Chapter 30 "Abao, don't be afraid."...
Such a beauty! I used to think the rumors about her were exaggerated, but now that I've seen her in person, I realize that those words couldn't fully capture her beauty.
"You must be Qingrong's friend. Don't be so polite." Bai Xuerou looked at Bai Qingrong.
“Sister, this is my good friend Yu Kai, courtesy name Jizhi. You can just call him Jizhi,” Bai Qingrong said immediately.
"Ji Zhi." Upon hearing the surname Yu, Bai Xue Rou's heart stirred slightly. She looked at the person beside her. Someone had been waiting here when she arrived, and upon asking, she learned that they were from the Yu family of the Minister's Mansion.
Sure enough, the person who had been waiting nearby stepped forward happily and said, "It's Third Young Master! The Minister told us a few days ago that we were waiting for you here. You've finally arrived."
"The Minister was still thinking about you this morning and sent someone to inquire about you."
The people from Minister Yu's residence had been there for quite some time. They had just seen the two young men alight from their carriages one after the other and had thought about it, but seeing that they were heading towards the Prince of Zhenbei's residence, they stopped. They hadn't expected that it really was their own young men.
Upon seeing this, Bai Xuerou whispered to Bai Qingrong, "It's the Yu family of Huainan. How do you two know each other?"
The siblings had always whispered like this since they were young. Bai Qingrong immediately lowered her voice and replied, "Jizhi went out to travel, and we happened to meet him. We got along very well and decided to travel together."
"That's quite a coincidence," Bai Xuerou praised, though her true thoughts were obvious. She then said, "I've already tidied up the house for you. You must be tired from your long journey, so go back and rest first."
"Thank you for your trouble, sister," Bai Qingrong said with a smile.
While the siblings were talking, Yu Kai had already spoken with the butler and came over to say goodbye.
Then they each set off for Chang'an.
The Yu family's carriage will follow later, waiting for the Zhenbei Prince's carriage to go first.
Bai Qingrong watched silently, seemingly lost in thought.
The former glory of the aristocratic families has gradually declined since the current imperial family established a reliable system and selected capable individuals. This is an open and aboveboard scheme, and even if the aristocratic families are dissatisfied and repeatedly try to obstruct it, they cannot resist the imperial power.
Families like the Wu and Bai families only gradually rose to prominence after the imperial examinations.
The imperial examination system was the inevitable trend. No matter who became emperor, no one would be foolish enough to allow aristocratic families to dominate and perpetuate the fate of the previous dynasty. The aristocratic families were destined to be unable to stop it.
However, this did not prevent powerful families from betting on the new dynasty during times of chaos, hoping to continue their own glory.
Who will the Yu family choose, or have they already chosen someone?
Because of her modern memories, Bai Xuerou doesn't have much of a connection to aristocratic families; they are something that appears in accordance with the tide of history and will inevitably disappear with it.
Compared to these things, she was more concerned about something else: "Why has the Yu family suddenly come to the capital?"
Such aristocratic families value legitimate and illegitimate children the most, and further distinguish between the eldest legitimate son and the eldest illegitimate son.
Yu Kai was born into the eldest branch of the family and held a noble status. Bai Xuerou always felt that Yu Kai's sudden arrival in the capital was unusual.
She didn't think the Yu family was anything special.
Bai Qingrong keenly sensed her sister's thoughts.
"Naturally, it's for next year's imperial examination," Bai Qingrong explained.
"The imperial examination?" Bai Xuerou suddenly realized; she had completely forgotten.
It's that time of year again for the triennial imperial examinations. Traveling is difficult these days, so to avoid missing it, most people arrive in Chang'an a year in advance to prepare for the spring examinations in March.
It seems that more and more talented scholars will be coming to Chang'an recently.
"And you, are you going to participate in the imperial examination?" she asked.
Bai Qingrong nodded and said, "I have already secured a spot in the Grand Examination."
Bai Xuerou smiled.
"My sister is really looking forward to it," she said, but didn't say anything more, so as not to put pressure on Bai Qingrong.
