun Tao couldn¡¯t help but resent Chun Yan even more: ¡°Say another word, and I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart!¡± ¡°Let her speak. If she doesn¡¯t, how would I know what¡¯s going on¡­¡± Bai Qingyan glanced at the old woman at the door, calmly smiling, ¡°Bring me a chair.¡± Chapter 55 - Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Outsmarting Oneself_1 Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Outsmarting Oneself_1 Hongqiao¡¯s heart pounded. She had long known Miss Bai¡¯s formidable reputation. Initially planning to confess and then die, leaving Bai Qingyan no room for rebuttal, she was unexpectedly restrained. Her heart filled with panic. Bai Qingyan sat leisurely on the chair brought by the housemaid, handed the hand warmer to Chun Tao, and instructed her to add a piece of charcoal. Only then did she speak slowly, ¡°From what I hear, you intend to accuse me of having an affair with King Liang?¡± Hongqiao¡¯s heart pounded fiercely. She avoided Bai Qingyan¡¯s words and continued to cry, ¡°Miss Bai, His Highness can¡¯t eat or sleep well because of you. He came personally four days ago despite his serious injury, but you still refused to see him! I¡¯m afraid His Highness won¡¯t survive if this continues!¡± ¡°Jintong, instruct the steward to visit King Liang¡¯s mansion. If King Liang is not seriously ill, please have him come personally. His maid is causing a ruckus at the front gate of our Duke¡¯s mansion. If King Liang is too ill to move, then I¡¯ll have to trouble the Eldest Princess to visit and resolve the matter at King Liang¡¯s gate!¡± She firmly directed Bai Jintong, then turned back to Hongqiao with a smile, maintaining an air of integrity, ¡°This concerns my reputation. It must be clarified!¡± Hongqiao was about to speak but was cut off by Bai Qingyan, ¡°But since Miss Hongqiao said that King Liang came to our Bai Mansion four days ago, it seems his injury isn¡¯t too severe, so he should be able to come.¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s piercing eyes hid a sharp edge. Hongqiao shivered from her cold, bone-chilling smile, panicking completely. King Liang had sent someone with Hongqiao. Realizing the situation wasn¡¯t favorable, that person immediately rushed back to report to King Liang. However, the steward from the Duke¡¯s mansion arrived much faster than King Liang anticipated. Just as his man finished explaining the situation at the Duke¡¯s mansion gate, they were informed that the Duke¡¯s steward had arrived to invite him. King Liang sat by the brazier with his eyes closed, furious at Hongqiao for not following the plan. She was too eager to use her life to falsely accuse Bai Qingyan of an affair, resulting in a blunder. Though King Liang knew this was a display of Hongqiao¡¯s loyalty to him, her haste had ruined everything. Thinking about how Bai Qingyan had publicly dealt with her cousin, infuriating the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, and the incident at the palace banquet, King Liang felt uneasy about confronting Bai Qingyan now. If only Du Zhiwei were here, he could advise on how to handle this! King Liang felt his wound tightening and his head aching terribly. After calming down and thinking carefully, King Liang had Tongji help him change clothes. He realized restoring his relationship with Bai Qingyan was more important than forcing her to be with him. His reputation for being weak and incompetent was well-known. He didn¡¯t fear appearing humble in front of Bai Qingyan. As long as he insisted that his feelings for her were genuine and claimed that Hongqiao had acted rashly without his knowledge, it would be fine. Originally, King Liang didn¡¯t want to be publicly associated with the Duke¡¯s mansion, fearing future entanglements. But now¡­ he had no choice. Making his affections for Bai Qingyan known might work. In the worst case, he could use his ¡°weakness¡± to implore the emperor for a marriage decree, which Bai Qingyan would never dare defy! As he donned his cloak, King Liang realized his excessive reliance on Du Zhiwei. Without him, it felt like having lost his wings. He needed to find another suitable advisor soon. Quickly, the steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion, Tongji, and Gao Sheng hurried to the gate of the Duke¡¯s mansion. Seeing the large crowd at the Duke¡¯s gate, the steward hurriedly bowed to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Miss Bai, I apologize. I am the steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion. It¡¯s my fault for not managing the household well, causing you trouble. I will take her back immediately!¡± ¡°Wait¡­¡± She looked at the steward with a smile, ¡°Where is His Highness?¡± ¡°Our Highness vomited blood halfway in the carriage and has been sent back to the mansion! Surely Miss Bai doesn¡¯t insist on His Highness coming to retrieve her? If something happens to His Highness, can Miss Bai bear the consequences?!¡± Tongji glared angrily at Bai Qingyan, resenting her stone heart. She didn¡¯t even glance at Tongji, a mere servant of King Liang, unworthy of her notice. ¡°If King Liang is too ill to come, then I¡¯ll trouble you to convey my words to His Highness!¡± She stood up, holding her hand warmer, and looked down at the steward from her high position, ¡°Four days ago, our Duke¡¯s mansion dismissed thirty-nine servants. My personal maid, Chun Yan, was beaten with fifty strokes and still can¡¯t get out of bed. No one knew why! Today, I¡¯ll clarify at the gate of the Duke¡¯s mansion¡­¡± Her stare was fixed on Gao Sheng, King Liang¡¯s trusted aide, with a stern expression, ¡°Because His Highness bribed five of our Duke¡¯s servants to spy on my secrets through my maid. Therefore, my mother broke the legs of those five and sold their entire families. Chun Yan¡­ was spared because she grew up with me and once saved the life of my most valued maid.¡± The steward from King Liang¡¯s mansion was drenched in sweat. Tongji, feeling guilty, stood there nervously. ¡°This young lady said that King Liang sent me a jade pendant, which I didn¡¯t accept, and came personally despite his serious injury, but I still didn¡¯t meet him! Why?!¡± She raised her voice, her expression cold and serious, addressing the steward, ¡°Though I am a woman, I have studied the classics since childhood and understand propriety, righteousness, and integrity! Everything should be done transparently and rightly! If His Highness has feelings for me, he should have sent elders to inquire about my engagement status, and if I were not engaged, then sent a matchmaker! At that time, obeying my parents¡¯ and matchmaker¡¯s words, I, Bai Qingyan, would have had no objections! That would be respectful and honorable!¡± ¡°But look at what His Highness has done. Bribing our Bai family¡¯s servants, secretly gathering information about me through my maid, repeatedly asking my maid to arrange meetings! To avoid embarrassing my grandmother and the Imperial Family, I have tolerated it repeatedly! I thought that by dismissing the servants and setting an example, as long as our Duke¡¯s mansion, and I, Bai Qingyan, maintained self-respect, there would be nothing to fear! But I never imagined that His Highness would use such despicable and filthy means, ordering the maid to sacrifice her life to tarnish my reputation!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Tongji was infuriated by Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, ¡°Miss Bai, you think too highly of yourself. His Highness is a prince of the current dynasty. He can have anyone! Why insist on you? His Highness didn¡¯t mind your difficulty in having children, yet you pretend to be noble and aloof!¡± ¡°Tongji! Step back!¡± The steward from King Liang¡¯s mansion turned pale. ¡°So, King Liang thinks my difficulty in having children means that if my reputation is ruined, I¡¯ll have no choice but to enter his mansion?!¡± Her face darkened, her presence imposing, ¡°Tell His Highness, the bones of the Bai family are unyielding! Bai Qingyan declares today that even if I marry a pig, a dog, or engage in a posthumous marriage in this life! I will never submit to a treacherous man with vile deeds!¡± Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Evil One_1 Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Evil One_1 ¡°Good!¡± Someone in the crowd couldn¡¯t help but shout out in approval, then quickly pulled back their head, afraid of being seen by King Liang¡¯s men and offending him. Bai Qingyan¡¯s words showed the pride and integrity of the Bai family. They gave people a glimpse into the righteous backbone of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household. With such honest and upright people protecting Jin Kingdom, how could the citizens not feel at ease? ¡°Miss Bai! His Highness never intended for things to be this way! It was all this maid¡¯s own doing!¡± The steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion bowed solemnly to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Miss Bai, please do not let this maid harm the harmony between the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household and King Liang¡¯s mansion.¡± ¡°In that case, please ensure that King Liang¡¯s mansion properly disciplines their servants. Do not come to my Bai Mansion causing trouble! His Highness, as a prince, should set an example for the people, stand upright, cultivate his character, and act with integrity. He should know what can and cannot be done. He must not engage in lowly actions like bribing other household servants to spy on the private matters of daughters, thus tarnishing the Imperial Family¡¯s reputation.¡± Bai Qingyan sneered at Tongji, ¡°Fourth Sister! Let her go!¡± ¡°You¡¯re lucky!¡± Bai Jinzhi, full of resentment, pushed away the kneeling Hongqiao with gritted teeth. If it weren¡¯t for her elder sister stopping her¡­ she would have whipped this lowly maid a hundred times. The normally silent Gao Sheng saw that Hongqiao seemed about to pick up her hairpin and commit suicide. He immediately stopped her. ¡°Guard Gao, let me die! His Highness has always admired Miss Bai. I thought Miss Bai knew I was serving His Highness, which is why she wouldn¡¯t see him. I never expected to cause such a misunderstanding between Miss Bai and His Highness! Miss Bai, it wasn¡¯t His Highness who sent me, I came on my own¡­ You cannot misunderstand His Highness!¡± Hongqiao wept bitterly. ¡°Whether you caused trouble at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion on King Liang¡¯s orders or out of your own selfishness, it doesn¡¯t matter! Bribing our household servants, sending a jade pendant, and secretly requesting to see my elder sister¡­ these were the actions of King Liang!¡± Bai Jintong said coldly, bowing to the steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion. ¡°Please discipline the servants of King Liang¡¯s mansion! If this continues, it might alarm my grandmother, the Eldest Princess¡­¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± The steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion hurriedly turned to Gao Sheng, ¡°Guard Gao, take this lowly maid away!¡± Gao Sheng nodded. Bai Qingyan stood at the main gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, watching Gao Sheng walk away, her eyes cold. Gao Sheng was King Liang¡¯s most skilled guard, and Du Zhiwei was King Liang¡¯s most adept counselor. She wondered if today¡¯s act by Hongqiao was arranged by Du Zhiwei. If so¡­ she really overestimated Du Zhiwei. ¡°Let¡¯s go back!¡± she said to Bai Jintong and Bai Jinzhi. Bai Jinzhi watched the steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion bow and leave, her eyes filled with undisguised hatred. She tightly gripped her whip as she returned to the mansion. ¡¤ As the New Year¡¯s Eve approached, Bai Qingyan felt increasingly uneasy, often waking up in the middle of the night from nightmares of the Bai family¡¯s men all perishing on the front lines in her previous life. Just past 3 AM on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, all was silent. Outside the window, the north wind howled, and the sound of falling snow could be faintly heard. Someone knocked on the gate of Qinghui Courtyard, waking the lightly sleeping Bai Qingyan. She listened to the howling wind outside the window. Waking from a nightmare, her heart pounded. Missing her night guard, Chun Tao, she hoarsely called out, ¡°Chun Tao¡­¡± At the gate, Chun Tao, pale-faced, heard Bai Qingyan call her, glanced back at the main house, and said to Lu Ping at the gate, ¡°The young lady is awake! Please wait a moment, I will inform the young lady!¡± Ignoring the snow and cold, Chun Tao hurriedly ran into the main house. Seeing Bai Qingyan already sitting by the bed, Chun Tao bowed and said, ¡°Miss, Miss Shen sent Wu Zhe to deliver a message. Wu Zhe is bleeding profusely, and I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t have much time left. Lu Ping didn¡¯t want to delay your important matters and came to call on you in the middle of the night!¡± Her scalp tightened, and she quickly stood up, her voice trembling uncontrollably. ¡°Bring me my cloak! Quickly!¡± Bai Qingyan, dressed in white undergarments, put on her cloak and stepped out into the wind. The cold wind, like a knife, wrapped the snow and hit her, instantly piercing through her. ¡°Miss!¡± Lu Ping bowed deeply. She grabbed Lu Ping, ¡°Where is he? Take me to him quickly!¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s stern face, Lu Ping did not dare delay. He lit a lantern and led the way. Holding Chun Tao¡¯s hand tightly, they hurriedly made their way through the snow to the side gate. The wind and snow beat against her face and eyes like knives, but she didn¡¯t feel the pain, only the chaos in her heart. When they reached the side gate, the wind and snow had made Bai Qingyan frozen and pale. The guard by Wu Zhe¡¯s bedside saw her and struggled to stand up, ¡°Miss!¡± ¡°Miss¡­¡± Wu Zhe struggled to get up, blood dripping from his mouth with every word, a sight that was shocking. Her eyes turned red, and disregarding proper etiquette, she rushed forward and held Wu Zhe with her icy hands, ¡°I¡¯m here¡­¡± Lu Ping hurriedly placed a cushion behind Wu Zhe. After regaining some composure, Wu Zhe spoke hurriedly, ¡°We traveled day and night to the Southern Borders. Just after crossing Chongluan Ridge, we encountered General Fang Yan of the Bai family¡¯s Tiger Camp being pursued. We fought desperately but only managed to save the bamboo slip recording the battle conditions that General Fang Yan protected with his life! General Fang Yan said treacherous officials had harmed the Bai family¡¯s army¡­ then he died! Assassins kept coming, and Miss Shen led Ji Tingyu and Wei Gao to divert them, instructing us to deliver the bamboo slip to you in Dadu no matter what, even if we died!¡± Wu Zhe lowered his head, his hands, crusted with dried blood, trembled as he untied his clothing. The bamboo slip, stained with his blood, was firmly tied to his body. ¡°Wu Zhe, mission accomplished!¡± Chun Tao covered her mouth, shuddering as she saw the bamboo slip almost embedded in Wu Zhe¡¯s bloody flesh. ¡°The bamboo slip, protected with my comrades¡¯ lives, has been safely delivered. Wu Zhe can now face them in the afterlife!¡± She clenched her teeth, her eyes shifting from the bamboo slip, feeling a surge of grief as she looked at Wu Zhe¡¯s smiling face. ¡°Miss, Wu Zhe is not afraid of death. I only ask the Eldest Princess and you never to let the traitors who killed the Bai family¡¯s army go unpunished!¡± Her lips tightened into a line as uncontrollable tears streamed down. Struggling to maintain her composure, she gently patted Wu Zhe¡¯s shoulder, choked with emotion, ¡°On behalf of the tens of thousands of Bai family soldiers, thank you! Rest well. I will ensure you see justice done for the wicked!¡± With a weak smile, Wu Zhe said, ¡°Miss, in the next life¡­ Wu Zhe will still serve the Bai family!¡± As soon as he finished speaking, a mouthful of blood spurted from his mouth. She held onto Wu Zhe, her scalp tightening, and shouted, ¡°Uncle Ping! Get Doctor Hong! Get Doctor Hong immediately!¡± Wu Zhe slumped in her arms. Through his blurred vision, he saw Bai Qingyan¡¯s white fox fur stained with his blood. He opened his mouth to apologize, but words failed him as he took his last breath. ¡°Miss, Wu Zhe is gone!¡± Lu Ping knelt on the ground, looking up at Bai Qingyan with tears. Chapter 57 - Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Horrific Tragedy_1 Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Horrific Tragedy_1 Chun Tao tightly covered her mouth and cried out loud. She gripped Wu Zhe¡¯s shoulders firmly. A wave of blood rushed to her heart, wrenching pain surged, almost as if her heart were being torn apart. She wished she could kill those who wanted to harm the Bai family. She closed her eyes, but tears still flowed uncontrollably, her eyes hurt so much that she couldn¡¯t open them. She wanted to scream but couldn¡¯t make a sound. Her rage was boundless, as if it would break through the heavens, yet the pain was filled with utter despair. After half a cup of tea, Chun Tao, with eyes bloodshot, held the bamboo slips Wu Zhe had risked his life to protect. She followed the disheartened Bai Qingyan back. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, with its green tiles and red lantern light contrasting with the white snow, was splendid and bright in the silent darkness. Yet, it was cold and desolate. Chun Tao saw Bai Qingyan stumbling under the red lantern corridor. She wanted to reach out to support, but her hands were full and she feared dropping the bamboo slips. Tearfully, she cried: ¡°Miss¡­¡± Bai Qingyan, with her snow-white cloak stained with shocking red, returned to Qinghui Courtyard. In a hoarse voice, she instructed Chun Tao to place the bamboo slips on the desk. Chun Tao, seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s stiff body and blue-purple face from the cold, spoke: ¡°Miss, let this maid help you change out of these blood-stained clothes and warm yourself up!¡± With gritted teeth, she waved Chun Tao away, staring intently at the bamboo slips flickering in the candlelight. She instructed Chun Tao to wait outside and not to come in. In the warm spring-like room, the decorated copper furnace emitted faint sparks from the Yingshuang coal. She then snapped back to reality, her entire body felt as if it were in an icy cellar, cold and numb. She sat at the desk filled with grief and rage, her bloodshot eyes fixed on the bamboo slips. Her throat hurt so much that she couldn¡¯t speak a word, and the taste of blood lingered between her lips and teeth, refusing to fade. Before her eyes, the bamboo slips recorded the military conditions of the Bai family¡¯s battle in the southern front, even the last moments. In her previous life, she had hoped to obtain them to seek justice for the Bai family. Now that they were in front of her, she hesitated to look. Some things, as long as one hasn¡¯t received the exact news, there remains hope. But once seen, there would be no more hope¡­ Bai Qingyan closed her eyes. After a long time, she took a deep breath and opened the bamboo slips¡­ The five blood-stained bamboo slips, with each word and sentence, leaped before her eyes. Chun Tao, with red eyes, stood guard outside the door. She watched the sky turn pale in the vast falling snow, listening to the heart-wrenching sobs from Bai Qingyan inside the room. Her heart felt like it was being cut by a knife. Bai Qingyan tightly clutched the bamboo slips. Her throat constricted, she could hardly breathe. She closed her eyes, tears streaming down in grief and indignation. The fury within her almost consumed her entirely. Seeing the little figurine on the desk, posed to charge with a sword, placed prominently by Chun Tao, she madly swept all the brushes, ink, and paper off the table. After returning gravely injured, if she had practiced diligently like before, how great it would have been to join her grandfather on the battlefield this time! Why did she consider herself weak just because others thought so, spending her days in comfort, being weak! What use was she staying in the Duke¡¯s mansion? What was her use?! She grabbed her chest with all her might, gnashing her gums, unable to stop her tears for the Bai family¡¯s heroes¡­ King Xin!!!!!!! In her previous life, she believed King Xin to be cowardly but reasonable. Even if he went to war with her grandfather, the Bai family men perished entirely. King Xin still returned from a near-death experience. She never imagined it was he who recklessly trusted Liu Huanzhang, forcing her grandfather to advance with a gold medal order. She wished to take her longsword and tear King Xin apart! To see the hearts of those who harmed her Bai family army, to see if they were black! The few words on the five bamboo slips broke her heart into pieces, her insides felt like they were being incinerated! She clenched her teeth, enduring the excruciating pain, holding the bamboo slips desperately. Scenes flooded her mind of her grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers¡¯ tragic deaths. The brief records on the bamboo slips depicted the horrifying brutality faced by the Bai family men! Her father, trapped in Fengcheng, ran out of food. To hold off the enemy and help Fengcheng¡¯s civilians, he said to the remaining thousand soldiers defending Fengcheng: ¡°Those with elderly parents at home, step back. Those who have not established a family yet, step back. The rest, those willing to die for the Jin people, come with me to face the enemy!¡± The Bai family¡¯s ten-year-old seventeenth son, Bai Qingdong, stepped forward with his sword, proclaiming his readiness to die in battle alongside his uncle for the Jin people, refusing to live in disgrace. Moved by the ten-year-old, the Bai family army drew their swords, vowing to fight to the death. Her brother Bai Qingyu, at seventeen, guarded the camp with five thousand soldiers. Seeing fifty thousand enemy troops approaching, King Xin fled, while Bai Qingyu decided to defend the line to the death, saying to the soldiers: ¡°Comrades, though we were not born together, today we fight as brothers and blood kin for the Jin people. Toast one last drink; see you in the next life!¡± Her cousin Bai Qingqi died defending Linggu Pass, facing an army of eighty thousand from Xiliang and Nanyan with just ten thousand troops. Before fighting to the death, he proclaimed: ¡°Millions of civilians behind us, can the Bai family army retreat? Dare we retreat?!¡± The loyal Bai family army shouted thrice, no retreat. Her third uncle, Bai Qiyu, when all Bai family men were forced to retreat to Tianmen Pass, called out in one last battle: ¡°Our Marshal Generals have all perished. We are the last line of defense for the Jin people of Pingcheng! This General is willing to lead by example, to kill the enemies who insult my Jin! Those who dare to die, follow me!¡± The Bai family¡¯s men, even in death, held the Jin people¡¯s well-being in their hearts¡­ The entire loyal Bai family, why did Heaven force my Bai family men so?! Why force my Bai family men so?! She held back tears amidst her blood feud, her eyes like a devil from hell, vowing to kill all traitors and dark spirits! But each thought of the words on the bamboo slips stabbed her heart, making her cry in unbearable pain. Her mind muddled, crying and stopping, like a madwoman. Even though she knew the Bai family¡¯s fate, seeing it in the bamboo slips made the tragedy even more unimaginable. Holding the bamboo slips, her disheveled hair scattered, her blood-red eyes stared at the brightening sky outside the window. She felt as though being cut piece by piece, lost in overwhelming grief, wanting to carve out her heart to stop the pain. If she hadn¡¯t ordered Shen Qingzhu to the southern front, met Fang Yan of Tiger Camp during his pursuit, these five bamboo slips might have never seen the light of day like in her previous life. The Bai family, loyal and heroic, would be nailed to the shame of treason. The overwhelming hatred, and the immense pain gnawed at her bones and flesh like ten thousand ants, making her wish for death, feeling as if she were being fried alive in despair and agony. In her extreme pain, she clung to the bamboo slips, crying and laughing¡­ ¡°The brave who terrified their sovereign faced danger. Those whose accomplishments overshadowed the world were exterminated!¡± ¡°Many heroes die in vain, treacherous ministers and thieves create havoc!¡± What did the entire Bai family men ever do wrong?! Their loyalty and fiery blood¡­ all buried in the southern front. Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Atonement_1 Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Atonement_1 Chun Tao originally listened to Bai Qingyan¡¯s heavy, suppressed sobs coming intermittently from inside the room. She cried like rain but didn¡¯t dare to go in and comfort her. Now, hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s eerie laughter, she felt as restless as an ant on a hot pan, unsure of what to do. Chun Xing heard the sound. She hurriedly dressed, buttoning her top while rushing out of the side room, and asked Chun Tao, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the young lady?! Why are you standing outside the door instead of going in to check on her?!¡± Chun Tao wiped away her tears, grabbed Chun Xing¡¯s hand, and said, ¡°You stay here. Don¡¯t let anyone in! I¡¯ll go get the Third Young Lady!¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Chun Xing¡¯s face turned pale with fear as she nodded repeatedly. Chun Tao ran through the snow, slipping and sliding along the way, heading straight for Bai Jintong¡¯s courtyard. As soon as she entered the yard, she knelt at the main room¡¯s door and cried out, ¡°Third Young Lady! Third Young Lady, please go see our Eldest Young Lady quickly!¡± Bai Jintong, who had just finished her morning exercises, heard the cry and lifted the curtain to step out, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s eyes were swollen from crying, ¡°Please, Third Young Lady, go check on her!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s face turned pale as she hurried towards the courtyard gate without even bothering with her cloak. The Green Bamboo Pavilion, where Bai Jinxiu resided, was very close to Bai Jintong¡¯s Bitong Garden. Habitually an early riser, Bai Jinxiu was leaning by the window reading when she heard the commotion. She quickly instructed Mrs. Liu to stay in the Green Bamboo Pavilion to look after Qingshu, then went out to see what was happening. As soon as Qingshu stepped out of the courtyard gate, she saw Chun Tao and one of Bai Jintong¡¯s maids hurrying towards Qinghui Courtyard. Qingshu quickly returned to report to Bai Jinxiu, ¡°Second Young Lady, I saw Chun Tao following closely behind the Third Young Lady, heading towards the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s place.¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s grip on her book tightened as she thought of Bai Qingyan¡¯s illness and her recent busy days. A cold shiver ran down her spine. She threw off the blanket, ¡°Qingshu, dress me. I have to go to the Eldest Young Lady!¡± ¡°Second Young Lady, it¡¯s still snowing outside. Your head injury¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m much better now! Just get me a thicker fur hat!¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s anxiety for the Eldest Young Lady made her impatient. Qingshu dared not argue further and quickly prepared a cloak and hat, then helped Bai Jinxiu make her way through the snow towards Qinghui Courtyard. As Bai Jinxiu reached the gate of Qinghui Courtyard, she heard Bai Jintong calling softly at the door, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, it¡¯s me, Jintong. May I come in?¡± Getting no response from Bai Qingyan, Bai Jintong dared not enter without permission. She turned to Chun Tao and asked, ¡°What happened to the Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Chun Tao knew it was a serious matter. She bit her lip and shook her head with tears in her eyes. ¡°Jintong, what happened to the Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Holding onto Qingshu¡¯s arm, Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand began to sweat. She walked quickly to the eaves, ¡°Did her illness act up again?!¡± ¡°Second Sister, you¡­ why are you here too?!¡± Bai Jintong quickly took a step forward to support Bai Jinxiu. Then the room¡¯s sliding door creaked open. Chun Tao hurried to lift the curtain, revealing Bai Qingyan, whose white inner garments were half stained with blood, standing between the two doors. Bai Jinxiu¡¯s legs went weak, and she almost collapsed, ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s pale face was as calm as still water. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her messy hair had been combed neatly. Her aura was like a violent undercurrent, sharp and menacing as if she were a demon from hell. ¡°Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, come in. Everyone else¡­ wait outside the gate of Qinghui Courtyard. No one is to approach!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, your clothes¡­¡± She walked towards the inner room first, ¡°It¡¯s not my blood. Come in.¡± Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong had the servants leave the courtyard and stand guard outside the door. Holding each other¡¯s hands, they entered the main room and saw Bai Qingyan standing with her back to them in front of the stove. Bai Jinxiu called softly, ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Qingyan closed her sore eyes. She had returned to life to protect her family and her sisters. So, she couldn¡¯t collapse, couldn¡¯t go mad, couldn¡¯t fall. No matter how much hatred she felt, she couldn¡¯t let it disrupt her plans and seek reckless revenge. Having lived through the events of a previous life, she was a daughter of the Bai Clan of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. She had to hold on, to see those traitors and villains damned to hell, paying for their sins against her entire clan. After a long pause, she said hoarsely, ¡°Jintong, close the door. I have something to say.¡± Bai Jintong closed the door and walked with Bai Jinxiu to stand behind Bai Qingyan, ¡°Eldest Young Lady.¡± She raised her eyes to look at five blood-stained bamboo slips on the desk. Her breath was hot and erratic. She closed her eyes and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you before because I hadn¡¯t confirmed the news¡­¡± Bai Qingyan turned around, looking at the tense and bewildered faces of Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong. Choking with sobs, she said, ¡°Grandfather, my father, second uncle, third uncle, fourth uncle, fifth uncle¡­ along with seventeen sons of our Bai family, all¡­ perished in battle in the southern border.¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes widened, and she nearly fainted, feeling as if the sky had collapsed. The wound on her forehead throbbed, the blood pulsing as if it would break through the scab. ¡°How could¡­ all of them¡­ all of them¡­¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s tears flowed uncontrollably, choked by her sobs, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, the news must be wrong!¡± In their previous life, the news also came, and the Bai family couldn¡¯t believe it. She walked to the desk, placing her hand on the five bamboo slips. The veins on the back of her hand bulged, her unhappy emotions almost bursting out, yet she stubbornly swallowed them back. Having lived two lifetimes, how could she be so easily defeated? ¡°This is the record of the march and battles by the historian who accompanied the Bai family army.¡± She picked up two bamboo slips. ¡°Fang Yan, the commander of the Bai family army¡¯s Tiger Camp, Shen Qingzhu, and our guard Wu Zhe risked their lives to save these five bamboo slips. Shen Qingzhu¡¯s whereabouts are now unknown¡­ Fang Yan and Wu Zhe have died. The blood on these slips is Wu Zhe¡¯s, Fang Yan¡¯s, and also that of our hundreds of thousands of Bai family soldiers.¡± Bai Qingyan placed one bamboo slip in Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand and another in Bai Jintong¡¯s hand. Looking at her two weeping sisters, she said, ¡°Let it be known that our Bai family men did not die by the blades of foreign enemies, but from the Jin Emperor¡¯s suspicion, and at the hands of our own Jin Kingdom!¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s tears fell like broken strings. Trembling, she opened the bamboo slip in her hand. Bai Jintong also quickly opened her bamboo slip, scanning it with tear-filled eyes. After reading one, Bai Jintong burst into tears. She staggered back to the desk, opened another slip, her entire body trembling, crying pitifully. Bai Qingyan stood stiffly by the fire basin. Even though she had cried herself to madness, her eyes still ached with tears welling up. She felt cold to the bone, shivering uncontrollably, even standing so close to the fire couldn¡¯t warm her. Standing at the desk, Bai Jinxiu picked up the bamboo slip, desperately gasping for breath in her sorrow, clinging to the slip as she collapsed to the ground, ¡°Little Seventeen¡­ he¡¯s only ten! He¡¯s only ten years old!¡± Holding back her tears, Bai Jintong turned her grief into rage. Her eyes burned with fire, fists clenching so hard they cracked, as she turned and stormed out. Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Loyal Bones_1 Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Loyal Bones_1 ¡°Stop! Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t even turn her head but stopped Bai Jintong. ¡°Heaven is unfair to my Bai family! We have been loyal and served the people for generations. How did we end up like this? I¡¯m risking this life to kill that dog Emperor! To kill Liu Huanzhang and his whole family!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s hatred was so overwhelming that he wanted to pierce the sky, making the entire Jin Kingdom bury with the Bai family¡¯s men. ¡°Can you avenge all the men of the Bai family with just your life?!¡± She turned her head, her bloodshot eyes staring at Bai Jintong. ¡°And then?!¡± ¡°And then?!¡± Bai Jintong gritted his teeth. ¡°Kill Liu Huanzhang¡¯s whole family? And do you really think you can kill King Xin? Can you really kill the Emperor? Even if you¡¯re invincible and succeed, what will happen to the remaining women of the Bai family?! The crime of regicide¡­ do you want the women of the Bai family to perish along with your reckless bravery?! I know you¡¯re not afraid of death¡­ but what about facing our grandfather after death? Facing your father?!¡± Looking at Bai Jintong¡¯s desolate and aching expression, she suppressed the immense hatred and anger in her heart, tears in her eyes as she tried to persuade him, ¡°Grandmother is the Eldest Princess of this dynasty. How can you face her after killing King Xin and the Emperor?!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s immense anger deflated, and he slumped against the door, kneeling softly with tears flowing, ¡°But why do we have to suffer like this? The Bai family saved the people of Jin, but who will save the loyal souls of the Bai family?!¡± ¡°The courage of a brute¡­ it¡¯s common among men¡­¡± She bent down, picked up the bamboo slip from the ground, carefully rolled it up, and placed it on the redwood desk. ¡°Killing is the easiest, and also the most foolish!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, do you have a plan?¡± Bai Jinxiu asked hoarsely, suppressing her grief. ¡°The art of war says, the expert fighter seeks victory from the situation. We have no power or allies in the court. We must leverage the situation and public opinion to seek justice for the spirits of the Bai family.¡± She threw the clay figure of a horse-riding swordsman into the brazier. Sparks flew and the flames burst, reflecting in her ice-cold dark pupils. With her eyes burning with immense hatred, Bai Qingyan regained her composure, and Bai Jintong and Bai Jinxiu¡¯s intense grief and anger gradually calmed down as well. With a backbone, people no longer felt so helpless and at a loss. Watching the flames devour the small clay figure entirely, she lowered her voice and said, ¡°In Qinghui Courtyard, crying is enough! We have elderly Grandmother above, and young sisters below! Fifth Aunt is pregnant! We must not¡­ cannot be weak and fall! We must stand and support Mother and the Aunts, to uphold the Bai family!¡± Bai Jintong and Bai Jinxiu felt that although Bai Qingyan appeared weak and thin, her gaze was intense and powerful, instilling trust and reliance. ¡°Jintong understands!¡± Bai Jintong gritted his teeth. ¡°Jinxiu understands!¡± Bai Jinxiu choked out a response. ¡°I will talk to Mother. Jinxiu will talk to Second Aunt¡­ and Jintong, you will talk to Third Aunt!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was weak. Although Bai Jintong was an illegitimate child, she had been raised alongside Bai Jinzhi by Mrs. Li for years, considering Mrs. Li her birth mother. ¡°Do not mention the bamboo slip. It¡¯s our most important card.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°Tomorrow night, the news of Grandfather and the others¡¯ deaths in battle will come. Be prepared!¡± She closed her eyes¡­ the New Year¡¯s Eve when the news of their deaths arrived in her previous life. The desperate cries of the Bai family amidst the splendid fireworks. Closing her eyes brought back the desolation that enveloped the entire Duke¡¯s mansion. The three sisters embraced each other, tears streaming like threads. An hour later, Bai Jintong and Bai Jinxiu emerged dazedly from Qinghui Courtyard. The maids quickly returned inside to fetch water, handle basins, and assist Bai Qingyan in washing her face and changing clothes. This morning, Chun Tao had frantically gone to Bitong Garden to fetch Bai Jintong and then drove a group of maids and woman servants to the outside of Qinghui Courtyard. This incident had spread. Before Bai Qingyan had a chance to look for Mrs. Dong, Mrs. Dong had already arrived at Qinghui Courtyard. Upon entering, seeing Bai Qingyan safe and sound and in the process of changing, Mrs. Dong sighed with relief, placing her hand on her chest with a handkerchief. ¡°Did something happen this morning? Why did Chun Tao urgently go to find Jintong?¡± Bai Qingyan, seeing Mrs. Dong seated on the soft couch, waved for Chun Tao and the others to leave. ¡°Mother¡­¡± Bai Qingyan sat close to Mrs. Dong, holding her arm. Her eyes reddened. She hesitated to speak, only calling softly, ¡°Mother! Mother¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Mrs. Dong looked at her daughter¡¯s tear-stifled face, her smile stiffening. A bad premonition formed in her heart. Her eldest daughter had always been composed. When had she ever cried in front of her? ¡°Mother¡­¡± Bai Qingyan took a deep breath and raised her head. Tears streamed down as she clung to Mrs. Dong¡¯s arm, her voice choked. ¡°Grandfather, Father¡­ and Brother, they aren¡¯t coming back! The military report will probably arrive tomorrow.¡± Mrs. Dong was stunned by the news as if the world had collapsed. Her mind went blank, her face lost all color, and her spine felt weak. She almost slid off the soft couch. ¡°Mother¡­¡± Bai Qingyan hugged Mrs. Dong tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! We still have Kid!¡± She couldn¡¯t hold back her tears in front of her mother. She thought she had returned¡­ gained an advantage at least to fight the King of Hell, if not for a draw, at least to save one¡­ even just one! Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice, Mrs. Dong snapped back, her eyes reddened, tightly clutching the handkerchief, holding back tears. After a while, she reached out, embraced Bai Qingyan, and said hoarsely, ¡°Your father and brother were born into a family of Generals. When they went to the battlefield, I was prepared for this. When your father previously returned victorious with our son, I could hold a banquet to celebrate. Now that they rest in peace on the battlefield, I can handle the aftermath for them! Kid, do not be afraid¡­ I am the mistress of the Duke¡¯s mansion! I can hold up!¡± In her past life, when the news arrived, Grandmother fainted¡­ Aunts and sisters cried together. Her mother was the one who held up the collapsing sky of the Bai family. She remembered it clearly. Although her mother didn¡¯t know martial arts and had never been on a battlefield, she was more resilient and strong-willed than those iron-blooded men. Otherwise¡­ she wouldn¡¯t have left the ¡°Asking the Emperor¡± letter and resolutely led the Aunts to their deaths. But how much pain and suffering must her mother endure, losing her husband and son?! She knew her mother was holding on desperately. It wasn¡¯t that she could hold up¡­ but that she knew as the head of the household, she must hold up. Bai Qingyan held Mrs. Dong tightly. ¡°Mother, it¡¯s okay¡­ In front of Kid, you don¡¯t have to hold up! Kid will stay with you¡­ always stay with you.¡± Chapter 60 - Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Entrusting Life and Death_1 Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Entrusting Life and Death_1 Mrs. Dong tightly bit her lips, gently patted Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand that was holding her, her nostrils flared, and she closed her eyes as tears immediately streamed down. On the twenty-ninth of December in the Xuanjia period, heavy snowfall, the wives of the master of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion¡ªMrs. Dong and the second wife, Mrs. Liu, the third wife, Mrs. Li, the fourth wife, Mrs. Wang, the fifth wife, Mrs. Qi¡ªlearned one after another that all the men of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion had perished in the Southern Frontier. The pain was unbearable. While the entire Dadu City brimmed with festive joy, the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion was shrouded in gloom. The concubines, maids, and older servants within the mansion, sensing something unusual, kept to themselves and did not dare to make noise. In the upper room of the Eldest Princess Changshou Courtyard, Mrs. Dong, the princely heir¡¯s wife, managed to maintain her composure. She firmly held the hand of her daughter Bai Jinse, consoling her not to be afraid. The second wife sobbed endlessly, wiping her tears. The third wife sat there as if her soul had left, her face devoid of color. The fourth wife, inherently weak in character, would have collapsed if it weren¡¯t for the twin daughters, the fifth and sixth girls, holding her hands tightly. Only the fifth wife forced herself to stay strong like Mrs. Dong, sitting upright with a straight back, her eyes red, hands protectively covering her belly, biting her lips and saying nothing. Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, Bai Jinzhi, Bai Jinzhao, Bai Jinhua, and Bai Jinse all sat by their respective mothers. The Eldest Princess fiddled with the Buddha Beads in her hand, her eyes closed. The tears she couldn¡¯t hold back eventually traced down her cheeks. ¡°Fifth son¡¯s wife is heavily pregnant. Fourth daughter-in-law¡¯s timid nature renders her incapable. This Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion has flourished for a hundred years, and now this far, the way forward¡­ has to rely on the eldest, second, and third daughters-in-law to support!¡± The Eldest Princess looked weary. ¡°Start preparing what needs to be prepared! Do not wait until¡­ until the news arrives to catch us off guard.¡± ¡°Yes, daughter-in-law understands!¡± Mrs. Dong nodded with tears. ¡°The Duke, the eldest, second, third, fourth, fifth sons, and¡­ seventeen children! The coffins transported back will undoubtedly be makeshift!¡± The Eldest Princess kept her eyes closed, yet tears constantly flowed out. ¡°The Duke¡¯s coffin had long been prepared! Today is the twenty-ninth of December, the coffin shops might all be closed. Eldest daughter-in-law¡­¡± Before the Eldest Princess could finish, Bai Qingyan spoke up: ¡°Then we wait for the news to return, and we go borrow, we borrow from the whole world¡­¡± The Eldest Princess slightly opened her eyes, the candlelight stinging her sore, swollen eyes. ¡°Grandmother, only by placing the heroic spirits in the harshest condition and letting the world see what our Bai family has done for this country and its people can we make those who wronged the Bai family feel guilty. So the current Emperor can remember our Bai family¡¯s contributions, treat our Bai family¡¯s widows kindly, and protect them from harm.¡± Bai Qingyan knew clearly, as long as it benefitted the Bai family without revolting, her grandmother would agree. The Eldest Princess looked at Bai Qingyan and nodded: ¡°Do as Kid says.¡± ¡°After the major affairs are settled, if any concubines in the family wish to seek a different future, return their indentures and give them five hundred taels of silver, let them leave! Everyone should settle in your own rooms, do not trouble your eldest sister-in-law.¡± The Eldest Princess, with her remaining bit of compassion, hesitated for a long time before speaking again, ¡°If you do not wish to stay in this home either, you can choose to leave then! Do not be afraid¡­ even if you leave the Duke¡¯s Mansion, as long as I live, the Duke¡¯s Mansion will always be your home.¡± The words of the Eldest Princess moved the second wife, Mrs. Liu, the third wife, Mrs. Li, and the fourth wife, Mrs. Wang, to tears again. The three of them covered their mouths, crying for their husbands and sons. Even though they had cried countless times, thinking again of their husbands and sons still tore at their hearts. ¡°Mother, I promised Big Brother. He guarded Jin for the people, I guard the Bai family for him, sharing honor and disgrace, life and death, and I will not fail in this life.¡± Mrs. Dong spoke of her husband with an indescribable gentleness, ¡°Although he has died, the vow remains. I will not fail the Bai family, alive I am the Bai family¡¯s matriarch, and dead a spirit of the Bai family.¡± The Eldest Princess nodded, closing her eyes, her tears streaming, too choked to speak. Bai Qingyan held Mrs. Dong¡¯s hand, even colder than hers, gently rubbing it to warm her. In the previous life¡­ her mother Mrs. Dong truly fulfilled what she had said. In fact, her mother and the aunts were lucky to have a mother-in-law as understanding as her grandmother. In this life, she no longer wanted to see her mother and aunts sacrifice themselves for the Bai family¡¯s justice. Perhaps her heart was too narrow, unable to let go of the deaths of her grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers in both lives. Rebirthing back¡­ She lived solely for revenge! So she truly hoped her mother and aunts could move beyond the grief of losing their husbands and sons. Maybe even remarry. In the mire of all Bai family¡¯s hatred¡­ her alone was enough. ¡¤ From the twenty-ninth of December to New Year¡¯s Eve, it felt exceptionally long. Like condemned prisoners already knowing their fate, but not knowing when the executioner¡¯s knife would fall. Bai Qingyan was lost in thought as she sat in the pavilion by the rockery until Lu Ping came to report back on Wu Zhe¡¯s aftermath, bringing her back to reality. ¡°According to Miss¡¯s instructions, I sent the deed for two hundred acres of prime land to Wu Zhe¡¯s parents and retrieved five hundred taels of silver from the accounts, giving them to Wu Zhe¡¯s parents and wife. I informed them that Wu Zhe died on a mission due to banditry. The expenditure for Wu Zhe¡¯s funeral will be fully covered by the Duke¡¯s Mansion. Wu Zhe¡¯s wife is due in February, and at least she will have an heir. So, Miss, please don¡¯t feel too sad!¡± said Lu Ping. Bai Qingyan nodded, looking a bit weary: ¡°Thank you, Uncle Ping¡­¡± Lu Ping knew why Wu Zhe had died, naturally, he also knew about the Southern Frontier battlefield. His eyes reddened. Seeing Bai Qingyan in this state, Lu Ping, being a rough person, didn¡¯t know how to comfort her. He only said: ¡°Miss, Qin Shangzhi said Miss has an extraordinary vision. Where he sees ten steps, Miss sees ninety-nine steps. He also said if Miss were a man, the Bai family¡¯s glory could continue for at least three more generations! I believe what he said! Although the Duke and others have¡­ have left, Miss, you must hold on.¡± Bai Qingyan never expected to receive praise from Qin Shangzhi. This man had always been arrogant about his talents. She hadn¡¯t heard of him complimenting many people in her past life. ¡°I know, Uncle Ping, don¡¯t worry. I will hold on!¡± Being reincarnated and experiencing it twice, if she couldn¡¯t hold on, it would betray Heaven¡¯s good will in letting her return. Seeing Chun Tao bringing Chen Qingsheng from the rockery, Lu Ping finally bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan and withdrew. Chen Qingsheng met Lu Ping at the rockery steps, exchanged polite greetings, then hurried to the pavilion. ¡°Miss!¡± Chen Qingsheng greeted. ¡°Today is New Year¡¯s Eve, originally you should be with your family. But I have an urgent task that requires someone trustworthy, so forgive me for burdening you!¡± She held onto the hand warmer, eyes downcast, voice hoarse. Chapter 61 - Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Forge Ahead_1 Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Forge Ahead_1 ¡°Bai Qingyan, please speak! I will not shirk even in death!¡± Chen Qingsheng hurriedly said. She looked up at Chen Qingsheng and spoke slowly, ¡°Tonight, there might be war news from the southern border. Take more people to guard the city gate. Once you see the messenger carrying the eight-hundred-mile urgent military report, make sure to let the people of Dadu City know. Find a way to lead the people to gather in front of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence.¡± Since ancient times in the Jin Kingdom, if the news was of victory, the messenger would enter the gates of Dadu City proclaiming the victorious news to let the people celebrate. If it was bad news, the messenger would present the report to the Emperor in the palace first. If the leading general had died, the palace would send someone to notify the soldier¡¯s family to prepare for mourning. After Bai Qingyan¡¯s previous scene, the people of the entire Dadu City were exceptionally concerned about the Bai family and the war in the southern border. If the messenger entered the city without reporting, and someone led the people¡­ they would naturally come to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence to wait for news from the palace. When the news of the Bai family¡¯s men dying to protect the Jin Kingdom spread, she wanted the people of Dadu City to see what the Bai family had done to protect Jin. She wanted the people to witness the Bai family¡¯s tragedy and mourn with them! In this way, as long as the Emperor made any move against the Bai family, it would surely incite public resentment and anger. The Emperor always cherished his reputation. As long as he still feared the pen of the historians and the overwhelming public anger, even if he had the thought of eliminating the Bai family, he wouldn¡¯t dare touch the Bai family¡¯s widows. Although Chen Qingsheng didn¡¯t know what Bai Qingyan intended to do, he nodded in agreement, ¡°Bai Qingyan, rest assured.¡± ¡°There is another matter. Do your best to find out, but it¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t.¡± She looked at the red plum in the snow not far away and continued, ¡°Two months ago, the supplies sent to the southern border, which were prepared by the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, went through whose hands? I want to know the names.¡± Involving the royal court, Chen Qingsheng was surprised. But knowing this batch of supplies was likely related to the southern border war, he agreed without hesitation, ¡°Bai Qingyan, rest assured, I will fulfill my duty!¡± ¡¤ The sky on New Year¡¯s Eve hadn¡¯t fully darkened, and brilliant fireworks already bloomed in the air. Bai Qingyan stood under the corridor, quietly looking up at the sky, waiting for the news to arrive. Chun Tao, her eyes red, carried a thick cloak to Bai Qingyan¡¯s back and draped it over her, ¡°Bai Qingyan, our cousin is already at the city gate following your orders. But at this hour, the city gates of Dadu City are closed. It¡¯s unlikely we will get any news today. Stop worrying and go have New Year¡¯s Eve dinner with the Eldest Princess.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Bai Qingyan adjusted her cloak, held Chun Tao¡¯s hand, and left Qinghui Courtyard surrounded by a group of maids with downcast eyes. Surprisingly, as soon as they stepped out, they saw Bai Jintong standing alone at the gate of Qinghui Courtyard, looking up at the sky¡¯s fireworks in a daze. Hearing the sound of the gate opening, Bai Jintong came to her senses and took a few steps to Bai Qingyan. In a hoarse voice, she said, ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± Bai Qingyan reached out to brush the snow off Bai Jintong¡¯s shoulder, smiling at her, ¡°Waiting for me here?¡± Bai Jintong nodded, her reddened eyes nearly overflowing with tears. She quickly bowed her head to hide them. She remembered last year when the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence was brightly lit, filled with people and children, bustling with prosperity. Maids, servants, and workers were busy going in and out of the side doors amid cheerful laughter. The adults were drinking and chatting happily, while she and Bai Jinzhi led young children with lanterns around Qinghui Courtyard, while Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinxiu sat under the corridor talking and laughing, displaying a scene of prosperity and vitality. This year, the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence was still brightly lit. But the maids and servants, sensing the master¡¯s somber mood, didn¡¯t even dare speak loudly. The lack of cheerful noises made the residence feel desolate. Knowing Bai Jintong felt sorrow, Bai Qingyan smiled and squeezed Bai Jintong¡¯s cold hand, ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Looking at the calm and composed Bai Qingyan, Bai Jintong felt her Eldest Sister possessed a fearless strength, and her own heart steadied, ¡°Okay¡­¡± After taking two steps, they saw Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jinzhi also arriving at Qinghui Courtyard by coincidence. Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jinzhi had come to Bai Qingyan for reassurance as well. The four sisters stood together. Bai Jinxiu, her eyes red, stifled a laugh with a handkerchief, ¡°What a coincidence, we all came to find Eldest Sister.¡± The red lanterns illuminated the four sisters with teary smiles under the snow, a heartwarming yet sorrowful sight. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Grandmother¡¯s place¡­¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was heavier and firmer than usual. Chun Tao stepped forward to support Bai Qingyan, gently reminding, ¡°The road is slippery because of the snow, my ladies. Be careful.¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan already lifting her foot to move, Bai Jinxiu, her eyes filled with tears, softly said, ¡°With Eldest Sister leading the way, no matter how slippery, we are not afraid.¡± What¡¯s to fear in the wind and snow, when the sisters walked together with determination. Bai Jintong nodded, holding Bai Jinxiu¡¯s outstretched hand, unable to speak from emotion. ¡°We sisters walk together, we fear nothing!¡± Bai Jinzhi wiped her tears and quickly caught up with Bai Qingyan, walking beside her. Her vision blurred with mist. In her previous life, she walked alone. In this life, with her sisters accompanying her, what is there to fear? Bai Qingyan would brave even the mountain of swords, the sea of fire, and the molten lava. Just as they entered the Eldest Princess¡¯s Changshou Courtyard, a young maid guarding the main room suddenly pointed to the sky, ¡°What is that?!¡± Bai Qingyan turned. She saw slow-rising sky lanterns, followed by the second, third, and fourth¡­ Underneath the display of dazzling fireworks, countless sky lanterns ascended, turning the entire night sky into a warm sea of flames. The lanterns bore words like ¡°Triumphant Return,¡± ¡°Victory in War,¡± ¡°Undefeated,¡± and ¡°Safe Return.¡± The previously silent Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence suddenly became lively, as maids and workers paused their tasks, gathering under the corridors and in the courtyards to watch the sky lanterns. The warm orange light made everyone feel cozy inside. Bai Qingyan turned and instructed Chun Xing beside her, ¡°Go find out what¡¯s happening.¡± Before Chun Xing could leave, the old maid at the gate hurriedly approached. Seeing the sisters at the door, she smiled and bowed, ¡°First Young Lady, Second Young Lady, Third Young Lady, Fourth Young Lady! The people moved by the loyalty and courage of our Bai family have spontaneously set up these sky lanterns in the streets and courtyards, praying for the Bai family army far in the southern border.¡± Hearing this, Bai Qingyan choked with emotion. She handed the hand warmer to Chun Tao, bowed deeply to express her gratitude to the people of Dadu City. Who said heroes go unremembered? The people whom the Bai family protected for generations remember them! In her previous life, the Bai family did too much and spoke too little, leading to them being forgotten. Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi, eyes filled with tears, followed suit, bowing deeply to the sky lanterns. The lively laughter of the maids and servants in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence finally alerted the elders in the main room of the Changshou Courtyard. Chapter 62 - Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Returning Hearts of the Masses_1 Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Returning Hearts of the Masses_1 The Eldest Princess walked out, escorted by her daughters-in-law, stunned by the sight of flying sky lanterns. The young Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss leaned against the Eldest Princess and pointed at the sky lanterns, asking, ¡°Grandmother, what is that?!¡± ¡°Reporting to the Eldest Princess, Fifth Miss,¡± replied a maid in the courtyard with a smile, ¡°those are sky lanterns released by the townspeople to pray for the Bai family army.¡± The Eldest Princess felt a myriad of emotions well up inside her. She choked out, ¡°The people of Dadu have not forgotten our Bai family army¡­¡± Bai Qingyan and her three sisters saw the Eldest Princess standing under the corridor. They paid their respects and stood with the Eldest Princess, watching the sky lanterns. As the sky lanterns began to disperse, and just when Bai Qingyan was about to help the Eldest Princess back indoors, Lu Ping hurried in with a maid from the Chuihua gate. Seeing their masters in the courtyard, Lu Ping stepped forward and bowed. ¡°Eldest Princess, ladies, and misses, news has arrived. The southern city gate has been opened, and a messenger with a command arrow on his back is rushing straight to the Imperial Palace on horseback!¡± A command arrow on his back indicated a military report. Entering from the southern city gate meant it came from the southern borders. Not reporting upon entering the city gate and heading straight to the Imperial Palace was not a good omen. Bai Qingyan felt a scalp-numbing chill, and the entire Duke of Zhen Mansion tensed up. What was meant to come would always come. She tightly gripped the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand, turned to look at the stiff-backed Eldest Princess, and said, ¡°Grandmother, you, Mother, and the aunts should prepare yourselves¡­¡± As soon as Bai Qingyan finished speaking, a few aunts could no longer hold back their tears. The fifth aunt, heavily pregnant, clutched her handkerchief tightly, her legs weakening. The Eldest Princess¡¯s breathing faltered for a moment but then steadied. She firmly gripped the tiger head cane, straightened her spine, and said, ¡°What is meant to come will always come. Let¡¯s go! We will wait at the entrance!¡± The Eldest Princess led the procession of Bai family women to the front of the Duke of Zhen Mansion. Outside the mansion, a crowd of townsfolk with lanterns and umbrellas had already gathered. They had heard about the messenger with the command arrow who did not shout a report upon entering the city gate. Braving the snow, they had come to wait for news at the mansion¡¯s entrance, whispering among themselves. ¡°Second Uncle! What brings you out in this cold weather¡­¡± ¡°I heard there¡¯s a military report, and the messenger didn¡¯t report upon entering the city gate, so I came here to wait for news. Why are you here?!¡± ¡°I also heard about the military report. I was afraid of bad news, so I came to wait and hear!¡± ¡°Just a coincidence! I also came because of the news. The messenger not reporting upon entering the city gate is not a good sign! Let¡¯s hope nothing happens to the Duke and the men of the Bai Mansion!¡± Suddenly, the red lacquered door of the Duke of Zhen Mansion, adorned with a row of majestic red lanterns, opened slowly. The Eldest Princess, along with the Bai family women, came out personally under the protection of the Bai Mansion guards to wait for news. ¡°Oh! The Duke¡¯s door has opened!¡± ¡°The Duke¡¯s family must be waiting for news too!¡± ¡°The tiger head cane! Isn¡¯t that the Eldest Princess?!¡± The crowd hastily knelt and bowed, ¡°Eldest Princess¡­¡± The Eldest Princess, remembering the sky lanterns from earlier, felt an ache in her heart. She handed the tiger head cane to Nanny Jiang and led the Bai family women in a bow to the townspeople. As she straightened up, Bai Qingyan saw Chen Qingsheng standing among the crowd. He nodded to indicate everything was arranged. She slightly nodded back. ¡°Steward Hao,¡± Mrs. Dong turned around to instruct the steward, ¡°have the kitchen prepare hot soup and meat pies. Distribute them to everyone! We don¡¯t know how long the news from the palace will take. It¡¯s New Year¡¯s Eve, and everyone is here with us. Don¡¯t let them freeze!¡± ¡°Yes, madam!¡± Steward Hao quickly turned back to the mansion to give the orders. Soon, two galloping horses were seen approaching the Duke of Zhen Mansion. Everyone grew tense, but it turned out to be Bai Qingyan¡¯s two uncles, Dong Qingping and Dong Qingyue. Dong Qingping handed the reins to a mansion servant. Glancing at the townsfolk at the entrance, Dong Qingping and Dong Qingyue climbed the mansion steps and bowed to the Eldest Princess. ¡°Brother, Qingyue, why are you here?!¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°We received news that the command arrow messenger entered the southern city gate without reporting the battle situation. Mother was worried, so she sent me and my brother to check!¡± Dong Qingping, holding a whip, spoke with a grim expression. Bai Qingyan felt warmth in her heart and respectfully bowed to her two uncles. Dong Qingping smiled at Bai Qingyan and stood next to the Bai family women, waiting for news. Dong Qingyue walked up to Bai Qingyan, raised his hand, and gently patted her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your father and brother will be fine!¡± Bai Qingyan nodded. Within less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Qin Lang also galloped in. After respectfully greeting the elders, he walked up to Bai Jinxiu, holding her as he softly comforted her, seeing her eyes red from crying. On New Year¡¯s Eve, the red light street should have been empty, with everyone at home celebrating together. But in front of the Duke of Zhen Mansion, more and more townspeople and aristocratic family members kept arriving to inquire about the news. When the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Dingyong arrived at the Bai Mansion entrance, he was surprised to see so many people already gathered. Not long after, the third son of Ming Dabo also arrived. Bai Qingyan looked at these aristocratic families and common folk braving the snow to stand with them. She knew¡­ the situation she could rely on to protect the Bai family and force the current emperor¡¯s hand had arrived! On the second floor of Tianxiang Tower, Xiao Rongyan stood by the window, looking at the Duke of Zhen Mansion, which was lit up at the end of the long street. Below, townspeople passed by in small groups with lanterns, and occasionally a horse would gallop straight to the mansion. He played with the jade cicada in his hand, his eyebrows deeply furrowed. Xiao Rongyan never believed in winning the hearts and minds of the people or becoming widely respected. Without someone¡¯s meticulous planning and effort, how could the Bai family have garnered such unanimous support? The current state of the Bai family, with the populace supporting them, seemed to be orchestrated by that Miss Bai. From the moment Bai Qingyan persuaded Qin Lang to request the position of Princely Heir, Xiao Rongyan knew that Miss Bai was destined for great things. But it was a pity that the entire Bai family, with its talented generals, had been ruined by the foolish emperor and the incompetent prince of Jin. If his Yan Kingdom had loyal, brave families like the Bai family, how could it not thrive? What a pity¡­ ¡°My lord, I am incompetent. The deadline you set has passed, and I could only gather some general information!¡± Xiao Rongyan did not turn around. ¡°Speak¡­¡± ¡°A beggar who delivered a message to the steward said he didn¡¯t recognize the sender. But he saw the shopkeeper of Manjiang Tower greeting the person, indicating familiarity. When I questioned the shopkeeper, he feigned ignorance. Later, I had someone keep watch at Manjiang Tower. This afternoon, the shopkeeper was seen discussing the matter with someone in a secretive manner, cautioning that person to be careful. Upon inquiry, a shop assistant said that person was from the Duke of Zhen Mansion, unsure if he was a steward, only mentioning he worked for Miss Bai.¡± Chapter 63 - Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Stubborn Use of the Military_1 Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Stubborn Use of the Military_1 Xiao Rongyan¡¯s hand, which was stroking the jade cicada, paused. He turned his head, his deep-set eyes showing a trace of imperceptible surprise, and asked, ¡°You mean¡­ Miss Bai?¡± ¡°Exactly! Initially, I wanted to obtain Miss Bai¡¯s handwriting for comparison. But the servants at the Bai Mansion are not easy to bribe, nor is it easy to infiltrate.¡± Xiao Rongyan¡¯s subordinate kneeled on one knee. ¡°Please forgive me, master.¡± Outside, the hanging lantern depicting plum blossoms swayed in the cold winter wind and snow. Xiao Rongyan, dressed in a sky-blue long robe, stood at the window with an indifferent expression, holding the jade cicada tightly. His inscrutable gaze nearly vanished in the shadows beneath the lamp. He closed his eyes, recalling the palace banquet on the eve of the new year. When he had followed the palace maid to change clothes, Miss Bai¡¯s sudden gaze met his. Her pupils had contracted, and when he returned, her slightly relaxed posture betrayed her tension. Did this Miss Bai know his identity? ¡°Master, whether or not the note was given by Miss Bai, your identity is at risk of being exposed. I boldly suggest you leave Dadu City as a precaution.¡± The cold air mixed with snowflakes rushed in from outside the window. Xiao Rongyan turned, his gaze falling on the red lanterns lining the long street. ¡°If the person who delivered the note wanted to harm me, why go through the trouble of sending the note to the steward? Let¡¯s wait and see.¡± ¡¤ In the biting wind of midwinter, the Eldest Princess and the Bai family had been standing for an hour. The hand warmers had been changed, and the hot soup and meat pies had been distributed to the people waiting at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion gate. The Eldest Princess, leaning on her tiger head cane, was on the verge of collapsing. Bai Qingyan supported her and instructed someone to bring a chair for the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess shook her head, held Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand tighter, and adjusted her fur coat, asking, ¡°Kid, you¡¯re weak. Can you hold on?¡± Bai Qingyan, who had been training for some time now, could already stand solidly with sandbags tied to her legs for an hour daily. Standing here posed no real challenge for her. She shook her head. ¡°Grandmother, rest assured, Kid is fine.¡± The people sipping hot soup, surrounded by the fragrant steam of mutton broth, saw a speeding horse approaching from afar. They immediately put down their bowls and pointed. ¡°It¡¯s coming! It¡¯s coming! This time it really looks like someone from the palace!¡± The Eldest Princess stiffened involuntarily, straightening her back. The Bai family hurried forward a few steps, craning their necks to look down the long street at the end of the line of red lanterns. The eunuch, galloping towards them, saw the people holding lanterns outside the Duke¡¯s Mansion in the distance. His heart sank when he got closer and found the Eldest Princess with the Bai women waiting outside the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion gate. The eunuch did not dare delay. He dismounted quickly, rushed up the steps, and kneeled heavily before the Eldest Princess. ¡°Eldest Princess, news from the southern army says that the Duke¡¯s arbitrary use of the military led to our army¡¯s disastrous defeat. The Duke of Zhen, the Crown Prince, and all the men of the Bai family have perished on the battlefield! Five days later, King Xin will bring back their coffins¡­¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s head jerked up, fury and murderous intent surging within her. The Duke¡¯s arbitrary use of the military?! The shocking news caused the Eldest Princess to wobble. She almost fell but was steadied by Bai Qingyan and Nanny Jiang. Dong Qingping and Dong Qingyue felt a chill down their spines. They had considered the possibility of someone from the Bai family dying in battle but never imagined it would be all of them¡­ ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsense!¡± Fourth Sister Bai Jinzhi snapped her whip, which wrapped tightly around the neck of the eunuch. She took three steps forward and stomped on his chest. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her anger consumed all her rationality. ¡°My grandfather always taught us to be cautious above all! He was cautious all his life! How could he be accused of arbitrarily using the military?!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands clenched so tightly the knuckles cracked. Arbitrary use of the military! The Emperor and Empress¡¯s son, King Xin, was too mediocre to take on such a responsibility and forced her grandfather to take risks for military accomplishments. Now, they¡¯ve framed her grandfather for arbitrary use of the military?! Pushing all the blame onto a loyal and brave minister who devoted his life to the Jin Kingdom, spilled his blood on the battlefield, and died wrapped in a horsehide! Didn¡¯t King Xin fear the spirits of the Bai family would seek revenge in his dreams?! She nearly couldn¡¯t hold back from producing the military records right then and there to clear her grandfather¡¯s and her family¡¯s name. But¡­ it was not the right time yet. Thorough preparation was needed to achieve a decisive victory. These blood debts and profound grievances, Bai Qingyan etched into her memory! The overwhelming anger surged within her. She gritted her teeth and swallowed the metallic taste rising in her throat. She shouted, ¡°Bai Jinzhi! Step back! Grandmother has not finished her questions; who allowed you to take action?!¡± Bai Jinzhi almost broke into tears. She retracted her whip and, unable to control herself, burst into tears. The eunuch, nearly strangled, coughed violently and crawled to the Eldest Princess¡¯s feet, seeking protection. The Eldest Princess¡¯s face was ashen. With trembling lips, she held onto the last shred of hope. ¡°All of them?! Did I hear wrong?! My ten-year-old grandson also went to the southern border. He was just ten years old¡­¡± The usually gentle Fourth Lady, Mrs. Wang, staggered forward on weak legs and fell to her knees, clutching the eunuch¡¯s clothes, crying heartbrokenly, ¡°Seventeen¡­ my little Seventeen is also gone?! My little Seventeen was so small, only ten years old! Ten years old! How could he die too?! He only went to see the world¡­ how could he die! You¡¯re lying! You¡¯re lying!¡± ¡°Eldest Princess! Seventeen is also gone!¡± the eunuch cried, kowtowing heavily. ¡°Impossible! Erlang promised me he¡¯d protect our son!¡± Second Lady, Mrs. Liu¡¯s wailing echoed as she grabbed the eunuch¡¯s collar. ¡°You¡¯re lying! You¡¯re lying!¡± In an instant, the previously quiet gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion turned into chaos, filled with wailing cries. ¡°Oh, my son! Sanlang¡­ how could you be so cruel! How could you take all our sons away! How am I supposed to live!¡± Third Lady, Mrs. Li, cried in anguish, pounding the ground. The twin boys, standing by their mother, Fourth Lady, Mrs. Wang, who was crying uncontrollably, bit their lips hard, pleading with her to hold on. Fifth Lady, Mrs. Qi, bit her lip fiercely. Holding her stomach, she fainted as her vision darkened. ¡°Fifth Lady! Fifth Lady!¡± Dong Qingyue¡¯s quick reflexes caught the unconscious Fifth Lady. ¡°Fifth Aunt!¡± Bai Jintong took Fifth Lady from Dong Qingyue¡¯s arms and held her tightly. ¡°Fifth Aunt, wake up!¡± The commoners, moved by the grief of the Bai women, also knelt and cried, calling out for the Duke and General Bai. Their sorrowful cries echoed throughout Dadu City. ¡°Quick! Get Doctor Hong!¡± Bai Jinxiu urged with tears in her eyes. ¡°Steward Hao, quickly have Fifth Aunt carried inside.¡± Bai Qingyan turned around and saw Mrs. Dong, who was standing there motionless, pale as a sheet. She stepped forward to support her mother, choking out, ¡°Mother?!¡± Mrs. Dong came to her senses, tears streaming down her face. She gritted her teeth and turned to face the main gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion¡­ Chapter 64 - Chapter 64: Chapter 64: The Sky Collapses and the Ground Caves in_1 Chapter 64: Chapter 64: The Sky Collapses and the Ground Caves in_1 ¡°Nanny Jiang, help my mother back to Changshou Courtyard! The stewards of each courtyard, help your masters stand up properly. No matter when, our Duke of Zhen Mansion must never lose its backbone. If the sky falls, we will stand to hold it up ourselves! Second Lady, Third Lady, Fourth Lady, come with me to consult about the funeral arrangements for the men of the Bai Clan. Bai Qingyan, Bai Jintong, take care of your Fifth Aunt and have someone take my name card to invite Doctor Huang, Doctor Zhong, and Doctor Liu here! Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jinzhi, Qin Lang, take care of your younger sisters. Lu Ping, immediately send someone on a fast horse to ride back to our ancestral home in Shuoyang to report the Bai family¡¯s mourning. Steward Hao, organize the household staff and prepare for the funeral. The guards, follow Steward Hao¡¯s orders. Anyone who causes trouble at such a critical moment, be they concubines, maids, servants, or anyone else, Steward Hao has the authority to kill them on the spot without reporting to me!¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s voice was steady and swift, without the slightest disorder. The guards, servants, maids, and maids of the Bai Mansion all answered in unison and quickly got to work. Mrs. Dong finished arranging the internal affairs of the mansion and turned to the aristocrats still standing at the gate of the Duke of Zhen Mansion. She solemnly bowed and said, ¡°I apologize to everyone. Thank you for accompanying the women of the Bai family in this wind and snow for so long. But with such a major event at hand, I really can¡¯t entertain you with a cup of hot tea! Please forgive us!¡± The Bai family was suddenly struck by disaster. The matriarch, Mrs. Dong, straightened her back and methodically arranged the affairs of the mansion, earning everyone¡¯s admiration. Most of the attendees were juniors who understood that the Bai family was facing a calamity like the sky falling. They returned the bow, expressing their sympathies. ¡°Please accept my condolences, Lady.¡± ¡°Lady, please accept my condolences!¡± When Mrs. Dong looked up again, her face was already full of tears. ¡°Sister! My brother and I will stay and help!¡± Dong Qingping said to Mrs. Dong with red eyes, ¡°What do we need to do?¡± Mrs. Dong straightened herself with difficulty, her voice choked with sobs, ¡°Today is New Year¡¯s Eve. All the men of the Bai family have died. I don¡¯t even know where to find so many coffins.¡± Hearing this, Bai Qingyan felt as if a knife had pierced her heart. Looking at the aristocrats and commoners still gathered at the entrance of the Bai family, she knelt down and bowed deeply, enduring the intense pain in her heart, choking out, ¡°My grandfather, Duke of Zhen¡¯s coffin was prepared early. But we never anticipated that all the men of the Bai family would die for the country. King Xin will bring back their bodies in five days. It¡¯s the New Year, and there¡¯s no time to prepare their coffins. If any of you have suitable coffins at home, I dare to ask for them for the Bai family men to be buried honorably.¡± After speaking, she bowed again, and Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, Bai Jinzhi, followed Bai Qingyan¡¯s lead and knelt down too. The Bai family had loyally sacrificed for the country. How could the people of Jin let heroes be buried without coffins?! That night, on New Year¡¯s Eve, the entire Dadu City wept. They wept for the fallen heroes, for the loyal courage of the Bai family, and for the Jin Kingdom soon to be without its pillars of defense. Meanwhile, in Qingming Courtyard, Bai Qingxuan, who had been confined and injured, was shocked upon hearing the news. He grabbed his mother¡¯s wrist, panicking, ¡°What?! They¡¯re all dead?! Grandfather, father¡­ they¡¯re all dead?!¡± ¡°Yes! What will we do now?!¡± the woman responded in a panic. ¡°Tens of thousands of troops have perished in the southern regions. The Emperor is sure to blame this on us! If only we hadn¡¯t returned! If we¡¯re implicated, we could be executed along with our entire household! No¡­ I need to find a way for us to escape!¡± Bai Qingxuan, stunned at first, suddenly had a glint in his eyes. He tightened his grip on the woman¡¯s wrist, whispering eerily, ¡°Mother! You said¡­ all the men of the Bai family are dead! Does that mean the title of Duke of Zhen falls to me?!¡± The woman¡¯s eyelid twitched, and she swallowed, suppressing her wild joy with fear. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ve heard it was the Duke¡¯s arrogance in using the army that led to the total defeat. If the Emperor holds us accountable, it will be a huge crime, implicating the entire family. What¡¯s more important, our lives or this title? We should escape first!¡± ¡°But what if the Emperor doesn¡¯t blame us?!¡± Bai Qingxuan¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°Mother! Fortune favors the bold! Think about it¡­ if the Emperor doesn¡¯t blame us, this grand Duke of Zhen Mansion would be ours!¡± The woman was deeply tempted by Bai Qingxuan¡¯s suggestion, unable to let go of the immense fortune of the Duke of Zhen Mansion but also terrified for her life, hesitating. ¡¤ On the first day of the New Year. The Duke of Zhen Mansion, which had been gloomily downcast for two days, began to bustle with activity as the matriarch, Mrs. Dong, took charge. The servants and maids preparing for the funeral were rushing in and out of the side gates. Before dawn, the busy Steward Hao came to the Eldest Princess¡¯s room. Apart from the Eldest Princess, who was being persuaded to rest due to exhaustion, the Lady of the Duke, Mrs. Dong, Second Lady Liu, Third Lady Li, and Fourth Lady Wang were all present. There were seventeen young men of the Bai family, along with five sons of the Duke, making a total of twenty-three coffins that couldn¡¯t fit in the main hall of the Bai mansion. ¡°Set up tents,¡± Mrs. Dong ordered, her spirits barely holding up, calmly addressing the bewildered Steward Hao, ¡°Place them in the courtyard. Keep the mansion gates wide open! Let the people of Dadu City and the officials in the temple see how miserably the Bai family sacrificed for the Jin Kingdom.¡± ¡°Reporting to the Lady, Second Lady, Third Lady, Fourth Lady. Someone from the gatehouse reported that many people have brought coffins outside the mansion!¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s throat tightened, and she stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look. Three younger sisters, you have worked hard all night. Go and rest! Regain your energy. On the fifth day, we will welcome our husbands and sons home.¡± The Fourth Lady started crying again, shaking her head in pain. ¡¤ Hearing the news, Bai Qingyan arrived at almost the same time as Mrs. Dong. By now, the red lanterns of Bai Mansion had been replaced with white ones, and the red ribbons in the courtyard had been changed to black and white, covered in gloom. Outside the wide-open gate, people stood in the snow, holding ox carts and horse carts, bringing their best coffins to block the entrance. Some aristocrats had sent people to deliver coffins as well. An old man, around sixty years old, tugged on an ox cart and cupped his hands towards Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan, saying, ¡°Lady, young lady¡­ this old man has brought a good coffin. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s suitable. Can it be used for the Princely Heir, generals, or young masters in your mansion?¡± ¡°Mine is the best coffin! Top quality! Lady, young lady, use my coffin!¡± ¡°Mine is good! Mine is good! This is a proper pine coffin, very sturdy!¡± ¡°Lady, our family runs a coffin shop! The coffins I brought were all ordered by prominent families before the New Year. I brought them all here! They are made of nanmu. Though not the best nanmu, they are definitely worthy of the young masters of the Bai mansion.¡± Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan stood at the entrance, tears streaming down their faces, bowing to thank the people who were competing to deliver coffins. Chapter 65 - Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Restraint in Grief_1 Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Restraint in Grief_1 Afterwards, the servants of the Marquis of Dingyong¡¯s mansion escorted the steward of the mansion through the crowd. The steward bowed and said, ¡°Madam Crown Prince, Eldest Young Lady. This old servant is the steward of the Marquis of Dingyong¡¯s mansion. My lord asked me to bring over the coffin he prepared by carriage. Given the meritorious services of the Crown Prince and the Generals, it is not against protocol to use it.¡± ¡°Thank the Marquis of Dingyong for me!¡± Mrs. Dong said while bowing with Bai Qingyan. ¡°My lord and the Duke of Zhen have known each other since childhood. It¡¯s only fitting! Madam, Eldest Young Lady, please accept my condolences.¡± The steward bowed. Seeing that the coffins from various aristocratic families were of suitable standards for the Bai family, almost all sent their coffins over. Mrs. Dong personally selected the usable coffins and had them carried into the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. She ordered Steward Hao to have the Bai Mansion¡¯s steward visit each home to thank them. The remaining unused ones were politely returned with thanks. Mrs. Dong originally wanted to stay in the courtyard to supervise the setup of the mourning hall, but was persuaded by Bai Qingyan to go rest. There was still a heap of things waiting for Mrs. Dong to handle. In the Bai family, everyone could collapse except the Eldest Princess and Mrs. Dong. She stood in the courtyard, watching the servants work together to set up the canopy, looking at the twenty-plus coffins, feeling a mix of sorrow and hatred, a deep ache swelling in her heart and eyes. In her previous life, only the remains of her grandfather, fifth uncle, her cousin Bai Qingming, and young Seventeen had returned. The other men of the Bai family had all stayed behind in the southern frontier. She wondered if this life would end with the same outcome. Chen Qingsheng came back from outside the mansion and happened to see Bai Qingyan standing under the gallery, quickly walking over. Chun Tao saw her cousin and whispered to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Miss¡­ my cousin is here!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Chen Qingsheng bowed with a pale face. Bai Qingyan turned back, saw him bowing, and said, ¡°No need for formalities.¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, just now when this small one returned to the mansion, I encountered the shop assistant left to look after Manjiang Tower. He said¡­ someone was inquiring about my identity. After thinking it over, I went to find the beggar who had delivered the letter to Xiao Mansion. Sure enough, the beggar said someone found him, broke one of his thumbs, and interrogated him about the origin of the letter. He truthfully said¡­ he saw the shopkeeper of Manjiang Tower greet me that day!¡± Chen Qingsheng¡¯s head was drenched in sweat as he glanced at Bai Qingyan, then quickly lowered his head. ¡°This oversight is my fault. Please punish me.¡± Bai Qingyan clenched her palm tighter. She knew from her past life that Xiao Rongyan was formidable. Chen Qingsheng was still young and lacked experience, yet he had done well to reach this stage. ¡°Get up!¡± Bai Qingyan pursed her lips. ¡°They might not necessarily trace it to you. If anyone asks you, just say that someone paid you to handle this matter and you were afraid of causing trouble for the Duke¡¯s mansion, so you asked the beggar for help. It¡¯s no big deal! Since you¡¯re a person of the Duke¡¯s mansion, they likely wouldn¡¯t dare use extreme means to press you for answers.¡± Chen Qingsheng let out a long sigh of relief. ¡°I understand! I will be more cautious in the future and won¡¯t trouble you, Eldest Young Lady.¡± Chen Qingsheng was a smart person. He knew Bai Qingyan valued him for his abilities. If he couldn¡¯t handle small matters well, he wouldn¡¯t be worthy of being by the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s side to take orders. She tightened her grip on the handwarmer and called out his name, then took a few steps to a deserted corner. Chen Qingsheng quickly followed her. He heard Bai Qingyan slowly start, ¡°After the mourning at the Duke¡¯s mansion is properly handled, grandmother will take the Third Young Lady to the temple under the guise of praying for the Jin Kingdom. The prayer¡­ is a ruse. The Third Young Lady will disguise herself as a man, leave incognito, and engage in commerce to display her talents. I am planning to let you accompany the Third Young Lady to gain experience for a few years.¡± Chen Qingsheng was slightly stunned upon hearing this. For such a heretical action as a woman disguising herself as a man to go into business, to actually have the support of the Eldest Princess, meant it was a significant matter. Such affairs would not have been revealed unless it was to someone trustworthy. Chen Qingsheng¡¯s acute perception made him realize that the Eldest Young Lady was opening her heart to him, treating him as one of her own. Otherwise, how could he easily be told such confidential matters? Chen Qingsheng was filled with ardent loyalty. He steadied his emotions, knelt down, and declared, ¡°Since the Eldest Young Lady trusts me, I will dedicate my life to her service.¡± She turned her head to look at Chen Qingsheng and advised, ¡°Be more cautious in the future. I trust you!¡± ¡°I understand! Thank you for your confidence!¡± Chen Qingsheng kowtowed. ¡°Go prepare then. You should know how to explain it to your parents,¡± she said. ¡°I understand!¡± Early in the morning, having spent a sleepless night, Dong Changyuan heard that his uncle Dong Qingping and his father Dong Qingyue had returned. He hurried over to inquire and learned that all the men in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion sacrificed their lives for the country. Dong Changyuan was filled with trepidation. When he thought of Bai Qingyan, the gentle and refined cousin, he couldn¡¯t sit still. He was full of worries, wondering how terrified Bai Qingyan must be. Her health was already frail and thin. With such a calamity hitting the Bai family, how much torment must she be enduring, whether she was overwrought, grief-stricken to the point of tears? An anxious Dong Changyuan immediately rode over. Before he even stepped into the main gate of the Bai Mansion, he saw Bai Qingyan standing under the gallery, dressed in plain mourning clothes, speaking with Chen Qingsheng. Dong Changyuan stood under a white silk lantern marked with the word ¡°Condolence,¡± quietly observing. Bai Qingyan was not weeping as he had expected, nor was she too grief-stricken to get out of bed. Although she looked tired, her eyes were red, but her expression was clear-minded. She was even methodically instructing the servants, showing impressive resilience. As the early morning light filtered through the thin mist, it gradually fell on the woman with her strong and steadfast demeanor. Faced with such a great catastrophe, she was sorrowful but not despairing, hiding her pain within, with no sign of panic. Though appearing delicate, she was as strong as green silk, containing inner strength, seemingly unbreakable by any means. All of the consoling words that Dong Changyuan had brought with him dissipated in his chest. He was foolish to forget that his cousin, despite her frail exterior, had been to the battlefield and slain enemy soldiers! Her courage and steely resolve were qualities that could not be matched by the men who had grown up among books in their comfortable homes. Chun Tao noticed Dong Changyuan standing at the entrance of the Bai Mansion and hurriedly approached Bai Qingyan, whispering, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Young Master Cousin is here!¡± She turned around, saw Dong Changyuan bow deeply to her, and returned his salute with a slight curtsey. Dong Changyuan stood in front of Bai Qingyan, his lips moving for a long time before he timidly said, ¡°If there is anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask, Cousin.¡± She looked at the canopy that had already been set up in the courtyard and said, ¡°Cousin Changyuan, please spend more time accompanying grandmother on behalf of my mother and me. She had come to Dadu with great difficulty for the New Year, yet neither my mother nor I can be by her side.¡± Dong Changyuan nodded, then turned to look at the steadfast young woman before him. ¡°Cousin, my condolences.¡± ¡°Elder Sister!¡± Fourth Young Lady Bai Jinzhi came running quickly with urgent footsteps. After hastily greeting Dong Changyuan, she leaned close to Bai Qingyan and whispered, ¡°Elder Sister, grandmother has coughed up blood!