Chapter 63 Bai Xuerou sometimes wondered if she...
If it's like this inside the Prince Zhenbei's mansion, then it's even more so outside.
In the afternoon, Bai Xuerou moved to another courtyard.
In just one day, the villa was only roughly tidied up. Yi Lingxun's idea was to wait until it was fully tidied up before Bai Xuerou moved in, but Bai Xuerou refused.
Their relationship has already been made public; continuing to live in the Prince's mansion will only fuel further gossip from outsiders.
Although there has already been some criticism, things that should be avoided should still be avoided, otherwise it will be more than just criticism.
The new mansion was formerly the Earl's Mansion, and it was only a quarter of an hour away from the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion. Although the mansion was not as grand and luxurious as the Prince's Mansion, it was still simple and elegant, far from the exaggerated description Ling Xun had given it.
Bai Xuerou quite liked it.
She took a short walk around the mansion during her free time, familiarizing herself with most of it. After settling in, she suddenly felt a sense of loneliness around her.
Ling Xun has been very clingy lately, visiting her whenever he has free time. This has been especially true in recent days, as he doesn't want to be apart from her for even a moment, and even wants her to stay nearby during meetings.
Now she is all alone.
Bai Xuerou sighed softly without realizing it, and suddenly realized that she was missing Ling Xun.
Her heart throbbed, and soon her whole body felt warm.
Ling Xun's persistent pursuit during this period has left a mark on Bai Xue Rou's heart.
Most obviously, she has become accustomed to his company.
Bai Xuerou sat there lost in thought for a long time until a maid came to report that many people had delivered invitations, which finally brought her back to her senses.
She's received quite a few invitations these past few days, but she's politely replied to them all without going to their meetings. Firstly, her prime minister knows what those people will say to her, and secondly, she doesn't know what to say.
She glanced through the posts; they were mostly from Princess Yucheng, the Duke of Qing's mansion, and the Lang family.
Bai Xuerou glanced at the invitations, pondered for a moment, then had someone reply to all the invitations. She also wrote an invitation herself, inviting Princess Yucheng to visit her residence.
I also replied to a few other posts from people I usually get along with.
I've been so busy, I don't even know what I've done, and before I knew it, it was already dark.
The servants in the mansion moved about quietly, not daring to make a sound, and it immediately became exceptionally quiet.
Amidst the melodious strains of the zither, Bai Xuerou closed her eyes to enjoy the music. After finishing a piece, she asked for a reward, then washed up and prepared to go to sleep.
When she came this time, Ling Xun sent over all the dancers, musicians, and other entertainers he kept at his residence to help her pass the time.
The dormitory lights went out.
Jin Tao, Yin Gui, and the others closed the door, exchanged glances, walked around the courtyard, greeted the patrolling guards, and only went to rest after confirming that everything was alright.
Before they arrived, Ling Xun had instructed Bai Xue Rou's servants to be careful in everything they did. Since Bai Xue Rou had left the palace, some people might see this as an opportunity. They were not to be careless and should prioritize Bai Xue Rou's safety above all else.
July, the last month of summer, is the hottest time of the year. Bai Xuerou covered herself with a thin blanket and closed her eyes, but she always felt it was too quiet.
It seems like something is missing.
Bai Xuerou knew perfectly well what was missing, but she didn't want to admit it.
Or rather, I'm sorry.
"It's only been a few days, why am I already so unaccustomed to it?" Bai Xuerou thought, somewhat annoyed.
Just then, she suddenly heard the window creak. She was startled at first, then sat up with a slightly annoyed expression, but a smile unconsciously appeared on her face.
She could hear the noise, let alone the guards in the courtyard.
Since they didn't stop them, the identity of the newcomers was quite clear.
Ling Xun quietly lifted the bed curtains and walked to the bedside. He noticed that Bai Xuerou was awake and couldn't help but smile. He lifted the curtain and met her eyes.
“Sister.” He smiled.
Bai Xuerou glared at him and said in a low voice, "Why are you here again?"
"I missed you." Ling Xun knelt down on the edge of the bed, hugged Bai Xuerou, kissed her cheek, and said, "I was distracted all day while you were away, and I wanted to come see you."