Bai Qingrong couldn't help but smile, seeing Bai Xuerou's thoughtfulness and feeling pleased. She put the matter aside and asked instead, "What does Sister think of Ling Xun?"
“His talent surpasses even Ling Zheng’s.” Bai Xuerou said without hesitation.
My sister calls my brother-in-law Ling Zheng?!
Bai Qingrong's heart skipped a beat as she recalled the news she had received earlier that Ling Zheng intended to arrange a marriage between his family and the Lang family.
"Speaking of which, the Prince said before that he wanted you to stay at his residence and would even prepare a welcome banquet for you. How about it, would you like to stay for a while?" Bai Xuerou had refused before, which was well thought out, but after seeing her younger brother, she couldn't help but want to spend more time with him, so she asked with a smile.
Bai Qingrong shook her head and refused, saying, "I'll stay at our house, but if I want to visit later, I'll have to trouble you to entertain me."
As he spoke, he carefully observed Bai Xuerou's expression.
When he returned home, he received news that his brother-in-law, Ling Zheng, had been assassinated. He had only settled down for a few days when another letter arrived, saying that his brother-in-law had passed away. His parents were worried and, after discussing it, asked him to pack up and come to visit his sister. But just as he was about to leave, another letter arrived, saying that his brother-in-law's funeral hall had been destroyed.
He continued his journey, hearing many rumors, but he didn't know if they were true or false. Now that he had seen his sister, he was afraid that she would be sad and upset. However, after only a short time, he did not see her being particularly sad.
Bai Qingrong wanted to ask what had happened, but he didn't know how to start, afraid of touching on Bai Xuerou's painful past.
"Why are you acting like this? Just say what you have to say." Seeing how carelessly he was trying to hide it, and how he clearly wanted her to find out, Bai Xuerou tapped him with her fan.
This younger brother was quick-witted and sweet-talking from a young age, unlike his father, his mother, or his elder brother. After much deliberation, his parents finally concluded that he resembled his grandfather. Indeed, his grandfather was not as dignified and authoritative as other elders, but no one expected him to be like this in his youth, which surprised and amazed everyone.
However, it was precisely for this reason that Bai Qingrong was the most beloved by her grandparents among all her siblings.
"I just wanted to ask my sister, what's going on with your husband? Is it related to my junior brother?" Bai Qingrong asked directly.
If it were an outsider, he would have to find a way to subtly probe, but this was his own sister, and he didn't want to waste his energy on his own family.
"You should call him Your Highness now," Bai Xuerou reminded him first.
Bai Qingrong paused slightly, her expression turning serious, and said, "It was my fault, sister, don't worry, I won't do it again. So, is it related to the Prince?"
Bai Xuerou now feels uneasy whenever she hears the word "reassurance".
"It's irrelevant; Ling Zheng was simply assassinated." The statement was made with absolute certainty, without the slightest hesitation. After a slight pause, it continued, "As for the fire at the funeral hall—"
Bai Qingrong then saw her usually gentle and composed older sister close her eyes and say coldly:
“Even in death, he wouldn’t let me go, wanting me to be buried with him. I set that fire. It was the prince who saved me.”
"What!" Bai Qingrong's voice rose involuntarily. First, he was incredulous. What era is this? Why would someone be buried alive with their dead? Then he gritted his teeth and said, "That beast."
"Speak softly." Seeing the resentment on her younger brother's face, Bai Xuerou felt much better. She reminded him and then said, "It's all in the past. If you hear anyone talking nonsense again, defend the Prince."
"That's only right." Bai Qingrong immediately responded, feeling extremely grateful to Ling Xun. He also showed a bit of eagerness, thinking that if he had known about this earlier, he would not have let those people talk nonsense on the way here.
"Is the marriage alliance between the Lang family also true?" Bai Qingrong asked coldly.
Bai Xuerou nodded, and couldn't help but smile at her younger brother's expression.
"Alright, it's all in the past. When a person dies, everything is over. I don't want it, and you shouldn't dwell on it either. Look at this handsome face, it's not good-looking anymore." The siblings had the same parents, so they naturally looked alike, except that Bai Qingrong's features were more rugged, making him a very handsome young man.
