Chapter 5 Chapter 5 "Third sister-in-law."
Over there, Madam Wu ordered someone to fetch breakfast. Xiao Jinyu spoke to Bai Xuerou with a half-smile, every word carrying a deeper meaning. The second wife, Ning Xinxian, standing to the side, was quiet and reserved, simply watching the two women talk with a smile.
Bai Xuerou understood her elder sister-in-law's personality; she seemed easygoing and friendly, but was actually quite arrogant. Her words were somewhat strange at the moment, clearly indicating that she was angry about Bai Xuerou's previous refusal to see her.
She responded indifferently. Just then, Ling Zheng, who was sitting next to her, spoke to the Prince of Zhenbei, who was sitting above her, and said that he wanted to release Ling Shujun.
Naturally, the Prince of Zhenbei agreed.
No one in the room was surprised. After all, she was their own daughter. They were furious at first, but afterwards they still felt sorry for her.
She was somewhat surprised to see Ling Zheng speak up, but felt pity for Bai Xuerou.
That was the man who almost killed her, and she let him go so easily—it was her husband who personally spoke up. It seems that childhood sweetheart affection is nothing more than that.
Following that, the Prince of Zhenbei spoke again, giving Bai Xuerou one of Ling Shujun's favorite villas, and also giving her a hundred-acre estate with mountains outside Yandu.
Everyone knew this was meant to comfort Bai Xuerou, but even knowing it, they couldn't help but feel envious.
A farm with hundreds of acres of farmland is a rare sight.
But what's most precious is that villa, named Taoshan Villa. The whole mountain is covered with peach, apricot and plum trees. In March, the whole mountain is in full bloom, as if the whole mountain is covered with clouds and mist. The beauty of the scenery is known throughout the world.
That villa was built like a royal palace, with pavilions and towers stretching across half the mountain. Hidden among the flowers and trees, it resembled a celestial palace.
Otherwise, Ling Shujun wouldn't have used the excuse of getting married to relentlessly pester the Prince of Zhenbei for it.
It is said that the villa was originally intended for the Prince of Zhenbei to be given to the Wu family.
While everyone was lost in thought, Ling Zheng and Bai Xuerou had already stood up to thank the Prince of Zhenbei.
Ling Chong watched as the two sat down, but neither of them mentioned bringing Ling Shujun out, which made him feel somewhat anxious.
The happiest person about Ling Shujun's release was naturally her elder brother, Ling Chong.
He was impatient and couldn't wait to release Ling Shujun right now, but Ling Zheng didn't say anything more, and the Prince of Zhenbei didn't speak either. He wanted to ask, but felt it was abrupt, so he gestured to his wife beside him to speak. Xiao Jinyu pretended not to understand.
He, as the king’s own son, was afraid of displeasing his father, let alone his daughter-in-law.
Ling Chong hesitated for a moment, then ultimately said nothing.
His father didn't like him and his sister much to begin with, and he was afraid that if he spoke up, it would only remind his father of the outrageous things his sister had done and make him even angrier.
After this back and forth, he finished his breakfast with a heavy heart before the Prince of Zhenbei finally spoke to him:
"Go to the ancestral hall and send your sister back to her courtyard. Tell her to stay in the courtyard quietly and not to come out and cause me any trouble."
Ling Chong hurriedly agreed, first pleased, then worried.
Judging from my father's words, he wants Ling Shujun to be confined to the courtyard. What should I do...?
After walking a few steps, he heard the Prince of Zhenbei call Ling Zheng to go to his study. Instantly, he forgot his worries and was left only with jealousy and resentment.
He was the eldest son of the legitimate wife and should have been the most valued by his father. However, in his father's eyes, he seemed no different from those illegitimate sons. Instead, his father favored Ling Zheng, the son of his second wife.
Was it because his mother was a member of the imperial family, or because he loved Ling Zheng's birth mother the most?
After breakfast, everyone dispersed. Ling Chong went to the ancestral hall, while Ling Zheng went to the study with the Prince of Zhenbei to handle some matters. Bai Xuerou was kept behind by Madam Wu for a chat.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, who were close in age, strolled in the courtyard, chatting about recent events in Yandu, their smiles mingling as they spoke. Halfway through the conversation, Madam Wu wanted to talk about Ling Shujun. She knew Bai Xuerou; although she had a good temper, she wasn't the type to repay evil with kindness. But the moment Ling Zheng opened his mouth today, she knew it wasn't Bai Xuerou's intention.
But after thinking about it, I held back.
