Chapter 443: Chapter 440: A Narrow Escape from Death_1 Chapter 443: Chapter 440: A Narrow Escape from Death_1 One had the audacity to dream of marrying into the Lu family with Prime Minister Luâs grandson, Lu Yuanqing. Another, who had never even met Dong Changyuan, called him âCousin Changyuanâ as if it was proper to get even closer by marriage!
Bai Jinxiu was too well-mannered to sneer at those two girls.
This year, there had been a civil examination scandal. Although the results were yet to be officially announced, word had quietly spread about who would rank in the top three.
Currently, Minister Chenâs grandson, Chen Zhaolu, Prime Minister Luâs grandson, Lu Yuanqing, and the son of Dong Qingyue, Governor of Dengzhou, Dong Changyuan, were the most sought-after candidates among noble girls.
Since the threshold of Minister Chenâs and Prime Minister Luâs homes were too high, the two girls set their sights on Dong Changyuan.
They complained to Bai Jinxiu, saying that if Chen Zhaolu and Lu Yuanqing were acceptable, then why couldnât Dong Changyuan, their maternal cousin, be a match made in heaven? They insisted that as long as Bai Jinxiu spoke up, it would be a done deal!
Bai Jinxiu kindly advised the two that their expectations for marriage should not be too high, as it might damage their reputation if word got out.
The two girls then burst into tears, accusing Bai Jinxiu of bearing a grudge and using the matter of marriage to manipulate them. They lamented that without a mother to advocate for them, they couldnât say anything.
Bai Jinxiu did not complain to Qin Lang. She chose a day when Qin Lang was napping in his room and met with the two girls in a side hall. Qin Lang heard from Bai Jinxiuâs maid, Cuibi, that this was not the first time these two from the Qin family caused a scene with Bai Jinxiu. Bai Jinxiu, thinking that Qin Lang needed to focus on his studies, did not inform him of this matter. Only when the two girls threatened to harm themselves outside the courtyard gate did Bai Jinxiu agree to meet them in the side hall to avoid disturbing Qin Langâs rest.
Qin Lang was enraged upon hearing this.
Dong Changyuan was the legitimate second son of the Governor of Dengzhou. Even Minister Chen and Prime Minister Lu wanted to marry their granddaughters to him. How could they possibly think someone from the Qin family stood a chance? Didnât they know about their motherâs reputation or how their father had died? Didnât they realize that the Qin family no longer held any title, yet they still shamelessly tried to attach themselves to the Bai family?
Although furious, Qin Lang suppressed his anger and advised the two girls to support their pregnant elder sister-in-law instead of causing trouble for her.
The two girls restrained themselves for a few days. However, they soon resumed their antics, growing irritated when Bai Jinxiu received an invitation from the Dong family but did not take them along to the Dong Mansion.
Yesterday, Qin Langâs two sisters cried outside his study, claiming they missed their mother. Irritated by their weeping, Qin Lang threatened that if they kept disturbing his studies, he would send them to reunite with their mother. Scared, the two sisters hurriedly retreated and did not raise the matter again.
Such trivial matters were thus resolved without Bai Jinxiuâs significant effort. It was not worth bothering Bai Qingyan with these household squabbles.
Bai Qingyan saw the genuine smile in Bai Jinxiuâs expression and firmly grasped her hand. âAs long as Qin Lang treats you well, thatâs all that matters!â
Thinking of this, Bai Jinxiu looked at Bai Qingyan and asked, âEldest Young Lady⊠do you have feelings for Mr. Xiao?â
Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes and replied, âThe Bai familyâs future is uncertain. How dare I indulge in personal feelings?â
Dare to?
Bai Jinxiuâs grip on her handkerchief tightened. It was clear⊠the Eldest Young Lady indeed had feelings for Mr. Xiao.
Bai Jinxiu remained silent for a moment, contemplating Xiao Rongyan. âEldest Young Lady, we sisters are speaking in private. If you truly have feelings for Mr. Xiao, perhaps he could marry into our Bai family!â
Marry in?!
