The Crown Prince hadn't been in a good mood these past two days. The events at the Bai residence had finally spread, and not only did that old scoundrel, Prime Minister Liu, not only fail to support him, but also wanted to use this opportunity to strike at Bai Linan. So, he actually summoned Liu Shuyao back to her parents' home. Although Liu Shuyao was no longer loyal to her family, she couldn't openly refuse, so she returned to the Eastern Palace after only one day. However, to outsiders, it didn't seem like that at all.
Thus, the Crown Prince and the second young lady of the Bai family had an affair at the eldest young lady's coming-of-age ceremony, which was caught in the act by the Crown Princess. The news that the Crown Princess was so angry that she returned to her parents' home spread like wildfire, embellished with vivid details. Following this, rumors began to circulate that the eldest young lady of the Bai family was arrogant, disrespectful, unfilial, and extravagant.
During the morning court session, not only was the Crown Prince severely reprimanded by the censor, but Bai Linan was also impeached for failing to properly educate his daughter. Enraged, Bai Linan stormed into Bai Chuwan's courtyard after court and beat her severely, much to Xie Shi's distress. Bai Chuwan was so badly beaten that she couldn't get out of bed.
However, Bai Chuxiao was unaffected by these rumors and calmly left the house under Bai Linan's gloomy gaze.
She first went to her second uncle's residence to tell her second brother that she could go to the military camp. Then, she asked her second aunt and brother about their plans for marriage. However, Murong Xuan only left a faint message: "I am now a commoner, so I'd better not consider it for now, lest I wrong another young lady."
Bai Chuxiao could only sigh and didn't mention Sister Xihan again. She decided to wait until her second brother figured things out before making any decisions, lest Sister Xihan be disappointed.
Walking down the street with Qingzhu, they attracted quite a few admiring glances, after all, she was now considered one of the rumored female protagonists.
Qingzhu said indignantly, "Miss, what kind of eyes do these people have? It's clearly the Second Miss who is... how come they're spreading such awful rumors about you?"
Bai Chuxiao smiled slightly, not minding at all. "It's alright. My rumors won't last long. The Crown Prince and my second sister are the main characters."
"Is it possible that Aunt Xie is holding a grudge and deliberately ruining Miss's reputation? I heard she went back to her parents' home before, who knows if she might..."
"She's definitely involved, but not entirely." She has no way of investigating who's behind this. She knows perfectly well who's pulling the strings, or who's just resorting to these tricks.
Upon entering Qingyi Pavilion and ascending to the second floor, they found the storyteller in the center of the hall narrating with great enthusiasm. There were quite a few refined scholars and gentlemen drinking tea and listening to stories there today. However, among the usually open private rooms, one door was tightly shut. Bai Chuxiao glanced around for a moment, then, without much thought, ordered a pot of fine tea and some snacks. She then led Qingzhu to listen with great interest. The story was roughly about...
A prince from the previous dynasty, not content with his principal wife, sought power and secretly met with other officials' daughters. He was caught red-handed at one of their residences. The daughter, pregnant before even entering the mansion, was tragically abandoned, left with no child and a life of solitary devotion… As for who this prince was, and who the daughter was, it goes without saying; everyone understands…
Qingzhu asked softly, "Miss, Second Miss... oh no, that official's daughter really got pregnant and ended up becoming a nun?"
Bai Chuxiao flicked her head and laughed, "Just telling a story. It's possible she's pregnant, but if that prince really wanted power, he would naturally find a way to bring her into his mansion. Why would he let her become a nun..."
At a table not far away, a scholar-looking man laughed loudly, "Speaking of which, Lord Bai Xiang has countless disciples, but I never expected to raise such a group of daughters. The second young lady is shameless, and the eldest young lady is unfilial. It's truly pathetic."
Qingzhu was furious upon hearing this and wanted to teach him a lesson, but Bai Chuxiao quickly pulled her back.
A person at another table said, "I don't think so. The Second Miss's matter is undeniable and based on evidence, but the Eldest Miss's matter is all just rumors. Moreover, the Eldest Miss Bai is the champion of this year's Spring Banquet. I also heard that the Eldest Miss Bai defeated the Southern Border Princess with an arrow at the palace banquet to welcome the Southern Border envoy. Can such a person be as bad as the rumors say?"
Everyone agreed, and someone else chimed in, "This young master is right. The rumors about Miss Bai came suddenly; it's likely someone deliberately trying to divert attention. But ultimately, the one who lost face the most this time is Lord Bai Xiang."
Hearing this, Bai Chuxiao recalled Bai Linan's expression when she left and nodded to herself, agreeing.
Just as everyone was engaged in lively conversation, a man with a sword at his waist emerged from the closed private room, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Miss Bai, my master invites you in for a chat."
Bai Chuxiao was a little surprised; she had just been wondering who was inside. So she nodded and followed Qingzhu inside.
Seeing the nearly sixty-year-old yet still energetic person sitting inside, Bai Chuxiao was even more surprised. This wasn't… “Your Majesty…”
Receiving a glance from the person before her, she quickly changed her address, "Greetings, Master." Who else could this person be but Emperor Wenxuan?
Emperor Wenxuan smiled and said, "Sit."
Qingzhu had never met the person before and didn't recognize him. She only felt a heavy pressure emanating from this old man, so she felt somewhat uncomfortable and dared not speak or sit down, silently standing behind Bai Chuxiao.
Emperor Wenxuan listened leisurely to the conversation outside, occasionally asking her a question. Looking at the composed and confident woman before him, Emperor Wenxuan raised an eyebrow.
"You're quite an interesting girl. There aren't many girls who can sit still and listen to others talk about themselves without batting an eye while drinking tea in a place like this."
Bai Chuxiao smiled slightly, "Since you're out here, you're just looking for some excitement, so let them say what they want. Besides, I'm not the real protagonist of this story, and there's no need for me to get involved."
Emperor Wenxuan nodded and smiled, "You're right. I was getting impatient and couldn't resist coming out to join in the fun."
Bai Chuxiao didn't reply, but silently thought to herself, "Are you the kind of person who just randomly shows up to join in the fun? There aren't many people who can listen to their son's gossip with such interest. What am I compared to you?"
Seeing that she remained silent, Emperor Wenxuan asked with a smile, "Then what do you think of the stories the people outside are telling..."
Bai Chuxiao remained silent. "You want me to comment on your son's romantic escapades? What hobbies do you have?" she asked. Then she replied calmly, "The storybooks are quite good; they're enjoyable to read. As for that prince, people mostly just praise his romantic escapades, but in the end, it's the women in the stories who suffer the most..."
Emperor Wenxuan nodded. "You're quite perceptive, girl. One should always be content..."
Looking at his expression, Bai Chuxiao inwardly scoffed. "If you were so content, how could you be in your current position?" she thought. Then she smiled and said, "Master is right. Contentment brings happiness. Cherish those around you; most people don't understand that."
Emperor Wenxuan murmured, lost in thought, "Cherish the person before you...?" There was once a wonderful woman, but he ultimately betrayed her... However, if he could do it all over again, perhaps he would still make the same choice: the path to becoming emperor... a path of no return...
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