The siblings chatted as they arrived at the Bai residence. Bai Xuerou went downstairs to help Bai Qingrong settle in, meticulously arranging everything. She also told Bai Qingrong that if he wasn't satisfied, he could simply change it.
Although these things took Bai Qingrong's preferences into account, they were ultimately her own thoughts and might not necessarily reflect his true intentions.
Bai Qingrong said everything was fine, her words as sweet as honey, which made Bai Xuerou smile with delight.
His sister had just gone through those things, and he was trying to cheer her up. But that was the truth.
He didn't care about these things, and he knew that his sister had loved tidying up and decorating the house since she was a child. Her residence would be changed every ten days or so, and she especially disliked things that were always the same.
She was happy doing these things, and she was even happier when she was praised.
Bai Xuerou's mood improved considerably. She chatted and laughed with him until evening, and even decided to have dinner there.
"Is it alright for Sister not to return to the Prince's Mansion?" Bai Qingrong asked, worried.
Bai Xuerou was relaxed and laughed, "It's alright. Madam Wu relinquished her management rights long ago, and the Prince respects me greatly. Who can do anything to me?"
She was sincere and wanted to put her brother at ease, so she smiled and said, "Life is much more relaxed than when Ling Zheng was around. At least I don't have to hear news that someone is going to send him a beauty, or listen to his nonsense about wanting to marry a noble lady while asking me to be his concubine."
"What a bastard! A beast!" Bai Qingrong couldn't help but curse again. In fact, he wanted to curse even more harshly, after all, he had traveled for many years and heard a lot, so he had learned how to do it.
But with his sister, a female relative, in front of him, he had no choice but to restrain himself, and these few words were not enough to express his anger.
Bai Xuerou looked at him and smiled, "Alright, I didn't say this to make you scold him. You just need to know that I'm doing very well now."
It's true what they say, the best husbands are the dead ones. Netizens weren't wrong.
"As the saying goes, promotion brings wealth and the death of one's wife. In my case, it's the death of one's husband, which isn't so bad."
Bai Qingrong felt a little better, then belatedly realized that her older sister might have been swearing.
How rare! He wondered if he should include this sentence in his letter to his parents. Yes, he had to.
The kitchen staff began to bustle with activity. As the siblings were talking, someone came to report that the Prince had arrived.
"Please come in quickly," Bai Qingrong said immediately. "Sister, I'll go out to greet her."
"Go."
Bai Qingrong immediately got up and walked outside. Bai Xuerou also got up. She didn't need to go outside to greet her; she could just stay at the courtyard gate.
Bai Qingrong walked a little faster, thinking about things related to this prince as she went.
He travels extensively throughout the year, but he returns home every year. He doesn't have much interaction with Ling Xun. He only knows that Ling Xun is a quiet and reserved person, similar to his sister, but more profound and unpredictable. However, she seems to have a good temper and is not difficult to get along with.
I never expected him to become the Prince of Zhenbei so quickly.
Although I've always known that my father thinks highly of him, saying that this boy is beyond compare and has a bright future, this is still too fast.
If Bai Qingrong remembers correctly, Ling Xun is only sixteen this year.
A sixteen-year-old head coach and a prince—who wouldn't find that unbelievable?
It seems war is about to break out again, and everyone probably wants to test the mettle of this commander of the Zhenbei Army.
Bai Qingrong greeted Ling Xun, raising his hand in greeting, "Greetings, Your Highness."
“We are brothers, no need for formalities,” Ling Xun said gently.
"Propriety should not be disregarded; it is only right," Bai Qingrong said with a smile. "It's been several years since I last saw you, Your Highness, and you've become even more dashing."
The two exchanged pleasantries as they entered the courtyard, where they met Bai Xuerou at the entrance.
"Sister-in-law."
"elder sister."
The two spoke one after the other. As soon as they finished speaking, Ling Xun glanced at Bai Qingrong out of the corner of his eye and suddenly felt that he was a bit of an eyesore.
His sister-in-law had always treated him like a younger brother. Although he was somewhat dissatisfied, he still liked him. But now that Bai Qingrong, his real younger brother, had arrived, he was afraid his sister-in-law would neglect him.
