Madam Xie cried out in terror, "It's her! She knows we killed her, she's here for revenge!"
Bai Linan couldn't let her run wild, and quickly stopped her, saying, "I think you're delirious from your illness. Stop talking nonsense. I'll have Chief Physician Zhang come to see you tomorrow. You should take good care of yourself."
He then said to Bai Chuwan in a deep voice, "Wan'er, take good care of your mother. You absolutely cannot let her talk nonsense again; what kind of image would that have if word got out?"
He then instructed Caiyue, "You are all Madam's personal maids. Take good care of her. Don't let anyone else into Ruyi Courtyard recently. Today, Madam was just talking nonsense because of her illness. Don't let anyone spread this outside."
Caiyue stammered, "We know, we've been keeping watch over the courtyard lately, but Madam keeps saying she sees the eldest young lady by her bedside at night."
Bai Linan was also filled with doubt. So many years had passed since that incident, yet Xie was suddenly talking nonsense. Could it be that Bai Chuxiao knew something and was secretly causing trouble? But how could she have such abilities, and how could she know? Everyone who knew about this back then except Xie was dead. It seemed he needed to find an opportunity to test her. He should have nipped the problem in the bud back then…
"I will send guards to keep watch. They must be careful recently, and no unauthorized personnel are allowed in." As the Left Prime Minister, he naturally maintained a group of secret guards around him. Although few in number, they were all highly skilled. He also had people keeping an eye on Bai Chuxiao recently; he couldn't afford to be wary of his eldest daughter.
The following afternoon, Chief Zhang arrived at the residence, but not alone; the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, and Prince Yan all came together.
Bai Linan led everyone in the manor to rush out to greet them, "This old minister greets the Crown Prince, and His Highnesses Qi and Yan."
The Crown Prince personally helped him up and said with a warm smile, "Prime Minister, there's no need for such formalities. I only decided to come and see you because I happened to hear Chief Zhang mention it. I just didn't expect to run into my sixth and seventh brothers on the way. How is Madam Xie?"
Bai Linan replied in a deep voice, "Your Highness, thank you for your concern. However, my wife is indeed quite ill. I hope Chief Physician Zhang can take a look at her."
Chief Scholar Zhang smiled and said, "You're too kind, Prime Minister. Please lead the way."
"My wife is currently quite delirious and unable to receive guests, Your Highnesses..."
Chu Tianling looked at Bai Chuxiao and smiled, "Why don't you show us around the manor, Miss?"
Bai Chuxiao was speechless, inwardly sighing that Prince Qi was out of his mind, while Bai Chuwan gazed at the Crown Prince with tender affection.
Bai Linan immediately instructed, "Chu Xiao, Wan'er, you two should treat the princes well."
He then smiled and said, "Then this old minister will not accompany Your Highnesses any longer, and will take Chief Academician Zhang with me first."
The Crown Prince nodded, and after Bai Linan left...
The crown prince looked at his two younger brothers and smiled, "Why are Sixth Brother and Seventh Brother here?"
Chu Tianze said coldly, "Xiaoxiao is my fiancée. I came to see if there was anything wrong with her. I just don't know why Sixth Brother has come today."
Chu Tianling laughed, "I haven't seen Miss Bai in a long time, and I've missed her quite a bit."
Bai Chuxiao's expression also turned cold. "Your Highness, please be careful with your words."
The Crown Prince only realized today that something was wrong between his two younger brothers. He didn't expect that his sixth brother would still have such thoughts. Wasn't he always fighting with him for Wan'er? Now he has his eye on Miss Bai.
This sixth brother had always been at odds with him, so he was naturally happy to make things difficult for him. "Yes, sixth brother, Miss Bai is seventh brother's fiancée. You can't just say things like that. Don't you usually come to see Wan'er?"
Chu Tianling said calmly, "I only consider Miss Bai a friend. Does Chu Xiao not want to acknowledge me as a friend?"
Bai Chuxiao's tone betrayed no joy or sorrow, "How could Chuxiao dare to be friends with His Highness Prince Qi?"
Chu Tianling was also somewhat annoyed. He had always been polite to her, but Bai Chuxiao was ungrateful and showed no kindness whatsoever. However, he always got what he wanted, so he wouldn't hold back.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Bai Chuwan came out and said with a smile, "Wan'er, would you please take the princes inside to sit and chat at your leisure?"
Chu Tianze looked at Bai Chuxiao and smiled, "Xiaoxiao, I've never been here before. How about you show me around? As for Fourth Brother and Sixth Brother, you can do as you please."
Bai Chuxiao nodded, and the Crown Prince chuckled, "Then you may go. Sixth Brother, don't disturb them. How about Wan'er shows us around?"
Chu Tianling coldly replied, "No need. I just remembered I have some matters to attend to, so I won't keep Your Highness company any longer." With that, he turned and left.
Bai Chuxiao led Chu Tianze back to her study in the Glazed Tile Courtyard. Chu Tianze looked at the books casually placed on the desk and smiled, "Xiaoxiao actually likes reading military books?"
Bai Chuxiao sat casually and said lazily, "I grew up in the Murong family, what's so strange about me looking at military books?"
Then he asked, "What brings you here today?"
Chu Tianze smiled. "I've been calling you these past few days, but you haven't come out. What happened? Is this Xie family affair your doing?"
Bai Chuxiao nodded. "My mother's death was suspicious, and it was definitely related to the Xie family. Even my so-called father was involved."
She thought for a moment, then looked into his eyes and asked, "Chu Tianze, I haven't asked you yet, but now the Crown Prince is clearly trying to curry favor with you. What do you think? As the truth slowly comes to light, my relationship with the people in the Left Prime Minister's residence is destined to be irreconcilable."
Chu Tianze looked into her eyes and said firmly, "Xiaoxiao, do whatever you want. I will support you. I don't need to rely on the Left Prime Minister's power, nor will I get involved in my brothers' struggles. What they do is not important to me. I just want you to be well."
Then, with a smile, she asked, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Bai Chuxiao shook her head. "It's just a small matter, I can handle it myself."
She curled the corners of her lips again and asked, "But if I really fall out with the Left Prime Minister's family, it won't do for my reputation. Are you really not worried at all?"
Chu Tianze chuckled, "Xiaoxiao, you're so outstanding, I actually worry about you every day. If your reputation were really bad and everyone avoided you like the plague, I'd be happy for you."
Bai Chuxiao snorted, "You don't care, but doesn't your mother care either?"
"Xiaoxiao, what does reputation matter? My mother also endured the cold words and gossip in the palace. When I was little, my brothers weren't very friendly to me. It's only gotten a little better now."
Bai Chuxiao seemed to remember something and asked, "Speaking of which, your mother was quite strange that day. Did she really not know my maternal grandfather? I originally thought that she intended to ask for a second sister for you, but Bai Chuwan was unwilling, so it fell to me..."
Chu Tianze was also puzzled. "Do you also find it strange? I specifically asked my mother when I went back that day, but she wouldn't say. Have you heard General Murong say anything about it?"
Bai Chuxiao shook his head. His maternal grandfather rarely mentioned matters of the capital to him. It seemed he would have to visit his second uncle another day; perhaps he knew something.
Chu Tianze suddenly patted her head and said affectionately, "In any case, I am very grateful for Mother's actions, otherwise how would I have met such a wonderful Xiaoxiao?"
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