¡± Chapter 66 - Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Cannot Be Distracted_1 Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Cannot Be Distracted_1 The Bai family had now encountered a great misfortune, and all the men in the family had perished. If the news of the Eldest Princess¡¯s severe illness spread, it was feared that the hearts of the Bai family would scatter. Nanny Jiang had already instructed Bai Jinzhi not to make a fuss, and Bai Jinzhi understood the seriousness and naturally did not dare to publicize it. The scene of her grandmother spitting blood and passing away upon hearing the news suddenly appeared before her eyes. Her whole body went numb as if a hand had clenched her wildly beating heart, causing her chest to feel like it was being torn apart. ¡°Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Bai Jinzhi saw that Bai Qingyan¡¯s face had lost all color and quickly called out. She regained her composure, turned around, and bowed to Dong Changyuan, ¡°There are many matters in the residence, Changyuan, as family, please forgive the lack of hospitality.¡± ¡°Please attend to your matters, Cousin!¡± Dong Changyuan responded quickly. She nodded, took Bai Jinzhi¡¯s hand, and hurried towards the inner quarters. As they walked, Bai Jinzhi said to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Fortunately, last night Doctor Hong and Doctor Huang were both attending to Fifth Aunt. Nanny Jiang has already sent someone to fetch Doctor Hong and Doctor Huang! I came to inform Eldest Young Lady at once!¡± ¡°What is with the spitting of blood?!¡± Bai Qingyan asked through gritted teeth. ¡°It¡¯s nothing but that treacherous mother and her son in Qingming Courtyard!¡± Bai Jinzhi grinded her teeth. Her reddening eyes were filled with hatred, wishing she could give that shrew a few more whips, ¡°That shrew heard Doctor Huang, the director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, was with Fifth Aunt and demanded that Doctor Huang go to her son for his injury, saying¡­ saying that the Bai family only had her son left, and that her son was the future Duke of Zhen! Grandmother was already overwhelmed with grief. Nanny Jiang had ordered not to mention this matter, but the mother and son shouted it all over! Grandmother, upon hearing this, was so furious her face turned purple and she spat blood!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s anger surged as she clenched the hand warmer tightly, wanting to immediately skin that mother and son alive! They were indeed troublemakers and could not be left alive. The two hurried into the Changshou Courtyard. The maidservants opened the thick felt curtain as they saw the eldest and fourth young ladies approaching in haste. Inside, the Eldest Princess, pale-faced, was leaning against the window on a large peony pillow embroidered with gold thread. A fine cashmere blanket covered her legs. She took the medicine and water handed by Nanny Jiang and swallowed them with her head tilted back. Doctor Huang put the pulse pillow into the medicine chest. Seeing Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinzhi enter with hurried breaths, he quickly bowed, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Fourth Young Lady, please don¡¯t worry. The Eldest Princess is fine! The anger and rage actually caused the Eldest Princess to expel the congested blood from her chest, which is a positive sign. Otherwise, such congested blood would be hard to detect and could damage the heart and lungs over time. Even Bian Que could do nothing then. However¡­ the Eldest Princess¡¯s body truly needs proper care and rest.¡± The Eldest Princess put down the water cup, seeing her usually calm and composed eldest granddaughter¡¯s face now pale, her heart softened, and tears streamed down her face. Even though there had been some disagreements between them, the bond of flesh and blood could not be faked. Hearing about her spitting blood, she still rushed over anxiously. She waved her hand with red eyes to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Kid, come here!¡± Hearing Doctor Huang say that her grandmother was no longer in danger, she breathed a sigh of relief, took off her cloak, handed the hand warmer to a maid, and walked towards the Eldest Princess. ¡°Eldest Princess, Eldest Young Lady, Fourth Young Lady, I shall take my leave now!¡± Doctor Huang, carrying the medicine chest, bowed to the Eldest Princess. ¡°I will see Doctor Huang out!¡± Nanny Jiang quickly smiled and led the way with a curtain for Doctor Huang. Bai Jinzhi noticed that the Eldest Princess had something to say to the Eldest Young Lady, so she quietly exited the inner room. The Eldest Princess held Bai Qingyan¡¯s jade-like hand, noticed the fine sweat in her palm, and her eyes reddened further, ¡°Rest assured, grandmother will be fine. I still need to protect you children!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s concern was genuine. Besides the Zhen Kingdom¡¯s mansion needing her protection, Bai Qingyan was tied by bonds of family. She could no longer afford to lose any more relatives! ¡°Just now, while resting on the couch for a short moment, grandmother dreamed of many people, dreamed of your grandfather¡­ dreamed of my father!¡± The Eldest Princess choked with reddened eyes, raised her hand, and embraced Bai Qingyan, slowly and wistfully recounting the past, ¡°Grandmother married into the Bai family at sixteen, not only willing to bear children for your grandfather but also shouldering the inescapable responsibility as a Princess of Jin! The night before the emperor bestowed the marriage¡­ father and mother held me in their arms and told me that the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen was the pillar and backbone of Jin, and the Imperial Family must rely on but also guard against the Bai family. With father aging and his days numbered, he wished for me to safeguard the Lin family¡¯s royal authority and to guard against the Bai family¡¯s rebellious intentions. If I didn¡¯t swear, I couldn¡¯t marry your grandfather.¡± These matters, stored in the heart of the Eldest Princess for years, were now being slowly told to her granddaughter. The feeling of being pulled in different directions was still unbearably bitter. Thus, after deciding to marry Bai Weiting, the heir of the Duke of Zhen, she moved out of the Princess¡¯s mansion with a guilty conscience and into the Bai family¡¯s mansion, serving her in-laws like an ordinary daughter-in-law, hoping to find a bit of peace for herself. Grandmother¡¯s difficulties, she knew¡­ She also knew that her grandmother, such a proud and steadfast Eldest Princess, speaking of this matter today, was an effort to lower herself in hopes that she would understand her grandmother, and to prevent any rebellious thoughts against her grandmother. But when the thing she tried to conceal and not believe was candidly spoken by her grandmother, she instead felt a calmness. ¡°Kid, your grandfather is gone, your father, uncles, and brothers are all gone! Our family must not be divided!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s tears flowed like threads. How could the Eldest Princess¡¯s words not make her heart ache? The divergence of paths with intimate family members was indeed the true bitterness, like a dull knife cutting flesh, making it hard to sleep and eat. ¡°Grandmother, granddaughter knows grandmother¡¯s difficulty! Grandmother is both our grandmother and the Eldest Princess of Jin. The Bai family is our home, and the Imperial Family is also grandmother¡¯s home!¡± She looked up, eyes bloodshot, at the Eldest Princess, speaking word by word, ¡°Granddaughter dares not deceive grandmother. Upon hearing the news of the Bai family¡¯s men¡¯s death, granddaughter wanted to rebel immediately and bloodily cleanse the royal court of Jin! To tear apart those demons and monsters who harmed the Bai family¡¯s men alive!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s whole body tensed, her eyes bulged, and her withered hand pressed Bai Qingyan¡¯s shoulder with all her might, ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°But I can¡¯t! Firstly¡­ because I have no power, no position, and my martial arts are wasted. I am merely a small woman in the back residence.¡± She did not resist, letting the Eldest Princess press her down, ¡°Secondly, this stable and peaceful kingdom of Jin was fought for by the Bai family for generations, soaked with the blood of the Bai ancestors, grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers! The Bai family safeguards the tranquility and prosperity of this kingdom, and the peace of the people! How could I, for my venting of personal hatred, plunge the people into another abyss of fire and water? How could I let the elders lose their sons, the children lose their fathers and mothers? How could I let the innocent people bear the pain of losing their kin? How could I let tens of thousands of soldiers¡¯ bones be exposed! What wrong have the people done? What wrong have the soldiers done? Why should they bury their bones for the Bai family¡¯s private revenge?!¡± Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Chapter 58: _1 Chapter 67: Chapter 58: _1 Chun Tao originally listened to the intermittent heavy and restrained sobs from inside, tears streaming down her face but not daring to enter to comfort. At this moment, hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s hair-raising laughter, she suddenly felt like an ant on a hot pan, not knowing what to do. Chun Xing heard the noise, hurriedly put on her clothes, fastened her buttons, and rushed out from the small room, asking Chun Tao: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the girl?! Why are you standing at the door and not going in to check?¡± Chun Tao wiped away the tears covering her face and grabbed Chun Xing¡¯s hand: ¡°You stay here, don¡¯t let anyone go in! I¡¯m going to get the Third Young Lady!¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Chun Xing¡¯s face turned pale with fright, and she nodded repeatedly. Chun Tao ran and slid through the snow, heading straight for Bai Jintong¡¯s courtyard. As soon as she entered, she knelt in front of the main door, crying: ¡°Third Young Lady! Third Young Lady, please go see our Eldest Young Lady quickly!¡± Bai Jintong, who had just finished her morning exercise, lifted the curtain and came out: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s eyes were severely swollen from crying, making her a weeping figure: ¡°I beg the Third Young Lady to go and see her!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s face turned ashen. She hastily strode towards the courtyard gate without bothering to put on her cloak. The Green Bamboo Pavilion of Bai Jinxiu was very close to the Bitong Garden of Bai Jintong. Bai Jinxiu, who was accustomed to getting up early and reading by the window, also heard the commotion. She promptly instructed Mrs. Liu to stay in the Green Bamboo Pavilion to take care of Qingshu while she went out to see what was happening. As soon as Qingshu reached the courtyard gate, she saw Chun Tao and Bai Jinxiu¡¯s maids hurrying behind Bai Jintong towards the Qinghui Courtyard. Qingshu quickly turned back to report to Bai Jinxiu: ¡°Second Young Lady, I saw Chun Tao, who is always beside the Eldest Young Lady, hurrying with the Third Young Lady towards the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s place.¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand, which was holding the book, tightened. Thinking about Bai Qingyan¡¯s cold condition, about Bai Qingyan¡¯s recent travels, Bai Jinxiu suddenly felt a chill down her spine. She lifted the brocade quilt: ¡°Qingshu, help me change, I must go to the Eldest Young Lady!¡± ¡°Second Young Lady, it¡¯s still snowing outside, and your head¡¯s injury¡­¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, I¡¯m much better now! Just get me a thicker fur hat!¡± Bai Jinxiu, anxious and worried about the Eldest Young Lady, was in a panic. Qingshu dared not persuade her further, hurriedly prepared the clothes, and supported Bai Jinxiu through the snow towards the Qinghui Courtyard. Bai Jinxiu had just reached the entrance of the Qinghui Courtyard when she heard Bai Jintong softly calling from the doorway: ¡°Eldest Young Lady, it¡¯s Jintong. May I come in¡­¡± Receiving no response from Bai Qingyan, Bai Jintong stood outside, not daring to enter without permission. She could only turn and ask Chun Tao: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Chun Tao knew the gravity of the situation. She could only bite her lip and shake her head with tears in her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Eldest Young Lady?!¡± Bai Jinxiu, whose hand gripping Qingshu¡¯s arm was now sweaty, hurried to the eaves, ¡°Is it the cold condition acting up?!¡± ¡°Second Sister, you¡­ why are you here too?!¡± Bai Jintong hurriedly supported Bai Jinxiu. Just then, the inner door frame creaked. Chun Tao hurriedly lifted the curtain, only to see Bai Qingyan, whose white undergarments were half stained with blood, standing between the two doors. Bai Jinxiu¡¯s legs went weak, nearly causing her to fall: ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s pale face was calm as water, her eyes bloodshot, her disheveled hair already tidied up. Her whole aura was as fierce as a demon from the depths of hell. ¡°Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, come in. Everyone else¡­ guard the gate of Qinghui Courtyard. No one is allowed to approach!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, the blood on your body¡­¡± She walked into the inner room first: ¡°It¡¯s not my blood. Come in!¡± Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong ordered the servants to wait at the gate of Qinghui Courtyard, and the two sisters entered the main room together. They saw Bai Qingyan standing with her back to them by the fire, and Bai Jinxiu softly called: ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Qingyan closed her sore and aching eyes. She had been reborn to protect her family, her elders, her sisters! Therefore¡­ she could not collapse! She could not go mad! She could not fall! No matter the hatred, she couldn¡¯t recklessly kill for revenge like a fool. She had experienced this once before. She was the daughter of the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion. She had to hold on and see with her own eyes those treacherous and sinister people dragged to hell to atone for her Bai clan! After a while, she spoke in a hoarse voice: ¡°Jintong, close the door. I have something to say.¡± Bai Jintong closed the door and walked behind Bai Qingyan with Bai Jinxiu: ¡°Eldest Young Lady.¡± She looked up at the five blood-stained bamboo slips on the desk, her breath chaotic and warm. She closed her eyes before saying: ¡°The reason I didn¡¯t tell you before was because I didn¡¯t have confirmed news¡­¡± Bai Qingyan turned around, looking at the tense and bewildered faces of Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong. She choked on her words: ¡°Grandfather, my father, my second uncle, my third uncle, my fourth uncle, my fifth uncle¡­ along with all seventeen members of the Bai clan, all¡­ died in battle in the southern border.¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes widened and she nearly fainted, feeling like the sky had fallen. The wound on her forehead throbbed wildly, and her blood seemed ready to burst through the scab. ¡°How could they¡­ all¡­ all¡­¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s tears flowed continuously, her voice choked with grief, ¡°There must be some mistake in the information!¡± In the previous life, when this news arrived, the Bai family also couldn¡¯t believe it. She walked to the desk, placing her hand on the five bamboo slips. The veins on the back of her hand bulged, the grief and anger almost exploding, but she forcibly swallowed it back. Having lived two lives, how could she be easily crushed? ¡°This is the record of the marching and combat status by the Bai family army¡¯s attached historian.¡± She picked up two bamboo slips, ¡°Bai family army¡¯s Tiger Camp leader Fang Yan, with Shen Qingzhu and our Bai family guard Wu Zhe, risked their lives to save these five bamboo slips. Now Shen Qingzhu¡¯s whereabouts are unknown¡­ Fang Yan and Wu Zhe are dead. The blood on these bamboo slips is Wu Zhe¡¯s¡­ it is Fang Yan¡¯s, it is also the blood of hundreds of thousands of Bai family soldiers!¡± Bai Qingyan handed one bamboo slip to Bai Jinxiu and another to Bai Jintong. Looking at her two tear-filled, heavy-faced sisters, she said: ¡°It would be good for you to know that our Bai family men did not die in battle against foreign enemies, but died because of the Emperor of Jin¡¯s suspicion, because of¡­ the hands of their own people in the Jin Kingdom!¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s tears flowed continuously as she trembled and unrolled the bamboo slip in her hand. Bai Jintong also hurriedly opened her bamboo slip, scanning it rapidly through tears¡­ After reading one bamboo slip, Bai Jintong¡¯s tears overflowed, and she stumbled to the desk, opening another. She trembled violently, her cries wretched. Bai Qingyan stood rigidly by the fire basin. Even though she had cried out madly and vented her grief, her eyes were still painfully tearful. She felt a bone-chilling coldness that even the proximity to the fire basin could not alleviate. Standing by the desk, Bai Jinxiu trembled as she picked up the bamboo slip, feeling a suffocating despair. Hugging the bamboo slip, she collapsed to the ground: ¡°Little Seventeen¡­ he¡¯s only ten! He¡¯s only ten years old!¡± Bai Jintong, suppressing her sobs, turned her grief into anger. Her eyes blazing, she clenched her fists so tightly that they cracked, and she turned to leave. Chapter 68 - Chapter 68: Chapter 67: A Century of Renown_1 Chapter 68: Chapter 67: A Century of Renown_1 She spoke these words from the bottom of her heart; she would not rebel unless absolutely necessary. The Bai family had always been loyal and brave, never for the sake of the Imperial Family, but for the tens of thousands of people in the Jin Kingdom! The Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes, like a torch, stared intensely at Bai Qingyan, her suspicions unresolved, fearing that her treasured granddaughter was deceiving her. She held the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand and slowly began to speak, ¡°When I was five, I heard Grandfather and Father discuss the debate between the two great scholars, Cui Shiyan and Guan Yongchong, at Wenxian Hall about whether the First Emperor was a wise ruler or a tyrant. I said that if the First Emperor could ensure that the people were well-fed and clothed, then he would be a wise and holy ruler.¡± ¡°When I was eight, Grandfather did his utmost to reopen the old case of Imperial Censor Jian Congwen, where Consort Tong and her maternal family were imprisoned for framing a loyal minister. Imperial Censor Jian Congwen was exonerated, but the Nine Clans had already been exterminated. Even Jian Yushi¡¯s four-year-old grandson was beheaded along with the family, an innocent child thinking he was playing a game with his family, begging his mother for sweets before he was executed.¡± Her voice choked with emotion, ¡°On the day Imperial Censor Jian Congwen was exonerated, Grandfather asked me what made a wise ruler. I replied that ruling with compassion and not allowing the people to suffer wrongful accusations made a wise ruler!¡± ¡°When I was thirteen, I returned from the battlefield with Grandfather. He asked again what made a wise ruler. I had seen mountains of bones, rivers of blood, and the decimation of the populace, families torn apart. I understood the invaluable nature of peace, and I said¡­ a ruler who could bring peace to the world was a wise ruler.¡± ¡°Now, although the people of the Jin Kingdom are generally well-fed, except for those at the border suffering from years of war, the country is relatively stable and peaceful. If I were to rebel out of personal vendetta, what would happen to the people? What of the generations of loyalty and sacrifice of the Bai family? What of our family creed? I do not seek rebellion but justice for the Bai family! I want to ensure that the slanderous words ¡®recklessly using the army¡¯ do not tarnish the heroic and loyal spirits of the Bai family! I want the current Emperor, ridden with doubts and suspicions, to acknowledge our contributions and spare the Bai family widows a path to survival, instead of eradicating us completely. Am I wrong?¡± She could not contain her grief-stricken emotions, her voice escalating. By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her face. The Eldest Princess, overwhelmed with sorrow, pulled her granddaughter into her arms, choking back her tears and eventually weeping aloud. She did not want to lie to her grandmother, but she did not necessarily have to reveal everything. Yes, she did not plan to rebel now, but she was already paving the way for it! Bai Qingyan could refrain from rebelling, but the Bai family could not remain without a mighty force capable of shaking the Imperial Family. Grandfather wanted a peaceful world, and so did she! Grandfather did not dare to seek the power to intimidate the ruler, but she did! The Bai family could bow and serve the Lin Imperial power, but she also wanted the Imperial Family to understand that the Bai family¡¯s popular support and virtue could also replace the Lin Imperial power! Was the Emperor not afraid that the Bai family¡¯s achievements would overshadow the ruler¡¯s prestige and arrogantly seize control of the court? Then she would show the Emperor exactly how they could seize control! Make him fear! She wanted a change in imperial power¡­ and the Bai family would decide! The people of the world would decide! ¡°Kid did nothing wrong! It was Grandmother who was wrong! Grandmother should not have doubted you! Grandmother was wrong¡­¡± Outside, Nanny Jiang heard this heart-to-heart between grandmother and granddaughter. She cried tears of relief and happiness, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. The Eldest Princess, worn out from her old age and the emotional pain, was physically exhausted. Thus, Bai Qingyan and Nanny Jiang helped her to rest. As Bai Qingyan exited the Changshou Courtyard, Steward Hao, dressed in plain white mourning clothes, approached and reported, ¡°Miss Bai, a group of ruffians claiming to be the parents of Bai family soldiers suddenly gathered at our gates, crying and cursing. They claim that the Duke of Zhen recklessly used the army, causing the death of tens of thousands of Bai family soldiers, and they demand justice from the Bai family!¡± She paused her steps. Though many people had waited outside the National Duke¡¯s residence for news from Nanjing last night, these soldiers¡¯ relatives would not dare confirm their sons¡¯ deaths so assuredly without someone¡¯s instigation, nor would they gather to cause a commotion today just based on last night¡¯s rumors without someone¡¯s behind-the-scenes manipulation. ¡°How should we deal with those soldiers¡¯ parents? This old servant dared not decide on her own. The Princely Heir¡¯s wife has just rested, and Nanny Qin did not want to disturb her, so I came to seek your advice,¡± Steward Hao said with a furrowed brow. Bai Qingyan always believed that, while public opinion could be terrifying, if used and guided properly, it could become a powerful force, even a weapon, she could rely on! Now, someone intended to use public opinion to harm the Bai family? Excellent! Unfortunately for them, she already had the marching records in her possession. Her eyes darkened, and within a flash, she grasped the hidden threads, becoming suddenly enlightened¡­ Wu Zhe had risked his life to bring back the marching records. He had mentioned that someone had tried to kill Tiger Camp¡¯s commander, Fang Yan, who was escorting the bamboo slip, and by a twist of fate, Fang Yan had been saved by Shen Qingzhu¡¯s group and acquired the bamboo slip. King Xin¡¯s hounds likely did not obtain the five volumes of marching records and were now attempting to test the Bai family to see if they had them, possibly forcing them to produce the records today for self-exoneration. The masterminds must have prepared methods to ensure that as soon as the Bai family claimed to have the records, the Emperor would immediately demand their surrender to prevent them from being publicly revealed. She closed her eyes, pondering what she would do if she were King Xin¡¯s advisor. She would gather a crowd to create a disturbance at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence to test whether the Bai family had the records while tarnishing their century-old reputation. If her heart were even crueler, she would secretly kill one or two troublemakers after inciting a mob, spreading rumors that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence killed the martyrs¡¯ relatives. She would ensure that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence could only accept praise and not tolerate criticism, putting them in the public¡¯s ire. This way, when King Xin returned to the city, the Bai family would not be blamed by the public if they had obtained the records. Steward Hao saw Bai Qingyan¡¯s long silence, as if her soul had wandered away, and softly called, ¡°Miss Bai¡­¡± ¡°Send people to keep an eye on the onlookers for anyone suspicious. Arrest and interrogate them immediately!¡± Steward Hao instantly understood that Miss Bai meant someone had instigated the soldiers¡¯ relatives to cause trouble, targeting the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. Steward Hao replied with a guarded expression, ¡°Rest assured, Miss Bai!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go outside and take a look.¡± ¡°Miss Bai, please wait. I will call Lu Ping to guard us, just in case,¡± Steward Hao said cautiously. She nodded. When Bai Qingyan arrived at the front courtyard, accompanied by Steward Hao and Lu Ping, they heard the angry, hysterical voice of Fourth Miss Bai Jinzhi from outside the gates. ¡°Even the late Emperor said that no one in the Bai family is worthless; all are capable generals! My grandfather despised recklessness and greed for achievements in his lifetime! That so-called ¡®recklessly using the army¡¯ is nonsense! If you ignorant fools continue to spout nonsense in front of our gates, I¡¯ll whip you to the West!¡± Chapter 69 - Chapter 69: Chapter 68: Swear Not to Return_1 Chapter 69: Chapter 68: Swear Not to Return_1 Bai Jinzhi, her eyes bloodshot, gripped the long whip at her waist. Burning with fury, she wished she could whip these foolish troublemakers to death in front of the Duke¡¯s residence. Seeing the crowd of onlookers surrounding the manor, Bai Jinxiu beside her felt an anxious thumping in her heart. ¡°Fourth Sister, don¡¯t!¡± Bai Jinxiu quickly grasped Bai Jinzhi¡¯s hand, preventing her from unleashing the whip. ¡°These people are causing trouble at our Duke¡¯s residence. They might be plotting something. We can¡¯t act impulsively!¡± ¡°Your Bai family produced no coward! On the battlefield, you Bai family were always victorious. But your victories were bought with the lives of our common sons!¡± A woman cried out, ¡°A general¡¯s success requires thousands of bones! With a command, our sons rushed to the blades! Your losses were never yours! How would you know our pain?! The Duke only seeks military achievements and a place in history, using our sons¡¯ lives for your glory!¡± ¡°My poor son!¡± Another woman wailed, angrily screaming, ¡°The Duke has no shame! All you Bai family men deserve to die in the Southern Border! It was your Bai family who killed our sons!¡± ¡°Sprouting nonsense again!¡± Bai Jinzhi flung Bai Jinxiu aside with brute force, raising her whip towards the wailing woman. ¡°You deserve to die! I¡¯ll whip you to death today!¡± ¡°Bai Jinzhi!¡± Bai Jinxiu held Bai Jinzhi back with all her strength, the wound on her forehead splitting open and bleeding profusely. ¡°You¡¯re a coward who gets bullied! I¡¯m not!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes were crimson as she roared at Bai Jinxiu, pushing her away in fury. The whip cracked in the air, and the woman¡¯s scream was shrill. ¡°Little Four! Stop!¡± Already injured, Bai Jinxiu was pushed against the wall by Bai Jinzhi, pain throbbing in her head. Qingshu was frantic, ¡°Fourth Miss, how can you fight Second Miss? Second Miss¡­ are you alright?¡± Bai Qingyan quickened her steps, gripping her plain clothes as she stepped up. Seeing Bai Jinzhi, eyes red and ready to whip the woman to death, she shouted, ¡°Bai Jinzhi! Stop!¡± Turning sharply, she ordered, ¡°Uncle Ping, restrain Fourth Miss!¡± Lu Ping rushed forward, taking a whip lash himself before restraining the infuriated Bai Jinzhi, who screamed madly like a demon, repeatedly breaking free from Lu Ping¡¯s hold, seeming ready to perish with the accusers of the Duke¡¯s residence. Arriving then, Bai Jintong grabbed the cold tea from the gatehouse table. Rushing down the steps, she doused Bai Jinzhi with the pot of water. The cold water snapped Bai Jinzhi out of her fury. Gasping, she looked tearfully at the pale Bai Jintong, then turned her gaze to Bai Qingyan at the top of the steps, whose face was iron gray, ¡°Eld¡­ Eldest Sister.¡± ¡°Heaven, open your eyes! The Duke killed my son for military glory! Now the girls of the Duke¡¯s residence want to kill me too!¡± ¡°Nonsense! I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s anger flared again. She struggled to charge forward. From atop the steps, Bai Qingyan, her face cold, in mourning clothes, stood with a straight back and asked, ¡°May I ask this lady, the frontline military records from King Xin haven¡¯t been sent back yet. We only know of our army¡¯s loss. My grandfather, father, uncle, and brothers are all dead. The situation of the soldiers hasn¡¯t been reported! How can you be certain your son is dead?¡± The woman, her face marked by the whip, showed fear and defensiveness but retorted, ¡°If the Duke is dead, how could my son be alive?!¡± ¡°So, you presume your son is dead! From a young age, I went to the battlefield. I also delivered death benefits to fallen soldiers¡¯ families. When did any soldier¡¯s mother not hope for their son¡¯s return, instead of declaring their son¡¯s death without proof, shouting at the Duke¡¯s residence?¡± The woman shrank, under the gazes of the crowd, only arguing stubbornly, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m just anxious! My poor son! What will I do if you die?! You wanted to earn a title in the army, but didn¡¯t! The generals in the Duke¡¯s residence took your bones for their glory!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not anxious, you came to make trouble at the Duke¡¯s residence!¡± Bai Jinzhi screamed hoarsely, ¡°The news of my family¡¯s men all dead just arrived. Even if the eunuch said King Xin would return soon, we still hoped the news was wrong! But you¡­ you cause a commotion without any confirmed news, claiming my grandfather killed your son. Are you even a mother?! If you keep causing trouble, I¡¯ll whip you to death!¡± The weakening woman clung to Bai Jinzhi¡¯s last words, her shrill cries even louder, ¡°Heaven, look! The Duke killed my son and now the girls of the Duke¡¯s residence want to kill me! We commoners truly can¡¯t live like this!¡± ¡°You¡­ you shrew!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes reddened, struggling fiercely, almost breaking free from Lu Ping. ¡°My grandfather killed your son?!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was cold as a blade, her heart burning with fury, turning her eyes even redder, ¡°Did my grandfather put a knife to your son¡¯s neck to force him into the army?! Every warrior wants to protect the nation and honor their family. Is glory given freely? The greater the glory, the greater the dangers! Want titles without risks, how is that possible?!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s talk about my family! The Duke¡¯s residence has a hundred years of honor! But this honor was bought with the lives of my family¡¯s men on the battlefield! The ancestral hall¡¯s plaques, which one wasn¡¯t earned through blood? Few died peacefully in bed!¡± ¡°You say my family are glory seekers? If we were, why did my grandfather present ¡®On Titles¡¯ to plead the Emperor to allow common soldiers to earn titles? The Bai family¡¯s honor is well known, why would my grandfather fake achievements?¡± Seeing the woman¡¯s eyes darting, she continued coldly, ¡°I once asked my grandfather why other marquises¡¯ children could be officials in the capital, enjoying prosperity. Why must Bai family¡¯s children go to war at ten, suffering and fighting? He said it¡¯s because the frontline always needs someone! Because thousands of civilians there need protection! Because we can¡¯t bear the title of ¡®Zhen¡¯ in vain! Zhen means defending against enemies without ceasing until death!¡± Chapter 70 - Chapter 70: Chapter 69: No Regrets in Life or Death_1 Chapter 70: Chapter 69: No Regrets in Life or Death_1 ¡°The Bai family, since it was established by our ancestor, has been bestowed the title of Duke of Zhen! Isn¡¯t a century of glory recorded in history books enough?! My father, uncles, and brothers were all conferred as generals! Their ranks and honors could not be higher! What kind of military achievements could surpass the prestige of our Bai family¡¯s army, which has deterred Daliang and Rong from invading for ten years?! What kind of military merit demanded my grandfather to fight until all the men of our family were extinguished?! Even if the descendants of the Bai family lay on the laurels of our ancestors, why can¡¯t we enjoy the peace and prosperity in Dadu City?¡± Bai Qingyan pointed at the imperial plaque with black background and gold characters above her head, ¡°Live for the people, die for the country! The Bai family only wishes not to be ashamed of the title of Zhen above our heads! Only to guard the peaceful mountains and rivers of Jin, so that our people live without fear! Life or death, no regrets!¡± ¡°But in the end, in this prosperous Dadu City¡­ those who compose poetry and indulge in pleasures enjoy glory! While the heroic souls of the Bai family who died in the war to protect the country are accused of using military merit to harm their fellow soldiers! How is this just?!¡± She turned to the side, pointing with five fingers towards the twenty-some coffins lined up inside the main gate of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, ¡°Tell me¡­ If my grandfather killed your sons, then who killed my grandfather?! Who killed the men of the Bai family?! Even ten-year-old children of the Bai family shed blood on the battlefield! Whose ten-year-old child ever marched to war?! Whose ten-year-old child could ride a horse with a sword to kill the enemy?! Who is willing to let their ten-year-old child die in battle for the country?! Who?!¡± Her voice grew louder with each question; every word was like a pearl, her voice thunderous. Yet the pain in her heart was unbearable, making her body tremble. The people were also shaken by Bai Qingyan¡¯s words. Their hairs stood on end, and their eyes filled with hot tears. They were moved by the loyalty and righteousness of the Bai family, feeling a mix of sorrow and righteous indignation as they stared at the troublemakers. Qin Shangzhi, who was recuperating at the Duke¡¯s Mansion, hurried over when he heard that the families of soldiers were causing trouble at the gate, intending to help the Bai family in gratitude for their hospitality. He did not expect that upon arrival, he would hear Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart-wrenching and soul-stirring questions, which moved him to tears, wishing he could take up a sword immediately and join the Bai men in battle, defending his country with his blood. Bai Jinxiu, with blood on her face, clutched her chest and knelt on the ground, crying bitterly to the sky, ¡°Grandfather, open your eyes and see¡­ These are the people the Bai family fought to protect! The Bai family sacrificed their lives for the people¡­ Eldest Young Lady was severely injured for killing bandits! The men of the Bai family are all dead! And in return, we are slandered! Grandfather¡­ You taught us to sacrifice for the people, to love and protect them! But who will protect the Bai family?!¡± Hearing Bai Jinxiu¡¯s cries as she knelt, Bai Jinzhi bit her lip and couldn¡¯t hold back her own sobs after enduring for so many days. The servants of the Bai family, dressed in mourning clothes, were already in tears. Some knelt and cried out to the Duke, and others clutched wooden sticks, wishing to beat the troublemakers to death. The onlookers at the gate also had tears running down their faces, moved by the spirit and dedication of the Bai family. They wiped their tears with their sleeves, gritting their teeth and cursing at the families of the soldiers causing trouble at the gate. ¡°The one causing trouble earlier was Wang Ergou¡¯s stepmother, a shameless woman¡­ Wang Ergou isn¡¯t her biological son, of course, she wished for his death! The entire male line of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s family died defending the country! But she¡¯s brazen enough to make a scene here! She only wants money! Heartless dog¡­¡± one of them cursed. ¡°Shame on her! The Duke of Zhen¡¯s family protects the people of Jin, even when they have an enormous tragedy in their family, she still dares to ask for money! They should be sent to the border, let the Nanyan Army and the Xiliang army torment them! Then they¡¯ll understand the worth of the Duke¡¯s family!¡± ¡°All the men of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s family are dead, and now, the Nanyan and Xiliang allied forces are breaking through the southern borders. With Daliang and Rong watching like tigers, who will protect Jin in the future?!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry! The daughters of the Duke¡¯s family are just as brave! The eldest young lady, second young lady, and third young lady all fought on the battlefield! The eldest young lady even personally killed Shu Kingdom¡¯s Great General Pang Pingguo and crushed the kingdom that humiliated Jin!¡± After those words, the people looked up at Bai Qingyan standing high above. They saw Bai Qingyan with tears in her eyes, her face like frost. And Bai Jinxiu, who was clutching her chest, cried so much that she needed two maids to support her; seeing this, the spectators felt even more sorrowful. The eldest, second, and third young ladies of the Bai family were indeed formidable, but they were still young women¡­ ¡°These scoundrels don¡¯t understand respect for the deceased. Making trouble now, aren¡¯t they afraid of breaking the hearts of the Duke¡¯s widows?!¡± Some of the people had already started sobbing. Their emotions were affecting each other, creating a wave of righteous fury. They glared at the troublemaking families so fiercely that those at the back were already stealthily retreating, planning to slip away unnoticed. Wang Ergou¡¯s stepmother, who had caused the most disturbance, was trembling with fear, unable to find a place to hide under the hostile stares that wanted to tear her apart. Pretending to be tough, she said, ¡°Your Duke¡¯s family may have great achievements, but who would ever have too much merit?! Of course, the more the better!¡± Bai Jintong stepped forward, tears in her eyes, gritting her teeth, ¡°How dare you mention military merits! What kind of merits require over twenty coffins that can¡¯t even fit in our hall, having to line them up out here in broad daylight?! Tell me, what kind of merits caused my elderly grandmother to lose her husband, sons, and grandsons?! If you came here to make a scene, then tell me¡­ what kind of merits did my grandfather desire?!¡± The people¡¯s emotions grew even more intense, many strong men ready to fight. ¡°Damn it! Their whole family died for the country and the people, and you still cause trouble here! Do you want to get beaten?!¡± Lu Yuanpeng and Xiao Rongyan arrived with guards, dragging two bloodied bandits, slowly approaching the Duke¡¯s Mansion. As they discussed how to approach the Duke¡¯s family about this matter, Lu Yuanpeng saw a large crowd gathered at the mansion¡¯s gate. ¡°Brother Xiao, I¡¯ll go ahead and check it out! You bring the others! Don¡¯t steal my credit!¡± Lu Yuanpeng said, mounting his horse and riding away. Xiao Rongyan smiled faintly, but his eyes were sharp. He had already noticed Bai Qingyan standing in mourning attire at the gate, and ordered, ¡°Send two guards to take the bandits over first.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± his subordinate responded. Remembering the note, Xiao Rongyan¡¯s expression grew even more profound. Chapter 71 - Chapter 71: Chapter 70: Breaking Down_1 Chapter 71: Chapter 70: Breaking Down_1 Though it was unknown if the note came from Miss Bai¡¯s hand or if this Bai Young Lady was aware of his identity. But now, since the person who sent the note had not taken any action, had not leveraged the favor to make any demands, nor exposed his identity, he decided to follow the principle of ¡°inaction¡± and wait quietly. However, he guessed that the matter of the note was probably related to this Bai Young Lady who seemed to possess deep tactics and scheming. ¡°Sister Bai!¡± When Lu Yuanpeng rode quickly closer to the crowd, he reined in his horse, jumped off the saddle, gripped his whip, pushed through the crowd, and rushed up the high steps. He respectfully saluted Bai Qingyan deeply, then turned to look at the people kneeling in front of the Duke¡¯s Mansion making trouble and said, ¡°Early this morning, Brother Xiao and I received news that two people had bribed some soldiers¡¯ families to come to the Duke¡¯s Mansion to make trouble. It seems to be these people¡­¡± At the mention of Brother Xiao, Bai Qingyan raised her eyes. Not far away, Xiao Rongyan, wearing a gray mouse-fur cloak, was leading his horse and walking leisurely, surrounded by a dozen guards. The onlooking citizens turned their heads upon hearing the guards¡¯ shouting. All they saw were the tall, stern-faced guards with knives at their waists, dragging two blood-soaked men toward the Duke¡¯s Mansion. The crowd quickly made way for them. ¡°Sister Bai! Early this morning, I heard about the sad news of the Bai family¡¯s seventeen sons. On my way to the Duke¡¯s Mansion, I encountered Brother Xiao. It just so happened that an elder in Brother Xiao¡¯s family was reporting to him, saying that silver was being sent to several impoverished families in the city outskirts on Brother Xiao¡¯s behalf. Unexpectedly, they overheard someone distributing silver to soldiers¡¯ families at the ruined temple outside the city, instructing them to come to the Duke¡¯s Mansion to make trouble. They were told to say that the Duke was foolishly using the army for his own glory, disregarding the soldiers¡¯ lives! After causing trouble, they would receive fifty taels of silver each!¡± ¡°Such despicable tactics! This is meant to drive our Duke¡¯s Mansion to ruin!¡± Bai Jintong clenched his fists tightly beside her. The soldiers¡¯ families, trembling as they came to make trouble at the Duke¡¯s Mansion, were now shaking. Lu Yuanpeng had clearly pinpointed the exact location, indicating the scheme was exposed. Some tried to flee but were blocked by the citizens and guards. With a loud thud, they knelt on the ground, confessing everything. ¡°Miss Bai, forgive us! These two men gave each of us twenty taels of silver to come and make trouble at the Duke¡¯s Mansion!¡± ¡°Miss Bai! Miss Bai, I don¡¯t want the silver anymore! I¡¯ll give it all to you! I know I was wrong! I dare not do it again! Please spare me!¡± ¡°Sister Bai, guess what?¡± Lu Yuanpeng threw aside his cloak and pointed at the bloodied men on the ground with his whip. ¡°These two men were waiting at the ruined temple for these fools to return. They planned to kill all these greedy fools and then frame the Duke¡¯s Mansion, tarnishing its reputation!¡± Upon hearing this, the soldiers¡¯ families turned pale with fear. Terrified, they crawled forward a few steps on their knees, begging for mercy: ¡°Miss Bai! Our minds were clouded by greed, so we accepted the money to come here. But¡­ but I only have one son! If my child dies, I just wanted to get some more money for my old age!¡± ¡°Yes! We were forced by circumstances. If our sons really die, how are we, the old ones, supposed to live!?¡± Bai Qingyan stood straight on the high steps, looking at those who had come to make trouble, accusing her grandfather of killing their sons with conviction, now tearfully banging their heads on the ground, begging for mercy. She felt no significant surge of emotion. Instead, she looked at those two villains being pressed down by the guards and asked, ¡°Who ordered you?¡± The two, restrained and unable to resist, one of them replied: ¡°We took money to dispel disaster for people. Everyone in the martial world has their own code of loyalty and rules. We should be dead by now. We were captured alive because our skills were inferior. We accept the outcome! It is up to Miss Bai to decide whether to kill or flay us.¡± ¡°Helping scoundrels slander loyal and brave martyrs who died for the country, intending to frame the Duke¡¯s Mansion¡¯s widow as unkind; how dare you speak of loyalty?¡± Her voice was hoarse, seemingly exhausted, her heart as cold as winter. After closing her eyes briefly, she said, ¡°Now the Bai family¡¯s loyal spirits are not yet cold, but there are already dark arrows aiming to kill my Bai family! So be it! The Bai family¡¯s loyalty and integrity are well-known to gods and men! Grandfather is dead, and all the Bai family sons are lost. My Bai family can at least live up to the name of Zhen Kingdom!¡± That indifferent coldness, devoid of joy and sorrow, filled with exhaustion, was drastically different from the righteous, passionate young lady fiercely arguing against those greedy troublemakers who besieged the Duke¡¯s Mansion. It was an unspeakable desolation, akin to the hopelessness of a heart turned to ash. She bowed to Lu Yuanpeng and said, ¡°The Bai Mansion has many affairs to attend to, and the stewards and servants are all occupied. Could I trouble Young Master Lu to hand these two over to the magistrate¡¯s office? The Bai Mansion trusts that the magistrate will deliver justice for the Bai family.¡± Lu Yuanpeng, taken aback, dumbly replied, ¡°Of course, no problem!¡± Her gaze fell on Xiao Rongyan, who stood calmly outside the crowd. Behind him were over a dozen armed guards, wearing a cloak and a robe with blue and white cloud patterns, with a jade belt adorned with gold threads, exuding extreme elegance. His deep-set, exquisite features, combined with the scholarly elegance of a literati, always had a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, his gaze steady and reserved. His scholarly demeanor was rarely matched even by the great scholars of the time. She was not foolish. Instead, she was clear-eyed and perceptive. It was Xiao Rongyan who sent these two people to the Duke¡¯s Mansion¡¯s door through Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s hand today. Bai Qingyan nodded towards Xiao Rongyan in greeting; this favor¡­ she, Bai Qingyan, accepted. ¡°Fourth Young Lady Bai Jinzhi whipped the people. Uncle Ping, seize Fourth Young Lady¡¯s long whip, take her back to the mansion, and apply the family law.¡± After speaking, she turned and silently supported Bai Jinxiu, who had blood on her face, smiling at her through her tears. ¡°Eldest sister¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu choked, tears streaming down like rain. ¡°No more crying. Let¡¯s go!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was like a sigh, tightly holding her sister in her arms as she walked towards the Bai Mansion. Bai Jintong bowed to Lu Yuanpeng, then personally escorted the still-angry Bai Jinzhi back to the mansion. Watching Bai Qingyan¡¯s despondent figure, Lu Yuanpeng gripped his whip tightly. He hadn¡¯t expected that bringing these two people to the Bai Mansion to claim credit would actually lead to the desolation of a woman with the spirit and charm of a proud frost flower. He seemed to be infected by the white cloth inscribed with ¡°sacrifice¡± on the Duke¡¯s Mansion gate, feeling a deep sadness and anger that pained his heart. Once before Manjiang Tower, this seemingly fragile woman, with her loyal and righteous words and her heartfelt compassion for the people, was a stunning revelation! Her thunderous demeanor when dealing with that illegitimate son was so powerful! On that day in the grand hall, her thin figure stood like a pine and cypress, filled with righteous vigor, iron will, and loyalty. It seemed no setbacks or impacts could crush her proud backbone. Yet today, she was defeated by the very people the Bai family had protected with their lives for generations! Chapter 72 - Chapter 72: Chapter 71: Follow Your Heart_1 Chapter 72: Chapter 71: Follow Your Heart_1 ¡°You despicable and shameless scoundrels!¡± Lu Yuanpeng pointed his riding whip at the group of kneeling, greedy ingrates outside the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, filled with righteous anger. ¡°The Bai family of the Duke of Zhen used their blood and lives to protect the peace of this glorious capital. You are ungrateful, throwing mud at the loyal and brave for the sake of gold and silver! Are you even human?!¡± ¡°And you two!¡± Lu Yuanpeng pointed his whip at the so-called men of the martial world. ¡°Without the Bai family defending the borders against the invaders, where would be your ¡®martial world¡¯? Brotherhood of the martial world?! What face do you have! The men of the Bai family died on the battlefield for Jin, and you dare to push their widows to death for silver?!¡± The already escalating and mutually infectious public anger was further inflamed by Lu Yuanpeng¡¯s few words, and the crowd, rolling up their sleeves, began to fight¡­ ¡°These sons of bitches! Beat these traitorous scoundrels to death!¡± Chaos ensued in front of the Duke¡¯s residence. Even Lu Yuanpeng joined the melee, swinging his whip. Only Xiao Rongyan stood alone like a sage beyond the secular world. After a while, he turned and said to the guard, ¡°Protect those two people. Don¡¯t let them die.¡± The soldiers¡¯ families who caused trouble at the Duke¡¯s residence, along with the two so-called ¡°martial men,¡± were beaten and escorted all the way to the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s office. The Jing Zhaoyin had anticipated not having a good year because of the tragic loss of the men of the Duke¡¯s residence in the southern border. Unexpectedly, on the morning of the first day of the new year, the Right Prime Minister¡¯s most beloved grandson, Lu Yuanpeng, had brought him such a grand gift in collaboration with the people of Dadu City. ¡¤ To avoid disturbing the Eldest Princess and the resting elders, Bai Jintong pressed Bai Jinzhi into Bai Qingyan¡¯s Qinghui Courtyard. Bai Jinzhi knelt on the bluestone bricks of the Qinghui Courtyard, her neck stiff. She was not afraid of family punishment but she was not convinced. Lu Ping, holding the punishment cane, stood aside, feeling reluctant. After all, today others had come to the Duke¡¯s residence to make trouble first, and the Fourth Lady had only fought to protect the reputation of the Duke¡¯s residence. Standing beside Bai Qingyan, the Third Lady Bai Jintong, with her hands behind her back, glanced at the tearful Bai Jinzhi and lowered her voice to plead, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Xiao Si knows her mistake. Today, it was indeed others who provoked first.¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan tightly pursing her lips and gazing at Bai Jinzhi with piercing eyes, Bai Jintong quickly said, ¡°Xiao Si! Apologize to Eldest Young Lady!¡± The Second Lady Bai Jinxiu, with her forehead bandaged, supported by Qingshu, hurriedly entered the gate of Qinghui Courtyard. She glanced at Bai Jinzhi kneeling in the yard, walked to Bai Qingyan¡¯s side, bowed, and pleaded for Bai Jinzhi, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Xiao Si is at fault, but there is a reason. Xiao Si was also protecting the family¡¯s reputation.¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, if you want to hit me, I accept! But I won¡¯t admit I¡¯m wrong!¡± Bai Jinzhi clenched her teeth, tearfully staring directly at Bai Qingyan standing under the corridor, ¡°I was protecting the honor of the Duke¡¯s residence! I was right!¡± Bai Jinzhi glared at Bai Jinxiu, ¡°On the other hand, Second Sister¡­ those greedy and treacherous people slandered our Duke¡¯s residence. Second Sister just stood there and did nothing! Second Sister is a coward! I despise Second Sister!¡± Looking at the stubborn expression on Bai Jinzhi¡¯s face, Bai Qingyan felt an aching disappointment in her heart, ¡°Uncle Ping, you all wait outside the courtyard.¡± In the vast Qinghui Courtyard, only the four sisters remained. ¡°Your Second Sister is a coward? If she were a coward, could she have risked having her arm nearly cut off to save your Third Brother and still managed to kill the enemy¡¯s vanguard?! From childhood to now, your Second Sister has taken the blame for you, suffering at least no less than two hundred cane strokes. Is she a coward?!¡± Just now, at the front gate of the Duke¡¯s residence, if it weren¡¯t for your Second Sister¡¯s timely weeping, do you think the people would overlook your whipping and support our Bai family? Even in the Qin family¡¯s Marquis of Loyalty and Courage residence, your Second Sister struck only when necessary, forcing Qin Lang to the point of no return and making him move out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage residence! Your Second Sister is a coward, and you think you are a hero because you hurt people and showed off your strength?!¡± Bai Jinzhi turned her head, still unconvinced. ¡°When your Second Sister tried to stop you, did she not tell you that those people gathered in front of the Duke¡¯s residence might have ulterior motives and that you should not act impulsively?!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice was stern. ¡°Swinging your whip in front of the Duke¡¯s residence, shouting about killing! Truly impressive! If Lu Yuanpeng hadn¡¯t captured those two scoundrels today and revealed their plot, have you thought about the consequences?!¡± Bai Jinzhi recalled Lu Yuanpeng saying that those two wanted to silence the soldiers¡¯ families and then frame the Duke¡¯s residence. She felt uneasy but stubbornly refused to admit her mistake. Bai Qingyan pointed in the direction of the Duke¡¯s residence¡¯s main gate, ¡°If those people were silenced after returning, the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s office would be the first to come to the Duke¡¯s residence to arrest you!¡± Thinking about how this matter could destroy the Bai family¡¯s reputation and public support, Bai Qingyan felt a chill. The current situation and public support were the only tools she relied on to save the Bai family. ¡°I have nothing to hide! Let them arrest me! I am not afraid! At worst, I will go to jail, and the Jing Zhaoyin will eventually clear my name!¡± Bai Jinzhi, with a fearless expression, stood steadfast. Her eyes piercing, Bai Qingyan looked at her proud and competitive sister, her anger boiling over. ¡°Naive! This matter is a carefully arranged trap. Do you think you will be exonerated once you enter the Jing Zhaoyin¡¯s office?! They will only make the charges stick to destroy the public¡¯s support for our Bai family! Destroying the situation in our favor! You think you¡¯re impressive¡­ ignoring your Second Sister¡¯s advice, you had to charge forward and even fought your Second Sister!¡± ¡°Without Lu Yuanpeng capturing the trespassers today, those soldiers¡¯ families would have been executed. Solely for the crime of killing soldiers¡¯ families out of anger¡­ it would have been enough to destroy the Bai family¡¯s centuries-old achievements in an instant! Doing a hundred good deeds can¡¯t make up for one mistake, have you learned nothing?! If you go to jail, those behind this plot will incite rumors and pin the blame on our Bai family, fabricating a charge of extermination! With no men left in our family, maneuvering in the royal court is already difficult. Without public support, it would lead to total destruction! This¡­ is the outcome those manipulating this affair want for our Bai family!¡± Bai Jinzhi, clutching her clothes tightly, sweating coldly, bit her lip in silence, not daring to meet Bai Qingyan¡¯s clear eyes. Her disappointment mounting, Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice rose, ¡°Whether a person or an action, one can be sharp but only if they have the ability and the wisdom to control the situation! But look at you¡­ confronting scoundrels with brutality! Competing for trivialities with people who forget loyalty for gain! Ignoring the greater picture, letting petty anger cloud your judgment, flaunting your whip thoughtlessly with no contingency plan!¡± Seeing Bai Jinzhi¡¯s tears falling from Bai Qingyan¡¯s severe scolding, Bai Jinxiu felt distressed and softly advised, ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­ Xiao Si is still young and straightforward. This time she acted rashly but for the reputation of the Duke¡¯s residence. As long as she knows her mistake, let the lesson end here.¡± Chapter 73 - Chapter 73: Chapter 72: Midnight by the Abyss_1 Chapter 73: Chapter 72: Midnight by the Abyss_1 She fixed her gaze on Bai Jinzhi, who knelt rigidly in the courtyard, refusing to admit her mistakes. Her chest heaved violently. ¡°Every reckless act without considering the consequences is the helpless indulgence of a fool! Our grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers died in Nanjing; in the court, traitors with ghostly intentions glare at our Bai family like tigers eyeing their prey. The Bai family is now struggling to survive, like standing at the edge of a cliff at midnight. Do you think there¡¯s any room for her to act recklessly?¡± The atmosphere in Qinghui Courtyard became oppressive and heavy following Bai Qingyan¡¯s stern voice. The four sisters pressed their lips together in silence. Apart from Bai Jinzhi, Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong had all read the bamboo slips recording the military maneuvers. How could they not know the Bai family was in dire straits? Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes immediately brimmed with tears, and she turned her head, tears streaming down. Bai Jintong clenched her fists tightly, crying with her head lowered. The howling winter wind whipped through, making it colder under the blazing sun than on snowy days. Her already sore eyes couldn¡¯t bear the dazzling sunlight reflecting off the snow. She closed her eyelids, trying to calm the tumultuous emotions in her chest. Hoarsely, she asked, ¡°Do you know¡­ why your grandfather never allowed you to go to the front line for training when you begged him at ten years old?¡± Bai Jinzhi no longer had her previous stubborn stance. Clenching her clothes tightly at her sides, she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Grandfather once said, among our sisters, your second sister is outwardly gentle but inwardly strong, seemingly meek, but with her own measures. Your third sister is the brightest, with wisdom and strategy. And you¡­ have the highest aptitude for martial arts among all the sisters! You¡¯re the most like Grandfather in his youth, fiercely competitive, vengeful, and without regard for consequences. You¡¯re inherently rebellious, and Grandfather feared that if you tasted blood, you would become even more unrestrained. That¡¯s why he made you stay in Dadu¡­ to study more books of sages with the tutelage of a teacher.¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s face paled at Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, her back straightening rigidly. Looking at Bai Jinzhi, she spoke with a tone of heartbreak, ¡°Horsemanship, swordsmanship, spear techniques, archery, whip skills! You learn everything faster than others and are more proficient in everything. At just fifteen, how many people in Dadu City are your match? You should be self-restrained, planning thoughtfully before acting! Displaying recklessness on the outside while remaining calm inside. You should be making a name for yourself on the battlefield as a woman, becoming a general that future generations will admire, like Grandfather, the most glorious woman of Jin¡¯s Duke¡¯s mansion and Jin Kingdom! Not competing for a moment, putting yourself and the Bai family in a perilous situation!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s previously proud back slumped slightly, her expression became grave, and her clenched fists trembled with force. Unable to bear her emotions, she said weakly, ¡°If you admit your mistake today, go find Uncle Ping and take these fifty canes! If you still think you are not wrong¡­ then let it be.¡± If she doesn¡¯t know her mistakes, what use is punishment? Bai Jinzhi couldn¡¯t speak, only biting her teeth hard, then rising and leaving Qinghui Courtyard to find Lu Ping and take her punishment. ¡°Jintong, go tell Uncle Ping to go easy on her, considering the urgent matters of the Bai family.¡± She lowered her voice and instructed. Bai Jintong nodded and quickly turned to chase after Bai Jinzhi. ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly. ¡°Xiaosi will understand that Eldest Young Lady¡¯s harsh words are because she has high hopes for her.¡± The Bai family¡¯s men were all lost; only the women remained. It was already difficult to support the Bai family. Bai Jinxiu was married into the Qin family. Soon Bai Jintong would also leave to do business. It wasn¡¯t because she thought Bai Jinzhi was too young to arrange anything for her. She intended to keep Bai Jinzhi by her side and teach her for a few more years after the Bai family¡¯s major affairs were settled, then let her follow her aspirations to showcase her talents on the battlefield. But she forgot that the Bai family was already walking on thin ice, with a difficult and pressing road ahead. There was no long time left for a pure and free-spirited girl like Bai Jinzhi to indulge at will. After experiencing the great sorrow of losing her loved ones, Bai Jinzhi had to quickly grow up to be a strong and responsible daughter who could support a part of the Bai family. With the clear blue skies above, she gazed into the distance with deep determination in her eyes. King Xin¡¯s claws had dared to play tricks behind their backs, planning and plotting to overthrow the Bai family. Now that the plot was exposed¡­ if they still hoped to retreat without a hitch, she wouldn¡¯t make it easy for them. Bai Qingyan, though she had lost her martial skills, would use public opinion as her sword. Since they both wanted to use public sentiment and words as weapons to shape the situation, then let¡¯s see who¡¯s superior. She called out to the anxious maids and attendants standing at the entrance of Qinghui Courtyard: ¡°Chun Tao¡­¡± Chun Tao heard her and quickly walked in. Seeing Bai Qingyan support Bai Jinxiu to go inside, she hurriedly lifted the curtain. ¡°Go call your cousin over. I have something to instruct him.¡± ¡°Yes! This maid will go now!¡± Chun Tao nodded. Inside the main house, Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinxiu sat by the stove. She personally massaged Bai Jinxiu¡¯s arm. When blocking the Fourth Young Lady, Bai Jinzhi, in front of the Duke¡¯s mansion gate, Bai Jinxiu was caught off guard and was pushed by Bai Jinzhi, hitting the copper-edged door frame, hurting her old injury, making her arm too painful to lift. Perhaps it was too quiet in the room, or maybe it was just because she felt peaceful next to her eldest sister, Bai Jinxiu couldn¡¯t help speaking¡­ ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu lowered her eyebrows, sounding particularly nasal. ¡°This morning, Nanny Luo beside my mother sent a message from my maternal grandparents¡¯ family. They said¡­ the entire Bai family men are dead, my father, brothers, and younger brother have all passed away. I¡¯ve also married. Now the Emperor¡¯s attitude toward the Bai family is unclear. They advised my mother to make early arrangements, to ask Grandmother for a divorce paper, to avoid being implicated by the Bai family.¡± In the golden-beast incense burner, light smoke swirled, filling the room with a faint fragrance. ¡°Aunt won¡¯t leave.¡± Her voice was low, yet very certain, because in her past life¡­ it was so. Her aunts, though they married when the Duke¡¯s mansion was in glory, none of them were cowards during its downfall. Not one¡­ left the Bai family. They even threatened the Emperor with their lives for justice for the Bai family. ¡°I know.¡± Bai Jinxiu responded softly. ¡°I just feel that life is unpredictable. In the past¡­ Grandmother always taught my mother to be obedient and kind, to serve her in-laws well. But why, the moment something happened to the Bai family, during the time when my father¡¯s body isn¡¯t even cold yet, did she urge my mother to get a divorce paper? It¡¯s really¡­ so heartless.¡± ¡°Maternal love is all about wanting her children to live safe and prosperous lives! There¡¯s a saying¡­ raising children for a hundred years, always worrying ninety-nine! Don¡¯t blame your grandmother.¡± The bits of resentment and shame in Bai Jinxiu¡¯s heart dissolved because of Bai Qingyan¡¯s words. She turned to look at Bai Qingyan massaging her shoulder, tears streaming down her face: ¡°I wonder if the mother¡¯s families of my other aunts will also want them to leave the Bai family at this time.¡± ¡°Aunties, they won¡¯t leave!¡± She held Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand, speaking earnestly. ¡°So, we need to help Mother and our aunts support the Bai family! To show the world that even if our grandfather, father, all of the Bai men aren¡¯t here anymore, no one can belittle the Bai family¡¯s prestige. No one can belittle our mothers and aunts!¡± Chapter 74 - Chapter 74: Chapter 73: Adding Trouble_1 Chapter 74: Chapter 73: Adding Trouble_1 Bai Jinxiu nodded, ¡°I only hope Fifth Aunt can give birth to a boy! At least it would help sustain the Bai family¡¯s household!¡± When Bai Jinxiu mentioned the word ¡°boy,¡± she couldn¡¯t help but think of the illegitimate son in Qingming Courtyard, like a bone stuck in her throat. ¡°That illegitimate son of my father¡­I¡¯ve heard about what happened on the long street. He¡¯s simply a worthless scoundrel! We can¡¯t count on him!¡± Bai Qingyan did not want to mention that illegitimate son again and merely said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that illegitimate son; he won¡¯t cause any major trouble. Whether Fifth Aunt has a boy or a girl is up to fate. We can¡¯t force it! We need to plan for the worst outcome.¡± ¡°Then what will happen to the Bai family in the future?¡± Bai Jinxiu choked. ¡°When Grandfather¡­ and the others return, Grandmother will ask the Emperor to allow us to relocate the entire family back to ancestral land in Shuoyang. Grandmother will claim to be praying for the blessings of Jin and will go to Qingan Temple for worship, taking your third sister Jintong with her. Grandmother will have Third Sister dress as a man to go out and conduct business, secretly amassing wealth for the Bai family¡­¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan¡¯s plans, Bai Jinxiu felt her heart pound with fear. She tightened her grip on Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand, her mind in turmoil, and her words became rash, ¡°Move the whole family back to Shuoyang? I want to go back too! Qin Lang has already moved out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s Household¡­Shuoyang is a place of outstanding people, perfect for studying! I¡­¡± Compared to staying in Dadu, Bai Jinxiu always felt that being together with her sisters brought more security and warmth. Bai Qingyan patted Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand to calm her down before shaking her head, ¡°Leaving aside the fact that you¡¯re already married to Qin Lang, our Bai family¡­may not be able to withdraw safely back to Shuoyang. If we can indeed withdraw safely, we can¡¯t all leave Dadu City unwatched. Do you understand what I mean?¡± Bai Jinxiu was taken aback, vaguely sensing that Bai Qingyan seemed to be planning something, ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Qingyan squeezed Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand tightly, ¡°This time, if the Bai family can withdraw completely back to Shuoyang, someone needs to stay in Dadu to manage things. You have always been reserved and steady. With you in Dadu¡­Eldest Young Lady can feel at ease.¡± Bai Jinxiu pressed her lips together and suddenly understood Bai Qingyan¡¯s intention. Eldest Young Lady was planning for the Bai family¡¯s future. The retreat to Shuoyang was only temporary; in the future, Eldest Young Lady still intended to bring the Bai family back! Now that she knew Bai Qingyan had plans, Bai Jinxiu would never hold them back. She raised her eyes, a firm and steady look in them, and nodded, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, rest assured. Jinxiu will not disappoint Eldest Young Lady¡¯s expectations. I¡¯ll be here in Dadu City, waiting for you to come back.¡± ¡°Big Miss, my cousin is here!¡± Chun Tao said softly from outside the door. Hearing this, Bai Jinxiu wiped her tears with a handkerchief, composed herself, and sat properly by the carved bronze stove. ¡°Let Chen Qingsheng in,¡± Bai Qingyan said. When Chen Qingsheng entered and saw Bai Jinxiu there, he hastily bowed, keeping his head lowered and not daring to lift it, ¡°Greetings, Big Miss, greetings, Second Miss.¡± Bai Qingyan sat by the soft couch¡¯s small table, and without avoiding Bai Jinxiu, she asked, ¡°Have you heard about what happened in front of the Duke¡¯s mansion today?¡± Chen Qingsheng, observant and perceptive, knew that since Big Miss did not avoid Second Miss when she called him over, she must not fear Second Miss knowing. He answered honestly, ¡°I heard about it. Big Miss, just give the order!¡± She lowered her eyes, opened the lid of the gilded incense burner, and used a plain silver stick to stir the ashes, restraining the overwhelming murderous intent in her eyes, ¡°The words ¡®arrogant and reckless in using the military¡¯ were sent by King Xin! The ones behind this want to blame the Bai family for King Xin¡¯s defeat in the capital, further cementing the accusation that the Bai family harmed the soldiers¡¯ families, thus ruining our reputation completely. Since they failed in their attempt, the Bai family must act, showing them that once they stir up trouble in this pool, it won¡¯t calm down easily.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Big Miss. I know what to do! They want to use rumors to attack our Duke¡¯s mansion; we can hit back in kind. I¡¯m skilled at this and won¡¯t disappoint you¡­¡± Chen Qingsheng promised. Bai Qingyan closed the incense burner lid and looked solemnly at Chen Qingsheng, ¡°Thank you for your hard work! Go on with your tasks!¡± ¡¤ Despite Lu Ping¡¯s leniency, Bai Jinzhi, who took the beating, still ended up with welt-laden skin. Bai Jinzhi was tough and knew she was wrong. She bit her teeth and took the beating without uttering a sound, walking back to the courtyard herself without letting anyone help. When Bai Jintong came to treat Bai Jinzhi with golden sore medicine, she saw Bai Jinzhi lying on the soft couch, secretly shedding tears. Hearing the door open, Bai Jinzhi quickly wiped her tears with a pillow. ¡°Eldest Young Lady had Uncle Ping go easy on you. Your injury is considered light.¡± Bai Jintong washed her hands and sat by the bed, moved the brazier closer, and opened the blanket to apply medicine to Bai Jinzhi. ¡°Do you accept your punishment today from Eldest Young Lady?¡± Bai Jintong asked, glancing at Bai Jinzhi, who was secretly crying. Maybe Bai Jintong¡¯s hand was too heavy while applying the medicine, making Bai Jinzhi¡¯s body stiffen. She muttered, ¡°Yes, I know! I¡¯ll fix my impulsiveness! I¡¯ll plan before acting from now on.¡± ¡°Do you understand what Eldest Young Lady meant by ¡®outwardly straightforward, inwardly steady¡¯?¡± Bai Jintong deliberately asked. Bai Jinzhi propped herself up on one arm and looked back at Bai Jintong. After applying the medicine and covering Bai Jinzhi with the blanket, Bai Jintong wiped her hands with a towel, ¡°Eldest Young Lady doesn¡¯t want you to change your way of doing things! Everyone says that being outwardly accommodating and inwardly principled is the way to deal with the world, but you can go the opposite way! Everyone in Dadu City knows about your righteous and straightforward nature. If you use this to disguise yourself as a pig to eat the tiger, you can achieve what others can¡¯t, and they won¡¯t be guarded against someone who seems so simple-minded.¡± Hearing the term ¡°simple-minded,¡± Bai Jinzhi almost got angry, frowning deeply. ¡°How others perceive you doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is that you know in your heart who you are¡ªyou are the Bai family¡¯s fourth girl from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion! We may lack a counselor¡¯s wisdom. So, we must be internally cautious and steady, planning before action. Being outwardly firm yet inwardly flexible, knowing your own strengths, means you can achieve great things. Reflect well on what you should do!¡± ¡°On the side of the sinking ship, a thousand sails pass; before the sick tree, a thousand trees bloom! Though the Bai men are gone, we still have Eldest Young Lady¡­ and us! We may be women, but we must support the Bai family¡¯s honor! A member of the Bai family may die, but the spirit cannot be extinguished, the resilience cannot be broken, and the sharpness must not be dulled!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes, very similar to Bai Qingyan¡¯s, reddened. She firmly grasped Bai Jinzhi¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Third Sister understands that from Grandfather to our youngest brother, none will return. You are scared, confused, and hate those who try to slander Grandfather! I feel the same! But now, the Bai family is like eggs in a broken basket, teetering on the edge. We can¡¯t be afraid, can¡¯t be reckless, and can¡¯t act like brutes just to vent our anger! We must help our aunt and Eldest Young Lady, not cause further trouble.¡± Bai Jinzhi, her heartache exposed, immediately burst into tears. Reflecting on today¡¯s events that nearly caused a disaster for the Bai family, she felt deep shame and tightly clenched the bedsheet beneath her, ¡°Third Sister, don¡¯t worry! I understand now!¡± Chapter 75 - Chapter 75: Chapter 74: Deployment_1 Chapter 75: Chapter 74: Deployment_1 The news that the fourth young lady of the Bai Mansion had whipped a greedy troublemaker outside the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion and received fifty military cane strokes as family punishment quickly spread among the common folk. Some praised the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion for its high moral standards, saying, ¡°I¡¯d rather have the world betray me than betray the world!¡± Others felt that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion was too weak, wondering how it could allow its own daughter to be punished after resisting an intruder. However, when the matter was brought up, the public couldn¡¯t help but recall the thunderous anger of the Bai family¡¯s eldest daughter in front of the mansion. Suddenly, the Duke of Zhen was scorned for his obstinate military decisions which led to the disastrous defeat in the southern border. Some citizens speculated about the surviving King Xin, wondering who first guessed that King Xin might have shifted the blame for the failed campaign onto the deceased hero to protect himself. Others suspected that the person behind the scenes, who bribed the soldiers¡¯ families to cause trouble at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, was none other than King Xin. Rumors intensified, and soon the public firmly believed it to be the truth. In less than half a day, households across Dadu City could hear citizens whispering curses against King Xin, their words laced with intense bitterness. Some bold men even ran to King Xin¡¯s residence to spit at the gate before leaving in anger. The advisors left in King Xin¡¯s mansion were like ants in a hot pot, gathering in the discussion hall without reaching a resolution. ¡°Fortunately, we have already tested that the Bai family does not have the military records! For now¡­ we must find those records as soon as possible!¡± An advisor frowned under the bright lamp. ¡°We have no choice but to proceed this way! Keep a close watch on the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Report immediately if there¡¯s any suspicious activity!¡± The old man in the green robe shook his head under the lamp. ¡°With the military report, King Xin was too eager to cover his mistakes, and using the phrase ¡®obstinate military decisions¡¯ was too obvious. It was a blunder, a great blunder!¡± King Xin would be returning on the fifth with the deceased¡¯s spirit enshrined. The Bai Mansion was suddenly burdened with a great mourning. Fortunately, Mrs. Dong managed the household strictly, and the Bai family worked in unity. Despite it being the festive season, they received the news on New Year¡¯s Eve. In just three days, the preparations in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion were mostly complete. Yet the discussion of whether the second house¡¯s illegitimate son, Bai Qingxuan, should perform the mourning rites remained unresolved among the Eldest Princess, the mother, and various aunts. Now, all the male members of the Bai family were deceased, leaving only the illegitimate son from the second house, who had yet to be entered into the family register. The gender of the fifth wife¡¯s unborn child was still unknown. If Bai Qingxuan were allowed to perform the rites, it would signify the Bai family acknowledging his identity, even entrusting him with the family¡¯s honor. If the Duke¡¯s position could be preserved, it would surely be inherited by him. However, Bai Qingxuan was known for his violent and ruthless nature, lacking any sense of justice and righteousness. Neither the Eldest Princess, Mrs. Dong, nor the other wives trusted him with the fate of the Bai family. After discussing all afternoon in the Eldest Princess¡¯s Changshou Courtyard, the wives still could not reach a decision. Observant servants, however, were quick to curry favor by running to offer their assistance at Qingming Courtyard. Even Bai Qingxuan¡¯s mother started acting like the future mother of the Duke of Zhen. During such a crucial time in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, she completely ignored Mrs. Dong¡¯s orders for the household to eat vegetarian food. She demanded blood swallows for her son from the kitchen, then honey-glazed ham, then crystal pork elbow, and kept finding faults with the maidservants for not being pretty enough, claiming they sullied her son¡¯s noble eyes. Some servants, eager to please this mother-son duo, secretly sent an array of delicacies to Qingming Courtyard. Some maids, aware of Bai Qingxuan¡¯s lecherous tendencies, harbored improper thoughts and flaunted their looks in Qingming Courtyard. Bai Qingyan stood in front of the brass fire shield, listening to the steward nanny she had placed in Qingming Courtyard, who stood respectfully and reported on recent events there. ¡°The nanny from the second house boasts in Qingming Courtyard, saying that whoever injured her son will be punished when they gain power.¡± The steward nanny knew she must report this to Bai Qingyan, as the statement was aimed at her. ¡°Nanny, your hard work is appreciated. Please keep a close watch on Qingming Courtyard during this critical time to prevent any disturbances,¡± Bai Qingyan instructed, looking up at the elderly steward nanny. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, eldest young lady! If anything happens, this old servant will send someone to report immediately,¡± the steward nanny assured. Chun Tao escorted the steward nanny to the door and was about to return to attend to Bai Qingyan when she saw Nanny Tong, carrying a bundle, hurrying into Qinghui Courtyard. Chun Tao¡¯s eyes welled up. She quickly stepped forward, bowed, and greeted tearfully, ¡°Nanny Tong, you¡¯ve returned!¡± Though Nanny Tong was usually stern and strict in Qinghui Courtyard, keeping all the servants firmly in line, she was their pillar of strength, especially in such a crisis. With the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion facing such a catastrophe, Nanny Tong¡¯s return provided the servants with the vital support they needed. Nanny Tong helped Chun Tao to her feet, her eyes reddened. Her inherently stern features grew even more solemn, ¡°How is the eldest young lady? Can she endure it?¡± ¡°Nanny, rest assured! The eldest young lady is well and holding up!¡± Chun Tao said, tears streaming down. With the stream of calamities befalling while Nanny Tong was away, Chun Tao managed to hold up just like the eldest young lady. But now that Nanny Tong had returned, she felt her strength crumble. Thinking of the disgraceful and vile Chun Yan, and the tragic fate of the Bai family¡¯s men, Chun Tao couldn¡¯t help but cry. Nanny Tong heard several rumors about the eldest young lady while away. Despite her anxiety, she felt relieved hearing Chun Tao¡¯s words. ¡°Let me freshen up first, and then I will see the young lady,¡± Nanny Tong said, heading to the side room to tidy up. She stood by the brazier to dispel the cold before entering to pay respects to Bai Qingyan. Hearing about the calamity the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion had suffered, Nanny Tong had hurried back and was tearfully relieved to find Bai Qingyan in good health, even appearing stronger than when she left. Bai Qingyan had Chun Tao help Nanny Tong sit on a cushioned stool and asked, ¡°Nanny, did you arrange everything at home before returning?¡± Nanny Tong had left to care for her gravely ill son. Bai Qingyan had sent word for her to remain home until the new year. With the tragic news of the Bai men¡¯s demise, her swift, loyal return was evident. ¡°Everything is settled at home, eldest young lady. No need to worry. I also bring a message from Nanny Jin, your wet nurse, entrusting your two wet-nursed brothers to serve you and the Princely Heir¡¯s wife during these crucial times. Nanny Jin wants you to know¡­ you mustn¡¯t fear. The loyal servants of the Bai family stand ready to aid you at your command.¡± Chapter 76 - Chapter 76: Chapter 75: Assistance_1 Chapter 76: Chapter 75: Assistance_1 Yes, in this life¡­ the Bai family loyal servants were all here! They had not yet scattered to the ends of the earth to protect her and her sisters¡¯ escape. Her eyes turned red. In her previous life, her mother had received news that Liu Huanzhang was returning to Dadu to accuse her grandfather of treason. It was the two wet nurse brothers, Xiao Ruojiang and Xiao Ruohai, who protected Bai Jinzhi and took her to the Wei Kingdom. Bai Jinzhi devoted herself to Wei and became one of its most valiant generals. Xiao Ruojiang and Xiao Ruohai, too, became trusted advisors and generals by her side. ¡°I am not in a position to meet the two milk brothers at this hour. Nanny, please make arrangements for them to rest well first. They have traveled throughout the night and must be exhausted. We can discuss everything tomorrow.¡± Bai Qingyan looked at Nanny Tong¡¯s bloodshot eyes and knew she probably hadn¡¯t rested well on the journey. Nanny Tong nodded. After traveling for a day and a night without sleep, she felt relieved upon seeing Bai Qingyan safe and sound at the Duke¡¯s mansion. Exhaustion then took over. After all, she was old and couldn¡¯t endure such torments. As she stepped out, Nanny Tong saw a new face, Yingshuang, sitting under the porch eating pine nut candy. She frowned, feeling it was unruly, and asked Chun Tao, ¡°Has our courtyard got new people?¡± Chun Tao looked at Yingshuang with some affection and quickly explained, ¡°I forgot to tell Nanny. Yingshuang was brought into Qinghui Courtyard by Miss. This child isn¡¯t very bright but has great strength. She used to serve Miss Shen Qingzhu. Miss¡¯s intention is that as long as she doesn¡¯t make big mistakes, there¡¯s no need to restrain her too much.¡± Nanny Tong nodded in agreement, but she wasn¡¯t very pleased. Rules and order were necessary; even if the Miss wanted to promote Yingshuang, she shouldn¡¯t be sitting so carelessly in the courtyard eating. Others might think the Qinghui Courtyard lacked discipline. She did not show this on her face but planned to discuss it with the Miss later and start teaching Yingshuang the rules after obtaining her approval. In Nanny Tong¡¯s view, it didn¡¯t matter if Yingshuang wasn¡¯t smart or learned slowly. She could be taught gradually. Favoring her out of pity would only harm her in the long run. ¡°You should go serve the Miss now!¡± Nanny Tong said to Chun Tao. Chun Tao nodded. Upon entering the room, she saw Bai Qingyan taking out a fox-fur cloak and quickly helped her put it on. ¡°Miss, where are you going?¡± ¡°To see grandmother.¡± When Bai Qingyan entered Changshou Courtyard, she saw the Eldest Princess and Nanny Jiang standing under the eaves lantern. She handed her hand warmer to Chun Tao and quickly walked up. ¡°Grandmother, why are you standing outside?¡± The Eldest Princess, her eyes red as if she had been crying, saw Bai Qingyan arrive and smiled. She pulled Bai Qingyan into her arms and pointed to the pine tree in the courtyard. ¡°That pine tree was planted by your grandfather himself! The year we moved into this Changshou Courtyard¡­¡± The Eldest Princess looked down at her granddaughter in her arms, tears mingling with her smile. ¡°Back then, this place was called Rongshou Courtyard! But your grandfather said he did not seek glory, only long life for us as a couple. He changed the name to Changshou Courtyard instead.¡± Standing beside them, Nanny Jiang turned away, covering her mouth as tears streamed. The Eldest Princess¡¯s nostrils flared; a sour bitterness filled her heart. ¡°Grandmother, let¡¯s go inside¡­ it¡¯s windy here.¡± She lowered her moist eyes and helped the Eldest Princess back into the main room. She then placed a warm towel on the Eldest Princess¡¯s face, bringing her back to her senses. ¡°Coming over in the wind this late, is there something troubling you?¡± The Eldest Princess handed the warm towel to Nanny Jiang, took Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand, and had her sit by her side. She then sent Nanny Jiang to fetch a bowl of hot ginger soup for Bai Qingyan. ¡°Regarding my second uncle¡¯s illegitimate son, it is now being said throughout the household that Bai Qingxuan will inherit the Duke of Zhen¡¯s title. Grandfather, father, uncle, and my brother will be back in three days. I have come to ask grandmother about your plans for him.¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s mind was in a tangle, remembering the scene of the daughters-in-law discussing earlier without resolution. She asked Bai Qingyan, ¡°What does Kid think?¡± She held the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand and spoke slowly, ¡°That child¡­ is violent and lacks compassion. He is unfit for the title of Duke of Zhen. If we place him in such a position, it may not only destroy the Bai family¡¯s century-old reputation but also bring disaster upon us!¡± The Eldest Princess nodded. However, the Bai family had sacrificed over generations to earn the Duke of Zhen¡¯s title¡ªcould they just give it up so easily?! ¡°The other day, someone bribed a soldier¡¯s family to cause trouble at our mansion¡¯s gate. It served as a reminder that someone is watching in the shadows, trying to bring the Bai family down! I personally believe that bringing honor to the Bai family resides in our hearts. Voluntarily giving up the Duke¡¯s title to protect the family is the urgent priority!¡± ¡°Voluntarily giving up the title¡­¡± The Eldest Princess had considered this. She nodded. ¡°In that position, one must fulfill its responsibilities. Bai Qingxuan does not have the capability to. Rather than letting the Duke of Zhen become an empty title, we should retreat at the peak and return to our ancestral home in Shuoyang. Let His Majesty see our humility to preserve the Bai family¡¯s lives and century-old honor.¡± ¡°As for Bai Qingxuan, if grandmother has the energy, you can keep him by your side and educate him. If he achieves something in the future, the good name we build by stepping down today will greatly aid his career. Even if Bai Qingxuan is hopeless, we still have the child in Fifth Aunt¡¯s belly. If it¡¯s a boy, the Bai family can rebuild its glory soon!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s words made the Eldest Princess see clearly. Yes¡­ how could she have forgotten Fifth Daughter-in-Law¡¯s child! By stepping down, the Bai family has another way out! Stubbornly fighting for the title even if that illegitimate son gets it, might not prolong the Bai family¡¯s glory. The Eldest Princess nodded, her red eyes gazing at Bai Qingyan softly. She stroked her granddaughter¡¯s dark hair, constantly marveling in her heart. If her granddaughter was a grandson, the Bai family would worry less about successors. Bai Qingyan was excelling in both literature and martial arts! Her strategies, wisdom, and demeanor were all extraordinary. After leaving the Eldest Princess¡¯s courtyard, Bai Qingyan intended to visit Mrs. Dong. When she reached her courtyard door, she did not let Nanny Qin announce her. Just as she lifted the curtain to enter, she heard her mother crying softly. Through the twelve-paneled jasper-redwood screen, she vaguely saw her mother sitting by the bronze flower mirror, clutching the hairpin her father handcrafted for her birthday and holding the clothes she made this year for her younger brother, Bai Qingyu. She was crying uncontrollably. Her mother¡¯s sobbing stung Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart as if it was pricked. Her internally strong mother, who lost both husband and son overnight, must be feeling heart-wrenching pain. Not wanting to disturb her mother, she stood behind the screen for half a cup of tea¡¯s time before quietly leaving the room. Chapter 77 - Chapter 77: Chapter 76: The Return of the Hero_1 Chapter 77: Chapter 76: The Return of the Hero_1 ¡°Eldest sister¡­¡± Nanny Qin approached her, and upon seeing her reddened eyes, instructed her to take good care of their mother, at which Nanny Qin¡¯s tears immediately welled up. ¡°Rest assured, eldest sister, the Princely Heir¡¯s wife is strong. Just this morning, she told this old servant that as the mistress of the Duke¡¯s family and your mother, she must hold on¡­ If she can¡¯t even support the Bai family, how can she protect her own daughter?¡± Hearing these words, Bai Qingyan¡¯s palms clenched tightly, and her heart ached intensely. She thought of her father. She recalled the bloody battle where she once crushed the Shu Kingdom, surrounding and cutting off the head of Shu¡¯s Great General Pang Pingguo after three days of pursuit, shattering the Shu Kingdom¡¯s will to fight in one fell swoop. After their victory, she was overjoyed, but her father scolded her for disobeying military orders to pursue Pang Pingguo and instructed her to take fifty lashes herself! She protested, arguing with her father, and asked, ¡°I have beheaded a great general of the Shu Kingdom and contributed to our victory; why does father punish me?