Bai Xuerou smiled at the two of them and looked at Ling Xun, saying, "Why didn't you go back to the manor? Why did you come here?"
“I knew you hadn’t gone home, so I came to pick you up. But it seems you want to have your meal here? I wonder if you mind having another one of me.” Ling Xun was planning to freeload.
Helpless, Bai Xuerou turned to Bai Qingrong and said, "You'll have to ask the owner of this house."
"Many people would be envious if Your Highness would grace us with your presence, and we would certainly be more than happy to do so," Bai Qingrong said with a smile, but he felt a little strange. It was only his first day here, and he wasn't hosting any guests, yet the prince wanted him to stay for a meal.
It seems fine at first glance, but something just doesn't feel right...
After dinner, Bai Qingrong saw her sister and Ling Xun off. Seeing Ling Xun personally help Bai Xuerou into the carriage, she finally understood what her sister meant when she said that Ling Xun respected her. She felt relieved.
Then he watched the two leave.
The carriage returned smoothly to the Prince's Mansion. Ling Xun escorted Bai Xue Rou to Zhiwei Courtyard, but before leaving, Bai Xue Rou invited him to come in and sit for a while.
At the end of July, autumn had arrived.
Ling Xun did not go inside, but walked around in the courtyard. When he reached the osmanthus tree, he looked up and saw that some golden yellow was already faintly visible among the green canopy, and a faint fragrance was floating in the air.
"The osmanthus flowers are about to bloom." He heard Bai Xuerou sigh softly, her voice filled with gentle joy.
Turning her head, she saw Bai Xuerou with her head raised, revealing her long, fair neck. Her delicate skin seemed to glow with a moist light in the lamplight, making one want to touch and pluck it.
Ling Xun looked away, his lips slightly pursed, and his ears turned red.
“Yes,” he said, then added, “Sister-in-law, I’m going to start the war.”
"What?" Bai Xuerou was startled. She quickly withdrew her gaze from the tree canopy and looked at him, asking, "What happened?"
Ling Xun was relaxed and said, "It's nothing. I'm too young. I just inherited the throne, and many people want to test my abilities."
This was the thought of both the aristocratic families of Chang'an and the leaders of various regional military commands.
There was no way around it; as he said, he was too young, only sixteen. Even with some fame, no one really believed he could command such a large army as the Zhenbei Army.
Some wanted Chang'an, some wanted to reap the benefits, and some wanted to control the Zhenbei Army—the reasons were varied. They saw the Zhenbei Army as a piece of fat meat, eager to try and divide it up.
But Ling Xun would tell them that it was all wishful thinking.
Bai Xue Rou couldn't help but feel nervous, but then she saw the young man in front of her raise his chin slightly, his eyes burning with arrogance, and say, "Perfect timing, I also want to test their skills."
"Though it is a chaotic world, it has also produced many heroes. I long to clash with them and determine who is superior. However, sister-in-law..." He gazed into Bai Xuerou's eyes:
"I..." He hesitated slightly, only revealing the apprehension that comes with his age in front of Bai Xuerou, "If I fail..."
At the age of sixteen, he was so arrogant that he thought the world would naturally fall into his hands.
He is not afraid of losing or dying, but he worries about seeing disappointment in the eyes of the person he loves.
As for whether he was deliberately feigning helplessness, only heaven and earth know, and only Ling Xun himself knows.
There is no moon tonight, but the sky is full of bright stars, and a gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers.
Everything was so peaceful and serene.
Bai Xue Rou was in the best mood when she saw her younger brother. Influenced by the night, her heart became more and more calm and gentle. Looking at the boy in front of her, she thought to herself, "He is only sixteen."
She looked at him with a smile, thought for a moment, and then gently brushed away the fallen leaves that had somehow landed on his shoulder.
"No one in this world can win all the time. Losing is also a kind of experience, and as long as you learn from it, it's a good thing."
As the saying goes, failure is the mother of success.
There's also a saying: "Where there's life, there's hope."
"Abao, don't be afraid."
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