Bai Qingyan laughed softly at Bai Jinxiuâs suggestion. How could the Ninth Prince of Yan marry into the Bai family?
âJinxiu, the Bai familyâs future is jeopardized. The peace and prosperity our family has longed for generations have yet to be achieved. The Eldest Young Lady will not consider matters of the heart!â Bai Qingyan smiled. âYou need not worry about this matter!â
Bai Jinxiu wanted to say more but stopped. She understood the Eldest Young Ladyâs aspiration wasnât marriage and children, confined to the inner residence.
The carriage slowly stopped at the gate of the Imperial Qing Temple. Bai Qingyan helped Bai Jinxiu down the carriage and saw the tall and poised Xiao Rongyan standing under the osmanthus tree at Qing Temple. He was surrounded by the fragrance of osmanthus, and his deep, dark eyes gazed warmly at her, as tenderly as that night at Huxin Pavilion in Shuoyang.
When Xiao Rongyanâs fingers intertwined with hers, clasping her hand tightly, the heat from his palm sent a familiar warmth through her, making her palm itch.
Bai Qingyan steadied her emotions and approached Xiao Rongyan, bowing. âThank you, Mr. Xiao, for escorting us. It was troublesome for you!â
Xiao Rongyan reciprocated the bow. âTo be of service to Miss Bai is a pleasureâŠâ
Bai Qingyan smiled and nodded to Xiao Rongyan before stepping into the Qing Temple with Nanny Jiang, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jinzhi, and Bai Jinse.
Yue Shi approached Xiao Rongyan and whispered, âMaster, shall we go now?â
âNo rushâŠâ Xiao Rongyan replied with a smile. He had clearly seen Bai Qingyanâs ears turn red a moment ago.
Bai Qingyanâs skin was extremely fair; despite her great restraint, her red ears were unmistakable.
It was July. The courtyard where the Eldest Princess resided was lush with shade.
A canopy of silk shaded the courtyard, preventing any insects from flying in from under the trees.
The Eldest Princess and Miss Lu sat under a tree in the courtyard, playing chess. Lu Ninghuan noticed the Eldest Princess glancing towards the courtyard entrance from time to time and smiled. âToday, Miss Bai and the fourth young lady return. Godmotherâs heart is unsettled.â
âYes!â The Eldest Princess placed the chess pieces back into the box. âHaving barely escaped death on the battlefield, both children surely got injured. Especially Kid⊠he never says a word about his injuries and bears it all by himself to avoid making us worry!â
âGodmother, do not fret. When the eldest young lady arrives, I will examine her pulse. If she has any injuries, they wonât escape my detection!â Lu Ninghuan said as she stood up, retrieving the teapot. âI will prepare a fresh pot of tea for Godmother. How about⊠the sparrowâs tongue tea that Miss Bai likes?â
âThat would be nice!â the Eldest Princess nodded.
Hearing the voices of Nanny Jiang and Bai Qingyan coming from a distance, the Eldest Princess hurriedly stood up, supporting herself on the stone table, taking a few steps to the door.
When she saw Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinzhi, still clad in their armor, the Eldest Princessâs eyes reddenedâŠ
In the glaring sunlight, the young girl in silver armor had her long hair neatly tied on top of her head, stood tall and slender, stepping forward with a resolute stride and a commanding presence.
In a flash, the Eldest Princess was reminded of her husband, son, and grandson!
Each one of them had carried themselves with such dignity and strength, yet ultimately, they had all perished in the Southern Frontier.
Tears welled in the Eldest Princessâs eyes as she seemed to see the seventeen sons of the Bai family in their silver armor, full of vigor as they set out for battle. But now⊠there was no more Bai familyâs Seventeen Lang!
As Bai Qingyan and her party neared, the Eldest Princess dabbed her tears with a handkerchief. She gathered her composure and returned to her seat at the stone table. She picked up a few chess pieces from the box and held them in her palm, staring at the chessboard.