¡± Her father¡¯s eyes were red with anger; he threw down the horsewhip in his hand, kicked away the silver spear in her hand, and yelled at her with splitting veins, ¡°Because I am your father! No matter how ingenious and valiant you appear in others¡¯ eyes, to me, you are the daughter I could not bear to lose even at the expense of my own life!¡± The love of parents for their children¡­ is to always want to bravely sacrifice themselves to protect their children at any time. But afterwards, she no longer had a father! Nor a brother¡­ Her father had died in Fengcheng. Her brother had died in the southern borders. She nodded slightly, and in a hoarse voice, she said to Nanny Qin, ¡°Nanny, don¡¯t tell mother I was here.¡± Nanny Qin tucked the shawl around Bai Qingyan, nodded with choked sobs, and said, ¡°Rest well these few days, Eldest. When the Duke of Zhen and the Princely Heir return¡­ you¡¯ll have much to attend to.¡± She nodded in agreement, leaned on Chun Tao¡¯s hand, and slowly walked out of the courtyard against the harsh chill of the wind. Watching the white lanterns swinging chaotically beneath the eaves as they were blown by the wind, she gripped Chun Tao¡¯s hand tightly. A storm was brewing; Dadu City was inevitably facing a change of seasons. ¡¤ In the sixteenth year of Xuanjia, on the fifth day of the first lunar month, heavy snow fell. At the first quarter of Yin time, the guards at Dadu City¡¯s southern gate came out of the barracks, lantern in hand, ordering the city gates to be opened. Turning around in the heavy snow, the guard saw people approaching from the bright lights at the far end of the street. As they came closer, he saw it wasn¡¯t just two or three people and immediately went on guard, readying the sword at his waist. The steward of Duke of Zhen¡¯s family ran up ahead, bowed respectfully to the guard, and explained the situation, ¡°Today, King Xin is returning with the funeral procession, and our family¡¯s mistress along with the ladies have come to welcome them at the city gate.¡± Seeing clearly that the visitors were indeed dressed in mourning clothes and wearing mourning headbands, the guard nodded and stepped aside. As a fellow military man, even though he had not gone to the battlefield, he harbored a heart devoted to serving the country and its people. That day, in front of Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, some people who forgot their integrity for silver caused a disturbance at the Duke¡¯s residence; the Bai family¡¯s eldest daughter spoke out and ignited the fervently boiling blood of the men, whose eyes filled with tears as they wished they could join the Duke in battle to serve the country to their deaths. Now that the Duke¡¯s family and men of the Bai Mansion had returned wrapped in horsehides, it was only right for the widows of the Bai family to come out and welcome them. The Princely Heir¡¯s mother, Mrs. Dong, together with Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Li, Mrs. Wang, and the pregnant Mrs. Qi with her swollen belly, as well as the eldest daughter Bai Qingyan, second daughter Bai Jinxiu, third daughter Bai Jintong, and the fourth daughter Bai Jinzhi who, despite recently being punished, had stubbornly gotten back on her feet, along with second son-in-law Qin Lang, stood outside the southern gate of Dadu City accompanied by the Bai family¡¯s guards and servants, silently awaiting the return of the heroes of the Bai family. The faint sounds of servants¡¯ sobbing came from the crowd, yet the masters themselves appeared more resilient. The heavy snow obscured visibility, and all Bai Qingyan could see beyond the thick falling flakes was darkness. With the men of the Bai family all fallen, those within the great Dadu City who feared and resented the Bai family were probably too exhilarated to sleep. Yet the road ahead was long and uncertain, who knew what the future held? A cold glint suddenly flashed in Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes. The viper lies dormant, hibernating until the spring hunt. No rush, no rush¡­ Mrs. Dong, eyes red and teary, lowered her gaze and wrapped Bai Qingyan¡¯s cloak tighter around her, her fingers trembling despite her efforts to control them, ¡°I wanted you children to stay at the mansion, to accompany your grandmother and take care of your sister, but you wouldn¡¯t listen¡­¡± She gently grasped her mother¡¯s icy hand, her own eyes reddening as she gripped it tightly, ¡°We, the younger generation, are now able to share the burden with you, Aunties. We are no longer children.¡± In a previous life, Bai Qingyan had fallen ill, leaving her mother to single-handedly support the Bai Mansion. This life would be different; she would not allow her mother to be left all alone again. Mrs. Liu, the Second Lady, hugged her daughter Bai Jinxiu close, her tears flowing relentlessly. If not for the sake of her daughter, she would have wished to die and join her husband and sons. But her daughter had already lost her grandfather, father, and brothers¡ªhow could she bear to let her daughter lose her mother as well? It was unknown who in Dadu City was the first to light a lantern. Upon hearing that the widows of the Duke¡¯s mansion had gone to the South Gate early in the morning to receive the coffins, they hastily dressed and took their lanterns out into the snow, coincidentally meeting a neighbor who was doing the same. ¡°Did you also hear? The widows of the Bai family have gone to the South Gate!¡± ¡°Yes! The valiant members of the Duke¡¯s mansion return today, and since they have protected us for generations, we should also go to welcome them.¡± The two had barely exchanged a few words when the wooden door next door creaked open, and a man, followed by his elderly father, seeing the neighbors, also asked, ¡°Are you going to the South Gate too?¡± The guard at the South Gate stood atop the city wall and saw lantern after lantern emerge from somewhere within Dadu City. The warm soft glow within the lanterns converged from all directions, a sight grander even than New Year¡¯s Eve. The harsh winter snow had not yet given way to dawn. The guard, moved by the scene, called out loudly, ¡°Raise the wicks of the city gate¡¯s lamps higher, to guide the loyal souls of Jin back home!¡± Hearing this, the women of the Bai family couldn¡¯t stop their eyes from reddening and stood with straight spines in the snow, waiting for those returning. Court officials tended to flock to the powerful and avoid the weak, and since news from the southern borders had returned, the Emperor¡¯s attitude seemed subtly hesitant to pardon the Bai family. Those who had received the news didn¡¯t dare to rashly go to the South Gate as they had on New Year¡¯s Eve. This time, only a few noble court officials came, among them Dong Qingping and Dong Qingyue, who, upon learning that Mrs. Dong had led the Bai family widows to the South Gate, wiped their faces with handkerchiefs and hurried over on horseback. Mrs. Dong, her eyes teeming with tears and heart filled with gratitude, couldn¡¯t help but admonish, ¡°Brother, Qingyue, you shouldn¡¯t have come!¡± Dong Qingping patted Mrs. Dong¡¯s shoulder with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± Unexpectedly for Bai Qingyan, Xiao Rongyan had also come to the South Gate, accompanied by Lu Yuanpeng and a group of dandies. Lu Yuanpeng greeted the ladies of the Bai family with great respect, and Xiao Rongyan also nodded slightly, looking up at Bai Qingyan who was returning the courtesy with lowered eyes. Bai Qingyan, dressed in mourning attire, her head covered with a mourning veil, her peerless beauty wrapped in serene poise. Chapter 78 - Chapter 78: Chapter 77: Leading the Way_1 Chapter 78: Chapter 77: Leading the Way_1 Bai Qingyan¡¯s already pale face looked even more ghostly today. Though her brows bore signs of weariness, her gaze remained resolute. ¡°Thank you, Young Master Lu, for resolving the situation in front of the Duke¡¯s residence that day. After our family¡¯s affairs are settled, we will surely visit to express our gratitude,¡± Mrs. Dong said gently. ¡°Madam, you give Yuanpeng too much credit! It was just a coincidence. Madam need not worry,¡± Lu Yuanpeng replied politely. The sky was just beginning to lighten as the heavy snowfall gradually ceased. Just when the citizens thought they would freeze, they faintly heard the sound of horse hooves through the fog. Soon, a four-horse-drawn carriage with lanterns at its corners appeared, slowly approaching, escorted by guards carrying King Xin¡¯s banners. Mrs. Liu¡¯s legs gave way, and it was only thanks to Bai Jinxiu¡¯s quick reflexes that she was caught. Holding Mrs. Liu¡¯s hand tightly, she was in tears. Mrs. Dong took a deep breath and instinctively gripped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand. From afar, King Xin¡¯s guards saw the bright lanterns illuminating the south gate. They hurried over, realizing the situation, and rushed back to the carriage, whispering, ¡°Prince, the Bai family¡¯s widow and the citizens of the capital are all at the south gate¡­¡± King Xin, carrying a beautiful concubine in his arms, lifted the curtain to glance at the bustling lights. Feeling guilty, he quickly withdrew, his palms sweaty. This time, he had only brought back the bodies of Duke Bai Weiting, Bai Weiting¡¯s fifth son, Bai Qijing, and Bai family¡¯s sixth and seventeenth sons. To humiliate the Bai family for the court officials to see, King Xin had deliberately placed them in the lowest-quality coffins. King Xin wiped his sweaty palms with a handkerchief, stared at the bronze incense burner, and thought for a moment before saying sternly, ¡°Tell them I am severely injured and cannot get off the carriage, and to proceed directly into the city.¡± ¡°Yes, understood!¡± King Xin¡¯s guard nodded. The beautiful concubine in the carriage, seeing King Xin¡¯s somber expression, laughed as she took a cup of warm wine from the stove and offered it to King Xin¡¯s lips. ¡°The men of the Bai family are all dead. It¡¯s just a group of women; why should you worry, Prince?¡± The alluring beauty smiled radiantly at him, and King Xin, feeling a bit more at ease, drank the wine from her delicate hand. Yes, the men of the Bai family were all dead. What could a group of women possibly do? Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t he who held a grudge against the Bai family but his father. The ancient saying goes that when a ruler wants a minister to die, the minister has no choice but to die. The Bai family died for a cause. Why should he be afraid? Thinking this, King Xin leaned back comfortably on the soft cushion, playing with the beautiful woman¡¯s delicate hand. The carriage swayed as it arrived at the city gate, where Mrs. Dong led the Bai family members in a salute. ¡°Greetings, King Xin.¡± ¡°Cough, cough, cough¡­¡± King Xin¡¯s coughing sound came from the carriage. ¡°I tried my best, but I could only bring back Duke and General Bai Qijing, along with the sixth and seventeenth sons. I am severely injured and cannot get off the carriage. Let the soldiers take them back to the Duke¡¯s residence.¡± With that, the carriage began to move. Mrs. Dong, realizing none of her husband or sons had returned, swayed and had to be supported. ¡°Mother!¡± Watching Mrs. Dong, who was in shock, Bai Qingyan felt a sharp pain in her heart. Mrs. Liu, whose husband and two sons also did not return, fell backward in shock. If not for Bai Jinxiu¡¯s quick reflexes, she would have collapsed. Mrs. Liu, now in tears, could not utter a single word. Her husband and sons, were they really¡­ just bones now? ¡°Seventeen! My little Seventeen!¡± Fourth Lady Wang could no longer contain herself. She stumbled towards the smallest coffin at the back. Despite the slippery path, she fell twice but got up each time, finally embracing the snow-covered coffin, utterly heartbroken. ¡°Sixth Son¡­Mother is here! I¡¯ve come to take you home!¡± Third Lady Li, choked with emotion, moved forward with Bai Jintong supporting her, wanting to touch her son¡¯s cold coffin and bring him home. Fifth Lady Qi, heavily pregnant, managed to control her emotions. She wanted to move quickly to her husband¡¯s coffin but restrained herself, pressing her palm against her abdomen, tears in her eyes. ¡°Sister-in-law¡­let¡¯s go home first!¡± Wounded Bai Jinzhi, supported by her maid, also walked towards her brother Bai Qingming¡¯s coffin. Mrs. Dong clenched her fists tightly, her heart filled with hatred, yet she had to express gratitude. ¡°Thank¡­you, Prince.¡± Bai Qingyan tightly clenched her fist. Just like in her previous life, only her grandfather, fifth uncle, brother Ming, and little Seventeen returned. But King Xin claimed to be severely injured¡­ She watched as the luxurious carriage¡¯s wheels passed before her, catching a faint scent of wine and sandalwood from the window. She stood upright, her piercing gaze catching a corner of the curtain lifted by the wind. Inside, she saw a beautiful woman draped in disheveled clothes leaning against the ¡®severely injured¡¯ King Xin. Standing apart from the crowd, Xiao Rongyan, always sharp-eared, heard the whispered words and turned his icy gaze towards his guard. The guard nodded and left quickly. Bai Qingyan turned to look at the soldiers carrying the coffins. None were from the Bai family army. They all belonged to King Xin. Her hand clenched tightly inside her sleeve. King Xin¡¯s personal guards placed the coffins down and followed the carriage back into the city, leaving the four coffins outside the city gate. Mrs. Dong struggled to maintain her dignity and composure, refraining from breaking down in tears. She led the Bai family women to kneel, knocking their heads to the ground in respect. ¡°Bai family¡¯s eldest daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dong, and the Bai family women, welcome father and our Bai family¡¯s fallen heroes home!¡± Bai Qingyan knelt with tears in her eyes, heavily bowing her head. Citizens knelt as well, crying out for the Duke, their continuous wails resonating through the cloudy morning sky. With Nanny Qin¡¯s support, Mrs. Dong stood up, standing firmly in front of her grandfather¡¯s coffin. She bit her lip and tearfully commanded, ¡°Raise the coffins! Scatter the money! Lead the way!¡± The Bai family servants immediately surrounded the four coffins, lifting the coffin poles. Dong Qingyue, a robust man, threw down the reins he had been gripping tightly, personally hoisted the coffin onto his shoulder, and shouted in a thunderous voice, ¡°Raise the coffin!¡± ¡°Raise the coffin!¡± Following the shouts, the weeping of the citizens grew even more heart-wrenching. Officials never personally carried coffins, not even for their own family. But Dong Qingyue was different. He was still a soldier under the Duke¡¯s command, with a heart full of unyielding loyalty. Bai Qingyan took the paper money, looked deeply at the four coffins, and stood at the forefront, throwing the money high into the air¡­ Following her, Bai Jinxiu also took the paper money, scattering it to guide the Bai family¡¯s heroic spirits on their journey back. Chapter 79 - Chapter 79: Chapter 78: Such Humiliation - 1 Chapter 79: Chapter 78: Such Humiliation ¨C 1 Amidst the fluttering paper money and the heart-wrenching cries of the common people, four coffins, three large and one small¡­ moved forward into the city. Perhaps they had been waiting here early in the morning, and the people were already frozen. A family servant carrying the coffin of the Duke of Zhen slipped, and with a ¡°thud,¡± the coffin hit the ground, followed by the other three coffins, one after another, falling in a panic. The paper-thin coffin cracked open, and the small coffin¡¯s hemp rope broke, causing the coffin to tilt and crash to the ground, bursting open. The body of a young boy, clad in broken armor, rolled out, and his severed head rolled straight into the snow, completely exposed! ¡°Little Seventeen!¡± Bai Jintong cried as she lunged forward, clutching Little Seventeen¡¯s head. Looking at her younger brother¡¯s lifeless, innocent face was like a silver spear piercing her chest. She hugged Little Seventeen¡¯s head and couldn¡¯t hold back her intense crying, wailing with all her might, ¡°Little Seventeen!¡± ¡°Little Seventeen!¡± Bai Jinzhi also exclaimed in shock. Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Little Seventeen!¡± Bai Qingyan turned around and saw Little Seventeen¡¯s rolling head. Her eyes were bloodshot, her heart shattered, and it felt as if a fierce wind was sweeping through her chest, making her hair stand on end. Her mind was filled with a shrill whistle, compelling her to draw her sword and slay King Xin immediately. ¡°Uncle Ping, stop King Xin¡¯s carriage for me!¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Mrs. Wang, the fourth lady, screamed, staggered, and knelt down, grabbing her son¡¯s head. Like a madwoman, she crawled back to her son¡¯s body, holding him tightly, her son¡¯s corpse already covered in bruises. She wept in despair. Mrs. Wang, usually the most gentle, had blood-red eyes like a demon from hell. She cursed at the noble Imperial Family, and at King Xin, the Emperor¡¯s son, relentlessly. ¡°King Xin, you butcher! My son¡­ you made my son¡¯s body be separated! You didn¡¯t even change him into clean clothes! He was only ten years old! A ten-year-old child, you bastard! Do you have any conscience at all?¡± Mrs. Wang cried out to the heavens, then whispered softly as if comforting her sleeping child, ¡°Little Seventeen, don¡¯t be afraid! Mommy¡¯s here! Mommy¡¯s with you! Mommy¡¯s here¡­ Mommy will warm you! We are not afraid! Not afraid¡­¡± Lu Ping saw the once lively and adorable ten-year-old child reduced to a severed body. His eyes turned red with fury, and with a murderous intent boiling within him, he was about to chase after them when Dong Qingping leaped onto his horse and¡­ rode into the city, stopping King Xin¡¯s carriage just ten meters into the city. Throughout history, if a General died in battle and his body was separated before being brought back to the city, unless the body parts couldn¡¯t be found, the person bringing back the body would order the body to be stitched back together and dressed in clean clothes and armor, so the full body could be buried with dignity. Even though the common people knew the battlefield had always been brutal, it was more shocking to see the body of a ten-year-old child who was beheaded right before their eyes. Dong Qingyue sat high on his horse, his eyes blood-red, glaring at King Xin¡¯s guards who had already drawn their swords. The Duke¡¯s Family guards had also drawn their swords, both sides in a tense confrontation, ready to strike! The Duke¡¯s Family guards were incensed by the sight of the ten-year-old boy¡¯s body rolling out. They were burning with rage, eager to fight King Xin to the death. ¡°King Xin! From the Duke himself to the soldiers of the Duke¡¯s household, they are all loyal heroes of the nation. Why didn¡¯t you clean and dress their bodies properly when bringing them back to the city? Why did you let them be disgraced with their bodies separated like this? Killing is just a matter of beheading. How dare you insult the loyal souls to such an extent!¡± Dong Qingyue bellowed, his eyes nearly popping out as he pointed his whip at the luxurious carriage, filled with murderous intent. Lu Yuanpeng, a debauchee, had never seen such a gruesome scene. Feeling his blood and anger boiling, his chest surged with what felt like molten lava, almost bursting out, and he was close to rushing forward to fight King Xin. As if even heaven couldn¡¯t bear to watch, the axle of King Xin¡¯s carriage suddenly broke. The wheels flew off, knocking down two guards at the side of the carriage. The carriage overturned, and the brazier inside instantly ignited the carriage¡¯s green cover. King Xin and a beautified concubine inside screamed as they crawled out of the carriage. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s guard silently returned to his side and whispered, ¡°Master, I failed. When I made my move earlier, the Duke¡¯s Family¡¯s guard leader and the person on horseback probably noticed me.¡± Xiao Rongyan remained expressionless and coldly replied, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± The guard nodded silently, lowering his eyes as if he hadn¡¯t done anything. The common people were dumbfounded as they watched the supposedly ¡°seriously injured¡± King Xin agilely jumping around, slapping the flames on his body. Beside him was a delicate beauty, shivering and looking around. ¡°Looks like King Xin¡¯s injury is very serious indeed!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were blood-red, killing intent swirling around her like a fierce wind. ¡°Injured enough to have a beauty accompany him in his carriage but no time to have someone stitch up and dress my ten-year-old brother who died for the nation!¡± King Xin¡¯s eyelids twitched heavily. He hadn¡¯t expected the entire city to see him standing unscathed. Clenching his fists tight, once exposed, he wasn¡¯t afraid to do worse. He looked coldly at Bai Qingyan, who stood outside his guard¡¯s circle, and said in a cold voice, ¡°I wanted to save face for the Bai family by saying I was seriously injured. Does the Bai family really want me to tell all the people in the city how Bai Weiting disobeyed my orders, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers in southern Jin?!¡± ¡°When my grandfather was in command on the expedition, he had experienced countless battles. Why should he follow the orders of a yellow-mouthed brat like you who has never experienced a bloody battle in the prosperous capital!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s tears flowed like a spring, rage and heart-wrenching pain burning away her sanity. Her voice quivered in furious agitation, ¡°Even if my grandfather commanded poorly, the sons of the Bai family¡­ fought for the people and sacrificed their lives for the country! Do they deserve to be left with their bodies separated after death? What kind of logic is this? My brother was only ten years old! He dared to go to the battlefield at ten years old! He died for our Jin Kingdom as a young hero! How can you dishonor him like this?¡± A breath of rage blocked King Xin¡¯s chest. Being forced to silence by a woman, he gritted his teeth. ¡°Even if my brother was just a commoner, you, as a royal son, should treat a child¡¯s corpse with respect! But where is your sense of kindness and justice? You are worse than an animal! The nation¡¯s elite soldiers died for the people and the country! And you¡­ cooped up in a lavish carriage with a prostitute, do you deserve to be a prince? Do you deserve to be supported by the people¡¯s taxes? If an unworthy, immoral, shameless hedonist like you, who only knows how to indulge in pleasures, were to ascend to the Eastern Palace, how would our Jin Kingdom¡¯s people survive under your rule? You are not just unfit to be a nobleman of the Imperial Family; you are not even worthy of being called a human being!¡± Chapter 80 - Chapter 80: Chapter 79: Affected Poses_1 Chapter 80: Chapter 79: Affected Poses_1 King Xin¡¯s face instantly lost all color. If Bai Qingyan¡¯s words spread and were known to the public, they would certainly become the greatest obstacle on his path to the throne! ¡°What a vicious woman!¡± King Xin trembled all over with rage, pointing at Bai Qingyan and roaring, ¡°Someone! Cut her to pieces!¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to see who dares!¡± Bai Jintong drew his sword and stood in front of Bai Qingyan, his pair of fierce eyes sweeping over King Xin¡¯s personal guards. ¡°King Xin, watch your words!¡± Mrs. Dong hurried forward to protect her daughter, standing at the forefront with the authority of the mistress of the house. ¡°If the Bai family¡¯s loyalty and bravery in battle are truly crimes, then let His Majesty decide after reviewing the military records! But before His Majesty condemns, they are all heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country! King Xin, if you show disrespect and then kill the widow of the Bai family, are you not afraid of the people¡¯s condemnation?!¡± Bai Jinzhi, injured and tasting blood in her mouth, was full of overwhelming murderous intent. Together with the Bai family¡¯s guards, she moved forward, ready to fight King Xin to protect Bai Qingyan. But Bai Qingyan, already enraged beyond control, yanked Bai Jintong back and took two steps forward, pressing her chest against the guard¡¯s sword at King Xin¡¯s mansion. Her imposing murderous aura forced the guard to retreat a step. ¡°Kill me?! Come on!¡± she screamed hoarsely, her eyes surging with a destructive madness. ¡°In broad daylight, under the clear skies, let the world see how the princes of the Jin Imperial Family treat the martyrs¡¯ orphans! Let everyone see¡­ what kind of end awaits those who fought and died for the Jin Kingdom! My spirit will stand here with eyes wide open¡­ watching who dares to fight for the Jin Kingdom in the future! Who dares to die for the Jin Kingdom! Who will dare to protect your Lin family¡¯s dynasty!¡± Xiao Rongyan stood amongst the crowd, appearing as if he were an outsider. His deep, somber eyes concealed a subtle light. Others might not understand, but he could see¡­ today, Bai Qingyan¡¯s reason had vanished the moment the seventeen heads of the Bai family fell. Her words were increasingly seditious, aggressive, and terrifyingly sharp. King Xin, intimidated by Bai Qingyan¡¯s presence, was drenched in sweat. Seeing the infuriated commoners stepping forward, seemingly unafraid of death, they assumed a stance of aligning with Bai Qingyan against his guards. King Xin¡¯s throat convulsed as he retreated. ¡°Are you¡­ you wretched people trying to rebel?!¡± The commoners noisily surged forward, eager to flay King Xin¡­ each one burned with fighting spirit, making King Xin feel unsettled and weak. He tried to maintain a facade of calm but couldn¡¯t help but step back. Words are powerful, and King Xin wasn¡¯t unaware. Today, he had assumed that all the men of the Bai family were dead¡­ and had grown arrogant. Just as King Xin didn¡¯t know how to respond, a eunuch rode in hastily, his sharp voice calling out, ¡°His Majesty decreed¡­ King Xin, go to the palace immediately for questioning! His Highness, King Xin, please follow me urgently to the palace!¡± King Xin, troubled over how to escape, realized his father had sent someone to rescue him. He quickly knelt and bowed respectfully. ¡°Your son accepts the decree!¡± King Xin stood up, pointed viciously in Bai Qingyan¡¯s direction, and then got onto the eunuch¡¯s carriage, heading toward the Imperial Palace. The entire Bai family, their eyes bloodshot with hatred, watched King Xin¡¯s departing carriage, clenching their fists tightly. ¡°Grandfather! My grandfather¡­ your grandson has just returned to the Bai family, and you have not even seen me. How could you leave¡­ grandfather!¡± A sudden cry broke out. Bai Qingxuan knelt and crawled towards the Duke of Zhen¡¯s coffin, shouting and crying, seemingly afraid that others wouldn¡¯t know he was the Duke of Zhen¡¯s grandson. Bai Qingxuan had been carried to the southern gate of the city by a servant who sought favor with the Bai family. Seeing the tense standoff between the Bai family and King Xin, he quietly hid and remained silent. Only after King Xin left did he display this seemingly heart-wrenching stance. ¡°Duke! How could you leave! Your grandson Bai Qingxuan has just returned to recognize his roots¡­ how could you leave!¡± The woman wept and beat her chest, crying out in grief. Mrs. Dong¡¯s eyes darkened. Coldly, she watched the mother and son, who were making a scene, with deep annoyance. ¡°What¡¯s all the commotion?!¡± ¡°How can you say that, Lady Wife of the Heir! This is not a scene! My son Qingxuan is the Duke¡¯s grandson¡­ the Duke is no longer here, so naturally, Qingxuan must come to greet him!¡± The woman clutched her chest, feigning heart-wrenching grief. ¡°Lady Wife of the Heir came early in the morning with the Bai family widows to welcome the Duke at the south gate. Why didn¡¯t you call my son? Is it possible that just as the Duke and the Second Master passed away¡­ you are in a hurry to drive us mother and son out of the Zhen Family¡¯s house?!¡± ¡°Grandfather! Now that you¡¯re gone, what will your grandson do!¡± Bai Qingxuan kneeled before the Duke¡¯s coffin, hitting the thin, paper-like casket. ¡°Your grandson was just beaten when he got home and nearly died! I have not even been recorded in the family register, and grandmother refuses to see me! Without your protection, grandfather¡­ your grandson will soon follow you!¡± The onlookers couldn¡¯t help but whisper among themselves. ¡°Is he also a prince of the Duke¡¯s mansion?!¡± ¡°I remember! Isn¡¯t he the one who was beaten by the eldest lady in front of Manjiang Tower?!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that amidst all the heroes of the Duke¡¯s mansion, there would be such a malicious son!¡± ¡°No matter how malicious, he is now the only male heir of the Duke¡¯s mansion! His future might be limitless!¡± The most impulsive and enraged Bai Qingyan calmed down, watching this farce unfold. She closed her eyes, ceased confronting King Xin¡¯s guards, and ignored the mother-son duo¡¯s act. She spoke, ¡°Bai Qingxuan, today you saw clearly King Xin¡¯s attitude towards my Bai family! The future of the Bai family is still uncertain. Perhaps¡­ who knows when a great crime will be imposed upon us! Our entire family may be exterminated! If you are not afraid¡­ after I handle the Bai family¡¯s affairs, mother and I will request grandmother to officially record you in the family register! Whether the Duke¡¯s mansion flourishes or is destroyed, you must bear it all without regret!¡± Bai Qingxuan, wailing, shivered as he recalled King Xin¡¯s demeanor earlier. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, and his hysterical cries got stuck in his throat. She firmly gripped Bai Jintong¡¯s hand, not even glancing at Bai Qingxuan¡¯s act. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Bringing our Bai family heroes home is of utmost importance!¡± She turned to Chun Tao, whose eyes were red, and took the white fox fur she brought, straightened her back, and walked to Mrs. Wang, who was cradling the corpse of Little Seventeen, whispering madly. She knelt, wrapping Little Seventeen¡¯s body in the fox fur. ¡°Aunt, let¡¯s take Little Seventeen home!¡± Mrs. Wang looked up through her tear-filled, bloodshot eyes, her gaze empty and lost, voice trembling, ¡°But¡­ but Little Seventeen¡¯s body is all cut open! I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t hold Little Seventeen¡¯s head! I can¡¯t hold Little Seventeen¡¯s head¡­¡± Chapter 81 - Chapter 81: Chapter 80: Bewildered Young Child_1 Chapter 81: Chapter 80: Bewildered Young Child_1 With just one word, ¡°without support,¡± her heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys were shredded. The spicy, bitter, and desperate sorrow surged up, almost making her cry out loud, and her tears flowed like a torrent. She bit her teeth and said, ¡°I can support it!¡± ¡°Fourth Aunt, we sisters will support Little Seventeen together. We can definitely do it!¡± She clutched her fox fur with all her might, the veins on the back of her hand bulging, and shouted, ¡°Bai Jinxiu! Bai Jintong!¡± Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong, who were already in tears, hurried over and knelt beside Bai Qingyan. Bai Jinzhi even broke free from her personal maid and limped toward Little Seventeen. ¡°Today, the three of us sisters will¡­ hold Little Seventeen¡¯s body and support Little Seventeen¡¯s head! We will bring our family¡¯s hero of the Jin Kingdom, Little Seventeen, home!¡± The ten-year-old boy¡¯s body in armor was already stiff. Bai Qingyan supported Little Seventeen¡¯s back from the arms of the fourth lady, Mrs. Wang. Bai Jintong supported Little Seventeen¡¯s head, and Bai Jinxiu held Little Seventeen¡¯s legs. ¡°And me!¡± Bai Jinzhi gritted her teeth, lifted Little Seventeen¡¯s waist with both hands, tears streaming down her face as she shouted, ¡°Little Seventeen! Sister is taking you home!¡± ¡°Support the fourth lady!¡± Mrs. Dong suppressed her sobs and shouted, ¡°Home!¡± Paper money floated in the air, and the matriarch of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion, Mrs. Dong, walked in front, scattering paper money to guide the soul. Dong Qingyue lifted the wooden support beam and shouted, ¡°Lift the coffin!¡± Except for the already shattered small coffin, three wooden coffins were lifted one by one and carried into the southern gate of Dadu City under the escort of the Bai family¡¯s guards. Bai Qingxuan, who had been crying loudly, hurriedly knelt to the side, his heart filled with unease. The soldiers guarding the southern gate saw the grieving citizens kneeling in sorrow; they also bowed their heads, clasped their fists, and struck their chests, saluting the slowly entering loyal bones. Bai Qingyan tightly embraced her youngest brother, Little Seventeen. Bai Jintong steadily supported Little Seventeen¡¯s head and neck, following behind the three coffins, walking steadily towards the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion. Bai Jinzhi saw the citizens kneeling and crying along the way, wishing she could immediately grab a whip and rush to the frontier to kill all those who harmed her Bai family¡¯s men¡­ those who harmed Little Seventeen. ¡°King Xin¡¯s attitude towards our Bai family is the attitude of the imperial family towards us. Little Fourth, today you saw with your own eyes how they treated Little Seventeen, how they treated our grandfather, uncles, and younger brother. What kind of coffin did they use, and how did they treat our Bai family! Do you understand? The Bai family is no longer the Bai family you thought it was. The Bai family is now in a precarious situation, and there is no time for you to grow up slowly! Little Fourth, you must grow up!¡± Bai Qingyan looked straight ahead, her eyes aching, and spoke word by word to Bai Jinzhi, who lifted Little Seventeen¡¯s waist beside her. Bai Jinzhi couldn¡¯t hold back her tears and nodded, choking, ¡°Little Fourth understands!¡± Xiao Rongyan stood with his hands behind his back, tightly holding a jade cicada that had been nurtured until it was entirely transparent, his gaze fixed on the pale Bai Qingyan, only feeling that the sharpness in her eyes was about to burst forth. Lu Yuanpeng, filled with tears, followed the citizens on foot towards the Duke¡¯s Mansion. But before he could reach the gate of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, he was forcefully brought back by the guards of the Prime Minister¡¯s Mansion. The citizens cried all the way to the gate of the Duke¡¯s Mansion. The Eldest Princess had already brought the young women of the Bai family to wait at the gate. She had also heard what King Xin had done at the southern gate of the city. Seeing her four granddaughters holding Little Seventeen¡¯s body, the Eldest Princess stared at her grandson¡¯s corpse, unwilling to touch it, and burst into tears, hating as fiercely as old vinegar. ¡°How dare King Xin! How dare he do this to the sons of the Bai family! I will enter the palace to see the emperor! I will¡­¡± The Eldest Princess, suppressing her agony, uttered a cry and fainted. ¡°Eldest Princess! Eldest Princess!¡± Nanny Jiang was so frightened that her face turned pale. The scene in front of the Bai Mansion was chaotic. Mrs. Dong stood firmly at the main gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion, ordering people to send the Eldest Princess back to Changshou Courtyard. She arranged for the bodies of the Duke, the fifth lord of the mansion, and the sixth and seventeenth lords to be cleaned and re-coffined, while the other Bai family men who couldn¡¯t return were to be buried in their attire. The tragic state of the Bai family indicated that the situation at the front lines must have been hellish. Inside the spacious, canopied courtyard of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion, more than twenty coffins lay in a mournful row. The crying citizens were mourning not only for the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion but also for the Jin Kingdom. With the Xiliang and Nanyan allied forces invading the Jin Kingdom, the men of the Duke¡¯s Mansion had all perished. Who would now protect the territory and its people? Bai Qingyan came out of the Eldest Princess¡¯s Changshou Courtyard, looking at the grim sky. Her eyes, sore and weary, couldn¡¯t hold back the tears that streamed down her face as she closed them. ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Hearing her seventh sister, Bai Jinse¡¯s choked voice, she quickly turned her head to wipe away the tears, then turned back and looked at her half-sister Bai Jinse, who tugged at her dress. She restrained her emotions, held Bai Jinse¡¯s cold little hand, bent down to meet her eyes, and asked hoarsely, ¡°Little Seven, why are you here? Where is your wet nurse?¡± Bai Jinse¡¯s eyes were red and puffy. She gritted her teeth and asked, ¡°Eldest Sister, were grandfather, father, uncles, and brother harmed by someone?¡± Before she could respond, Bai Jinse continued, ¡°Eldest Sister, Little Seven is no longer a clueless child. I am nine years old now! I¡¯ve also read military books with you and studied the sage¡¯s writings with the tutor! I¡¯m not stupid! If it weren¡¯t for someone conspiring against us, how could our Bai family¡¯s men all perish? They didn¡¯t even spare Seventeen Brother. Isn¡¯t this extermination, cutting weeds and eliminating the roots?!¡± Looking at the clarity and innocence in Bai Jinse¡¯s eyes now replaced by a mature steadiness uncharacteristic of a child, Bai Qingyan pursed her lips, feeling an unbearable sorrow. She raised her hand to touch Bai Jinse¡¯s head but couldn¡¯t find the words to say. Obviously, she should have been a carefree, innocent child, but with the sudden loss of her grandfather, father, and brothers, she seemed to have grown up overnight. Bai Qingyan did not know whether to feel gratified or saddened. ¡°Little Seven¡­¡± Bai Qingyan bent down, using her index finger to wipe away Bai Jinse¡¯s tears, and said softly, ¡°Mother, grandmother, and the aunts, as well as many sisters, we will seek justice for the Bai family and ensure that Little Seven grows up safely! The road ahead is long, and the future of the Bai family lies in the hands of us sisters. There is a saying, ¡®Do not underestimate a poor young man!¡¯ When you grow up, Eldest Sister will show you who truly controls Jin Kingdom!¡± Bai Jinse nodded earnestly, seemingly understanding, ¡°Little Seven understands!¡± Out of the corner of her eye, Bai Qingyan saw Nanny Qin entering Changshou Courtyard with Mrs. Dong. She stood up straight, looking at Nanny Qin, and called, ¡°Nanny¡­¡± After saluting Bai Qingyan, Nanny Qin said, ¡°Eldest Miss, Seventh Miss, the people from Shuoyang have arrived! The princely heir¡¯s wife asked me to inform the Eldest Princess that if she is unwell, the wife will find an excuse to have them come to pay their respects another day. Steward Hao will arrange for their accommodation.¡± Chapter 82 - Chapter 82: Chapter 81: Broken Home_1 Chapter 82: Chapter 81: Broken Home_1 ¡°Who came from Shuoyang?¡± she asked. Nanny Qin looked troubled and said, ¡°Only two of the unacknowledged elders of the same generation as the Crown Prince were sent over.¡± The cold wind swirled with snow, and a sheet of white slid down from the eaves¡¯ corner, disturbed by the tilt. The lanterns in the corridor swayed back and forth in the wind. She pressed her lips together and remained silent for a while. Though the Bai family of Shuoyang and the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion were about to separate in her generation, the Bai family of Shuoyang relied entirely on the Bai family for protection. Every year during the New Year celebrations, the legitimate members of the Bai family of Shuoyang would almost always follow, trying to foster closer ties with the Duke¡¯s mansion. Now, in the midst of the Bai family¡¯s grand mourning, only two unacknowledged elders were sent. Although it doesn¡¯t suffice to say they were opportunistic, it did inevitably come off as somewhat heartless. It was human nature to seek benefit and avoid harm. She blamed no one. Yet, there was still a faint chill in her heart. She murmured, ¡°Grandmother just took her medicine and lay down to rest. Let¡¯s leave it for another day!¡± Nanny Qin nodded respectfully and left hastily. Bai Qingyan held her seventh sister Bai Jinse¡¯s hand and walked to the front courtyard. They knelt before the spirit tablets alongside their mother, aunt, and sisters. The fourth aunt, Mrs. Wang, seemed utterly defeated, lying beside the small coffin of the seventeenth child. No one could persuade her to leave. The first to pay their respects was Madam Dong from Dengzhou, accompanied by almost the entire family. After Dong Changyuan finished paying his respects, he looked at Bai Qingyan, who barely managed to hold back tears while giving him a greeting in return. His heart felt heavy, assuming that since the Bai family¡¯s current situation was unclear, the Shuoyang clan had only sent two unacknowledged elders for the funeral. Those serving as officials were too afraid to come. Even their maternal relatives didn¡¯t send anyone. Instead, the common folk of the Capital gathered at the Duke¡¯s mansion gate, wailing in sorrow. Go to ????????????????????.co This incident with the Bai family vividly showcased the fickleness of political life. After paying respects to the Bai family¡¯s departed spirits, Madam Dong took Mrs. Dong to a secluded place and quietly asked about her future plans. ¡°Yesterday the Chief of Staff who is close friends with your elder brother advised him to distance himself from the Bai family. He said the Emperor might seize this chance to root out the Bai family entirely and suggested your brother should protect himself. I¡¯ve been thinking, perhaps I should return and pretend to be ill. Our official line should be that Kid and Chang Yuan have had a marriage agreement for a long time. Even though marrying in such mourning is unconventional, if it¡¯s for bringing good fortune to this old life of mine, nobody could say much. You should also ask the Eldest Princess for a divorce paper. We¡¯ll return to Dengzhou; preserving what we can is more important.¡± Madam Dong spoke rapidly, her thoughts evidently long premeditated. Knowing the Bai family¡¯s dire fate, she was willing to risk her life to save her daughter and granddaughter. Mrs. Dong¡¯s heart raced upon hearing Madam Dong¡¯s words, ¡°Mother¡­ are you sure? Did the Chief of Staff truly say that?¡± The Chief of Staff was always adept at gauging the Emperor¡¯s sentiments. ¡°Would Mother deceive you?¡± Madam Dong clutched her daughter¡¯s hand tightly, her voice tinged with a sob. ¡°Mother knows your loyalty, but this is not a time for sentimentality! We must take it step by step, first pulling you and Kid out of this mire. Then, we¡¯ll think of ways to save the Bai family members, one by one! There¡¯s no need to worry about the Eldest Princess. She is, after all, the Emperor¡¯s birth aunt. He wouldn¡¯t do anything to harm her.¡± Mrs. Dong quickly pondered, noting that Bai Jinxiu, the second daughter, was already married. Bai Jintong had also reached marriageable age. However, the fourth girl Bai Jinzhi, the fifth girl, the sixth girl, and the seventh girl were still very young! Her sister-in-law, Mrs. Qi, was also several months pregnant. ¡°Wanjuan!¡± Madam Dong grasped her daughter¡¯s hand tighter, ¡°Did you hear what Mother said?¡± After a prolonged silence, Mrs. Dong looked at Madam Dong with tearful eyes and smiled, ¡°Mother, since I married into Qishan¡­ I made vows to Qishan. If I leave the Bai family at this moment, how will I face Qishan in the afterlife? How can I bear to let the world see that the strong spirits left behind ended up with a broken family?¡± Madam Dong couldn¡¯t resist hitting Mrs. Dong¡¯s arm, ¡°And you just want me to see a white-haired parent burying a black-haired child! What did you do to deserve this? What did Kid do to deserve this?¡± ¡°Mother! Initially, I thought if Kid didn¡¯t want to, the marriage between Kid and Chang Yuan could be called off. But now, since things have come to this, I will make sure Kid agrees to the marriage willingly or not. If the Bai family can overcome this trial¡­ if not, I will leave Kid under your and my siblings¡¯ care!¡± As she spoke, Mrs. Dong knelt before Madam Dong and kowtowed, her voice choked with emotion, ¡°Let Kid fulfill the filial duties I owe you!¡± Madam Dong turned away, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she wept, pounding her chest in sorrow. She understood that her daughter had resolved to live and die with the Bai family. How could this not break her heart as a mother? This was her beloved daughter, a piece of her own flesh. Seeing her daughter kneel and not rise, Madam Dong reluctantly helped her up, her voice thick with tears, ¡°You have always been stubborn and loyal since childhood! Before you even got married, you boldly promised your dear friend Yun Ying to make Qin Lang your son-in-law! And now¡­¡± Unable to continue, Madam Dong sobbed and tightly embraced Mrs. Dong. ¡°Since you wish to live and die with the Bai family, our Dong family will do its utmost¡­ to protect the Bai family. I hope Heaven has mercy on your pure heart, and on the loyal spirits of the Bai family, and doesn¡¯t treat them too harshly!¡± ¡°Mother¡­ Mother¡­¡± Mrs. Dong held onto Madam Dong¡¯s clothing tightly, crying uncontrollably, calling out for her mother. Although Mrs. Dong was a remarkably strong woman, after crying, she began planning the escape routes for the Bai family members. After the Bai family¡¯s grand mourning, she needed to find a way to send these children out of the Capital. If anything unforeseen happened, they would be safely elsewhere. If the Bai family survived, it would be like they went on a journey, only to return. ¡¤ The mother and son huddled in Qingming Courtyard occasionally sent people to the front courtyard for news. They learned that apart from Mrs. Dong¡¯s maternal family, the other wives¡¯ families had been too afraid of the Emperor to come and pay their respects. Their hearts turned cold. Under the flickering candlelight, Bai Qingxuan lay on the soft couch, thinking that his weeping at the South Gate today might have only worsened his situation. ¡°Xuan¡¯er, perhaps we should gather our valuables and flee!¡± the anxious woman suggested. ¡°Given the Bai family¡¯s current situation, it seems destined to fall as that Miss Bai implied! If we are blamed for a crime of extermination, we will die alongside the Bai family! My son, if we keep the mountains, there¡¯s no fear of firewood to burn. At worst, we wait until the Bai family is at peace and return! You are the last hope of the Bai family! By then, you¡¯ll be the esteemed Duke, and the wealth and honor of Bai Mansion will still be yours!¡± Chapter 83 - Chapter 83: Chapter 82: The Loyal Soul of the National Scholar_1 Chapter 83: Chapter 82: The Loyal Soul of the National Scholar_1 Bai Qingxuan repeatedly thought about King Xin¡¯s attitude towards the Bai family. After a long time, he finally made up his mind and nodded. ¡°Alright! Mother, pack our things now. The Bai family¡¯s men have all died. Such a large funeral won¡¯t have time to take care of us! Pick some valuable items and smuggle them out over the next few days. Once I¡¯ve recovered sufficiently, we¡¯ll leave!¡± Seeing that her son had made up his mind, the woman nodded repeatedly. ¡°I will prepare right away!¡± ? Lady Wang, who had always been frail, was determined to stay with her son¡¯s coffin despite anyone¡¯s persuasion. She clung to the coffin tightly, refusing to let go. As a mother herself, Mrs. Dong understood Lady Wang¡¯s feelings. She ordered someone to bring a fire basin and draped a thick fox fur cloak over Lady Wang to ward off the cold. It wasn¡¯t until Lady Wang fainted from exhaustion that Mrs. Dong had her carried back. Late at night, Bai Qingyan persuaded her mother and several aunts to rest. The seven sisters knelt vigilantly by the coffin throughout the night. Bai Qingxuan, however, Bai Qingyan had sent someone to fetch him, but he claimed to have a persistent high fever and worsening wounds and refused to come. Although the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Sisters were young, their immense grief and sorrow turned into strength, supporting them as they knelt by the coffins, waiting silently for the souls of their grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers to return. The darkness before dawn was the deepest and coldest. Despite being wrapped in a fox fur cloak, the chill had already crept up Bai Qingyan¡¯s waist. The flickering candlelight made a slight popping sound. She saw the Seventh Sister Bai Jinse swaying and gently opened her fox fur cloak to embrace the now-sleeping Bai Jinse, wrapping her snugly. She asked Chun Tao to stir the coals in the fire basin to make the fire burn brighter. Bai Jinxiu protected the drowsy Fifth Sister as well, instructing someone to bring a quilt to cover the Fifth and Sixth Sisters. ¡°Fourth Sister, you are injured. Go to sleep!¡± she said to Bai Jinzhi. Bai Jinzhi knelt on the mat, silently shaking her head. All the men in the family were gone, and they couldn¡¯t even retrieve their bodies. How could she sleep? Go to ????????????????????.co Bai Jinzhi¡¯s thoughts were written all over her face. Seeing her eyes reddened, Bai Jinxiu felt deeply pained. She lowered her eyes and said softly, ¡°Since we haven¡¯t seen the bodies of our uncles and brothers, everything still has room to turn around. Isn¡¯t that¡­ also a kind of hope?¡± Tears welled up in Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes as she looked at her eldest sister. She wiped her tears with her sleeve, and a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in her heart. She nodded with a choked voice, saying, ¡°Yes!¡± As dawn broke, commoners had already come to the Duke¡¯s mansion to pay their respects. Some came to watch the excitement, hoping to see any prominent figures coming to offer condolences. The morning light penetrated the white mist, reflecting on the snow-covered blue bricks and green tiles. A luxurious carriage with elm wood inlaid in brass stopped in front of the Duke¡¯s mansion. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s guard took a stool and helped him down from the carriage. He lifted his robe and walked calmly up the high steps of the Duke¡¯s mansion, removing his cloak and handing it to the guard standing to the side. Under Bai Qingyan¡¯s slightly surprised gaze, he respectfully bowed to the twenty-some memorial tablets of the Bai family. Mrs. Dong and the children returned the courtesy. The handsome and elegant young man, dressed in a white robe, looked all the more noble and extraordinary. His gaze turned to Bai Qingyan, then he calmly and solemnly bowed deeply to Mrs. Dong. His eyes were warm and profound. ¡°The Duke, the Crown Prince, and all the gentlemen of the Bai Mansion are heroes of the Jin Kingdom. Although I, Xiao, am a Wei person, I feel deeply moved! I hope the Crown Princess can hold back her grief. The loyal souls of national heroes live in the people¡¯s hearts.¡± Mrs. Dong, unable to hold back her tears because of the words ¡°the loyal souls of national heroes live in the people¡¯s hearts,¡± solemnly returned the bow to Xiao Rongyan. ¡°Thank you for your comforting words, Mr. Xiao.¡± Xiao Rongyan returned the bow and looked at Bai Qingyan. ¡°Miss Bai, my condolences.¡± She straightened her spine, slightly bowed her head, and half-closed her eyes. Her long lashes, like fans, concealed a sharpness that was hidden beneath her seemingly fragile demeanor. The Bai family¡¯s steward invited Xiao Rongyan to the rear hall and ordered someone to serve tea. Xiao Rongyan had just lifted his cup when he heard that the two renowned scholars of the time, Mr. Cui Shiyan and Mr. Guan Yongchong, had come to pay their respects. Mr. Cui Shiyan and Mr. Guan Yongchong were close friends of the Duke of Zhen, Bai Weiting. Now that Bai Weiting had suddenly passed away, how could his two dear friends not come to mourn? The two elders were advanced in years, especially Mr. Cui Shiyan, who was over seventy. Supported by the family servants and Mr. Guan Yongchong, he trembled as he stepped over the threshold, shedding tears as he called out, ¡°Buyu,¡± unable to control his sobs. ¡°Buyu, I am seven years older than you, yet I have not passed on. How could you leave before me¡­¡± ¡°Buyu¡± was the courtesy name of her grandfather, Bai Weiting. Her grandfather aspired to return peace to the people, to establish peace in the world, and swore unwavering commitment to this goal until his death. She clenched her fist tightly and knelt heavily in gratitude, tears that had been suppressed in her eyes flowed freely, something rising straight up to her throat, blocking any sound from escaping. The mourning hall, which had resembled a dead lake, was filled with cries due to Mr. Cui Shiyan¡¯s tearful exclamation. Even the commoners outside began to wail. Xiao Rongyan stood under the corridor, seeing the two literary giants, the erudites of the era, bowing to the Bai family¡¯s widows. Bai Qingyan¡¯s return of¡­ was a master¡¯s bow. He narrowed his eyes slightly. Could it be that this eldest Miss Bai was actually a disciple of the two erudites?! Guan Yongchong helped Bai Qingyan up, his red-rimmed eyes looking at her and nodding repeatedly. Recently, he had heard a bit about Bai Qingyan¡¯s deeds, which moved his heart greatly. When Bai Qingyan was four, she had been a cute and small little girl. His dear friend, Bai Weiting, holding his young daughter¡¯s hand, had brought her to his little hermitage in the forest to ask him to teach her literature. He had said, ¡°A woman¡¯s virtue lies in being unlearned. Why trouble her with studies?¡± The morning light had filtered through the densely packed leaves, rustling in the breeze. His dear friend had smiled lightly, patting his daughter¡¯s head. His voice was gentle. ¡°Learning to understand courtesy, virtue, righteousness, and shame! I do not wish for my granddaughter to be renowned throughout the world. I only hope she knows courtesy, virtue, righteousness, and shame; to be a person of integrity, who is unashamed when standing between heaven and earth.¡± Honorable, magnanimous! Loving and protecting the people, knowing courtesy and virtue, and understanding shame and righteousness. Bai Qingyan had done exceptionally well. Mr. Cui Shiyan nodded tearfully, as if in comfort or perhaps regret. ¡°Your grandfather did not misjudge you. You have indeed grown into what he hoped for you¡­¡± She could not hide her choking, bowing again in respect. ¡°Good child! Take care of¡­ your grandmother, mother, and sisters!¡± Guan Yongchong¡¯s voice was thick with sorrow. She nodded in agreement. News of the two literary Titans coming to the Bai family to pay respects spread. Nobles from prestigious families gradually came to offer their condolences. The once dead-silent Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion now echoed with the sounds of mourning, with elegant carriages coming one after another. The elderly Marquis of Dingyong arrived with his entire family. Just one mention of ¡°Brother Buyu¡± had him in tears. Bai Qingyan bowed in return. As soon as she straightened up, she saw Chun Tao, lifting her skirt, hurriedly squeezing past people to her side, panting. In a low, suppressed voice, she said, ¡°Miss Bai! Lu Ping has sent a message. Ji Tingyu has returned!¡± Chapter 84 - Chapter 84: Chapter 83: Clear and Obvious_1 Chapter 84: Chapter 83: Clear and Obvious_1 ¡°Wu Zhe! Her scalp tightened. She grabbed Chun Tao¡¯s hand, looked up at the family members of the Marquis of Dingyong who were still saluting, and stood up on her numb legs, almost falling. Bai Jintong quickly caught Bai Qingyan, not daring to exclaim, and asked in a low voice, ¡°Eldest Young Lady?¡± She tightly gripped Chun Tao¡¯s hand, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Chun Tao lowered her head and supported Bai Qingyan forcefully, quietly retreating from the crowd. Sensing something was wrong, Bai Jintong leaned close to Bai Jinxiu and whispered, ¡°Second Sister! Please take care of our younger sisters! I¡¯ll go check on Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jinxiu, also worried about Bai Qingyan¡¯s health, nodded repeatedly. Bai Jintong hurriedly stood up and discreetly followed Bai Qingyan. Bai Qingyan, with her numb legs, staggered down the steps. As she saw Lu Ping¡¯s serious face approaching, he was about to say something to Bai Qingyan but stopped upon seeing Bai Jintong following closely. He then respectfully cupped his fists in salute, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Third Young Lady!¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± Her heart churned, and her voice trembled uncontrollably. She feared that the news Ji Tingyu brought was of Shen Qingzhu¡¯s mishap but hoped that Ji Tingyu would tell her that someone from the Bai family survived on the battlefield in South Xinjiang. ¡°In the back courtyard. It was Yingshuang who found him. Doctor Hong is stopping the bleeding,¡± Lu Ping said. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Bai Qingyan walked briskly, wishing to fly over. Even though she mentally prepared herself, hearing Ji Tingyu¡¯s muffled groans of pain while biting on a wooden board in the back courtyard frightened her deeply. Pushing open the door, Doctor Hong pressed a fire-heated blade on Ji Tingyu¡¯s severed limb to stop the bleeding. Ji Tingyu gripped the table edge tightly, biting the wooden board, his face flushed, veins bulging, and beads of sweat and blood continuously rolling down. Go to ????????????????????.co ¡°It¡¯s done! It¡¯s done!¡± Doctor Hong moved the blade away and wiped his sweat with a blood-stained towel. The smell of burnt flesh filled the air, making one¡¯s heart shudder. If not for battlefield experience, this sight would make even strong men weak in the knees, let alone sheltered young women. Bai Jintong widened her eyes, not understanding, Ji Tingyu had gone where he had lost an arm! ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Ji Tingyu¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. His body soaked in blood. He knelt on one knee, unsteady due to the missing arm, choking with emotion, ¡°Miss Shen took me and Wei Gao on fast horses to South Xinjiang. On the way, we met General Yue Zhizhou, who entrusted me with three military record bamboo slips from the Third Young Master. But I failed the mission, only bringing one back despite all the struggles! Please punish me, Eldest Young Lady!¡± After speaking, Ji Tingyu quickly opened the blood-soaked bundle on his back, tightly wrapping one bamboo slip inside. Her eyes reddened, she helped Ji Tingyu up earnestly, ¡°It¡¯s just good that you¡¯re alive!¡± Bai Jintong was astonished, realizing that her Eldest Sister had already sent someone to South Xinjiang! Bai Jintong stepped forward and took the bamboo slip from Ji Tingyu¡¯s hand, reading aloud, ¡°The fifteenth year of Xuanjia, 12th month, 12th day, General Jiyong Bai Qingming destroyed a small cavalry of Xiliang, returning with a thousand soldiers. The camp had been leveled, and General Jiyong rescued four wounded soldiers. The wounded claimed a day prior, King Xin saw 50,000 Nanyan troops approaching, abandoned camp, and fled with 3,000 men. General Jifeng Bai Qingyu scattered 500 soldiers to evacuate civilians, leading 1,500 soldiers to fight. General Jifeng died, his body burned.¡± ¡°The fifteenth year of Xuanjia, 12th month, 13th day, General Jiyong defended Feng County against Nanyan¡¯s attack. He claimed millions of lives were at stake. The Bai family army fought to the death, not retreating until the last man!¡± Bai Jintong glanced at Bai Qingyan, whose face was blue with anger, supporting Ji Tingyu, her eyes red, and continued, ¡°To disturb Jin¡¯s morale, the allied forces of Nanyan and Xiliang¡¯s chief, Yun Poxing, hung Vice Commander Bai Qishan¡¯s body on a cart! They beheaded seventeen Bai family sons¡­¡± Reading further, Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes widened, tears streaming, blood rushing to her head, her face paled, and breathing became difficult as intense killing intent surged. Bai Qingyan snatched the bamboo slip, gritting her teeth as she read the messy handwriting¡­ To disturb Jin¡¯s morale, Nanyan and Xiliang¡¯s chief, Yun Poxing, hung Vice Commander Bai Qishan¡¯s body on a cart. They beheaded seventeen Bai family sons, disemboweled their bodies, finding no food, only tree roots and dirt. Yun Poxing was shocked! The Bai family army¡¯s anger exploded. They fought bravely! Even a ten-year-old showed courage. I am ashamed. As a scholar, I dare to pick up a sword and die in battle! Her heart felt like being pierced by countless sharp needles, a rush of blood surged from her chest to her throat, unbearable pain making her whole body tremble, almost collapsing. ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Chun Tao quickly supported Bai Qingyan, tears streaming. Despite seeing Little Seventeen¡¯s tragic state, she had never imagined¡­ his death would be so miserable! She closed her bloodshot eyes, biting her tongue hard to stay awake. Now was not the time to drown in endless sorrow. The Bai family¡¯s pain and tragedy must be known by the world! She had to expose King Xin¡¯s face to everyone! She would force the high and mighty Emperor to kill King Xin with the people¡¯s wrath! She, Bai Qingyan, would avenge the Bai family¡¯s fate with her life! Just then, following Mr. Cui Shiyan and Mr. Guan Yongchong¡¯s religious rituals, the nobles of Dadu City had already arrived, the timing was right. She opened her bloodshot eyes, gazing intensely at Ji Tingyu, ¡°Ji Tingyu, I have a task for you! Can your body handle it?!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, command me! Ji Tingyu will do it even if it means death!¡± Ji Tingyu clenched his jaws tightly. ¡°Chun Tao, go and fetch the five bamboo slips Wu Zhe brought back from my room!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Tao ran out quickly. Seeing Chun Tao leave, she gritted her teeth and solemnly instructed Ji Tingyu, ¡°I want you to enter the Duke¡¯s mansion with the six bamboo slips through the main gate! Present them in the mourning hall with your miserable state!¡± ¡°You went to South Xinjiang before the New Year to deliver winter clothes for my grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers! On Chongluan Ridge, you encountered the Tiger Camp¡¯s commander, General Fang Yan, being pursued by assassins. All the guards with you perished to save him. General Fang Yan said Liu Huanzhang betrayed us, colluding with Nanyan and King Xin. King Xin forced my grandfather into battle, causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers. As the front line collapsed, General Jifeng Bai Qingyu sacrificed himself to defend and evacuate civilians while King Xin ignored the people¡¯s safety, fleeing with most of the troops! You protected the six bamboo slips with your life, only asking Heaven for justice for the Bai family¡¯s fallen spirits!¡± Bai Qingyan organized her words clearly, nine parts truth, one part lie, already arranging the source of the six bamboo slips perfectly. Chapter 85 - Chapter 85: Chapter 84: The Family of Hairpin and Tassel_1 Chapter 85: Chapter 84: The Family of Hairpin and Tassel_1 She wanted to frame King Xin for treason, even if the bamboo slip did not contain it! Was King Xin the only one who could wield the sword of rumors? She could too¡­ No matter if these words were true, when the people of Dadu City saw Ji Tingyu half-dead and heard the message he desperately delivered, could they think it was false? Even if one day the Imperial Court released the so-called truth, the people would believe it to be a shameless lie to cover up for King Xin. If King Xin dared to strike at the Bai family, then she would cut off his path to power, even¡­ take his life! Ji Tingyu understood what Bai Qingyan intended to do and nodded vigorously. ¡°Rest assured, Eldest Young Lady, Tingyu understands!¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan stand up straight, her entire presence filled with killing intent, Ji Tingyu added, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, General Yue Zhizhou also brought a message¡­ Seventh and Ninth Young Masters led troops to raid Xiliang¡¯s capital and have not returned, which may preserve a lineage for the Bai family! Miss Shen and Wei Gao have already ridden out! Eldest Young Lady¡­ take care! Do not employ a strategy of mutual destruction.¡± ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jintong cried with joy, ¡°Eldest Sister was right! Not seeing the bodies was a good sign! They might still be alive!¡± She had not expected the words of comfort to her sister last night to eerily come true today. Seventh Brother and Ninth Brother¡­ She felt a surge of warmth from her feet to her head, a bright light dispelled the chill from her eyes, and tears silently streamed down, tempering her seething hatred with a touch of calm from this piece of news. The mix of sorrow and joy made her scalp tingle, and for a moment, she felt a myriad of emotions! Perhaps this meant she had managed to send Shen Qingzhu to rescue them¡­ Go to ????????????????????.co Perhaps it was not in vain to be reborn, at least snatching her two brothers from the hands of Lord Yan?! No, before seeing her two brothers, it was too early to speak. Praying Heaven would have mercy on the Bai family, letting Shen Qingzhu save them! Strength returned suddenly, despite her intense emotions she remained composed and ordered, ¡°Uncle Ping! Immediately select the most elite death warriors in the Bai family and send them to Xiliang. No matter the cost, ensure the safety of Seventh Brother and Ninth Brother!¡± Lu Ping nodded. ¡°Yes!¡± Her heart raced. She had to go to the Southern Front personally, not only to bring Seventh Brother and Ninth Brother back safely but also to manage the Bai family¡¯s military connections. She was eager to go. Bai Jintong supported Bai Qingyan out of the room filled with the stench of burnt flesh. Under the bright sun, her eyes burned, making it hard to keep them open. Though it was midwinter with warm sunshine, vigilance was necessary, and the dry leaves rustled. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± Bai Jintong tightly grasped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand, gritting her teeth. ¡°Ji Tingyu delivered six volumes of bamboo slips to put before the shrine. I will read them! To let the people of Dadu City know the Bai family¡¯s tragedies at the frontlines! To expose the shameless face of King Xin! Lest¡­ the Emperor, in trying to protect King Xin, keeps these six military records secret!¡± ¡°Not only will we read¡­¡± she opened her eyes, deeply concealing her sorrow. Gazing at the yard, filled with white mourning decorations fluttering in the wind, she exuded a suffocating killing intent. ¡°I will take these bamboo slips to the palace gate, knock the drum of complaint! Make publicly known the content of these bamboo slips! Let scum like King Xin¡­ have nowhere to hide! Use the people¡¯s emotions, their anger and resentment to pressure the Emperor to bring justice for the Bai family!¡± The woman¡¯s voice was clearly determined and firm. The anger and sorrow boiled within Bai Jintong. She declared, ¡°I will go with Eldest Sister to knock the drum of complaint!¡± She gazed at the shiny blue bricks of the corridor, opening with melancholy, ¡°Go to Changshou Courtyard and invite Grandmother, tell her¡­ Mr. Cui Shiyan and Mr. Guan Yongchong have arrived! Let Grandmother come and listen personally to what kind of beasts she has been trying to protect in the Imperial Family.¡± Also let their grandmother hear how this beast had killed her husband, her sons, and her grandsons! Watching Bai Qingyan walk determinedly toward the front yard, Bai Jintong clenched her fists tightly, swallowing her tears and pain, and turned towards Changshou Courtyard. Since Eldest Sister had not mentioned Seventh Brother and Ninth Brother¡¯s situation to Grandmother, then she would remain silent, too. The subtle distance and wariness between Grandmother and Eldest Sister were too obvious for Bai Jintong not to notice. Although Grandmother was the Eldest Princess of the Empire, and Bai Jintong could understand her difficulties, now that she had read the military records and saw the despicable actions of King Xin¡­ Bai Jintong clenched her fists so tightly they turned white. Her feelings for Grandmother were of both respect and admiration; though she could sacrifice her life without hesitation for her, if Grandmother insisted on protecting the Imperial members, then she could only bring her sorrow. Front yard mourning hall. Bai Jinxiu looked at Bai Qingyan, who had returned pale and kneeled beside her, and whispered, ¡°Eldest Sister, if you are unwell, there is no need to force yourself.¡± She shook her head. Looking up, she saw the intricate chariot with the King of Qi¡¯s crest slowly stopping at the Duke¡¯s residence gate. Her hand hidden in her sleeve clenched, starting to tremble slightly. In her past life, the Qi King¡¯s Mansion had not attended the Bai family¡¯s grand funeral despite her grave illness. Could it be¡­ Xiao Rongyan?! Arriving at the perfect time! She feared the matter would not be big enough, with not enough people knowing! A handsome eunuch helped the King of Qi down the stepping stool, crossing over the copper-trimmed threshold of the Duke¡¯s mansion, and bowed solemnly to pay respects at the mourning hall set at the entrance. Suddenly, a horse, covered in blood, charged towards the high steps of the Duke¡¯s mansion. Ji Tingyu, covered in blood, fell off the horse¡­ ¡°Protect His Highness!¡± The guards from the Qi King¡¯s Mansion all drew their swords, shielding the pale-faced Qi King and stepping back quickly. The frightened horse raised its hooves. Lu Ping quickly rushed forward, grabbed the reins, and stopped the bleeding horse. The townsfolk at the gate screamed in fear, retreating and staring at the man lying on the ground, covered in blood, and seemingly lifeless. ¡°It¡¯s Ji Tingyu! Princely Wife, Eldest Young Lady! It¡¯s Ji Tingyu from our mansion!¡± Lu Ping, holding the reins tightly, shouted. Bai Jintong, who was supporting the Eldest Princess from the corridor, tightened her throat and quickly said, ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯ll go look!¡± The Eldest Princess nodded. ¡°Go quickly!¡± Bai Jintong released her hold on the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand and ran to the front yard. Bai Qingyan, kneeling before the shrine, rose and pushed aside the guards from the Qi King¡¯s Mansion blocking her path. She walked swiftly forward, eyes wide in shock¡­ Just now, Ji Tingyu had not been this severely injured! Clearly, Doctor Hong had already stopped the bleeding in his arm, so why¡­ She understood in her heart. Ji Tingyu was risking his life to seek justice for the Bai family! What kind of Imperial Court was this? Forcing a noble family like the Bai family to have a loyal servant risk his life just to seek justice! ¡°Ji Tingyu?¡± She knelt down to support Ji Tingyu, staring at his arm, now even shorter, the pang of bitter soreness overwhelmed her eyes. Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: 85章：Planning to Strive_1 Chapter 86: 85Õ£ºPlanning to Strive_1 Ji Tingyu probably cut off another piece of his arm to make the act more believable! When Ji Tingyu fell off his horse, it was a hard fall. He opened the bundle stained with his blood and handed it to Bai Qingyan, gripping her hand tightly to assure her. Ji Tingyu¡¯s veins bulged on his forehead. ¡°My lady¡­ I was ordered to deliver winter clothing to the Duke of Zhen and his men in the southern regions. At Chongluan Ridge, we encountered assassins trying to kill General Fang Yan from the Tiger Camp! We fought to the death to save General Fang Yan¡­¡± ¡°General Fang Yan said that Liu Huanzhang had betrayed us and colluded with Nanyan and King Xin. King Xin forced the Duke to go to battle to claim military credits, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers. At the front line, General Bai Qingyu fought to the death while evacuating civilians. King Xin abandoned the civilians, forcibly taking most of his troops to escape! General Fang Yan entrusted us with these six records of the military operation on bamboo slips! We hid and snuck all the way back, losing all our brothers to protect these six bamboo slips! We only ask¡­ Heaven to give justice to the Duke and the Bai family!¡± The King of Qi was horrified upon hearing this. Records of military operations presented to the Emperor were common, but why would anyone be pursued and killed along the way?! Xiao Rongyan lowered his eyes, drinking tea without showing any reaction. In contrast, the nobles invited to the back hall stood up in unison and headed to the main gate, driven by curiosity to learn how the men of the Bai family met their demise! Bai Jintong looked at the floor soaked with Ji Tingyu¡¯s blood. She reached out trembling and took the bundle containing the bamboo slips, knowing that Ji Tingyu had to make his wounds more severe to seem truthful. But seeing Ji Tingyu inflict such harm on himself for the Bai family made Bai Jintong¡¯s heart turn tumultuous. For the Bai family¡¯s justice¡­ if Heaven and the imperial court wouldn¡¯t grant it clearly, must they resort to such self-destructive methods to seek it?! Bai Jintong opened the bundle in front of everyone, trembling as she took out one of the bamboo slips and unfolded it. Mrs. Dong, the princely heir¡¯s wife, and Mrs. Liu, the second wife whose husbands and sons hadn¡¯t returned, pushed past the guards to closely examine the bamboo slip, hoping to find any clue that their husbands and sons were still alive. Bai Qingyan tightly tied the rope around Ji Tingyu¡¯s severed arm and shouted sharply, ¡°Uncle Ping! Take Ji Tingyu to Doctor Hong for treatment! Hurry!¡± The King of Qi pushed past the guards blocking his way, took two steps forward, and bowed deeply, saying, ¡°Since we have the records of the military operation, can the princely heir¡¯s wife hand them to me now so that I may present these bamboo slips to our father, the Emperor?¡± The King of Qi was not exceptionally talented, but he knew well that with the Duke of Zhen Bai Weiting¡¯s capability, it was impossible he would act as recklessly as King Xin had claimed in his tearful complaints inside the Imperial Palace, accusing Bai Weiting of using troops impulsively and ignoring King Xin¡¯s advice, forcing an attack! Go to ????????????????????.co Forcing the Duke to fight for selfish gains while abandoning the civilians, just these two charges were enough to block King Xin¡¯s path to the throne! The King of Qi¡¯s heart pounded rapidly. As the elders governed, the legitimate son was established first. However, King Xin was the legitimate son, while he was the elder! Although he knew he lacked great literary or martial skills, he didn¡¯t want the kingdom to fall into the hands of someone as selfish and indulgent as King Xin. If he desired the highest position, he had to plan and strive for himself. Mrs. Dong looked at the bamboo slip in her hand. Blood rushed to her head, her mind went blank, and she couldn¡¯t hear a word from the King of Qi. Her eyes were wide open, tears streaming down like a fountain, her anger almost turning her whole being into ashes. Mrs. Liu knelt on the ground, flipping through one bamboo slip without finding any information about her husband and son. She cried heart-wrenchingly and moved on to another one. Holding the bamboo slip, Bai Jintong clenched her teeth, restraining the surge of overwhelming emotions within her, striving to speak clearly, and read aloud, ¡°On the second day of the twelfth lunar month, the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, scouts reported that Xiliang¡¯s twenty-five-thousand strong main force was ambushed in Chuanling Mountain, trapping Bai Qiying¡¯s reinforcements of forty thousand troops. King Xin urged Marshal Bai Weiting to lead the main force to Chuanling Mountain, planning to coordinate with Bai Qiying internally and externally to annihilate Xiliang¡¯s main force. Marshal suspected deceit. King Xin, by the Emperor¡¯s order, commanded Bai Weiting to battle under the threat of executing Bai Weiting¡¯s nine clans should he disobey.¡± The commoners, hearing Bai Jintong read the military records publicly, gathered around, looking up at Bai Jintong standing at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s gate, their hearts filled with horror. It turned out that it was King Xin who forced the Duke of Zhen to battle! ¡°On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, Vice Commander Bai Qishan was trapped in Fengcheng for five days with no provisions. The Nanyan Army captured the five sons of the Bai family, stripping and mutilating them in front of their formation, attempting to force Bai Qishan¡¯s surrender. Vice Commander decided to protect the civilians of Fengcheng by retreating and fighting the Nanyan Cavalry to buy time. He shot and killed the five sons of the Bai family with tears in his eyes. Vice Commander Bai Qishan said, if anyone has elderly parents or an only child in the family, step back. Those who are unmarried or without heirs, step back. The rest¡­ those willing to die for the people of Jin, follow me to battle! Seventeen sons of the Bai family, aged ten, stepped forward with swords, declaring they would fight to the death for the people of Jin alongside their father, vowing never to live in disgrace! The Bai family army, deeply moved by the ten-year-old children, drew their swords and shouted three times, ¡®Fight to the death, not to survive in disgrace.''¡± Bai Jinzhi, with blood rushing to her head, quickly stepped forward and grabbed a bamboo slip randomly, reading with unsteady breath, ¡°On the twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month, the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, General Jiyong Bai Qingming annihilated a small troop of Xiliang Cavalry, returning to camp with a thousand men. The camp was already leveled. General Jiyong saved ten remaining soldiers¡­ they said that one day before, King Xin saw Nanyan¡¯s fifty-thousand strong army approaching and fled with three thousand troops. General Jifeng Bai Qingyu deployed five hundred soldiers to evacuate the rear civilians and led fifteen hundred soldiers to battle. General Jifeng died in battle, his body burnt.¡± ¡°So it was King Xin! King Xin was so shameless! He fled with three thousand men!¡± ¡°Damn it! How could King Xin have the cheek to accuse the Duke of being reckless? He was the one who forced the battle!¡± ¡°Shameless! The poor Bai family¡¯s men were all sacrificed like this!¡± The commoners cried, cursed, ignoring that King Xin was of the imperial bloodline, the Emperor¡¯s legitimate son. They were grief-stricken and furious, wishing they could tear King Xin apart. ¡°On the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, General Jiyong defended Feng County against Nanyan Army¡¯s assault. General Bai Qingming declared the lives of millions were entrusted to them, and the Bai family army fought with their backs to the river, vowing never to retreat until the last man was standing! To demoralize the Jin army¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s voice abruptly stopped here. She gripped the bamboo slip, her teeth gritting, anger, and sorrow almost tearing her apart, blazing with intense fury, she forced herself to utter each word slowly, ¡°Yun Poxing beheaded the seventeen sons of the Bai family in front of the formation, disemboweling and humiliating their corpses. Their stomachs were filled with roots and soil¡­¡± Inside and outside the gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, there was complete silence. Mrs. Wang, upon hearing the gruesome death of her son, stood still like a statue. After a moment of emotional freezing, she exploded, gripping her clothes tightly, screaming hysterically as she rammed her head into her son¡¯s coffin. Chapter 87 - Chapter 87: Chapter 86: Poor Person_1 Chapter 87: Chapter 86: Poor Person_1 ¡°Protect the Fourth Madam!¡± Mrs. Dong shouted, her eyes wide open. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s guards moved swiftly, catching Fourth Madam Wang just an inch away from the coffin. Bai Qingyan felt her whole body tense up, as if a bucket of hot oil had been poured over her heart. Only when she saw her fourth aunt being held tightly by Xiao Rongyan¡¯s guard, did she slowly relax the hand clenched in her sleeve. Mrs. Dong rushed over, hugging Fourth Madam, choked, ¡°Fourth sister-in-law! You must not do anything foolish!¡± ¡°That damned King Xin! Heartless dog! What right does he have to treat the Bai family this way? What right does he have to treat my son like this? Oh, heaven! Are you blind? Why didn¡¯t you let that dog King Xin die on the battlefield? Why didn¡¯t he die!¡± The frail Fourth Madam had nothing left to fear after the deaths of her husband and son. Regardless of the Royal Family or the emperor¡¯s son, she had resolved to die. Could she not curse once freely?! ¡°Mother!¡± ¡°Mother!¡± The Fifth and Sixth girls rushed over, kneeling and hugging Fourth Madam¡¯s legs, crying. ¡°Mother, we¡¯ve already lost our grandfather and father! We can¡¯t lose you too!¡± Sixth Miss Bai Jinhua choked through her tears. Fifth Miss Bai Jinzhao cried, ¡°Though we are not your biological daughters, you raised us from childhood. You are our real mother¡­ If you follow Father and Brother, what will we do?!¡± Fourth Madam Wang lowered her head to look at the pair of twin concubine daughters clinging to her legs. Her heart softened, and she collapsed, hugging the two girls and weeping bitterly. That day, King Xin returned to the city with the Duke¡¯s and the Bai family¡¯s young master¡¯s remains in paper-thin coffins. When the Bai family¡¯s seventeen sons went to war, they had barely grown as tall as horses. Arriving back from the battlefield, King Xin cruelly brought back the young master¡¯s head, unsewn. It was an unforgivable insult! Go to ????????????????????.co At just ten years old, the child fought for his country and died a tragic death. His stomach was found full of dirt and tree roots¡­ Jin had been prosperous with the Bai family guarding it. Who of the children in Jin¡¯s good times had ever starved?! Even street beggars had likely never eaten dirt and tree roots. Yet this cowardly, evil Prince, a grown man taller than a horse, had committed such atrocities. Pushing all blame onto the noble and loyal dead, he was shameless and despicable. Bai Qingyan gritted her teeth. After crying and going mad, hearing these military records again, she thought her heart had become numb. But still, her chest felt as if hot oil had been poured into it, and hatred burned fiercely. With tears in her eyes, she took the bamboo slips from her mother, aunt, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi, held them close to her chest, and knelt solemnly in front of the Bai family¡¯s spirit hall. When she looked up, her eyes blazed like fire, and her entire being radiated intense killing intent, as if she had returned from a sea of blood and corpses. ¡°Grandfather, Father, Uncles, and Brothers were persecuted by treacherous villains. Today, I vow before the loyal souls of the Bai family to seek justice for the wrongs done to our family. If Liu Huanzhang and King Xin don¡¯t pay with their lives, I will not rest in peace even in death!¡± With that, Bai Qingyan stood up decisively, her spine straight, and walked out of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Xiao Rongyan¡¯s deep, dark eyes followed Bai Qingyan¡¯s resolute figure, narrowing slightly¡­ Miss Bai was still the fierce woman who had once ridden a warhorse and cut down enemy troops. To demand King Xin¡¯s life, no one but Miss Bai in all of Dadu City could achieve it. ¡°Miss Bai, where are you taking the military records?¡± King Qi asked anxiously. Standing beneath the plaque of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, Bai Qingyan in her mourning clothes turned back. Biting her lip, she said, ¡°To the palace gates, to beat the drum of justice! To seek redress for the Bai family! To seek justice for my wronged Grandfather, Father, Uncles, and Brothers!¡± King Qi¡¯s eyes widened, realizing Miss Bai¡­ was about to confront his father! ¡°Eldest Sister! I will go with you!¡± Bai Jintong, in tears, firmly grasped her clothes and stepped over the threshold with determination. Bai Jinxiu, her eyes bloodshot, stood up, biting her lip, ¡°I will go too!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go too!¡± Just as Bai Jinzhi spoke, a loud voice like a bell echoed from behind¡­ ¡°Kid, stop!¡± At these words, she gripped the bamboo slips tightly, her fingers instantly cold, and her body stiffened. Blood ties could make one invincible, but also incredibly weak. Strong as iron, one could be shattered by familial love. But here, in front of these twenty-odd coffins of the Bai family, she would not retreat for her grandmother.Even if her grandmother wanted to stop her, it was too late! In broad daylight, under the watchful eyes of the people of Dadu City, could her grandmother, the esteemed Eldest Princess of the Lin family, lock her back in the rear courtyard? She may be disappointed, her heart may ache, but even if her grandmother, the Eldest Princess, knew the contents of the bamboo slips, knew how her husband, son, and grandsons died, knew how her grandson, Little Seventeen, was decapitated and dismembered, yet still sought to protect the Lin family¡¯s royal authority¡­ Turning her head, her blood-red eyes gazed deeply at the Eldest Princess. Her voice softened, ¡°Grandmother, are you going to stop me?!¡± Seeing her granddaughter¡¯s disappointment and vigilance, the Third Miss was tense and ready to burst with anger. The Eldest Princess couldn¡¯t utter a single word.But she was, after all, the Eldest Princess, strong and dignified to the end. Even in her old age, she carried an increasing air of authority. Despite her weary face and meticulously combed silver hair, her back remained impeccably straight. Tears reddened the Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes. Holding tight to her tiger head cane, supported by Nanny Jiang, she finally walked towards Bai Qingyan. Looking into Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes, her usually gentle voice was now hoarse, ¡°How can the Bai family seek revenge with just a girl at the forefront? I am the Duchess of Zhen¡¯s wife! I am not dead yet! For my husband, my son, and my grandsons, I will seek justice, even if it costs me my life!¡± Unexpected yet completely reasonable. Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes turned even redder, her heart softened. Compared to losing fathers and brothers, the real pitiable one was her grandmother, the Eldest Princess of the Lin family. Overnight, her husband, son, and grandsons had all perished in the southern frontier, and the wrongdoers were from her own family. It is said that there are three great sorrows in life: losing a parent in youth, a spouse in middle age, and a child in old age.Just pitiable people. She took two steps forward to support the Eldest Princess, choking, ¡°Grandmother¡­ we will go with you!¡± Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: Chapter 87: Forcing King Xin into a Deadly Situation_1 Chapter 88: Chapter 87: Forcing King Xin into a Deadly Situation_1 Eldest Princess held Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand tightly, turned her head, and looked at several daughters-in-law with a calm gaze. She said, ¡°The first daughter-in-law, you and the second and third daughters-in-law will manage the household! Take good care of the fourth and fifth daughters-in-law! Guard the Bai family well!¡± Mrs. Dong suppressed her grief and bowed toward the Eldest Princess, ¡°Mother, rest assured. With us in the household, there will be no chaos!¡± The Emperor¡¯s biological aunt, Eldest Princess, and her granddaughter, accompanied by the common people, walked to the palace gate. ¡°Let¡¯s go! We will go too! Follow the Eldest Princess to file a complaint with the Emperor for justice for the hero!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go! Together!¡± The people were furious. Eldest Princess gripped the ebony cane in one hand and held Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand firmly with the other, walking forward with determination. Her voice was as if it came from the depths of a bell: ¡°Kid, in forcing King Xin to his death, you were too impatient, too hasty, too reckless! Do you not realize that you are forcing the Emperor to kill his only legitimate son? Are you not afraid¡­ that the public sentiment and grievance, while killing King Xin, will also become a sharp blade stabbing into your heart?! Ultimately¡­ Kid, you still do not trust me as your grandmother, do you?!¡± She held her grandmother¡¯s already withered and trembling hand tightly and said, ¡°In Dadu City, over a hundred people are marching with me. The military record bamboo slips have been made public. If the Emperor of Jin dares not fear the public¡¯s opinion and heart, he can take my head! I have fought for the Jin Kingdom, and I am gravely injured and cannot have children! My grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers all died in the southern frontier. Under the clear sky and bright sun, I bet the Emperor does not dare to kill me¡­¡± ¡°Kid, as a daughter of the Bai family, if you do not have the courage and determination of a hero to cut off your own wrist, how can you talk about revenge?¡± Eldest Princess paused in her steps, closed her eyes briefly, then kept walking. Her voice trembled slightly: ¡°Kid, when will you understand that the living are the most important?! Grandmother¡­ cannot bear to lose any more of you!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s voice was frail; her deeply wrinkled skin showed brown spots, reflecting her disappointment and worry. From a distance, the guards outside the palace gate saw the road piled with snow on both sides and suddenly saw a group walking towards the palace gate. The scene was grand and attracted attention. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.?0 The guards at the gate were on high alert. Some ran back to the barracks to inform the gate commander. By the time the gate commander hurriedly dressed and came out of the barracks, Eldest Princess had already arrived in front of Wude Gate with Miss Bai, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Qiying, Bai Qishan, and a crowd of people, all in mourning clothes. The gate commander stepped forward to salute the Eldest Princess. After straightening, he asked, ¡°Respectfully greeting Eldest Princess, may I ask why you are here¡­¡± Before the gate commander could finish, Bai Jinxiu took down a drumstick and vigorously struck the drum¡­ The centuries-old, rusted climbing drum outside the palace gate rang out, startling birds inside the palace to take flight. Eldest Princess, holding the tiger head cane, knelt tremblingly outside the gate. The gate commander, scared, also knelt down. The Bai family¡¯s daughters, along with the loyal servants and the common people, knelt behind the Eldest Princess, creating a grand and overwhelming scene. At this moment, the Emperor, lounging in a soft couch, drinking tea and watching a delicate beauty play the pipa, faintly heard the drumbeat and frowned. He called out, ¡°Gao Demao¡­¡± The chief eunuch, Gao Demao, hurriedly entered and knelt, ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± ¡°Where is that drum sound coming from?! I can¡¯t even enjoy a tune in peace!