Bai Xuerou softened upon hearing this, her anger dissipated considerably, and she even felt a little embarrassed, saying softly, "It's only been a day, what's there to think about?"
"A day has passed, and it feels like a long time. I don't want to be separated from my sister for even a moment longer."
Ling Xun squeezed onto the bed and held Bai Xue Rou in his arms.
Bai Xuerou chuckled softly.
The two nestled together, and Bai Xuerou's heart suddenly calmed down.
They chatted about everything that had happened since they parted, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.
Ling Xun gently pulled her closer to his chest, placed a kiss on her smooth forehead, and then closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Two days later, Bai Xuerou's small banquet began. Everyone gathered, and apart from a few jokes, no one said anything they shouldn't have.
Bai Xuerou was somewhat surprised. In her expectation, it was normal for someone to say something with a hidden meaning, but this was not the case.
Princess Yucheng laughed when she learned of her thoughts, and said, "That's because you don't know what the Prince of Zhenbei has done."
"Oh?" Bai Xuerou's delicate eyebrows twitched, her voice filled with curiosity.
Princess Yucheng then began to speak, saying that in the past few days, the Prince of Zhenbei had given all the mansions a warning, both openly and secretly, and no matter what these people originally thought, they had all become obedient now.
This is only on the surface.
The struggle behind the scenes will only be more dangerous.
When Ling Xun spoke on the first day, many people didn't react. On the second day, some people were already thinking of arranging for an imperial censor to remonstrate to the death, trying to ruin Ling Xun's reputation.
But none of the censors were able to enter the palace successfully.
There were many other problems, but Ling Xun solved them one by one.
It was only then that everyone realized that during his two years in Chang'an, the Prince of Zhenbei had not only governed the various regions under his rule, the northern lands, and the newly conquered territories, but had also somehow gained control of Chang'an.
At the very least, among so many actions, there were some that they didn't even notice, but he suppressed them all.
Bai Xuerou then realized what was happening and lowered her head with a soft laugh.
She knew this was just a facade; in places she didn't know, there would be even more criticism and condemnation.
But what does it matter?
Anyway, no one dared to say it to her.
“Your Highness is a thoughtful person. I used to think he was too cold-hearted, but now I realize that he just didn’t take it to heart.” Princess Yucheng said, “I never expected that you two would have this fate.”
These words were almost identical to what Madam Wu had said, but Bai Xuerou thought that what these people really meant was, 'I never expected you all to actually get involved together.'
It's just that he had reservations and didn't speak out directly.
"I didn't expect that either," Bai Xuerou said.
She never intended to talk about the things between the two of them with anyone, let alone say that Ling Xun had taken the initiative.
While this would clear her name, it would also damage Ling Xun's reputation. Bai Xuerou didn't want that, so she simply let go and let these people speculate.
Princess Yucheng was somewhat disappointed that she didn't elaborate, but she didn't ask any further questions.
She was actually quite interested in hearing the story between the two of them.
Regardless, Ling Xun kept his word and refused to allow anyone to speak recklessly.
Under this protection, Bai Xuerou's life seemed to continue peacefully as always.
Meanwhile, after days of travel, the messenger finally arrived in Yandu. After entering the city, he first returned to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion and reported the news to the chief secretary of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
The chief secretary was shocked to receive the news, never expecting such a thing to happen.
Although some rumors had been heard about Chang'an, few people believed them.
Who would have thought that I would suddenly receive this message?
After his initial shock, the chief secretary still had to do what needed to be done. He carefully prepared gifts and sent a visiting card to the Bai family.
Upon receiving the news, the Bai family was initially surprised but immediately began preparations.
Now that the status of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion has risen, the Chief Secretary who stayed in Yandu to manage everything here naturally has an extraordinary status.
The Bai couple couldn't help but have many guesses. There was no other reason than that the only person in their family who could be related to the Prince's Mansion was Bai Xuerou. The Prince's Mansion was so formal now, it was only because of Bai Xuerou.
Although it doesn't seem like a bad thing, the lack of knowledge about the details inevitably causes worry and unease.
However, this worry turned into shock the next day when the Chief Secretary came to visit.
They almost thought they had misheard.
Prince Ling Xun of Zhenbei requested the emperor to grant him and Lady Bai a marriage.
