Chapter 96: 95: A Gentleman's 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!”

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—a 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.”