¡± The Emperor was quite displeased. ¡°Your Majesty, it sounds like it¡¯s coming from the front. I have already sent a eunuch to investigate,¡± Gao Demao said. Outside Wude Gate. Bai Jinxiu knelt beside the Eldest Princess, holding the bamboo slip, and clearly, word-by-word, recited through tears¡­ Bai Jinxiu¡¯s enunciation was perfect, albeit tearful, but she was very clear and fast, making it easy for everyone present to hear it distinctly. Six bamboo slips, clearly just military records, but Bai Jinxiu¡¯s varied intonation made people feel as if they were on the battlefield, surrounded by the sound of killing, flashing blades and swords, and splattering blood, in a life-and-death struggle. The already traitorous Liu Huanzhang falsely reported that the grain supplies had just arrived in Fengcheng but were ambushed by Nanyan cavalry, with fifty thousand iron horsemen besieging the city! The food supplies were trapped, and without waiting for the Duke of Zhen¡¯s orders, King Xin arrogantly commanded the Duke of Zhen¡¯s son, White Cavalry General Bai Qiying, to lead forty thousand elite troops from Xinzhou for reinforcement. The experienced Duke of Zhen suspected a trap, but King Xin threatened him with the Emperor¡¯s gold medal and command arrow, forcing the Duke to comply. Later, scouts reported that Xiliang¡¯s 250,000 main force lay ambushed in Chuanling Mountain, trapping Bai Qiying¡¯s forty thousand elite troops. Realizing he¡¯d fallen into a trap, King Xin, filled with unease, forcibly commanded Bai Weiting to lead the main force to Chuanling Mountain to support Bai Qiying and annihilate Xiliang¡¯s main forces. Bai Weiting suspected a ruse, but King Xin, ordered by the Emperor to supervise the battle, forced Bai Weiting to comply, threatening to accuse Bai Weiting of disobeying the Emperor¡¯s orders if he didn¡¯t. Reluctantly, Duke of Zhen deployed troops, ordering General of Horse Bai Qijing to lead twenty thousand troops to bypass Feng County and attack Xiliang¡¯s camp, with Vice Commander Bai Qishan leading five thousand elite soldiers to reinforce Fengcheng. Bai Qingming and Bai Qingqi led ten thousand elite Bai family soldiers to garrison the Linggu Pass to assist all sides. Bai Weiting personally led fifty thousand troops to Chuanling Mountain, ordering Vice Commander Liu Huanzhang to conceal eighteen thousand main troops in Black Bear Mountain to launch a surprise attack on Chuanling Mountain. As Bai Weiting expected, his fifty thousand troops were ambushed, and Bai Qiying¡¯s forty thousand elite soldiers were annihilated. Xiliang¡¯s 450,000 troops awaited the Duke. Desperate, the Duke hoped for Vice Commander Liu Huanzhang to lead his troops to break through. On the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, Jin Kingdom¡¯s army fought bitterly for three days; the fifty thousand troops were nearly exhausted, but Vice Commander Liu Huanzhang never came to aid them. Xiliang¡¯s chief requested to meet Duke of Zhen, telling him Liu Huanzhang had betrayed him for power, revealing all the Duke¡¯s strategic deployments to Xiliang and Nanyan. Xiliang mobilized seventy thousand elite troops, and Nanyan forty thousand, intending to annihilate the Bai family¡¯s army and break the Jin Kingdom¡¯s spine. Xiliang¡¯s chief also told Duke of Zhen Liu Huanzhang had deceived the Bai family¡¯s sons, capturing five of them. Now, he led troops pretending to be Duke of Zhen, attacking Fengcheng, causing the Jin Kingdom¡¯s struggling forces to crumble and scatter. Marshal Bai Weiting, hit by several arrows, ordered Tiger Camp warriors Bai Qinghui and Bai Qingyang to report the traitor Liu Huanzhang to King Xin and commanded the army to protect them at all costs. Chapter 89 - Chapter 89: 88章：Choosing Righteousness over Life_1 Chapter 89: 88Õ£ºChoosing Righteousness over Life_1 When Bai Qishan, the Princely Heir of Duke of Zhen, arrived in Fengcheng, he found it unscathed. The grain and forages officer claimed that no supplies had arrived. The Deputy Commander, Liu Huanzhang, stayed briefly in Fengcheng, saying the supplies had already reached the front lines, reassuring the grain and forages officer. Bai Qishan knew Liu Huanzhang had betrayed them and turned back to aid Chuanling Mountain. Unexpectedly, Liu Huanzhang led 180,000 soldiers to ambush him in the Luofeng Canyon; their forces were imbalanced. Bai Qishan, with only 10,000 troops, could not withstand and, heavily injured, retreated to Fengcheng with 1,000 soldiers. Bai Qishan was besieged in Fengcheng for five days and ran out of food. Liu Huanzhang captured the five sons of the Bai family, stripped and mutilated them to humiliate Bai Qishan, trying to force his surrender. Bai Qishan, resolved to protect the citizens of Fengcheng, fought to the death with Liu Huanzhang to buy time, tearfully shooting and killing the five sons of the Bai family. Before the battle, Bai Qishan had ordered those with elderly parents and without heirs to step back. Those willing to die for the people of Jin Kingdom followed him to face the enemy. The seventeen-year-old son of the Bai family, only ten years old, stepped forward with a sword. He declared he was willing to fight and die for the people of Jin Kingdom with his father, refusing to live in shame! The Bai family army, deeply moved by the ten-year-old, drew their swords, shouting to fight to the death and refusing to live in disgrace. Meanwhile, as King Xin fled with 3,000 soldiers during Nanyan¡¯s surprise attack, he left behind 2,000 Bai family soldiers who stayed with General Bai Qingyu to fight for the people, buying time for the evacuation. Bai Qingyu sent 500 soldiers to evacuate the civilians and led 1,500 soldiers to drink a toast, declaring that though they were born at different times, they would fight for the people of Jin Kingdom as blood brothers. They drank and pledged to meet again in the afterlife. General Bai Qingyu and 1,500 soldiers died together, their bodies burned. General Bai Qingming defended Feng County until the allied forces of Xiliang and Nanyan attacked the city. General Bai Qingming stated that the Bai family army would fight to the death with their backs against the river for the millions of people behind them. To disrupt their morale, Yun Poxing, the enemy commander, killed the seventeen-year-old son of the Bai family and mutilated his body in front of the troops, revealing his stomach filled with roots and soil, shocking Yun Poxing. The Bai family army, spurred to fury, fought valiantly against the enemy. Even the accompanying historian, overwhelmed by the bravery, wrote in their last entry: ¡°The blood of a ten-year-old shames me. Though a scholar, I will throw down my pen and wield a sword! To die in battle¡­¡± After reading the six blood-stained bamboo slips, the Bai family members and the citizens of Dadu standing in front of Wude Gate were already in tears. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ??¦Í?¦Ï.§ã¦Ï Bai Qingyan, holding the six blood-stained bamboo slips high, shouted: ¡°The supplies never reached the southern front. Deputy Commander Liu Huanzhang betrayed us! King Xin¡¯s greed forced Duke of Zhen, Bai Weiting, into battle, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers in the south. Yet the blame was placed on Duke of Zhen, calling him stubborn and misusing troops. I ask His Majesty to restore justice and honor to the fallen souls and take Liu Huanzhang and execute King Xin. Restore the law and reassure the people!¡± The gate commander, filled with righteous indignation and tears, turned sympathetically to the Eldest Princess: ¡°Eldest Princess, each strike of the drum equals thirty lashes. Shouldn¡¯t we stop the Third Lady?¡± ¡°Strike the drum!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were like torches as she stood up. ¡°I will take the lashes! Even if I die outside Wude Gate today, this righteous drum must resound to the heavens!¡± She knelt on one knee in front of the gate, staring resolutely at the imposing Wude Gate. The sacrifice and bravery over the years made the drum a mere symbol, as no one dared to beat it. The executioner, holding the long staff, was deeply moved, unable to bring himself to strike after hearing of the Bai family¡¯s sacrifice. The delicate yet determined woman before him was a Bai family widow. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to hurt her. Yet the rules had to be followed, so he held back on the strength of the blows. ¡°Miss Bai, I must follow the rules. Please forgive me.¡± He raised the staff high and carefully brought it down¡­ The blow, carried by the wind, almost knocked Bai Qingyan down. She gritted her teeth, feeling a metallic taste in her chest. ¡°I¡¯ll take the blows! I am strong!¡± Bai Jinzhi stepped forward, blocking the staff, kneeling beside Bai Qingyan. ¡°My eldest sister was injured killing bandits years ago. She is not well. I will take the punishment!¡± ¡°I struck the drum! I will face the punishment!¡± Bai Jintong continued striking the drum. ¡°We sisters will bear it together!¡± Bai Jinxiu knelt beside Bai Qingyan. ¡°We have endured military canings before. This is nothing!¡± A man in the crowd, teary-eyed, stepped forward, kneeling: ¡°I¡¯ll take the punishment for the Bai family ladies! The men of the Bai family died for the country. Should their widows also die seeking justice?! Bai family¡¯s loyalty¡­ His Majesty must grant them justice!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take it! King Xin conspired with the traitorous Liu Huanzhang, not only greedy but also disgraced the heroes who sacrificed for Jin! The men of the Bai family dared to die for the country. I dare to die for their honor!¡± A young scholar stood up: ¡°Well said! To die for justice! As a scholar, deemed useless, today I will offer my body, seeking justice for the loyal souls!¡± The scholar¡¯s words stirred the crowd¡¯s emotions, making women and children weep, especially mothers thinking of the ten-year-old Bai family¡¯s son and the Fourth Lady who almost died from grief. They too rose, willing to take the punishment for the Bai family. The righteous spirit spread among the people, deeply moved by the initial few, all eager to respond. Bai Jinzhi, choking on her words, looked at the crowd supporting her family. Tears streamed down her face, unable to utter a word of thanks. Suddenly, she recalled her eldest sister¡¯s words that day in the Qinghui Courtyard¡­ ¡ªWith no one in the royal court, it¡¯s already difficult for us. If we lose the people¡¯s support, we¡¯re doomed! This is the outcome the people behind this plot want for our Bai family! Now she understood¡­ This is what her eldest sister sought: the people¡¯s support! The people¡¯s will is indeed so powerful. Her heart surged with pride. She finally understood why her once silent eldest sister tirelessly recounted the Bai family¡¯s contributions and their love for the country and its people. In the past, the Bai family did much but said little, so people took it for granted. Now, her eldest sister spoke of the Bai family¡¯s sacrifices, and people were moved to tears. As the saying goes, ¡°A crying child gets milk.¡± The saying was true. ¡°I will take it too. I am strong. No matter how many times Third Lady Bai strikes the drum, I¡¯ll take the staff!¡± Chapter 90 - Chapter 90: Chapter 89: The Peoples Unrest_1 Chapter 90: Chapter 89: The People¡¯s Unrest_1 More and more people became increasingly emotional, willing to take the punishment of the court rod on behalf of the Bai family¡¯s third daughter. Even children as young as seven or eight stood up and said, ¡°The Bai family protects the people, and the people can also protect the Bai family. Even though I am young, I have read the books of the sages. I too am willing to be beaten for the Bai family sister!¡± The executioner, seeing this, became even more hesitant to act, deeply shaken. He had never seen the common people so determined to protect a family. The aggressive demands of the people to take the punishment for the Bai family¡¯s third daughter left him standing there dumbfounded and at a loss. He turned and instructed the guard behind him, ¡°Quickly report to the Supreme Peak and see how to handle this.¡± The little eunuch, hiding inside Wude Gate to gather news, saw the situation and rushed to the Emperor¡¯s hall, scrambling to the door. He urgently said to Gao Demao, ¡°Eunuch Gao, the Eldest Princess of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence has brought several Bai family girls to beat the drum of Complaint outside Wude Gate, demanding that His Majesty arrest Liu Huanzhang and execute King Xin to uphold the law of the land! The common people are all out there clamoring to take the punishment for the Bai family¡¯s third daughter who beat the drum.¡± Even someone as close to the Emperor as Gao Demao was taken aback by this. King Xin, he was the legitimate son of the Emperor and the Empress. Had the Eldest Princess gone mad to dare demand the Emperor kill his legitimate son? Historically, unless a prince was guilty of rebellion, the most severe punishment was typically confinement. The Bai family likely went mad after losing all their men; they no longer cared for the consequences. ¡°Eunuch Gao!¡± The little eunuch wiped his sweat with his sleeve. ¡°Do you want to inform His Majesty?¡± Gao Demao shook his dust whisk and coldly laughed. ¡°For such unlucky matters, someone else will report it. Why should I rush to do it? Yesterday, His Majesty just kicked King Xin. Today, the Bai family comes to cause trouble. Recently, you all should watch your own heads and avoid getting involved.¡± As soon as Gao Demao finished speaking, the city commander came to report the situation. The Emperor, upon hearing this, immediately smashed the porcelain tea cup with red plum blossoms entwined around blue flowers in his hand. He was so angry that he couldn¡¯t sit still and paced back and forth, the light yellow tea staining the fine carpet in an instant. ¡°Outrageous! The Bai family is outrageous!¡± The palace maids and eunuchs inside the hall knelt to the ground, holding their breath, not daring to speak. The Emperor¡¯s wrath could lead to the deaths of millions! Who dared to speak in the Emperor¡¯s rage? Wouldn¡¯t they fear being implicated? Even Gao Demao, who had a significant face in front of the Emperor, kowtowed like a quail, wishing to shrink himself to avoid being seen by the Emperor. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.?? ¡°Ministers sent people to investigate thoroughly before reporting to His Majesty. It is said that today before the funeral hall, a blood-soaked servant sent by the Bai family to deliver winter clothes risked his life to bring back six bamboo slips. These slips were read aloud by the Bai family girl in public, inciting the emotions of the people. They all knelt at the palace gate, demanding justice for the Bai family!¡± The Emperor, almost unable to stand in his fury, thought, The Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence read it out in public once and at the palace gate again, fearing the people wouldn¡¯t remember. They left no room for maneuver! The Bai family. They were truly audacious! The Emperor steadied himself against an agarwood table, gritted his teeth, and turned to instruct, ¡°Gao Demao, you go! Personally invite the Eldest Princess in for me!¡± After all, she was his aunt. First, he needed to pacify the Eldest Princess. The Bai family¡¯s children could be dealt with easily. Deciding on this, the Emperor saw the wet hem of his garment stained by tea and became even angrier. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t anyone changed my clothes yet!¡± ¡¤ Outside Wude Gate, Bai Qingyan, who was kneeling in front of the palace with the Eldest Princess, saw the Emperor¡¯s chief eunuch, Gao Demao, running over. Gao Demao ran over and greeted, then knelt beside the Eldest Princess and said, ¡°Eldest Princess, His Majesty has asked this old servant to invite you.¡± Seeing the Emperor¡¯s chief eunuch had come out, Bai Jintong finally returned the drumsticks and knelt beside Bai Qingyan. The Eldest Princess squeezed Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand firmly, propped herself up with her cane, and straightened her clothes. ¡°Miss Bai¡­¡± Gao Demao said with a bright smile to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Could you hand over the bamboo slips with the military records to this old servant to present to His Majesty.¡± Bai Qingyan solemnly handed the bamboo slips to Gao Demao, speaking each word clearly, ¡°I have read these bamboo slips. Every word pierces the heart! I hope His Majesty will bring justice to those who have sacrificed their lives for the country! Otherwise¡­ the Bai family will not be at peace, nor will the people.¡± Gao Demao instinctively glanced at the people kneeling with the Bai family at the palace gate. Miss Bai, in every sense of her words, was threatening the Emperor when taken in a broad sense. Carefully accepting the bloodstained bamboo slips, Gao Demao said, ¡°Miss Bai, rest assured, this old servant will relay your words.¡± Bai Qingyan straightened her back while kneeling, watching her grandmother enter Wude Gate with Gao Demao¡­ ¡°Eldest sister, do you think grandmother will be swayed by the Emperor?¡± Bai Jintong clenched her mourning clothes tightly, her eyebrows furrowed. The Eldest Princess¡¯s stance seemed clear but not quite. How could Bai Jintong not understand? She gazed at the vermillion gate and her grandmother¡¯s straight back, feeling a bit powerless despite her firm resolve. She could only say, ¡°The situation forces people, neither grandmother nor the Emperor¡­ can stop it!¡± ¡°Can the Emperor really kill King Xin?!¡± Bai Jintong pondered repeatedly. In Jin¡¯s history, no prince had ever been executed. The previous second prince also took his own life after being confined. ¡°The Emperor cannot calm the public¡¯s anger without dealing with King Xin! Once he takes action, the crimes of rash advance for merit leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers of Jin and pushing the blame onto the loyal souls are enough to make King Xin incapable of ascending to a high position ever again, be it confinement or demotion to a commoner!¡± Her voice was slow, with a subtle murderous intent seeping from her eyes. ¡°He still gets off easy!¡± A rare fierce expression appeared on Bai Jinxiu¡¯s face as tears streamed down. ¡°If the Emperor can be ruthless enough to kill King Xin, he can at least leave a good name in the people¡¯s hearts. If he can¡¯t bear to¡­ then he will push all the people¡¯s trust to the Bai family! The loyal and brave die for the people, while the prince keeps his life despite his disgrace. The distinction between right and wrong lies in the people¡¯s hearts!¡± She breathed in the cold winter air deeply and straightened her back. ¡°The royal court does not accommodate women, but the people¡¯s hearts have no gender. We have no power in the previous dynasty; all we can earn is the people¡¯s hearts!¡± ¡°Revenge is simple! If there¡¯s a will¡­ King Xin can always be killed! Why let the Emperor earn a good reputation by taking action? Isn¡¯t it better to hold this powerful blade of public sentiment ourselves? King Xin, fearing for his life and abandoning the people, has many wanting him dead. If one day, he accidentally gets his throat slit on a dark, windy night, besides the Imperial Family¡­ few would shed tears for him!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s fist clenched so tightly it cracked. After experiencing one event, Bai Jinzhi now thought things through before acting instead of relying solely on her impulsiveness. Bai Qingyan felt deeply gratified. ¡¤ Inside the hall, the Emperor saw the bamboo slips with the military records for the first time. Every event, every detail was recorded clearly! He originally only knew of the severe defeat, with no military records delivered, and the casualties not clearly calculated. He truly hadn¡¯t expected the defeat to be so severe! Chapter 91 - Chapter 91: Chapter 90: Rebel_1 Chapter 91: Chapter 90: Rebel_1 The battle in the southern borders had cost the Jin Kingdom hundreds of thousands of soldiers. The Jin Kingdom would not have the strength to battle Xiliang again for at least five years and would undoubtedly have to cede land for peace. The Emperor, with a head full of anger, was trembling. He had been enraged by the Bai family¡¯s coercion, but at this moment, his greatest anger was directed at his legitimate son, King Xin! That arrogant fool had no ability yet forced the commander into battle. He regretted ever giving King Xin the gold medal and arrow. His own child¡­ Could he not see what kind of person he was?! Yes, when he sent King Xin to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s estate, it was with the intention of having King Xin overpower the Duke. He only wanted to bring guilt upon the Duke of Zhen¡¯s entire household. He merely intended to curb the so-called undefeated legend of this military family. But as the Emperor of the Jin Kingdom, he had never intended for the Jin Kingdom to be defeated so miserably! The Bai family members¡¯ deaths were of no consequence, but those countless soldiers who had died were his troops. How could he not feel heartbroken?! And then there was Liu Huanzhang! Daring to betray the nation! Daring to lead the Jin Kingdom¡¯s army against its own people! A traitor! To execute the Nine Clans of his family! They must be executed! The Emperor¡¯s hand, holding the bamboo slip, kept shaking. As he thought of the Bai daughters dressed in mourning clothes kneeling at the Wude Gate and the citizens of Dadu City, pressuring him to kill his legitimate son, his anger flared even more. He only had that one legitimate son! The Emperor was deeply troubled and felt an overwhelming desire to immediately order the extermination of the entire Bai family. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã? At this moment, the Empress was pacing outside the grand hall, uncertain of what to do. Now, the Bai family and the people, surging with anger, were kneeling at the palace gates, demanding justice and insisting the Emperor kill King Xin to appease the public. The Empress, having been married to the Emperor for many years, understood well his tendency to court fame and avoid infamy. If, in pursuit of his reputation, he truly killed King Xin¡­ The Empress dared not even think about it. The Emperor had many sons, but she had only that one! Inside the hall, the Emperor, looking at the solemn Eldest Princess, closed his eyes. ¡°Aunt, we are family; behind closed doors, we speak family business. What are you hoping to gain by causing such a commotion?¡± The Emperor¡¯s dark eyes filled with murderous intent turned towards the Eldest Princess. ¡°Do you truly¡­ want to force me to kill King Xin?!¡± ¡°If we are speaking as family behind closed doors, then I shall speak frankly to the Emperor!¡± The Eldest Princess tightly gripped the tiger head cane in her hand, her expression calm. ¡°Before I married Bai Weiting, who was then the Princely Heir of the Duke of Zhen, my father told me that the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion were the pillars and backbone of the Jin Kingdom. The Imperial Family needed to rely on the Bai family, but also guard against them! He, being old and with little time left, asked me to protect the Lin family¡¯s royal authority and guard against the Bai family¡¯s rebellious intent. On that day, I swore an oath with my royal blood.¡± As though fearing the weight of these words was not enough, the Eldest Princess gripped the tiger head cane even more tightly and said faintly, ¡°Many years ago, my father gave me an Imperial secret guard team, which I¡¯ve kept on a farm all these years. Even when my husband and sons went to war, I never used them. Does His Majesty know what I was guarding against?¡± The Emperor¡¯s gaze upon the Eldest Princess grew more serious. He had never guessed that there was such a story behind her marriage. Even when her sons went to war, she had not used them. It was¡­ to guard against the Bai family¡¯s rebellion. ¡°I must protect the intact and inviolable royal authority of our Lin family. Therefore, today¡­ I advise His Majesty that King Xin should be killed!¡± The Eldest Princess tightly clutched the agarwood Buddha beads hidden inside her sleeve and sighed deeply. ¡°Let¡¯s not speak of the Bai family¡¯s personal vengeance but rather the public sentiment. The war records sent to the Bai family¡¯s mourning hall are known to all. King Xin¡¯s actions have become widely known! The Bai family and the people are filled with hatred! His Majesty should understand that ¡®water can carry a boat or capsize it.¡¯ The will of the people is essential for royal authority to endure! If His Majesty kills King Xin, the people outside the Wude Gate will be appeased. If you cannot bear to kill King Xin, or even to penalize him, His Majesty will lose more than just the people outside the Wude Gate¡¯s support.¡± The Eldest Princess spoke as though she had the royal family¡¯s interest at heart, but she also had personal motives. She did indeed want the Emperor to kill King Xin to avenge her husband¡­ her sons, and her grandsons! Her youngest grandson, so lively and adorable, was only ten years old! If not for King Xin¡¯s greed and rashness, forcing Bai Weiting into battle, how could the male members of the Bai family have perished?! King Xin¡­ deserved to die! But she couldn¡¯t adopt the weeping demeanor of a woman, begging the Emperor to kill King Xin based on familial ties. The Eldest Princess had understood from a young age the difference between women and men. When confronting a man, one must first not consider oneself as a woman. Men¡¯s ambitions lay in the world, while women¡¯s hearts were often too soft, focused on familial ties and domestic matters. This was what she had once taught her eldest granddaughter, Bai Qingyan. The Eldest Princess¡¯s words made the Emperor¡¯s heart pound. He tightly clenched the bamboo slip in his hand, tapping it against the table before throwing it aside. Leaning on the cushion embroidered with the golden dragon soaring in the sky, he closed his eyes and pondered repeatedly. Balancing the consolidation of royal authority and the will of the people against familial ties and his reluctance, the Emperor soon gathered a cloud of obscurity in his heart. With his eyes closed, he asked, ¡°Aunt, are you truly speaking with no intent of avenging your descendants by killing King Xin?¡± Indeed, having sat on the throne for so long, the Emperor¡¯s intimidating power was overwhelming. The Eldest Princess steadied herself and slowly spoke, ¡°It is true I am the Duchess of the Duke of Zhen. But my foremost role is as the Eldest Princess of the Imperial Family!¡± The Emperor opened his eyes and looked at the Eldest Princess with probing, sinister eyes. The Eldest Princess stared directly into the Emperor¡¯s eyes, her voice steady. ¡°Under these circumstances¡­ Liu Huanzhang¡¯s Nine Clans must not be spared! While the people are gathered at Wude Gate, His Majesty must at least make a show of it. Have the Imperial Army surround the Liu Mansion and confiscate their property! King Xin, because he is the legitimate son, must be severely punished. Even if not killed, he can no longer have any prospects of reaching the supreme position! As for the Bai family¡­ only a few widows and orphans are left. They can hardly stir up any trouble.¡± When the previous Emperor was still alive, he had said that the Eldest Princess was a formidable and proud woman. Despite years of living a life of meditation and eating vegetarian, and having a benevolent and compassionate demeanor, she hadn¡¯t lost the ruthlessness and decisiveness deep in her bones when faced with significant matters. ¡°That legitimate granddaughter of yours, Bai Qingyan, is indeed formidable!¡± The Emperor squinted his eyes, and speaking of Bai Qingyan, a hint of murderous intent inadvertently leaked, his voice cold as ice. The Eldest Princess¡¯s hand, holding the agarwood Buddha beads, trembled. She lightly flicked the beads, her voice growing stronger, ¡°I¡¯ve already planned the aftermath. Let the Bai family¡¯s great mourning be handled simply, so this matter can pass quickly! Then¡­ I will come to the palace to request the forfeiture of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s title and go to the temple to pray for the country, living there permanently. I ask His Majesty, in consideration of the Bai family¡¯s generations of loyalty, to allow the Bai family¡¯s widows to return to their ancestral home in Shuoyang.¡± Chapter 92 - Chapter 92: Chapter 91: Shaking the Dynasty_1 Chapter 92: Chapter 91: Shaking the Dynasty_1 The Emperor remained silent. The Eldest Princess closed her eyes, tears welling up at the corners, and spoke chokingly, ¡°Married into the Bai family but could not be wholly devoted. To test my husband and sons constantly, to guard against them at every turn¡­ Does Your Majesty know how guilty I feel? Now let the Bai family leave Dadu City, leave a bit of their bloodline. They carry our Lin family¡¯s blood too! They¡¯re only daughters left; even if¡­ Aunt begs Your Majesty to leave some bloodline for me. Can you?¡± Tears filled the Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes as she humbly pleaded with the Emperor. She hoped he had a shred of mercy left, seeing the Bai family¡¯s retreating stance, and would not eradicate them entirely. The Emperor¡¯s fingers were rubbing together. After a long pause, he spoke, ¡°Aunt, I do not wish to annihilate the Bai family, but this Miss Bai¡­¡± In the past days, the actions and conduct of this Miss Bai were extraordinary. It was she who had pushed the Bai family¡¯s reputation to its peak. He was the Emperor¡­ How could he not see through this? But this Miss Bai was the one most resembling Bai Suqiu¡­ Thinking of Bai Suqiu made the Emperor¡¯s eyes slightly moist. The deep-seated desire from his youth, the regret and remorse recurring more often as he reached middle age. His fear of the Bai family had long been growing, like freezing over time. Having now sacrificed tens of thousands of soldiers to reach this point, he was unwilling and uneasy to leave the extraordinary, even if they were daughters, untouched. The Eldest Princess saw the Emperor¡¯s intent to kill Bai Qingyan, and her hands trembled. She looked at the Emperor and, choking with tears, began, ¡°For the stability of the imperial family, if Your Majesty says my granddaughter must die, I have no objections! But does Your Majesty know why I value my eldest granddaughter so much?¡± The Emperor looked at the Eldest Princess. ¡°Because my granddaughter is the most like Suqiu!¡± The Eldest Princess mentioned her daughter, and tears streamed down, ¡°Strong-willed, unyielding! Another living Suqiu! The year Suqiu died¡­ I almost followed her! Now I pour all my emotions into this granddaughter. I hope¡­ Your Majesty, for Suqiu¡¯s sake, spare this child¡¯s life!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s words touched the Emperor¡¯s softest spot. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0¦Í??.§ã¦Ï Perhaps since sitting on this cold throne, the Emperor¡¯s heart had gradually turned cold. But the place where Bai Suqiu resided remained soft and warm. The Emperor gritted his teeth, lowered his eyes to the bloodstained bamboo slip, and finally spoke as if making a decision, ¡°Escort the Eldest Princess to the side hall to rest. Have Xie Yuchang personally lead the Imperial Army to arrest Liu Huanzhang¡¯s entire family. Also, bring that rebellious King Xin to me!¡± After some thought, the Emperor added, ¡°Enter and exit through Wude Gate!¡± Outside the main hall, the Empress was like an ant on a hot pan, pale with fear at hearing the Emperor¡¯s furious roar. ¡¤ Outside Wude Gate. The commander of the Imperial Army, Xie Yuchang, rode out swiftly, leading the Imperial Army straight to Liu Huanzhang¡¯s residence with great momentum. Soon, King Xin, who had taken a solid kick from the Emperor yesterday, was tied up firmly with hemp rope and escorted through the Wude Gate by the guards. King Xin saw the people of the Bai family and the citizens at the Wude Gate. His gaze, like that of a viper, stared directly at Bai Qingyan. The plea for his death to his father came from this Miss Bai! This series of events caused the citizens to discuss fervently, boiling with excitement, declaring that the Emperor was still enlightened after all. Soon, a young eunuch hurriedly walked out from Wude Gate, carrying a dusty duster in his hand. He stood in front of the Bai family girl, raising his sharp voice, ¡°His Majesty summons Miss Bai¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi grasped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand tightly, her heart racing, ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± Looking at Bai Jinzhi¡¯s red eyes, Bai Qingyan gently patted her hand, her gaze firm and bright, ¡°With Grandmother here, and you and the people waiting here, nothing will happen!¡± Bai Jinzhi felt somewhat reassured by her words and slowly loosened her grip on Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand. She stood up on legs that were already a bit numb, calmly straightened her mourning clothes, bowed to the citizens who had come with the Bai family to Wude Gate, then turned to the eunuch who had come to deliver the summons. ¡°Please lead the way¡­¡± On the palace path paved with red walls and glazed tiles, Bai Qingyan followed behind the eunuch, her expression deep and inscrutable, her back straight, showing no sign of having just taken a beating. Bai Qingyan lowered her eyelids. In her previous life, she had learned a bit about the Emperor through King Liang and Du Zhiwei. The Emperor had no great abilities in governance but was suspicious and distrustful. Raised in hardships and not favored by the former Emperor, he longed for luxury and grandiosity after gaining the throne. He desperately wanted to be a more renowned wise ruler than the former Emperor. Such an Emperor feared the historian¡¯s pen more than anyone else. Why else would the Imperial Army move through Wude Gate? Why was King Xin bound and escorted in from Wude Gate without any face-saving effort? Since the Emperor summoned her entry through Wude Gate, it indicated he would not kill her. In a while, the Emperor would either threaten or entice her. Before Bai Qingyan could think further, they reached the hall entrance. Entering the hall, she saw the pale-faced King Xin trembling and kneeling on one side. She respectfully performed a grand salutation before the Emperor, quietly gazing at the mirror-like bluestone floor. The Emperor stared at the prostrate and silent Bai Qingyan, clutching a roll of military records, tapping it against the desk in front of him, his voice icy and spine-chilling, ¡°Miss Bai, gathering people at Wude Gate, what do you want?¡± Slowly, she straightened up, kneeling inside the hall, looking up at the Emperor on the high seat, and retorted, ¡°This is also the question I want to ask. Why does Your Majesty make King Xin, such a waste, the monitoring officer?¡± The Bai family had protected the people for a hundred years and had the people¡¯s hearts as her support. She was not afraid of imperial power from the bottom of her heart. The Emperor of the Jin Kingdom was the best at assessing the situation. Now that she stood on the side of the trend, the Emperor comprehended. The Emperor strained to suppress his anger, his temple veins throbbing, feeling that this Miss Bai was not only bold and deeply cunning but also sharp-witted! She had determined that he, the Emperor, could not kill her, which gave her the courage to be so arrogant before him. The Emperor was furious, coldly laughing, ¡°To force me to kill King Xin and incite public sentiment, Miss Bai intends to destabilize the country¡¯s foundation to compel me? What¡­ If I do not kill King Xin, the Bai family will rebel?¡± ¡°The blood-stained military record bamboo slips are still before Your Majesty¡¯s desk. Have you read them?¡± Her eyes glanced at those slips, then back at the Emperor, feeling deeply disheartened for the Bai family, ¡°I hold no power or soldiers, dressed in mourning without weapons, merely kneeling before Wude Gate with my life, seeking justice for my grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers. How can that be considered a rebellion?¡± Chapter 93 - Chapter 93: Chapter 92: Never Doubt_1 Chapter 93: Chapter 92: Never Doubt_1 The Emperor suddenly stood up, bypassed the desk, and harshly threw the bamboo slip in front of Bai Qingyan. ¡°Discuss? You received the military records on this bamboo slip and didn¡¯t submit it quickly. The entire population of Dadu City knew about it before I did. Vowing at the spirit tablet, with agitated and angry people blocking the Wude Gate, you almost forced a palace coup. And you still dare to talk about discussion? Do you really think I¡¯ve grown too old to notice the Bai family¡¯s filthy tricks?¡± She bent down to pick up the bamboo slip from the floor and wiped it with her plain white sleeve. The last line of the script came into view¡­ ¡°Vice Commander Bai Qishan has been besieged in Fengcheng for five days without food, Nanyan Army captured and humiliated the five sons of the Bai family in front of the troops, attempting to force Bai Qishan to surrender.¡± Raging anger boiled in Bai Qingyan¡¯s chest like hot oil, and she finally couldn¡¯t hold back, gritting her teeth as she spoke. ¡°The Bai family¡¯s tactics to seek justice and self-preservation are indeed filthy. But wasn¡¯t it also filthy for Your Majesty to send an incompetent overseer¡­ and bestow the gold medal command order to this incompetent? Isn¡¯t that purpose just as filthy?¡± ¡°You¡¯re insolent!¡± the Emperor¡¯s eyes bulged with rage. ¡°Xiliang and Nanyan watch us like tigers. Daliang and Rong have ulterior motives. The sharp soldiers of our country fight to the death against Xiliang and Nanyan¡¯s armies, fearless of dying shrouded in horsehide, of dismemberment, or burial in heaven and earth, spilling blood for their home and country. But during such a critical time in the southern battlefield, Your Majesty instead feared ministers¡¯ achievements eclipsing your own. You ordered a prince, unversed in military affairs, to oversee the campaign with a gold medal command order to rob credits. Isn¡¯t that the height of filth?¡± ¡°A fool threatened with a gold medal command order! Now all the men of the Bai family are dead. The Jin Kingdom no longer has a Duke of Zhen to deter Daliang and Rong for the next ten years. There are no more valiant generals in the court! Hundreds of thousands of troops are gone¡­ The Jin Kingdom has essentially cut off its own arm!¡± Seeing the Emperor¡¯s ferocious expression, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh coldly. ¡°Once the Jin Kingdom bows and seeks peace with Nanyan and Xiliang, Daliang and Rong will pounce to take their share. This situation¡­ will Your Majesty be satisfied with it?¡± The Emperor clenched his teeth and his eyes turned red. Bai Qingyan¡¯s words hit right at the heart of the matter. This was why the Emperor was furious after seeing the bamboo slip and regretted his former actions. ¡°Even if Your Majesty wishes to exterminate the Bai family, let it be a warning to everyone. No matter how loyal you are to the country, never commit so wholeheartedly that you leave no path for yourself! Else, all the men will be annihilated¡­ and even when brought back, their coffins are as thin as paper, unsuitable even for an ordinary ten-year-old child to hold a complete body!¡± Before the Emperor could speak, King Xin shouted angrily, ¡°Your Bai family is nothing but dogs our Royal Family raised! Your grandfather and father, those two old farts, wielded military power arrogantly. Does your Bai family have any regard for my father the Emperor or our Lin Family¡¯s authority?! How can this Lin Family¡¯s dynasty tolerate comments from a watchdog?! Bai Weiting, that old scoundrel, pretended to be a man of high morals for the country and people! Do you dare say¡­ that your Bai family never plotted to usurp our Lin Family¡¯s kingdom and pave the way for rebellion against my father?!¡± ¡°Did my father resist to the end in Fengcheng without water and food to rebel?!¡± She stood up and unfolded the bamboo slip, her bloodshot eyes filled with tears. The bamboo slip in her hand trembled loudly. ¡°My five brothers were captured alive. To prevent Xiliang people from using the humiliation of Bai family offspring to shake military morale, my father tearfully drew an arrow and killed my five brothers. Is that rebellion?!¡± ¡°My full-blooded brother Bai Qingyu was left at the rear. He could have escaped under the pretext of protecting King Xin, yet he fought to the death at Bailing, leaving no bones behind. Is that rebellion?! My seventeenth brother was only ten years old, trapped in Fengcheng without food for five days. After he died, Xiliang bandits gouged out his heart and liver, filling his stomach with soil and tree roots! Is that rebellion?!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.§ã¦Ï Her high-pitched voice, carrying a murderous air, reverberated shockingly within the grand hall. ¡°My seventeenth brother was only ten years old! His life hadn¡¯t even begun! But his deeply ingrained loyalty and integrity, passed down through generations, led him to pick up a sword and kill enemies knowing it was a dead end! Who else in the world could match the loyalty of my Bai family?!¡± ¡°The Jin Kingdom has dominated the nations for decades, yet distinguished generals are as rare as phoenix feathers! To train successors capable of deterring other nations, my grandfather and father took all men of the Bai family to the front lines, leaving no room for the family. Such undying loyalty was ignored by Your Majesty! My Bai family has pledged life loyalty, generations broken heads and bodies. What did it achieve?! It¡¯s the framing and slanders by treacherous officials in the court! It¡¯s Your Majesty¡¯s suspicion! Your Majesty¡¯s distrust and fear!¡± She endured the searing pain in her heart, looking at King Xin while the anguish burned within her. ¡°If the Bai family wanted rebellion¡­ the gold medal command order in your hand, King Xin, would just be a scrap of iron, unable to command my grandfather! How could you have returned to Dadu alive?!¡± The eunuch knelt, trembling like a leaf, as the Emperor¡¯s wrath made everyone anxious. King Xin¡¯s lips quivered. The Emperor pursed his lips tightly. In the grand hall where the atmosphere was imposing, the silence was so deep a pin drop could be heard. She held the bamboo slip and slowly knelt again, choking up as she spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, do you remember what you said to my grandfather when you were first made Crown Prince, in the red-bricked, green-tiled Eastern Palace? You said¡­ ¡®Uncle, you are ten years older than I. From childhood, I have regarded you as a father and elder brother, not as a court official. Uncle, you hold the well-being of the nation¡¯s people dear and strive for peace. So do I. In the court, I am here; on the battlefield, there is you. For the rest of our lives, I entrust military power to you and will never doubt you.''¡± The Emperor clenched his fists by his side, his thoughts drifting back to the deep winter of that year when snow fell thickly. Bai Weiting¡¯s stern features were respectful, his eyes red, and his deep bow reached the ground as he vowed firmly, ¡°I will never fail the Crown Prince¡¯s expectations.¡± Those words¡­ were just a calculation of a neglected Prince when he first climbed to that near position, seeking a pillar of support! Did Bai Weiting¡­ take it seriously?! The Emperor¡¯s thoughts were hazy. ¡°This is why my grandfather dedicated the entire family to serve, leaving no retreat for the Bai family¡­ taking all Bai family men to the southern border!¡± Seeing the Emperor¡¯s expression, she continued, ¡°My grandfather said, since ancient times, warriors were most feared by kings. But with Your Majesty¡¯s trust, he feared nothing! My grandfather said, with Your Majesty¡¯s great aspirations, wanting to dominate the world while he pursued peace for all. If he couldn¡¯t achieve this in his lifetime, Bai descendants should take it as their goal! When four seas unite and peace prevails, Bai descendants must return the military power bestowed by the Emperor to the Imperial Family proactively. For weakening powerful ministers and centralizing power are actions every emperor takes after unifying the country. As long as the Bai family remains loyal and just, without clinging to power, no matter which royal sits on the throne, they will protect the Bai family with the gentlest means.¡± The Emperor¡¯s lips trembled as he realized he had not known Duke of Zhen Bai Weiting held him in such high regard. She looked up at the Emperor, subtly gripping the agarwood table. ¡°Your Majesty, my grandfather trusted you so much. But have you¡­ fulfilled the promise of never doubting him?¡± Chapter 94 - Chapter 94: Chapter 93: Desperate to Fight_1 Chapter 94: Chapter 93: Desperate to Fight_1 The Eldest Princess, who had been anxious in the side hall, finally breathed a sigh of relief when she heard these words. Her stiff back relaxed against the soft pillow, and two streams of hot tears flowed from her closed eyes, unstoppable. Just now, Bai Qingyan¡¯s intense and forceful words had several times provoked the Emperor¡¯s murderous intent. But with these words, her granddaughter¡¯s life was saved. Fortunately, Bai Qingyan had not been blinded by hatred and knew to leave herself a chance of survival. The Emperor gazed at the woman in mourning attire kneeling in the center of the grand hall, her demeanor unyielding. She very much resembled Bai Su with that proud and unyielding spirit. The Emperor¡¯s innermost tender emotions were touched. He stared intently at the woman who met his gaze, as composed as an old monk in meditation. In this world, loyal ministers are not hard to find. What is hard to find are capable ministers who are both loyal and righteous. Yet, capable ministers are often the ones most easily attacked by treacherous ministers and feared by the Emperor. After a long time, the Emperor straightened his spine and slowly spoke, his voice tinged with weariness, ¡°King Xin¡­ I will demote him to a commoner and confine him within the King Xin Residence! As for Liu Huanzhang, his entire clan will be eradicated! Are you satisfied with this result?¡± ¡°Father?! Father!¡± King Xin exclaimed in disbelief, crawling forward and crying out, ¡°Father, I am your legitimate son!¡± The Emperor clenched his teeth, deeply disappointed and furious with this legitimate son, his voice sharp, ¡°Drag King Xin out! What decorum is this, crying and wailing?!¡± Reluctant to kill the legitimate son, the Emperor thought. She would kill him anyway; it would only mean a few more days of survival and more torment for King Xin. She respectfully kowtowed to the Emperor on the throne, ¡°I beseech Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate the matter recorded on the bamboo slip about the grain and military supplies not reaching Fengcheng, to bring justice to the Bai family¡¯s spirits!¡± Seeing the woman bowing, with her long hair cascading from her shoulders, the Emperor closed his eyes and completely suppressed his murderous intent. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.?¦Ï Fine, let this woman of similar spirit to Su Qiu live in her stead. ¡°The matter of the grain and military supplies involves the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao. Your second sister has just married into the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence¡­¡± ¡°Your Majesty, Qin Lang has already renounced his position as Princely Heir and moved out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. He is also known among the aristocratic families as a model, praised by Your Majesty. The Bai family only seeks justice and does not wish to implicate others.¡± ¡°I will thoroughly investigate the matter of the grain and military supplies!¡± The Emperor approached the desk, with imperial majesty, and took his seat behind the Dragon Throne. After observing Bai Qingyan for a moment, he asked, ¡°You just said, after the Jin Kingdom makes peace with Nanyan and Xiliang, Rong and Daliang will immediately pounce to take advantage. This statement hits the nail on the head and is insightful. If we do not seek peace, the armies of Xiliang and Nanyan will bear down on us. If we seek peace, Rong and Daliang will salivate like tigers eyeing us.¡± The Emperor pursed his lips and remained silent, waiting for Bai Qingyan to speak. The Emperor, who was praised by the Duke of Zhen, wanted to see what capabilities she had. Originally, Bai Qingyan planned to head to the southern border after everything settled down. Little did she know, the Emperor would present this opportunity to her. She needed to go to the southern border, not just to find and assist the surviving members of the Bai family¡­ The most important thing was that the foundation of the Bai family lay in the military! Like an insect with a hundred legs that does not stiffen even in death, the army was the place the Bai family should focus on the most. Raising an arm to call for response, that was something no other surname in the Jin Kingdom could achieve. After pondering for a moment, she kowtowed and said, ¡°A battle in the southern border is unavoidable and must not be reconsidered! Ceding territory, paying reparations, and seeking peace with a low profile might temporarily make Xiliang and Nanyan withdraw their troops, but Rong and Daliang will pounce. But if we win this battle despite the current dire situation, every nation will know that the might of the Jin Kingdom is still inviolable.¡± ¡°Are you confident of¡­ victory?¡± After the Emperor asked this, he lightly clicked his tongue. At the celebration feast after conquering Shu, the Duke of Zhen said his granddaughter was a natural-born military talent. He only smiled silently, thinking that the Duke of Zhen was exaggerating. A daughter from a noble family, though she had the reputation of defeating General Pang Pingguo of the Shu Kingdom, surely she was aided by others. And now, he was actually discussing frontline battles, national warfare strategies with this daughter he had once dismissed as insignificant. Strangely, the Emperor recalled the talent¡­ Bai Qingyan, who the Duke of Zhen said had grand ambitions like a Kunpeng. Unable to resist, he remembered he had once told the Duke¡­ He would entrust the military power for life, never to doubt. The Emperor¡¯s heart suddenly felt guilty, and he closed his eyes. Speaking of regret¡­ he regretted losing a loyal and capable minister. Speaking of no regret¡­ for several generations of meritorious achievements that overshadowed the sovereign, power dismantled, and no one could threaten his imperial authority anymore, he did not regret it. The subtle torment in his heart was nothing more than an inevitable sense of melancholy and loss. ¡°It depends on who goes to battle.¡± Bai Qingyan, hearing the Emperor¡¯s implied meaning, looked up at the high-ranking one, ¡°A soldier¡¯s courage is easily found, but a general¡¯s talent is one in a million.¡± The Emperor, leaning against the golden soft pillow, clenched his fingers. ¡°Matters of war must not be avoided. Sacrifice filial piety for loyalty! If Your Majesty still trusts the Bai family, Bai Qingyan is willing to swear by the Bai family¡¯s century-old honor, never to rest until the enemies of the Jin Kingdom are defeated! If Your Majesty no longer trusts the Bai family¡­¡± The Emperor¡¯s eyes were as sharp as a torch, ¡°If I don¡¯t trust you, then what?¡± ¡°Then I ask Your Majesty¡­ for the sake of the people of the Jin Kingdom, endure a bit, even dispatch a prince to accompany. As for military merits¡­ the Bai family does not want them! After this victory, the nations will fear the Jin Kingdom even more. By then, the Jin Kingdom will have ample time to cultivate future military talents. I will return to my ancestral home in Shuoyang to mourn my grandfather, father, uncle, and brothers.¡± The Emperor¡¯s fingers, which were touching the edges of the soft pillow, paused. Bai Qingyan¡¯s words meant¡­ she intended to offer the military merits to the accompanying prince on a silver platter?! The Emperor pursed his lips, ¡°Offer military merits? Are you willing?¡± ¡°Your Majesty, on the day of the palace banquet, I thought¡­ I had made it very clear. The Bai family has never sought any military merits. The Bai family has always sacrificed its life to protect the peace and prosperity of the Jin Kingdom! The spirit of the Bai family army is to never rest until the bandits who violate our Jin people are wiped out!¡± The Emperor¡¯s palm suddenly tightened. To never rest until the bandits who violate our Jin people are wiped out! If they are indeed talented, the full male members of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household perish, the Emperor feels sorrow without regret. At this moment, his state of mind was very different. His heart felt as if stung by a venomous scorpion. Once, he promised never to doubt. But he still doubted the Duke of Zhen. But he couldn¡¯t regret it; the Duke of Zhen¡¯s merits were too overwhelming. The Jin Kingdom¡¯s empire under the house of Lin could not afford mishaps during his reign, or he would not be worthy of the Lin family ancestors. Better to mistakenly kill than let go. He was right! As the Emperor, he must be right! The Emperor¡¯s fingers trembled lightly. After a long while, he said hoarsely, ¡°Go to the side hall and support your grandmother back. I will think about it¡­¡± Bai Qingyan kowtowed and retreated from the grand hall, only to find her grandmother already waiting for her at the door. The grandmother and granddaughter, both with reddened eyes, looked at each other and supported one another as they walked silently out of the palace. ¡°Did you¡­ advocate for war and volunteer to go to the southern border to force His Majesty to kill King Xin?¡± the Eldest Princess asked with cold fingertips. ¡°It¡¯s not that I advocated for war, but it is a battle that cannot be avoided. Today, the words spoken by your granddaughter to His Majesty were not alarmist talk.¡± Chapter 95 - Chapter 95: Chapter 94: The Integrity of a Gentleman_1 Chapter 95: Chapter 94: The Integrity of a Gentleman_1 ¡°Defend Jin Kingdom¡¯s peaceful rivers and seas. Protect the prosperity and peace of the people!¡± The Eldest Princess gently murmured these words, clenching her fingertips tightly. ¡°You are truly like your grandfather¡­¡± Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes to the long road ahead, feeling melancholy. No, she was not like her grandfather. Her grandfather was a true gentleman; she was not. After being reborn, she did not know when she had also become someone who spoke of benevolence and righteousness but calculated personal gains at heart. Going to the Southern Border, she was not entirely driven by a heart for the nation and its people. She did indeed pity the people of the border, but mainly, she wanted to find her possibly surviving brother and reintegrate the Bai family¡¯s dissipating military power. Bai Qingyan, who had once rarely been part of the military, understood too well what military power meant. Her grandfather once held the military power of Jin Kingdom but bowed to the current emperor¡¯s commands. Others said her grandfather was either pedantic or loyally foolish. But she knew deeply that this was the most precious gentleman¡¯s spirit of this era. But she was not a gentleman. In chaotic times, the strong ruled. Be it despicable or hypocritical, even if using underhanded means¡­protecting the Bai family¡¯s safety, ensuring the people¡¯s peace, allowing the capable to sit on Jin Kingdom¡¯s throne, for this she would be a villain. After a moment, the Eldest Princess¡¯s voice trembled as she asked, ¡°Did your grandfather truly say the emperor harbored a grand ambition?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã0 She coldly laughed and countered, ¡°Does Grandmother think the current emperor¡­seems like it?¡± It was merely an overzealous expression earlier; using a part of her grandfather¡¯s words to make the emperor feel guilty on purpose. If the emperor had any sense of shame, he should reflect on whether he was worthy of the words ¡°grand ambition.¡± The Eldest Princess closed her eyes, feeling relieved for¡­her granddaughter. Surpassing her master, her granddaughter, whom she had personally raised, was more formidable, adept at observing the situation, adapting to it, weaving truths and lies. She had done excellently, truly excellently! She clasped her granddaughter¡¯s hand tightly, her lips smiling but her eyes filled with melancholy sadness. ¡°Kid has grown up, even better than Grandmother expected. Now¡­Grandmother can rest assured to retreat to the monastery, mourning for your grandfather¡­for the heroic spirits of the Bai family.¡± Hoping to offset some of the guilt she felt towards her husband, son, and grandson. As the Eldest Princess of Jin, she had fulfilled her responsibilities¡­ But as a wife, mother, and grandmother, she always held back a little. Perhaps only for Su Qiu and Kid, because they were women. Hence, the Eldest Princess had never thought women could threaten the Lin family¡¯s dynasty, and so all her love was poured into her daughter and this granddaughter. Perhaps fate played a trick too, as Su Qiu¡¯s death led Bai Weiting to decide to take his granddaughter to the battlefield, unexpectedly giving his beloved granddaughter the means to contend with the royal court. She did not shy away from warfare, sacrificing filial piety for loyalty. The Eldest Princess thought of the grand and dignified words her granddaughter had spoken earlier in the hall. She vaguely guessed why her granddaughter wanted to go to the Southern Border; it was because the military was the Bai family¡¯s foundation. She now quietly prayed in her heart that her granddaughter only sought the courage to keep the emperor from daring to touch the Bai family, rather than¡­the power to overthrow the Lin family¡¯s dynasty. Leaving Wude Gate, the Bai family¡¯s servant already awaited them with a carriage at the gate. Bai Qingyan thanked the commoners who had come with them, informing them of the emperor¡¯s promise to bring justice to the Bai family. Cheers erupted outside Wude Gate. ¡°Thank you all. Your great kindness will forever be remembered!¡± She once again solemnly bowed to the commoners who had wanted to take her punishment. Just as Bai Qingyan helped the Eldest Princess onto the carriage, she saw Qin Shangzhi, standing at the back of the crowd with his bundle, bow respectfully from afar, then turned and left. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, what are you looking at?¡± Bai Jintong supported Bai Qingyan as she followed her line of sight, feeling quite puzzled. ¡°Nothing.¡± Bai Qingyan said, bending to enter the carriage. At the gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, Chen Qingsheng prepared the stool but was immediately pushed aside by Nanny Tong before he could talk to Bai Qingyan. She glanced back at Chen Qingsheng, who nodded understandingly. Entering the main gate of the Duke¡¯s residence, she let go of Nanny Tong¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Nanny, help me prepare mourning clothes. I need to go see Ji Tingyu¡­¡± Nanny Tong noticed the bloodstains on Bai Qingyan¡¯s mourning clothes and her eyes quickly reddened. She nodded, ¡°Yes! I will prepare it right away!¡± Once Nanny Tong had walked away, Chen Qingsheng hurried forward, pulling out a warm booklet from his chest and handing it to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Miss, here is the list of those responsible for the supplies sent to the Southern Border two months ago, prepared by the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage!¡± She pressed her lips together, took the list, and opened it¡­ Besides the list of people and their positions, there were notes in unfamiliar handwriting next to some names, describing their life and personality. The ink looked fresh. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°This was added by Mr. Qin, who is staying in our house. He thought it might be of use to you.¡± Chen Qingsheng admitted with some shame, ¡°I was investigating the personnel handling the supplies and somehow Mr. Qin found out and called me over to complete this list. Without his help, I could not have obtained it so quickly! I have thoroughly checked the people on the list, and indeed, there are no issues. Just now, Mr. Qin sent someone to call me over to add this information about their life and personality.¡± Qin Shangzhi, being able to attempt an assassination on King Liang, must have been closely monitoring his movements. With King Liang and the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage being connected, Qin Shangzhi would certainly investigate deeply. Considering Qin Shangzhi¡¯s capabilities, this list was undoubtedly genuine. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence had a life-saving grace on him, and Qin Shangzhi, being a gentleman, had stayed not only to heal but also to repay the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence. Now knowing that she needed this list, Qin Shangzhi had helped, feeling repaid and thus left at ease. Yet it was Lu Ping who saved Qin Shangzhi. She merely offered Qin Shangzhi a place to stay. She closed the list, feeling grateful and contemplated for a moment before instructing, ¡°Prepare a hundred taels of travel expenses and a steed. We¡¯ll leave the city for a while.¡± ¡°Yes, I will prepare it immediately!¡± ¡¤ With injuries on his body, Qin Shangzhi walked slowly. Just as he reached Zheliu Pavilion, a mile away from the city gate, he heard Chen Qingsheng calling him. ¡°Mr. Qin, please wait! Mr. Qin, please wait!¡± Qin Shangzhi turned back, only to see Chen Qingsheng on horseback reining in the horse, jumping off respectfully, and bowing. ¡°Mr. Qin, please wait! My lady is coming to see you off.¡± Qin Shangzhi tightened his grip on his bundle, looking toward the city gate. He saw a simple carriage of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence speeding towards him, stopping gently in front of him. Qin Shangzhi straightened his back. The one driving the carriage was Xiao Ruohai, Bai Qingyan¡¯s foster brother. He leaped off the carriage and respectfully saluted. Just then, Chun Tao lifted the carriage curtain, supporting Bai Qingyan as she stepped down. Chapter 96 - Chapter 96: Chapter 95: A Gentlemans Promise_1 Chapter 96: Chapter 95: A Gentleman¡¯s Promise_1 Bai Qingyan changed into a new outfit, covering her mourning clothes with a fox fur cloak, bringing only Chun Tao with her, and no guards. ¡°Mr. Qin¡­¡± she lightly bowed to Qin Shangzhi. Qin Shangzhi promptly performed a long bow: ¡°Miss Bai.¡± ¡°Since you are leaving, Mr. Qin, I dare not retain you. I came simply to see you off.¡± She took the gray bundle from Chun Tao¡¯s hands and handed it to Qin Shangzhi. ¡°A fine horse, a fox fur cloak, and a dagger for self-defense. I wish you a smooth journey and great success.¡± Qin Shangzhi felt deeply moved, his lips quivered. Seeing the elegant, noble, yet gentle woman before him, he smiled and accepted Bai Qingyan¡¯s goodwill. ¡°Thank you, Miss Bai.¡± ¡°You are too polite, Mr. Qin.¡± Qin Shangzhi clutched the bundle and, with a soft laugh, looked up. ¡°To be honest, Miss Bai, during my recovery at the Bai Mansion, I witnessed your unparalleled wisdom and broad vision. I have often thought of staying to offer my help.¡± Her palms tightened slightly as she gazed in slight astonishment at Qin Shangzhi. But in the end, Qin Shangzhi still chose to leave. If she tried to force him to stay today, he would forever have regrets. ¡°Mr. Qin, with your great compassion and talent to aid the world, I dare not confine you, a mighty dragon, to the small rear residence of the Duke of Zhen.¡± She paused, then solemnly bowed deeply to Qin Shangzhi again. ¡°But¡­ if one day I can bear the Qingyan flag of the Bai family and hold a position in the highest hall as a woman, I will make room for you and hope that you will not abandon me, and together we can support Jin¡¯s citizens.¡± Qin Shangzhi felt a surge of emotions in his chest. He had not expected such an noble resolve from this woman who had suffered great upheaval with the death of all the men in her family yet still aspired to support Jin. The Bai family, the backbone of the Duke of Zhen, indeed had a clear and righteous family spirit, standing tall and unyielding, a virtue he admired greatly. The long-lost youthful passion was ignited within him, a feeling of overwhelming pride surged suddenly. He raised his hand, unable to contain his emotions, ¡°A gentleman¡¯s promise!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?¦Ï Bai Qingyan smiled and responded with a clap, ¡°A gentleman¡¯s promise!¡± She watched as Qin Shangzhi mounted the fine horse brought by Chen Qingsheng and rode away. She adjusted her fox fur cloak, her eyebrows relaxed. With Qin Shangzhi leaving Dadu, he might avoid the fate of melancholy and unfulfilled dreams from her previous life. Outside the city, the cold wind was fierce, and Chun Tao stepped forward to remind softly: ¡°Miss Bai, let¡¯s return.¡± ¡°Mm!¡± She nodded. Just as she turned around, she heard someone calling her. ¡°Miss Bai.¡± She turned and saw Xiao Rongyan¡¯s highly skilled guard respectfully bowing to her. ¡°My master invites Miss Bai to Zheliu Pavilion for tea.¡± She looked up towards the pavilion on the hillside and saw Xiao Rongyan standing serenely inside, dressed in a white fox fur cloak, nodding gently in her direction. A few days before, Xiao Rongyan¡¯s men had split King Xin¡¯s carriage at the southern gate. Today, her fourth aunt had been saved by his men during the coffin incident. She owed Xiao Rongyan two thanks. But thinking of his sharpness hidden under his gentle demeanor and the bold look from that day in Manjiang Tower, she still felt a lingering apprehension. ¡°Brother Chen, wait here with Chen Qingsheng,¡± she instructed Xiao Ruohai and Chen Qingsheng, then held Chun Tao¡¯s hand and followed Xiao Rongyan¡¯s subordinate towards Zheliu Pavilion. Chen Qingsheng couldn¡¯t help but tighten his grip. He knew very well who the gentleman in Zheliu Pavilion was. Failing to complete the task Miss Bai entrusted to him, leaving her with potential troubles, was his fault. Chen Qingsheng watched Bai Qingyan¡¯s retreating back, then looked at the graceful man in the pavilion, silently vowing to be more cautious and thorough in the future, not leaving any leverage for others. Seeing Bai Qingyan step into the pavilion, Xiao Rongyan bowed gracefully to her, his manners refined, his eyes warm and deep. ¡°Miss Bai.¡± She released Chun Tao¡¯s hand and bowed solemnly. ¡°Bai Qingyan owes Mr. Xiao two thanks. First, for breaking King Xin¡¯s carriage axle at the southern city gate the other day, and second, for saving my fourth aunt today. Bai Qingyan knows to repay kindness. If Mr. Xiao ever faces difficulties, the Bai family will do all they can to help without hesitation.¡± ¡°Miss Bai, please¡­¡± Xiao Rongyan made a gesture for her to sit and was the first to kneel by the small table. The wealthiest merchant in the world had brought a soft gold-embroidered cushion, a small agarwood table, and a small stove to make tea, using a set of white jade tea utensils and exquisite snacks from Tianxiang Pavilion in Dadu City. It truly resembled the lifestyle of a fop. Chun Tao and Xiao Rongyan¡¯s subordinates stood a few steps outside Zheliu Pavilion, far enough not to overhear their conversation but close enough to attend to them. Kneeling opposite Xiao Rongyan, she saw him carefully lift the teapot over the stove, pour her tea, and push the white jade teacup towards her with a smile, then slowly began to speak. ¡°Miss Bai, if you wish to thank and repay me, then¡­ how should I repay for your warning at the palace feast?¡± Xiao Rongyan, extremely handsome and elegant, spoke gently, his eyes smiling. Despite his warm and harmonious demeanor, it was hard to conceal his sharp and deep presence. Her hand, hidden in her sleeve, quietly clenched. Gazing at the composed and gentle man across the steaming tea cup in the winter, he was like a dragon suddenly awakened in winter, staring at its prey, ready to strike¡ªa very oppressive feeling. Even Xiao Rongyan¡¯s highly skilled guard by his side had just now exuded a faint killing intent. This was no different from a form of intimidation by Xiao Rongyan towards her. In her previous life, she knew Xiao Rongyan fairly well. His gentleness only appeared so. Deep down, he was ruthless and cold-blooded, driven by ambition fitting for his desire for the world. Yet, he had retained some level of straightforwardness. Otherwise, he would not have given her the jade cicada for her survival in that life, allowing her to escape. Thinking of her past life, she felt various emotions. Outside Zheliu Pavilion, snowflakes fell. The withered willows swayed, rustling with the winter wind. Though there was a brazier inside the pavilion, it was still exposed to the elements and could not fully warm up. She slightly nodded. ¡°A small favor. Mr. Xiao need not keep it in mind. For me, for the Bai family, your two actions indeed were of deep gratitude.¡± Knowing Xiao Rongyan¡¯s capabilities, since being exposed¡­ Instead of denying it, she figured it was better to straightforwardly admit. If Xiao Rongyan found out the truth in the future and suspected her of ulterior motives, it would be more detrimental. Seeing the forthright woman opposite him, Xiao Rongyan¡¯s eyes deepened in laughter. ¡°Miss Bai, since you dare to send a message, does it mean¡­ you already know my identity?¡± She didn¡¯t respond directly, her tone steady, neither startled nor afraid. ¡°Regardless of your identity, Mr. Xiao, having a chivalrous heart and owing a debt to the Bai family, Qingyan shall regard you as a knight.¡± Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Chapter 96: Spy from the Enemy Country_1 Chapter 97: Chapter 96: Spy from the Enemy Country_1 This response seemed to disregard Xiao Rongyan¡¯s true identity. Xiao Rongyan couldn¡¯t figure out if this Miss Bai wanted to form a good relationship with him or¡­ wanted to please everyone. He deeply understood this Miss Bai¡¯s abilities and was aware of her methods. Even though Bai Qingyan with a fierce cape and horse in the Shu Imperial Palace left a lasting impression on him, and even though he once regarded Bai Qingyan as his mother¡¯s confidante at the Jin Kingdom palace banquet, it inevitably made him more cautious. What he bore on his shoulders was not just his own achievements; if he failed in his pursuits, he could simply bide his time and try again. What he shouldered was the responsibility of the revival of Yan. In the contest for dominance among the heroes, failure meant the fall of the country. If he failed, he couldn¡¯t bear it! ¡°Chivalrous heart, chivalrous person, Miss Bai, are you trying to tell me that the warning that day was just out of a chivalrous heart?¡± Xiao Rongyan¡¯s well-defined fingers rubbed the teacup, looking down without meeting Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze, his eyes growing deeper, ¡°Having a chivalrous heart for a spy of an enemy country¡­ Are you just trying to gloss over this, or are you deliberately evading?¡± Xiao Rongyan bit the words ¡°spy of an enemy country¡± heavily. Since they had run into each other today and brought everything into the open, Xiao Rongyan couldn¡¯t allow the now enlightened Bai Qingyan to evade the topic. Seeing a fierce intent manifest in Xiao Rongyan¡¯s eyebrows, she steadied her mind and also decided to make things clearer with him. ¡°A minor act of chivalry is to draw the sword to help the weak. A major act of chivalry is to save the people.¡± The woman¡¯s clear and steady voice came through, and Xiao Rongyan¡¯s grip on his wine glass tightened as he raised his eyes. She stared straight at the handsome man opposite her without flinching, her eyebrows clear and her gaze solemn and respectful. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?¦Ï Seeing the smile in Xiao Rongyan¡¯s eyes gradually deepen, she continued slowly: ¡°Therefore¡­ a chivalrous heart is precious. A major act of chivalry is even more precious, irrespective of one¡¯s class or nation, whether Jin or Wei. In this chaotic world today, anyone who can bring peace to the world and has the ability to govern and lead troops is considered a chivalrous hero in the eyes of the Bai family.¡± No matter who¡­ this naturally included the Yan Prince Xiao Rongyan before her, that¡¯s why she called him a chivalrous hero. These words were said very boldly. She was plainly telling Xiao Rongyan that now, in this turbulent world with the chaos of the warring states, any monarch who had the ambition to unify the world, who aimed to bring peace to the chaotic times and had the virtues and abilities to bring lasting peace, deserved the respect of Bai Qingyan or the Bai family. The Bai family even looked forward to their success. Reaching this point, Xiao Rongyan no longer hid anything and asked, ¡°The Bai family has guarded the Jin Kingdom for generations, their loyalty known to all. Are your words driven by the anger over the Bai family¡¯s sons dying in the southern border?¡± ¡°The Bai family¡¯s loyalty through generations is true, but we are loyal to the common people of the Jin Kingdom who sustain the Bai family with their taxes. ¡®Protecting the land and securing the people¡¯¡ªthose four words are the faith passed down through Bai generations!¡± Her voice was leisurely and tranquil, ¡°As for anger¡­¡± She lowered her eyes, hiding the sharpness within, the pain deeply buried in her heart, ¡°Merit varies in depth, life¡¯s quality in length, all are predetermined. Where is there room for anger?¡± She did not finish her last words. The rise and fall of the world and the fortune of nations are also predestined. In the previous life, the Bai family that protected the Jin Kingdom was ostracized by the Emperor and framed by treacherous officials. After the Bai family was destroyed, within a mere ten years, this Yan Regency Prince Xiao Rongyan led the iron cavalry to open the gates of the Jin Imperial Palace, just as the Jin Kingdom had flattened the Shu Imperial Palace earlier. So the Bai family must not risk their entire clan¡¯s lives for the waning Lin family¡¯s imperial power. Her grandmother, the Eldest Princess, was right; now the priority was the living. She had to plan and strategize for the long-term survival of the Bai family. She never forgot how Xiao Rongyan took down the Wei Kingdom in the previous life. The Gongsun family, loyal to the Wei Kingdom, was eradicated with no survivors in one night. With his cunning and ruthless methods, Xiao Rongyan was indeed an expert. Facing such a brilliant and merciless individual, Bai Qingyan dared to gamble when the Bai family was at its peak. But now, she neither had the strength to contend with Xiao Rongyan nor the confidence to ensure the Bai family would remain unscathed in a battle of wits against him. At this time, the Bai family needed to lie low, to bide their time and plan, rather than to engage in machinations and conflict. Since that was the case, there was no need to place each other as adversaries at this moment. At least, not before the Bai family had fully navigated through the current crisis should they allow the Yan Regency Prince Xiao Rongyan to think¡­ that the Bai family was foolishly loyal to Jin, willing to support the Jin Kingdom or the Lin family¡¯s imperial power to the death, even if only women were left. Thus, Xiao Rongyan, who still had some goodness in his heart, would not completely destroy the Bai family at this moment. Xiao Rongyan, being extremely intelligent, understood Bai Qingyan¡¯s implications clearly. He smiled and poured that warm cup of tea before Bai Qingyan, picking up the teapot to pour her a hot cup of tea instead, ¡°What you mean is that the Bai family doesn¡¯t care who ultimately conquers the land.¡± Bai Qingyan already knew his identity and had spoken so directly. He saw no need to beat around the bush. Her gaze swept over the steaming hot tea, her demeanor calm and composed, her words resolute and firm: ¡°I am fortunate to be born in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, a family that never belittles women. In my youth, I studied the classics under the old master Guan Yongchong and followed my grandfather into battle. Though not wise, I understand¡­ only a unified world can bring everlasting peace to the people.¡± She knew Xiao Rongyan had such ambition and would have the capability in the future. The Bai family was just an ephemeral existence in the grand span of history, why engage in foolish acts like trying to stop a rolling chariot with their arms? Xiao Rongyan felt a jolt in his heart, his eyes as if hiding a deep, profound well. How old was she, yet she could speak with such calm and poise about how only a unified world could bring eternal peace to the people? Over these years, Xiao Rongyan had traveled around for Yan, meeting with the monarchs of the three great powers, Xiliang, Wei, and Jin. Each of them, in their magnificence, spoke of bringing peace to the world but could not comprehend the essence of it. Even he only gained this insight after many years of traveling among the nations. He was momentarily unable to fully see through the woman before him¡­ seemingly gentle in nature yet steadfast and upright. Was it the drastic change in the Bai family that made her lose loyalty to Jin? Or was her heart and vision this vast from the beginning? Thinking about how this young lady advised Qin Lang to request to relinquish his heir position, showing boldness and vision! Her demeanor of standing resolute in front of Manjiang Tower, treating that son of a concubine with impeccable poise! In the palace, she carried an unyielding spirit with a profound love for the people, brimming with righteousness. Xiao Rongyan believed that Bai Qingyan belonged to the latter category. The transparency and wisdom of this Miss Bai blurred the lines of her age and gender. Sitting across from her¡­ what sprouted in Xiao Rongyan¡¯s heart was not a sentiment of not underestimating the young but an inner respect and admiration. Chapter 98 - Chapter 98: Chapter 97: Retreat and Lay Low_1 Chapter 98: Chapter 97: Retreat and Lay Low_1 At such a young age, to possess such a mind and great wisdom, who could she become with more time? Xiao Rongyan couldn¡¯t help but think of his mother, his fingers slightly tightening around the jade cicada. He never underestimated any woman because of gender. He had already thought that this Miss Bai had extraordinary means and an equally extraordinary mind. After today¡¯s tea, Xiao Rongyan not only thought highly of this Miss Bai but felt awe. His heart surged with passion. If he could have someone like her to assist in the restoration of Yan, how could Yan not dominate the world? Xiao Rongyan straightened his spine and raised his hand in a more solemn salute than before. ¡°Miss Bai, though your words talk of war and killing, they also reflect the kindness of a benevolent sage. I am filled with admiration¡­¡± Bai Qingyan did not dare to appear presumptuous and respectfully returned the salute. Today¡¯s conversations were extremely solemn for Bai Qingyan, giving Xiao Rongyan a little glimpse: The Bai family only protected the people of Jin, not the Lin family¡¯s royal power. In the Zheliu Pavilion on the northern hill of the city, Xiao Rongyan watched Bai Qingyan leave in her carriage, his heart filled with deep emotions. This eldest daughter of the Bai family, though a woman, surpassed most men of the world in courage and vision. During today¡¯s tea at Zheliu Pavilion, Xiao Rongyan nearly couldn¡¯t restrain his desire to invite Bai Qingyan to enter Yan. But currently, Yan faced internal unrest and external threats. Most of its prosperous lands were lost. The once grand capital, Dadu City, was offered to the Jin Kingdom to ensure the survival of the country. In such a nation, he did not know if someone like Bai Qingyan, who had both the desire to govern and the capability for war, would be willing to lower herself. ¡°Master, this Miss Bai seems to know your identity. Will she¡­¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã0 Xiao Rongyan pulled his cloak tighter, a smile in his eyes. ¡°She won¡¯t. Put away your worries!¡± This Miss Bai, having saved him once, would not act ignobly afterward to harm him. Today¡¯s meeting was only Xiao Rongyan¡¯s attempt to learn Bai Qingyan¡¯s motives for saving him. Now that he knew the eldest daughter of the Bai family had no ulterior motives, he felt a slight sense of disappointment in his heart. It would be great if she had some purpose. If she had some purpose, there could be exchanges, and with exchanges, they could build a relationship. ¡°The wind is picking up, let¡¯s go back!¡± Xiao Rongyan said. ¡°Master, this year¡¯s Lantern Festival in Dadu City might not be very exciting due to the grand mourning at the Duke¡¯s manor. Why don¡¯t we depart early?¡± Xiao Rongyan¡¯s subordinate tentatively asked. ¡°Hmm, go pack¡­¡± Xiao Rongyan slowly replied. ¡°We will depart after the funeral of the Bai family at the Duke of Zhen¡¯s manor ends.¡± ¡¤ In the swaying carriage, Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, contemplating the future of the Bai family. The path they should take was becoming clearer in her mind. Retreat and lie low, gathering strength in secret. Once the Bai family¡¯s funeral was over, she, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong would each go their separate ways and act individually. And now, the most crucial thing was how to use the list of Southern Border grain handlers left by Qin Shangzhi to make King Liang, who had been inactive in the shadows, finally take action. King Liang was like a scorpion hiding in the dark, waiting to strike. Before heading to the southern border, she needed to deal with him to be at ease. Though there seemed to be no apparent connection between the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage and King Liang, Bai Qingyan knew from her previous life that the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage and Liu Huanzhang had both pledged allegiance to King Liang. Now that the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, was imprisoned, she wondered if King Liang and Du Zhiwei were anxious¡­ When the carriage reached the back gate of Bai Mansion, Chun Tao helped Bai Qingyan off the carriage. Chen Qingsheng, seeing Xiao Ruohai leading the carriage away, stepped forward guiltily. ¡°Miss, it is my fault for not considering the matter thoroughly. I handled things poorly and let you be troubled by Mr. Xiao. I will be more cautious in the future.¡± Chen Qingsheng was a smart and capable person. Just one mistake already made him wary, which was good. Bai Qingyan also feared Chen Qingsheng might overcorrect. ¡°It¡¯s alright! He owes us a favor, and he was simply thanking me, not pestering!¡± Bai Qingyan was quite satisfied with Chen Qingsheng. ¡°You did well with the roster.¡± ¡°Mr. Qin contributed the most. I dare not take the credit,¡± Chen Qingsheng said humbly. ¡°Starting tomorrow, you will work under the Third Miss, following her instructions. I will tell Steward Hao to select a few capable hands to assist you. Do your job well¡­ and come back with the Third Miss sooner!¡± Bai Qingyan squeezed Chun Tao¡¯s hand. ¡°So Chun Tao can have a good match!¡± Both Chun Tao and Chen Qingsheng blushed profusely. Chun Tao¡¯s shy eyes flickered, noticing Nanny Tong approaching quickly. ¡°Miss, Nanny Tong is here¡­¡± ¡°You may go now,¡± she instructed Chen Qingsheng. Chen Qingsheng then respectfully retreated. Nanny Tong walked up to Bai Qingyan, bowed, and said, ¡°Miss, the nanny from Qingming Courtyard reported that those two in Qingming Courtyard have packed up their silver coins and valuables, as well as the items inside the Duke¡¯s manor. According to Mrs. Wang from the kitchen, they also took a lot of cured meat and dry food. It looks like they¡¯re preparing to escape.¡± The mother and son of Bai Qingxuan had always sought to maximize benefit and avoid harm. This time, King Xin¡¯s return to the capital and his attitude towards the Bai family were clear. King Xin, being the legitimate son, was the most likely candidate for the ultimate throne. However, today the Eldest Princess led the Bai family to the palace gates to force the killing of King Xin. Bai Qingxuan, being smart but not so wise, naturally had to find a way to escape, which was perfectly understandable. ¡°Let them go and make a big commotion. Let everyone know that it is those two who insist on leaving during the grand mourning of the Bai family.¡± After thinking for a moment, she added, ¡°Let my two nannies handle this. They just arrived at the Duke¡¯s manor and need some tasks to establish themselves.¡± Nanny Tong immediately understood Bai Qingyan¡¯s intention. Xiao Ruohai and his brother had initially followed Mrs. Dong¡¯s dowry manager and farm manager respectively to learn how to handle business. This was to ensure that once Bai Qingyan married, they would accompany her to her husband¡¯s household, becoming her most reliable aides, so they had little interaction with the Bai family. Now, with the sudden misfortune that befell the Bai family, although the duo were nannies to Bai Qingyan and thus respected by the Bai family¡¯s servants and loyal followers, they needed to accomplish something notable to truly integrate into the household. Nanny Tong took Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand, noticing it was ice-cold. Her eyes tightened with concern. ¡°Miss, didn¡¯t you bring a hand warmer? Why are your hands so cold?¡± As she spoke, Nanny Tong wrapped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands in her own, glaring at Chun Tao. ¡°Chun Tao, what is wrong with you?! You usually handle things steadily and reliably; you know the young lady is sensitive to the cold¡­¡± ¡°Nanny!¡± Before Nanny Tong could finish, Bai Qingyan gently squeezed her hand and stepped onto the veranda stairs. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask Chun Tao to prepare the hand warmer. I can¡¯t treat myself as an invalid simply because of this cold sensitivity. I used to endure training in severe winters and hot summers without a problem. Now, with a fox fur cloak, it¡¯s just a forgotten warmer. I can bear it, nanny, you¡¯re too cautious.¡± Chapter 99 - Chapter 99: Chapter 98: Give an Inch, Want a Mile_1 Chapter 99: Chapter 98: Give an Inch, Want a Mile_1 Chun Tao hurriedly added, ¡°Nanny, you don¡¯t know. Our eldest miss can now hold a horse stance for an hour. With iron sandbags tied to her arms while practicing calligraphy, she has gained strength. At first, I worried like you did. But then I saw our miss growing healthier, even Doctor Hong said she looks better than last winter. So, I started listening to our miss about these matters.¡± Nanny Tong only then nodded, still repeatedly rubbing Bai Qingyan¡¯s hands to warm them up. On the way back, Nanny Tong didn¡¯t stop talking. She mentioned that the two concubines from Shuoyang, who came for the funeral, had just visited Mrs. Dong to bid farewell. Bai Qingyan was not surprised that the Shuoyang people were leaving. Today, the commotion at Wude Gate forcing the Emperor to kill King Xin was huge. They feared the Emperor¡¯s anger might implicate them. ¡°It turns out these two concubines hadn¡¯t left yet when the eldest son of the Old Clan Leader from Shuoyang arrived. As soon as he entered, he told the Crown Prince¡¯s wife that before the Duke of Zhen left for the battle, the Shuoyang Clan had sent someone to the Duke¡¯s residence. They discussed purchasing land, repairing the ancestral hall, graves, schools, and hiring scholars after the New Year.¡± Bai Qingyan was very surprised. Although her grandfather always met the Shuoyang Clan¡¯s requests, why hadn¡¯t he mentioned this before he left? Seeing Bai Qingyan in doubt, Nanny Tong continued, ¡°This gentleman said, Originally, it was agreed that these matters would be handled when the Duke¡¯s residence sent New Year¡¯s gifts to Shuoyang. But now, with the Duke¡¯s residence facing a major disaster, the Old Clan Leader didn¡¯t want to trouble them. So, he sent this gentleman with the ledger to the Crown Prince¡¯s wife. It turned out that the total amounted to 450,000 taels of silver! Be it silver notes or hard silver, it must be prepared before they depart tomorrow. The Old Clan Leader insisted on this.¡± Nanny Tong emphasized the word ¡°must,¡± wanting Bai Qingyan to realize that the people from the Shuoyang Clan intended to exploit the Duke¡¯s residence now that it had no male heirs. Chun Tao widened her eyes, ¡°Are they robbing silver or begging for it?! The Bai family has encountered such a big incident. They sent two concubines for the funeral, but before it ends, they are leaving! And now, an elder from the main branch arrives to demand silver!¡± Even the usually good-natured Chun Tao was infuriated. Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, thinking deeply. The people from the Shuoyang Clan dared to be so bold, not just because the Duke¡¯s residence lacked male heirs but also because her grandfather was always too accommodating, causing them to develop such audacity. There is a saying: An inch of favor reaps a yard of hostility. She had warned her grandfather and father about this. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã¦Ï Maybe the mindset of men differs from women¡­ Her grandfather used to say that blood relations couldn¡¯t be measured with money. Moreover, the Bai Clan¡¯s ancestral shrine in Shuoyang relied on their care; the current Clan Leader was her grandfather¡¯s uncle within five generations. Her father remarked that a martial aristocratic family like theirs never lacked worldly possessions. If exchanging worldly items could bring peace and prosperity to the Bai Clan, why not? Her grandfather and father were kind-hearted. But the supposed clan members of Shuoyang saw the Duke¡¯s residence as their purse, taking whatever they wanted. While many honorable men like Qin Shangzhi knew to repay kindness, there were heartless ingrates in the Bai Clan. Bai Qingyan paused and asked, ¡°What does Mother say?¡± ¡°Not yet known. Currently, the eldest son of the Clan Leader from Shuoyang and the two concubines are with the Crown Prince¡¯s wife, detailing the accounts and lamenting how tight their finances are¡­¡± Nanny Tong replied. Bai Qingyan stood in the corridor, lowering her head to think, then raised her head and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and see¡­¡± ¡¤ When Bai Qingyan walked to the corridor of the main hall, she saw a little maid about to greet her. She signaled the maid to stay silent, standing in the corridor, watching the lantern swaying in the wind at the eaves, and listened quietly to the sounds from inside. Mrs. Dong closed the account book with a snap, tossing it aside, and sneered, ¡°Whether it¡¯s repairing the ancestral hall, the graves, or the school, it¡¯s reasonable to expect contributions from all households! But before the Duke of Zhen and the Crown Prince left, they didn¡¯t mention anything about this. As soon as you enter our residence, without offering incense or paying respects, you start asking for silver! After reluctantly offering some incense, you then demand 450,000 taels of silver to be ready by tomorrow. Do you think our residence is a bank?