Chapter 54 "Your Highness, today's banquet has been quite busy..."
Yu Kai snapped out of his daze and began to think about what Ling Xun would do next.
Bai Xuerou's statement indicates that she is confident of victory; she is not an arrogant person.
Thinking this, Yu Kai couldn't help but feel uneasy.
As it turned out, his unease was justified.
More than half a month later, just before the New Year, a fierce storm was stirred up in Chang'an because of the Yu family.
These kinds of powerful families are difficult to trace, as they are deeply intertwined and no one knows who they might be connected to.
It's easy to investigate, but the place is a mixed bag; if you want to catch someone, there are plenty of incriminating evidence.
But after Ling Xun made his move, the former ceased to exist.
The Ling family's military base is independent of the Yu family's interests; if they act ruthlessly, the Yu family will be powerless to resist.
Ling Xun, stationed at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, suppressed anyone who tried to obstruct the case, ensuring its smooth progress.
During this time, countless people came to plead for her, and some even came to Bai Xue Rou herself. She simply stayed in the Prince's mansion and didn't go out, which saved her a lot of trouble.
For example, Minister Yu had a son who was lecherous and abducted women, but the Minister's mansion covered for him, so he did it discreetly.
Over the years, countless beautiful young women have been lost in the Minister's mansion.
Before the New Year, Minister Yu was stripped of his position and imprisoned in his residence.
But this was just the beginning. It took half a month, from the start of the New Year holiday until the court reopened after the holiday, for the Yu family's affairs to finally come to an end.
A total of several serious crimes were uncovered, including but not limited to selling official positions, embezzlement, and cover-ups.
The Yu family was sentenced to have their property confiscated and be exiled three thousand miles away.
Various accusations circulated among the people, all of them horrifying. Even with the intervention of powerful families, they were no match for the methods of the Prince of Zhenbei.
However, the Yu family of Wu has an excellent reputation.
Following the example set by those in power, everyone felt that the Yu family had been wronged and that the Prince of Zhenbei was deliberately suppressing them. Even the uninformed common people thought the same way.
Although life was hard for the people of Wu, they were able to survive. The nobles above had learned from past experiences and left room for maneuver, not exploiting them too much to avoid pushing them into rebellion. But the common people were like grass, and they could not live a good life.
The responsibility for this crime was borne entirely by Minister Yu, and it did not affect the Yu family's main branch, which was thousands of miles away. Yu Kai was also exempted from the crime, but he was dismissed from his post because he failed to discover and report it in time.
In February, when the world was bursting with new greenery, the Yu family was exiled, and Yu Kai left the capital in despair.
As Yu Kai passed by the pavilion, he subconsciously looked over and recalled the time when he arrived in Chang'an full of vigor and ambition. Bai Xuerou was here to meet Bai Qingrong, and he was amazed by her beauty when he first saw her.
Now that he has left, it is unknown whether he will ever see her again in his lifetime.
After this incident, Yu Kai's pride in his family had been largely eroded. He realized that the previous dynasty, in which the king and noble families shared the world, was no longer the same.
Nowadays, with the imperial examination system, those in power have no shortage of capable people. Aristocratic families are no longer irreplaceable and can be wiped out at any time given the opportunity.
Yu Kai knew from a young age that his elders resented the imperial examination system. Although he understood it, he didn't feel it much until now, when he truly felt the impact of the imperial examination system on aristocratic families.
It's fair to say that the imperial examination system severed the roots of aristocratic families.
The Yu family's reign ended, but Chang'an remained unchanged.
Another year has passed, Bai Xuerou is twenty-three years old, and Ling Xun is already eighteen.
This year seemed no different; aside from the ambiguous feelings they both knew about, their interactions on the surface were no different from before.
It has to be said that this made Bai Xuerou breathe a sigh of relief.
But those hidden feelings remained, and Bai Xue Rou wanted to rely on time to erase them, while Ling Xun remained steadfast and silently waited, hoping that Bai Xue Rou could gradually accept them.
Both of them were stubborn and neither was willing to give in.
Bai Xuerou became increasingly worried.
She genuinely cared for Ling Xun, wishing him well, happiness, and a wise and benevolent ruler.
A wise ruler should not have the stain of being with his sister-in-law.
If so, how would historians, in their meticulous writings, describe him?
Bai Xuerou herself doesn't care about what others say, but she hopes that everyone around her is doing well.
In February, peach and plum blossoms sprouted buds, their verdant green tinged with delicate pink and white.
When the garden was in full bloom, Ling Xun discussed with Bai Xue Rou about having a proper birthday celebration this year.
“My sister-in-law hasn’t properly celebrated her birthday in years. Now that everything is settled, it’s time to have a proper celebration,” Ling Xun said.
"What's so great about this?" Bai Xuerou said, annoyed and unhappy.
Last year they didn't get to celebrate, so Ling Xun didn't want to let it go this year. He advised her, "It's alright. The Prince's Mansion hasn't been this lively in a long time. Besides, the Prince's Mansion should hold more lively banquets so that outsiders won't have no way to get in."