My own Chunniang and Ling Xun?
Chunniang is Ling Xun's sister-in-law.
There were indeed rumors before, but—
No matter how shocked they were, this news was undeniable, and the Bai family had to accept it.
The Chief Secretary has come to invite the elders of the Bai family to Chang'an to attend the wedding of the two.
Bai Hanwen had always been reluctant to go to Chang'an, disliking the corrupt court and believing that going there would only bring unnecessary trouble.
But this time I had no choice but to go.
He even immediately ordered people to prepare.
Many people speculated that the two had an affair, but Bai Hanwen, as a father, only worried about one thing when he heard the news.
Did Chunniang do this willingly?
Bai Hanwen knew his own daughter well. He knew that his Chunniang was sometimes a bit willful and not a very law-abiding person, but she would never do something so outrageous.
There must be a reason for this.
Bai Hanwen was only worried that his Chunniang was being forced by Ling Xun.
From the very beginning, he knew that Ling Xun was no ordinary person; his cunning, skill, and temperament far surpassed those of ordinary people. Now that such a figure held great power, who knew what he might do?
Yandu is far from Chang'an. Even if a fast horse travels day and night, it would take more than ten days, let alone the fact that Bai's parents traveled by carriage.
The preparations for the journey alone took several days. After finally setting off, and traveling all the way, it was almost the Mid-Autumn Festival before we finally arrived in Chang'an.
Bai Xuerou received the news early on and went out of the city to pick them up.
When she finally saw the Bai family's carriage, her anxiety reached its peak.
She didn't know if her parents would blame her.
This incident has had a significant impact on the Bai family, and may even delay the marriages of their children.
The biggest problem is her belly.
When the doctor came to see me again at the beginning of the month, it was confirmed that I was indeed pregnant.
It has been two months now.
During this time, Bai Xuerou learned some things about childbirth. She knew that in the first three months, the belly was not very obvious, and the high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) could cover it up a bit. As the weather gradually got colder, she learned that the belly was not very noticeable.
But by the time you're three months pregnant, your belly will gradually become more noticeable. If you're not careful, it might show up, so you can't be careless.
Thinking about it, Bai Xuerou couldn't help but feel a little regretful, and couldn't help but take her anger out on Ling Xun.
With these thoughts in mind, she finally met her parents and stepped forward with joy.
"Father, Mother," she called out.
The Bai couple were also overjoyed. Song stepped forward, hugged her in her arms, and almost burst into tears.
"Good child, let your mother take a good look at you." She looked you up and down, and finally smiled and said, "Good, good, you look well."
With just one glance, the couple felt much relieved.
Bai Xuerou was born with an oval face, and now she is slightly plump, with a rosy and full complexion and bright eyes. It is clear that she has been doing well recently.
Not wanting to discuss it further in public, Madam Song called Bai Xuerou to get into the carriage, intending to talk about it in detail there.
Everyone boarded the carriage, which slowly made its way into the city, with Bai Xuerou's guards leading the way and her family guiding the way.
"Chunniang, what exactly is going on between you and the Prince?" Song asked directly as soon as they sat down.
Bai Xuerou smiled bitterly. She had long guessed that her parents would say this, but when the time came, she still didn't know how to bring it up.
“That’s all there is to it. Ling Xun suddenly had this idea, and my daughter, in a moment of confusion, also wavered,” she said.
"You child." Madam Song felt much relieved. It was Bai Xuerou who was willing to worry, but Bai Hanwen was more concerned about the previous sentence and asked, "Was it the prince who had this idea?"
"Chunniang, tell your father, is he forcing you?" Bai Hanwen said, worried that Bai Xuerou was compromising for the sake of her family.
The couple's complete concern put Bai Xue Rou at ease. She smiled as she looked at her husband, shook her head slightly, and said, "Father, don't worry, Ling Xun has never been like this before."
“He has always been considerate and caring towards our daughter. If he had forced her, she would never have done this. But with such a sincere heart, our daughter…” She lowered her head in embarrassment, unable to continue.
Bai Xuerou sometimes wondered if she was too easily moved, while at other times she felt that Ling Xun's sincerity made it perfectly normal for her to be moved.
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