¡± For years, both her father-in-law and husband indulged the Shuoyang Clan. But this rendered them presumptuous to the point of making outrageous demands on the Duke¡¯s residence, showing no shame. Bai Qiyun, the eldest legitimate son of the Old Clan Leader from Shuoyang, turned livid. Gritting his teeth, he said, ¡°I am here under the Old Clan Leader¡¯s orders. Sister-in-law, what do you mean by this three-point refusal and hinting that the Duke never mentioned it? Are you saying we are making false claims against your residence?¡± Seeing his confrontational manner, the elder concubine wiped off his sweat and tried to mediate, ¡°Sister-in-law, please don¡¯t be offended. Eldest brother is just following orders and is rather anxious. You see, because of the tense war situation in the Southern border, the price of Kunshan Jade has doubled. We can¡¯t skimp on material for the ancestral tablets, or how can we honor our ancestors? Sister-in-law, isn¡¯t that reasonable? Before we came to see you, eldest brother had said that the Old Clan Leader specifically instructed that given the current state of the Duke¡¯s residence, it should not bear all the costs alone. As long as the Duke¡¯s residence covers the major expenses, the rest of us will contribute.¡± ¡°Now that the Duke of Zhen and the Crown Prince have both passed, if you, the headmistress of the Duke¡¯s residence, cannot make a decision, I will take the ledger and see the Eldest Princess myself!¡± Bai Qiyun retorted, flinging his sleeve. ¡°Very well,¡± Mrs. Dong smiled, dabbing her lips with a handkerchief as she picked up a teacup. ¡°Go ahead then! As you please¡­¡± Seeing her tea-sipping gesture to send guests off, Bai Qiyun felt stuck. Without Mrs. Dong¡¯s instructions, how could he even get into the backyard?! Mrs. Dong, having seen through everything, knew that once the Bai family¡¯s mourning period ended, they had to return to Shuoyang to secure the safety of orphans and widows. But precisely for this reason, she couldn¡¯t let them trample over her today. Otherwise, once back in Shuoyang¡­ they would undoubtedly exploit them further. If she showed weakness today, the Bai Clan members would not only lack gratitude but also become more demanding. Because of their previous generosity to the clan, any slight disagreement now would evoke resentment. Wasn¡¯t today¡¯s situation a clear example? Before arriving, Bai Qiyun¡¯s father, the Clan Leader, told Bai Qiyun that since all men of the Duke¡¯s residence had died in the Southern border, the Bai family was left with only the womenfolk. The gender of the child inside the fifth lady¡¯s womb was yet unknown. Without a man to uphold its prestige, the title would have no heir. He proposed to discuss with Bai Qishan, the Eldest Princess, and Mrs. Dong, to have Bai Qiyun¡¯s legitimate younger grandson adopted into the Duke¡¯s residence. Chapter 100 - Chapter 100: Chapter 99: Sense of Propriety_1 Chapter 100: Chapter 99: Sense of Propriety_1 Thinking that his son would become the Duke of Zhen in the future, Bai Qiyun felt ecstatic and couldn¡¯t contain his excitement. His mind was filled with images of his son as the Duke of Zhen! The honor of the dukedom was beyond words, and the mansion of the Duke had accumulated much wealth from years of military campaigns. All this would belong to their family in the future. It was a tremendous fortune. Because of this, Bai Qiyun was so happy that he couldn¡¯t sleep all night. Who knew that as soon as he departed from Shuoyang, he heard along the way that the second lord of the mansion had an illegitimate son outside. Just after the bastard was brought back to the manor, he was severely beaten on the main street by Bai Qingyan, the legitimate eldest daughter, for treating the common people with contempt. Everyone said that the dukedom was likely to fall into the hands of this child and sighed at the pity of it. Hearing this, Bai Qiyun became so angry that he fell ill on the road, harboring a great deal of resentment in his heart. Why hadn¡¯t the servants from the manor mentioned the second lord¡¯s illegitimate child when they returned to Shuoyang to report the funeral? Initially, Bai Qiyun was ready to turn back, but was stopped by Steward Wu. Steward Wu said that since they had set out, they might as well go and offer incense to the Duke. There might be some turning point in the matter; if they didn¡¯t go, there would be no chance at all. Reluctant, Bai Qiyun agreed. Steward Wu then sent someone ahead to the manor to inquire about the situation with the illegitimate son. This afternoon, when Bai Qiyun and Steward Wu arrived in Dadu City, it was the very moment when the Eldest Princess was forcing King Xin to his death at Wude Gate with her granddaughters. Upon hearing this news, Bai Qiyun shuddered, fearing that the Bai family would anger the Emperor and bring disaster upon them. He immediately ordered his two illegitimate cousins to leave at once. Who knew that just as the man sent to convey the order had left, the person sent by Steward Wu to gather information in Dadu returned, saying that the illegitimate son of the second lord had already packed his things and was ready to flee at any moment. Steward Wu, thinking quickly, came up with another idea. Steward Wu said that since the Bai family had forced the emperor¡¯s legitimate son to his death, they were sure to face a bad end in the future. But for now, the Duke¡¯s mansion had the support of the common people and should be temporarily safe. Now that the bastard son had sensed danger and was preparing to flee, their Shuoyang Bai family certainly couldn¡¯t be foolish enough to get themselves involved with the Duke¡¯s mansion. However, if this illegitimate child left and the manor had no male heirs, the clan would have to adopt a son for the manor¡¯s sake or risk having the female members return to Shuoyang to rely on the clan. Whether the manor ended up returning home or seeking the clan to adopt a son, either way, they would be pleading with the clan. They could take this opportunity to demand land, renovate the ancestral hall, temples, and graves, establish a school, and invite scholars to teach, all in the name of supporting the clan. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?¦Ï Mrs. Dong, the mistress of the manor, was a clever woman. If she knew she would need the clan¡¯s protection in the future, she wouldn¡¯t dare refuse. Before Bai Qiyun came to the manor, Steward Wu specifically reminded him to maintain a high demeanor when speaking, as the female members of the manor might need to rely on the clan in the future. The clan needed to show its strength while they were still in Dadu City so that it would be easier to demand benefits from Mrs. Dong when they returned to Shuoyang. Bai Qiyun thought Steward Wu made sense. Coupled with his anger, his words inevitably became arrogant. Standing under the porch, Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment before softly turning her head to Chun Tao and said, ¡°Go to the front and call the third and fourth young ladies over. Don¡¯t let the second young lady know¡­¡± Chun Tao nodded and was about to leave when Bai Qingyan held her back, whispering in her ear, ¡°Also, ask your cousin to quickly ride to the Xiao Mansion and meet Xiao Rongyan. Tell Xiao Rongyan that I need to use his title of the first merchant for a deal. It won¡¯t cause him any harm. If he can help me, I, Bai Qingyan, will be eternally grateful.¡± ¡°All right!¡± Chun Tao responded and hurried to the mourning hall in front. The reason for sending Chen Qingsheng to find Xiao Rongyan was that Chen Qingsheng was the one who initially delivered the message to Xiao Rongyan. Bai Qingyan hoped that Xiao Rongyan would let her use his title in favor of the past message delivery. Nanny Tong, being exceptionally shrewd, immediately understood Bai Qingyan¡¯s intention when she said not to call the second young lady. She worriedly frowned and said, ¡°Whatever the eldest young lady needs, just leave it to this old servant. You and the third and fourth young ladies are still young and should not be involved in such matters¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already plotted to kill King Xin. What more could I worry about concerning my reputation?¡± Bai Qingyan smiled at Nanny Tong and whispered, ¡°Nanny, don¡¯t worry. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± In the hall, Bai Qiyun slapped the table and angrily exclaimed, ¡°The Eldest Princess is in the rear garden of the Duke¡¯s manor. You¡­you won¡¯t even let the servants take me to her. How can I possibly meet the Eldest Princess?!¡± Mrs. Dong slammed the teacup heavily on the table. Her sharp eyes bore into Bai Qiyun as she sneered, ¡°So, you do know that this is the Duke¡¯s manor! And that I am the mistress of the manor! Today, I¡¯ll make this clear. If the Shuoyang Bai family is here to mourn and pay respects, the Duke¡¯s Manor welcomes you. If you¡¯re here for silver, wait until the major events of the Bai family are over, and we can discuss it. If you can¡¯t wait, you can leave for Shuoyang now or stand at the gates of the manor and let the public judge! Let the world see what vile and heartless intentions the Shuoyang clan harbors during our family¡¯s critical time.¡± ¡°You!¡± Bai Qiyun turned red with rage, standing up and pointing at Mrs. Dong. For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was extremely tense. Standing beside Mrs. Dong, Nanny Qin slightly raised her chin, smiling benevolently as she spoke, ¡°Sir, I advise you to lower that finger. Our princely heir¡¯s wife is a first-rank lady of the court. Showing disrespect to the lady can land you in prison! Furthermore, our manor has generations of generals. Our servants have a fiery temper, and if you keep pointing at the mistress, you might lose that finger in a fit of rage.¡± Intimidated by Nanny Qin, Bai Qiyun¡¯s finger, which had been pointing straight at Mrs. Dong, slightly bent. He then flung his sleeve behind his back and looked down at Mrs. Dong with arrogance, saying, ¡°Mrs. Dong, you must think clearly. The illegitimate son of the second lord has packed his things and is ready to flee at any moment. With no male heir, won¡¯t you have to seek the clan¡¯s shelter in Shuoyang? By delaying matters with the clan now, you are cutting off your own retreat!¡± Bai Jintong and Bai Jinzhi slipped out of the mourning hall upon hearing Chun Tao¡¯s message. Before they could speak to Bai Qingyan, they heard Bai Qiyun¡¯s overbearing voice from inside. Bai Jinzhi instantly felt a rush of anger and was about to barge in but stopped after a few steps, gritting her teeth and turning around to control her temper. Seeing her eldest and third sisters watching her, she realized she almost lost her composure and caused trouble again. Blushing, she walked back and asked, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, what do you need me and Third Young Lady to do?¡± Chapter 101 - Chapter 101: Chapter 100: Robbery_1 Chapter 101: Chapter 100: Robbery_1 Bai Qingyan beckoned with a wave, signaling them to come closer. Once the three sisters huddled together, she began, ¡°I want you to put on a performance.¡± Nanny Tong clasped her hands in front of her stomach, watching the three sisters discuss matters, her eyebrows knitted with deep concern. When Bai Qingyan finished explaining, Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Eldest Young Lady knows me well. I have never feared any reputation! Especially when we are in the right this time! Eldest Young Lady, rest assured, I won¡¯t mess this up and I will control myself!¡± With that said, Bai Jinzhi took long strides into the hall, hastily saluting Mrs. Dong before turning around and glaring, ¡°Our Bai family is in deep mourning. There are more than twenty coffins in the courtyard, and our widows are struggling to survive. Yet, you, the clan members, not only don¡¯t help but seize this opportunity to steal silver from our Bai family! Have you no shame!¡± ¡°Jinzhi! Step back¡­¡± Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong entered the main hall hand in hand and saluted Mrs. Dong. Seeing Bai Qingyan, the two elders from Shuoyang felt a bit intimidated. This eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion was formidable. She even forced the emperor¡¯s legitimate son to his death. How could she not evoke fear? ¡°I will not step back! Who do they think they are, daring to point a finger at Aunt?! In terms of status¡­ Aunt is a first-rank titled lady! And he, at such an old age, is only a scholar. How dare he act arrogantly in front of Aunt?! As for their clan status, ha¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi sneered, ¡°Back then, my ancestor had four legitimate sons. Except for the eldest son, my great-grandfather, the rest all died in battle without leaving heirs. My great-grandfather, knowing he held the Duke of Zhen position and had to defend Jin, felt he couldn¡¯t also take on the role of Clan Leader to serve the clan. So, he registered a concubine¡¯s son under my great-grandmother as a legitimate son, entrusting him the Clan Leader position. This concubine¡¯s son is your grandfather! So, fundamentally, your family is of concubine origin! What right do you have to shout at the legitimate daughter-in-law of the Bai family?!¡± Bai Qiyun hated anyone mentioning his grandfather¡¯s concubine status. During his childhood, whenever major events happened within the clan, those so-called Fourth and Sixth Uncles would suppress his grandfather with this status. Now, this young girl Bai Jinzhi used his grandfather¡¯s status against him. How could Bai Qiyun not be furious? ¡°You! Mrs. Dong, this is how you educate your children in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion!¡± ¡°Even if a concubine¡¯s son is honored with legitimate status, if not raised by the main wife, it still reflects a lack of proper manners! It¡¯s one thing to be improperly raised, but now they cause trouble for their descendants!¡± Bai Jintong retorted. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion had strict rules about raising concubine¡¯s children. All children from concubines could not interact with their birth mothers and were raised by wet nurses alongside their respective legitimate mothers. They weren¡¯t allowed to see their birth mothers except during the New Year. If found meeting secretly, the birth mothers would be beaten to death. The Duke established this rule because he feared if all legitimate sons, like his predecessors, died in battle, concubine¡¯s children might not be close to their legitimate mothers, making their old age difficult. So, he made this rule. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã¦Ï Concubines in the Bai family were essentially high-grade servants. Although they were served, they remained servants. No matter what, a servant is a servant. The Bai family¡¯s children from concubines were still masters. Masters and servants couldn¡¯t be equated. Bai Jintong herself was born of a concubine. Since birth, she was raised by Mrs. Li. Although her food and clothing weren¡¯t as fine as those of legitimate children, it was rightly so. Moreover, her legitimate mother never mistreated her, and she bore no resentment. ¡°Mrs. Dong! Will you just stand by and watch this little concubine-born girl insult the Clan Leader?!¡± Bai Qiyun, considering his status, did not want to argue with the two children and instead lashed out at Mrs. Dong. ¡°Mrs. Dong is not for you to call!¡± Bai Jinzhi instinctively reached for her whip behind her waist, realizing it wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Uncle, if you still wish to discuss family matters, apologize respectfully to my mother. Only then can we talk¡­¡± Bai Qingyan sat down next to Mrs. Dong. The two elders from Shuoyang raised their teacups, pretending to drink tea without uttering a word, while Bai Qiyun coldly glared at Bai Qingyan, ¡°How dare you, a junior, interrupt when elders are speaking.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi could not tolerate anyone disrespecting her eldest sister. ¡°I am the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, named with the Bai family¡¯s men¡¯s ranking character! I¡¯ve been on the battlefield, decapitated enemy generals, and annexed the Shu Kingdom! With all my grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers dead in the Southern Frontier, the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s honor will now rest on my shoulders!¡± Her calm, deep gaze fixed on Bai Qiyun, emitting an imposing killing aura, ¡°When it concerns the Duke¡¯s mansion, there¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t speak about.¡± The murderous aura from her battlefield experience silently spread in the hall, causing a chill down everyone¡¯s spine. ¡°Nanny Tong, take Bai Jintong and Bai Jinzhi to kowtow and apologize at the altars of their grandfather and father. Since our great-uncle has been registered under our great-grandmother¡¯s name and deemed a legitimate son, this matter is not to be discussed again! Repeat offenders will receive ten lashes!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s neck stiffened, ¡°I refuse to accept this!¡± Bai Jintong frowned and pulled Bai Jinzhi away, ¡°Come on! Don¡¯t make Eldest Young Lady angry!¡± Nanny Tong, equally dutiful, advised, ¡°Fourth Young Lady, if you don¡¯t leave, and Eldest Young Lady calls Lu Ping, you won¡¯t escape this round of lashes.¡± With reddened eyes, Bai Jinzhi was dragged out of the front hall by Bai Jintong, still stubbornly muttering at the door, ¡°I refuse to accept this! This clan is here to rob us, knowing we are left with orphans and widows!¡± The two elders¡¯ faces changed from green to white, heads lowered without a word. ¡°Uncle, shall we continue? Otherwise, my mother and I will head to the mourning hall to keep vigil,¡± Bai Qingyan said leisurely. This forced Bai Qiyun to apologize to Mrs. Dong sincerely. Mrs. Dong adjusted her clothing, ¡°Qingyan, let¡¯s go.¡± Bai Qiyun¡¯s face looked terrible. He turned his head and bowed towards Mrs. Dong, ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife, please forgive me!¡± Only then did Bai Qingyan turn to Mrs. Dong, speaking up, ¡°Mother, family matters are also important. Since Uncle can¡¯t wait to offer incense to my grandfather, father, and uncles, let¡¯s discuss. Afterward, Uncle, you should properly pay respects.¡± The two elders from Shuoyang quickly agreed, ¡°Indeed! Indeed!¡± ¡°Mother, since our three uncles didn¡¯t come here to mourn but to demand silver for repairing the ancestral hall, graves, and school, oh¡­ Also to buy land for the clan! I heard Uncle say the resting place for the tablets can¡¯t be skimped¡­ So the ancestral temple needs renovation too? Is that right?¡± Mrs. Dong looked at Bai Qingyan, not understanding her intention, and remained silent, observing quietly. Chapter 102 - Chapter 102: Chapter 101: Ocean Tolerance_1 Chapter 102: Chapter 101: Ocean Tolerance_1 ¡°This is natural!¡± Bai Qiyun¡¯s face slightly eased. Bai Qingyan nodded and looked at Mrs. Dong. ¡°A few days ago, Grandmother told me that after the period of mourning for the Duke¡¯s mansion, she intended for us to return to the ancestral home in Shuoyang. Grandmother had planned to discuss with you about repairing our main branch¡¯s abandoned ancestral home in Shuoyang. I privately asked Steward Hao about this matter. Steward Hao said that Grandfather had this idea long ago and had sent the repair blueprint from the old steward half a year ago. Our ancestral home is large. If we are to repair it comprehensively, it would cost around 180,000 to 190,000 taels of silver. This does not include the cost of new additions. Due to the large amount, the Duke¡¯s mansion couldn¡¯t provide the funds all at once, so the matter was postponed.¡± Bai Qiyun¡¯s heart skipped a beat, thinking Bai Qingyan intended to use the excuse of repairing the ancestral home to avoid giving money. Bai Qiyun¡¯s face turned ashen. It was he who suggested that the women of the Duke¡¯s mansion should return to the Shuoyang ancestral home. Naturally, fixing up the ancestral home was the priority. He felt as if he had lifted a stone and dropped it on his own foot. Bai Qiyun, unable to contain his anger, sneered, ¡°The Duke¡¯s mansion, a hundred-year-old military family, cannot come up with 180,000 to 190,000 taels of silver to repair the ancestral home. Who are you trying to fool, niece?! The military funds and provisions of the Duke¡¯s mansion, even a little bit, are more than that amount!¡± Her eyes darkened, ¡°Uncle, be careful with your words! You are over forty years old, yet you speak so recklessly. Embezzling military funds is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans. Uncle dares to say this, but our Duke¡¯s mansion does not dare to accept it.¡± Bai Qiyun pressed his lips together. Indeed, he had spoken imprudently out of anger. Giving Bai Qiyun a deep look, she then continued speaking to Mrs. Dong. ¡°Investing in land for the clan, repairing the ancestral temple, ancestral hall, ancestral tombs, and school; since Grandfather had promised these things, even if he is no longer here, we must carry them out. The clan needs 450,000 taels. Repairing the ancestral home will cost 200,000 taels, totaling 650,000 taels!¡± Bai Qiyun¡¯s eyebrows twitched. This was indeed no small sum. ¡°Mother, your and the aunts¡¯ dowries must not be touched. Even for gathering funds to repair the Bai family¡¯s ancestral temple, ancestral hall, and ancestral tombs and to purchase land for the clan, there is no reason to touch the daughters-in-law¡¯s dowries! Your daughter thought it best to sell all the shops, houses, farms, and good fields owned by the Duke¡¯s mansion in Dadu City to gather the silver. Anyway, the widows of the Duke¡¯s mansion will eventually return to Shuoyang relying on the clan. It would be better to leave Dadu City clean without any entanglements¡­¡± Bai Qiyun and the two uncles from Shuoyang were stunned. They did not expect Bai Qingyan¡¯s long speech to culminate in such a conclusion. Mrs. Dong looked at her daughter suspiciously, only to see her daughter smile and nod lightly. Mrs. Dong, relieved, picked up her teacup and said, ¡°These family assets cannot be sold just like that.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?? Bai Qiyun was deeply moved. The properties of the Duke¡¯s mansion in Dadu City were highly profitable. If sold to raise funds, he could discreetly have Steward Wu buy a couple of places, ensuring future wealth. ¡°I know Uncle is in a hurry, saying it must be ready by tomorrow!¡± She sneered, turning to Mrs. Dong and said, ¡°Mother, currently the wealthiest merchant, Xiao Rongyan, is still in Dadu City. By chance, Chen Qingsheng from our mansion and the steward of Xiao¡¯s mansion are well acquainted. We can let Steward Hao and Chen Qingsheng inquire. In the whole world, Xiao Rongyan is probably the only one who could come up with such a large amount of silver in a short time.¡± ¡°In fact¡­¡± Bai Qiyun began but quickly swallowed his words, only saying, ¡°Indeed, Qingyan is right!¡± Originally, he wanted to suggest there was no rush and even persuade Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan to sell slowly for a good price, giving him time to profit. But saying that would contradict his earlier urgency, so he swallowed his words. ¡°Since it is settled, then please, the three of you, formally offer incense to my grandfather and father, informing them of the clan matters that our Duke¡¯s mansion has agreed to. Let my grandfather and father know that the clan will take good care of the widows of the Duke¡¯s mansion, so that¡­ they can rest easy!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s words were reasonable. Having accepted such a large sum, not offering a promise would be too shameless. The two uncles from Shuoyang, seeing Bai Qiyun silent, gently tugged his sleeve and whispered, ¡°Brother, this makes sense¡­ The Duke¡¯s mansion has greatly supported the clan over the years. Moreover, you were too hasty earlier, discussing this matter with the Princely Heir¡¯s wife without first offering incense; many people saw this. To regain some dignity, you should offer incense properly.¡± ¡°Yes! The Duke¡¯s mansion provided the silver, and the clan benefited. All they want is respect. Offering incense and making a promise in front of the guests that the Bai family¡¯s widows will keep their word is worthwhile! Besides, once said before guests, the Duke¡¯s mansion cannot shirk since they are widows.¡± Bai Qiyun had been too hasty earlier, wanting to address the matter before his brothers left. He had not intentionally avoided offering incense. Now that the goal was achieved, he had no need to maintain a superior facade while mourning. ¡°I didn¡¯t offer incense out of urgency!¡± Bai Qiyun said, clearing his throat, ¡°Since it is decided, let¡¯s offer incense to inform the Duke and Princely Heir, letting them know! Princely Heir¡¯s wife¡­ I apologize for any offense.¡± Mrs. Dong turned to Nanny Qin and said, ¡°Nanny Qin, lead the three masters to offer incense.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Nanny Qin folded her hands at her abdomen, respectfully saluted the three Shuoyang masters, and made a gesture to guide them. As they left the main hall, Mrs. Dong impatiently asked, ¡°Kid, what is your plan?¡± The Duke¡¯s mansion could raise the tens of thousands of taels, but the clan had acted too high-handedly. Even if obliged, they couldn¡¯t give in so easily! ¡°Mother¡­¡± Bai Qingyan took Mrs. Dong¡¯s arm, walking towards the front hall, ¡°Since we are returning to Shuoyang¡¯s ancestral home, it is better to sell all visible assets cleanly now rather than be continuously exploited by the clan later! While Grandfather¡¯s mourning hall is still set up, let Jinzhi and Jintong spread the news widely. Let the clan and the world know how we were forced to support the clan¡­ selling all assets in hand. Once the clan has taken this time, they will refrain from seeking help from us widows in the future due to public opinion. This is the first point.¡± ¡°Secondly¡­ to appear to withdraw from Dadu and assure the Emperor?¡± Mrs. Dong asked. Chapter 103 - Chapter 103: Chapter 102: Friendship_1 Chapter 103: Chapter 102: Friendship_1 Seeing Bai Qingyan nod, Mrs. Dong patted her daughter¡¯s hand with deep affection. If her father, grandfather, and brothers were all present, how could it fall on her daughter to worry about the family¡¯s future? She smiled and squeezed Mrs. Dong¡¯s hand: ¡°Mother, you know everything. I can¡¯t hide anything from you.¡± ¡°But can this wealthy Wei merchant, Xiao Rongyan, really buy such a vast number of shops and fertile farmlands in one go?¡± Mrs. Dong calculated carefully with her daughter. ¡°This isn¡¯t a small sum!¡± ¡°This is what I wanted to discuss with you. I asked Chen Qingsheng to speak to Xiao Rongyan. We would only use his name; the money would come from our Duke¡¯s estate. This is the only way to transfer all the shops and farmlands from the Duke¡¯s estate openly to private control, still under your grasp,¡± Bai Qingyan looked at Mrs. Dong. ¡°But¡­the Duke¡¯s estate might not be able to come up with four hundred fifty thousand taels all at once to pay the clan members?¡± Mrs. Dong paused in her steps, recalling her brother Dong Qingyue¡¯s words from the previous day. He had told her that the reason King Xin¡¯s carriage axle broke was due to Xiao Rongyan¡¯s exceptionally skilled guard. Today, Xiao Rongyan had come early to pay his respects at the Duke¡¯s estate, and his guard had saved her fourth sister-in-law from crashing into the coffin. She tightened her grip on her daughter¡¯s hand: ¡°Have you met Xiao Rongyan in private? Do you have¡­interactions?! Tell Mother the truth!¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s questions came like a barrage. The more she thought, the more it made sense. Although merchants ranked last among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, in the Jin Kingdom, merchants were not that lowly. Xiao Rongyan was not just handsome and charming, he exuded a scholar¡¯s refined air, outstanding in every way. Her daughter was undoubtedly exceptional. Could there be feelings between them? Otherwise, how could Bai Qingyan be so certain that Xiao Rongyan would help the Duke¡¯s estate? If Bai Qingyan indeed had feelings for Xiao Rongyan, Mrs. Dong would need to make new plans. The method she discussed with her mother, Madam Dong, would no longer be viable. Her daughter¡¯s safety was crucial, but ensuring her daughter¡¯s happiness was also important. Now, with the people of Dadu City supporting the Bai family, the Emperor would not act against the Duke¡¯s estate for the time being. If her daughter had feelings for this merchant, she needed to plan early. She¡¯d have to evaluate Xiao Rongyan¡¯s character before entrusting her daughter to him. With Xiao Rongyan¡¯s demeanor, how could he just be a merchant? If her daughter married him, it wouldn¡¯t be just a low marriage; it might appear to the world as a disgraceful self-debasement! Ordinary noble families would never marry their daughters to merchants, let alone the honorable Duke¡¯s estate, famed for a hundred years. In a brief moment, countless thoughts raced through Mrs. Dong¡¯s mind. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??¦Ï.§ã¦Ï Bai Qingyan watched Mrs. Dong¡¯s ever-changing expressions and spoke frankly: ¡°Today, when I went to Zheliu Pavilion outside the city to send someone off, I happened to meet Xiao Rongyan and exchanged a few words. However, my reason for asking Chen Qingsheng to negotiate with Xiao Rongyan wasn¡¯t just based on a brief encounter and a few exchanged words.¡± Supporting her mother as they walked forward, she explained softly, ¡°Ever since Xiao Rongyan entered Dadu City, think about his extravagant spending habits. He aims to make a name for himself, not just in Dadu City but in the Jin Kingdom and beyond. He wants to transform the title of the richest merchant in the Wei into the richest in the world, letting everyone know the name Xiao Rongyan!¡± ¡°Right now, the Duke¡¯s estate is under the nation¡¯s spotlight. For Xiao Rongyan, what could be faster than acquiring all the estate¡¯s shops and farmlands in one go to achieve his goal?¡± When she stood under the corridor earlier, Bai Qingyan had calculated everything. Xiao Rongyan had said during the palace banquet that he would wait until after the Lantern Festival in Dadu City to leave. Why? He wanted to take advantage of the scholars and literati gathering in Dadu City during the festival to showcase his wealth and claim the title of the richest merchant in the world. But due to the Duke¡¯s estate¡¯s mourning, this hope was likely dashed. Given the circumstances, Bai Qingyan presented the opportunity to Xiao Rongyan. Such a clever person would never pass up a chance to demonstrate his wealth and gain a favor from the Duke¡¯s estate. Mrs. Dong, seeing her daughter¡¯s resolute and steely gaze, gripped her cold hand and asked, ¡°This Mr. Xiao¡­whether in appearance or character, he stands out supremely. Do you¡­¡± For a moment, Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t understand her mother¡¯s words. When she realized, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh: ¡°Mother, what are you thinking? I know myself well. I¡¯ve resolved to stay by your side for life. Besides, our Duke¡¯s estate is in such a difficult position now. How can I entertain such girlish thoughts?¡± Before Mrs. Dong could speak, she added, ¡°Mother, no matter what, we will discuss everything after the mourning period for Grandfather, Father, Uncles, and Brothers.¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s eyes reddened and she nodded with a choked sob. ¡°Madam, Miss.¡± They saw Mr. Gu, supported by a servant, rushing out. He bowed and urgently asked, ¡°Where is Fourth Master Bai Qiyun from the clan? Has he left?¡± Mr. Gu was a loyal servant of the Duke¡¯s estate. His family had served the estate for generations since their ancestor¡¯s time. He had diligently managed the estate¡¯s critical accounts and finances over the years, earning great respect in both the Duke¡¯s estate and the Shuoyang Clan. Earlier, when Bai Qiyun had come to confront Mrs. Dong, Nanny Qin quietly sent someone to fetch Mr. Gu to support them. However, he arrived too late as Bai Qingyan had already resolved the issue shortly after her arrival. ¡°Mother agreed to the clan¡¯s demands. She plans to sell all the Duke¡¯s estate¡¯s shops and farmlands to raise the money. Uncle has already gone to notify Grandfather and Father before the ancestral altar,¡± Bai Qingyan respectfully told the elderly man. ¡°I will go and reason with them!¡± Mr. Gu, leaning on his cane, hurriedly and unsteadily made his way forward. ¡°Mr. Gu¡­¡± Mrs. Dong was about to call out but was stopped by Bai Qingyan. She deeply looked at Mr. Gu¡¯s receding figure, then turned to Mrs. Dong with calm determination: ¡°Mother, let Mr. Gu fan the flames. It¡¯s just right!¡± The sun had already set, taking the last ray of twilight with it. Before the mourning hall in the front yard, under the flickering candlelight, Bai Qiyun finally performed a proper bow. Kneeling on the mat, he said, ¡°Uncle, cousin, although you have passed, my sister-in-law is trustworthy. She has agreed to the clan¡¯s requests to renovate the ancestral hall, temple, ancestral graves, and the school!¡± Hearing this, Bai Jinzhi, following Bai Qingyan¡¯s instructions, angrily retorted: ¡°What?! Aunt agreed?!¡± Chapter 104 - Chapter 104: Chapter 103: Where to Go_1 Chapter 104: Chapter 103: Where to Go_1 ¡°Jinzhi!¡± Bai Jintong called out, playing the act of restraint on her. Bai Jinzhi shook off Bai Jintong¡¯s hand and asked angrily, ¡°Why did Aunt agree to this extortion by a bunch of villains?! How can our Duke¡¯s household raise four hundred and fifty thousand taels without going bankrupt? How could Aunt have agreed?! If we were to actually go bankrupt¡­ what would the Duke¡¯s widows do?!¡± ¡°Little Four!¡± Bai Jinxiu choked out, attempting to intervene. Bai Jinzhi¡¯s emotions only grew more impassioned. ¡°Moreover, if this matter were true, why did Grandfather never mention it?! This clan¡¯s elder came in, not to worship or to mourn, but to say that the widows of the Duke¡¯s mansion have to rely on the clan for protection and that we should buy peace with silver, behaving just like bandits! Aunt is such a strong person, why did she give in?! And why should our Duke¡¯s mansion give in?! Has the clan not taken enough silver from us over the years? Our grandfathers, uncles, father, and brothers¡¯ bodies are not yet cold, and the clan is already forcing us orphans and widows to buy peace with silver! How is this any different from rural bullies?!¡± Bai Jinzhi, already with a loud voice and trained in martial arts, shouted this, drawing all the guests in the courtyard and the commoners outside to come and watch the spectacle. The entire family of men had perished in the southern border, and earlier this morning, the military records were returned at the cost of loyal servants¡¯ lives. The people gathered at the Wude Gate of the Imperial Palace caused a commotion! At present, the people of Dadu City were all concerned about the Duke¡¯s mansion and did not want to see any more trouble. The clan people had arrived just now, not paid respects or offered incense, but rushed straight into the inner courtyard, which the commoners and guests had witnessed. After much commotion, they were indeed demanding the widows of the Bai family to buy peace with silver! Bai Qiyun¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°What nonsense are you spouting, you youngster?! Who demands your Duke¡¯s mansion for silver to buy peace?! This was already agreed upon by your grandfather, the Duke of Zhen, and the Crown Prince long ago. It was originally arranged to be done during the year¡¯s end gift! The Duke often said¡­ that our Duke¡¯s mansion, being the most prominent family in the clan, should contribute accordingly. Over the years, the Duke has taken on all tasks for the clan. Despite the Clan Leader¡¯s urging for him to let other clan members contribute, the Duke always said that the clan¡¯s honor prospers the Bai family further! The Clan Leader was worried that, during the mourning period, the Duke¡¯s mansion would still be preoccupied with clan matters and lack manpower, so he sent me over! How can you, a mere girl, distort the truth and speak this way to your elders?!¡± Bai Qiyun, though often putting on airs, was not entirely foolish. With so many outsiders present, how could he expose his earlier coercion of Mrs. Dong and invite criticism?! Naturally, he elevated the Duke¡¯s status, and the Clan Leader, out of consideration for the Duke¡¯s honor and future, sent him here. ¡°Little Four! Step back! How improper to cause a scene before the twenty-odd heroic spirits of the Duke¡¯s mansion?!¡± Bai Jintong pulled Bai Jinzhi back, handing the incense in her hands to Bai Qiyun. ¡°Please, uncle, offer incense to my grandfather, uncles, father, and brothers!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã¦Ï Bai Qiyun glanced at Bai Jinzhi, who was restrained by Bai Jintong, muttering, ¡°Lacking family teaching!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi wanted to step forward and reason, but Bai Jintong tightly held her wrist. Bai Qiyun, holding the incense, bowed thrice. Just as he was about to place the incense, the three sticks in his hand snapped in half. ¡°They broke¡­¡± ¡°Why did the incense break?!¡± ¡°This¡­ the Duke does not accept his incense!¡± The crowd murmured, unable to resist stepping forward to watch. Bai Qiyun¡¯s face turned ugly. He looked up at the black lacquer plaque of the Duke of Zhen, fear rising in his heart, and subconsciously stepped back. Though it is said that Confucius did not speak of strange forces, he had come to extort the duke¡¯s widows while the Duke¡¯s body was not yet cold. Feeling guilty, the breaking of the incense made him uneasy. Bai Jinxiu noticed the trick Bai Jintong employed while handing the incense but remained silent. ¡°Perhaps the incense was damp. Uncle, please light new incense!¡± Bai Jintong lowered her head, covering the smile in her eyes, and lit three sticks of incense, handing them to her uncle. ¡°Uncle, please offer the incense!¡± Bai Qiyun, suppressing his inner apprehension, bowed thrice with even more respect. As he stepped forward to place the incense again, the three sticks in his hand neatly snapped and fell to the ground, startling him into stepping back repeatedly. ¡°I told you my grandfather never mentioned handing over all our family assets to the clan!¡± Bai Jinzhi knelt before the memorial hall and cried out, ¡°Grandfather! Grandfather, it is you who have returned, right?! You see how the clan oppresses our orphans and widows, and you stand up for us by refusing his incense, isn¡¯t that so?!¡± The candle flames before the memorial hall suddenly swayed violently; the shadows of the plaques wobbled erratically on the wall, and a gust of wind blew in from the doorway, causing everyone¡¯s hearts to race. ¡°The Duke of Zhen¡¯s spirit has manifested!¡± ¡°It¡¯s the Duke¡¯s spirit!¡± ¡°Duke of Zhen!¡± The commoners outside the door suddenly cried and knelt down. The servants of the household, with tears in their eyes, knelt down in unison, chanting the Duke¡¯s name. Bai Qiyun turned pale, clutching the broken incense sticks, and stepped back two more steps. Bai Jinzhi knelt before the memorial, bowing deeply. ¡°Grandfather! With King Xin¡¯s slander from the front and the clan¡¯s coercion from behind, the Duke¡¯s widows face hardship at every step. Grandfather, guide us on what to do!¡± ¡°The clan is shameless!¡± The thunderous voice of an elderly man startled Bai Qiyun to turn. Mr. Gu, supported by a servant, emerged trembling, his eyes bloodshot and brimming with anger. Mr. Gu, having hurried over and witnessing the unrest of the Duke¡¯s spirit, felt his heart tighten and angrily pointed at Bai Qiyun¡¯s nose, scolding, ¡°Is the clan shameless?! Huh?!¡± ¡°Mr¡­ Mr. Gu?!¡± Bai Qiyun softly called. Mr. Gu¡¯s cane thudded loudly against the flagstone floor. ¡°I have managed the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s accounts for years and know better than anyone how much the Duke¡¯s mansion has supported the clan! Every year, whether from the Duke¡¯s income or His Majesty¡¯s rewards, has the Duke ever not thought of the clan? Has he ever not sent half of it back to the clan?¡± Mr. Gu knelt before the memorial hall, beating his chest, wailing, ¡°I should have urged the Duke and the Crown Prince earlier! The proverb ¡®A pound of grace, a pound of grudge¡¯ holds true; the clan¡¯s appetite has been fed too well. Now they demand forty-five thousand taels of silver! After years of splitting half of our earnings with the clan, how can we produce forty-five thousand taels?! The Duke¡¯s mansion cannot produce the silver, so they force the princely heir¡¯s widow to sell all the Duke¡¯s properties, farmlands, and estates! If everything is sold, how will the hundred-some people in the Duke¡¯s mansion survive? It¡¯s my fault¡­ for not speaking up! I have failed the Duke¡¯s trust, failed the entire Duke¡¯s mansion. I might as well be dead!¡± Chapter 105 - Chapter 105: Chapter 104: A Moment of Peace_1 Chapter 105: Chapter 104: A Moment of Peace_1 As he spoke, Mr. Gu suddenly stood up and rushed toward the solid wood offering table in the mourning hall. ¡°Mr. Gu!¡± Bai Jinxiu widened her eyes, spreading her arms to stop Mr. Gu, but was knocked down along with him. The mourning hall instantly descended into chaos, with some pulling Mr. Gu and others helping Bai Jinxiu up. The common people were incited to righteous indignation. ¡°The National Duke Mansion is too unfortunate! How can they not give the widow of the National Duke any way to live? In one day, they almost forced the deaths of two people from the National Duke Mansion! What kind of retribution is this? Is the clan not afraid of heavenly punishment?!¡± ¡°Bah! Shameless! The National Duke Mansion is having such a major funeral, and the clan doesn¡¯t send someone to help the widow and orphans. Instead, they act like bandits to seize the family property!¡± ¡°Truly insatiable greed! The National Duke Mansion gives half of its annual income to the clan. Which family is this generous?! I think it¡¯s because the Duke was too kind-hearted, which made those heartless people only greedier, bringing such a disaster upon the widow of the National Duke.¡± ¡°I think they just bully the National Duke Mansion because there are no men left! The men of the National Duke Mansion died for the country and the people. How can this shameless clan dare to bully the widow?!¡± Seeing the public¡¯s anger, Bai Qiyun took two steps back and stood with his two secondary cousins, clearly frightened and losing his composure by the earlier ¡°Duke¡¯s spirit manifestation.¡± ¡°What is this commotion?!¡± Mrs. Dong, the wife of the Princely Heir of the National Duke Mansion, entered the mourning hall slowly, supported by Bai Qingyan. Mrs. Dong¡¯s matronly authority was imposing. ¡°With such a commotion, do you want to alarm the Eldest Princess?!¡± Mr. Gu, filled with guilt, heavily kowtowed, ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife! This old servant didn¡¯t speak words of loyalty and righteousness. This old servant is not fit to be a servant of the National Duke Mansion!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã0 Mrs. Dong walked up to the tearful Mr. Gu and lifted him, saying, ¡°Why say such things, Mr. Gu? Your family has served the National Duke Mansion from my great-grandfather¡¯s generation. You¡¯ve all worked diligently for generations! How could I not know that?¡± ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife!¡± Mr. Gu¡¯s eyes filled with tears, and he choked with emotion. ¡°Although the National Duke Mansion had to sell off the family assets to buy fields for the clan and repair the ancestral hall, ancestral temple, ancestral tombs, and school this time, here I, Mrs. Dong, swear that I will support the loyal servants and household slaves of the National Duke Mansion with all my dowry. As long as I have food, no one in the National Duke Mansion will go hungry.¡± ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife!¡± ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife!¡± The servants and household slaves of the Bai Clan all knelt, grateful for Mrs. Dong¡¯s kindness. Although Mrs. Dong was a woman of the inner quarters, she was a person with foresight and decisiveness. Bai Qingyan looked at her mother with admiration and respect. Earlier, her mother had insisted they wait behind and not show up until Mr. Gu was driven to desperation, igniting the public¡¯s anger, before stepping out to take control of the situation. With her mother¡¯s statement to use her dowry to support the loyal servants and household slaves, when they returned to Shuoyang, the clan would see the National Duke Mansion¡¯s entourage returning grandly, living as before. The clan couldn¡¯t still demand the National Duke Mansion contribute money for the clan, knowing it was all from her mother¡¯s dowry. No matter how shameless, the clan couldn¡¯t claim contributions from a family member¡¯s dowry. Nor could they extend their hands into the Bai family wives¡¯ dowries. Otherwise, who would dare marry into the Bai family in the future? Her solution was thorough, but her mother¡¯s was even more complete. She still had much to learn about these household affairs from her mother. ¡°To support the clan, the National Duke Mansion sold off all assets to scrape together money! But let me make it clear to the clan¡­¡± Mrs. Dong looked at Bai Qiyun, her voice resounding like a bell, ¡°This time, we shouldered the burden for the clan by dismantling our family¡¯s assets. In the future, the clan must not covet the dowries of us widows. We need our dowries to support our daughters and the loyal servants and household slaves of the National Duke Mansion! Once we return to Shuoyang, we ask the clan to give us widows a way to live, some peace!¡± Bai Qiyun stood with his two secondary cousins. He should have defended the clan¡¯s honor, but thinking about the candles flickering without wind and the incense breaking twice, he tightly sealed his lips and dared not speak. Reputation is the foundation of a clan. He never expected the women and children of the National Duke Mansion, who would rely on the clan in the future, to disregard clan honor entirely, tearing away all pretense with the clan. If Bai Qiyun¡¯s father, the current clan leader, knew about this, Bai Qiyun¡¯s legs might not be safe. ¡°It¡¯s not a problem for the National Duke Mansion to lose our family fortune. Luckily, we still have the dowries of us women, enough to support our children and the loyal servants of the National Duke Mansion!¡± The Fifth Lady, Mrs. Qi, heavily pregnant and supported by her close nanny, also came to the mourning hall. She respectfully greeted Mrs. Dong, ¡°As long as our dowries can buy us widows a way to live, stopping the clan from pushing us to death, what¡¯s the harm in losing our family fortune? Not just Sister-in-law¡¯s dowry, but also my dowry; Sister-in-law¡­ all of us in the National Duke Mansion will face it together. There¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t overcome!¡± The Fourth Lady, Mrs. Wang, who had been leaning against her son¡¯s coffin, reluctantly wanting to live, spoke hoarsely, ¡°My dowry too!¡± ¡°Mine as well! Although my dowry can¡¯t compare to Sister-in-law¡¯s, it was still a grand wedding back then¡­ the dowry filled the streets for a whole day!¡± The Third Lady, Mrs. Li, rushed over upon hearing the news, her voice arriving before herself. From ancient times, married women have regarded their dowries as more important than their lives! When the clan forced the National Duke Mansion to sell off all assets to buy peace, the wives of the National Duke Mansion stood forward, declaring their willingness to use their dowries to support the remaining children of the National Duke Mansion and its loyal servants! In comparison, the wives of the National Duke Mansion displayed what magnanimity! How sordid the Bai clan of Shuoyang appeared?! Among common folk, whose family without men could keep a deceased man¡¯s assets? Most widows and orphans were robbed by their clans. Who would have thought that even a family like the Bai clan could be so unsavory? Bai Qingyan lowered her warmed eyes. She always knew her aunts were righteous and loyal. Although there were inevitable quarrels and unpleasantness among the households in daily life, the Bai family stood united in times of hardship. This was the reason the Bai family had flourished for hundreds of years, growing ever more prosperous and honorable. There is only one bond that cannot be measured by money: blood ties. Her grandfather was right¡­ ¡°The Duke had said many times in the clan that the National Duke Mansion¡¯s prosperity was meant to serve the clan without complaint or regret! The clan never had the disgraceful thought of forcing the widows of the National Duke Mansion! When the Princely Heir¡¯s wife speaks of her dowry, it embarrasses the clan! It makes the world think that the Bai clan¡¯s leader robs widows¡¯ estates! Since it¡¯s like this¡­ even if it goes against the Duke¡¯s wishes, the clan dare not accept the Duke¡¯s good intentions. Goodbye!¡± Chapter 106 - Chapter 106: Chapter 105: The World Sneers_1 Chapter 106: Chapter 105: The World Sneers_1 Standing to the right of Bai Qiyun, the junior master of the Shuoyang Bai family, with a respectful demeanor, finished speaking and reached out to pull Bai Qiyun. He wanted to take the opportunity to leave with Bai Qiyun, for the reputation of the clan was more valuable than this money. They were already in the wrong; continuing to confront would inevitably expose their lies. Bai Jinzhi said nothing and blocked the three men¡¯s way, gritting her teeth and screaming hoarsely: ¡°Now you dare not accept it?! Wasn¡¯t it you who aggressively demanded my aunt to gather 450,000 taels by tomorrow?! Wasn¡¯t it you who arrogantly ordered us to buy our way out?! You speak highly of my grandfather¡¯s integrity, but you insinuate that the Duke of Zhen¡¯s widow is an unjust person¡­ maliciously framing the clan! Do you think I¡¯m too stupid to understand?! If so¡­ do you dare swear in front of my grandfather¡¯s shrine that you did not force my aunt? If you dare to swear¡­ I, Bai Jinzhi, will apologize to the clan with my life today! Do you dare?!¡± Which of the three masters from Shuoyang dared to swear such an oath? As soon as Bai Jinzhi¡¯s angry and high-pitched voice fell, a galloping horse suddenly halted, stopping steadily in front of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Clad in a white velvet cloak, Xiao Rongyan leaped off the horse, casually handed the whip to an accompanying guard, tidied his attire respectfully at the door before stepping up the steps of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Xiao Rongyan entered without speaking, first bowed deeply, and then rose to respectfully salute Mrs. Dong. Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan returned the salute. Before Xiao Rongyan could speak, Bai Qingyan said: ¡°Mr. Xiao must have already seen the steward of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Mr. Xiao, do you intend to purchase our shops and farmlands? The clan urges us urgently; they demand the money by tomorrow. Mother and I have thought about it¡­ and realized that in Dadu, only you, the number one wealthy businessman in the world, could possibly produce such a sum overnight! We originally planned to get your confirmation first and then let the steward and the steward bring the contracts to your door. We didn¡¯t expect you to come in person.¡± Xiao Rongyan, looking at Bai Qingyan who spoke leisurely and calmly, reached out to his followers, who immediately handed him an exquisite and valuable redwood box. Xiao Rongyan presented the box with both hands, his gentle voice gradually spreading: ¡°The loyalty and bravery of the Bai family of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion are witnessed by all. Xiao also admires the loyalty of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion! As a businessman, Xiao¡¯s status is low, and the only thing he can offer is this yellow and white valuables! Here are one million taels in silver notes from Huitong Bank, freshly printed. If this is not enough, I will send another two million taels tomorrow! Madam Princely Heir, Miss Bai, feel free to ask. Xiao can provide as much as needed.¡± Under the flickering light of the lanterns in the Bai family¡¯s mourning hall, the tall and upright figure of Xiao Rongyan stood with calm and composure in his black eyes. The room¡¯s candlelight outlined his extremely elegant and distinct features. His serene, abyssal gaze fluctuated with the fire¡¯s dance, exuding a mature, refined, and noble demeanor. Bai Qingyan knew that with the opportunity presented in front of Xiao Rongyan, he would only exceed her expectations¡­ Such a show of wealth to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s widow demonstrated immense financial power comparable to a nation, garnering a good reputation. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0¦Í?¦Ï.§ã¦Ï Hearing the public praise Xiao Rongyan¡¯s high integrity, her eyes deepened further. After today, the title of the world¡¯s number one wealthy businessman was secured for Xiao Rongyan, and the title of the righteous businessman would also be his. Mrs. Dong gently curtseyed: ¡°Thank you, Mr. Xiao, for your assistance. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion owes you a favor. However, business is business¡­ it must be conducted according to the rules. Mr. Xiao may order the shopkeeper and steward to come to our mansion to calculate the value of the shops and farmlands accurately. We will not allow Mr. Xiao to spend a penny more.¡± ¡°Madam Princely Heir¡­¡± Mrs. Dong raised her hand, indicating Xiao Rongyan need not persuade further, her demeanor gentle: ¡°Mr. Xiao, aiding us in this difficult time is already a great help! The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion is deeply grateful. However, the family law of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion is strict. Even if at our wits¡¯ end, we must not take advantage of the people! The family rules of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion are inviolable, and our backbone is unbreakable! Especially since there are women like us in the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, we are far from desperate.¡± Xiao Rongyan solemnly saluted to apologize: ¡°It is Xiao¡¯s recklessness. Although the men of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion have all perished, the mansion¡¯s unyielding spirit endures. Xiao admires this! Therefore, we shall follow the Madam Princely Heir¡¯s instructions¡­¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Xiao Rongyan¡¯s gaze swept over the three Shuoyang Bai family masters blocked by Bai Jinzhi, ¡°Since these three masters of the Shuoyang Bai family are anxious, why not give them the silver notes first. The deceased is most important, and the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion currently has a major mourning. Let¡¯s handle the funeral first. After the funeral is over, we will slowly settle the business accounts. What do you think, Madam Princely Heir?¡± ¡°Mr. Xiao is highly virtuous, the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion is deeply grateful.¡± Bai Qingyan respectfully saluted and said, ¡°Mother, since the setttling of accounts might take some time, and we promised the three clan uncles to prepare the sum by tomorrow, we can¡¯t break our word. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion is in the midst of a grand funeral, and we are extremely busy. Since Mr. Xiao trusts the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, why not ask Mr. Xiao to first give 450,000 taels to the three clan uncles. After the funeral, we shall settle the accounts.¡± Mrs. Dong nodded: ¡°Then we must trouble Mr. Xiao.¡± Xiao Rongyan then handed the brocade box to the guard behind him. The guard took out four silver notes of 100,000 taels each, and five silver notes of 10,000 taels each. He held the box containing the silver notes in one hand and the silver notes in the other, walking to Bai Qiyun and the other two, casually handing over the silver notes with one hand. Bai Qiyun was no fool. Accepting these 450,000 taels in private might be fine, but after such a commotion, with nobles and commoners alike watching, the clan forcing the Bai family¡¯s widow to sell the Duke of Zhen¡¯s property to gather silver for the clan, now a businessman giving money to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion instead, if he accepted this silver, the Bai clan would indeed be ridiculed by everyone. Bai Jinzhi provoked Bai Qiyun: ¡°Uncle, the silver notes are here¡­ Why don¡¯t you dare to take them? Are you afraid because of Grandfather¡¯s spirit? Isn¡¯t it true that Grandfather¡¯s promise to the clan was just a lie you made up to seize the Duke of Zhen¡¯s property?!¡± Bai Qiyun couldn¡¯t help but recall the flickering candles without wind and the incense that broke twice, causing his palms to sweat profusely. Bai Jinxiu, who had been kneeling in front of the shrine, lifted her head and spoke slowly: ¡°Uncle, your hesitation, could it be that my fourth sister¡¯s guess is true? Are you afraid to accept the silver guiltily, fearing our Duke of Zhen¡¯s spirits might come for retribution at night?¡± Bai Qiyun, in a panic, stepped back, his voice faltering: ¡°What nonsense are you speaking?! This¡­ this was agreed earlier!¡± Even as he spoke, Bai Qiyun hesitated to reach out for the silver, his fear evident. However, the junior master standing behind Bai Qiyun gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and took the silver with both hands. Chapter 107 - Chapter 107: Chapter 106: Favors_1 Chapter 107: Chapter 106: Favors_1 ¡°I only hope the clan, after receiving the silver, can truly grant our Duke of Zhen¡¯s widows¡­ some peace!¡± Bai Qingyan let out a long sigh. ¡°It¡¯s already late. Have the servants take the three uncles to their accommodations! After the Duke¡¯s grand funeral¡­ my mother will personally send someone to escort the three uncles back to Shuoyang!¡± Bai Jinzhi couldn¡¯t hold back and stepped forward. ¡°Eldest Young Lady! They treated our Duke¡¯s residence this way¡­¡± ¡°Our Duke¡¯s residence would rather be betrayed by the world than betray the world. This is righteousness.¡± Bai Qiyun, looking at the people of the Duke¡¯s residence who seemed as if they wanted to swallow them alive, didn¡¯t have the courage to stay at the Duke¡¯s residence! ¡°No¡­ no need! We have our own place to stay!¡± Bai Qiyun tightly grasped the hand of his junior cousin and was about to leave. ¡°Uncle, although Dadu City is not far from Shuoyang, it is not close either. Uncle carries four hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver. It wouldn¡¯t be safe to return this way! Before the Duke¡¯s funeral is complete, we truly do not have the manpower to escort the three of you back to Shuoyang. For safety¡¯s sake¡­ it would be better to wait until after the funeral and have someone from the Duke¡¯s residence escort you back.¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes turned red with fury and discontent. Before Bai Qiyun could speak, the senior elder who had just received the silver said, ¡°This time, the three of us came for the Duke¡¯s funeral and the late Duke¡¯s last wishes. Naturally, we should wait until after the Duke¡¯s funeral to leave! However, we dare not trouble the Duke¡¯s residence for an escort. Otherwise, we would die of shame.¡± Having said this much, Bai Qingyan nodded and ordered someone to invite Xiao Rongyan to the inner hall for tea and thanks. Bai Qiyun and the other two left in disgrace under the gaze of the townspeople. The onlookers couldn¡¯t help but feel that Bai Qingyan was too weak toward the clan members. ¡°Though she said she¡¯d rather be betrayed by the world than betray the world, how could the Bai clan treat the Duke¡¯s residence so poorly, yet Miss Bai, who dared to force King Xin to death, is so weak when facing the clan?¡± The townsfolk gathered in groups of three to five, holding lanterns and discussing loudly as they walked back. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã0 ¡°Why so weak?! Isn¡¯t it that people under the eaves have to bow their heads? Didn¡¯t you hear what the Princely Heir¡¯s wife said¡­ after the funeral, the Duke¡¯s residence¡¯s widows are going back to Shuoyang? What can they do? They are just a few widows and orphans who can¡¯t possibly fight the clan head-on!¡± At this point, a soft-hearted woman couldn¡¯t help but wipe her tears. ¡°The entire Duke¡¯s residence was loyal and courageous. How did it come to such an end! If the Duke knew, he would certainly not rest in peace!¡± ¡°Of course not rest in peace! Just now¡­ everyone else¡¯s incense burned fine, but when that elder from Shuoyang offered incense, it broke! Twice! And the candle flames flickered without wind, isn¡¯t that the Duke¡¯s spirit showing?¡± ¡°Oh my! It¡¯s getting dark, how can you say such things! It¡¯s creepy!¡± ¡°What is there to fear? The entire Duke¡¯s residence died to protect us commoners. Do you think their spirits would harm us?! Even after death, they would still protect us. No monster or ghost could hurt us!¡± ¡¤ The sky was already dark, and the once bustling red light street of Dadu City was covered in a foggy haze. Dimly, people and merchants could be seen spontaneously replacing their lanterns with white ones, probably to mourn the heroic spirits of the Duke¡¯s residence who died for the country and the people. The white lanterns on the long corridors and eaves of the Duke¡¯s residence swayed gently in the wind. Soon, snowflakes fell like finely crushed salt, gently hitting the white satin of the lanterns with a crackling sound. Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan sat in the hall, slowly discussing the matter of the Duke¡¯s residence only borrowing Xiao Rongyan¡¯s name. ¡°This matter, it¡¯s like our Duke¡¯s residence owes Mr. Xiao a favor. May I trouble Mr. Xiao to play along with this act?¡± Mrs. Dong¡¯s voice was gentle. Xiao Rongyan put down his teacup solemnly. ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife, such words humble me. Though I may be foolish, I know¡­ this is Miss Bai seeing through my intentions in Dadu and giving me the opportunity to achieve my goals using the Duke¡¯s residence.¡± ¡°Scholars, farmers, workers, merchants. Merchants are often looked down upon. The Duke¡¯s residence didn¡¯t look down on my background but instead helped me. I am deeply grateful and only hope that one day the Princely Heir¡¯s wife and Miss Bai will give me the chance to repay in some measure.¡± What people value in this world are three things, power, fame, and wealth. These three can be said to complement each other. With power in hand, one can obtain wealth and fame. Fame can achieve power and wealth. Wealth can also achieve fame and power. And of the three, the easiest to obtain is wealth, followed by power. Good reputation is the hardest to achieve. Xiao Rongyan, wanting to travel across nations with the title of the wealthiest merchant, would naturally aim to gain the favor of aristocrats and even royal courts. Achieving prominence in reputation, Xiao Rongyan, no matter which country he goes to, wouldn¡¯t need to make efforts to approach those powerful figures; simply by presenting his name card, anyone would meet him. Especially this time, Xiao Rongyan tying himself to the Bai family, known for their loyalty and integrity, basically gilded his name. Bai Qingyan handed over the opportunity for a good reputation, proffering it to Xiao Rongyan. This would greatly benefit him in future dealings with noble families and aristocratic clans in various countries. With Xiao Rongyan¡¯s intellect, how could he not see through it? Mrs. Dong looked at the extremely handsome and refined man sitting under the light. His eyes were deep and reserved, his eyebrows dyed with the warm colors of the flickering candlelight. Though a merchant, he lacked the smell of money, exuding elegance, and carried a noble and composed demeanor in his words and actions. His voice was warm and soothing, instantly making one feel favorable toward him. Mrs. Dong gently held the hand warmer, her eyebrows slightly curved with a hint of a smile as she looked at Xiao Rongyan and nodded. Xiao Rongyan was exceedingly wise and transparent. Although his eyes were like a deep pool, making it hard to see the bottom, Mrs. Dong could feel that while Xiao Rongyan spoke with her, he did not hide anything, openly expressing his feelings, genuinely grateful for the Duke¡¯s residence¡¯s favor. Mrs. Dong didn¡¯t expect Xiao Rongyan to necessarily repay in the future; she simply liked dealing with smart people as it was effortless. ¡°We are also grateful for Mr. Xiao¡¯s intervention at the southern city gate to stop King Xin and for saving the Duke¡¯s widows at the coffin today.¡± Mrs. Dong looked at the snow falling outside. ¡°The roads are slippery in the snow; Mr. Xiao, take care on your way back. Three days later, the Duke¡¯s residence will return the four hundred and fifty thousand taels in full. Qingyan, see Mr. Xiao out¡­¡± Xiao Rongyan stood and respectfully performed a grand salute to Mrs. Dong before following Bai Qingyan out of the hall. ¡°Mr. Xiao, take care¡­¡± Bai Qingyan curtsied. Under the bright lanterns of the long corridor, a maid with a lamp led the way ahead, and Xiao Rongyan walked side by side with Bai Qingyan, accompanied by Chun Tao and a group of maids along with Xiao Rongyan¡¯s guards, following not far behind. They walked in silence until Xiao Rongyan broke the silence. ¡°Rather be betrayed by the world than betray the world. These words¡­ may have already reached His Majesty¡¯s ears at this moment. At the latest by the day after tomorrow, His Majesty will make a decision regarding King Xin.¡± Bai Qingyan looked down and said nothing. The Duke¡¯s residence decisively displayed their intent to retreat to the ancestral home in Shuoyang for the Emperor to see. Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Chapter 107: Brief Planning_1 Chapter 108: Chapter 107: Brief Planning_1 The Emperor wanted to hear it. He also mentioned the Shuoyang Clan¡¯s oppression. Everyone has a heart. No matter how cold it is¡­ there¡¯s always a trace of warmth that can be touched. That day in the grand hall, she fabricated her grandfather¡¯s words about the Emperor¡¯s ambition for greatness, which made the Emperor feel guilty. She firmly believed that if the Emperor could see the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s righteousness, ¡°I would rather the world betray me than betray the world,¡± he would surely make a decision. ¡°The clan¡¯s oppression, selling off the Duke¡¯s mansion properties to help Mr. Xiao achieve his goals, to push the Emperor to make a decision, and to pave the way for the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s future return to Shuoyang without being restrained by the clan.¡± Xiao Rongyan caressed the jade cicada in his hand, feeling respectful; he asked in a low voice, ¡°Was the clan¡¯s oppression also orchestrated by Miss Bai?¡± This Miss Bai always had astounding actions that never failed to impress, followed by meticulous plans, one step after another, leaving people in awe. ¡°The clan¡¯s greed was something I just took advantage of, making some plans to seek survival.¡± In front of someone as shrewd as Xiao Rongyan, denial would only lead to endless questioning. It was better to admit it straightforwardly. ¡°No matter what, I will never forget Miss Bai¡¯s assistance this time.¡± ¡°But each had their own needs and benefits, and it¡¯s not about who helped whom. Let¡¯s consider it mutual fulfillment. Besides, today at Zheliu Pavilion, Bai Qingyan said that if Mr. Xiao encounters difficulties in the future, the Bai family will assist with all the power they have.¡± While speaking, she had already escorted Xiao Rongyan to the side gate. She adjusted the fox fur on her body and looked sideways at the man standing under the lamp at the Bai family¡¯s side gate. ¡°If Mr. Xiao still feels uneasy, consider this the Bai family¡¯s way of repaying your two previous acts of assistance.¡± The Duke¡¯s mansion servants had already brought Xiao Rongyan¡¯s horse to the door. Seeing Xiao Rongyan, the horse snorted out white mist and pawed its hoof, wanting to come closer. ¡°Please, Mr. Xiao¡­¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ??¦Í??.§ã¦Ï ¡°Farewell.¡± After saluting Bai Qingyan, Xiao Rongyan stepped out of the Duke¡¯s mansion and gracefully leaped onto his horse. He held the reins with one hand and took the black gold whip handed over by the Duke¡¯s servant with the other, sitting tall on the horse, looking in Bai Qingyan¡¯s direction. Under the swaying white silk lamp, the woman dressed in mourning clothes made a shallow bow, her face pale with a hint of frailty. Through the thin mist and snowflakes, her stunning beauty and noble demeanor were unmistakable. Elegant and serene, calm and composed, with an inner fortitude and unfathomable scheming. Xiao Rongyan admired such a person. The man¡¯s deep eyes lingered on her for a moment before he finally whipped away. ¡°What a long day it has been!¡± Chun Tao, holding Bai Qingyan¡¯s arm, couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired, Miss?¡± She nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go back. First, let¡¯s look in on Grandmother, then go see Ji Tingyu.¡± ¡¤ In the kitchen of the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s backyard, two maids, carrying winnowing baskets, ran under the kitchen¡¯s eaves, patting the snowflakes off themselves. Looking up at the mist, they sighed: ¡°Today¡¯s weather is really strange! Such heavy fog, and so much snow.¡± The other maid looked around to ensure no one was nearby before whispering to her companion: ¡°I heard that second master¡¯s useless son, just hired a carriage with his mother, carrying several large bundles, and slipped out the back door! The Duke¡¯s mansion doesn¡¯t know which god they might have offended, but the Shuoyang ancestors have pressured the lady of the princely heir to run the family into bankruptcy. If that son of hers runs away¡­ there won¡¯t be anyone left to carry on the family.¡± ¡°It seems the tasks in this mansion are still too easy.¡± The steward nanny responsible for meals by the Eldest Princess stood at the kitchen door, hands folded at her lower abdomen, exuding authority without anger. The two maids were startled and quickly bowed, retreating aside without daring to lift their heads. The imposing steward nanny in dark green attire glared at the two maids before stepping out of the bustling kitchen. Behind her, a line of maids carrying black lacquer gold-trimmed food boxes followed in single file, walking toward the Eldest Princess¡¯s inner courtyard along the illuminated corridor. In the main hall of Changshou Courtyard, the stove was burning brightly. The maids arranged the dishes properly, while the firewood maid added a few silver frost coals using copper tongs, covering the stove with a copper cover. Nanny Jiang stood on the veranda with Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinxiu, listening to the steward nanny report about Bai Qingxuan and his mother¡¯s escape. She dismissed the steward nanny with a wave. The steward nanny nodded, bowed respectfully, and left. ¡°I know about this,¡± Bai Qingyan said frankly. ¡°The nanny at Qingming Courtyard had told me long ago that the concubine¡¯s son wanted to leave, and I didn¡¯t stop them.¡± ¡°Let him leave!¡± Bai Jinxiu frowned, showing rare disgust. ¡°That woman¡­ and that son. I don¡¯t know how my father¡­¡± how he could be so blind to choose such a woman. A child shouldn¡¯t speak ill of their father. Bai Jinxiu, filled with anger, closed her eyes and said nothing more. Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, watching the snowflakes fall under the eaves, her tone as light as the wind: ¡°What does Grandmother mean? Does she want to detain them?¡± ¡°The Eldest Princess doesn¡¯t know yet, Miss¡­ All the men in the Duke¡¯s mansion are gone. After all, that¡¯s still a bit of our family¡¯s bloodline. The child¡¯s bad temperament is due to lack of proper education. A few days ago, the Eldest Princess told this old servant that after the Emperor issues the edict to deal with King Xin, Liu Huanzhang, and the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, and after our family¡¯s mourning period, she would personally teach that concubine¡¯s son,¡± said Nanny Jiang. She took a step forward to hold Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand. ¡°Miss, the Eldest Princess is old. She¡¯s lost her husband, her son, and her grandson. Her heart is filled with unbearable grief! She needs something to look forward to, something to do, to get through these difficult days!¡± ¡°I understand what Nanny is saying.¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s gentle tone disguised the killing intent in her heart. ¡°It was intentional on my part to let them go because I know that, with his opportunistic nature, as soon as the Emperor punishes King Xin, he will definitely return to the Duke¡¯s mansion. Trust me, Nanny.¡± ¡°I trust you! Of course, I trust you, Miss! It¡¯s my overthinking¡­ Don¡¯t let it weigh on your mind.¡± Nanny Jiang bowed to her. ¡°Nanny.¡± She sighed, holding Nanny Jiang¡¯s hand. ¡°This humility is too much for Kid. You¡¯ve been with Grandmother your whole life, almost like half a senior to Kid and Jinxiu. You spent more time with Grandmother than we grandchildren did. It¡¯s our good fortune to have you care for Grandmother.¡± Nanny Jiang¡¯s eyes turned red. She covered her mouth with a cloth, letting her tears fall. ¡°Miss, Second Miss, you don¡¯t know. Since our family¡¯s misfortunes began, the Eldest Princess has been suffering bitterly like tasting gall. Yet she must stay strong and not collapse, being caught between the Imperial Family and our mansion in such a hard position, her heart feels like it¡¯s rolling in boiling oil every day, never having a moment of peace.¡± Chapter 109 - Chapter 109: Chapter 108: Observing Mourning_1 Chapter 109: Chapter 108: Observing Mourning_1 Nanny Jiang¡¯s words were clear in her heart. It was precisely because she understood that she was willing to restrain her murderous thoughts for her grandmother and spare that illegitimate child. ¡°I will handle the matter of keeping the child and dismissing the mother for Grandmother. Don¡¯t let her worry about it anymore,¡± she said. ¡°Nanny, it¡¯s hard for Grandmother, but isn¡¯t it also hard for Eldest Young Lady?¡± Bai Jinxiu clutched her handkerchief tightly, speaking tearfully for Bai Qingyan. ¡°That bastard my father left behind is a disaster for the Bai family! What he said on the street that day was terrifying. Leaving him might bring great trouble to the family at any time. Would Eldest Young Lady have to clean up the mess again then? Her health is already poor, she¡¯s exhausted for this family, and she was whipped at Wude Gate today. Up to now, she hasn¡¯t had a moment to let Doctor Hong properly take her pulse. Nanny, instead of feeling sorry for Eldest Young Lady, you are asking her to think of a way to keep that bastard?¡± Bai Jinxiu choked with sobs, tears flowing like broken beads. ¡°Since childhood, Eldest Young Lady has never complained about pain or discomfort even when injured. Does Nanny really think she¡¯s invincible and never hurts?¡± Under the light, Nanny Jiang woke up as if from a dream. She panicked, looking Bai Qingyan up and down nervously, her voice trembling with tears. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Eldest Young Lady, can you hold on? It¡¯s Nanny¡¯s muddleheadedness¡­it¡¯s Nanny¡¯s fault! I¡¯ll send for Doctor Hong right away!¡± ¡°Doctor Hong is currently tending to Ji Tingyu. Ji Tingyu has lost a lot of blood and¡­¡± she bit her lip, unable to continue, thinking of Ji Tingyu cutting off his arm again for the Duke¡¯s family. Her eyes ached with tears. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Compared to Ji Tingyu, what did one whip mean?! She gripped Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand, comforting her. ¡°The executioner showed mercy. Compared to the punishment cane, it was much lighter. Otherwise, how could I still be standing here?¡± Hearing the sound of the beaded curtain, maids and nannies quietly left the main hall. Nanny Jiang wiped her tears, lifting the curtain for Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinxiu. Inside, Mrs. Dong was already supporting the Eldest Princess to sit at the round table. Mrs. Dong had come to report to the Eldest Princess about selling the Duke¡¯s family properties, explaining the reasons and handling of the matter clearly. The Eldest Princess knew that Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan were making plans for the widows of the Duke¡¯s family to return to Shuoyang, and had no objections. Instead, she admired their decisiveness, not worrying about being bullied by the clan after returning to Shuoyang. Having finished speaking with Mrs. Dong, she felt a bit relieved and was about to dine when she heard Nanny Jiang¡¯s words outside the door. The Eldest Princess and Mrs. Dong stood inside listening for a while before coming out from behind the beaded curtain. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã¦Ï The Eldest Princess, with her eyes closed, fingers playing with her Buddha beads, her silver-streaked hair shining under the candlelight, making her face look even more haggard. ¡°Kid¡­¡± the Eldest Princess extended her hand wrapped in Buddha beads to her, eyes red. She took a step forward and was enveloped in the Eldest Princess¡¯s embrace. The Eldest Princess closed her eyes, tears streaming down, biting her lip hard and then said loudly, ¡°Have someone take my name card and invite the Imperial Physician for Kid.¡± She realized they had overheard the earlier conversation and looked at the Eldest Princess. ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯m fine, you don¡¯t have to worry.¡± ¡°Listen to your grandmother!¡± Mrs. Dong was already anxious, her eyes red, almost tearing the handkerchief in her hand. ¡°Why be so strong in front of family?!¡± Today, she only knew the Eldest Princess took the children to knock on the Dengwen Drum. Seeing the children return unharmed, she thought everything went smoothly. How could she imagine her daughter was whipped at Wude Gate, and no one had informed her?! If she had known, she would never have let her daughter suffer such exhaustion! ¡°How can it be nothing! You¡¯ve been like this since childhood, never saying a word about pain or injury. You drag a small ailment until it becomes serious and only admit it when found out!¡± the Eldest Princess¡¯s voice was stern. ¡°If you don¡¯t want your grandmother to worry, let the Imperial Physician check you properly!¡± With the matter of inviting the Imperial Physician settled, the Eldest Princess spoke resolutely. ¡°Let that bastard go. Our Duke¡¯s family doesn¡¯t need such a disgraceful descendant.¡± Since Bai Qingxuan was Jinxiu¡¯s father¡¯s sin, Jinxiu felt guilty. ¡°Grandmother¡­¡± The Eldest Princess opened her red eyes, maintaining her dignity and determination. ¡°Without that bastard, we can still rely on the child in the fifth daughter-in-law¡¯s womb. Even if it¡¯s a daughter, can¡¯t the daughters of our Duke¡¯s family uphold the Bai family name?! Sit down and eat. Nanny Jiang, send someone to the front hall to bring the children back for dinner.¡± Glancing at the table full of vegetarian dishes, the Eldest Princess¡¯s tone was unquestionable. ¡°Though we are in mourning, the children are growing. How can they avoid meat like an old woman like me?!¡± ¡°Grandmother, we¡¯re in mourning¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu said with red eyes. ¡°How can you have the strength to keep vigil or uphold the Duke¡¯s family without meat?! Filial piety lies in the heart, not in these superficial things. It¡¯s all for the living¡­what¡¯s the point of you observing it! Kid is weak, and Jinxiu needs to take care of herself for the future. The younger sisters are still young. If they truly mourn for three years, what will happen to their health?! Your well-being is the greatest filial piety to your grandfather and father! This matter is not up for discussion. Anyone who complains¡­I¡¯ll use filial piety to press them to let you eat!¡± The Eldest Princess mustered her spirit and said to the maid beside her, ¡°Have the small kitchen make the children noodle soup with chicken broth, with pickled bamboo shoots, matsutake, and two eggs! Steam two plates of ham that we prepared before the new year! Starting tomorrow, the kitchen must always have meat broth. Say it¡¯s by my order!¡± ¡°Good child, Auntie knows you¡¯re filial, but your grandmother is right!¡± Mrs. Dong patted Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand. ¡°Your grandfather and father are gone. Don¡¯t let your health suffer for the sake of mourning! Listen to your grandmother!¡± After comforting Bai Jinxiu, Mrs. Dong ordered the maid, ¡°Make a bowl of noodles for the second son-in-law too, with some refreshing side dishes. He¡¯s been helping a lot in the Duke¡¯s family these past days.¡± In the mourning hall, Bai Jintong and Bai Jinzhi brought their three younger sisters over, while their mother and aunts stayed to keep vigil. After dinner, the nanny took the fifth girl, sixth girl, and seventh girl back to rest. The Eldest Princess personally oversaw the Imperial Physician taking Bai Qingyan¡¯s pulse. Hearing that she was not seriously injured, she finally felt relieved. Chapter 110 - Chapter 110: Chapter 109: Boundless Wealth and Glory_1 Chapter 110: Chapter 109: Boundless Wealth and Glory_1 Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi had just left the main hall of Changshou Courtyard when they were met by heavy snowfall. The maids held lanterns and umbrellas, accompanying them slowly as they walked. ¡°Today, Eldest Young Lady had me and Third Sister cause such a commotion. Even though this ensures the clan will not trouble us when we return to Shuoyang, it is truly vexing to give them 450,000 taels,¡± Bai Jinzhi fumed, ¡°Given their leech-like behavior, I¡¯d rather spend that money to set up a porridge kitchen to help the poor than give it to them.¡± ¡°The Duke¡¯s estate now only has women left. Consider it spending money for peace,¡± Bai Jinxiu said with a smile, patting Bai Jinzhi on the head. ¡°But that Mr. Xiao was truly noble!¡± Bai Jinzhi mentioned Xiao Rongyan with a hint of admiration in her eyes, ¡°He was so dignified and pure, completely different from the merchants full of the stench of money that I have met before. He seemed like a young master from an aristocratic family.¡± Xiao Rongyan was not a real merchant, so naturally, he did not have the stench of copper. Just as they exited Changshou Courtyard, they saw a young maid holding an umbrella assisting Nanny Luo, who served Mrs. Liu, hurrying over. Nanny Luo said Mrs. Liu had sent her to call for Bai Jinxiu. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Third Sister, Fourth Sister, I will go to Mother first and then to the mourning hall¡­¡± Bai Qingyan nodded. Bai Jinxiu bowed and left with Nanny Luo in a hurry, asking continuously if Mrs. Liu was feeling unwell. The cold wind whistled. She turned to look at her two younger sisters: ¡°I will go see Ji Tingyu. You two go to the mourning hall first.¡± ¡°Let me accompany Eldest Young Lady! Fourth Sister, you go to the mourning hall. They need someone there,¡± Bai Jintong sent Bai Jinzhi away to keep her from seeing Ji Tingyu¡¯s ghastly state. ¡°Alright¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi nodded. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?¦Ï When Bai Jintong accompanied Bai Qingyan to see Ji Tingyu, Ji Tingyu had already fallen asleep. Doctor Hong said Ji Tingyu woke up from pain earlier, took some medicine, and went back to sleep. ¡°Being able to sleep is good!¡± Doctor Hong, who was sitting at the square table keeping watch, stroked his goatee, ¡°It won¡¯t hurt as much when he¡¯s asleep.¡± Looking at the pale-as-paper Ji Tingyu lying on the bed, Bai Qingyan, eyes red, came out from the inner room and asked Lu Ping: ¡°Do Ji Tingyu¡¯s family know?¡± ¡°Ji Tingyu just returned today. Steward Hao sent someone to inform Ji Tingyu¡¯s sister at the estate,¡± Lu Ping nodded, holding the curtain for Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong. ¡°Didn¡¯t you send someone to inform Ji Tingyu¡¯s parents, wife, and children?¡± Bai Jintong asked. Lu Ping, standing under the porch, slowly replied: ¡°When the bandits in Zhangzhou attacked, Ji Tingyu¡¯s father died. His mother also passed away five years ago. Ji Tingyu just married a wife in early December, but she is still young. Steward Hao sent a steward to inform Ji Tingyu¡¯s brother-in-law since there are no elders in the Ji family, and the new wife might not handle it well.¡± Bai Qingyan nodded and, after a moment of silence, turned to Lu Ping and said: ¡°Uncle Ping, there¡¯s something I need you to do quietly.¡± ¡°Whatever the Eldest Young Lady commands!¡± Lu Ping replied, clasping his fists. ¡°I surmise that by early tomorrow morning, my cousin Bai Qiyun will be carrying silver notes and heading back to Shuoyang.¡± She gently rubbed the handwarmer in her hand and said leisurely, ¡°Choose ten loyal and skillful men who can keep their mouths shut, have them follow him secretly. When they near the Shuoyang border, have them disguise as bandits and rob Bai Qiyun.¡± Bai Jintong was stunned: ¡°Eldest Young Lady?!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Lu Ping responded. ¡°Uncle Ping, please select the men now. Once you¡¯ve chosen, come and inform me at Yifeng Pavilion.¡± Lu Ping clasped his fists and left in a hurry. ¡°I thought Eldest Young Lady had me and Fourth Sister put on that show just to justify ourselves before the world, to save face, and would give the silver to the clan despite it. Fourth Sister was quite unhappy about it,¡± Bai Jintong said with a hidden smile. This robbery plan reminded her very much of Fourth Sister. Just the thought of Bai Qiyun crying out after being robbed made Bai Jintong feel satisfied. ¡°You need to justify yourself, save face, but also gain tangible benefits. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t be fair to you and Fourth Sister¡¯s efforts.¡± She watched Lu Ping¡¯s hurried departure and said to Bai Jintong, ¡°They say a poor family needs a wealthy traveling companion. Remember to thank our cousin Bai Qiyun for the 450,000 taels you¡¯ll have on hand¡­¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady is right.¡± Looking at the snow-covered ground, she turned and asked Bai Jintong seriously: ¡°Are you planning to venture out to sea?¡± Since returning from the palace banquet on New Year¡¯s Eve, Bai Jintong had been considering this every day. If it weren¡¯t for the Emperor¡¯s question to Eldest Young Lady at the palace that day, if Bai family¡¯s men hadn¡¯t all died in the South, she would have willingly followed the path set by her grandmother to slowly amass hidden wealth for the Bai family. But watching Xiao Rongyan, the richest merchant in Wei behind King Qi, she finally understood that wealth could indeed reach the heavens. Bai Jintong didn¡¯t know how Eldest Young Lady planned for the Bai family¡¯s future, but she could sense from Eldest Young Lady¡¯s few words a desire to intimidate the Imperial Family. Otherwise, why would Eldest Young Lady stir up such a storm in Dadu, pressing the Emperor with public sentiment and resentment, only ever mentioning the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s love and loyalty for the people and its great duty to protect the nation, never mentioning loyalty to the Lin family¡¯s imperial authority? Thus, Bai Jintong guessed, Eldest Young Lady would never surrender the military power of the Bai family. With military power in one hand and immense wealth in the other, how would the Bai family¡¯s position in Jin, and even the world, look? Bai Jintong longed to see that day. That day in Qinghui Courtyard, Eldest Young Lady told her that how far she could go depended on her abilities, which was both her blessing and the Bai family¡¯s blessing. Hence, she must strive without reservation to seek immense wealth, laying a solid foundation for the future. Some words, Bai Qingyan never explicitly said to Bai Jintong, but Bai Jintong was wise and perceptive, knowing well the Bai family¡¯s future path. ¡°Great wealth comes with great risks; there¡¯s no unearned wealth in this world.¡± Bai Jintong stood with her hands behind her back, her brows exuding heroic spirit, ¡°Venturing out to sea is highly risky, but the profits are incredibly tempting! To be honest, Eldest Young Lady, I have already sent most of the stewards Grandma assigned to buy ships and hire men at the port. After the fifteenth, I will personally lead people to gather goods. With continuous voyages, as long as Heaven favors us, within five years¡­ I dare not claim the world, but I am confident to become the richest merchant in Jin.¡± She looked at her Third Sister with deep emotion and said, ¡°Fortunately, they were born into the Duke¡¯s Mansion Bai family. Grandfather and Father never looked down on them for being daughters; they learned as much as any son, carrying a fighting spirit instead of fear and submissiveness.¡± ¡°My father had an advisor named Liu. His ancestors made a living by the sea and had a unique ability to predict the weather, quite remarkable. I will invite him to come assist you,¡± Bai Qingyan said, holding Bai Jintong¡¯s hand as they walked down the steps. Chapter 111 - Chapter 111: Chapter 110: Immortal _1 Chapter 111: Chapter 110: Immortal _1 The moment Chun Tao, who had been waiting at the gate of the courtyard, and Bai Jintong¡¯s personal maid Danzhi saw the two ladies come out, they quickly opened their umbrellas and hurried over to greet them. Bai Jintong took the umbrella from Danzhi¡¯s hand, held it over Bai Qingyan¡¯s head, and said, ¡°You two can go back. I¡¯ll take a walk with the eldest young lady¡­¡± ¡°Hand me the lantern,¡± Bai Qingyan took the lantern from Chun Tao¡¯s hand. The sisters walked along the snow-covered bluestone path, conversing as they headed toward Yifeng Pavilion. ¡°I heard from our grandmother that she arranged several life stories for you to choose from. Have you made your selection?¡± Bai Qingyan asked. ¡°I have, I chose the name Cui Fengnian. It sounds pleasant, and the Cui family was originally a merchant family, though they fell into decline about a dozen years ago. There¡¯s still a blind and mentally unclear grandmother in the family, so no one would suspect my identity is false.