The following sentence persuaded Bai Xuerou.
She knew, of course, that when prominent families held banquets, it wasn't just for showing off, but more for social interactions and giving those below them an opportunity to curry favor.
Doing too much is bad, but not doing anything is also bad. If the people below can't find a way to please you, they'll just cause trouble.
So Bai Xuerou got to work.
The news was quickly spread.
It was Lady Bai's birthday, and more importantly, the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion was finally going to hold a banquet. Chang'an seemed to suddenly become lively, and everyone began to prepare for the banquet.
On March 2nd, the entire street outside the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion was filled with carriages. The guests were carefully led into the mansion by the steward. For this banquet, the mansion specially cleared out several large courtyards next to the garden, which were enough to accommodate the guests.
Bai Xuerou personally greeted several distinguished guests and invited them to sit and talk.
One manager after another came to find us, complaining that something had gone wrong here or there. No matter how well things were arranged beforehand, there would always be problems that came up out of nowhere.
Bai Xuerou felt once again that there were fewer people in her family.
Afterwards, the banquet began. Ling Xun personally invited Bai Xue Rou to the banquet, and everyone followed. It was a large, bustling group of people. When they arrived at the banquet hall, she saw two long tables set up side by side at the head of the table. Bai Xue Rou stopped in her tracks when she saw them.
"Why is this arrangement inappropriate? Quickly send someone to change it." Bai Xuerou knew at a glance that this was Ling Xun's idea, but she couldn't say so, so she just gave the order.
There is a distinction between the noble and the lowly; Ling Xun is the master of the Prince's mansion, and everyone else is subordinate to him.
Bai Xuerou's seat should never be level with his.
The previous rumors were only temporarily suppressed, and everyone present had their own concerns. Now that they've seen it, they're likely to have all sorts of speculations.
Bai Xuerou never expected that Ling Xun, who had been behaving himself for the past few months, would suddenly appear here so unexpectedly.
Ling Xun said, "It was my order. Sister-in-law has taken care of me all these years and worked hard for the Prince's Mansion. She deserves to sit in the seat of honor. Sister-in-law, please don't refuse."
Bai Xuerou looked at him, almost wanting to ask him what he was up to, but with so many people around, she held back.
She stepped forward and sat down, and Ling Xun raised his glass first to congratulate her on her birthday.
Bai Xuerou smiled and thanked them, and then the people in the hall stood up one after another to congratulate her.
She sat on the high platform watching the crowd rise and fall, vying to step forward, her heart surging with emotion, and she thanked them one by one.
This scene is truly lively.
Bai Xuerou was unexpectedly lost in thought. When she came to Chang'an, the royal family had already declined. Although each banquet was lavish, there was always a sense of emptiness and instability.
It's not even as good as her birthday banquet this time.
The Ling family is now truly the uncrowned kings.
But this splendid and beautiful scene did not bring Bai Xuerou joy; instead, it made her feel uneasy.
She knew very well that at this point, the Ling family could only move forward, not backward.
If one cannot seize the throne and become the ruler of a country, the outcome will not be much better than death.
But Ling Xun was still bothering her.
Bai Xuerou drank some wine and, recalling the events of the past few days, couldn't help but feel worried and angry.
The banquet lasted until nightfall, after which everyone dispersed, and Bai Xuerou was already somewhat drunk.
After settling her guests in, she returned to Zhiwei Courtyard. Before leaving, she glanced back and saw Ling Xun talking with several court officials. Sensing her gaze, he turned to look at her and smiled slightly in acknowledgment.
Bai Xuerou withdrew her gaze and left, somewhat dazed.
In fact, there were signs all along, such as Ling Xun's affection and trust for her, and how he would take care of her feelings at the first moment no matter when or where, showing all sorts of meticulous and considerate care.
At that time, she only thought it was out of filial piety towards her family and never thought much of it. Step by step, she has come to where she is today.
Looking back now, Bai Xuerou realizes how much she missed.
But it was too late.
After a long day of fussing, Bai Xuerou was quite tired. After returning to Zhiwei Courtyard, she took off her long sleeves, wearing only a ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and sat in front of the dressing table, letting the maids undo her hair.
"Madam, the Prince has arrived," the maid announced.
Bai Xuerou opened her eyes, the words of refusal swirling on her lips, and said, "Please go to the flower hall."
After she said it, she regretted it a little.
Ling Xun used to be able to see her anytime he wanted, but since he returned last year, Bai Xue Rou has disappeared if he's late.
This time, she was so overwhelmed with unspoken words that she impulsively blurted them out. But what should she say if she saw him?
Seeing the maid leave, Bai Xuerou hesitated, but ultimately didn't call her back.
Well, I should at least say something.
This can't go on any longer.
He had been drinking and acted impulsively.
Bai Xuerou was clearly aware of her current state, but she had no regrets.
