The monk in the Tianji Hall looked visibly older by thirty years than he had a few days before. He sat cross-legged before the Buddha, silently chanting. The Emperor, pushing open the door, approached the monk and asked, "Why do I have a constant feeling that the Empress might leave at any moment?"
The monk who stopped chanting did not open his eyes. Even if he did, he would have been in darkness. He replied in a hoarse voice, "Amitabha, benefactor, you forced someone who should have left to return. Now let her go."
The emperor stared at the Buddha statue in the hall and said in a deep voice: "I am the true dragon emperor. I will keep her even if I force her."
The monk opened his hollow eyes and sighed, "Donor, our destined marriage will eventually be reunited. For the sake of the people of the world, please do not force it."
The emperor, slamming his sleeves as he left, didn't notice the blood gushing from the monk's mouth and nose. His face, which had previously held a hint of life, was now completely worn down. Two young monks entered the hall, their eyes red as they silently helped the monk clean up.
The monk, feeling increasingly burdened, knelt before the Buddha and muttered to himself. The kind-looking Buddha statue in the hall seemed to have an even more compassionate expression.
The angry emperor returned to the imperial study and sat down to review the memorials. When he saw Ningyuan Hou's memorial of apology and the content in the memorial that the debt had been paid off, he frowned unhappily and finally marked it as read.
After all, the Ningyuan Marquisate is a marquisate that founded the country and assisted the government. Gu Yankai is still needed now, so let them go for now.
At this moment, Bai was sitting in Yu'er's room in Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion. She watched the wet nurse carefully feeding Yu'er with the same smile on her face as always, but she didn't feel very comfortable in her heart.
Perhaps Yu Ge'er was born smart. In his previous life, when he was only three years old, he was able to make Gu Yankai ignore Bai Shi with just a few words. At that time, Gu Yankai may have remembered Bai Shi's contribution to giving birth to children. Although he was not very close to her, he would at least smile at her occasionally.
Gu Yankai, who has been guarding the border for many years, spends only a few days in the mansion every year, but every time the relationship seems to be getting better, it is brought back to freezing point with just a few words from Yu Ge'er.
Bai Shi could not have any intention of harming the child, but as long as Yu Ge'er was around, Bai Shi and her child would probably not have a peaceful life.
Coming out of Yu'er's courtyard, Bai slowly walked towards Jiaxi Hall. On the way, she saw Concubine Xia's back hurriedly running towards the outer courtyard. Bai winked at Liu'er, and Liu'er followed Concubine Xia.
In recent days, besides paying respects and visiting Brother Yu, Bai has been staying at home checking the account books and sorting out the assets. Bai's father wrote back yesterday, saying that business is doing better than before and asking Bai not to worry about the family while she's at the Marquis' Mansion.
After reading the two account books, Liu'er came back and replied, "Madam, Aunt Xia..."
After closing the account book, Mrs. Bai calmly instructed Liu'er, "Just tell the truth."
Liu'er lowered her head and said, "Madam Xia went to the prince's study in the outer courtyard. I heard from Xiaolan, who is familiar with her, that the marquis was in the room missing his late wife. After Madam Xia went there, she went into the room and never came out again."
Chang'er, who was accompanying him, cursed angrily in a low voice: "Slutty vixen!"
Bai glanced at Chang'er and waved Liu'er away. She then warned Chang'er, "You, we're not in the Bai Mansion anymore, nor are we in a merchant's house. A single word from a noble family could cost you your life. From now on, don't go anywhere alone."
Chang'er nodded repeatedly and handed a cup of white tea to Bai.
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