¡± Bai Qingyan nodded, ¡°People selected by Uncle Ping, after the matter is handled, I intend to have them follow you, to obey your commands.¡± ¡°Eldest young lady, Grandmother has already assigned many people to me!¡± Bai Jintong said. Bai Qingyan paused her steps, turned her head, and firmly looked at Bai Jintong, ¡°Those are the people Grandmother has given; you should use them well. But certain matters¡­ require that you have people who answer only to you. You should always have your own people!¡± Bai Jintong pursed her lips, wondering if the eldest young lady was subtly advising her to be wary of their grandmother. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. I just don¡¯t want Grandmother to be heartbroken.¡± Bai Qingyan held Bai Jintong¡¯s hand and walked forward again, ¡°After all, Grandmother is getting older. She prefers to see the Duke¡¯s Mansion and the Imperial Family in harmony, on the surface. If you do things beyond her expectation, Grandmother will certainly not ignore it. Remember, Grandmother is not only our grandmother but also the eldest princess of Jin.¡± ¡°I understand, eldest young lady. I will make sure to show Grandmother what she wants to see,¡± Bai Jintong said. Since Lu Ping thoroughly trusted his subordinates, he carefully selected the ten most trustworthy ones. He handed the roster to Bai Qingyan to report. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.?¦Ï Bai Qingyan handed the roster to Bai Jintong, ¡°You will use these people in the future. Do you want to meet them?¡± ¡°Since Uncle Ping picked them, I¡¯m at ease. There¡¯s always a time to meet,¡± Bai Jintong said. Bai Qingyan nodded, glanced at Lu Ping with deep eyes, and spoke steadily, ¡°If they are to play the role of bandits, they must be convincing. Do not leave any flaws, and there¡¯s no need to intentionally spare the lives of Bai Qiyun¡¯s party. After the task is done, don¡¯t return to report back. Split into two groups. One group will head straight to Wudaopo and invite Mr. Liu Zhengyu from Liu Jiabao in my father¡¯s name. The others will enter Shuoyang disguised as ordinary merchant stewards and house servants to purchase white tea for the young master Cui Fengnian for overseas trading. From now on, they will obey the third miss¡¯s commands.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Lu Ping nodded. It was already midnight. Outside the gate of Changshou Courtyard, the umbrella-holding Nanny Jiang, after hearing the report from the old maid of the outer courtyard, gave a purse as a reward and hurried back into the room lifting her skirts. The white-haired Eldest Princess, with closed eyes, leaned against the headboard with a double-flower pillow for support, covered with a dark purple quilt embroidered with peonies. She fingered the Buddha beads, half-hidden in the shadows beyond the candlelight, as the curtains were not yet lowered. ¡°Eldest Princess¡­¡± Nanny Jiang walked to her side and whispered, ¡°The second master¡¯s illegitimate son has been settled in the village. The necessary words have been conveyed. At this festive time, the mother and son have nowhere else to go. Having received the Eldest Princess¡¯s promise of safety, and relying on being the only bloodline of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, going to the village for settlement is more beneficial to him. Once they move in, the woman will surely not come out alive.¡± The Eldest Princess sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t let Kid find out about this!¡± At these words, Nanny Jiang¡¯s eyes reddened, ¡°Actually, the eldest young lady did not consider the illegitimate son¡¯s life.¡± Tears welled in the corner of the Eldest Princess¡¯s closed eyes, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of Kid wanting the illegitimate son¡¯s life. I don¡¯t want her hands stained with the blood of that filthy woman! Kid, so young¡­ has done too much for this family. Let this old woman, soon to be buried in the earth, handle such dirty deeds.¡± Nanny Jiang responded and knelt by the Eldest Princess¡¯s bedside, gently holding her hand, ¡°I knew it. The Eldest Princess still loves the eldest young lady the most!¡± The next morning, as Bai Qingyan had predicted, Bai Qiyun left the city with silver notes worth 450,000 taels and his entourage, heading back to Shuoyang. Before leaving, Bai Qiyun instructed his two half-brothers to visit the Duke¡¯s Mansion one more day and return to Shuoyang the next. Before noon, four Imperial Edicts were issued from the Imperial City. The contents made the people of Dadu kneel and bow, praising the Emperor¡¯s wisdom. The first edict ordered the Minister of Judicial Review to arrest and investigate Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, regarding the grain issue in the southern border. The second edict condemned Liu Huanzhang for treason, confiscating property and exterminating his clan. The third edict decreed King Xin would receive a hundred lashes, be demoted to a commoner, and be exiled to Yongzhou for life, never to return to court. His descendants were also demoted to commoners and confined to King Xin¡¯s estate. The fourth edict posthumously honored the Duke of Zhen as King of Zhen and his heir as the new Duke of Zhen. The Eldest Princess personally led the Bai family widows to kneel at the door to receive the edicts. The two remaining half-brothers of the Bai family were shocked, their faces turning pale as they exchanged worried glances. The Emperor¡¯s posthumous honor of the Duke of Zhen as King of Zhen indicated that not only did he not disregard the Duke¡¯s Mansion but intended to bestow favor upon it! Bestowing a royal title! Though posthumous¡­ it was an honor beyond reach! Bai Qingyan, kneeling before the ancestral shrine, placed an incense stick for the Duke of Zhen, bowed solemnly, and lifted her head with tear-filled eyes, her heart heavy with sorrow. ¡°Grandfather! Father! The traitor Liu Huanzhang¡¯s family has been exterminated, and King Xin has been demoted and exiled to Yongzhou for life! Heaven has finally returned my Bai family¡¯s honor. Each man of the Bai family has stood tall and upright, unashamed before the people! Though their flesh may perish, their spirits shall live on forever! Uncles, brothers, you may now rest in peace!¡± She bowed deeply. The sisters of the Bai family knelt behind Bai Qingyan, tears streaming, also bowing. The common people outside the gates of the Duke¡¯s Mansion, upon hearing the words ¡°rest in peace,¡± beat their chests and wept. Their cries of shared grief were deafening, resonating with the deep pain in their hearts. In this life, she had ensured her grandfather would not be buried in disgrace, bearing the stigma of ¡°reckless military use¡± and a lifetime of infamy. But what use was a posthumous royal title?! Could it bring back her loyal and righteous brothers of the Bai family?! Never again would she entrust the survival or honor of the Bai family to others. She needed power! Influence! She would never let the Bai family be weak again. This time, the Emperor¡¯s punishment of King Xin was harsher than what he had discussed with her in the grand hall. She was certain the Emperor had decided to send her to the southern border. Hence, he made this gesture of goodwill, even conceding and compromising. Chapter 112 - Chapter 112: Chapter 111: The Grandiose Hall_1 Chapter 112: Chapter 111: The Grandiose Hall_1 Just not sure which prince the emperor would let accompany her. If it were King Qi, that would be fine; if it were King Liang¡­ Bai Qingyan stared at the flickering candlelight in the mourning hall, a killing intent reflected in her eyes. The military merits could still be offered to King Liang, but King Liang¡¯s life would have to stay in the Southern Border. However, if King Liang stayed in the capital, Bai Qingyan might not be able to leave without worries. She would have to think of a way. Either keep King Liang in the capital or take his life to the Southern Border. ¡°Though His Majesty posthumously honored King of Zhen! But the deceased is already gone¡­ All funeral rites should be simplified!¡± The Eldest Princess held the Imperial Edict in her hands, looking at the courtyard full of coffins, closing her eyes as tears streamed down her face. ¡°Let the heroes of our Duke¡¯s Mansion be buried soon for their peace!¡± The Eldest Princess walked to the front of the mourning hall, looking at the memorial tablets of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Mansion, her heart full of guilt. If only she could have used the secret guards of the Imperial Family when her husband went on the expedition, maybe she could have saved at least one person! ¡°Don¡¯t worry, His Majesty has not forgotten your merits! The people have not forgotten your kindness! Rest in peace! I will guard the Bai family for you! Guard¡­¡± Before she could finish her words, the Eldest Princess, with a face waxy yellow and bloodless, seemed to lose support and staggered backward. ¡°Grandmother!¡± ¡°Mother!¡± ¡°Eldest Princess!¡± ¡°Quick! Call the Imperial Physician!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0¦Í??.§ã¦Ï The mourning hall descended into chaos due to the Eldest Princess¡¯s sudden fainting. The people who came to pay respects to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s family at the mansion¡¯s entrance felt their hearts tighten again. The Duke¡¯s Mansion must not have another incident! Only Qin Lang was left to look after the mourning hall. Qin Lang, filled with worry for his father, Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, and for Eldest Princess, had an uneasy look on his face. Changshou Courtyard was packed with people. It wasn¡¯t until the Imperial Physician and Doctor Hong diagnosed her, stating that the Eldest Princess was only excessively worried and had not rested well in recent days, that everyone in the room finally relaxed. ¡°Princely Heir¡¯s wife does not need to worry. I will prescribe some medicine, and the Eldest Princess will just need to rest quietly,¡± said the Imperial Physician respectfully to Mrs. Dong. ¡°Thank you, Imperial Physician!¡± Mrs. Dong nodded with reddened eyes. ¡°Since mother is fine, let the children go to the front mourning hall. It¡¯s not appropriate to leave only the second uncle there¡­¡± Mrs. Li dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief and discussed with Mrs. Dong. ¡°Nanny Qin, go and tell the children that mother is fine and let them go to the front. They don¡¯t need to stay here anymore!¡± Mrs. Dong said to Nanny Qin. Nanny Qin complied and left the main room hurriedly, heading to the warm chamber of the side hall in Changshou Courtyard to inform the girls of the Imperial Physician¡¯s words. Bai Qingyan nodded. ¡°That is good, Nanny Qin, please convey to my mother that we sisters are here in the mourning hall. She and aunt should take good care of grandmother. Grandmother is the backbone of our Duke¡¯s Mansion and must not collapse.¡± She stood up with Chun Tao¡¯s help and looked at her three younger sisters, whose faces were white from the cold and had not yet recovered. ¡°Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, rest here for an hour. Have someone bring them a bowl of hot sheep¡¯s milk and some snacks to tide them over. They must not go hungry while they are still growing!¡± Nanny Qin, wiping her tears, nodded repeatedly. ¡°Alright, eldest young lady, you can be assured.¡± After leaving Changshou Courtyard, Bai Jinxiu, who was walking beside Bai Qingyan, frowned and said, ¡°Eldest young lady, the punishment for King Xin in the edict is different from what you mentioned when you returned. After carefully thinking about the edict, I can¡¯t figure out what the emperor is plotting.¡± ¡°The Southern Border has been badly defeated. Although the emperor sent people to negotiate peace ahead of time, stabilizing the situation, he secretly met with the Minister of Revenue before the palace gates closed yesterday, likely preparing for a tough battle.¡± Bai Jinxiu widened her eyes. ¡°Could it be¡­¡± She nodded. ¡°On that day in the main hall, I told the emperor that I was willing to go to the Southern Border and let the military merits be given to the emperor¡¯s prince¡­¡± ¡°Eldest young lady!¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s heart sank as she grasped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°Why?!¡± The fourth girl, Bai Jinzhi, couldn¡¯t contain herself and rushed to Bai Qingyan, shouting, ¡°Why should the eldest young lady give the military merits to the prince?!¡± ¡°Why are you yelling?¡± Bai Jintong pulled Bai Jinzhi back. ¡°Keep your voice down!¡± Bai Jintong knew very well that the eldest young lady must go to the Southern Border, no matter the method. Bai Qingyan smiled and patted Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand. ¡°I have lost all my martial arts skills. Even if I go, I will only strategize. Don¡¯t worry. This time, the emperor heavily punished King Xin to show goodwill to the Bai family.¡± The emperor sent King Xin as a supervisor, intending to let his prince gain military merits. Her concession¡­ catered precisely to the emperor¡¯s interests. The emperor would not disagree. ¡°But why?!¡± Bai Jinzhi bit her lips hard, her eyes red. ¡°Eldest young lady, your health is already poor. Why should you give the military merits to that dog emperor¡¯s son?!¡± Bai Qingyan looked at Bai Jinzhi¡¯s angry face with a calm heart. In front of the emperor, she made her reasons for going to the Southern Border sound grandiose, claiming it was to guard the mountains and rivers that the Bai family had protected for generations, and thus she could hand over the military merits willingly. But in reality, her trip to the Southern Border was to establish the Bai family¡¯s foundation and to tell the Bai family army, and the soldiers of Jin, that the Bai family would always share life and death with them. ¡°Once the dust settles and I return from the Southern Border, I will use the military merits to trade with the emperor for a favor, so that your second sister can become the first wife of distinguished rank in the capital! I believe the emperor won¡¯t refuse. We won¡¯t lose out.¡± ¡°Eldest young lady?!¡± Bai Jinxiu looked surprised. Bai Jinzhi¡¯s furrowed brows relaxed in amazement. With the second sister becoming a first wife of distinguished rank, that meant Qin Lang¡­ Bai Jintong, always perceptive, lowered her voice. ¡°Are you saying you want to secure the position of Marquis of Loyalty and Courage for second sister¡¯s husband?¡± ¡°Qin Dezhao dared to tamper with the provisions in the Southern Border. Who can deny that he is not colluding with the already treacherous Liu Huanzhang? After all, Liu Huanzhang, under the guise of being besieged with provisions in Fengcheng, deceived our grandfather. The military records even state that Liu Huanzhang told the provisions officer in Fengcheng that the supplies were delivered directly to the camp! Who would believe they had no contact?¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°How would Liu Huanzhang know the provisions were problematic? That only proves Qin Dezhao had colluded with Liu Huanzhang long ago and knew the details!¡± Bai Qingyan smiled at Bai Jinzhi. ¡°You see¡­ if even Little Fourth can think of this, others can too, can¡¯t they?¡± ¡°But¡­ if it turns out to be true, wouldn¡¯t it implicate second sister?!¡± Bai Jinzhi asked again. ¡°Qin Dezhao may not be exceptionally smart, but he¡¯s not foolish enough to drag the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion into such a plight!¡± ¡°Eldest young lady, the carriage is ready.¡± Nanny Tong came forward holding a black cloak, bowing. ¡°Are you going out, eldest young lady? Where to?¡± Bai Jinxiu asked. Chapter 113 - Chapter 113: Chapter 112: The Principal Wife_1 Chapter 113: Chapter 112: The Principal Wife_1 She reached out and took the cloak from Nanny Tong¡¯s hand, saying, ¡°Go to the prison in the Court of Judicial Review and see the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao. You all take good care of the mourning hall.¡± Seeing that Bai Qingyan was holding onto Nanny Tong to leave, Bai Jinzhi was worried and took two steps forward: ¡°Then I will accompany Eldest Young Lady!¡± Observing Bai Jinzhi¡¯s anxious expression, her heart softened. ¡°Separated by the prison bars, what can he possibly do to me? Moreover¡­ my two nurse brothers are with me, and they are both excellent in martial arts!¡± ¡°Then¡­ then I¡¯ll at least see Eldest Young Lady out.¡± Bai Jinzhi held Bai Qingyan¡¯s arm. She didn¡¯t stop Bai Jinzhi, letting her walk along the way. When they were about to reach the side gate, she said, ¡°The Imperial Edict of Grandfather¡¯s posthumous title as King of Zhen has just been issued. I suppose the noble relatives in Dadu City will come to pay their respects soon. It would attract too much attention if neither of us is around. If your eldest aunt asks, your second and third sisters won¡¯t be able to cover it up.¡± Bai Jinzhi opened her mouth but eventually nodded reluctantly. Watching Bai Qingyan help Nanny Tong into the carriage, Bai Jinzhi clasped her fists and saluted to the brothers Xiao Ruojiang and Xiao Ruohai: ¡°I must trouble you both to take good care of Eldest Young Lady.¡± Xiao Ruojiang and Xiao Ruohai clasped their fists and bowed deeply to Bai Jinzhi: ¡°Fourth Young Lady, rest assured.¡± Watching the carriage go further away, Bai Jinzhi lowered her gaze and calculated, thinking that the Bai family had suddenly faced a great disaster. Her eldest aunt and Eldest Young Lady were holding up the family with such difficulty. Now that Eldest Young Lady had reached an agreement with the Emperor to go to the southern border, she should go with her to the southern border, at least to protect Eldest Young Lady thoroughly. Bai Jinzhi instinctively reached behind her waist, only to remember that her whip had been confiscated by Eldest Young Lady. She tightly pressed her lips together. Initially, she used the whip to avoid causing fatalities in Dadu City, but if she were to go to the southern border¡­ the red tassel spear would be more useful! In the vast study, the Emperor leaned on a tassel pillow embroidered with a golden dragon in flight, dismissing everyone and leaving only King of Qi. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?0 The Emperor held a cup of hot tea, looking down as he used the lid to press down the floating tea leaves, speaking slowly, ¡°This time, be cautious. Don¡¯t be as foolish as King Xin! But¡­ after all, Bai Qingyan is just a woman. Any military strategy she proposes must be discussed with the generals. Only if all the generals find it feasible can you order it!¡± King of Qi¡¯s heart beat rapidly. He knew that his father was paving the way for him, naturally overjoyed: ¡°Father, rest assured. I have no battlefield experience, so I will certainly take the advice of Miss Bai and the generals and will not act recklessly!¡± The Emperor¡¯s sinister gaze lifted, glancing at his eldest son, who looked serious and not overly exuberant. The motion of pressing the tea leaves with the lid paused, and he said, ¡°Once the southern war is over, whether victorious or defeated, Bai Qingyan need not return¡­¡± Originally, the Emperor, seeing the resemblance between Bai Qingyan and Bai Suqiu, intended to spare Bai Qingyan¡¯s life. However, last night he had a dream wherein a white tiger with three eyes and a human tongue pounced on him and then lay on his dragon bed. He awoke in shock, remembering that the gaze of the three-eyed white tiger was just like Bai Qingyan¡¯s. Thinking that Bai Qingyan¡¯s surname was Bai and she was born in the Year of the Tiger, he immediately broke out in a cold sweat. King of Qi was stunned, looking up towards the Emperor: ¡°Father?!¡± ¡°What I said is exactly what you think.¡± The Emperor placed the lid on the tea cup. King of Qi, very perceptive, stepped forward to take the Emperor¡¯s tea cup, placing it on the table, and softly said, ¡°Father, but if Miss Bai can bring victory, it would be a great achievement, and she is not one to seek glory. In my opinion¡­ it would be better to spare her life.¡± ¡°You have a kind heart, which is good.¡± The Emperor turned his head, staring at his eldest son standing properly beside him. His tone was low, ¡°But this Bai Qingyan cannot remain. In her heart and eyes¡­ there is a lack of reverence for the Imperial Family. If she loses, dying to apologize would be my leniency. If she wins, such a person would become a significant threat if she ever harbored disloyalty! For the long term¡­ one should be prepared.¡± King of Qi thought of the resolute woman, holding a bamboo slip of battle records, swearing in front of the Duke¡¯s spirit. He gritted his teeth and knelt before the Emperor again, saying, ¡°But Father, the Bai family has been loyal for generations. This time, Miss Bai is even donning mourning attire to join the army. Her loyalty is evident to heaven and earth! I wish to plead for her life! Please, Father, spare her¡­¡± The Emperor looked at the kneeling King of Qi, frustrated yet somewhat gratified. He was pleased that this child, unlike King Xin, retained some compassion and could plead for Bai Qingyan. In the future, he would surely be able to tolerate King Xin and King Liang¡¯s lineage. ¡°Stand up!¡± The Emperor¡¯s voice was stern, ¡°This matter is not to be discussed further!¡± ¡°Father! If Miss Bai indeed wins, she would be an invaluable general. Leaving her alive would benefit our Jin with no harm! I know Father is suspicious of Miss Bai, but I have a strategy¡­ that might be a perfect solution!¡± King of Qi looked up, speaking solemnly, ¡°Why not have Miss Bai marry into our Imperial Family? Once married, she would naturally become a member of the Imperial Court, thus having no reason to harbor disloyalty.¡± The Emperor¡¯s eyebrows twitched, and he pondered for a moment. His gaze fell back on King of Qi, who was still kneeling. He squinted and asked, ¡°Is it because you find Bai Qingyan exceedingly beautiful, so¡­¡± King of Qi¡¯s face turned pale, hastily bowing his head: ¡°I have no such intention! I already have a primary wife and a side consort. How could I let Miss Bai enter as a concubine? Miss Bai is the Emperor¡¯s personally titled eldest granddaughter of King of Zhen. Only the position of the primary wife would be fitting for her!¡± ¡°Primary wife¡­¡± The Emperor leaned back slightly, ¡°Then that would be King Liang¡­¡± ¡°That is precisely my intention!¡± King of Qi replied. After a moment of silence, the Emperor looked deeply at King of Qi, who was still kneeling and did not dare to rise, and said, ¡°Then, this time¡­ I will have King Liang accompany Miss Bai to the southern border, would that be good?¡± The Emperor¡¯s dark eyes were grave, appearing like they were covered by a layer of clear, cold moonlight. King of Qi dared not hesitate, straightened his back, and said one word at a time: ¡°Since this time, although I am the commander, I do not have to perform the commander¡¯s duties. Then¡­ it doesn¡¯t matter who the commander is! As long as it benefits our Jin, how could I be unwilling? This is an excellent opportunity for King Liang to bond with Miss Bai, making Miss Bai an extraordinary blade for our Jin.¡± The Emperor¡¯s eyebrows relaxed. After looking at King of Qi for a long time, he finally said, ¡°Let me think about it. You may go now.¡± ¡°Yes! I take my leave!¡± After King of Qi exited the hall, Gao Demao, who served beside the Emperor, quietly came in to change the tea. He lowered his voice and said, ¡°Your Majesty, Consort Chen sent some jade cakes she made herself. Would you like to try them?¡± ¡°Gao Demao, what do you think of the Emperor¡¯s eldest granddaughter from the Bai family, if I let her marry King Liang as the primary wife?¡± The Emperor¡¯s gaze wandered, seeming to ask Gao Demao, yet also asking himself. Chapter 114 - Chapter 114: Chapter 113: Silencing by Murder_1 Chapter 114: Chapter 113: Silencing by Murder_1 Gao Demao feigned a foolish laugh, ¡°Oh dear, His Majesty has truly bestowed a great favor upon the Bai family! Prince Liang is the Emperor¡¯s son; marrying a prince is a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes!¡± Seeing the Emperor squint his eyes, Gao Demao suddenly changed his tone, ¡°But Your Majesty, Miss Bai suffers from a chronic ailment and is said to have poor fortune in childbearing! Allowing Miss Bai to be Prince Liang¡¯s side consort is already an exceptional honor from Your Majesty. The Emperor is benevolent and compassionate; considering the sacrifice of the Bai family men, confers dignity upon Miss Bai by making her Prince Liang¡¯s primary consort. However, this humble servant, being narrow-minded and selfish, feels it is too great a grievance for the Emperor¡¯s dragon son.¡± The Emperor glanced at Gao Demao and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly, ¡°Your flattery has improved considerably!¡± ¡°This is all heartfelt truth!¡± Gao Demao smiled at the Emperor like a blossoming flower. In the dungeons of the Court of Judicial Review, the place was perpetually damp and dark, reeking of mold everywhere. Even during the day, without lighting lamps, it was as dark as night. Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, sat cross-legged in the dimly lit cell, relatively calm. Achieving merit for supporting the rise to power had never been easy. Before allying with Prince Xin through Prince Liang, he understood that if Prince Xin won, he would gain glory. If Prince Xin lost, he too would lose everything. Qin Dezhao always left a way out for himself. This time, his fearlessness stemmed from the life-saving Iron Deed in the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. Before the grain supply left Dadu City and was transferred from his hands, at least on the surface, it was top-grade new grain. He had already silenced those who needed silencing and cleaned up the aftermath. Now that the grain supply had been lost, even if investigated, he would only be guilty of negligence, not implicating his entire family. ¡°Miss Bai, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage is here, but the visitation time should not be too long, so please understand.¡± The prison guard bowed and whispered. Bai Qingyan¡¯s milk brother, Xiao Ruojiang, stepped forward and warmly handed silver to the prison guard, ¡°Have some tea, brothers.¡± ¡°This can¡¯t be!¡± The prison guard hurriedly declined, sincerity evident, ¡°We are all protected by the men of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s household in this prosperous capital. How can we accept money from Miss Bai now?! No, no!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?¦Ï Qin Dezhao opened his bloodshot eyes and saw, under the flickering candlelight, that the person removing the black hat of the cloak was the stunning-featured Bai Qingyan. He pressed his lips into a thin line. Having been in this cell of the Court of Judicial Review for a day and a night, though Qin Dezhao¡¯s dark blue cross-collared long robe was still relatively clean, his face clearly showed signs of fatigue. Watching the prison guard¡¯s departing figure, Qin Dezhao chuckled softly, ¡°That prison guard¡­ is also someone whose heart has been won over by Miss Bai!¡± ¡°These hearts were won by the Bai family with their lives. If the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage is willing to sacrifice his life, these hearts could also be won by the Marquis. But unfortunately¡­¡± Bai Qingyan raised her hand and handed the cloak to Nanny Tong, holding a plain silver floral hand warmer, standing in front of the cell door, ¡°The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s family tradition has always been to cherish life, perhaps unwilling to let go.¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Miss Bai, lowering yourself to come to this dungeon, is it just to mock me a few times?¡± She looked deeply at Qin Dezhao, extended her hand behind her¡­ Xiao Ruohai took out a ledger from his bosom and handed it to Bai Qingyan. Nanny Tong set down a long bench, wiped it clean with a handkerchief, and helped Bai Qingyan sit down. Xiao Ruojiang opened the food box he carried, took out pen and ink on silk, and knelt down to write. Their actions were methodical, but Qin Dezhao couldn¡¯t decipher the reason behind them. Could it be¡­ Miss Bai was here to interrogate him?! ¡°Shen Xiyao, Rank-Nine Grain Officer, died on the first day of the twelfth month in the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, due to drunkenness and falling into the water, at the age of forty-six¡­¡± As Bai Qingyan read out the name, Qin Dezhao instinctively gripped his clothes tighter. He stared at Bai Qingyan, striving to remain calm. Xiao Ruojiang¡¯s writing speed was swift, almost as if he wrote the words as soon as Bai Qingyan spoke them. ¡°Li Sanhai, grain official of Jiaozhou, died on the sixth day of the twelfth month in the fifteenth year of Xuanjia, after drinking excessively while spending the night at a brothel, at the age of thirty-eight.¡± With every name Bai Qingyan read, Qin Dezhao¡¯s unease grew. Particularly because these people that Bai Qingyan mentioned were participants in embezzling the grain sent to the southern frontier. They were already silenced by him. How did Bai Qingyan know about these people?! Bai Qingyan picked names from the ledger of the already dead and recited them, as expected, seeing Qin Dezhao¡¯s face change drastically in the cell. After reading the names of the deceased, Bai Qingyan closed the ledger and asked Xiao Ruojiang, ¡°Did you get it all?¡± ¡°Got it all!¡± Xiao Ruojiang replied and raised the silk, handing it to Bai Qingyan to see. Bai Qingyan read it and handed the silk back to Xiao Ruojiang, then looked towards Qin Dezhao in the cell, saying, ¡°This morning, His Majesty decreed, posthumously honor my grandfather as King of Zhen and my father as the Duke of Zhen. Liu Huanzhang¡¯s family has been exterminated, Prince Xin and his offspring demoted to commoners, and Prince Xin himself exiled to Yongzhou, never to return to the court¡­¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s throat churned, biting hard on his molars. ¡°What do you think¡­ if I hand this list over, how will His Majesty deal with you?¡± Bai Qingyan shook the silk in her hand, devoid of any smile, ¡°If Prince Liang knows that I had come to the dungeons of the Court of Judicial Review to see you and then got this list, would Prince Liang be eager to silence you?¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s eyes widened. He couldn¡¯t believe that Bai Qingyan even knew about Prince Liang behind the scenes! Prince Liang was a person under Prince Xin. Now that Prince Xin had been demoted and exiled as a commoner, Prince Liang would certainly try every means to protect himself¡­ Qin Dezhao recalled the scene when he ordered the killing of Li Sanhai and Shen Xiyao. If he were Prince Liang¡­ he too would need to silence those who knew the most to protect himself. ¡°How did Liu Huanzhang, far in the southern frontier, know that there was a problem with the grain, using that missing grain as an excuse to incite chaos within the southern frontier army? Had the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage long colluded with Liu Huanzhang? If so¡­ Liu Huanzhang is a traitor? What would be the crime of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage? If the Marquis implicates Prince Liang, what would Prince Liang¡¯s crime be?¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s tone was methodical, yet fear like a silent stream crept through Qin Dezhao¡¯s body. ¡°Perhaps the death of the Bai family men is insignificant to His Majesty, he might even hope for their extinction. But the deaths of tens of thousands of Jin¡¯s elite soldiers in the southern frontier due to your selfish desires, rendering Jin a once-powerful state humbled to plea for peace with Xiliang and Nanyan. Losing territories is a minor matter; once Jin shows weakness, Daliang and Rong could pounce at any time. Do you think His Majesty would not hate you?¡± The Emperor¡¯s dissatisfaction with the Bai family was clear to Qin Dezhao. It was this clarity that emboldened him to manipulate the grain supply. But Bai Qingyan¡¯s words were correct. The Emperor might want the Bai family dead¡­ but he certainly didn¡¯t want tens of thousands of soldiers to die with them! Chapter 115 - Chapter 115: Chapter 114: Saving Life_1 Chapter 115: Chapter 114: Saving Life_1 ¡°Qin Dezhao clenched his teeth, his eyes bloodshot as he looked at Bai Qingyan. ¡®What does Miss Bai mean by this? I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t understand.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s alright if Marquis of Loyalty and Courage doesn¡¯t understand. Soon enough, King Liang will make you understand!¡¯ Bai Qingyan did not wish to waste words with Qin Dezhao. She stood up and handed the brocade to Xiao Ruojiang, ordering him to put it in the food box. ¡®Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, take care!¡¯ As Bai Qingyan was about to leave, Qin Dezhao¡¯s palms tightened, and he called out, ¡®Miss Bai!¡¯ But Bai Qingyan did not stop, and Qin Dezhao felt a surge of panic, losing all his previous composure. He stumbled to the doorway, but all he could see was Bai Qingyan¡¯s resolute figure leaving. It seemed she truly did not want to learn anything or extract any information from him. In a state of panic, Qin Dezhao tightly gripped the wooden railing and shouted, ¡®Bai Qingyan! I am Qin Lang¡¯s father, Bai Jinxiu¡¯s father-in-law! If something happens to me¡­ do you think they can escape?!¡¯ These words indeed made Bai Qingyan stop in her tracks. She turned back, her eyes dark and deep under the flickering light. ¡®Indeed, thanks to the ruckus caused by the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, my Bai family had to go through great efforts to have them move out of your mansion! Qin Lang has the Emperor¡¯s and Empress Dowager¡¯s accolades. If he submits this list with great righteousness and filial piety, and with my grandmother, the Eldest Princess, backing him¡­ Qin Lang will be the rightful Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. In the future, I will make sure my second sister properly thanks the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡­¡¯ Qin Dezhao¡¯s eyes widened with anger, ¡®Bai Qingyan! You¡­ you are so vicious! You would have Qin Lang accuse his own father! This is a grave act of unfilial conduct!¡¯ ¡®Vicious?¡¯ Bai Qingyan¡¯s expression turned icily cold. ¡®You indulge your selfish desires, playing scheming games in the capital, causing how many sons of the Jin Kingdom to lose their lives in the southern border?! They went with passion to protect their country, only to not die honorably at the hands of enemy soldiers, but due to the selfish schemes of people like you. Who will fulfill the filial duty for tens of thousands of sons¡­?! Do you expect it to be you, Marquis?¡¯ Calming her emotions slightly, Bai Qingyan turned to look ahead and said, ¡®Compared to you, Marquis¡­ I am not even worthy.¡¯ With that, Bai Qingyan left, followed by Nanny Tong, Xiao Ruohai, and Xiao Ruojiang. Qin Dezhao¡¯s heart was racing; he wanted to confess to King Liang¡¯s men but feared they might come to silence him. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ??¦Í?¦Ï.§ã¦Ï He had to meet King Liang¡¯s men before Qin Lang submitted the list. Only then could he save his life. But this King Liang¡­ everyone knew he was the most cowardly and incapable of the Emperor¡¯s sons. Yet, deep down¡­ he was extremely ruthless. Years ago, it was King Liang¡¯s idea to have Qin Dezhao handle the cleanup of Li Sanhai and others. King Liang said that only dead men could keep secrets completely. Qin Dezhao¡¯s palms became slick with sweat, and fear crept up his spine. The Iron Deed could not save his life from King Liang¡¯s hands. If he died in this prison, no one would suspect the cowardly King Liang. Bai Qingyan came to see him today, not to ask about the whereabouts of the provisions, but¡­ to take his life?! Qin Dezhao closed his eyes, his fists clenched tight. How could he save his life¡­?! How to protect his life?! At the gate of the Court of Judicial Review. Nanny Tong ascended with a food box in one hand and supported Bai Qingyan, clad in a black cloak, as they left the prison. After a few steps, Nanny Tong stumbled, and the food box fell, spilling paper, ink, and brushes. Xiao Ruohai exclaimed in alarm, quickly picking up a brocade drenched partly in ink. He frowned and showed it to Bai Qingyan, with the stained brocade unreadable. From the shadows, King Liang¡¯s subordinate Gao Sheng watched them. He saw the numerous characters densely written on the brocade and strained his ears to listen carefully. ¡®This paper has Shen Xiyao¡¯s name smeared. Should Miss Bai return to the mansion, and I will copy it out again for Qin Dezhao to sign again?¡¯ Xiao Ruohai suggested. ¡®Forget it, just a small smudge. It may cause more trouble if we went back in. Let¡¯s return!¡¯ Bai Qingyan said as she descended the steps and got onto the carriage. Gao Sheng remained hidden until the humble carriage disappeared before trailing along. ¡¤ The commoners heard that the Court of Judicial Review had surrounded the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion and took Qin Dezhao into custody. They all felt fortunate that Bai Jinxiu and Qin Lang had moved out earlier, thus avoiding involvement. Some acquaintances of the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s prison guards reported that the Governor of Zhancheng claimed the provisions sent to the southern border had been soaked in rain, revealing only buckwheat husks. This report had reached a month ago but was suppressed by King Xin until last evening when it was finally presented to the Emperor, who erupted in anger and demanded a thorough investigation. At the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, where Qin Lang was mourning the Duke¡¯s passing, he stood with hands behind his back, watching Nanny Wu cry at his feet, devoid of emotion. That day, as the wife of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Jiang Fengchun, was sent away by Qin Dezhao, she had tearfully begged to leave her trusted Nanny Wu behind to care for her two daughters and son. After years together, watching her cry, clutching their son, Qin Dezhao had agreed to leave behind just a nanny managing daily care. When the Court of Judicial Review surrounded the estate, not allowing anyone in or out, Nanny Wu had used the Bai family¡¯s influence to send clothes to Qin Lang, thus getting out. Indeed, Qin Lang had moved out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion and renounced the heir position. But he remained their eldest son. The guards recalled he was Bai family¡¯s son-in-law and allowed a mere servant to deliver clothing. ¡®The Court of Judicial Review allows no entry or exit. The young master is terrified and crying, and the two young ladies are at a loss! Please, young master, for the sake of your mother treating you well over the years, save your sisters and brother!¡¯ At the gates of the Duke¡¯s mansion, under the stone lion statues, Nanny Wu knelt before Qin Lang, her head bruising from her pleas. ¡®Nanny Wu, I am no longer the Princely Heir of the Marquis¡¯s house. I am but an ordinary man. Even if I wanted to help, I can¡¯t. Instead of pleading with me, beg the Jiang family, my mother¡¯s family, perhaps there is still a chance,¡¯ Qin Lang said calmly. ¡®Young master can save them! The Emperor values the Bai family. Just one word from the Eldest Princess would suffice!¡¯ Nanny Wu looked at Qin Lang with hope. Bai Jinxiu, hearing this, burned with anger and wanted to rise, but Bai Jintong held her back. ¡®Sister?¡¯ Bai Jinxiu looked at Bai Jintong with confusion. Chapter 116 - Chapter 116: Chapter 115: Courage_1 Chapter 116: Chapter 115: Courage_1 ¡°The matters concerning the Qin family will be resolved by my brother-in-law. If he can¡¯t even handle an old, obstinate slave and declines such unreasonable requests, how can he protect my second sister? How can he maintain his position as the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage?¡± Bai Jintong said. Bai Jinxiu felt uneasy remembering Bai Qingyan¡¯s words before leaving. She had never considered that Qin Lang could still hold the position of Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. Before Bai Jinxiu could collect her thoughts, she heard Qin Lang sigh: ¡°Nanny Wu, back then, my mother indulged my two sisters, who harmed Jinxiu. They didn¡¯t admit their fault and even used the Eldest Princess¡¯s most cherished eldest granddaughter¡¯s difficult childbearing to make a point. Now, with the Eldest Princess bereaved of her husband and all her children and grandchildren gone, she is heartbroken and sick. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s mansion faces trouble. How can I have the face to plead with the Eldest Princess?¡± Though Qin Lang spoke politely, his meaning was clear; he was unwilling to ask the Eldest Princess for help. ¡°Our Marquis Mansion is related by marriage to the Duke of Zhen! At least let the Eldest Princess hold on and speak well of the Marquis Mansion!¡± Nanny Wu¡¯s face was wet with tears. Bai Jinzhi couldn¡¯t contain herself. She stood at the door and shouted, ¡°You want my grandmother, dragging her sick body, to beg for the Marquis Mansion despite the pains of losing her husband, son, and grandchild? Where do you get the gall?¡± ¡°Today, I have learned what shamelessness is!¡± Bai Jintong, dressed in mourning clothes, stood at the top of the steps, pulled Bai Jinzhi behind her, and slowly walked down. ¡°Back then, the two Misses of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion wanted to take my second sister¡¯s life. The wife of the Marquis killed my second sister¡¯s dowry maid on her own accord and used mourning as an excuse to suppress her complaints. The Bai family¡¯s mourning hall is here for several days, and the Marquis hasn¡¯t come to pay his respects. It¡¯s unclear whether he is guilty and afraid of the Bai family¡¯s spirits seeking vengeance or if he is inherently cold-hearted. Now that there is trouble, an old, obstinate slave dares to speak of marriage relations!¡± Nanny Wu shivered, seeing Bai Jintong step down the high stairs of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, she kneeled and backed away a step. Bai Jinzhi, unable to hold back, stood at the top of the stairs and shouted, ¡°The Court of Judicial Review surrounded the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion because of issues with the supplies sent to the southern front by the Marquis. Over twenty Bai family coffins are still here. My seventeenth brother¡¯s abdomen was split open, filled with tree roots and dirt! The supplies arranged by the Marquis turned into buckwheat husks at Zhancheng, disappearing before reaching the front lines. Where do you get the nerve, the bottom to have my grandmother support her sick body to plead for the Marquis Mansion?¡± Beside Qin Lang, his fists clenched tightly, guilt filling him. After all, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was his father. Bai Qingyan, dressed in mourning clothes, approached the mourning hall and heard Nanny Wu¡¯s words. Her eyes filled with killing intent. She walked from behind the hall and coldly said: ¡°The grand Eldest Princess of Jin Kingdom, is she a slave of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion? Can you direct her as you wish? Even if she is ill, she must crawl up to plead for you first? The audacity of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion!¡± Seeing Miss Bai, Nanny Wu trembled, knelt, and knocked her head against the ground repeatedly: ¡°This old slave doesn¡¯t dare! This old slave absolutely doesn¡¯t mean that!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.?¦Ï The people continuously coming to the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion to pay respects heard the shameless words of the nanny from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion, and someone spat at Nanny Wu¡¯s face on the spot. ¡°This old dog is truly shameless!¡± ¡°To demand the Eldest Princess drag her sick body to plead for his family! The Bai family¡¯s mourning hall is here, and until the Marquis was imprisoned, no incense was lit. Now they remember the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion!¡± ¡°Exactly, all the military supplies were buckwheat husks, disappearing before reaching the southern front. The Bai family¡¯s ten-year-old young general¡¯s stomach was full of dirt and tree bark. And they dare to ask the Eldest Princess to plead with His Majesty. Truly shameless!¡± ¡°What face? The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion probably doesn¡¯t know the word ¡®face¡¯ anymore!¡± a man said, hands clasped inside his sleeves. ¡°Back then, the wife of the Marquis dared to touch the second Miss¡¯s dowry. With such a mistress, the rotten Marquis Mansion is a den of snakes and rats. Nothing good will come of it!¡± The man was pulled by his wife, hinting that Qin Lang was still present. The man pulled back his neck and quickly left with his wife. ¡°Qin Lang, come with me, you and Second Sister. I have something to say to you¡­¡± Bai Qingyan said sternly. Qin Lang nodded and looked back at the kneeling, crying Nanny Wu: ¡°Go back and take good care of my brothers and sisters! The Eldest Princess is grieving. As her grandson-in-law, I already feel immense guilt for not sharing her burden. How can I let her waste energy on the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s affairs?¡± Nanny Wu wanted to say something, but Qin Lang couldn¡¯t let her further tarnish the Marquis Mansion¡¯s reputation. He sternly said: ¡°My siblings are only restricted from freely leaving the Marquis Mansion, not in mortal danger. The issue of military supplies will be judged by His Majesty. It concerns state affairs. We mustn¡¯t interfere. Go back!¡± After speaking, Qin Lang stepped up the steps of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, not wanting to entangle with Nanny Wu further. He supported Bai Jinxiu and followed Bai Qingyan away. ¡°Young Master! Young Master, please save the Second Young Master and the two young misses! They are your close siblings! Young Master, you can¡¯t be so heartless!¡± Nanny Wu cried out. Bai Jintong looked at the guard still standing there and said: ¡°Are you not taking this old nanny of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage Mansion back? Or do you plan on making such a scene to disturb my grandmother and His Majesty?¡± The guard, responsible for watching the Marquis Mansion, was startled. Ignoring the difference in gender, he apologized to Bai Jintong, then dragged the sobbing Nanny Wu back to the Marquis Mansion. Gao Sheng, hidden in the crowd, watched Qin Lang and Bai Qingyan leave. He immediately thought of the list at the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s prison and hurried back to King Liang¡¯s mansion, a chill running down his spine. Bai Qingyan led Bai Jinxiu and Qin Lang to a pavilion in the garden and had Nanny Tong hand Qin Lang a list written on brocade cloth. Qin Lang glanced at it. Seeing that everyone on it was dead, he immediately understood: ¡°Is this¡­the list of officials involved in the military supplies for the southern front last year?¡± ¡°Yes, all the officials involved in the military supplies for the southern front. Surprisingly, they all died of unexpected causes within two months,¡± Bai Qingyan said, tapping on the stone table. Xiao Ruojiang bowed to Qin Lang and said: ¡°Second Master, we obtained this list from the Marquis at the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s prison half an hour ago.¡± Qin Lang was struck with intense waves of emotion. This meant his father knew about the issue with the military supplies long ago, possibly even being the one responsible! Qin Lang shot to his feet, restless: ¡°Miss Bai, can you help me see my father?¡± Xiao Ruojiang looked down: ¡°For the safety of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, it is better if Second Master doesn¡¯t see him.¡± Chapter 117 - Chapter 117: Chapter 116: Take action_1 Chapter 117: Chapter 116: Take action_1 Qin Lang¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Does that mean someone is behind Father?! Who is it?! King Qi?! No¡­ King Qi is a magnanimous person. Even if he competes with King Xin for the throne, he wouldn¡¯t do such a thing! Is it King Xin?!¡± Bai Qingyan lowered her eyelids. See¡­ no one would guess that the person behind the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was the notoriously timid King Liang. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who it is. The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage hasn¡¯t explicitly said. This is not something you should question.¡± She slowly raised her gaze and looked at the pale-faced Qin Lang. ¡°You are a smart person. Since you were a child, you have been the Princely Heir of the Marquis. You should know that the responsibility of a Princely Heir is to prioritize the honor of the entire family over personal life and death! The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage gave you this list, hoping you could take on the heavy responsibility of your family.¡± No matter what, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was still Qin Lang¡¯s father. Frankly speaking, she couldn¡¯t trust Qin Lang enough to believe he would abandon his biological father for the sake of the Bai family¡¯s justice. Even though this father once allowed his stepmother to make things difficult for him, once¡­ considered him insignificant. ¡°Eldest Young Lady.¡± Qin Lang¡¯s throat moved, ¡°Did Father say anything else?¡± ¡°The Marquis only said¡­ he feels guilty toward the Bai family. He said nothing else. But on the way back, I pondered carefully. I¡¯m afraid it won¡¯t be hidden that I visited the Marquis today. The people on this list should be those the Marquis sent to silence others. There will be traces to follow. If you want to maintain the glory of the Marquis Mansion, you need to think carefully about the personnel movements in the mansion in recent days and ask about it as the Eldest Young Master. Then, quickly take this list to the Court of Judicial Review!¡± Qin Lang¡¯s face was as white as paper. He tried to calm himself and calculate. Reveal his father to the Court of Judicial Review? But¡­ what will happen to Father?! He tampered with military supplies, causing all the Bai family¡¯s men to die in the southern border. Not to mention, tens of thousands of soldiers also died. Moreover, Liu Huanzhang¡­ used the granary to deceive King Xin and the Duke of Zhen! Provisions¡­ Qin Lang almost collapsed to the ground. If it wasn¡¯t for the stone table he grabbed, his legs would have given out. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??0.§ã¦Ï Liu Huanzhang¡¯s treason was a crime that would wipe out the entire clan! ¡°Seeing your reaction, you should have figured out the connection between your father¡¯s case and Liu Huanzhang!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyebrows were frosty. ¡°This is why I went to the Court of Judicial Review to see your father. After all¡­ my second sister is married to you. If the Qin family gets into trouble, my second sister can¡¯t escape either. So¡­ even if there¡¯s a problem with the military provisions, even if I hate the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, I must go for my sister¡¯s sake. My grandmother was right: the dead are already gone, and the living are more important.¡± Qin Lang came to his senses, and with a pale face, he bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Thank you, Eldest Young Lady! I will repay your great kindness to the Qin family in this lifetime.¡± He stood up, glanced at Bai Jinxiu, who was sitting on a cushioned stone stool, and made a firm decision. ¡°How about I write a divorce paper and sign it first? If the Qin family gets into trouble, it could¡­¡± ¡°Eldest Young Master, what are you saying?!¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes were even redder. ¡°Husband and wife are like birds in the same forest. Will they fly separately when disaster strikes? When rumors were spreading in Dadu City that the Bai family was in trouble a few days ago, why didn¡¯t you give me a divorce paper then?!¡± Seeing Qin Lang still treating Bai Jinxiu with affection, she felt somewhat relieved. ¡°If you and Jinxiu remain husband and wife, the emperor might show mercy to the Marquis Mansion for the sacrifices made by our grandmother and the Bai family. Do you understand?!¡± ¡°I understand!¡± Qin Lang nodded. He looked at Bai Jinxiu. ¡°Jinxiu, I owe you a lot. I just don¡¯t want to implicate you!¡± As he spoke, Qin Lang¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°Besides, what Father did this time has caused the Bai family to suffer. I feel deeply guilty towards the Bai family!¡± ¡°We are husband and wife. What does it matter who is implicated?! What Father-in-law did has nothing to do with you! I married you to live together, not to live with Father-in-law! You can move out of the Marquis Mansion for me. How can I abandon you in your time of need? The children of the Bai family have been raised with loyalty and righteousness, and I can¡¯t abandon you in times of danger! With you¡­ we have marital affection, and I can¡¯t let go!¡± Bai Jinxiu¡¯s tone was very firm. ¡°Qin Lang, now is the time for you to take on the burden of the Marquis Mansion! This time, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage will undoubtedly face death, but the glory of the Marquis Mansion still has a chance to survive.¡± She held the hand warmer calmly. ¡°If you act quickly, perhaps you can alarm the emperor before the person behind your father finishes silencing others. As long as the emperor pays attention to this case and summons your father for questioning, he might live a few more days to atone for his sins.¡± Qin Lang gritted his teeth and nodded. ¡°I understand. Thank you for the advice, Eldest Young Lady! I¡¯ll return to the Marquis Mansion now.¡± Bai Qingyan nodded. After Qin Lang left, Bai Jinxiu turned to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­ is that list really from the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage?¡± She gazed in the direction where Qin Lang had disappeared and spoke softly. ¡°Luckily¡­ the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage isn¡¯t close to Qin Lang. A son doesn¡¯t fully know his father, and a father doesn¡¯t fully know his son. Otherwise, today¡¯s lie wouldn¡¯t have fooled Qin Lang.¡± In Qin Lang¡¯s mind, even though his father favored the younger son more, he still saw him as a lofty figure. Now, Bai Qingyan had fabricated a story about Qin Dezhao¡¯s repentance and his willingness to sacrifice himself to ensure the family¡¯s peace. Qin Lang, seeing his father through his own values, believed it without question. How could he not?! It indeed fooled Qin Lang, Bai Jinxiu sighed. She didn¡¯t understand the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, but she knew her eldest sister all too well. The problem with the provisions had cost the Bai family¡¯s men their lives. Her eldest sister would never let Qin Dezhao go. Besides, her eldest sister said she wanted to push Qin Lang to the position of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. She must have a plan in mind. ¡°Do you think Eldest Sister¡¯s actions now are no different from those of Qin Dezhao and his ilk? Even her brother-in-law isn¡¯t excluded from her calculations¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s this world. Everyone is scheming, forcing even someone as upright and loyal as Eldest Sister to resort to scheming.¡± Bai Qingyan tilted her head towards Bai Jinxiu, with a faint smile. ¡°Grandmother said to keep the funeral simple. It¡¯s time to think about how to write the eulogy. Once everything is settled, everything will get better.¡± Since she left the mansion for the Court of Judicial Review today, Gao Sheng had been following her. By now, he must have reported back to King Liang, who would undoubtedly take action. She guessed that with King Liang¡¯s cautious nature, Qin Dezhao would not survive to see tonight¡¯s moon. Next, if Mrs. Dong, the matron of the Duke Mansion, collapsed from exhaustion, the Duke Mansion would be thrown into disarray. King Liang would see it as an opportunity¡­ If in this lifetime, he still intended to falsely accuse her grandfather of communicating with the enemy, he would surely make his move. Chapter 118 - Chapter 118: Chapter 117: Face_1 Chapter 118: Chapter 117: Face_1 It was unclear whether Liu Huanzhang was already under King Liang¡¯s control, or if he was lingering in some corner of the southern border, waiting for the right moment to return to Dadu and falsely accuse Grandfather. ¡°Milk Brother¡­¡± Bai Qingyan called Xiao Ruojiang. ¡°Yes, Miss Bai!¡± Xiao Ruojiang, despite being addressed as ¡°Milk Brother,¡± remained very respectful. ¡°You have great agility, Milk Brother. Please go to the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s residence and tell him that Qin Lang will take care of the issue regarding the grain and fodder in the southern border. Ask him, in the light of Qin Lang¡¯s innocence and his status as the Bai family¡¯s son-in-law, to speak well of Qin Lang before His Majesty. The Bai family will be grateful for his kindness and will surely repay him in the future!¡± When Grandfather was overturning the case for the Imperial Censor Jian Congwen, Lu Jin, who is now the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was merely a Seventh-Rank official at that time. That case brought Lu Jin to prominence, and later he ascended step by step to his current position as a Third-Rank official. Bai Qingyan thought that the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Lu Jin, would also consider Grandfather¡¯s status and the fact that the Bai family¡¯s men had all perished and give some face to the Bai family. ¡¤ Seated by the fireplace, King Liang closed his eyes and listened to Gao Sheng¡¯s report about today¡¯s meeting between Bai Qingyan and Qin Dezhao. King Liang made a fist with his hand near the fire, his brows tightly furrowed, and he couldn¡¯t help but cough violently a few times. When he opened his eyes, they were filled with a chilling killing intent. ¡°So, Qin Dezhao has already told Bai Qingyan everything?¡± ¡°Outside the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s prison, I did see that old nanny drop the food box she was unsteady with, spilling ink, paper, and inkstones all over the ground! They even mentioned the names on the silk correctly¡­¡± Before Gao Sheng could finish, the steward knocked on the door, ¡°Your Highness, someone from Guard Gao has arrived outside, urgently requesting to see him.¡± ¡°Your Highness?¡± Gao Sheng seemed to ask if King Liang wanted to see them first. King Liang adjusted his black cloak and nodded, ¡°Go check what¡¯s going on.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.?¦Ï Gao Sheng acknowledged and left, but returned shortly. He saluted King Liang and continued, ¡°Your Highness, the person sent to watch over the Duke¡¯s residence reported that after I left, in less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Qin Lang left through the back corner gate of the Duke¡¯s residence and returned to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence! Our people have already gone to inquire about Qin Lang¡¯s actions upon returning to the Marquis residencs. Additionally, Mrs. Dong fainted in the mourning hall due to exhaustion, causing panic within the Duke¡¯s residence!¡± King Liang suddenly looked up at Gao Sheng, ¡°Eldest Princess couldn¡¯t hold on, and Mrs. Dong¡­ has also collapsed?!¡± ¡°Subordinate thinks it¡¯s not quite a collapse yet. Typically, even if someone can¡¯t hold on, they keep their spirits up until all matters are settled. Only when their spirit breaks do they fall. Mrs. Dong has handled big and small matters of the Bai family orderly, it must be due to overworking.¡± Gao Sheng spoke with some respect towards Mrs. Dong. Indeed, the Bai family suddenly faced a calamity, leaving only the women behind. Although Bai Qingyan was strong, Mrs. Dong was the head mistress of the Duke¡¯s residence. News arrived on New Year¡¯s Eve, and Mrs. Dong, burdened with sorrow and rage, had been unable to rest peacefully, handling all the affairs of the Duke¡¯s residence and dealing with the Bai family clan. But with the head mistress down, the servants of the Duke¡¯s residence would certainly follow. An idea struck King Liang, ¡°The person watching the Duke¡¯s residence reported that there was panic?¡± Gao Sheng nodded. King Liang tightly clenched his fists, staring at the fire basin. He had not forgotten it was this head mistress who managed the Duke¡¯s residence before the end of the year, making it impenetrable. No inside information got out, and no external message could make its way in. This head mistress now down, causing panic within the residence, they could surely take this chance to contact Chun Yan. King Liang¡¯s heart raced at the thought, his eyes ablaze, ¡°Where is Liu Huanzhang?¡± ¡°Liu Huanzhang has been settled in a hidden cave outside the city,¡± Gao Sheng replied. King Liang carefully considered and then spoke in a lowered voice, ¡°Send someone to the Duke¡¯s residence to contact Chun Yan and tell her¡­ This King is very fond of Miss Bai and pities her. However, because of that maid Hongqiao, Miss Bai harbors resentment. Hence, I need her help to deliver a few love letters from this King to Miss Bai to the Duke¡¯s study by any means¡­¡± ¡°When the time comes, I will arrange for someone to discover these letters and cause a stir. I¡¯ll tell Mrs. Dong that the Duke had detained the letters I wrote to Miss Bai after discovering I admired her, intending to take responsibility for the marriage upon his return from the southern border and forbidding further private communications to preserve her reputation. With the Duke¡¯s incident in the southern border, and as the letters surface, I¡¯ll shoulder the responsibility and propose marrying Miss Bai as the principal wife. Once Miss Bai is through the gate, I¡¯ll then take her as a concubine.¡± Gao Sheng looked at his master, thinking about manipulating people¡¯s minds, his master was among the best. The letters placed in the Duke¡¯s study explained thoroughly, if Chun Yan was loyal, she would surely comply. King Liang stood up, walked to the bookshelf, took out the pre-written and sealed letters, and handed them to Gao Sheng, ¡°Warn Chun Yan not to open these letters, as the Duke¡¯s demeanor would never allow him to privately open juniors¡¯ letters. This must be done carefully, or it¡¯ll all be for naught, and Miss Bai will likely detest this King even more!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Gao Sheng received the letters with both hands. Hearing the steward knocking, Gao Sheng quickly placed the letters in his chest. ¡°What is it?¡± King Liang frowned, unable to suppress a few coughs. ¡°Your Highness, Guard Gao¡¯s deputy Tian Weijun has returned and requests to see Guard Gao,¡± said the steward. Gao Sheng bowed and said to King Liang, ¡°Tian Weijun went to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence to contact the informant.¡± ¡°Let him in¡­¡± King Liang, wrapped in his fox fur coat, walked to the fire and sat down. Soon, Tian Weijun, carrying the chill, walked in quickly, knelt on one knee, and cupped his fists, ¡°Your Highness, Sir Gao. I went to the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence, using the pretext of checking on my aunt¡¯s safety to see the informant. I heard that after returning home, Qin Lang called several trusted advisors and stewards of the Marquis into the study for a secret talk, allowing no one to approach.¡± ¡°It seems, Qin Dezhao, seeing King Xin banished, believes there¡¯s no longer any benefit to hiding the truth and plans to reveal everything,¡± King Liang¡¯s hawk-like eyes fixated on the fire, ¡°Qin Dezhao cannot be left alive.¡± ¡°Your Highness, rest assured, I will handle it personally!¡± Gao Sheng immediately took on the task. As Gao Sheng finished speaking, Tongji entered with a steaming bowl of bitter medicine, ¡°Your Highness¡­ it¡¯s time for your medicine!¡± ¡°Go now!¡± King Liang instructed Gao Sheng, sitting up straight to prepare for the medicine. In the prison of the Court of Judicial Review, Qin Dezhao, with closed eyes, ignored the water and food placed at the cell door. He sat cross-legged on the straw, motionless. Qin Dezhao, cautious by nature, feared King Liang would poison his food and drink. Chapter 119 - Chapter 119: Chapter 118: Closing the Case _1 Chapter 119: Chapter 118: Closing the Case _1 Suddenly hearing footsteps stop in front of his cell door, Qin Dezhao clenched his hand and opened his eyes to look towards the entrance, only to see a person in a cloak standing behind the prison guard. Qin Dezhao¡¯s heart tightened; he feigned composure, stood up, straightened the diagonal lapel of his robes touched by weeds, and asked, ¡°May I ask who you are, sir?¡± ¡°Sir, take your time chatting!¡± The prison guard respectfully saluted that person and then turned to leave. The person removed the hood of the cloak. Qin Dezhao saw that it was Gao Sheng from King Liang¡¯s side. Feeling the coldest killing intent from Gao Sheng¡¯s eyes, his heartbeat quickened. Qin Dezhao composed himself, stood with hands behind his back, and maintained his poise, saying, ¡°Lord Gao, please convey to His Highness, King Liang, that Bai Qingyan has found out the names of those who tampered with the grain supplies. She may seize this opportunity to create trouble. Please advise His Highness to prepare early.¡± Gao Sheng glanced at the untouched water and food at the entrance. ¡°Does the Marquis know that Young Master Qin has taken the list you gave him, along with loyal servants of the Qin family, and gone to drum at the Court of Judicial Review? Such swift action. Could it be he was acting under your instruction?¡± Qin Dezhao¡¯s face turned pale; he had guessed that Qin Lang had been deceived by Bai Qingyan. ¡°Lord Gao, do not speak rashly. That list was not given to Miss Bai by me. Miss Bai came today, copied the list here, asked no questions, said nothing, and left. The Bai family probably already had this list. Considering Miss Bai¡¯s intellect¡­His Highness should be cautious!¡± Qin Dezhao expressed his loyalty, ¡°As for that unfilial son, even if I am interrogated, I will not say a word about it! This matter is unrelated to me. The grain was handed over properly when I delivered it!¡± ¡°So, the Marquis is quite loyal to His Highness?¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s voice was cold and emotionless. ¡°That¡¯s right. Not only out of loyalty to His Highness but also to preserve my own life! Admitting the truth means certain death! Denying it, even struggling to survive, is still living.¡± Qin Dezhao stared at Gao Sheng, knowing that expressing loyalty alone would seem hypocritical in this moment. Appealing for survival seemed more sincere. Gao Sheng drew a short dagger from his waist. Qin Dezhao, startled, took two steps back, bumping into the wall. ¡°Lord Gao!¡± ¡°His Highness once told the Marquis, only the dead can keep secrets!¡± As Gao Sheng finished speaking, he moved almost instantaneously in front of Qin Dezhao, the sharp short dagger plunged into Qin Dezhao¡¯s abdomen. Qin Dezhao¡¯s mouth opened wide, but no sound came out, his eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight on the cell wall. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã? Gao Sheng embraced Qin Dezhao¡¯s neck, slowly helped him kneel down, his eyes devoid of any emotion. Not until Qin Dezhao¡¯s hand, which was tightly gripping his sleeve, slackened, did Gao Sheng release him. He hid the gem-encrusted sheath of the short dagger into Qin Dezhao¡¯s deerskin boots. The dagger was a good one; it easily pierced Qin Dezhao¡¯s flesh. The hilt plugged the wound, leaving no bloodstain. Gao Sheng put on his cloak and turned to leave. The prison guard came to lock the door, acting as if he had seen nothing, and left. From New Year¡¯s Eve, with news from the Southern Front, one event followed another in Dadu City, giving no one a moment¡¯s respite. At the end of the year, Qin Lang, who had voluntarily renounced his position as the Princely Heir, was kneeling in front of the Court of Judicial Review, escorted by soldiers guarding the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, holding a silk list, loudly presenting evidence of family betrayal for the Southern Grain Case. The Emperor was particularly concerned about this case. The Minister of Judicial Review, Lu Jin, ordered people to bring in Qin Lang and the loyal servants he brought from the Qin family for detailed questioning. The Qin family loyal servants, upon seeing the list, believed that Qin Dezhao intended to sacrifice someone for the honor of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage¡¯s residence. Now, they regarded Qin Lang as the new master of the Qin family and naturally followed the unified statement Qin Lang had just discussed with them in the study. Qin Dezhao¡¯s advisors claimed that Qin Dezhao had become greedy upon seeing others profiting from transporting grain. However, driven by guilt and being his first time engaging in embezzlement, he had made many mistakes that were used against him by subordinates. Originally thinking appeasing everyone would keep things quiet, he did not expect each delivery to grab hold of Qin Dezhao¡¯s leverage to embezzle. The further it went, the more daring the officials became, gradually replacing the top-quality military grain with wheat bran. Ultimately, these people, utterly brazen, even replaced the wheat bran with Silver Taels before transporting it to Fengcheng. Seeing the matter escalate, the Marquis feared implicating himself and began harboring murderous intent. The advisors detailed the advice they had given to Qin Dezhao and how the guards of the Marquis¡¯ residence had silenced those involved, revealing everything. Minister of Judicial Review Lu Jin, with the confession from the loyal servants of the Marquis¡¯ residence, imprisoned them, preparing to present the case to the Emperor. The discord between Qin Lang and the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was already well-known after Qin Lang moved out of the residence. Moreover, Qin Lang was praised by both the Emperor and Empress as the paragon of aristocratic youth. With the Bai family¡¯s request to protect Qin Lang, the Minister of Judicial Review couldn¡¯t neglect him and temporarily placed Qin Lang in a side hall of the Court of Judicial Review. Qin Lang complied, knelt, and expressed his remorse to the Emperor, asking the Minister of Judicial Review to convey his wish to donate all the property of the Marquis¡¯ residence to the national treasury to atone for his father¡¯s sins. Minister of Judicial Review Lu Jin, seeing Qin Lang¡¯s shame-filled demeanor and recalling the words spoken by the steward of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s residence, nodded, saying, ¡°Young Master Qin, rest assured!¡± This case, which Lu Jin initially thought would be particularly tricky, had the evidence brought to him by the Marquis¡¯ son before the trial even began. Holding some gratitude towards Qin Lang, Lu Jin subtly praised him while reporting to the Emperor. The Emperor did not read the testimonies submitted by the Minister of Judicial Review. He closed his eyes and listened to Lu Jin recount the event¡¯s details, burning with anger. ¡°The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage is truly audacious!¡± The Emperor gritted his teeth, fury evident, about to curse Qin Dezhao when a sudden realization struck him, causing him to stand up abruptly. ¡°Liu Huanzhang deceived King Xin with military grain, yet Liu Huanzhang is at the front lines¡­how did he know the grain wouldn¡¯t reach Fengcheng?!¡± The Emperor frowned deeply. Minister of Judicial Review respectfully bowed and said, ¡°According to the loyal servants of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, the list records officials who have all been made to appear dead by accident! One official remains alive¡­Liu Huanzhang¡¯s brother-in-law, Sun Yiming. The people sent to kill Sun Yiming last November by Qin Dezhao failed, leaving clues and resulting in the death of two guards! Coincidentally, this case was mentioned to me by Jing Zhaoyin of An Jingguo. He said they couldn¡¯t find any leads despite investigating everyone who bore grudges against Sun Yiming! Now it seems the case Jing Zhaoyin was handling can be closed.¡± Liu Huanzhang¡¯s brother-in-law?! Chapter 120 - Chapter 120: Chapter 119: Cunning and Deceitful_1 Chapter 120: Chapter 119: Cunning and Deceitful_1 The Emperor curled up his knuckles and knocked on the table with force, a hint of killing intent radiating from him. ¡°In my humble opinion, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, should be like the advisors of the Marquis Mansion said. He was likely just after some silver! It was Qin Dezhao¡¯s first time doing such a thing, and he didn¡¯t expect to be caught by his subordinates. Those underlings, feeling emboldened with a big figure like the Marquis, became increasingly unscrupulous! It was only then that Qin Dezhao followed the advice of his mansion¡¯s advisor and resorted to murder to clear his name,¡± the Minister of Judicial Review said slowly. ¡°Moreover, since the Marquis Mansion and the Duke Mansion are related by marriage, Qin Dezhao wouldn¡¯t actually harm his in-laws for the sake of his son.¡± The Emperor thought the Minister of Judicial Review made sense. He gazed deeply at the red lacquered pillars in the hall. ¡°What you say¡­ makes sense!¡± ¡°Before I came to report to Your Majesty, the eldest son of the Marquis, Qin Lang, knelt and pleaded with me to relay his desire to surrender all the family assets of the Marquis Mansion to the state treasury to atone for his father¡¯s trespasses! I recalled Your Majesty¡¯s praise of Qin Lang as a model among noble sons. Qin Lang¡¯s righteous act of sacrificing familial loyalty for the greater good does show his integrity and loyalty. If our Jin had more such sons, how could we not prosper!¡± ¡°Minister Lu¡­ are you pleading for Qin Lang?!¡± The Emperor detected the underlying meaning in Lu Jin¡¯s words but dismissed it. ¡°Whether this is out of loyalty or self-preservation, it¡¯s hard to say!¡± ¡°Your Majesty, I trust your judgment. Qin Lang is a good son whom you have personally commended! Having worked in the Court of Judicial Review for many years, I¡¯ve seen all kinds of people! It¡¯s rare to find a son with such a clear and bright gaze as Qin Lang! I believe Qin Lang is truly a rare loyal and righteous son, not a crafty and deceitful person!¡± The words of the Minister of Judicial Review, Lu Jin, carried some sincerity. Qin Lang¡¯s bright and clear gaze indeed set him apart from the sycophants in Dadu City. After hearing Lu Jin¡¯s words, the Emperor thought for a moment before turning to Gao Demao and instructing, ¡°Have Xie Yuchang bring Qin Dezhao to me. I will question him personally.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Gao Demao hurriedly left the hall and ordered Xie Yuchang, the commander of the Imperial Army, to fetch Qin Dezhao. It wasn¡¯t long before Xie Yuchang returned alone, reporting to the Emperor that Qin Dezhao had taken his own life in prison. The Minister of Judicial Review, Lu Jin, widened his eyes in shock and immediately knelt on the ground. ¡°Your Majesty! It¡¯s all my fault for not supervising properly! Please forgive me!¡± The Emperor bit his lip heavily, remained silent for a moment, and asked, ¡°Did he leave any note behind or anything?¡± ¡°Nothing was left behind. When I arrived, he was still warm. He must have just died not long ago,¡± said Xie Yuchang. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.§ã¦Ï The Emperor leaned back against the Dragon Throne and closed his eyes, overwhelmed with agitation. ¡¤ The news of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, taking his own life in the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s prison caused another storm in Dadu City. Qin Lang, sitting in the Court of Judicial Review, almost dropped his teacup upon hearing the news of his father¡¯s suicide. He thought he had been fast enough. After obtaining the list, he immediately returned to the Marquis Mansion to discuss the explanation with his father¡¯s advisors. With a dagger at his neck, he managed to bring his father¡¯s advisors and guards to the Court of Judicial Review to confess, hoping that having the matter heard before nightfall would allow his father a few more days to live. But it was still too late. If his father was not silenced but committed suicide, it meant that his father had already resolved to die to preserve the honor of the Qin family. Not long after, Lu Jin, the Minister of Judicial Review, returned. Looking at the pale Qin Lang, he offered his condolences. ¡°The Emperor has already ordered the arrest of Liu Huanzhang¡¯s brother-in-law, Sun Yiming. After questioning Sun Yiming, if your father¡¯s collusion with Liu Huanzhang can be disproven, then the people of the Marquis Mansion will be free to come and go. For now, you should return to the Marquis Mansion and avoid moving around.¡± Qin Lang respectfully bowed deeply to Lu Jin. ¡°May I take my father¡¯s body back to the mansion for burial?¡± Lu Jin shook his head. ¡°The Emperor wants to investigate your father¡¯s cause of death. For now, your father¡¯s body cannot return home.¡± Qin Lang¡¯s hand at his side tightened, and he saluted Lu Jin once again. Leaving the Court of Judicial Review, Qin Lang sent his followers to inform Bai Jinxiu. He needed to return to the Marquis Mansion to prepare his father¡¯s funeral. Still, once he entered the Marquis Mansion, he feared it would be difficult to leave, so he advised Bai Jinxiu to stay at the Bai family and observe mourning for the Duke safely. ¡¤ At this time, all the masters of the Duke Mansion were gathered in the Changshou Courtyard of the Eldest Princess. The Emperor had decreed that the Duke should be posthumously honored as the King of Zhen, which meant the funeral standards needed to be elevated. But in the Imperial Palace that day, the Eldest Princess had already mentioned to the Emperor that the funeral should be simple. The Emperor¡¯s posthumous honor of the Duke as King was a gesture of respect, also influenced by the Eldest Princess¡¯s prior vow to relinquish her title. Therefore, the Bai family needed to be more cautious and humble to preserve themselves. The Eldest Princess was not feeling well. She half-leaned on a large ginger-yellow pillow with Western Lotus patterns, forcing herself to sit upright on a soft divan, fiddling with a string of agarwood Buddha beads around her wrist. ¡°Let¡¯s arrange the funeral for the tenth.¡± Mrs. Dong nodded. The sight of the coffins in the courtyard constantly reminded her of her husband and son¡¯s unburied bodies, the pain of which gnawed at her heart. It was better to bury them soon to lessen the pain. As soon as the Eldest Princess finished speaking, Nanny Jiang hurried in and, after paying her respects, said, ¡°Eldest Princess, news has come that the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage took his own life in prison. The second master has returned to the Marquis Mansion to prepare the funeral, and he asked that the second young lady stay at the Bai family and not return to the Marquis Mansion.¡± Mrs. Liu couldn¡¯t contain herself, stood up in shock, and twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her heart racing. ¡°This¡­ will this implicate my son-in-law?¡± Bai Jinxiu instinctively looked at Bai Qingyan, who was sitting under the lamp with her eyes half-lowered. She held a slightly cooled teacup in her hands. She understood that this was King Liang silencing people. ¡°Second Aunt, don¡¯t worry. If Qin Lang were to be implicated, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to leave the Court of Judicial Review,¡± she put down the cup. ¡°Qin Lang is a model noble son personally praised by the Emperor and the Empress. The Emperor won¡¯t contradict himself. Moreover¡­ Qin Lang¡¯s act of righteousness and filial piety will likely be rewarded once this matter is resolved.¡± The Eldest Princess nodded, understanding her nephew well. ¡°Kid is right. Don¡¯t worry. No matter what, I will ensure that Jinxiu¡¯s husband isn¡¯t harmed.¡± Only then did Mrs. Liu nod, teary-eyed, and thanked the Eldest Princess. Leaving the Eldest Princess¡¯s courtyard, Bai Qingyan walked alongside Mrs. Dong, softly discussing plans as they walked. ¡°Mother, rest assured. Leave all the household arrangements to me. I will ensure the Bai Mansion is well-covered and in order. You just focus on preparing for the funeral on the tenth.¡± Mrs. Dong lightly kneaded Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand. ¡°I trust your meticulousness. I just worry that you¡¯ll be too exhausted.¡± After separating from Mrs. Dong, she asked Nanny Tong on the way to the mourning hall, ¡°Have the people we sent to watch Chun Yan reported any movement over there?¡± Chapter 121 - Chapter 121: Chapter 120: A Grand Display of Military Might_Part 1 Chapter 121: Chapter 120: A Grand Display of Military Might_Part 1 ¡°Not yet!¡± Nanny Tong held onto her hand and whispered, ¡°But yesterday, Chun Yan came to me crying, saying she knew she was wrong and wanted to return to serve you. She even slipped a gold bracelet into my hand, which I accepted.¡± Inside the vermillion lacquered, intricately carved corridor, the white lanterns hanging under the eaves swayed gently with the wind. Bai Qingyan held a hand warmer, her expression calm and gentle. Everyone in the Duke¡¯s residence knew why Chun Yan was moved out of Qinghui Courtyard. Naturally, no one would treat Chun Yan kindly. Without the items and silver Bai Qingyan had rewarded her with, Chun Yan probably wouldn¡¯t even have a sip of hot water to drink. Watching as the things she owned were almost entirely stolen by those opportunistic servants, Chun Yan finally realized the benefits of Qinghui Courtyard. Since her rebirth, Bai Qingyan had been pondering how King Liang managed to plant those forged letters in her grandfather¡¯s study in her past life. There were not many people who could enter her grandfather¡¯s study. Besides her grandmother, the Eldest Princess, there was only her. After much thought, she considered Chun Yan, whom she trusted greatly in her past life. Chun Yan and Chun Tao were her most favored servants. If Chun Yan had an excuse to take or return something from her grandfather¡¯s study, she could have hidden the letters there. When the letters were found in her grandfather¡¯s study in her past life, she had already been sent out of Dadu City by Mrs. Dong. The exact details were unclear and based purely on speculation. Now that she had set up a trap, she decided to bring Chun Yan back to her side and have someone keep a close eye on her. After a moment, she spoke softly, ¡°I¡¯ve been craving the flavor of that oil tea the past few days, but neither the big kitchen nor the small kitchen, nor Chun Tao or Chun Xing, could make it taste right.¡± Nanny Tong, having lived to understand such nuances, immediately got the hint. ¡°In the past winters, Chun Yan liked to make oil tea and received many rewards from you. Since you miss the taste, I¡¯ll go remind her. It¡¯s the least I can do after accepting her bracelet!¡± ¡°Go ahead, nanny! Chun Tao can accompany me to the mourning hall,¡± she said. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.?? ¡¤ Upon hearing from Nanny Tong that Bai Qingyan wanted oil tea today, Chun Yan burst into tears and kowtowed to Nanny Tong. ¡°Thank you, Nanny Tong! Thank you for guiding me!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not easy for us servants to save up some valuable items. I couldn¡¯t just accept your bracelet in vain.¡± Nanny Tong¡¯s expression carried a hint of severity. ¡°But let me be clear. If the Eldest Young Lady truly allows you back to Qinghui Courtyard out of sentiment, you¡¯d better behave! If you mess up again¡­ I will deal with you myself. Don¡¯t say the nanny was heartless then.¡± ¡°Understood! Understood! Please rest assured, nanny! I will wholeheartedly serve the Eldest Young Lady!¡± Chun Yan said, handing over a few gold peanuts that Bai Qingyan had rewarded her with the previous year. ¡°This is the last of my personal stash. Take it as my thanks, nanny!¡± Nanny Tong accepted the gold peanuts with a small laugh, saying, ¡°The Eldest Young Lady is keeping vigil in the mourning hall. By the middle of the night, she will surely be cold and hungry!¡± Chun Yan¡¯s eyes lit up, and she kowtowed deeply. ¡°Thank you, nanny, for the reminder!¡± Midnight had just passed. Bai Qingyan allowed the injured Bai Jinzhi and her three younger sisters to go rest, while she, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong stayed in the mourning hall. Nanny Tong came in carrying a black lacquered food box, quietly kneeling behind Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, you and the Second and Third Young Ladies should eat something. Otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to hold on.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she nodded. ¡°Jinxiu, Jintong, come and eat something.¡± The three sisters sat aside and watched as Nanny Tong opened the food box. Drawn by the aroma, Bai Jintong moved closer. ¡°Smells so good¡­¡± ¡°Oil tea!¡± Bai Jintong exclaimed in surprise. Nanny Tong smiled and served each of them a bowl, taking out a few plates of freshly made pickled vegetables from the food box. Bai Qingyan tasted a spoonful from her small bowl and turned to Nanny Tong. ¡°Who made this oil tea today? It tastes just like Chun Yan¡¯s.¡± Nanny Tong, kneeling with her hands folded over her stomach, responded softly, ¡°It was indeed Chun Yan! When she heard the Eldest Young Lady requested oil tea but found the taste off, she made some and brought it over, knowing how hard you¡¯ve been working keeping vigil.¡± Bai Jintong laughed lightly, eating Chun Yan¡¯s oil tea without any hesitation. ¡°She just wants Eldest Young Lady to let her return to Qinghui Courtyard! I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s had a tough time lately.¡± Bai Qingyan, finishing her bowl of oil tea, wiped her mouth with a cloth before asking, ¡°Where is Chun Yan?¡± ¡°She¡¯s still waiting outside,¡± Nanny Tong replied. Bai Jintong sneered, ¡°I knew it¡­¡± ¡°If she wants to return to Qinghui Courtyard, let her. Tell her to behave and stay out of my sight,¡± Bai Qingyan said, standing up to continue her vigil, her emotions unreadable. After Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jinzhi had finished eating, Nanny Tong gathered the dishes and carried them to the Chuihua gate. Chun Yan, leaning against the wall, hurriedly stepped forward. ¡°Nanny! Did the Eldest Young Lady say she wanted to see me?¡± Nanny Tong handed Chun Yan the food box, dabbing her mouth with a cloth. ¡°The Eldest Young Lady remembered old times. This is your fortune! Pack up and return to Qinghui Courtyard. Behave yourself and avoid drawing her attention. If you can be good for a year or so, the Eldest Young Lady might consider promoting you again.¡± ¡°Thank you, nanny! Thank you for your guidance!¡± Chun Yan cried with joy, covering her mouth with her hand. ¡°Enough! Go pack your things. Return to Qinghui Courtyard first thing in the morning.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Chun Yan expressed her gratitude profusely, leaving with the food box, feeling like her harsh days were finally over. Nanny Tong watched Chun Yan¡¯s unsteady figure with cold eyes, shaking the cloth before turning back to the mourning hall to report to Bai Qingyan. ¡°I¡¯ve instructed her to return to Qinghui Courtyard first thing in the morning. Given her vengeful nature, now that she has the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s permission, she will surely return with fanfare,¡± Nanny Tong whispered. Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t tell Bai Jinxiu or Bai Jintong to leave while Nanny Tong spoke. Bai Jintong¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Eldest Young Lady? So you let Chun Yan return not out of sentiment? Are you plotting something?¡± Bai Qingyan respectfully placed the incense and knelt down to pray before responding, ¡°Nanny has someone watching Chun Yan. Chun Tao, get close to Chun Yan these days. As my most trusted servant, if you are close to her, she will spread it as if you were even closer.¡± Chapter 122 - Chapter 122: Chapter 121: Words of a Hundred Chapters_1 Chapter 122: Chapter 121: Words of a Hundred Chapters_1 ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Young Lady. I understand,¡± Chun Tao nodded. ¡°I reckon on the day of the tenth, Chun Yan will likely create quite a scene for us. Just wait and see!¡± Bai Qingyan said to her two younger sisters. Whether King Liang or Chun Yan wished to cause trouble, naturally they would seize the moments when the Duke¡¯s Mansion was at its busiest. Releasing the news of the funeral on the tenth, either King Liang would seek out Chun Yan beforehand, instructing her to stir trouble amid the chaos of the funeral preparations. Or he would approach Chun Yan on the tenth, directing her to place the letter in Grandfather¡¯s study that very day. Either way, both of them were bound to take action on the day of the funeral. The black lacquer plaque with golden characters was especially conspicuous amidst the flickering candlelight in the mourning hall. She looked towards the plaques of her grandfather and father, praying that if they truly had spirits in heaven, they would bless her on the tenth, allowing her to crush the villain King Liang in one fell swoop. Only then could she confidently journey to Nanjiang. ¡¤ On the ninth, before dawn. The Eldest Princess called upon her daughters-in-law to discuss matters concerning Bai Qingxuan. The wicks of the lamps on the high platform were trimmed high, gently flickering within their glass shades, illuminating the room brightly and casting the Eldest Princess¡¯s haggard expression in stark relief. The Eldest Princess, having been sleepless all night, after much thought, decided to make a resolution on this matter. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.§ã? After all, tomorrow was the funeral, and someone needed to smash the mourning vessel. ¡°I know none of you favor this concubine-born son, nor do I. But he is indeed the bloodline of my second son and the last male descendant of the Bai family,¡± the Eldest Princess said slowly. ¡°Bringing this concubine-born son back this time, his mother will not stay. He will stay with me, and I will personally educate him. If the second daughter-in-law is willing, she can adopt him under her name. If not¡­ one of you will be in Shuoyang, and one will stay by my side, out of sight, out of mind.¡± The daughters-in-law looked at the Eldest Princess, remaining silent, listening to her slowly speak. ¡°Once the funeral is over tomorrow, I will enter the palace to request the Bai family¡¯s title. I will not let the title fall upon that concubine-born son. I will also ensure enough modest withdrawal. In the future, should Heaven bless our Bai family and my fifth daughter-in-law bears a son, he will grow up and enter officialdom. The reputation accumulated by our retreat today will become a great help to him!