Holding the contracts in her hand, Bai finally felt at ease. It was clear that the Ningyuan Marquisate was eager to agree to such harsh conditions. As long as the contracts were in hand, Bai was not afraid of repeating the same mistakes.

However, things seemed different in this life. Empress Jing'an in the palace did not pass away like in the previous life, but fell into a long sleep. However, the fate of the imperial concubine and other concubines remained the same as in the previous life, and the Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion also chose the Bai family.

The wedding with the Ningyuan Marquis was set for two months later. Originally, it was to take place within ten days, just like in his previous life. However, after Bai's father inquired about the formalities, he refused to agree. According to the Marquis's original plan, it was more like taking in a concubine. No banquet, no relatives, just a few tables at the mansion.

Wasn't that how Bai married in her previous life? Otherwise, why would she be looked down upon? They said she was a concubine in the Marquis's mansion and forced Qin to death in order to become the main wife.

Oh, this is the dignified Marquisate, in dire straits, with no other way to save the title, and to exchange the position of a Marquis's wife for money. With the money, the title was saved, but they disliked the Bai family in every way, thinking that the Bai family was a symbol of shame for the Marquisate.

The betrothal gift in this life was double that of the previous one, and the wedding was to be held according to the same standards as the Marquis's wife, Qin. Father Bai had thought the Marquis's family would not agree, but unexpectedly, the fourth wife, who came to propose marriage, agreed after a moment's thought. She also promised that Gu Yan would hold a meeting to welcome the bride, and Father Bai was delighted and praised her repeatedly.

Bai, once again riding in a wedding sedan, hadn't expected Gu Yankai to personally come to greet her. The journey took nearly ten days, as they were transported from sedan to boat, then back again, before arriving at the Ningyuan Marquis's residence. Although Gu Yankai hadn't met Bai along the way, he occasionally sent her rare finds from the nearby prefectures.

"The ceremony is over, and we will be escorted to the bridal chamber."

Holding the red silk in one hand and supported by Chang'er (Chang's mother in the previous life) in the other, Bai walked towards Jiaxi Hall. Her face was calm under the veil, without a trace of joy at the upcoming marriage.

Her eyes suddenly lit up as her veil was lifted, revealing a pair of calm eyes. Bai looked at them and then lowered her head. Gu Yankai lowered the scale and said, "Madam, please rest for a while. I'll go out and socialize and return shortly."

Bai nodded slightly, and Gu Yankai left the room. Bai asked Chang'er to help her remove her jewelry and hairpins, and Chang'er quickly agreed to come over to serve.

Gu Yankai didn't return that night. Just like in his previous life, when Gu Yanyu wasn't feeling well, Gu Yankai abandoned his newly married wife. Bai Shi didn't wait all night like she had in her previous life. Instead, she ate, took a nice hot bath, and then fell asleep in bed.

Gu Yankai did come the next morning and explained with an embarrassed look, "Madam, I'm so sorry. Brother Yu has been in poor health since birth. You must take good care of him from now on."

Bai, who was sitting at the table eating breakfast, didn't say anything. Chang'er beside her spoke up, "My Lord, my young lady is not a doctor. You left my young lady behind on your wedding night. I believe you are very good at taking care of the young master. My young lady won't compete with you for your credit."

Gu Yankai pointed at Chang'er with an ugly expression and angrily said, "You little bitch, how dare you be so talkative! Come here."

With a clatter, Bai threw her chopsticks onto the table and said gently, "Sir, what are you doing? I'm in charge of the servants of the Bai family. It's better for you not to interfere."

Gu Yankai looked at the serious Bai Shi. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he remembered that he hadn't received the money from the Bai family yet. He kept telling himself to be patient. After a while, Gu Yankai smiled a smile that was uglier than crying and said, "Madam, how could that be? Your husband will have dinner with you."

Bai held out her hand and Chang'er came over to help her stand up. She stood up and said to Gu Yankai, "I have used it. Please take your time."