Although the two had a good relationship, they would not speak of anything involving the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion or the Zhenbei Prince and his son.
After walking around for a while, seeing that the head housekeeper was coming over, Bai Xuerou took her leave.
Today is a sunny day, with a gentle spring breeze and the fragrance of flowers.
"The camellias are in bloom." Bai Xuerou was quite familiar with the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion. Upon smelling the fragrance, she turned and walked to the corridor.
Since I have nothing else to do, I might as well go and admire the flowers.
The Zhenbei Prince's Mansion was managed by Madam Wu. Bai Xuerou was usually busy with the affairs of her own estate and shops, and these affairs were mostly concentrated in a few days each month.
After all, the stewards couldn't just come and go from the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
Although the regulations of the Zhenbei King's residence remained unchanged, the territory was expanded considerably, and a large lake was dug out, named Carp Leap Lake. Around Carp Leap Lake, many pavilions and towers, exotic flowers and rare plants, artificial mountains and rocks, and winding paths led to secluded spots, making it a place where every step revealed a new scene.
The previous fall into the lake had left Bai Xue Rou with many traumas. She subconsciously walked around the lakeside and strolled slowly for a while. Suddenly, the view opened up before her. Camellia trees were planted outside the corridor. Red and white camellias grew side by side, half red and half white, blooming luxuriantly, and many branches even reached into the corridor.
Bai Xuerou stopped in her tracks.
"It's so beautiful," she murmured, still marveling at the stunning scenery, even though it wasn't the first time she'd seen it.
After observing for a while, Bai Xuerou was about to leave when she suddenly heard a voice approaching from the side, chattering away. It was the voice of a maid, not very respectful, with a slightly raised voice and a hint of sharpness and nonchalance, saying, "Young Master, please don't blame me for speaking harshly, but Aunt has been sick for so many years, and she has taken so many good medicines, but she still hasn't gotten better, which shows that they are useless."
"If you want to cure your concubine, you should try to invite Doctor Ge. Why bother going to the pharmacy? The people in the manor treat people differently based on their status. Since your concubine is not favored, they will naturally neglect her. Even if you go, you will only see some cold faces and hear some excuses." As she spoke, there was a hint of sarcasm in the maid's tone.
Upon hearing the voice, Bai Xuerou knew that the other person was referring to Aunt Ge. This was not surprising, as Aunt Ge's residence, Xiefang Courtyard, required passing through this route to the pharmacy.
Just as she was thinking this, the people over there turned around. Ling Xun was followed by a maid who looked about fifteen or sixteen years old. Her expression remained calm, but the maid was muttering to herself, her face showing a hint of indifference. When she saw her, she was first startled, then became somewhat flustered and respectful.
"Third Sister-in-law," Ling Xun greeted her with a cupped hand, not surprised at all.
He already knew Bai Xuerou was here. Although the camellia scent was strong, his keen sense of smell allowed him to detect the apricot fragrance within it.
He asked about it in the morning at Huiyin Academy and remembered it, so he naturally wouldn't make a mistake.
"Third Miss," the maidservant hurriedly greeted.
Knowing Ling Xun's future achievements, Bai Xue Rou naturally wouldn't underestimate him, nor would she show any abnormality, lest he discover something was amiss.
“We’re all family, Sixth Brother, there’s no need for such formalities,” she said gently.
Ling Xun smiled slightly, glanced at the camellia, and despite his youth, he greeted her with proper formality, saying, "Third sister-in-law, have you come to see the camellia?"
Bai Xuerou turned to look at the flowering trees outside and replied, "Yes, I could smell it from afar."
"Then I won't disturb Third Sister-in-law's enjoyment any longer," Ling Xun said again.
Although she knew about Ling Xun's future achievements, no matter what, he was still only an eleven-year-old boy. Looking at his mature demeanor, Bai Xuerou couldn't help but chuckle.
“It’s hardly a disturbance. You’re going to the pharmacy, so I won’t keep you any longer. However, I happen to want some red dates to make tea, so I’ll have my maid go with you. Suyun, you go.” she said.
Su Yun immediately agreed.
Ling Xun glanced at Bai Xue Rou. The sunlight fell on his face, making it exceptionally clear. Bai Xue Rou noticed that his eyes were brown, a light color, as clear as thick honey, and very beautiful.
Meeting the other person's calm gaze, she smiled slightly.
“Go ahead,” she said.
Ling Xun knew that Bai Xue Rou must have overheard what the maid had just said, which was why she asked her maid to come along so that she could take care of him.