¡± ¡°Mother has thought it through. Let¡¯s bring him back then!¡± Mrs. Dong spoke. Having been the daughter-in-law of the Eldest Princess for so many years, she understood her too well. The Eldest Princess, having spoken thus, had made up her mind. Further persuasion would be futile. Moreover, on that day, her daughter Bai Qingyan had also said that the concubine-born son fled when the Bai family fell. When the Emperor¡¯s Imperial Edict to punish King Xin arrived, that concubine-born son still had to come back. She had already been mentally prepared for this. ¡°So be it! I will have Nanny Jiang prepare the carriage to fetch him. After tomorrow, you and the children can have a good rest,¡± the Eldest Princess clasped her cold fingers around the Buddha beads in her hand, her expression as benevolent as ever. ¡°You¡¯ve all worked hard these days!¡± ¡¤ Bai Jinzhi, with her three younger sisters, replaced Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong, allowing them to rest for a while. Back at Qinghui Courtyard, she washed her face, not rushing to rest. She inquired about Ji Tingyu¡¯s condition, learning that Ji Tingyu had woken up but was extremely weak from blood loss. She finally sighed in relief. ¡°Young Lady, you stayed up all night. You should rest for a bit,¡± Chun Tao watched her with concern, noting the red veins in her eyes. She shook her head, standing behind the desk, attempting to write eulogies for her grandfather and father. But although she had dipped her brush in ink, she could not bring herself to write. There were countless words she wished to say to her grandparents but could not voice. She could only say them in her heart. One hour later. Chun Tao attended to Bai Qingyan, washing the ink off her hands before she lay down to sleep. Only then did she quietly leave the room. Returning to Qinghui Courtyard, Chun Yan greeted Nanny Tong. Seeing Chun Tao come out, Chun Yan smiled and approached her, ¡°Chun Tao, I¡¯m back to keep you company again!¡± ¡°Shh¡­¡± Chun Tao made a hush gesture. Remembering the Young Lady¡¯s instructions to draw Chun Yan close, she then led her aside, lowering her voice. ¡°The Young Lady stayed up all night and has just lain down. Speak softly. Now that you¡¯re back, don¡¯t do anything to hurt the Young Lady again. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be the first to not forgive you!¡± Chun Yan clung to Chun Tao¡¯s arm, saying, ¡°I still remember that the Young Lady said you pleaded for me. I wanted to thank you several times, but you were always busy.¡± Chun Tao felt a surge of annoyance but held it back, saying, ¡°There will be more work tomorrow. If your health isn¡¯t good, stay inside. Don¡¯t cause trouble, and don¡¯t show up before the Young Lady.¡± Had it been any other time, Chun Yan would have likely snapped at Chun Tao, but today she replied with a smile, ¡°I understand! Nanny Tong wants me to stay with Yingshuang, but I still cherish our old friendship and want to stay with you. Can you talk to Chun Xing after the major events in the mansion are over and ask if she can switch places with me?¡± Chun Tao sneered inwardly. Chun Xing¡¯s room was for a first-class maid. Chun Yan must have thought her a fool, speaking of cherishing old friendship while eyeing the prestige of a first-class maid. ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Chun Tao dismissed Chun Yan, pulling her hand away. ¡°I still have tasks to attend to for the Young Lady. You go and settle in.¡± Having said that, Chun Tao walked out of Qinghui Courtyard. Chun Yan didn¡¯t mind. Thinking of the stunned expressions of those who had humiliated her when they heard she had been allowed back to Qinghui Courtyard by the Young Lady, she felt pleased. Chun Tao was a blockhead, not nearly as clever as she. Once the Young Lady calmed down, Chun Yan would still be the first-class maid by her side. Returning to Qinghui Courtyard, Nanny Tong, mindful of Chun Yan¡¯s injuries, assigned her no chores but had her instruct Yingshuang in manners. Yingshuang, obedient and diligent, greeted Chun Yan. But Chun Yan felt annoyed just looking at the dimwitted Yingshuang. Laying lazily on the bed, she constantly ordered Yingshuang to fetch water, shell melon seeds, and massage her legs. Yingshuang complied with every order, making Chun Yan view her more favorably. At noon, Nanny Tong came to inquire about Yingshuang¡¯s progress in etiquette. Yingshuang honestly said, ¡°I learned to fetch water, shell melon seeds¡­ and massage her legs!¡± Chun Yan¡¯s face turned red. Seeing Nanny Tong¡¯s expression darken, she snapped, ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? I only asked you to fetch water once, yet you malign me before Nanny Tong! Nanny Tong, I can¡¯t teach her any more manners!¡± Despite her slow wit, Yingshuang was a girl with a temper. She glared, taking three steps in two and shoved the injured Chun Yan to the ground, ¡°Fetched water eight times! Not once!¡± ¡°¡±¡± Chapter 123 - Chapter 123: Chapter 122: All Efforts Wasted at the Last Moment_1 Chapter 123: Chapter 122: All Efforts Wasted at the Last Moment_1 ¡°` Yingshuang remembered that Chun Yan criticized the water for being too cold the first time and too hot the second time. It wasn¡¯t until the eighth time that Chun Yan was satisfied. Chun Yan glared at Yingshuang, her eyes red as she looked at Nanny Tong, ¡°Nanny, look at her!¡± Nanny Tong almost couldn¡¯t hold back her laughter, thinking that Yingshuang had just pushed Chun Yan and was about to complain. But it turned out Yingshuang was just correcting Chun Yan, saying she had poured the water eight times, not once. However, discipline was still necessary. Nanny Tong scolded Yingshuang with a stern face, ¡°If you need to speak, use words, not your hands! How could you act so improperly in front of Miss Bai? Enough, no more rule-learning here. I heard from Chun Tao that you¡¯re quite strong, so come help me. Let¡¯s go!¡± Chun Yan watched as Nanny Tong took Yingshuang away without assigning her any tasks. She felt even more uneasy. How could she be left here right after returning to Qinghui Courtyard?! Chun Yan wanted to follow them, but her injury from Yingshuang¡¯s slight push hurt too much for her to stand straight. ¡°Chun Yan, someone at the door says you left something behind when you returned this morning, and they brought it for you,¡± said one of the girls sharing the bunk with Chun Yan, smiling. Seeing Chun Yan silently holding her waist and walking out without even saying thanks, the girl¡¯s face dropped immediately. She angrily picked up the basket for embroidery and spat in Chun Yan¡¯s direction, ¡°Hmph, still acting like the head maid serving Miss Bai!¡± As Chun Yan stepped outside, she saw an unfamiliar woman by the door, her eyes wary. ¡°What did I leave behind?¡± ¡°Miss Chun Yan!¡± the woman said warmly, bowing to Chun Yan, ¡°I was sent by the guard from King Liang¡¯s residence. He says there¡¯s an urgent matter to discuss with you.¡± Chun Yan was stunned, trembling as the pain from her previous punishment returned. But it was her heart that ached more. She bit her lower lip, her eyes instantly turning red. These days, His Highness of King Liang must be very worried since he couldn¡¯t reach her! But she had just been brought back to Qinghui Courtyard. If she were to be caught meeting someone from King Liang¡¯s side now, Nanny Tong would surely kill her. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0¦Í??.§ã¦Ï ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been recuperating and have fallen behind on many tasks here at Qinghui Courtyard. I truly cannot leave. Please convey any message,¡± Chun Yan hurriedly pulled out a few silver coins from her sleeve and stuffed them into the woman¡¯s hand. The woman weighed the coins and smiled, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll deliver the message for you.¡± Gao Sheng, who had been waiting outside, had not seen Chun Yan. The woman said to him, ¡°Miss Chun Yan has been recuperating, and Qinghui Courtyard has many pending tasks waiting for her to return and manage. She truly cannot get away. Please tell me what needs to be conveyed; though I am illiterate, I can certainly relay messages accurately!¡± Gao Sheng pursed his lips and returned to King Liang¡¯s residence without a word, explaining to King Liang, ¡°I fear there may be Hidden Guards in the Duke¡¯s residence. As it could alert them and ruin His Highness¡¯s plans, I did not force my way in.¡± Although Gao Sheng didn¡¯t meet Chun Yan, the trip to the Duke¡¯s residence was not entirely fruitless. At least now they knew Bai Qingyan had allowed Chun Yan to return to Qinghui Courtyard, which would make it easier for Chun Yan to act. Gao Sheng saw King Liang¡¯s pale face and said in a low voice, ¡°This matter cannot be delayed any longer. Liu Huanzhang has heard of his family being imprisoned and couldn¡¯t stay outside the city. He has already returned in disguise. If Liu Huanzhang gets caught before these letters are delivered to the Duke¡¯s residence, it will all be for nothing.¡± King Liang, dressed in a purple robe with a diagonal lapel, sat behind the writing desk, crushing a piece of ruined calligraphy and throwing it aside. Anger towards Liu Huanzhang¡¯s recklessness caused him to cough twice, aggravating his chest wound. ¡°Your Highness?!¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s face tensed, ¡°I¡¯ll call for the doctor!¡± King Liang raised his hand to stop Gao Sheng, placing one hand over his heart. After a brief pause, a pair of ominous dark eyes stared at Gao Sheng, and he spoke in a hoarse voice, ¡°The person guarding Liu Huanzhang¡ªwhoever it is¡ªlet him be punished.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Gao Sheng cupped his fists in acknowledgment. King Liang placed both hands on the desk, unable to quell his anger, and smashed the white jade paperweight on the table. Chun Yan¡¯s unfamiliarity with Gao Sheng was likely because they had no past interactions. So, only Tongji could be sent. Being his personal servant, Chun Yan would surely meet him. With this in mind, King Liang¡¯s expression darkened. He shouted toward the door, ¡°Summon Tongji!¡± Shortly after, Tongji, busy personally brewing medicine for King Liang, rushed in, ¡°Your Highness, you called for me!¡± ¡°Give the letters to Tongji!¡± King Liang ordered. Upon hearing this, Gao Sheng handed the sealed letters to Tongji. Tongji, confused, took the sealed letters and looked at King Liang. ¡°Tomorrow¡­¡± King Liang began, but paused. Since Gao Sheng had already sought out Chun Yan today, sending Tongji again might be too conspicuous. He corrected himself, ¡°Tomorrow, during the funeral procession at the Duke¡¯s residence, take these letters to find Chun Yan.¡± King Liang explained his plan to Tongji. Tongji, holding onto the letters tightly, felt deep sympathy for his master. ¡°Tomorrow, during the Duke¡¯s funeral, the place will be busy and chaotic. Tell Chun Yan not to miss this opportunity, as such a chance won¡¯t come again for at least half a year. She must place the letters in the Duke¡¯s study!¡± King Liang saw Tongji¡¯s furrowed brow and sternly asked, ¡°Did you hear what I said?!¡± ¡°Your Highness! Last time, Miss Bai said you were a vile person. She said she would rather marry a cat or dog than you. Why insist on her?! Miss Bai has nothing but her looks. Why her?! You are a prince of Jin; you could have any woman you want!¡± Tongji pleaded quietly. ¡°Are you trying to be my master now?¡± King Liang, already furious over Liu Huanzhang¡¯s unauthorized return to Dadu, spoke harshly. ¡°Master!¡± Tongji immediately knelt, ¡°I dare not! I am merely feeling wronged for you! You, a noble prince¡­what arrogance does Miss Bai have in front of you?! I fear that if you humble yourself to marry her, she will become even more insufferable!¡± King Liang hardened his heart towards Tongji, who had loyally stayed by his side since childhood, ¡°If you¡¯re truly loyal to me, get this done! Fail, and you can pack your things and leave the residence!¡± Tongji¡¯s face turned pale. Holding back tears, he clenched his lips, too aggrieved to cry. ¡°Leave!¡± King Liang¡¯s voice softened as he looked at Tongji. ¡°` Chapter 124 - Chapter 124: Chapter 123: The Drunk and Dying are Gone_1 Chapter 124: Chapter 123: The Drunk and Dying are Gone_1 Tongji hastily wiped his tears with his sleeve. After kowtowing to King Liang, he choked out, ¡°Since the master likes Miss Bai, I will definitely make Chun Yan handle this matter for the master! Master¡­ I have been by your side since I was a child. Please don¡¯t drive me away! I will definitely be obedient in the future and not cause trouble for Your Highness!¡± King Liang felt a pang of reluctance in his heart and rasped, ¡°Handle this matter well, and I won¡¯t drive you away!¡± ¡°Thank you, Your Highness!¡± Tongji carefully tucked the letter into his chest and respectfully backed out. Although Tongji was quite useless in many ways, King Liang kept him by his side out of childhood affection! Spare no effort to bring down the Bai family, all to repay the kindness from Consort Tong and the Second Prince. This was the reason why Gao Sheng was willing to follow King Liang. Gao Sheng glanced at King Liang, lowered his gaze, and said respectfully, ¡°Liu Huanzhang can¡¯t be brought into the prince¡¯s residence. I will personally keep an eye on him to prevent any unexpected moves.¡± ¡°Go ahead¡­¡± King Liang wearily clutched his chest and sat down in the chair, looking even worse than before. ¡­ Bai Qingyan woke up after sleeping for just over an hour. Chun Tao lifted the curtain with a copper hook and looked at Bai Qingyan, who was sitting on the bed putting on her shoes, and said worriedly, ¡°Miss Bai, if you sleep only this long every day, I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be able to endure it!¡± The maids who had been waiting in the corridor with warm water basins, towels, spit pots, and fragrant mouthwash soup walked in in an orderly manner to assist Bai Qingyan in getting up and washing. Chun Xing led a line of maids carrying food boxes into the room to set up the meal. When Bai Qingyan changed into her clothes and came out from behind the screen, Chun Xing led the maids to leave in a disciplined manner. Chun Tao served a bowl of chicken soup millet porridge to Bai Qingyan. She said softly, ¡°Today, just after you lie down, someone came looking for Chun Yan. But Chun Yan did not go to meet them. The maid at the door said that the guard from King Liang¡¯s residence was very generous, but his cold expression was frightening.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.?¦Ï This was something expected, so Bai Qingyan was not surprised. She lowered her head and took a sip of the light millet porridge and instructed, ¡°Do not disturb Chun Yan. Keep a close eye on her. If there is any movement, report it immediately!¡± ¡°I understand!¡± Chun Tao nodded solemnly. Chun Xing, who was waiting outside the door, saw Bai Jinxiu coming and hurriedly took a few steps to greet her, ¡°Second Miss.¡± ¡°Is the eldest young lady up already?¡± ¡°Yes, Miss Bai is having her meal. I¡¯ll go inform her immediately¡­¡± Before Chun Xing could lift the curtain, Chun Tao already stepped out, ¡°Miss Bai asked me to meet you! Chun Xing¡­ have someone add a set of tableware for the second miss.¡± Chun Xing responded. Bai Jinxiu handed the hand warmer in her hand to Qingshu and instructed Qingshu to wait outside before entering the room herself. Chun Tao served a bowl of millet porridge for Bai Jinxiu and then left the room to let the sisters have their meal in peace. Seeing Bai Jinxiu frowning and holding her chopsticks without making a move, Bai Qingyan asked, ¡°Are you worried about Qin Lang?¡± ¡°Eldest sister, Minister of Judicial Review Lu Jin has no connection with our Bai family. Now that our Bai family has no men left, even though Lu Jin has a good reputation, who knows what he¡¯s truly like inside¡­ Will he help Qin Lang?¡± Bai Jinxiu furrowed her brows and looked toward Bai Qingyan. ¡°In the past, we were in the inner chambers and knew little of court affairs, so your concern is understandable.¡± She put down her chopsticks, wiped her lips with a handkerchief, and gently analyzed for Bai Jinxiu, ¡°In recent years, court officials have largely supported King Xin, who is the legitimate son of the Empress, in the struggle for the throne. King Xin was extremely popular, and if not for the Southern Border issue, it could be said that under the previous circumstances¡­ King Xin would most likely have ascended to the throne! The court officials who knew how to read the situation all followed him, but Minister of Judicial Review Lu Jin remained neutral and did not involve himself. He even dealt impartially and unrelentingly with several of King Xin¡¯s people who fell into his hands. The reason could only be fourfold.¡± ¡°First, he still has integrity. Second, he might have another rightful master in his heart. Third, he deeply understands that pure loyalty is the way to survive in officialdom. Fourth, he lacks ambition.¡± Bai Jinxiu put down her chopsticks and nodded, ¡°But if he lacks ambition, how could he have been promoted to Minister of Judicial Review in just a few years?¡± She nodded, ¡°First of all, if Lu Jin is of integrity, he would consider that the men of the Bai family have died to protect the country and its people and would thus protect the Bai family¡¯s son-in-law! If it¡¯s the second, in Lu Jin¡¯s mind¡­ the legitimate son King Xin, who is extremely popular, is not the rightful master, then¡­ either Lu Jin desires great power and desires the merit of following the dragon! Such a greedy person would be willing to sell a favor to Duke¡¯s Mansion for the sake of Grandmother Eldest Princess! Or he despises King Xin¡¯s character, and someone like that must have integrity.¡± ¡°If he understands the way of the pure loyalist, he won¡¯t engage in factional strife or involve himself in the succession battle. Although King Xin has been demoted to a commoner, would the advisors in his household be willing to sink with him? They must be devising plans to overturn the situation by making issues of the grain matter. Do you think Lu Jin would willingly become King Xin¡¯s pawn?¡± Bai Jinxiu listened earnestly to Bai Qingyan¡¯s detailed analysis, understanding suddenly dawning on her with a shock, ¡°Eldest sister, you calculate people¡¯s minds so meticulously.¡± The plain white lanterns and banners hanging in the corridor and under the eaves fluttered. In the room, the charcoal fire in the copper hearth covered with carved designs burned fiercely but quietly enough that a pin drop could be heard. She held Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand tightly and whispered, ¡°This grand Capital City, cloaked in prosperity, is not different from the battlefield in the Southern Border! There, it¡¯s all about real weapons and blood; in the rain of blades and arrows, only those with sheer courage die, and those with courage and wisdom win! Within the Capital City, it¡¯s about scheming, deception, and intrigue. Those blinded by prosperity and lost in it perish, while those who make unerring calculations and understand human nature prevail. Jinxiu¡­ staying in the Capital will be harder for you than for me and our third sister!¡± Since learning of the death of her grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers in the Southern Border, Bai Jinxiu felt for the first time a clear realization¡­ from now on, no one would protect and indulge them anymore. In the past, with the protection of family elders and brothers, the eldest sister didn¡¯t need to be so shrewd! Her eldest sister didn¡¯t say she was wrong, but she already knew where she had erred¡­ The other day, her eldest sister had rebuked their fourth sister and said that the Bai family stood on the brink of an abyss at midnight, but she hadn¡¯t taken those words deeply to heart. It wasn¡¯t that her eldest sister calculated too meticulously but that her own thinking was too shallow. Today, there was no room for their fourth sister¡¯s capriciousness nor for her previous complacency¡­ avoiding meticulous and thorough consideration when something arose and just making do. While her eldest sister was still in the Capital¡­ in the future, it would be just her alone. Bai Jinxiu¡¯s mouth felt sour, like biting into a green apricot. She rose and bowed to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Today, Jinxiu¡­ thought shallowly! I will not make this mistake again in the future, so you can rest assured, eldest sister!¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s eat!¡± She reached out and pulled Bai Jinxiu to sit back down. Chapter 125 - Chapter 125: Chapter 124: Undermining the Enemys Foundations_1 Chapter 125: Chapter 124: Undermining the Enemy¡¯s Foundations_1 Bai Jintong, worn out from planning future business ventures these past few days, had only awakened after sleeping for two hours. Learning that her eldest sister and second sister had already gone to the mourning hall, she hurriedly got up, ate a couple of snacks to fill her stomach, donned her mourning clothes, and went out. Bai Jintong briskly walked along the corridor decorated with white silk towards the mourning hall. From afar, she saw Nanny Jiang, who was beside her grandmother, followed by a servant from the outer courtyard. Both of them looked grave and were hurriedly heading towards Changshou Courtyard. Puzzled, she mentioned this to Bai Qingyan and the others as soon as she reached the mourning hall. ¡°Something must have happened with grandmother, right?¡± Bai Jinzhi widened her eyes with worry. ¡°This morning I heard my mother say that grandmother mentioned that tomorrow¡¯s funeral cannot proceed without someone conducting the mourning rituals. She intended to bring back that illegitimate son. It must be about him!¡± Bai Jinxiu said. Before the sisters could say more, guests arrived to pay their respects, and Bai Qingyan and the others had to bow and return the courtesy. The news of the Duke¡¯s funeral for the next day had spread, and more and more people came to pay their respects, making it impossible for them to leave. In Changshou Courtyard. The Eldest Princess sat leaning against five soft pillows embroidered with passionflower patterns. After listening to the trembling servant on the ground recount occurrences at the estate, her hand, holding Buddha Beads, suddenly clenched the corner of the black lacquered table. She widened her eyes and raised her voice in disbelief, ¡°You say¡­ That wretch did what?!¡± Terrified by the Eldest Princess¡¯s aura, the servant hastily kowtowed and stammered, ¡°The young master¡­ He insisted this morning that the new wife from the Ji family serve him breakfast. Later¡­ Somehow, the new wife dashed her head against the wall and died in the room. The young master, enraged after being scratched on the face, hacked the new wife into pieces and¡­ ordered for her body to be thrown out to feed the dogs! But that new wife was a commoner¡­¡± ¡°Wretch!¡± The Eldest Princess slammed her palm on the small black table. Forcing a new wife to serve him led her to dash her head and die; what else could it have been for?! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0¦Í??.§ã¦Ï Trembling with anger, the Eldest Princess restrained herself and asked, ¡°How many people knew about that wretch ordering the new wife to serve him?¡± The servant nodded, ¡°The old servant has already heard that everyone at the estate knew the young master ordered the new wife to serve him. On the seventh day, the nanny sent someone to bring the young master to the estate. From the carriage, the young master saw that the new wife was pretty and demanded her to serve him. The new wife unwillingly obeyed, and the young master threw a tantrum. The people at the estate feared the young master¡¯s wrath and urged the new wife to comply. This morning, the steward¡¯s wife, along with several women friendly with the new wife, persuaded her again, saying that serving the young master breakfast would be good for her husband¡¯s future in the duke¡¯s mansion. That¡¯s why the new wife went! Who would¡¯ve thought she would die there!¡± Nanny Jiang stepped forward and gently rubbed the Eldest Princess¡¯s back, saying, ¡°The steward has already confined everyone aware of the new wife¡¯s death and sent the two women who reported it back, awaiting your decision.¡± ¡°How could that wretch be so vicious?!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s chest heaved with fury, and her heart turned cold. The second son¡¯s illegitimate child had been raised to be so cruel. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that this illegitimate child might be the last male descendant of the Bai family, she truly wouldn¡¯t want to keep such a fiend. Nanny Jiang signaled the kowtowing servant to leave. Watching her exit, Nanny Jiang, frowning, said, ¡°Eldest Princess, there¡¯s something even more troublesome! The dead new wife¡­ She was Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife, recently married earlier this year!¡± A rush of anger overcame the Eldest Princess. She grabbed Nanny Jiang¡¯s wrist and lowered her voice with effort, ¡°Ji Tingyu?! The same Ji Tingyu who risked his life to send the military record bamboo slip back to the Duke¡¯s mansion a few days ago?!¡± ¡°Yes, that very Ji Tingyu! It¡¯s all my fault¡­ for arranging her to stay at that estate! If the Eldest Young Lady finds out, what are we to do?!¡± Nanny Jiang held the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand, seeing the blood drain from her face, and her trembling hand in which she clutched the Buddha Beads. She quickly caressed her hand, ¡°Eldest Princess, please calm down¡­¡± The death of a commoner wouldn¡¯t matter; even if the new wife died, it wouldn¡¯t be important. But it was Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife! With his wife violated and dead, any honorable man would not let it go. Ji Tingyu had risked his life for the Bai family; did he not have even an ounce of honor? If Kid found out about this, it would create an upheaval. Could that illegitimate child¡­ even survive? The Eldest Princess slowly released Nanny Jiang¡¯s hand, her stiff back gradually slouching, and leaned against the couch with closed eyes, her fingertips icy. Even though she had high hopes for the child in the fifth daughter-in-law¡¯s womb, the Eldest Princess had discreetly inquired with the director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, Doctor Huang, who cautiously stated¡­ that there was a high chance it was a female fetus. If that were true, then the illegitimate child¡­ would be Bai Weiting¡¯s last bloodline. She felt her lifetime had brought shame to the Bai family and Bai Weiting. She truly wanted to preserve that last bit of his bloodline; otherwise, after Bai Qingyan¡¯s generation, Bai Weiting¡­ would have no heirs. This incident had just happened. While it hadn¡¯t blown up yet, if they wanted to cover it up entirely¡­ a quick decision must be made. Everyone at the estate knew about the young master ordering the new wife to serve him. Even if those who knew of the new wife¡¯s death were silenced, if they brought the young master back today and the new wife suddenly disappeared, it would be hard to prevent others from spreading rumors once Ji Tingyu returned. If Ji Tingyu came to the Bai family to demand answers, it would definitely alarm Kid. Given Kid¡¯s abilities, this matter couldn¡¯t be hidden. But under the Imperial City¡¯s watch, it wasn¡¯t possible to silence all the people at the estate. Ji Tingyu would definitely become suspicious upon his return. Thinking of Ji Tingyu, the Eldest Princess clenched the Buddha Beads in her hand. Killing a hundred to hide the truth, or silencing one at the root. As long as Ji Tingyu died without coming to the Bai family, the people at the estate could just assume that he and his new wife were serving at the Bai family. As long as Kid remained unaware, others¡­ the Eldest Princess could suppress through sheer force. Ji Tingyu had been gravely injured; it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if he couldn¡¯t be saved. Killing, having grown up in the palace, the Eldest Princess had done it before. But killing someone who had shown kindness to the Bai family, repaying kindness with such cruelty, how could she ever find peace? The corners of the Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes glistened with tears, but that wretch was still her grandson! She had already lost enough grandsons! Truly¡­ they couldn¡¯t die anymore! She had to preserve Bai Weiting¡¯s lineage, even if it meant facing Hell¡¯s punishments and apologizing to heroes like Ji Tingyu in the afterlife, she would! Chapter 126 - Chapter 126: Chapter 125: Article_1 Chapter 126: Chapter 125: Article_1 Between her grandson and her benefactor, she could only choose her grandson and ended up failing her benefactor. The Eldest Princess made a decision, her tone deep like water from a ghostly well. ¡°Anyone on the estate who knows that the new wife is dead doesn¡¯t need to stay. Fetch that bastard back and outwardly declare, ¡®The new wife of the Ji family followed that bastard back to the Duke¡¯s mansion to take care of Ji Tingyu.¡¯ Arrange for a woman of a similar age as the new wife of the Ji family to enter the mansion and make her act like one. Ji Tingyu is gravely injured¡­ he has been in a coma since half past noon today. After the Duke¡¯s burial tomorrow, Ji Tingyu, the loyal and brave knight, couldn¡¯t hold on and went after the Duke. The new wife of the Ji family is devastated and dies from grief. Let¡¯s end this matter just like this!¡± In a few brief sentences, the Eldest Princess determined the fate of Ji Tingyu. Nanny Jiang understood. The Eldest Princess handled this matter swiftly because she wanted to finalize everything while the Eldest Young Lady was still preoccupied with the Bai family¡¯s funeral and couldn¡¯t spare the energy or attention. Nanny Jiang had followed the Eldest Princess since she was a child. She knew that once the Eldest Princess had made up her mind, no one could persuade her otherwise. She still couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Eldest Princess, if the Eldest Young Lady learns about this in the future, she might¡­ grow estranged from you!¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t let Kid know!¡± The Eldest Princess opened her bloodshot eyes, her hand trembling as she clutched the Buddha beads. ¡°Never let Kid know!¡± Otherwise, how would she face her granddaughter? She had grown up in the deep palace and never dared to say her hands had never been stained with the blood of innocent people. However, the dirtiest and darkest parts of her heart were not something she wanted her most beloved granddaughter to see. Knowing her granddaughter had already been making concessions for her everywhere, knowing the granddaughter pondered their blood bond to tolerate that bastard! Her granddaughter agreed to submit and not rebel for the land that the Bai family had guarded for generations and for her sake. Knowing that if she killed Ji Tingyu, it would drive her granddaughter to oppose her. With Kid¡¯s character, if she knew that the bastard Bai Qingxuan had driven Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife to death, she wouldn¡¯t let him live! Despite knowing all this¡­ she still had no choice. Because she was greedy, harboring a sliver of hope that she could save both the bastard and her bond with Kid. The Eldest Princess felt immense sorrow and eventually shed tears. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??0.§ã¦Ï By the time the sky in Dadu City turned completely dark, Bai Qingxuan returned to the Duke¡¯s mansion alone. The Eldest Princess left his biological mother on the estate. The Eldest Princess did not meet Bai Qingxuan in person, only instructed Nanny Jiang to tell him to go to the mortuary to keep vigil. If he saw his eldest sister Bai Qingyan, he must be respectful and obedient. Should he defy his eldest sister, he would be severely punished after the Bai family¡¯s mourning period. Bai Qingxuan respectfully agreed on the surface and followed Nanny Jiang to the mortuary. As soon as Bai Qingyan saw Bai Qingxuan, he bowed deeply in salute, keeping his head down to hide the scratches made by a woman¡¯s fingernails on his face. ¡°Greetings, Eldest Sister. Greetings, Second Sister.¡± As soon as Bai Jinzhi saw Bai Qingxuan following Nanny Jiang, her anger flared up. She sneered, ¡°Weren¡¯t you running away? Why¡­ now that the Emperor¡¯s decree to posthumously honor Grandfather has come down, you shamelessly came back?¡± Bai Qingxuan¡¯s eyebrow twitched, and he lowered his gaze to hide the fierce look in his eyes, kneeling in front of the mortuary in silence. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Second Young Lady, Third Young Lady, Fourth Young Lady, the Eldest Princess asked Brother Xuan to keep vigil tonight. You should all go rest!¡± ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Bai Qingyan didn¡¯t stand on ceremony, steadied herself on Chun Tao¡¯s hand, and rose. Her gaze swept over the scratches on Bai Qingxuan¡¯s face. She told her sisters, ¡°Let¡¯s go back. There¡¯s still much to do tomorrow at the burial.¡± Back at Qinghui Courtyard, Chun Xing quickly had maids bring warm water for Bai Qingyan to wash up. She also arranged for some light snacks, insisting that Bai Qingyan eat something before sleeping. ¡°Did Ji Tingyu wake up this afternoon?¡± She wiped her face with a warm towel and turned to ask Chun Tao. Chun Tao, who was tidying up the bed, bit her lip. Suppressing her tears, she vigorously fluffed the quilt and deliberately changed the subject with a forced smile. ¡°I heard Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife came today to personally take care of him. I snuck a peek, and she¡¯s a real beauty!¡± Nanny Tong had instructed that Ji Tingyu¡¯s sudden coma should not be disclosed to the Eldest Young Lady for the time being. Ji Tingyu was a hero of the Bai family. Doctor Hong would certainly do his best to save him. The Eldest Young Lady didn¡¯t need to be unnecessarily worried. These past few days, she had only been sleeping for one or two hours daily, and that was already exhausting enough. Ji Tingyu had married his new wife at the end of last year. She had heard about it from Lu Ping a few days ago. She handed the towel to a maid and turned back to instruct Chun Tao. ¡°Ji Tingyu has no elders at home. The new wife must feel uneasy being alone. It¡¯s good to let the couple reunite. Tell the staff to treat Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife with respect.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eldest Young Lady. Once Madam learned Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife had come, she had Nanny Qin personally give some guidance. The staff treated Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife very respectfully.¡± Chun Tao had finished setting up the mosquito net. ¡°Eldest Young Lady, please eat something and rest. I have lit some incense to help you sleep. Tomorrow is going to be busy!¡± Since the news came on New Year¡¯s Eve, one thing after another had come up. She was indeed exhausted. Yet she couldn¡¯t shake off the thought of Jintong mentioning that Nanny Jiang had rushed to Grandmother¡¯s Changshou Courtyard earlier today. ¡°Chun Xing, ask Nanny Tong to come in. I have something to ask her.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Xing curtsied and left. She sat at the square table, took a few sips of the warm water Chun Xing had placed on the small blackened table, and just finished eating two pieces of pastry when Nanny Tong arrived. ¡°Eldest Young Lady.¡± Nanny Tong bowed. ¡°Have you found out the cause of the matter?¡± She took a sip of goat¡¯s milk. Now that the full management of the household had been handed over to Bai Qingyan by Mrs. Dong, Nanny Tong, who had Bai Qingyan¡¯s trust, was efficient in investigating these matters. ¡°I found out. The old woman Nanny Jiang brought into the house today was from the outer courtyard and had the surname Qi. Today, Nanny Jiang sent a few women to the estate to bring back the Duke¡¯s illegitimate son. That Granny Qi was one of them. But for some reason, Granny Qi returned alone to see Nanny Jiang. Later, Nanny Jiang took Granny Qi to Changshou Courtyard. After coming out of Changshou Courtyard, Granny Qi went back to the estate and only then brought the Duke¡¯s illegitimate son to the house! But when I tried to find this Granny Qi again, she was gone! Both the women and the coachman who went to the estate were nowhere to be found!¡± Nanny Tong added, ¡°Oh, and Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife came back with Granny Qi and the Duke¡¯s illegitimate son. I heard the Ji family is also on that estate.¡± They went to fetch that illegitimate son¡­ but returned alone to see her grandmother, then went back a second time to bring him. The whole thing was suspicious. The servants who went to fetch him and the coachman were now missing. She wouldn¡¯t believe there was nothing odd going on. It¡¯s not that she was paranoid, but the Bai family couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes at this critical moment. Chapter 127 - Chapter 127: Chapter 126: The Entire Clan Annihilated - Part 1 Chapter 127: Chapter 126: The Entire Clan Annihilated ¨C Part 1 Second Uncle¡¯s illegitimate son was never an honest person. Regardless of what trouble or misdeeds he had caused, she needed to be fully informed to have a strategy. This way, the Bai family would not be caught off guard by any sudden accusations. Now that the servant sent to fetch him from the manor was missing, it was clear that something had happened at the manor and someone wanted to keep it concealed. The more that was the case, the more she couldn¡¯t pretend not to know. She looked up at Nanny Tong: ¡°Has Nanny Jiang been alerted about this yet?¡± ¡°If the Eldest Miss hadn¡¯t called Chun Xing to inform me just now, I was about to go to Changshou Courtyard to inquire with Nanny Jiang. After all, it is only natural for Eldest Miss to be concerned about Grandmother¡¯s well-being,¡± Nanny Tong said softly. ¡°Nanny, go ahead! Remember to note every word Nanny Jiang says without missing a single one and report back to me!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Seeing Nanny Tong leave, she put down her chopsticks and stood up, forcing herself to stay alert: ¡°Chun Tao, bring my cloak, I am going to see Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife.¡± Since the Ji family was coincidentally at the manor where that illegitimate son resided, Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife must know what happened there. She wanted Nanny Tong to remember every word Nanny Jiang said only to see which side Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife was on. If Nanny Jiang and Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife said the same things word for word, they had likely rehearsed it to deal with her. In that case, she would have to send someone to investigate the manor thoroughly. ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s eyes were red. She turned to see Chun Tao standing motionless, biting her lower lip while holding her fox fur cloak. She took the cloak and asked softly: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± Chun Tao suddenly knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face as she cried out, ¡°Actually, Ji Tingyu is not doing well! Before Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife came this afternoon, we couldn¡¯t wake Ji Tingyu no matter how hard we tried! Nanny Tong had already sent someone to fetch Doctor Hong! Nanny Tong felt heartache for Eldest Miss¡¯s hard work these days and didn¡¯t want you to worry in vain, so she told me not to say anything¡­¡± She felt her blood rush straight to her head, her spine stiffened for a moment, and she strode quickly out of Qinghui Courtyard, headed into the wind. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0¦Í?0.§ã¦Ï ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± Chun Tao ran and followed closely behind Bai Qingyan, holding her up while crying and admitting her mistake, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault, I was wrong! I shouldn¡¯t have hidden it from you. Eldest Miss, please slow down!¡± When she arrived at Ji Tingyu¡¯s, Doctor Hong was nowhere to be seen. Instead, an unfamiliar physician was nodding off at the table under the oil lamp. Seeing Ji Tingyu lying there pale and lifeless, her fury surged. Her scalp went numb: ¡°Where is everyone?! Doctor Hong?! Where are the people taking care of Ji Tingyu?!¡± The physician was startled, almost falling to the ground. Seeing the somber-looking woman in mourning clothes before him, he quickly saluted, recognizing she was the mistress. A young woman holding a freshly brewed medicine hurriedly entered from the doorway, eyes wide with confusion as she looked at Bai Qingyan. She turned and saw a young woman dressed as a wife holding the medicinal soup, looking anxious and fearful at her. Her voice couldn¡¯t help but rise: ¡°Are you Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife?¡± ¡°Answering the Eldest Miss, I am Mrs. Ji Liu!¡± the young woman quickly bowed, her eyes downcast, not daring to look directly at Bai Qingyan. ¡°Where is Doctor Hong?!¡± she asked, suppressing her anger. ¡°I heard he was called away¡­¡± the young woman said. Bai Qingyan¡¯s sharp gaze fixed on the downcast Mrs. Ji Liu, her eyes cold as ice: ¡°Chun Tao, quickly go to my mother¡¯s place and have someone bring my mother¡¯s letter to invite Doctor Huang!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Tao quickly ran out of the courtyard. ¡°How is Ji Tingyu?¡± she asked the physician, holding back her tumultuous emotions. ¡°This¡­ this man lost a lot of blood, and the treatment was not timely¡­¡± The words of this countryside physician completely differed from Doctor Hong¡¯s. She didn¡¯t want to hear more, lifting the curtain to call out: ¡°Come!¡± The serving women in the outer courtyard hurried in: ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± Lu Ping, while patrolling at night, unexpectedly encountered Chun Tao running wildly towards Mrs. Dong¡¯s place. Upon learning about Ji Tingyu¡¯s situation, he rushed over. Before he even entered the courtyard, he heard Bai Qingyan¡¯s voice full of anger and also entered, saluting: ¡°Eldest Miss!¡± ¡°Who called Doctor Hong away?!¡± she asked the servant woman. Bai Qingyan exuded a threatening aura, scaring the servant woman into kneeling: ¡°Answering Eldest Miss, it¡¯s the Young Master of Marquis Yongding¡¯s residence. His leg was broken and he hasn¡¯t woken up. Marquis Yongding¡¯s Madam had heard that Doctor Hong is an apprentice of Doctor Huang from the Imperial Medical Bureau, so she requested¡­ requested at the Eldest Princess¡¯s place. Originally, it was said that Doctor Hong would return after a look, but for some reason, he hasn¡¯t returned. Our mansion sent people to fetch him, but they said that the Yongding Marquis¡¯s Young Master is precious and must wait until he wakes up to release Doctor Hong!¡± Hearing this, Bai Qingyan clenched her fists tightly. The Marquis Yongding¡¯s residence was indeed bold! Her voice involuntarily rose: ¡°Lu Ping, take two teams of guards to the Marquis Yongding¡¯s residence to bring back Doctor Hong. If Doctor Huang is there, bring him too! If the Marquis Yongding¡¯s residence dares to stop you, tell them¡­ Ji Tingyu risked his life to return the bamboo slip to clear the Bai family¡¯s and my grandfather¡¯s names as loyal and brave men! He is a benefactor of the Bai family! Who dares to fight over a doctor with Ji Tingyu is opposing the Bai family. I, Bai Qingyan, will use all my power to eliminate their entire clan! Even a young master¡­ wouldn¡¯t have even a chicken or a dog left! If the Marquis Yongding¡¯s residence still resists, no matter if it takes killing or staining the Yongding Marquis¡¯s residence with blood, you must bring the person back within half an hour! All responsibility will be borne by me, Bai Qingyan!¡± ¡°Lu Ping receives the order! Eldest Miss, rest assured, if I fail to bring the person back within half an hour¡­ I will return my head to you!¡± Lu Ping bowed to Bai Qingyan, turned, and commanded the guards behind him: ¡°Stay here and listen to the Eldest Miss¡¯s orders!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± the guards responded loudly. They had just heard Bai Qingyan¡¯s words. For the sake of Ji Tingyu, who returned the bamboo slip with his life, Bai Qingyan was willing to turn against Marquis Yongding¡¯s residence with such firmness and bring the doctor back. How could the guards serving the Bai family remain unmoved?! Inside, the young woman huddled in a corner, her hands trembling as she held the medicinal soup. The physician glanced uneasily at the man on the bed, his legs going weak¡­ Bai Qingyan clenched her fists tightly, regained her composure, and commanded: ¡°Bring me a chair! Bring Mrs. Ji Liu and the physician out!¡± When Mrs. Ji Liu and the physician were brought out, Bai Qingyan was sitting under the veranda. Two rows of guards with swords were lined up on either side, making the scene particularly intimidating. Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: Chapter 127: Deep-seated Grudge_1 Chapter 128: Chapter 127: Deep-seated Grudge_1 The doctor¡¯s legs immediately went limp. He knelt on the ground, kowtowing and wailing: ¡°It has nothing to do with me! Young Miss, it really has nothing to do with me! I was suddenly brought here. I said my medical skills are insufficient. The nanny from your manor said I was just here to go through the motions. Anyway, the person is going to die!¡± Anyway, the person is going to die?! She grabbed the armrest of the chair, her spine chilling. Someone wanted Ji Tingyu dead! Was it because Ji Tingyu sent back the military record bamboo slip?! Or was it because¡­ of something else?! Her nails almost embedded into the wooden armrest, her anger palpable. Her voice rose sharply: ¡°Investigate who brought this doctor in today! Once found, tie them up and bring them to me! If they resist, beat them to death and drag them over to have the doctor identify them!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± A guard responded and quickly exited. Her gaze involuntarily fell on Mrs. Ji Liu, who had curled up in a corner: ¡°Mrs. Ji Liu¡­¡± Mrs. Ji Liu hurriedly knelt in front of Bai Qingyan: ¡°Young Miss, I¡­ I don¡¯t know anything!¡± ¡°You and I have never met before, but you know I am the eldest daughter of the Bai family¡­¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s calm and cold voice was wrapped in a layer of frost. ¡°Let me ask you, when the person was sent to fetch the illegitimate son of the Bai family today, did anything happen?¡± Mrs. Ji Liu lowered her head, her eyes darting around in panic. Her voice was extremely low: ¡°Answering the Young Miss, nothing had happened¡­¡± Out of respect for Ji Tingyu, she restrained her attitude towards Mrs. Ji Liu: ¡°Think carefully. The nanny by my side has already gone to inquire. If what you say differs from what the nanny reports when she returns, do you know the consequences?¡± ¡°Young Miss, I am just an ordinary woman. The nanny in the manor told me to come and serve my husband, so I came! I really don¡¯t know anything!¡± Her gaze towards Mrs. Ji Liu grew colder and colder. She slowly leaned back in her chair: ¡°Send someone to wait at Qinghui Courtyard. When you see Nanny Tong, have her come over! Also, let my chief maid Chun Xing bring me a hand-warmer. Tonight¡­ is still long!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.?? Mrs. Ji Liu shuddered, swallowing a mouthful of saliva with difficulty. Soon, Nanny Tong came over with Chun Xing. Chun Xing saluted and then hurriedly stepped forward to hand the hand-warmer to Bai Qingyan. ¡°You go inside and watch Ji Tingyu, keep the fire burning.¡± She took the hand-warmer and instructed Chun Xing. ¡°Yes!¡± Chun Xing lifted the curtain and went inside. ¡°Did you find out anything from Nanny Jiang?¡± She looked at Nanny Tong. ¡°I did!¡± Nanny Tong quickly walked to Bai Qingyan¡¯s side. ¡°Nanny Jiang said it was the Eldest Princess who wanted to leave the illegitimate son¡¯s mother on the estate. But the illegitimate son was unwilling and made a fuss about not wanting to get on the carriage.¡± She turned to Mrs. Ji Liu: ¡°Mrs. Ji Liu, do you know about this?¡± Mrs. Ji Liu prostrated herself even lower: ¡°I do not know!¡± Upon hearing this, Bai Qingyan pressed her lips together, asking no more¡­ Under the eaves of the corridor, white lanterns swayed. The courtyard was full of people, but it was so quiet that only the sound of the wind could be heard. Suddenly, outside the wide-open courtyard gate, there were lights hurriedly approaching. She instinctively stood up, seeing Lu Ping carrying Doctor Hong and a guard behind them carrying Doctor Huang running over. The moment she saw them, Bai Qingyan¡¯s heart, which had been in her throat, finally eased a bit. She instinctively moved to the door: ¡°Doctor Hong! Quickly check on Ji Tingyu!¡± Doctor Hong got off the panting Lu Ping¡¯s back. Seeing the pale-faced Bai Qingyan, he cupped his hands and followed her inside: ¡°Young Miss, how is Ji Tingyu?! How did he suddenly faint again! He was fine when I left!¡± Doctor Huang, carried by the young guard, also got down. He had been jolted so much along the way that even his official hat was askew. But he couldn¡¯t spare a moment for his appearance. He straightened his hat, took the medicine box from the guard¡¯s hand, and followed inside. Seeing the Imperial Physician, the doctor trembled in fear, his face ashen. Doctor Hong entered, and without sitting down, grabbed Ji Tingyu¡¯s arm and started feeling for his pulse. As soon as he touched the pulse¡­ Doctor Hong¡¯s face turned white: ¡°How could he be poisoned?!¡± ¡°What?! Poisoned?! What kind of poison?!¡± Doctor Huang, who had just entered, quickly put down the medicine box and leaned forward. He examined Ji Tingyu¡¯s pupils, pried open Ji Tingyu¡¯s mouth, checked his tongue coating, and leaned in to smell his breath. ¡°Yiri Mian!¡± ¡°Yiri Mian!¡± Doctor Hong and Doctor Huang spoke in unison. Yiri Mian, the poison was as its name¡­ a single day would bring about the onset of toxicity and death. This poison was mild, causing the victim to fall into a coma and die in their sleep. ¡°The dosage must not be high, the poisoning isn¡¯t deep! It was discovered early; otherwise¡­ the lips would have changed color! You write the prescription¡­ I¡¯ll administer the acupuncture!¡± Doctor Hong said to Doctor Huang. Bai Qingyan felt a buzzing in her head. Ji Tingyu had an incident right in the Bai family, right under her nose! She clenched her teeth and respectfully bowed to Doctor Hong and Doctor Huang: ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble the two of you! Chun Xing, you all stay here and listen to Doctor Hong and Doctor Huang¡¯s instructions. Uncle Ping, come with me to interrogate the doctor!¡± With that, Bai Qingyan, exuding an air of menacing severity, tightly gripped Nanny Tong¡¯s hand and stepped outside. The guard who had gone to investigate which nanny brought the doctor in returned, bowing to Bai Qingyan: ¡°Young Miss, it was Nanny Qi who brought the doctor in. Nanny Qi has a matter at home and is not in the manor. Should we go to her home to apprehend her?¡± Hearing the name Nanny Qi, Nanny Tong hurriedly said to Bai Qingyan: ¡°Nanny Qi is the nanny who went to fetch the second master¡¯s illegitimate son today. She was the one who returned first to see the Eldest Princess, then brought in the Ji family¡¯s daughter-in-law. When I went to inquire today, the outer court also said Nanny Qi had a matter at home.¡± Nanny Qi, that illegitimate son, Changshou Courtyard, Eldest Princess¡­ Connecting these dots, isn¡¯t it clear?! What deep-seated grudge could Nanny Qi have against Ji Tingyu that she must see him dead?! But as for her grandmother? Why would she need to kill Ji Tingyu, who had done a favor for the Bai family? Thinking that all this was orchestrated by the Eldest Princess, her already unsettled heart was now doused with hot oil, and her hands trembled. Her icy gaze turned to the doctor kneeling and trembling in the courtyard: ¡°Yiri Mian, did you bring it in?¡± The doctor, scared, kowtowed: ¡°Young Miss, spare my life! It has nothing to do with me! The person was already like this when I arrived! Young Miss, please see the truth! I¡­ I was just here to go through the motions! The nannies in your manor know!¡± Suppressing her fury, her gaze turned to the shivering Mrs. Ji Liu. Grinding her teeth, she said: ¡°I¡¯ll have this doctor¡¯s finger joints smashed, one by one! If he still doesn¡¯t tell the truth, break every joint in his body! Right here in this courtyard¡­ smash!¡± Lu Ping stepped forward, kicking the doctor to the ground and stepping hard on his back: ¡°Do it!¡± Chapter 129 - Chapter 129: Chapter 128: Never Miss the Mark_1 Chapter 129: Chapter 128: Never Miss the Mark_1 ¡°Eldest Young Lady, spare me! Eldest Young Lady, spare me!¡± the doctor screamed in terror, but his spine was firmly stomped by Lu Ping, unable to move. Two guards quickly stepped forward and pinned the doctor¡¯s hands. One guard, holding a stone, raised it and struck decisively¡­ The sound of bones cracking accompanied the doctor¡¯s desperate screams, echoing through the Duke¡¯s mansion. Mrs. Ji Liu was scared out of her wits, huddling there in tears but not daring to make a sound. A pale yellow puddle had formed beneath her. The doctor, in agony, wailed, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, spare me! I¡¯ve said it all¡­ I didn¡¯t poison him! When I arrived, the man was already unconscious! I thought I just had to wait for him to die! I truly didn¡¯t know he was poisoned! I swear to the heavens! If I¡¯m lying, let me die without offspring! I¡¯m telling the truth!¡± Suddenly, the doctor looked at Mrs. Ji Liu as if seeing hope and shouted, ¡°This woman! It¡¯s this woman¡­ When the nanny brought me here and was about to leave, I heard her tell this woman that once the man died¡­ I didn¡¯t hear it clearly! It must be this woman who poisoned him! It has nothing to do with me!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s cold gaze turned to Mrs. Ji Liu, ¡°Mrs. Ji Liu¡­¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan call her name, Mrs. Ji Liu shivered, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, please discern clearly! I didn¡¯t poison him! I¡­ I can prove my innocence with death!¡± Speaking, Mrs. Ji Liu pulled out a hairpin from her head, intending to commit suicide. Nanny Tong gasped, ¡°Stop her!¡± The quick-eyed guard kicked the hairpin out of Mrs. Ji Liu¡¯s hand and restrained her. Bai Qingyan¡¯s expression grew colder, ¡°It seems you¡¯re not afraid of death¡­ what you fear is a fate worse than death!¡± She was gradually calming down. Since she knew Mrs. Ji Liu was heartless towards Ji Tingyu, she didn¡¯t need to show mercy for Ji Tingyu¡¯s sake. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ??¦Í?0.§ã¦Ï Mrs. Ji Liu trembled like a leaf, staring at the kicked-away hairpin with tears streaming down her face. Bai Qingyan sat down, ¡°Ji Tingyu is your husband. Why did you want to harm him? If you don¡¯t speak¡­ I have ways to make you talk. Iron nails driven under your fingernails and toenails. The pain connects to the heart¡­ Even the toughest men can¡¯t endure it. Do you want to try?!¡± Mrs. Ji Liu¡¯s body went limp, her blood seeming to freeze. Her throat tightened, crawling to Bai Qingyan¡¯s feet in tears, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, spare me! Eldest Young Lady, spare me! I¡­ I was forced! I¡¯m not Mrs. Ji Liu! My name is Jade Lotus, the illegitimate daughter of a village head, Wang Wangeng. My father threatened my mother¡¯s life to make me impersonate Mrs. Ji Liu. He forced me to die and pretend to be devoted once Ji Tingyu passed away. If I didn¡¯t comply, my mother would die! Eldest Young Lady¡­ I don¡¯t want to die, but I can¡¯t watch my mother die!¡± Jade Lotus tremblingly took out a white porcelain bottle from her bosom, ¡°This was given to me by the nanny! She said if the Eldest Young Lady came before the funeral tomorrow, I should find an opportunity to give it to Ji Tingyu! Eldest Young Lady¡­ I¡¯ve told you everything! I was truly forced! I don¡¯t ask for mercy, just a quick death! Please, Eldest Young Lady, give me a quick death!¡± Bai Qingyan took the cool, gleaming white porcelain bottle, gripping it tightly, ¡°Where is Mrs. Ji Liu?!¡± ¡°Mrs. Ji Liu is already dead¡­¡± Jade Lotus cried, confessing everything, ¡°The Duke¡¯s son took a liking to Mrs. Ji Liu. He wanted to force her to submit, but Mrs. Ji Liu resisted and ended up bashing her head to death in the room. The son¡­ the son hacked her body into pieces and had her corpse fed to dogs. My mother and I saw the whole thing. My father said if I impersonated Mrs. Ji Liu and covered it up, my mother would live. Otherwise¡­ we were all dead!¡± In that instant, Bai Qingyan felt a chilling coldness that numbed her entire body. Her blood, boiling with anger like lava, cooled to the core, colder than the frigid winter wind that could freeze water. So, her grandmother wanted to cover for that illegitimate child. This was the reason Ji Tingyu had to die. To her grandmother, a vicious illegitimate child mattered more than a loyal and self-sacrificing hero of the Bai family! Her grandmother¡¯s actions¡­ how were they any different from the Imperial Family¡¯s so-called treatment of the Bai family?! Chun Tao, just arriving at the door, heard Jade Lotus¡¯s words. She stopped in her tracks, looking up at Bai Qingyan standing under the corridor light, her face drained of color. Outsiders knew nothing of the grandmotherly affection between the Eldest Young Lady and the Eldest Princess, but she did. Bai Qingyan, her whole body enveloped in an icy aura, her eyes filled with intense killing intent, commanded, ¡°Tie up Jade Lotus and the doctor. Confine them in this courtyard. Without my orders, no one is to take anyone from here! Guard this place!¡± She then drew the long knife from the waist of a nearby guard and walked out of the courtyard. ¡°Protect this courtyard!¡± Lu Ping urged as he hurried to follow Bai Qingyan, advising from behind, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, King of Zhen and the Duke of Zhen¡¯s funeral is tomorrow. The Duke¡¯s mansion cannot descend into chaos now. As long as Ji Tingyu is safe, can¡¯t we discuss it tomorrow?¡± Bai Qingyan, surrounded by a fierce and overwhelming aura, did not respond. She gripped the long knife, lips tightly pursed, striding quickly toward the mourning hall. Although the Duke¡¯s mansion was large, Bai Qingyan had earlier made a scene by sending Lu Ping and the guards to seize people and fighting in the courtyard, alerting the entire household. The servants and maids, startled by the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s killing intent, pressed themselves against the walls, watching Bai Qingyan. Bai Jintong, hearing the news, hurried over. Before she could arrive, she saw Bai Qingyan stalking toward the mourning hall with a sword in hand through the corridor. ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jintong leaped out of the corridor, chasing after Bai Qingyan, ¡°Eldest Sister, are you taking the knife to kill that illegitimate child?! What happened?¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan¡¯s grip on the knife so tight that her knuckles turned white, her steps swift and determined, Bai Jintong had never seen her Eldest Sister so frantic, not even when the bamboo slips were returned. Bai Jintong grabbed Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand holding the knife, solemnly saying, ¡°Eldest Sister! No matter who you want to kill¡­ I will wield the knife and not miss!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s tone was firm. She looked at her sister¡¯s resolute eyes, her own eyes burning. Her throat choked, gripping Bai Jintong¡¯s hand tightly, she gritted her teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid¡­ Eldest Sister knows what to do!¡± Bai Qingyan, driven by fury, carrying a knife, made sure everyone in the mansion knew. She wanted her grandmother, the Eldest Princess, to know she was aware of everything! If her grandmother still wanted to harm Ji Tingyu, she would have to kill her first. Her grandmother easily chose the illegitimate child over Ji Tingyu; today, she would personally take that illegitimate child¡¯s life. She wanted to see if her grandmother would use the Hidden Guards to deal with her for that child! Chapter 130 - Chapter 130: Chapter 129: Precious_1 Chapter 130: Chapter 129: Precious_1 Now that she went to the spirit hall, there were no more than two possibilities¡­ One was that the illegitimate son was in the spirit hall. Then perhaps this matter was not caused by her grandmother. It might have been the illegitimate son¡¯s birth mother or Jade Lotus¡¯s father, the manor steward, who feared that Ji Tingyu would know his new wife had died. So they bribed the Duke of Zhen¡¯s servants to do this. She would then end that beast¡¯s life with one strike and then the lives of his mother and that steward. If the illegitimate son were not in the spirit hall, then it meant that her grandmother knew when she made people investigate who brought the doctor into the house and moved the illegitimate son away in advance. Then, all these series of events would be very clear. Her grandmother wanted Ji Tingyu¡¯s life. Her heart surged with immense anger. There was also a chilling sadness and the deepest, most heartbreaking disappointment in her grandmother. But she absolutely could not lose her sanity and become chaotic. She had been extremely cautious with every step since her rebirth. The situation had not yet been determined. It was not yet time for her to lose her composure! Bai Qingyan patted Bai Jintong¡¯s hand, tightly gripping the long knife and strode toward the front hall, stepping into the spirit hall. The illegitimate son was indeed not there. But she did not expect to be greeted by the tear-filled eyes of the Eldest Princess and Nanny Jiang. Her heart sank lower and lower. ¡°Eldest Daughter¡­¡± Nanny Jiang called out and then burst into tears. Until the moment she saw the Eldest Princess, even though the illegitimate son was already not in the spirit hall, she still held onto a sliver of hope in her heart¡­ Perhaps the matter of wanting Ji Tingyu¡¯s life was not her grandmother¡¯s doing, and her grandmother was just covering for the illegitimate son and his mother! Her hand, holding the knife, trembled uncontrollably. Coldness rose from the depths of her heart. She herself did not realize her eyes were already red. She brought the knife in with great fanfare to show the Eldest Princess her resolve to kill the illegitimate son to protect Ji Tingyu. The Eldest Princess was waiting for her in the spirit hall, intending to show her determination to protect the illegitimate son. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??0.§ã¦Ï ¡°Grandmother!¡± ¡°Eldest Princess!¡± Bai Jintong and Lu Ping saluted the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess looked at the shining knife in Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand with a calm and serene face, still appearing kind and compassionate. She spoke, ¡°All of you leave the spirit hall. Stay far away¡­ I have words to say to Kid!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± As Bai Jintong, Nanny Jiang, and Lu Ping left, the Eldest Princess took out three incense sticks. Her hands trembled, unable to align them with the flame. She paused to calm herself before finally lighting the three sticks, her eyes misty with tears. ¡°Kid, Grandmother has let you down¡­¡± ¡°Disappointed¡­ Grandmother used that word too lightly!¡± She tightly gripped the long knife in her hand, quietly looking at her grandmother. Disappointment had taken over, making her eerily calm. It was as if she were soaked in ice-cold water, so cold that her entire body felt numb. ¡°If Ji Tingyu had not risked his life to protect the bamboo slip, Grandfather would die with the unjust reputation of obstinately using the army. The Bai family¡¯s loyalty and valor would be unsettled! He is a loyal warrior who has done the Bai family a great favor! And you, Grandmother¡­ To cover up for an illegitimate son who is worse than a beast, you sheltered him after he forced Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife to death and desecrated her corpse, a deed that angers both heaven and men, and you wanted Ji Tingyu¡¯s life! In this world, who would bite the hand that feeds them and be so heartless and ungrateful?!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s body stiffened as she slowly inserted the incense into the burner. ¡°Grandmother has spent her whole life indebted to others. For the Imperial Family, she owed your grandfather, owed my son, owed my grandchildren. For the Bai family¡¯s lineage, she owed Ji Tingyu, who has done the Bai family a great favor¡­¡± The Eldest Princess choked, ¡°Robbing Peter to pay Paul! Grandmother is also very miserable¡­¡± The Eldest Princess turned around, her silver hair by her temples particularly clear under the candlelight. She did not hide her tired and old state, her voice hoarse, ¡°Kid, Grandmother did not want you to see this most unseemly side of her, nor did she want you to see her hands stained with blood! But to Grandmother¡­ the Bai family¡¯s bloodline is more honorable than a loyal servant. Grandmother could only abandon the loyal servant to choose this illegitimate son.¡± Honorable?! When she heard those two words, the fury she had suppressed in her heart surged to her temples. She raised her head, looking at the Eldest Princess with cold, murderous eyes, ¡°The Bai family¡¯s honor has never been in its bloodline. It lies in the aristocratic family¡¯s integrity, passed down through the generations¡­ with hearts loyal to the country! Honor rooted in sacrificing oneself to protect the people! What qualifications does that illegitimate son have to be called a Bai family member?! Ji Tingyu was a loyal and righteous man who risked his life for justice for my Bai family! That is true honor! What has that illegitimate son ever done for the Bai family?! Just because he carries the Bai family¡¯s blood, just because his surname is Bai, his life is more precious than others?!¡± ¡°Then¡­ what do you want?¡± The Eldest Princess gradually straightened her back, her imposing demeanor silently pressing toward Bai Qingyan, ¡°Now that Ji Tingyu¡¯s new wife is dead, do you really intend to destroy the last bloodline of the Bai family for an ordinary citizen?¡± She did not fear the Eldest Princess in the slightest. She stepped forward tightly clenching her fists, her eyes illuminated by the flickering candles, blazing, ¡°The last bloodline of the Bai family? Isn¡¯t Aunt¡¯s child in her belly also of Bai blood?! Am I not of Bai blood?! Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, Bai Jinzhi, Bai Jinzhao, Bai Jinhua, Bai Jinse, which one of them is not of Bai blood?!¡± The Eldest Princess raised her voice, ¡°But you are all women. In the future, you will marry into other families. How will you inherit the family¡¯s business?! How will you carry on your grandfather¡¯s legacy?!¡± ¡°Are you afraid the Bai surname will be lost? Can¡¯t you recruit a married man?!¡± She asked sharply, ¡°Do your granddaughters¡­ have less Bai family blood than that illegitimate son?!¡± The Eldest Princess had taught her countless times, telling her that this world was harsh on women, that women were born into hardships. But in the Duke¡¯s manor¡­ they never judged heroes based on gender. Yet in the Eldest Princess¡¯s heart, there was still a difference between grandsons and granddaughters! The Eldest Princess was speechless, staring at Bai Qingyan, furious and ashamed, ¡°Kid, what do you want to do?!¡± She threw down the long knife in her hand and spoke loudly and firmly, ¡°I want justice! Justice for the Bai family¡¯s loyal servant Ji Tingyu! Justice for Mrs. Ji Liu!¡± There was a long silence in the spirit hall. The Eldest Princess sighed softly, ¡°Kid, there is no such thing as absolute fairness in this world! You are all the grandchildren of the Eldest Princess of Jin Kingdom, the bloodline of the Duke of Zhen. This means you are different from ordinary people! You have enjoyed fine clothes and good food since childhood¡­ while some people cannot even fill their stomachs, and a casual ornament in your house might be worth a decade¡¯s living expenses for an ordinary six-member family. Is that fair¡­ is that justice? Life is inherently unequal. That illegitimate son may be a great villain, but he is your second uncle¡¯s flesh and blood, which makes him more precious than others!¡± Chapter 131 - Chapter 131: Chapter 130: Curse of a Terrible Death_1 Chapter 131: Chapter 130: Curse of a Terrible Death_1 ¡°Yes! Grandmother is right! We have indeed lived better lives than ordinary people with all our luxury! But the descendants of the Bai family¡­ at the age of ten, they had to go to the battlefield with their elders. Riding horses, wielding swords, and engaging in bloody fights against the enemy. Which ordinary family sends their ten-year-old children to war?! We have enjoyed worldly riches! Have I not repaid it with my own flesh and blood?!¡± She raised her hand, pointing to the memorial tablets in the hall. ¡°Have my brothers not repaid the kindness of the people with their lives?!¡± The Eldest Princess looked at her granddaughter, who was shaking all over with anger and hatred, her lips tightly pressed together. ¡°Grandmother wants to kill Ji Tingyu. How is that different from the Emperor wanting to kill my grandfather, my father, and my uncles and brothers?!¡± Her eyes brimmed with tears. Speaking of the heroic spirits of the deceased Bai family members, her chest ached, almost grinding her teeth to pieces. Her words, tinged with blood, cut deeply. ¡°Is it true that in this world, the more loyal and righteous a person is, the less they can survive?! Grandfather died because of his upright and impeccable principles, refusing to fawn and submit! The men of the Bai family died because they valued the people so much that they preferred to die in battle rather than abandon them! Ji Tingyu must die because of his deep loyalty and righteousness to the Bai family?! Is there no place in this world for those who hold on to goodwill, righteousness, and moral principles?!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s words, full of pain and sorrow, questioned the Eldest Princess with such forceful clarity that her heart wavered, and her fingers went numb. The Eldest Princess¡¯s hand, hidden in her sleeve, trembled uncontrollably. Talking about her husband, sons, and grandsons felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Yes¡­ Kid¡¯s every word was correct! Bai Weiting died because of his uprightness and integrity, refusing to bend and compromise, refuse to mingle with the despicable. The men of the Bai family died because they refused to abandon the people. Each one died to protect the lives of thousands behind them! Ji Tingyu¡­ precisely because of his deep loyalty and righteousness to the Bai family, the Eldest Princess had no choice but to kill him! If he were just an ordinary loyal servant, the Eldest Princess could have used power to suppress him, tempted him with fame and fortune. But he had to die! Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were crimson as she stood before the memorial hall. Hatred surged within her. Her grandmother, what difference was she from those people in the Royal Family?! Yes, she was the Eldest Princess¡­ Even though she married into the Bai family and bore children with her grandfather, she was still the Eldest Princess of the current dynasty! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??0.§ã¦Ï The Eldest Princess took a long, deep breath and asked weakly, ¡°Do you really want to kill Bai Qingxuan?!¡± ¡°Blood for blood, life for life! It¡¯s a matter of course¡­¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s words were resolute. The Eldest Princess looked up, tears streaming down her face. ¡°But that¡¯s your brother! He carries the Bai name!¡± ¡°Ji Tingyu was a loyal servant who sacrificed his life for the Bai family. His wife was humiliated and died at the hands of that beast! According to law, reason, and emotion, he must die!¡± Her deep eyes seemed bottomless. ¡°A depraved character, lower than a beast, Grandmother, must not tarnish the Bai name, making it impossible for Grandfather to rest in peace!¡± Mrs. Dong, Second Madam Mrs. Liu, Third Madam Mrs. Li, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi, who had rushed over after hearing the news, were anxiously waiting outside. Fifth Madam Mrs. Qi, supported by a maid, asked as soon as she arrived: ¡°What on earth? I heard from people below¡­ Kid is going to kill someone with a knife?! Is it that illegitimate child?!¡± Bai Jintong, who had been waiting there all along, had already been told everything by Lu Ping and Nanny Jiang. She had learned that the illegitimate son had attempted to rape Ji Tingyu¡¯s newlywed wife, who had then killed herself by crashing into the doorpost. Bai Qingxuan, that wretched beast deserving of a thousand cuts, had even despoiled her body, leaving it unrecognizable! No wonder he had scratch marks on his face when he came to the hall today! Bai Jintong trembled with rage! On the day Ji Tingyu returned, Bai Jintong had followed her eldest sister all the time, knowing what extremes Ji Tingyu had gone to for the Bai family. Ji Tingyu had risked his life to seek justice for the Bai family! But Grandmother¡­ wanted to cover up for the illegitimate child who had forced Ji Tingyu¡¯s bride to death and even wanted to kill Ji Tingyu! She turned her head, tears streaming down her face. Her heart was inconsolably sad and angry, knowing how close her eldest sister was to Grandmother¡­ She couldn¡¯t imagine how much pain she was feeling! After a long silence in the memorial hall, the Eldest Princess finally took a step back. ¡°Kid, if you¡¯re willing to trust Grandmother, leave this matter to her. After the Bai family affairs are settled, Grandmother will give Ji Tingyu justice! Can you?¡± Leaving aside the emotional bond between grandparent and grandchild, how could she believe that someone who wanted to poison Ji Tingyu would give him justice?! She did not believe it! She gritted her teeth, her whole being shrouded in a cold mist, ¡°If Grandmother wished to believe me, she would not have hidden that illegitimate child in the manor, allowing him to harm Ji Tingyu¡¯s newlywed wife.¡± The Eldest Princess closed her eyes. With those words from her eldest granddaughter, there was no trust left¡­ ¡°Grandmother can either hand over that illegitimate child now, allowing me to take him to Ji Tingyu¡¯s bedside and end him with one stroke! Or¡­ Grandmother can keep hiding him well. Otherwise¡­ once I find him, I will ensure he regrets ever being born, wishing for death over life! Grandmother raised me and should know that I always keep my word!¡± She stared into the old eyes of the Eldest Princess, eyes burning with intense anger, chest filled with sorrow and resentment. ¡°Or maybe, for the sake of that illegitimate child, Grandmother is willing to sacrifice me! You can let the Hidden Guard kill me right here, right now!¡± Her eyes were scary red, filled with determination and defiance. ¡°I swear before the spirits of the Bai family, either that illegitimate child dies, or I won¡¯t die a good death!¡± ¡°Kid!¡± The Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes almost popped out. Mrs. Dong, hearing her daughter¡¯s oath, was nearly frightened to rush in but forcefully held back, tears streaming down her face like threads. She looked at the grandmother she once adored and loved, who was willing to shorten her life by ten years to ensure her peace during a high fever, feeling like the blood in her chest had frozen in this cold winter air. She knelt, bowing deeply to the Eldest Princess. ¡°Grandfather once said, if you don¡¯t make decisive decisions, you will suffer endless consequences. Today¡­ thanks to Grandmother, I can put an end to it all!¡± The Eldest Princess felt as if a longsword had pierced through her heart, her body swaying, barely able to stand. ¡°Kid, do you mean to sever our bond of grandmother and granddaughter?!¡± She gritted her teeth, not uttering a word, bowing deeply three times before standing and heading towards the outside of the memorial hall. ¡°Kid! Kid¡­¡± The Eldest Princess called out anxiously to Bai Qingyan, but she did not look back. Stepping out of the memorial hall, she saw her mother, aunts, and younger sisters waiting in the cold wind, and hot tears she couldn¡¯t hold back streamed down her face. At last, she had come to this step with Grandmother! ¡°Kid¡­¡± Mrs. Dong walked up the steps, gently holding her daughter¡¯s ice-cold hand. ¡°Mother, I¡¯m fine.¡± Her voice was choked and hoarse. ¡°I want to¡­ visit Ji Tingyu.¡± Mrs. Dong nodded. ¡°Go ahead, Mother is here!¡± Not wanting her mother, aunts, and younger sisters to see her weak and miserable appearance, she bowed her head and walked towards the backyard. Chapter 132 - Chapter 132: Chapter 131: Silence a Witness to Murder_1 Chapter 132: Chapter 131: Silence a Witness to Murder_1 Nanny Tong, Chun Tao, and Lu Ping hurried to catch up with Bai Qingyan after they paid their respects. ¡°Big sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi shouted, wanting to chase after her, but Bai Jintong held her back. ¡°Big sister doesn¡¯t want us to see her weak side. Wait a little!¡± Bai Jintong said. ¡°But¡­ but big sister cried!¡± Bai Jinxiu glanced back at the brightly lit mourning hall and lowered her eyes. ¡°Yes¡­ big sister cried. Being separated from her closest kin, her pain is beyond words, like a blunt knife cutting flesh, making it impossible to eat or sleep peacefully.¡± Nanny Jiang looked in the direction Bai Qingyan left, tears streaming down her face, unsure of what to do. She had advised the Eldest Princess¡­ if Big Young Lady knew about killing Ji Tingyu, it would surely cause a rift between them. But she never expected Big Young Lady to be so resolute in severing their relationship with the Eldest Princess! Nanny Jiang couldn¡¯t care about much else and rushed into the mourning hall, afraid that the Eldest Princess might have an accident. ¡°That illegitimate son cannot be kept!¡± Fifth Lady Mrs. Qi suddenly spoke, ¡°I will talk to mother!¡± Saying this, Fifth Lady held her lower back and entered the mourning hall. ¡°Jinxiu, Jintong, Jinzhi, you three should go see your big sister after a while. Don¡¯t let her¡­ be too upset! Tell your big sister that we will persuade your grandmother here!¡± Mrs. Dong gently instructed. ¡°Yes!¡± Bai Jinxiu bowed and led her two younger sisters away. ¡°Eldest Princess!¡± Nanny Jiang¡¯s frantic voice came from outside. Mrs. Dong, Second Lady Mrs. Liu, and Third Lady Mrs. Li were all startled. They hastily lifted the hems of their skirts and rushed into the mourning hall. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.§ã? Mrs. Dong saw the Eldest Princess fainted in the mourning hall and shouted, ¡°Quick! Take my name card and invite the Imperial Physician! Nanny Qin, call someone to take mother back to Changshou Courtyard!¡± The mourning hall instantly turned chaotic, but for Bai Qingyan¡¯s reputation, Mrs. Dong couldn¡¯t let the news of the Eldest Princess fainting after confronting Bai Qingyan in the mourning hall spread! She grabbed Nanny Qin, who was about to rush out to call for help, and said, ¡°The Eldest Princess fainted because she was grieving over our grandfather. Remember that!¡± Nanny Qin nodded repeatedly. ¡¤ In the rear courtyard. Bai Qingyan entered the courtyard, where the doctor, bleeding profusely, lay weakly on the ground, and Jade Lotus, impersonating Mrs. Ji Liu, knelt there crying incessantly. Seeing Bai Qingyan returning and walking straight into the room, Jade Lotus immediately kneeled and crawled forward, shouting, ¡°Big Lady! I beg you to give me a quick death! Let me die!¡± Her steps halted, her fist clenched tightly. She turned her head and said to Lu Ping, ¡°Uncle Ping, order someone to take Jade Lotus back to the manor. Keep the whole family of the manor steward, Wang Wangen, under strict watch. Give a proper burial to Ji Tingyu¡¯s wife, Mrs. Ji Liu! Then have Nanny Qin assign a capable steward to thoroughly investigate what Wang Wangen has done over the years. Gather all evidence and hand it over to the official government in the name of the Duke¡¯s Mansion!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Lu Ping clasped his fists and responded. ¡°Big Lady! Big Lady, please kill me right here! Otherwise, my mother will not survive! I beg you, Big Lady!¡± Jade Lotus pleaded in terror. She turned her head to look at Jade Lotus, her voice calm as water. ¡°Your mother is likely already one step ahead of you in the Netherworld.¡± Murdering to silence witnesses. How could her grandmother leave Jade Lotus¡¯s mother, a knowledgeable person, alive?! They had arranged a dead end for Jade Lotus, the same for her mother. The truest love in this world is willing to trade one¡¯s own life for a loved one¡¯s survival but shouldn¡¯t place their life or death in the hands of others! And certainly shouldn¡¯t exchange someone else¡¯s life for it. Jade Lotus¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°No! No! My father promised me!¡± ¡°Then go back and see for yourself! Take her away¡­¡± With that, she stepped into the inner room. At that moment, the poison had already been forced down Ji Tingyu¡¯s throat, and needles had been administered. When Bai Qingyan entered, Ji Tingyu was lying on the bed, vomiting black blood profusely. ¡°Good, good, good! Vomit it all out! Vomit it all out!¡± Doctor Hong unhesitatingly supported Ji Tingyu¡¯s back, feeling relieved. The heart that had been in her throat finally began to calm down. Doctor Huang instructed Chun Xing to take away the black blood Ji Tingyu vomited and checked Ji Tingyu¡¯s pulse. ¡°Fortunately, the poison wasn¡¯t deep. If no one had discovered it tonight, even a living Hua Tuo couldn¡¯t have saved him!¡± ¡°Thank you, Doctor Huang. Thank you, Doctor Hong!¡± She bowed solemnly. ¡°Big Lady, there¡¯s no need for such words. We are doctors¡­ our duty is to heal and save lives!¡± Doctor Huang cupped his hands and sat at a table to write, ¡°I will prescribe some detoxifying and nourishing medicine!¡± That night, Bai Qingyan sat in Ji Tingyu¡¯s room, quietly watching the bloodless Ji Tingyu, contemplating how to tell him about the illegitimate son who had harmed his newlywed wife after he woke up. ¡¤ The Imperial Physician administered acupuncture to the Eldest Princess, who woke up but could no longer sleep after taking the medicine. Leaning against the cushion embroidered with colorful silk threads depicting magnolia flowers, she had Nanny Jiang take out half a black jade dragon-patterned pendant from a hidden compartment and carefully caressed it. Nanny Jiang, fearing that the Eldest Princess would use the Hidden Guard to restrain Bai Qingyan, leading to a complete dissolution of their grandmother-granddaughter relationship, knelt in tears before the Eldest Princess¡¯s bed. ¡°Your Highness! This old servant knows your heart is pained. You want to ensure the Bai family lineage continues. But the Big Young Lady is right! Every daughter of the Duke¡¯s Mansion is outstanding! Any one of them staying at home to marry is better than that illegitimate son! The Big Young Lady was raised and cherished by you! Could you really sever your relationship with her for that illegitimate son?! Fortunately, Ji Tingyu is safe now, and there is still a chance to make amends. Your Highness must not protect that illegitimate son anymore! Think of the oath the Big Young Lady made in the mourning hall! Do you really want the Big Young Lady to die?!¡± Upon hearing Nanny Jiang refer to her as ¡°Your Highness¡± again, the Eldest Princess tightly gripped the jade pendant in her hand. She recalled her granddaughter Kid kneeling and severing their ties through three kowtows in the mourning hall. Her heart felt as if it was being torn apart, the pain unbearable, and she closed her eyes, her face streaked with tears. In this world, there was no such thing as having the best of both worlds¡­ She had been too greedy, wanting to keep that illegitimate son and maintain her bond with Kid. As a result, she had driven Kid and herself into opposition, with Kid vowing to kill that illegitimate son. Only one of us, that illegitimate son and I, can survive in this world! If he doesn¡¯t die, I will not rest in peace! Recalling the oath Kid made in the mourning hall, the Eldest Princess¡¯s hand trembled, and a cold chill ran through her body. No, she couldn¡¯t sacrifice Kid¡¯s life for that illegitimate son¡­ Kid was the apple of her eye! The one she had nurtured and loved dearly! She couldn¡¯t! Given the choice between the two, she would always choose Kid¡­ Whether for the Bai family or for her own selfish reasons! Such a vile and despicable creature could never compare to her precious Kid! Kid had already won the moment she wagered her own life! Reflecting on her granddaughter¡¯s heartfelt words in the mourning hall, the Eldest Princess finally realized that she had aged. Chapter 133 - Chapter 133: Chapter 132: The Tenth Day_1 Chapter 133: Chapter 132: The Tenth Day_1 Even if her grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers were all buried, and the Bai family encountered a great calamity, her granddaughter could still hold onto her integrity, maintain her clarity and righteousness, and keep the bottom line of kindness! She embodied the integrity and toughness that were the fundamental principles of the Bai family. The Eldest Princess felt both heartache and relief. Relief that even though she herself had bloody hands, Kid was not like that. Kid was the true descendant of the Bai family! ¡°Stand up now!¡± The Eldest Princess opened her eyes, looking fatigued. ¡°Give this half-piece of Jade Pendant to Kid. From now on, I entrust the already trained secret guard to her!¡± Nanny Jiang finally burst into tears of joy. ¡°Yes! This old servant will definitely tell the Eldest Young Lady properly!¡± ¡°Tell Kid that after the funeral tomorrow, she can deal with the bastard however she wishes. I¡­ won¡¯t intervene anymore!¡± The Eldest Princess sighed long and deeply, her voice choked with bitterness. ¡°Tell her not to hold a grudge against this grandmother of hers! I¡¯m old and in many matters, have been blinded by blood ties and guilt.¡± ¡¤ At the hour of the ugly, Nanny Tong stepped into the room with small steps, bowed to Bai Qingyan, and said, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, Nanny Jiang from the Eldest Princess¡¯s side has come, saying she wants to see you.¡± She gazed at Ji Tingyu, whose breathing had become steady on the bed, put down the warm hand stove, and said to Doctor Hong who was still guarding there, ¡°Please look after Ji Tingyu. I¡¯ll be right back!¡± ¡°Eldest Young Lady, take an hour¡¯s rest! The funeral matters¡­ there¡¯s still a lot to do. Ji Tingyu¡¯s condition is stable. I will definitely not let anything happen to him!¡± She nodded, saluted, picked up the hand stove, draped her cloak, and walked out of the room where the fire was burning strong. The cold wind hit her face. Seeing Nanny Jiang standing at the door, she clutched the hand stove tightly and stepped out. ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­¡± Nanny Jiang approached, bowing, and tears began to flow. ¡°Nanny, say what you have to quickly. I¡¯m very tired.¡± Her weak voice carried a hint of coldness, completely devoid of the usual affection she showed towards Nanny Jiang. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.§ã0 Nanny Jiang walked up to Bai Qingyan, holding a half-piece black jade Dragon Token with both hands, and handed it to Bai Qingyan. ¡°Eldest Young Lady should know that the Eldest Princess has a royal secret guard! This is the black jade Dragon Token that commands the secret guard. The secret guard only follows the orders of the holder of the half-piece Dragon Token! After the funeral tomorrow, Wei Zhong will come to pay homage to the Eldest Young Lady, and from then on, will only obey the Eldest Young Lady¡¯s commands. The Eldest Princess has tasked this old servant to hand over this token to you. She also said¡­ after the funeral tomorrow, you can deal with that bastard however you wish. She won¡¯t interfere anymore!¡± Seeing Bai Qingyan not taking the jade pendant, Nanny Jiang walked over with small steps, raised her hand to support Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you back to Qinghui Courtyard and explain along the way!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to the mourning hall.¡± Bai Qingyan said. Grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers could not be left unattended. Nanny Jiang nodded, supporting Bai Qingyan towards the direction of the mourning hall. ¡°Eldest Young Lady¡­ the Eldest Princess said she has become muddle-headed, her eyes clouded by blood ties and guilt. She asks you not to hold a grudge against her! Eldest Young Lady¡­ this old servant has served the Eldest Princess all my life, and only heard her admit to being wrong twice, both times to you! Eldest Young Lady asked the Eldest Princess to choose between you and that bastard. But you are the cloud in the sky¡­ the heart of the Eldest Princess, while that bastard is as low as dirt. How could he ever compare to you?!¡± The cold night wind was bone-chilling, but not as piercing as the chill of the heart. No warm words could thaw a heart that had died. ¡°This time, the Eldest Princess has handed over the secret guard. Eldest Young Lady¡­ this shows the Eldest Princess¡¯s sincerity. The Eldest Princess will soon go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple for seclusion, and Eldest Young Lady will return to Shuoyang. To put it bluntly¡­ the next time the two meet might be in the afterlife! The Eldest Princess is old¡­ and won¡¯t live many more years. Eldest Young Lady, please forgive her just this once! The men of the Bai family are no longer here; the remaining ones must not fall apart!¡± Nanny Jiang spoke earnestly. ¡°Nanny, have you said these words to the Eldest Princess?¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s cold voice made Nanny Jiang¡¯s fingers tremble. The Eldest Princess¡­ not Grandmother? Was the Eldest Young Lady truly going to sever her ties with the Eldest Princess?! ¡°Eldest Young Lady!¡± Nanny Jiang gritted her teeth and tightly gripped Bai Qingyan¡¯s hand. ¡°The idea to poison Ji Tingyu was mine! If Eldest Young Lady is still angry, this servant¡­ will go back and take my own life as repayment! Just please don¡¯t hate your grandmother anymore, alright?!¡± She paused, looking at Nanny Jiang, suddenly thinking of Jade Lotus, who poisoned Ji Tingyu to save her mother. She withdrew her hand from Nanny Jiang¡¯s grasp and stared fixedly at Nanny Jiang. ¡°Nanny, the most foolish thing in this world is to give one¡¯s own life as a price, handing over the fate or future of someone precious to others! Nanny, stay alive and serve Grandmother well! I will accept the secret guard, but Nanny, the bond between my grandmother and me beyond the titles, can never return to what it was.