Inside the courtyard, Ling Xun stroked the wooden box in his hand; it was a birthday gift he had prepared for Bai Xue Rou.
There were too many people during the day, so he preferred to give it to Bai Xuerou alone.
Ling Xun was prepared to be rejected and thought that he could have the maid pass on the message, but to his surprise, Bai Xuerou agreed to see him.
He was initially pleased, but then his heart tightened.
There must be a reason why Bai Xuerou suddenly changed her mind.
We entered the flower hall, where a peach tree stood outside. Half of the tree was in bloom, its blossoms exuding a vibrant fragrance.
Ling Xun had no interest in admiring the flowers; his mind was in turmoil. He then saw Bai Xue Rou, her hair casually tied up and adorned only with a gold hairpin, approaching in the moonlight.
She was born with a graceful and beautiful appearance, and even in such simple attire, her beauty was not diminished; on the contrary, she seemed to become more radiant with simplicity.
"Sister-in-law," Ling Xun called out as he stepped forward.
Bai Xuerou looked at him. Ever since she learned about his feelings, she felt a little awkward whenever she heard him call her that.
I don't know how Ling Xun managed to say it.
The room was dimly lit, making Ling Xun's beautiful features appear even more like a fairy. However, his tall stature and imposing presence did not inspire any romantic thoughts; instead, they filled people with awe.
Bai Xuerou's gaze swept over his face, and every time she saw him, she couldn't help but admire his exceptionally handsome appearance.
"Have a seat. Why are you so late?" she said.
Seeing Bai Xuerou sit down, Ling Xun got up and went over to her, naturally sitting down beside her and handing her the sandalwood box in his hand.
"This is a birthday gift for my sister-in-law. Do you like it?"
"Oh? What is it?" Bai Xuerou hadn't been thinking about it, but seeing how mysterious he was, she was a little curious and reached out to take it as she spoke.
Ling Xun didn't answer, but urged with a smile, "Sister-in-law, take a look first."
Bai Xuerou then opened the box, inside which was a pair of gold-inlaid eight-treasure bracelets. The phoenix was sculpted from pure gold, and various colored gemstones were used as embellishments on the phoenix's body. The phoenix's eyes were two crystal-clear rubies.
Extremely luxurious and beautiful.
Bai Xuerou looked at her with admiration and said, "It's really beautiful."
Then, glancing at Ling Xun, she changed the subject, asking, "Why a phoenix?"
The phoenix carries a far more profound meaning than the mundane.
For several dynasties in a row, emperors referred to themselves as true dragons, while the phoenix, which was as famous as the dragon, became a praise reserved for empresses.
Dragon and phoenix patterns have always been reserved for royalty, and even now that the royal family has declined, they are rarely used.
But Ling Xun made such a pair of bracelets for her, which left Bai Xue Rou with no choice but to think about it.
“The phoenix is beautiful and worthy of my sister-in-law, so I chose it,” Ling Xun said with a smile, seemingly unaware of the hidden meaning behind it.
"Is that all?" Bai Xuerou asked.
Ling Xun was about to speak when Bai Xuerou looked at him and said, "I'm asking you seriously."
Ling Xun paused slightly, looking at Bai Xuerou who seemed lost in thought. His expression shifted slightly as he said, "Sister-in-law, shall we ask the servants to leave?"
Bai Xuerou then came to her senses, her gaze sweeping over the scene before she closed her eyes slightly and pressed her temples, realizing that she had really lost her mind after drinking a little alcohol and had neglected to notice that the servants were still there.
"Everyone, get out of here," she gestured.
The four women, Jin Tao, Yin Gui, Zhu Cui, and Yu Zan, were vaguely worried, but they still withdrew with their maids.
The four were Bai Xue Rou's closest confidants. They had witnessed the subtle awkwardness between the two mistresses over the past few months and guessed what was going on, but they dared not utter a single word.
"Alright, that's enough," Bai Xuerou said.
Ling Xun looked at her. His sister-in-law was usually very patient, so her speaking now must be because she had been drinking.
“In my heart, only my sister-in-law is worthy of being paired with a phoenix, so naturally I must give her a gift,” he said.
The room was tall and spacious, and Ling Xun's voice, though not loud, was exceptionally clear.
Bai Xuerou's gaze fell on the curtain, where the pearls dangling swayed slightly, and her heart beat a little faster.
It was probably a feeling of unease.
"But it's not suitable." In a slight panic, Bai Xuerou heard herself say clearly.
“Sister-in-law is always too modest. I think it’s very appropriate.” Ling Xun looked at Bai Xuerou’s profile and said each word with certainty.
Bai Xuerou ignored him and continued, "This kind of thing should be given to your future wife." She finally looked at Ling Xun, and no one knew how fast her heart was beating at that moment. She closed the box and pushed it toward Ling Xun.
"Your Highness, today's banquet was truly busy, and I was somewhat overwhelmed. You should find a capable wife."
She looked at Ling Xun and said this.
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