His past experiences made him immediately suspect that she might be plotting something.
When he was young, Aunt Ge was favored, and he was a young man who was pampered and flattered. However, when he was five years old, Aunt Ge was favored, and for the next six years until now, he has been neglected.
The Prince of Zhenbei was very cold towards his son, and so were the people in his household. It was already a rare occurrence for them not to scheme against or bully him, let alone treat him well.
But when Ling Xun met Bai Xue Rou's dark eyes, he found that there was nothing there, only a light but warm kindness.
He was slightly taken aback, his lips pursed, and he was momentarily at a loss for words in the face of this rare kindness.
"Thank you, Third Sister-in-law." Ling Xun didn't pretend to be stupid and thanked her directly.
Bai Xuerou smiled and said, "It was just something I did casually."
"Would you like to replace this maid?" she asked, looking at the maid.
The maidservant immediately knelt down in a panic, wanting to beg, but she didn't know what to say or who to say it to.
Aunt Ge had been out of favor for many years, and there were few people and no rules in Xiefang Courtyard. She was used to being arrogant and would remember to put on an act in front of others, but she would do whatever she wanted in private. However, she never expected that her casual remark today would be overheard by Third Sister.
Unlike their own two masters who were not favored, everyone in the manor knew how much the prince valued the Third Prince.
If Third Sister kicks her out, who would dare hire her? She'll probably only be able to do odd jobs from now on.
“No need,” Ling Xun said. “Although she is arrogant, we are used to her, and changing to another one may not be satisfactory.”
It was the truth, but they also didn't want any strangers to enter Xiefang Courtyard. The mother and son had too many secrets, and the fewer people they came into contact with, the better.
Bai Xuerou was acting on impulse, offering a little kindness without being stubborn. When he refused, she didn't say anything more, but warned the maid to be more respectful in the future.
The maid was overjoyed to have escaped unscathed and naturally kept praising her.
Ling Xun left with his maid, but Su Yun was also with him.
Along the way, he was still pondering Bai Xuerou's possible motives, but no matter how much he recalled and thought about it, he couldn't figure it out. It seemed that she had simply helped him out.
Do good deeds?
He thought about it and realized that his third sister-in-law had always had a good temper, was gentle and kind, so it made sense.
No one took this brief encounter to heart.
At night, Bai Shan went to Xie Fang Yuan and successfully obtained a reply. After carefully handling it and confirming that there were no hidden tricks, he put it away, intending to hand it over to Bai Xue Rou during the day.
The next day, March 2nd, was Bai Xuerou's birthday.
After this birthday, she will be sixteen years old; if we talk about her age again, we should say seventeen.
Ling Zheng had originally promised to take Bai Xuerou out of the city for a spring outing on her birthday, but her illness was progressing slowly, and the doctor advised that it would be best for her to stay in the mansion and recuperate.
Therefore, the spring outing had to be cancelled.
While Ling Zheng was away, Bai Shan delivered the letter to Bai Xue Rou.
After hearing Bai Shan's words, Bai Xue Rou did not touch it with her hands, but instead took something to cushion it before opening it.
The thin sheet of paper was filled with doubt and probing.
As for what she wanted to know about poison, she didn't mention a word of it.
It wasn't that easy after all.
Bai Xuerou sighed.
Although I had already guessed it, I still couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache when faced with it.
She took out the reply she had prepared beforehand and gave it to Bai Shan.
Inside is the sincerity I can offer; whether it's rare medicinal herbs or exotic treasures, it's all negotiable.
Rather than sincerity, this seemed more like goodwill; her words implied that she had no intention of threatening the other party and was serious about making a deal.
"Don't rush to send it over, wait a few days," Bai Xuerou instructed.
Bai Shan immediately understood her meaning: she didn't want Aunt Ge to glean more information from such details.
But then the problem arises—
"I've already made arrangements. If all goes well, the people from the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion will discover my hiding place within a month at most. At that time, I'm afraid I won't be able to deliver messages to my master anymore."
Bai Shan carefully hid the letter in his sleeve pocket and said to Bai Xue Rou.
"So fast." Bai Xuerou sighed softly.
Bai Shan had been with her for so many years, and no matter when or what happened, it was as if she could see him as soon as she turned around. Now that he was suddenly leaving, she felt a little unaccustomed to it.
She had personally arranged it before.
Bai Shan was not one to hesitate; once he made up his mind, he rarely changed it. However, upon hearing Bai Xuerou's words, he hesitated and said, "Otherwise, I will delay for a while longer."
A note from the author:
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