¡± The people of the Bai family still needed the protection of Grandmother, the Eldest Princess. As long as the Eldest Princess no longer protected that bastard, Bai Qingyan wouldn¡¯t have to be too ruthless. After all¡­ the past bond between grandmother and granddaughter was real. But now, their paths were undeniably different and there was no going back. She took the half-piece jade pendant from Nanny Jiang¡¯s hand and turned towards the mourning hall. With tear-filled eyes, Nanny Jiang stood by the lantern, watching Bai Qingyan walking away with Nanny Tong and Chun Tao. She sighed. Ultimately, there had been a rift between the grandmother and granddaughter, one that might never be mended in this lifetime. Bai Qingyan stopped before entering the mourning hall. She turned to Nanny Tong and said, ¡°Nanny, tell Uncle Ping to select ten highly skilled guards to stand outside the mourning hall. If that bastard even steps foot inside, regardless of who brings him, capture and kill him immediately without fail!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Nanny Tong nodded. She stepped into the mourning hall, seeing Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi, who had all returned to rest, there. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu stood up. In an instant, her eyes reddened. ¡°Why are you all here?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t leave Grandfather, Father, Uncles, and Brothers unattended.¡± Bai Jintong said. ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi walked to Bai Qingyan¡¯s side, solemnly saying, ¡°Tomorrow¡­ I will personally kill that bastard with one strike! Eldest Sister, rest assured!¡± She smiled softly, gently caressing Bai Jinzhi¡¯s top of the head. ¡°Let us sisters accompany our grandfather and family here tonight.¡± ¡¤ On the tenth day, heavy snow suddenly fell in the middle of the night, shrouding the entire Dadu City in deep mist. Before dawn, smoke curled up from the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Servants and maidservants bustled in and out of the side gates. Maids, carrying embossed copper pots of plum blossom hot water or black lacquered gold-painted food boxes, filed in and out of the kitchen, tiptoeing along the silk-clad white lantern-lit winding corridors, orderly returning to their respective courtyards. Chapter 134 - Chapter 134: Chapter 133: Unswerving Commitment_1 Chapter 134: Chapter 133: Unswerving Commitment_1 Today, the Emperor decreed that the Duke of Zhen and all the masters and young lords of the Bai Mansion would be buried. They must be interred before the sun rises. At the end of the Yin hour, everyone in the Bai Mansion gathered in the front hall. Nanny Qin supported the red-eyed Mrs. Dong into the hall. Several ladies and children had already arrived. ¡°Sister-in-law, the road is slippery with snow today. You are heavily pregnant, so you should not go.¡± Mrs. Dong looked at the noticeably pregnant Mrs. Qi. Mrs. Qi gently supported her belly and choked out, ¡°The child and I must see our Bai family heroes on their final journey!¡± Then, the Eldest Princess, wearing white and leaning on a tiger head cane, also arrived with the help of Nanny Jiang. ¡°Mother¡­¡± ¡°Grandmother¡­¡± Everyone saluted. ¡°Mother, are you going too?¡± Mrs. Dong asked. The Eldest Princess nodded, her gaze falling on Bai Qingyan. However, Bai Qingyan kept her head bowed, neither looking at her nor supporting her as she usually did. The Eldest Princess¡¯s heart was filled with sadness. She said, ¡°I must see the last journey of the men in our Bai family. I can manage.¡± Mrs. Dong sighed and gathered her strength, ¡°Steward Hao, open the door!¡± ¡°Open the door¡­¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã¦Ï With a shout from Steward Hao, accompanied by the creak of the wooden door, the grand red door of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, draped with white lanterns and plain gauze, all swung open. But Mrs. Dong did not expect to see so many people gathered outside the mansion with lanterns! There were also young and old officials from noble families. They stood quietly in the snow, right in front of the black-gold-lettered door of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. No one had informed them of the time of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s funeral procession. They came early, waiting to send off these loyal martyrs. Mrs. Dong saw her brother, Dong Qingyue, in military attire, standing at the forefront with several generals from the court. They held mourning cloths on their heads and carried bright lanterns, standing tall and dignified. This reminded Mrs. Dong of the night of New Year¡¯s Eve when the people waited here with the Bai family for news, and of the fifth day when the entire city braved the snow with lanterns to welcome the Bai family¡¯s heroes home at the south gate. Emotions surged in Mrs. Dong¡¯s heart, and she could no longer hold back her tears. Last night, Dong Qingyue did not sleep, shuttling between the homes of various generals, persuading them to come and carry the coffin of Duke Bai Weiting. When the mansion door opened, Dong Qingyue put down his sheepskin lantern, dropped to one knee, and saluted, ¡°General Dong Qingyue, respectfully sending off King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family! The soul of the Bai family army will live forever!¡± General Shi Panshan, standing beside Dong Qingyue, red-eyed, knelt down with fists cupped, ¡°General Shi Panshan, respectfully sending off King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family! The soul of the Bai family army will live forever!¡± ¡°General Jiang Ruhai, respectfully sending off King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family! The soul of the Bai family army will live forever!¡± ¡°General Zhen Zeping, respectfully sending off King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family! The soul of the Bai family army will live forever!¡± ¡°General Zhang Duanrui, respectfully sending off King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family! The soul of the Bai family army will live forever!¡± A general in military attire arrived on horseback, dismounted quickly, and knelt in the back, shouting, ¡°General Liu Hong, respectfully sending off King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family! The soul of the Bai family army will live forever!¡± Second Madam Mrs. Liu looked at the generals outside, kneeling in the heavy snowfall to send off the heroes of the Bai family. She could no longer hold back her cries, leaning weakly against Bai Jinxiu, pounding her chest in agony for her deceased husband and son! Third Madam Mrs. Li cried uncontrollably. Surprisingly, the Fourth Madam Mrs. Wang, who had been inconsolable and almost threw herself at the casket when the seventeenth son of the Bai family returned, stood quietly in a corner. Her hands were folded on her lower abdomen, her eyes had lost their spirit, like a puppet devoid of emotion. Fifth Madam Mrs. Qi turned her back, biting her lip so hard she tasted blood but dared not let go, fearing she could not suppress her cries. All the people standing at the entrance kneeled and wailed, their cries shaking the heavens. They hailed the King of Zhen, the Duke of Zhen, and the young generals of the Bai family who died to protect the people. Steward Hao wiped his tears with his sleeve and, suppressing his sobs, sang out, ¡°Kneel¡­¡± The people on the long street were already kneeling and crying inconsolably. The members of the Bai family also slowly knelt. ¡°Bow¡­¡± Bai Qingyan, with tears in her eyes, bowed her head. As she bowed, she swore to the heroes of the Bai family that she would protect the widows of the Bai family with her life. ¡°Bow again¡­¡± With tears, she bowed a second time, swearing to heaven and earth that those who wronged the Bai family would repay in blood. She would not rest until vengeance was achieved. ¡°Bow thrice¡­¡± She knelt, her forehead touching the ground, and bowed thrice, swearing to her grandfather that she would follow in his footsteps, protecting the people to the best of her ability and ensuring peace in the land. ¡°Recite the eulogy, recount the lives of these esteemed men¡­¡± Xiao Rongyan, dressed in a fur coat, stood silently behind the crowd, gazing as if the heavy snow could not touch him. The Emperor of Jin did not understand. The Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion had been a military stronghold for a hundred years, indeed surpassing the ruler in merit. But this mansion was truly the backbone of Jin Kingdom! With the fall of the Bai family¡­ It was as if Jin had removed its shoes and armor. In times of chaos, as the states contended for supremacy and fought independently, Xiao Rongyan dared to assert that with the fall of the Bai generals, Jin, which once dominated, was destined to lose any chance at ruling the world. From afar, he saw Bai Qingyan rise, instinctively taking a step forward. He heard the woman¡¯s voice, clear and resonant, calm like flowing water, not as thunderous as her previous speeches. It was imbued with a deep affection that moved the hearts of those who listened. The Eldest Princess looked at the people outside the door, crying out with such heartfelt grief, and at the generals in military attire who had come to honor the heroes of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. She suddenly recalled the time when her father passed away. The people cried then, too¡­ the officials cried as well, but not with such genuine emotion. She tightly gripped the Buddha Beads, loosening and tightening her hold, her heart filled with indescribable feelings. The Bai family¡­ was even more beloved by the people than the Imperial Family! It was a simple funeral, with no notification of the burial time, yet the court¡¯s generals, nobles of the capital, and even the most ordinary people all came. Though the scale was not as grand as her father¡¯s funeral back then, it was even more tear-jerking and moving. She suddenly remembered how, just a few hours ago, in this very hall, her granddaughter had said that the dignity of the Bai family did not lie in their bloodline but in their integrity, in the spirit passed down: the courage to live for the people and die for the country, in their loyalty and bravery. Therefore, the people truly remembered the Bai family, honored them¡­ The foundation of the Bai family¡¯s existence was in these words: loyalty and righteousness. The Eldest Princess closed her eyes, remembering her husband Bai Weiting¡¯s character¡­ unwavering. Her granddaughter¡¯s voice reciting the eulogy echoed in her ears. ¡°I asked my grandfather, why was ¡®unwavering¡¯ his chosen name? Grandfather answered, wishing¡­ to restore peace to the people, to establish harmony in the world, to be unwavering in this pursuit until death.¡± Chapter 135 - Chapter 135: Chapter 134: Disloyalty and Filial Piety_1 Chapter 135: Chapter 134: Disloyalty and Filial Piety_1 Tears, slid down the corner of the Eldest Princess¡¯s eyes. ¡°My father, born as the Princely Heir, always led by example whenever war broke out. My mother often worried and couldn¡¯t sleep at night, constantly advising him. My father said, ¡®If the country is at war or the people suffer, it is the responsibility of the Bai family¡¯s children to take the lead, sacrifice themselves to protect the people. This is the spirit and integrity of the Bai family, just like the Bai family army¡¯s black sail and white python flag, which must never fall. Only then can we boost morale and defeat the invaders who harm our people of Jin.''¡± ¡°I was born as the eldest legitimate child. Seventeen children all my brothers. Although born at different times, bound by the same aspirations. If someone asked about my life¡¯s pursuit, I would answer, ¡®to see a peaceful world with clear skies and calm seas.''¡± ¡°The Bai family¡¯s descendants inherit the family¡¯s integrity, loyal, upright, and steadfast, worthy of Heaven, without shame before men. They repay the Jin people¡¯s support with their bodies, protecting the citizens with their lives, securing a chance of survival for those at the borders.¡± Outside the door, the Bai relatives, nobility, and generals all had tears in their eyes. Some cried out loud, some wiped their tears with their sleeves, and others stood tall with misty eyes. The loyalty of the Bai family was well-known. Heaven and earth bore witness, along with men and gods. Bai Qingyan read the eulogy huskily, with tears, knelt before the fire basin, and threw the eulogy into the fire. The Eldest Princess turned her head and whispered, ¡°Nanny Jiang¡­ bring them in!¡± Someone had to smash the mourning basin; after smashing it, the Eldest Princess would hand the illegitimate child to Bai Qingyan. Whether to kill or maim him was up to her. Nanny Jiang nodded in agreement and shouted to those outside the mourning hall, ¡°Bring them in!¡± Soon, two burly guards came in with the illegitimate child. Unexpectedly, as soon as Bai Qingxuan entered the main hall, before he could reach the Eldest Princess to pay his respects, a group of guards unknown to him suddenly appeared and captured Bai Qingxuan, forcing him to kneel in the hall. The sudden tension scared Nanny Jiang, who quickly shielded the Eldest Princess. The loyal servants by the various ladies¡¯ sides also moved to protect their masters. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í¨À0.§ã¦Ï Even Dong Qingyue and the other generals kneeling outside stood up in shock, grabbing the hilts of their swords, ready to draw and enter. The Eldest Princess held up Nanny Jiang¡¯s raised arm shielding her, looking at Bai Qingyan¡¯s calm and unperturbed demeanor. The Eldest Princess realized immediately that this was Bai Qingyan¡¯s arrangement. ¡°Who are you?! What do you want?! I am the only grandson of the Bai family! The future King of Zhen! How dare you touch me?! Let go of me! Otherwise, when I inherit the title, I will make sure you have no place to bury your bodies!¡± Hearing the illegitimate child¡¯s arrogant shouts, the Eldest Princess trembled, closed her eyes, releasing her grip on Nanny Jiang¡¯s hand slowly. To be so arrogant in front of so many Bai family members! This insolent brat, truly¡­ deserved to die! Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were filled with murderous intent. She gritted her back teeth, glaring coldly at Bai Qingxuan as if looking at a piece of rotten meat filled with venom, disgust and anger intertwined in her eyes. ¡°King of Zhen?! The character for ¡®king¡¯¡­ has three horizontal strokes and one vertical stroke. The top reaches the heavens, embodying virtues of great merit and radiant character. The bottom touches the earth, capable of great achievements in pacifying the nation and caring for the people. With you¡­ you dare to call yourself King of Zhen?!¡± Bai Qingxuan was forced to kneel in the mourning hall, extremely unwilling. Several times he tried to struggle up, only to be forced back down, biting his teeth in anger, with a hint of pride. ¡°Hah¡­ I am now the only male in the Duke¡¯s mansion! Whether you like it or not, I am the King of Zhen! When I inherit the title, I want you¡­ to kneel and beg for mercy.¡± His latter words were swallowed back. What he relied on was the fact that he was now the only male of the Bai family, so he dared to be so arrogant! However, the Eldest Princess had summoned him back to the Duke¡¯s mansion yesterday, explicitly having Nanny Jiang convey to him to respect his eldest sister. For now, he bore the humiliation silently, intending to arrange a very good¡­ very good ending for his infertile eldest sister in the future, to compensate for the humiliation he suffered today! ¡°What do you wish for my eldest sister?! Bai Jinzhi stepped forward, gritting her teeth, ready to kill the illegitimate child immediately if he dared to speak disrespectfully. Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze swept past the Eldest Princess, finally landing on Bai Qingxuan, speaking coldly, ¡°What kind of virtues it takes to hold a certain position. You, without talent, virtue, knowledge of propriety and integrity. Cruel and ruthless, worse than an animal. What qualifications do you have to be King of Zhen?! Not being able to protect the people is one thing! Even if you were a dignified scoundrel, the Duke¡¯s mansion would recognize you! But you, with your cruel and vicious methods, intended to defile the wife of Ji Tingyu who risked his life to bring justice for the Bai family. Mrs. Ji Liu chose to die, smashing her head against a pillar, only for you to destroy her body and have someone feed her corpse to the dogs! How can an animal like you deserve to bear the Bai name?! You dare claim to be King of Zhen?!¡± The common people outside all knew of Ji Tingyu. That day, Ji Tingyu, missing an arm and covered in blood, fell off a fast horse, barely alive, bringing back the bamboo slip recording military movements for the Bai family. This¡­ cleared the Duke of Zhen¡¯s name, allowing figures like King Xin to be brought to justice! The common people were shocked, what kind of monster was this illegitimate child? The Bai family had suffered such a great loss, being the only male, instead of showing filial piety before the spirit, he sought to force himself on a widow, driving her to suicide and then destroying the body. And he intended to inherit the title of King of Zhen after being exposed! Was he not afraid of retribution? Not afraid that Mrs. Ji Liu would turn into a vengeful spirit and seek his life?! All the men of the Bai family were loyal, how could such an ungrateful and disloyal wretch emerge?! Bai Qingxuan, upon seeing the enraged common people outside, panicked and looked to the Eldest Princess for help, hoping she would save him. After all, he was the last male of the Bai family, and Bai Qingyan¡¯s public revelation meant he couldn¡¯t live, which meant the Bai family couldn¡¯t survive, right? Would his grandmother tolerate this?! Bai Jintong stepped forward, blocking Bai Qingxuan¡¯s view of his grandmother, looking coldly at the illegitimate child. Bai Qingxuan felt uneasy, but with a tough exterior, he raised his neck, ¡°I know¡­ you all look down on me because I am illegitimate! But I am now the last bloodline of the Duke of Zhen, the only grandson of Bai Weiting! How dare you treat me like this?! Don¡¯t you fear grandfather won¡¯t rest in peace, and the Bai family won¡¯t have descendants?!¡± Bai Jintong coldly said, ¡°If you were to inherit the title, grandfather truly wouldn¡¯t rest in peace! All the descendants of the Bai family, after fighting on the battlefield, protecting the country, only then do they accept the people¡¯s reverence! Grandfather led all Bai family men into battle, is it to pave the way for a monster like you to enjoy life on their merits?!¡± The Eldest Princess felt heart-wrenching pain, gripping her tiger head cane tightly, seeing the illegitimate child¡¯s arrogance, feeling regret¡­ Kid was right, such a wretch¡­ leaving him alive would be the Bai family¡¯s downfall! Chapter 136 - Chapter 136: Chapter 135: Better than a King_1 Chapter 136: Chapter 135: Better than a King_1 Bai Jinxiu, overwhelmed with grief, pointed at the plaque with black lacquer and gold letters: ¡°They are the true sons of the Bai family! From the moment they were enlightened, born into the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion, they knew the responsibility and duty of being children of the Bai family! Even though our ancestors achieved great deeds, not one of them relied on that glory to live comfortably in the prosperous Dadu. They all chose to rush to battlefields full of deadly dangers to sacrifice themselves to protect the people! They are the truly iron-blooded sons of the Bai family!¡± After she spoke, Bai Jinxiu knelt before the Eldest Princess, bowing her head to the ground: ¡°Grandmother! Even if the Bai family must relinquish its title, we must never let these despised, cowardly scoundrels disgrace the name of Zhen! After the funeral of our Bai family heroes today, I ask you to enter the palace and request the relinquishment of our title, so that these inhumane, unjust beings who are worse than beasts can¡¯t tarnish our family¡¯s name!¡± The Eldest Princess slowly nodded. Bai Qingxuan widened his eyes in disbelief: ¡°You can¡¯t do this! Are you all mad? Requesting to relinquish the title¡­ do you not care about the hundred-year glory of the Bai family?!¡± ¡°The hundred-year glory of the Bai family is because we have sacrificed our lives for the people for generations! You¡­ you are not worthy!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s words were resolute, ¡°Uncle Ping! Bind this illegitimate son and deal with him after our loyal and brave family members are buried!¡± Miss Bai¡¯s words about hundred-year glory, sacrificing lives for the people, made the people¡¯s cries even more intense¡­ The Eldest Princess¡¯s voice was slow: ¡°Your grandfather¡¯s funeral procession¡­ cannot proceed without someone smashing the mourning bowl. Let this beast¡­ smash the mourning bowl. After the matters are settled, Grandmother will hand him over to Kid for disposal, is that alright?¡± ¡°This inhumane, unjust, disloyal, and unfilial dog! What qualifications does he have to smash the mourning bowl for my grandfather?! Is it that there are no more descendants of the Bai family?!¡± Bai Jinzhi, raging with anger, kicked Bai Qingxuan in the chest, sending him to the ground. ¡°Letting the one who forced our benefactor¡¯s wife to death smash the mourning bowl, I fear my grandfather and uncle will not rest in peace!¡± The funeral procession of the Bai family seemed ready, but suddenly, chaos erupted. ¡°I will smash the mourning bowl for the Bai family heroes! Since ancient times, women were not allowed to smash the mourning bowl because they feared women would marry into other families. I, Bai Qingyan, swear before my grandfather and father today, I will live as a Bai family descendant and die as a Bai family spirit, and I will never marry! Grandmother, now¡­ do I have the qualification to smash this mourning bowl?!¡± ¡°I will smash it with my elder sister! Bai Jintong vows to become a woman who can support the Bai family, and in this lifetime¡­ never marry into another family!¡± Bai Jintong added. The Eldest Princess looked at Bai Qingyan and Bai Jintong. Bai Jinzhi, eager to swear as well, stepped forward and nodded: ¡°You sisters will smash it together!¡± Bai Jinxiu, already married, stood aside. Bai Qingyan, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi held the mourning bowl. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??0.§ã¦Ï From outside, the soldiers in military attire, led by Dong Qingyue, entered through the side door, replacing the Bai family¡¯s guards standing by the coffins. Other soldiers stood by the doorways of the Duke¡¯s mansion, patiently waiting in the swirling snow for the mourning bowl to be smashed and the coffins to be lifted. ¡°The more pieces the mourning bowl is smashed into, the better. We sisters must united in heart to ensure our grandfather, father, and all our uncles and brothers depart well!¡± She looked at her two sisters. One, two, three, after the shout, the three sisters smashed the mourning bowl together. Dong Qingyue gritted his teeth and shouted: ¡°Lift the coffins!¡± ¡°Lift the coffins¡­¡± ¡°Lift the coffins¡­¡± The soldiers¡¯ deep voices followed one after another, loud as thunder. The coffins were lifted one by one from the ground and carried out of the Duke¡¯s mansion. The Eldest Princess, holding the tiger head cane, stood at the main door, watching the soldiers in military attire carrying the coffins of the Bai family heroes on their shoulders. The soldiers in armor, holding longswords, spontaneously guarded the coffins of Bai Weiting and other Bai family members on both sides. The long street was filled with citizens carrying lanterns in mourning. Wherever the coffins passed, the citizens knelt, chanting, ¡°Farewell to the King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and all the young generals,¡± their genuine tears of sorrow deeply moving. Mrs. Liu cried so hard she could not stand, supported by Nanny Luo and Bai Jinxiu, standing behind the Eldest Princess. Mrs. Li held Bai Jinzhi despairingly and sobbed uncontrollably, tears falling like rain. The Eldest Princess had never witnessed such a funeral in her entire life. The snow was heavy, and so were the funeral papers, covering everything in white, making it hard to see the road ahead. Yet, the mournful cries guided the way¡­ She did not know if the Emperor, deep in the palace, heard the heart-wrenching cries of the citizens of Dadu City. If he had heard¡­ she did not know what he thought, or if he regretted that his suspicion had caused the loss of the Bai family¡¯s loyalty. ¡°Eldest Princess¡­¡± Steward Hao stepped forward and called softly. The Eldest Princess¡¯s gaze fell on the Bai family guards, ready to depart, taking a deep breath of the winter chill and spoke: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Bai Qingyan turned to Nanny Tong: ¡°The affairs of the mansion are entrusted to Nanny Qin and Nanny Tong!¡± Nanny Qin and Nanny Tong, with red eyes, bowed in acknowledgment. Bai Qingyan followed beside her mother, Mrs. Dong, down the high steps of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. Her gaze unintentionally met Xiao Rongyan¡¯s profound and unfathomable eyes. Through the falling snow, she slightly nodded to Xiao Rongyan, thanking him for coming to send off the Bai family heroes. Xiao Rongyan also nodded in return. The Eldest Princess led first, with the Bai family widows, followed the coffins in the heavy snow, walking towards the cemetery. She never waited for Kid to join her. Xiao Rongyan, with only one guard and two horses, led the reins and followed the funeral procession at a slow pace. He saw the citizens kneeling on both sides of the long street rise and follow at a distance behind the Bai family guard, carrying lanterns and supporting each other, filled with deep emotions. He had never seen a funeral like this in his lifetime. It was not for a king¡­ but greater than a king. The funeral procession exited from the south gate of Dadu City. The south gate guard stood on the high wall, watching the long street filled with citizens carrying lanterns on both sides in the dark, snowy night, the warm lanterns illuminating the more than twenty coffins, making them exceptionally notable in the darkness. Affected by the overwhelming cries of the citizens, the guard¡¯s emotions surged, and tears flowed. Holding the sword at his waist, he led the gate soldiers down the wall, ordering the resting soldiers in the barracks to be called out. Seeing the line of coffins slowly approaching, the guard and the hundreds of gate soldiers outside the city gate kneeled on one knee, hitting their chests with their fists in salute. ¡°Farewell to the King of Zhen, Duke of Zhen, and all the generals!¡± Hundreds of soldiers performed the actions in unison, their powerful voices echoing as one, with the vigor of a battlefield. The journey was long, finally arriving as dawn broke. Burial, covering with soil, bowing¡­ Bai Qingyan stood before the tombstone, tears streaming as she watched each coffin disappear from view, heartbroken. From now on, the world would no longer have the righteous and heroic Duke of Zhen, nor¡­ the seventeen sons of the Bai family who were remarkable in Dadu. Chapter 137 - Chapter 137: Chapter 136: Live Together, Die Together_1 Chapter 137: Chapter 136: Live Together, Die Together_1 The servant who came galloping quickly dismounted from afar to avoid attracting attention and hurriedly walked up behind Bai Qingyan. In a low voice, he said, ¡°Eldest Young Lady, the servant from King Liang¡¯s side has come. He spent a large sum to ask the gatekeeper to send a message to Chun Yan to meet her outside the mansion! That woman is waiting in the mansion, and Nanny Tong ordered me to come quickly and ask the Eldest Young Lady how to handle it.¡± So they¡¯ve come indeed¡­ She knew King Liang couldn¡¯t wait and would definitely take advantage of today¡¯s Bai family funeral to stir up trouble. With her hands overlapped in front of her lower abdomen, she straightened her back and stared at the tombstones of her grandfather, father, and the others from the Bai family. Slowly, she asked, ¡°The people from King Liang¡¯s side won¡¯t leave without seeing Chun Yan. Tell Nanny Tong not to worry. After the funeral procession has entered the long street, let the gatekeeper inform Chun Yan that Tongji is waiting outside to meet her! If they are just talking, have someone pay close attention to what they say. If they exchange any items, make sure to bind the two of them in plain sight and present them to the Eldest Princess and everyone else.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The servant responded and then kowtowed three times to the tombstone before quickly leaving. There were still five days left before Bai Jintong left the house. She felt uneasy. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­ in five days, I will leave the house. I am worried that something might happen at home while I¡¯m not here¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Mother is at home; nothing will happen!¡± Bai Qingyan said. As long as today¡¯s matter regarding King Liang was properly handled, there would be no major issues for the Bai family. Bai Jintong looked up and gazed at Mrs. Dong, who stood like a stabilizing force at the front of the crowd, her eyes filled with tears. Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Li, and Mrs. Qi were all weeping uncontrollably. Mrs. Wang was lost and dazed, unable to express her sorrow or joy. Mrs. Dong remained upright, calm, and composed. Thinking about these past days, her aunt had single-handedly supported the Bai family. Even in the face of catastrophic disasters, when the Bai family was in chaos, her aunt managed everything in an orderly manner. What else was there to worry about?! Dong Qingyue, dressed in military uniform, personally buried the loyal bones of the Bai family. He thrust the shovel into the frozen ground at his feet, looking at the tombstone of Duke of Zhen, Bai Weiting, with tears in his eyes as he spoke, ¡°Protect me with your armor, fight the enemy with me¡­¡± It was the Bai family army¡¯s song! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.?¦Ï ¡°Protect me with your armor, fight the enemy with me.¡± As soon as these lines were spoken, Bai Qingyan felt as if she had bitten into a sour apricot; the bitterness and sorrow surged, making her vision blur. ¡°Wield the long blade to kill the enemy, live and die together¡­¡± More generals followed Dong Qingyue, transforming their grief into heart-shaking singing. She looked up at her uncle, and the tears that had been gathering in her eyes suddenly burst forth like a dam breaking. ¡°Guard the mountains and rivers, protect the people, fearless elite soldiers. Don¡¯t die on the battlefield, don¡¯t take off your armor, good sons of the homeland¡­¡± Bai Jinxiu and Bai Jintong, who had been holding on, finally couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and cried out loudly. This song, which they had heard and learned since birth, seemed to pull them back to that passionate battlefield, back to that night before the expedition when they vowed to fight to the death in their battle armor. The Eldest Princess¡¯s hand trembled so much that she couldn¡¯t hold the cane anymore, tears streaming down¡­ Do not die on the battlefield, do not take off your armor! The men of the Bai family all accomplished it! Even the young children like the seventeenth son followed through! Looking at the whole world, who else could be as loyal and courageous as the Bai family, loving their country and people so deeply? At this moment, the Eldest Princess deeply regretted it. Once, her brother asked her who among the sons could be made the Crown Prince. She recommended the current emperor because she thought he was kind-hearted and generous. But she never expected that after ascending to the throne, he would become so suspicious and paranoid. The Bai family¡¯s carriage arrived early, and the servants helped the grieving masters onto the carriage. The people¡¯s cries grew quieter than when they arrived, following behind the slow-moving carriage. Leaning on the bolster inside the carriage, the Eldest Princess couldn¡¯t stop her tears. Nanny Jiang, also with tears streaming down her face, poured a cup of hot tea for the Eldest Princess, advising, ¡°Eldest Princess, please stop crying, or else your eyes will be ruined.¡± The Eldest Princess shook her head with her eyes closed, her throat swollen and painful. She couldn¡¯t even drink the tea. Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, and Bai Jinzhi, the four sisters, shared a carriage. Since Bai Jinzhi didn¡¯t join the military expedition and sing this military song with the soldiers, hearing this song made her sad. However, it wasn¡¯t as heart-wrenching as it was for Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong; their memories were deeply etched with pain at the sound of the song. Seeing her three sisters with reddened eyes and silent sorrow, Bai Jinzhi felt distressed. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­¡± Bai Qingyan slowly opened her eyes and said to Bai Jinzhi, ¡°When we return to the city, Nanny Qin and Nanny Tong will capture Chun Yan, who had a private meeting with a servant from King Liang¡¯s side. If they are exchanging letters or similar items, Little Four¡­ after they explain clearly, you will tear open the letter and read it aloud.¡± ¡°That wretched maid Chun Yan dares to associate with people from King Liang¡¯s mansion?!¡± Bai Jinzhi was furious and punched the soft pillow beside her. ¡°In my opinion, Eldest Sister, you shouldn¡¯t have kept her! She should have been beaten to death with sticks from the start!¡± ¡°Eldest Sister said keeping Chun Yan would be useful, was it for today?¡± Bai Jinxiu looked at Bai Qingyan and asked. She nodded. ¡°If there is indeed a letter today¡­ you will know who is behind trying to destroy our Bai family after you hear it!¡± ¡°Eldest Sister, do you mean¡­ King Liang?!¡± Bai Jintong widened her eyes. Bai Jinzhi also couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°But King Liang is just a cowardly and incompetent prince! Being enfeoffed as a king was the latest among all the princes. If it weren¡¯t for the envoy from Xiliang misaddressing him at the palace banquet the year before last, the emperor wouldn¡¯t even remember to enfeoff him!¡± ¡°This is exactly what you should learn from King Liang!¡± She looked piercingly at her fourth sister, Bai Jinzhi. ¡°King Liang was able to disguise himself flawlessly with his cowardice and incompetence! With the cover of being weak and useless¡­ many things would not be suspected to be his doing, allowing him to do whatever he wanted in the dark. Little Four¡­ do you understand?¡± Bai Jinxiu looked at the sharp, cold killing intent in her eldest sister¡¯s eyes, her face gradually turning pale. She thought¡­ King Liang was deeply in love with her eldest sister, even disregarding her thin prospects for children and earnestly sought to marry her. ¡°Eldest Sister¡­ is there some kind of misunderstanding?!¡± ¡°Whether it is a misunderstanding or not, we will know soon.¡± ¡¤ At the back gate of the Duke¡¯s residence, Tongji had his hands tucked into his sleeves, stomping his feet to keep warm, rubbing his nearly frostbitten ears. ¡°Uncle Tong¡­ perhaps you should wait in the carriage?¡± The coachman from King Liang¡¯s residence softly advised Tongji. Tongji shook his head. Prince Liang had ordered him to handle this matter properly, or he would be driven away. He was anxious¡­ how could he sit in the carriage when this matter was not resolved? Thinking of this, Tongji¡¯s eyes reddened, and he turned away to wipe his tears. ¡°I will wait right here!¡± Chapter 138 - Chapter 138: Chapter 137: Settle_1 Chapter 138: Chapter 137: Settle_1 After a while, the side door suddenly opened again, and the same maid who delivered the message earlier came out. Tongji¡¯s heart sank: ¡°Where is Chun Yan? Can she not come out?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Chun Yan will come soon. I just didn¡¯t want you to wait too long, so I came to let you know. You have no idea¡­ it took a lot of effort to avoid everyone¡¯s eyes and deliver your message to her,¡± the maid said, folding her hands and smiling. Tongji despised her inwardly. Wasn¡¯t it just for silver?! Tongji pulled out a few pieces of broken silver from his chest and handed them to the maid, unable to disguise his disdain. He didn¡¯t even bother with polite conversation, his frost-bitten face tensed up tightly. The maid joyfully accepted the silver and, after thanking him, slipped back through the side door and shut it behind her. Tongji almost rushed forward to spit at the maid. But when he thought of the letters in his chest and King Liang¡¯s instruction that they must be delivered to Chun Yan, he forced himself to hold back. The maid, having pocketed another bit of silver, returned happily to the blazing fire in the gatehouse to count her silver. Nanny Qin and Nanny Tong had told her that she could keep it and that the manor would still record her merit. Naturally, she was pleased. After counting the silver, the maid carefully hid it close to her body. Then she took a plate of peanuts and sat by the stove to roast sweet potatoes. Soon, someone came to inform the maid that she could go notify Chun Yan. The maid nimbly walked to Qinghui Courtyard. These past few days, Nanny Tong hadn¡¯t assigned Chun Yan any tasks. Miss Bai and Chun Tao had been in the mourning hall, so Chun Yan didn¡¯t even have a chance to appear before Miss Bai. Anxious and unsettled, she plunged into the kitchen to prepare some snacks that Miss Bai liked, hoping to make Miss Bai think well of her and rearrange her duties to serve by her side. A maid who had been sweeping the yard ran into the small kitchen, dusting snow off her shoulders. She turned to Chun Yan and said, ¡°Chun Yan, there is a maid outside calling for you.¡± Chun Yan frowned and was about to say she had no time, but then she suddenly thought of King Liang. She put down the fan she was using to stoke the fire, tidied her hair, and walked out of the kitchen towards the door. Once outside, she spotted the gate-keeping maid from the previous day, who had relayed a message from King Liang. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?¦Ï.?? Seeing Chun Yan come out, the maid quickly moved to a secluded spot. Chun Yan instinctively followed, feeling uneasy and twisting her handkerchief violently. ¡°But¡­ does King Liang have any message for me?¡± Chun Yan¡¯s ears turned red, as her heart sincerely missed that noble, incomparable man. ¡°Yes, yes!¡± The maid said, grinning. ¡°I am taking a risk to deliver this message for you! When you climb high, remember the old maid¡¯s kindness!¡± Chun Yan hurriedly removed a bracelet from her wrist and pressed it into the maid¡¯s hand, ¡°I know you¡¯re taking a risk. I am extremely grateful! Now, hurry up, before anyone sees!¡± The maid weighed the bracelet in her hand and then discreetly hid it in her sleeve. ¡°Master Tong from King Liang¡¯s side is at the door to see you. There were too many people around to come sooner, and he has been waiting quite a while. There is something extremely important he needs to tell you. You¡¯d better go quickly!¡± After speaking, the maid looked around again and quickly left. Chun Yan¡¯s mind was in chaos. She patted the flour off her plain coat, straightened her hair, and hurried towards the door. Once Chun Yan left, Yingshuang leapt down from a tree and discreetly followed her. Nanny Tong had instructed Yingshuang to follow Chun Yan as soon as she left Qinghui Courtyard. She was to remember everything Chun Yan said to anyone and would get candy as a reward if she didn¡¯t miss a single word. Chun Yan jogged all the way and stopped to catch her breath near the side door, smoothing her hair and clothes before stepping out. Seeing a carriage, Chun Yan panicked, ¡°Did His Highness come too?!¡± ¡°Why did you take so long?!¡±, Tongji exclaimed upon seeing Chun Yan, unable to hold back his complaint. ¡°Sorry! The gate-keeping maid had to avoid people, so I came out late!¡± Chun Yan¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but glance at the carriage. Whenever King Liang came before, he always used the servants¡¯ carriages to keep a low profile. Chun Yan thought King Liang was inside. ¡°His Highness didn¡¯t come! Stop craning your neck!¡± Tongji, irritated, spoke with no courtesy. ¡°His Highness has something to convey¡­¡± With that, Tongji took out several letters from his chest and conveyed King Liang¡¯s messages verbatim to Chun Yan. When Tongji mentioned that King Liang had feelings for her, Chun Yan¡¯s heartbeat quickened with each word, her face reddening. ¡°After the matter is accomplished, Miss Bai will marry into the prince¡¯s estate. His Highness will then ask Miss Bai for you and take you as a concubine. So this task must not fail¡­ and you cannot open these letters; otherwise, the plan will be exposed! After all, the Duke¡¯s character is such that he would never pry into the private correspondence of his juniors,¡± Tongji reminded her, ¡°His Highness repeatedly emphasized this. You must remember!¡± Chun Yan¡¯s hands trembled. His Highness said he would take her as a concubine¡­ her heart was moved. However, placing these letters in the Duke¡¯s study indeed posed a challenge. But if she could become His Highness¡¯s woman, she must take the risk. Moreover, what suitable match could her elder sister, who struggled with fertility, possibly find? King Liang was a prince. If he favored her, what better marriage could she hope for than being with him? Doing this¡­ was also for her sister! Thinking of this, Chun Yan no longer hesitated and took the letters from Tongji¡¯s hand. ¡°Tell His Highness that I will find a way to place the letters in the Duke¡¯s study.¡± ¡°His Highness said that today, with the Duke¡¯s family attending the funeral, was the best opportunity. If you miss today, who knows how long the wait will be! If Miss Bai¡¯s marriage arrangement changes, it will be hopeless! Never forget that,¡± Tongji reiterated, fearing that Chun Yan might waver. If Miss Bai¡¯s marriage changed, she would never see King Liang again. Chun Yan¡¯s face turned pale, realizing the urgency of the matter. Clutching the letters tightly in her hand, Chun Yan nodded. ¡°Tell His Highness not to worry; I will definitely get it done today. I will find a way to inform him once it¡¯s done!¡± The Bai family¡¯s funeral procession had just turned the corner ahead. Tongji looked back and said hurriedly, ¡°Don¡¯t bother finding someone to send a message! I¡¯ll wait here¡­ the funeral procession has returned. If you delay any longer, there will be no chance. Hurry and place the letters and then come to tell me immediately!¡± As soon as Tongji finished speaking, the side door suddenly burst open. A dozen guards and rough-serving maids rushed out, seizing Chun Yan, who was holding the letters, along with Tongji and the coachman from King Liang¡¯s estate! ¡°What are you doing?! Let go of me! I am King Liang¡¯s close servant; how dare you be disrespectful?!¡± Tongji shouted. Chapter 139 - Chapter 139: Chapter 138: Reputation_1 Chapter 139: Chapter 138: Reputation_1 Although the back corner gate of the Duke¡¯s mansion was seldom visited, the Bai family¡¯s funeral procession had just returned and was passing by the entrance of this alley. Tongji¡¯s loud cry attracted many people who stopped to look into the alley. Nanny Tong crossed her hands in front of her lower belly, her solemn face darkened. She looked at Chun Yan and spoke: ¡°Chun Yan, you have such audacity. Have you forgotten the last beating you received? The scars have barely healed, and you¡¯ve already forgotten the pain! Not only did you secretly communicate with a servant from King Liang¡¯s mansion, but you also dared to use the Duke¡¯s name¡­ to force the First Young Lady into marrying King Liang with these letters. You have such guts, such capability!¡± Chun Yan, held down to the ground by a servant woman, trembled all over in fear: ¡°Nanny! Nanny, I didn¡¯t! I didn¡¯t!¡± ¡°We have both the witness and evidence. How dare you deny it! Do you take me for a blind old woman?¡± Nanny Tong was so furious that her voice rose sharply. ¡°I should have beaten you to death last time!¡± ¡°Nanny, please spare me! I did it for the First Young Lady!¡± Chun Yan cried and begged. Nanny Tong snorted coldly: ¡°This matter is of great importance! It involves the prince and our First Young Lady. Let¡¯s go before the Eldest Princess and settle this properly.¡± Nanny Tong¡¯s piercing gaze swept over Chun Yan, then fell upon Tongji: ¡°Escort them! Take them through this alley to the main gate¡­ and hand them over to the Eldest Princess for punishment!¡± With that, Nanny Tong led the way, and the guards of the Bai family escorted Chun Yan, Tongji, and the coachman from King Liang¡¯s mansion, dragging the coach from King Liang¡¯s mansion as they walked towards the main gate. ¡°Let go of me! I am a servant of King Liang¡¯s mansion, not someone the Duke¡¯s mansion can arrest! Let me go!¡± Tongji shouted loudly as he was being escorted forward. Chun Yan¡¯s legs went weak. Remembering Mingyu¡¯s fate beside the Second Young Lady, she was so terrified that she could only cry and confess: ¡°Nanny Tong, I was wrong! Please spare me! I won¡¯t dare do it again! Please free me, don¡¯t take me before the Eldest Princess. If the Eldest Princess finds out, my life is over! Nanny Tong, you have watched me grow up¡­ Please give me a way out!¡± But Nanny Tong seemed to be heartless, leading the guards and servant women out of the alley. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they headed straight for the main gate of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s mansion. The Eldest Princess had just been helped off the carriage by Nanny Jiang when she saw Nanny Tong suddenly rushing up and kneeling straight before her, crying out loudly: ¡°Eldest Princess, you must seek justice for the First Young Lady!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í?0.§ã? The Eldest Princess was taken aback. She turned to look at Bai Qingyan, who had just gotten off the carriage, with a confused expression, hurriedly walking towards Nanny Tong: ¡°Nanny Tong, what has happened?!¡± The commoners who had come to see off the Bai family¡¯s widow had not yet dispersed. Seeing this turmoil so soon after the Bai family buried their hero, they stopped to see what was going on. ¡°First Young Lady! First Young Lady, save me!¡± Chun Yan struggled violently to break free upon seeing Bai Qingyan. She was pressed down by the servant woman, watching Bai Qingyan walk forward without looking back. Desperate, she cried out to Chun Tao, who was supporting Bai Qingyan: ¡°Chun Tao¡­ save me! You save me! I once saved your life¡­ Please save me too!¡± Chun Tao¡¯s eyes were filled with tears at Chun Yan¡¯s cries, but she hardened her heart and did not look back. Chun Tao knew how difficult the First Young Lady¡¯s journey had been. Chun Yan, who had grown up with the young lady, should have helped, but instead, she continually caused trouble, intending to ruin the First Young Lady¡¯s reputation and forcibly marry her off to King Liang. Such a crime was unforgivable. Nanny Tong heavily kowtowed in the direction of Bai Qingyan, then to the Eldest Princess, before speaking: ¡°Last time, Chun Yan secretly communicated with the servant of King Liang and asked the First Young Lady to meet King Liang privately, because of which the lady of the house disciplined the inner court and sold five families of servants. The First Young Lady, considering Chun Yan¡¯s years of service, spared her life! Who would have thought this ungrateful wretch would again meet with King Liang¡¯s close servant! It was by chance that the little maid Yingshuang discovered it and reported it to me!¡± The Eldest Princess had long heard of this matter, believing Kid to be too merciful to her servants, but in the end, the maid was still a maid¡­ and must not be indulged out of pity! ¡°The old servant, with the guards and servant women, heard at the corner gate the close servant of King Liang telling Chun Yan to take advantage of the chaos during the Duke¡¯s funeral to place letters written by King Liang to the First Young Lady in the Duke¡¯s study. He carefully instructed Chun Yan not to open the letters¡­ because the Duke¡¯s integrity would prevent him from opening letters addressed to his juniors. Then, King Liang would find a way to make a scene with those letters!¡± The Eldest Princess was shocked, eyes wide, realizing this would ruin Kid¡¯s reputation! Nanny Tong¡¯s words were fast yet steady: ¡°The servant of King Liang said that King Liang would lie to the lady of the house, claiming that the Duke had long discovered his affection for the First Young Lady, had withheld letters he wrote, and planned to arrange their marriage once the southern war was over! He even stated that once these letters were made public and the First Young Lady¡¯s reputation was tarnished, he would take responsibility and marry the First Young Lady, and as soon as she stepped foot in the door, he¡¯d take this wretch as a concubine! To this, the wretch agreed! She accepted the letters, and they are still clutched tightly in her hand, I forgot to retrieve them!¡± Although Bai Jinzhi had been warned by Bai Qingyan on the carriage earlier, she couldn¡¯t help but walk over and kick Chun Yan to the ground upon hearing King Liang¡¯s sinister plan. She then kicked Tongji to the ground as well. ¡°What audacity! How dare you plot against my eldest sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi looked around for a weapon, intending to beat Tongji first. So, that¡¯s how it was. In her previous life, King Liang had convinced Chun Yan by promising her the position of concubine, which led Chun Yan to help King Liang. It resulted in the entire loyal Bai family being wrongfully accused of treason and dying with grievance. Bai Qingyan¡¯s gaze swept over the letter tightly gripped in Chun Yan¡¯s hand, then turned to Tongji, who was enduring pain without making a sound, and deliberately spoke to provoke him: ¡°First, he had Chun Yan deliver a message¡­ claiming he wanted to borrow the military books annotated by my grandfather, using this as a pretext to see me! Considering the difference between men and women, I declined to meet him. To save face, I had Chun Yan deliver the military books annotated by the Ancestral Emperor to King Liang, hoping he would understand my intention not to further interact with him. Unfortunately¡­ King Liang did not understand my intent!¡± ¡°After a few days, King Liang requested another meeting. My mother punished over ten family servants of the Bai family because of this! Failing one plan, King Liang devised another. He had a maid from Liang¡¯s mansion come to my mansion¡¯s front door to slander me, claiming I had dealings with him! And today, taking advantage of my family¡¯s funeral, he resorted to such a disgraceful tactic, showing no shame at all, trying to deceive using my deceased grandfather¡¯s name, with the intention to force a marriage! Is it true or not?!¡± Chapter 140 - Chapter 140: Chapter 139: Dressed Beast_1 Chapter 140: Chapter 139: Dressed Beast_1 Hearing Miss Bai¡¯s words insulting King Liang, Tongji could no longer endure it. Enduring the pain in his chest, he shouted, ¡°You are just an infertile old woman. Our prince is deeply in love with you¡­ It¡¯s a blessing you¡¯ve earned over several lifetimes! In this entire Dadu City¡­ except for our prince, who else would go to such lengths just to marry you! Our prince is so deeply in love with you?! And you are so ungrateful!¡± She sneered. Tongji¡¯s admission confirmed her suspicions. Her voice was cold and indifferent, yet extremely chilling, ¡°That day in front of the Bai Mansion, wasn¡¯t I clear enough? Even if King Liang is a prince, I, Bai Qingyan, despise his petty behavior. I¡¯d rather marry a pig or a dog than him! Instead of reflecting on his actions, King Liang has aggravated his behavior, becoming more despicable. Does he have any sense of shame left? He¡¯s simply a beast in clothes!¡± Hearing Bai Qingyan insult King Liang, Tongji became furious, his eyes almost popping out. He screamed hoarsely, ¡°How dare you call our prince a beast in clothes?! I think you are worse than a pig or a dog, ungrateful and cold-hearted! You are not worthy of our prince at all!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll beat this foul-mouthed¡­¡± Bai Jinzhi was about to step forward and scold him but was held back firmly by Bai Jinxiu. Bai Jinxiu¡¯s clear and steady voice rang out, ¡°Since you think my eldest sister doesn¡¯t deserve King Liang, and my eldest sister despises your King Liang! Why do you bother running this errand for King Liang, engaging in such despicable acts to ruin someone¡¯s reputation? You do this¡­ and it is unjust! As a servant of King Liang, instead of advising your master to act honorably, you assist him in his vile ways. This is disloyalty! As a disloyal and unjust person¡­ what right do you have to insult my eldest sister?!¡± ¡°Eldest Princess¡­ Miss Bai!¡± Chun Yan cried out, ¡°His Highness¡¯s love for Miss Bai is sincere! I beg the Eldest Princess and Miss Bai to understand! I did this only for Miss Bai¡¯s future! Miss Bai has difficulties in bearing children. In this Dadu City, which noble family would want such a main wife? Only His Highness¡­ Whether the Duke¡¯s Mansion is glorious or all the men have died and the glory is no more, His Highness has never changed his deep affection for Miss Bai! Miss Bai, think about it. In this Dadu City, except for His Highness, who would go to such lengths for you?!¡± Such deep affection, such relentless effort, just to marry one¡¯s beloved. As Chun Yan said¡­ even if the Duke¡¯s Mansion¡¯s glory is no more, King Liang¡¯s love has never changed for Miss Bai. This¡­ could be considered true love, right?! Some soft-hearted commoners were moved. ¡°What a King Liang! What relentless effort! I never knew there were people who consider despicable deeds as deep affection!¡± Dong Qingyue¡¯s expression was filled with anger. ¡°So, according to you, as long as someone is willing to use unscrupulous methods for my eldest sister, my eldest sister should be grateful for his deep affection, regardless of what he does, even ruining my eldest sister¡¯s reputation and forcing a marriage under my grandfather¡¯s name? Should my eldest sister be grateful and submissive? Whose logic is this?!¡± Bai Jintong¡¯s anger filled his chest, his tone rising. ¡°A matchmaker could have arranged this honorably, but King Liang chose to engage in these despicable acts repeatedly. And he dares to speak of marrying my daughter as a legitimate wife! This is ludicrous!¡± Mrs. Dong could no longer suppress her anger and shouted, ¡°Did my Bai family ever block your King Liang¡¯s matchmakers?! Ruining someone¡¯s reputation is tantamount to ending one¡¯s life. Such infatuation¡­ my daughter cannot bear it!¡± Bai Jinzhi remembered Bai Qingyan¡¯s instructions in the carriage, shook off Bai Jinxiu¡¯s hand, and snatched the unopened letters from Chun Yan¡¯s hand, ¡°I want to see how King Liang expresses his feelings to my eldest sister. Let us open and look!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï???.§ã¦Ï Saying that, Bai Jinzhi had already torn open one of the letters and read aloud, ¡°Duke of Zhen, received your kind letter, Jin Kingdom¡¯s southern border military arrangements¡­¡± ¡°This is not a love letter to my eldest sister!¡± Bai Jinzhi instantly recalled her elder sister¡¯s words on the carriage. She widened her eyes and looked up at the Eldest Princess and Bai Qingyan, ¡°King Liang¡­ is framing Grandfather for treason by having these letters placed in Grandfather¡¯s study through Chun Yan!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s eyes were dark and cold. Her chilling gaze fixed on Chun Yan, who was crying uncontrollably, her teeth clenched tightly, ¡°Continue reading!¡± ¡°Jin Kingdom¡¯s southern border military arrangements are known by our king. He has appointed General Wang Yuanzhe to discuss the grand plan with Xiliang¡¯s General Yun Poxing¡­ After viewing Duke of Zhen¡¯s handwritten letter, we will return it intact. Please rest assured, Duke of Zhen, we will absolutely not leave any future troubles for the Duke of Zhen.¡± Bai Jinzhi finished reading and indeed found another letter in the envelope. However¡­ it was not the Duke¡¯s handwritten letter. ¡°Grandmother! There is another letter attached¡­ but it is not Grandfather¡¯s handwriting at all!¡± Bai Jinzhi said. The Eldest Princess¡¯s hands trembled, ¡°Bring¡­ bring the letter over!¡± Bai Jinzhi took three steps in two and handed the letter to the Eldest Princess. ¡°This¡­ this is the handwriting of the Ancestral Emperor?!¡± The Eldest Princess, being a legitimate princess of the Imperial Family, had naturally seen the rare handwriting of the Ancestral Emperor preserved in the palace. After the Eldest Princess examined the so-called handwritten letter from the Duke of Zhen, Bai Qingyan also took it. As expected, the letter was indeed in the handwriting of the Ancestral Emperor. King Liang did not disappoint her at all! The letter expressly detailed how her grandfather, the Duke of Zhen, had informed the Prince of Nanyan about military arrangements and claimed that this time, taking seventeen sons to the battlefield was to firmly control military power within the Bai family, aiming to make the Bai family the uncrowned king of Jin Kingdom. Every word and sentence hit the exact points of the Emperor¡¯s suspicions of the Bai family. No wonder¡­ in her previous life, the Emperor ordered the swift and severe disposal of the Bai family. Her heart surged with blood. She knelt before the Eldest Princess, ¡°Grandmother, the night before my second sister¡¯s wedding earlier this year, King Liang asked Chun Yan to borrow the military books annotated by Grandfather as an excuse to invite me. I gave King Liang the military books personally annotated by the Ancestral Emperor, hoping that King Liang would understand our Bai family did not wish to associate with him! Just now, King Liang¡¯s servant admitted it. I wonder¡­ if King Liang mistook it for Grandfather¡¯s handwriting and forged it to frame my Bai family!¡± Tears brimmed in her eyes, ¡°They all say King Liang is weak and incompetent. But with such actions¡­ how is he incompetent?! King Liang was not seeking a forced marriage. He wanted to overthrow my entire Bai family! What grudge or enmity does my Bai family have with King Liang for him to be so ruthless and cruel to this extent! All the men of my Bai family died for the country, yet he still wants to frame the devoted souls of the Bai family with treason! He even wants the lives of the Bai family¡¯s widows! Fortunately, Yingshuang discovered Chun Yan¡¯s secret meeting with King Liang¡¯s servant today. Otherwise¡­ the consequences would be unimaginable!¡± This matter was too grave! The Eldest Princess¡¯s blood turned cold! If Nanny Tong had not discovered Chun Yan¡¯s secret meeting with King Liang¡¯s servant today and captured them both, once these letters entered the Duke¡¯s Mansion, the Duke¡¯s Mansion would have no way to clear their name! The streets were filled with astonished commoners. How treacherous King Liang was! Chapter 141 - Chapter 141: Chapter 140: Destined by Fate_1 Chapter 141: Chapter 140: Destined by Fate_1 ¡°Where did these letters come from? The people are here to witness it firsthand! It seems that King Liang even deceived his own servant, who thought the letters were love letters. King Liang was willing to ruin Miss Bai¡¯s reputation just to marry her into the palace¡­ showing deep affection for Miss Bai. Yet, this servant just defended King Liang¡­ Imagine that these letters were meant to falsely accuse the late Duke of Zhen of treason. If the maid next to Miss Bai had really coveted the position of a concubine and placed these letters in the Duke¡¯s study, the consequences would be unimaginable! Not only would the Bai family¡¯s honor be stained, but even the widows left behind would fear for their safety! ¡®No wonder King Liang instructed Chun Yan not to open the letters! It turns out that these letters were meant to destroy the Bai family! Grandmother had planned to enter the palace today to see the emperor and renounce the title. Granddaughter begs Grandmother to enter the palace today and demand justice for the Bai family, and ensure the widows¡¯ safety!¡¯ Bai Qingyan kowtowed heavily. ¡®Kid, rise first! Grandmother will surely protect you all!¡¯ The Eldest Princess choked with tears. Tongji¡¯s face turned pale. How could this be¡­ His Highness clearly said they were love letters. How did they turn into conspiracy letters?! The letters had always been kept close to him, and he personally handed them to Chun Yan! ¡®It¡¯s not our His Highness! The letters¡­ the letters are wrong! It must be you all¡­ framing our His Highness!¡¯ Tongji struggled and shouted, ¡®Our His Highness clearly said they were love letters!¡¯ ¡®I have never seen such outrageous defamation! Did we chase King Liang to his palace¡­ and force him to send the letters to our Duke¡¯s mansion?! You came to our side gate to secretly meet a maid. Did we foresee and prepare these letters to ruin the Bai family¡¯s reputation?!¡¯ Bai Jinzhi was enraged, wishing for a whip to lash out at King Liang¡¯s lackey. She turned to Tongji, speaking coldly, ¡®If that¡¯s the case! Why don¡¯t we go to the Court of Judicial Review and resolve this case?!¡¯ After speaking, Bai Qingyan bowed to the gathered people, ¡®Who would like to testify that our servants did not exchange this letter¡­ and go with me to the Court of Judicial Review to drum and file a complaint against King Liang?!¡¯ She never feared escalating matters. Though she orchestrated this scenario, the letters originated from King Liang¡¯s palace. Even if investigated thoroughly¡­ the blame would still fall on King Liang. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã¦Ï ¡®I am willing to testify for the Duke¡¯s Mansion!¡¯ someone shouted. A woman added, ¡®These letters were opened by Miss Bai in front of everyone! We all saw it! I¡¯m willing to testify!¡¯ ¡®I witnessed this nanny rushing out of the mansion with people, suppressing this servant and maid, and bringing them here. The letters were always in the maid¡¯s hand, and no one exchanged them! I¡¯m willing to testify!¡¯ ¡®Me too! King Liang, that ruthless thing, the Duke¡¯s men sacrificed for the country, wrapped in horse skins, and he still wants to frame them! I think¡­ maybe it was King Liang colluding with the enemy that killed the Duke!¡¯ ¡®We have been protected by the Bai family for generations. We are willing to testify and seek justice, even if it means a hundred or a thousand beatings! We will never let the loyal Bai family be insulted or shamed!¡¯ Bai Qingyan saw among the passionate crowd, someone quietly squeezing out¡­ The situation had escalated, and King Liang¡¯s men would surely return to report. In the previous life, King Liang used these letters to conspire with Liu Huanzhang, solidifying the infamy on the Bai family. This time, she used the Southern Border grain list to lure them out. King Liang hurriedly instructed Chun Yan to bring the letters into the Bai family during the chaos and place them in her grandfather¡¯s study. With this, Bai Qingyan dared to conclude that Liu Huanzhang was not in the Southern Border but in King Liang¡¯s hands! In Dadu! Without Liu Huanzhang accusing her grandfather of treason, what reason would the Emperor have to risk public outrage to encircle the Bai Mansion with imperial guards?! How could these letters even come to light?! She had Nanny Tong grab Chun Yan and make a scene in public to alert King Liang. Based on her understanding of King Liang and Du Zhiwei, she predicted their countless strategies after discovering the situation¡­ she was certain that they would first try to absolve King Liang completely from the matter. But since the letters were delivered by King Liang¡¯s personal servant, the only way to clear King Liang was to claim the letters had nothing to do with him, that King Liang wrote love letters, and what Tongji handed over were love letters. He would claim he didn¡¯t know why such letters were delivered. Naturally, Tongji was supposed to be kept in the dark. Otherwise, King Liang¡¯s personal servant colluding with Liu Huanzhang would implicate King Liang further. The best scapegoat would be Liu Huanzhang¡­ So whether through threats or incentives, King Liang must produce a plan, whether he personally goes or sends someone to discuss with Liu Huanzhang! Thus, she placed someone to watch King Liang¡¯s palace closely, to find Liu Huanzhang. Before they could discuss countermeasures, they would capture Liu Huanzhang in one stroke. It was a risky move for Bai Qingyan. She once told Bai Jinxiu that in the deceitful and treacherous Dadu City, only those with flawless strategies and sound judgment would ultimately prevail. If one dies in the heat of battle, that is fate, beyond human control. But if one loses to intrigue and plots in Dadu, that¡¯s folly, a death unworthy. Moreover, having the advantage of understanding King Liang and Du Zhiwei in this life, if she still couldn¡¯t outmaneuver them, it would be a waste of her return! What face would she have to swear before her grandfather¡¯s spirit to protect the Bai family widows?! Bai Qingyan turned to her foster brother, Xiao Ruohai, and saw Xiao Ruohai in the crowd watching the man hurriedly leaving. Their eyes met, and Bai Qingyan nodded at Xiao Ruohai. Xiao Ruohai, with over a dozen servants, quickly dispersed to follow the servants from King Liang¡¯s palace, heading straight to King Liang¡¯s palace. The people were deeply stirred and righteously angry, declaring their willingness to testify for the Bai family and vindicate the Duke¡¯s Mansion and the Bai family¡¯s innocence, making the area in front of the Duke¡¯s Mansion full of fervor. Mrs. Dong was greatly moved, her throat choked, eyes red, with uncontrollable emotions surging in her chest. The Bai family¡¯s sons sacrificed for the people, and the people were willing to vindicate the Bai family. Public sentiments were in favor. It was difficult to find another aristocratic family like this in Dadu City. ¡®Kid, hand the letters to Grandmother. Grandmother will enter the palace and seek justice for the Bai family before His Majesty!¡¯ The Eldest Princess gripped the letters tightly, her hand on the tiger head cane turning white, ¡®Nanny Jiang, to the palace!¡¯ ¡° Chapter 142 - Chapter 142: Chapter 141: The Majesty of Imperial Power_1 Chapter 142: Chapter 141: The Majesty of Imperial Power_1 Mrs. Dong solemnly saluted the Eldest Princess and then spoke, ¡°I will go with Mother!¡± Now that the major affairs of the Bai family were settled, Mrs. Dong no longer needed to hold the fort at home. If they were to seek justice for the Bai family, how could she be absent?! ¡°I will go with the Eldest Princess and Sister,¡± Dong Qingyue also said. ¡°I will go too!¡± Bai Jinzhi shouted loudly, ¡°I will also go with Grandmother!¡± Fifth Lady Mrs. Qi, protecting her belly, was helped up the high steps by the nanny beside her. With red eyes and a resolute voice, she said, ¡°I will also go with Mother. The heroic souls of the Bai family have just been buried and are already being framed by malicious people. This cannot be tolerated! Even if we are the widows of the Bai family, we must not let the loyal souls be wronged, even in death!¡± Fifth Lady, who was pregnant, choked with determination. Her resolve to seek justice for the Bai family heroes moved everyone, and the people echoed her sentiments. ¡°Yes! We must not let the loyal souls of the Bai family be wronged!¡± an upright man shouted. ¡°We cannot all go.¡± The Eldest Princess gently patted Mrs. Dong¡¯s hand and spoke to stop them. ¡°We are going to seek an audience with His Majesty, not to pressure him. You all should wait at home for my return!¡± ¡°Since Grandmother won¡¯t let us go, then we will wait outside Wude Gate!¡± Bai Qingyan¡¯s elegant and serene face was solemn, and her pair of black, shiny eyes were as captivating as ice crystals formed on a frigid winter night, daring to be stared at. ¡°If His Majesty calls for confrontation, it¡¯s also good to have you all as witnesses for the Bai family!¡± The Eldest Princess tightened her grip on the tiger head cane, looking at her eldest granddaughter with steady and profound eyes. Kid didn¡¯t trust her. They, grandmother and granddaughter, were indeed distant in heart. Her granddaughter had probably made up her mind to protect the Bai family with the support of the people and public sentiment, preferring to use the situation to pressure the current emperor rather than rely on her, the grandmother. She would rather trust the unrelated people than trust her own grandmother. The Eldest Princess¡¯s body swayed almost imperceptibly, and her heart kept sinking. The pain of the departure of her husband, son, and grandson, combined with the pain of her granddaughter¡¯s distance, almost made the Eldest Princess unable to hold on. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã¦Ï But now, under the gaze of the public, it wasn¡¯t the right moment to discuss the matters between her and her granddaughter. Before the Eldest Princess could speak again, Bai Jinzhi had already stepped forward, bowed to the people with clasped fists, and said, ¡°I beg all the heroic men to wait with us outside Wude Gate. If His Majesty wants to confront, please witness for the Bai family!¡± ¡°Fourth Miss, there¡¯s no need for that! Even if you don¡¯t say it, we will surely go with the Bai family widows to Wude Gate!¡± ¡°Yes! We will go with the Bai family widows! If His Majesty shows favoritism, we will sound the drum at Dengwen Drum Tower for the Bai family! We will not let the Bai family heroes be wronged! Let¡¯s go!¡± Before the Bai family widows could move, the people had already started noisily, heading towards Wude Gate in groups. ¡°Sister! Let¡¯s go too!¡± Bai Jinzhi¡¯s eyes were burning with fire as she looked at Bai Qingyan. ¡°Grandmother is taking the carriage and should be faster than us! We will wait outside Wude Gate for Grandmother¡¯s good news,¡± Bai Qingyan said calmly and respectfully to the Eldest Princess. ¡°Kid¡­¡± the Eldest Princess called Bai Qingyan, ¡°If you¡¯re afraid that Grandmother will be partial to King Liang, then come with Grandmother into the palace!¡± Going to Wude Gate to petition again would be the same as forcing the Emperor by pounding the drum at Dengwen Drum Tower on the seventh day of the first month. They could not let Bai Qingyan lead the people to Wude Gate again. Last time, the Emperor had no choice but to deal with King Xin because Bai Qingyan led people to pound the drum, and he was angry with Bai Qingyan. If Bai Qingyan went with these people again, even if she didn¡¯t take the lead, the Emperor would blame the gathering at Wude Gate on her again. Royal power and authority could not be challenged. The Eldest Princess feared that when the Emperor openly had to consider public opinion and didn¡¯t dare to act against Bai Qingyan, he might secretly harm her. ¡°Sister, I think you should go with Grandmother into the palace. In case His Majesty believes King Liang¡¯s excuses. If he really is disguising his weakness and incompetence to conceal his true intentions, his schemes would be deep, and we cannot be unprepared!¡± Bai Jinxiu whispered to Bai Qingyan, ¡°Outside the palace, there are Aunt and us; inside, we rely on you, Sister.¡± Bai Jinxiu felt that it would be more secured for Bai Qingyan to confront King Liang in the palace, avoiding King Liang¡¯s pretended submissiveness and later asking the Emperor for marriage. Once the Imperial Edict was issued, Sister would have no room to turn back. ¡°Sister! Don¡¯t worry, we have everything under control outside the palace!¡± Bai Jintong also said. The incident where Bai Qingyan was beaten at Wude Gate last time still pained Mrs. Dong whenever she thought about it. She wasn¡¯t just a housewife who only managed the household; she knew that Bai Qingyan couldn¡¯t be the one to step forward this time at Wude Gate. The tree that stands out in the forest is sure to be destroyed by the wind. The high performer is sure to be criticized by all. The precedent of the Duke of Zhen¡¯s Bai family was right in front of Mrs. Dong; she couldn¡¯t let her daughter follow the same path. ¡°Kid, go with your Grandmother into the palace!¡± Mrs. Dong slowly said, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of things outside the palace.¡± How could she not know that her mother and sisters didn¡¯t want her to be the one to force the Emperor again? Bai Jinxiu was right. King Liang was treacherous, and Grandmother held the Imperial Family close to heart. If she softened or reached any agreement with the Emperor to downplay this matter, all their arrangements would be for naught. However, Bai Qingyan was not entirely unprepared. If Grandmother really sided with the Imperial Family this time, she would use the simplest and most foolish method, killing and arson! She would kill King Liang and set fire to King Liang¡¯s residence. But unless it was absolutely necessary, she couldn¡¯t use this method. Not to mention Gao Sheng with unfathomable martial arts beside King Liang, this method would leave traces. She wasn¡¯t entirely confident in killing King Liang in one strike. If her people got caught by King Liang¡¯s men, it would tarnish the Bai family¡¯s century-old reputation. Moreover, she couldn¡¯t fully predict the consequences of King Liang¡¯s death. King Liang was now surrounded by the former subordinates of the Second Prince. The Second Prince had many talented people around him in the past. Bai Qingyan had seen many of them when she marched into battle with King Liang, Du Zhiwei being one of them. It was Du Zhiwei who had planned for King Liang, letting him pretend to be under King Xin¡¯s command while quietly gaining military merit. When King Xin and King Qi fought to a standstill, King Liang would return with military merit and earn the Emperor¡¯s favor. Bai Qingyan was very cautious of Du Zhiwei. Moreover, if a risky move like this were to be made, it would need the Bai family¡¯s loyal servants to sacrifice their lives, even implicating the innocent! This was the last resort of last resorts. Bai Qingyan leaned close to Bai Jinxiu¡¯s ear and carefully instructed her. Bai Jinxiu¡¯s eyes lit up, and she nodded, ¡°Rest assured, Sister! Jinxiu understands!¡± The Emperor wanted to be a wiser and more enlightened ruler than the previous emperor, to be remembered in history. He naturally cared about his reputation, which was his biggest weakness. Chapter 143 - Chapter 143: Chapter 142: A Matter of Life and Death_1 Chapter 143: Chapter 142: A Matter of Life and Death_1 Since it¡¯s like this, let Bai Jinxiu lead the people to greatly praise the Emperor for not being influenced by personal feelings and for being just and impartial! Even when dealing with his legitimate son, King Xin, he showed no mercy, proving himself to be the most sage and enlightened ruler in the entire world! Let the Bai family members lead the people in shouting that they believe the Emperor will fairly handle King Liang¡¯s attempts to slander the Bai family! The people¡¯s high praises would reach the Emperor¡¯s ears. An Emperor who craved a good reputation did not particularly favor the submissive Prince Liang. Wouldn¡¯t he deal with King Liang for the sake of a good name?! Bai Qingyan wanted the people to place a high hat of virtue on the Emperor¡¯s head! Forcing was not only about the powerful momentum seen when knocking on the Wude Gate last time, using hard tactics. The virtuous hat often made people more frightened yet unable to avoid it. The Emperor, sitting in the supreme position, feared the people¡¯s mouths and the historian¡¯s pen more than anyone. She nodded and solemnly bowed. ¡°Then it will be arduous for Mother and the aunts!¡± She watched as her mother and the aunts and sisters, accompanied by the people of Dadu, walked towards the direction of Wude Gate. Only then did she board the carriage with the Eldest Princess. The grandmother and granddaughter sat in the carriage. The Eldest Princess, who looked as if she had aged ten years overnight with her gray hair, closed her eyes. Her thin lips were tightly pressed together as she continuously fingered the agarwood carved prayer beads. Bai Qingyan also sat properly on one side, calm and serene like water. ¡¤ King Liang was restless in his manor today. Tongji had already been gone for several hours. Every time he sent someone to check, they said Tongji was still waiting outside the corner gate of the Duke¡¯s manor and had not met any of the Duke¡¯s maids yet. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï??¦Ï.§ã? Although Gao Sheng had now restrained Liu Huanzhang, Liu Huanzhang, worried about his wife and children, could no longer bear it and was about to expose Duke Bai Weiting¡¯s treason. As long as Chun Yan could successfully get those few letters into the Duke¡¯s manor today, even if they weren¡¯t in the Duke¡¯s study, as long as the letters were in the Duke¡¯s manor, with Liu Huanzhang¡¯s testimony, and given his father the Emperor¡¯s fear of the Bai family and his dissatisfaction with Bai Qingyan¡¯s actions in recent days, the Bai family would be branded as traitors! Missing this opportunity, he didn¡¯t know when he could crush the Bai family into the mud again. As for using Bai Qingyan, after the female members of the Bai family were captured, he would find a way to save Bai Qingyan and one or two of the female members of the Bai family. He didn¡¯t believe Bai Qingyan wouldn¡¯t be utterly loyal to him then. King Liang¡¯s emotions surged as he closed his eyes and coughed violently a few times, wrapping his cloak tightly around himself. When he reopened his eyes, a cold and harsh look filled King Liang¡¯s eyes. As long as he could destroy the Bai family¡¯s century-old reputation, it would also be revenge for Consort Tong and his second brother! As for using Bai Qingyan to gain military merits and pave his way to the throne, his desire for such thoughts had waned considerably at this moment. The assassination had hurt his heart and lungs. He didn¡¯t even know if he would survive to sit on that position. Bai Qingyan was now undisguisedly scornful of him, even stating in front of the people that she would rather marry a ghost than him. King Liang couldn¡¯t understand what he had done wrong to cause Bai Qingyan¡¯s sudden change in attitude towards him. ¡°Your Highness! Your Highness, something has happened!¡± The old steward of King Liang¡¯s mansion stood at the study door and shouted. King Liang frowned deeply. ¡°Come in and speak!¡± The steward hurriedly entered and, after paying his respects, said, ¡°Your Highness, Tongji met Miss Bai¡¯s maid at the corner gate of the Duke¡¯s manor but was caught red-handed by one of the Duke¡¯s nannies. Coincidentally, a funeral procession came by, and the matter escalated in front of the Eldest Princess. As a result, the letter you wrote was opened in public. It turned out to be correspondence between the King of Zhen and the Prince of Nanyan. One of them was a so-called handwritten letter from the King of Zhen, which was actually in the handwriting of the Ancestral Emperor! Miss Bai said in public that you had once asked her for a military book annotated by the Duke. To show her disinterest in associating with you, she gave you a book annotated by the Ancestral Emperor!¡± A military book annotated by the Ancestral Emperor?! The book Bai Qingyan had given him was actually annotated by the Ancestral Emperor?! King Liang¡¯s fists tightened together, and his heart raced so fast that he nearly stumbled backward, unable to stand steadily. ¡°Your Highness!¡± The steward hurriedly stepped forward to support King Liang. ¡°Your Highness, are you alright?!¡± King Liang¡¯s head ached intensely, and his heart pounded as if it would split open his recently healed wounds. ¡°Where is Tongji?!¡± King Liang asked instinctively. ¡°The Eldest Princess took the letters, Tongji, and that maid to the palace to see His Majesty!¡± The steward¡¯s voice trembled. They went to the palace?! He needed to calm down and think of a plan! Even if it was the Ancestral Emperor¡¯s handwriting, he could claim that Bai Weiting used the handwriting for cautious correspondence with the Prince of Nanyan. The only problem was that the letter was found on Tongji, which made it tricky. The steward was frantic. ¡°Your Highness, what should we do? This must be someone trying to frame you! Tongji must have fallen into someone¡¯s trap! If you can hold on¡­ you should still go to the palace to explain to His Majesty!¡± King Liang, with a grim face, suddenly looked up at the steward. In a flash of inspiration, he thought of an excellent excuse. He firmly grasped the steward¡¯s hand. The letter he gave Tongji must have been a love letter. He was merely admiring Miss Bai and wanted to marry her. As for how Tongji¡¯s letter turned into correspondence between the Duke and the Prince of Nanyan, he claimed to know nothing. He would just play dumb, act shocked, and pretend to be unaware in front of the Emperor. He would have Gao Sheng use the condition of saving Liu¡¯s entire family to bring Liu Huanzhang to knock on the Court of Judicial Review¡¯s gate, personally testifying to Duke Bai Weiting¡¯s treason. He would say he risked his life to expose the truth to the world, and that¡¯s why he swapped the letters in Tongji¡¯s hand after learning of King Liang¡¯s plan. Though there were military records, with Liu Huanzhang risking his life to condemn the deceased Bai Weiting, the public would have second thoughts, and the Emperor would have an excuse to reopen the case. King Xin was the Emperor¡¯s legitimate son. Wouldn¡¯t the Emperor and Empress want to protect King Xin? Liu Huanzhang¡¯s appearance would provide a turning point in King Xin¡¯s matter. Even if the Emperor wanted to be a holy and wise ruler who wouldn¡¯t admit to the mistake of bestowing the Duke title on Bai Weiting, thereby giving up on his legitimate son King Xin, Liu Huanzhang¡¯s arrival could still sully the Bai family¡¯s reputation for loyalty and righteousness. King Liang closed his eyes and contemplated. As long as he cleared himself this time, he could plan slowly in the future. As long as he lived, he could eventually strip the Bai family of their loyal facade and trample them into the mud, making them despised by all. Time was tight and left King Liang no room for more thoughts. He told the steward, ¡°Call Tian Weijun over immediately! Quickly!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The steward hurried out to summon Tian Weijun. King Liang rose and walked to his desk, picked up a pen and hastily wrote a few words to Gao Sheng, dried the ink, and just as he folded the letter, Tian Weijun arrived in a hurry. King Liang handed the letter to Tian Weijun. ¡°Time is tight. I can¡¯t explain it to you. Deliver this to Gao Sheng and have him execute the plan without error! Lives depend on it! Hurry!¡± Chapter 144 - Chapter 144: Chapter 143: World Acclaim_1 Chapter 144: Chapter 143: World Acclaim_1 Tian Weijun saw King Liang¡¯s gloomy face. He took the letter and tucked it into his chest, not daring to linger, and immediately exited. Tian Weijun emerged from the side door, leaped onto his horse, and galloped away without noticing the whistle sound coming from behind him. The dozen guards from Duke¡¯s Mansion stationed at the exits of King Liang¡¯s Mansion heard Xiao Ruohai¡¯s secret whistle and swiftly headed toward the source of the sound, chasing after Tian Weijun¡­ Unfortunately, Tian Weijun was focused solely on moving forward and did not notice the highly skilled figures pursuing him from behind. Tian Weijun galloped to a secluded spot in North Alley, dismounted at a shop selling paper offerings. Xiao Ruohai¡¯s raised hand signals changed. Soon, as Tian Weijun knocked on the door, highly skilled guards silently surrounded the shop. The shop was small, looking quite old and dilapidated. Tian Weijun, in his haste, did not tether his horse and urgently knocked on the door. Xiao Ruohai¡¯s hawk-like eyes fixated on Tian Weijun. As soon as the door opened, Xiao Ruohai¡¯s raised hand clenched tightly. Four or five guards leaped from the roof, and the chains encircled Tian Weijun¡¯s neck just as he opened his mouth to utter the first sound. Two guards pulled the chains, capturing Tian Weijun alive just as he was about to speak. The sudden turn of events carried an intense aura of danger. Inside the house, upon hearing noise from the rooftop, Gao Sheng immediately reacted¡­ Retreating while swiftly drawing his sword. Seeing Tian Weijun restrained, Gao Sheng pivoted on his toes and leaped out of the house. The sword intent was pressing, but it was not to save anyone; it was directed straight at Tian Weijun. Gao Sheng moved so quickly that the Bai family¡¯s guards saw only a vague shadow rush by. Before they could draw their swords, Gao Sheng¡¯s sword had already pierced Tian Weijun¡¯s chest. However, to Gao Sheng¡¯s surprise, his sword only penetrated half an inch into Tian Weijun¡¯s flesh before it could go no further. He turned his head, locking eyes with Xiao Ruohai¡¯s calm and steady pupils, instantly sensing the strong threat from Xiao Ruohai. Gao Sheng quickly leaped back to shield the door. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?¦Ï¦Í??.§ã¦Ï The two engaged in a brief, lightning-fast exchange. Even the highly skilled Bai family guards could only see a remnant shadow as the confrontation ended. Gao Sheng stared at Xiao Ruohai, who wielded both a longsword and a short knife, greatly alarmed. This person could not only stop his swift sword but also wielded a longsword and a short knife at the same time! If Gao Sheng had hesitated even for a moment earlier, Xiao Ruohai¡¯s short knife would have pierced his neck. A feeling of inexplicable joy surged in Gao Sheng¡¯s heart, much like standing atop a high mountain and finally meeting a worthy opponent! However, this was not the right time for a duel. He had his responsibilities and mission. Not giving Gao Sheng a chance to catch his breath, Xiao Ruohai attacked first. The remaining Bai family guards had already rushed into the shop selling paper offerings. Inside, the clash of swords and the cry of pain from Liu Huanzhang sounded. Gao Sheng¡¯s eyes narrowed, unable to shake off Xiao Ruohai. According to plan, the guards captured Liu Huanzhang and took him towards Wude Gate. Hearing the commotion, Gao Sheng turned back inside, with Xiao Ruohai following. Inside, the continuous sounds of fighting continued. Tian Weijun, having recovered from the shock of Gao Sheng¡¯s attempt on his life, struggled and roared but couldn¡¯t escape the grip of the Bai Mansion guards. ¡°Who are you?!¡± Tian Weijun¡¯s blood poured from his chest. One guard remembered Tian Weijun¡¯s earlier motion of seemingly trying to take something from his chest. He reached into Tian Weijun¡¯s chest and indeed took out a piece of paper. Unfolding it, his eyes widened. In anger, he used the hilt of his knife to strike Tian Weijun¡¯s head, knocking him unconscious. ¡°Damn it! This is too malicious! Trying to frame our Duke¡¯s Mansion with treason! Underestimated that dog bastard, King Liang!¡± The guard folded the letter and placed it in his chest. ¡°Let¡¯s follow the plan and take this lackey to Wude Gate! Move quickly!¡± Hearing outside that Tian Weijun was to be taken to Wude Gate, Gao Sheng tried to rush out, but Xiao Ruohai was incredibly tenacious, always slippery as mud that could not be shaken off. Thinking of the captured Liu Huanzhang, Gao Sheng¡¯s eyes darkened. Liu Huanzhang¡­could not be allowed to live! Inside, the swords were clashing; blood and flesh were flying¡­ Xiao Ruohai had to admit Gao Sheng¡¯s exceptional martial prowess. The guards he brought were top experts from the Duke¡¯s Mansion, yet Gao Sheng managed to kill three in a one-against-ten situation, even injuring Xiao Ruohai. The heavy scent of blood inside was nauseating! Gao Sheng feigned an attack on Xiao Ruohai, then spun around¡­ His longsword left his hand, piercing Liu Huanzhang, who was being taken away by the guards. The sword ran through his chest and back without any mercy. Gao Sheng could not let the Duke¡¯s Mansion get hold of Liu Huanzhang. If Liu Huanzhang revealed the conspiracy with King Liang, the already unfavored King Liang would face utter ruin. But this exposed Gao Sheng¡¯s back to Xiao Ruohai¡¯s attack range. Xiao Ruohai, not wanting to injure Gao Sheng, shifted his sword slightly, piercing through Gao Sheng¡¯s shoulder armor. Liu Huanzhang¡¯s eyes widened, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Looking down at the sword piercing him, he turned and saw Gao Sheng with a murderous glint in his eyes, disbelief hidden within them, he breathed his last. Xiao Ruohai¡¯s longsword pierced Gao Sheng¡¯s scapula; the short knife pressed tightly against his throat, forcing him to kneel. Yet, he did not kill, valuing Gao Sheng¡¯s expertise. Panting heavily, he attempted to recruit for Bai Qingyan: ¡°Your skills are excellent. Why follow a despicable man like King Liang? You could abandon him and¡­¡± Before Xiao Ruohai could finish, Gao Sheng rammed his neck into the short knife, clearly determined to die. Xiao Ruohai, unwilling to waste such talent, diverted the short knife slightly. Gao Sheng seized the opportunity to break free, pulled out the longsword from Liu Huanzhang, and leaped out the window¡­heading to intercept Tian Weijun. Xiao Ruohai cursed and gave chase, once again becoming entangled with the heavily injured and bleeding Gao Sheng. Inside the Imperial Palace, the Emperor listened to the Eldest Princess¡¯s cries, lifting his gaze from the letter in his hand to look at Bai Qingyan, who stood obediently by the Eldest Princess¡¯s side. The Eldest Princess cried uncontrollably, tears streaming as she said, ¡°The Bai family¡¯s heroic spirits have just been buried, and King Liang resorts to such despicable means to promptly defame the Bai family! The Bai family¡¯s sons sacrificed for the country, personally granted the titles of Duke of Zhen and King of Zhen by Your Majesty! Such slanderous acts, are they to blacken the names of the dead, or insinuate that Your Majesty misjudged and elevated a traitor to a noble rank?!¡± The Emperor¡¯s gaze shifted from Bai Qingyan to the Eldest Princess¡­ It must be said, the Eldest Princess¡¯s last words hit a sore spot for the Emperor. He had dealt with his legitimate son, King Xin, and posthumously honored Bai Weiting as King of Zhen, earning praise throughout the land! If those letters were indeed delivered to Duke of Zhen Bai Weiting¡¯s study, how would the world view him? That he had been fooled by the Bai family, going so far as to deal with his legitimate son, only to find the so-called loyal minister was a traitor!