Chapter 153: 152: Protecting with One's Life_1

Chapter 153: Chapter 152: Protecting with One’s Life_1

Bai Jintong knew this was instructed by her elder sister, so she held her teacup and drank in silence.

“Robbed? Haha… even the heavens can’t stand it!” Bai Jinzhi couldn’t help but gloat, standing up to ask, “All those injuries, are they crippled?”

Nanny Jiang outside the screen found herself caught between tears and laughter due to Bai Jinzhi’s reaction, “The front yard received the report. I haven’t gone to see it yet.”

Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes and sneered coldly, speaking slowly, “Our Bai family’s widows are all women. When the title still existed, we were still dwindling and couldn’t protect the Bai Mansion’s estate before the Shuoyang clan. Now that we’ve lost the title… how can an orphaned mother and child decide for the clan? Besides, I said at grandfather’s funeral that it was unsafe for uncle to carry four hundred fifty thousand taels of silver back to Shuoyang. I pleaded for them to wait until after the funeral to send someone to escort them back. They insisted on going alone. Now they claim to be robbed… instead of finding the local government office, they come to the Bai family. They’re likely trying to take advantage of my mother’s and my aunts’ dowries, aren’t they?”

The always fierce Mrs. Liu dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, fuming, “I think Kid is right! If they don’t go to the local government, what use is it to come to us? We no longer have a title. How can a household of widows decide for him? Back then, he took the silver and insisted on leaving. Didn’t Kid try to dissuade him? Or does the clan really want to seize our dowries and force us to our deaths? Let him go!”

Mrs. Dong spoke unhurriedly, “Considering the timing… I guess this cousin of the clan has likely visited the local office. He is now back to leverage the status of Eldest Princess to press the local officials to retrieve the silver.”

Could the Eldest Princess not be angry with the clan? Do they truly believe they can manipulate her as if she were their livestock?

The Eldest Princess’s eyes darkened. She leaned loosely against a round pillow, her tone calm, “I’m old. I will enter the Qing Temple at fifteen for imperial retreat. My remaining energy… other than occasional involvement in the Duke’s household affairs, I have no heart or strength for other matters.”

This was a clear message to Bai Qiyun. She didn’t wish to manage the clan affairs, but if her granddaughters were involved, she would not stand aside. It was also a warning to the clan not to think they could easily bully her granddaughters and daughters-in-law in Shuoyang.

“Speaking of Bai family’s estate…” Bai Qingyan turned towards Mrs. Dong, “Mr. Xiao Rongyan has been benevolent, yet he hasn’t sent anyone to demand the settlement of accounts and contracts. But our Bai family shouldn’t delay because of his kindness. Since the Bai family affair is concluded, Mother… send someone to the Xiao Mansion to discuss the day for settling accounts and handing over deeds for shops.”

“Kid is right. Eldest daughter-in-law, this matter should be handled sooner rather than later,” Eldest Princess said.

Mrs. Dong rose and bowed to Eldest Princess, “Mother, I will arrange this matter first and then settle the clan cousin.”

“Thank you for your hard work!” Eldest Princess said sincerely to Mrs. Dong.

After Mrs. Dong left, Eldest Princess had Bai Qingyan stay while letting others rest. After all, the Bai family members were exhausted.

Bai Jinxiu held Mrs. Liu’s arm as they left Changshou Courtyard, walking her back. The nanny and maid kept their distance. Bai Jinxiu lowered her voice to speak to Mrs. Liu, “Mother, don’t worry about me staying alone in Dadu City. Grandmother is still here. Besides, with Marquis of Loyalty and Courage dead, Mrs. Jiang ordered never to return to the Marquis Mansion. I won’t be bullied.”

Source: , updated on ƝοѵǤօ.сᴑ

Mrs. Liu, tearfully holding her daughter’s hand, said, “But now the Princely Heir position of Qin Lang is gone too! I can’t be at peace with you here alone!”

“Mother…” Bai Jinxiu’s eyes reddened, gripping Mrs. Liu’s hand, “If it’s for me, follow Big Aunt back to Shuoyang. Mother should listen more to her calm and assertive direction. She will protect you well. Mother… patiently wait. I will honorably await your and Aunt’s return in Dadu City.”

“Jinxiu, what do you mean by this? Mother doesn’t understand,” Mrs. Liu asked, confused and her heart clenching, “Are you planning something dangerous?”

“Mother, it’s not me who’s at risk, it’s Eldest Sister!” Bai Jinxiu tightly gripped her mother’s hand, walking steadily step by step, “Eldest Sister is going to Southern Territory! I can’t hide this from you, so I’m telling you in advance. Don’t spread the word.”

“What?!” Mrs. Liu’s heart skipped a beat.

Bai Jinxiu lowered her voice more, “Eldest Sister is a natural born general praised by Grandfather! The Emperor wants her to clean up the mess in the Southern Territory and she agreed! She also asked His Majesty for a favor for me, to use her military achievements to petition my royal decree promotion to a lady of top first rank.”

Mrs. Liu halted, eyes wide and red, shaking her head, “No! This cannot be! Your Eldest Sister is no longer the top martial artist who captured General Pang Pingguo of Shu Kingdom! The Southern Territory is filled with defeated soldiers! What if she doesn’t return? How can you be at ease with such a title? I can’t face your Big Aunt if something happens to her! It’s absolutely out of the question!”

Young General Bai… was a title given to Bai Qingyan by the Bai family’s military after she beheaded Great General Pang Pingguo of Shu Kingdom.

“Mother!” Bai Jinxiu gripped Mrs. Liu’s hands, so tightly her knuckles turned white, “The Emperor’s edict cannot be defied! It’s Eldest Sister’s wish to avenge Grandfather and our uncles and brothers in the Southern Territory! Although she has lost her martial arts, her mind and strategy are unparalleled. I believe in her! Mother, you must believe in her too!”

Mrs. Liu’s heart was in turmoil, appreciation mixed with sorrow. Bai Qingyan petitioned for Bai Jinxiu’s promotion, thinking of her hardships and future in Dadu City.

“Mother, if your heart is unsettled… continue praying in the mansion. Pray for gods and Bai family spirits to protect Eldest Sister’s safe return! The Southern Territory is perilous, but she thought of me before leaving. Shuoyang may not remain peaceful. You must protect Big Aunt!”

Bai Jinxiu knew her mother. Although Big Aunt was strong enough to not need protecting by her mother, she needed to give her something to focus on.

Changshou Courtyard within.

Bai Qingyan sat straight beside Eldest Princess, watching Wei Zhong kowtowing.

The candle within the glass shade burned brightly, the flame darting upward.

Wei Zhong knelt in the center, lowering his eyes, not daring to look directly at Eldest Princess and Bai Qingyan.

The aged Eldest Princess, her gray hair neatly arranged, held prayer beads in her hand. Despite her compassionate demeanor, her eyes revealed decisive authority, “This time, as the eldest young lady heads to the Southern Territory, you must ensure her safe retreat without any mistake! I’ve given her half of the black jade dragon token. From now on… you have no relation to this old woman, Eldest Young Lady is your master, you must protect her with your lives!”