Chapter 2. His arrest warrant is still hanging on the wall...
Bai Xuerou closed her eyes, pondered for a while, came up with a plan, and slowly exhaled.
However, this is the worst-case scenario.
Her most pressing task now is to verify the authenticity of the novel's content.
Things cannot be rushed.
However, before that, Bai Xuerou felt it was necessary to go to the Xuantian Temple outside the city to offer incense.
That's really unlucky...
In the following days, Bai Xuerou spent all her time digesting the suddenly added memories.
The more I think about it, the more I yearn for it.
I really want to go see that world.
But it seems like that's all we can do but dream about it.
Another day, after having breakfast, Ling Zheng went to the front to discuss matters with the Prince of Zhenbei.
Bai Xuerou dismissed the servants, closed her eyes to rest, and sorted out her thoughts.
The rain outside the window had been falling on and off for several days and still hadn't stopped. Bai Xuerou leaned against the couch, listening to the rain through the window.
She wasn't feeling well; the smell of fragrance made her chest feel heavy, so she only kept melons and fruits in the room to offer some sweetness. As she closed her eyes to sort through her memories, she heard a slight noise as the partition door was pushed open, and she couldn't help but open her eyes to look.
"My lady, Lady Xiao is here again," Su'e whispered.
Xiao Niangzi is the wife of Ling Chong, the eldest son of the Prince of Zhenbei, who is also Ling Zheng's elder brother. Her name is Xiao Jinyu.
As for why it's "again," it's because the women in the family visited Bai Xuerou when she first woke up the day before yesterday, and the other party came alone yesterday, but Bai Xuerou wasn't feeling well at the time, so Ling Zheng refused her. And then there's today.
As for the reason—
The story begins with her falling into a coma. The second wife of the household, Ling Shujun, and the eldest son, Ling Chong, are siblings from the same mother and have always been hostile to Ling Zheng. As for the reason... it involves a secret.
It is said that the second wife, Gao, who was Ling Zheng's birth mother, married into the Prince's mansion while pregnant. There are also rumors that the first wife died of anger because of this.
Whether it's true or not, Bai Xuerou had been targeted by this second mistress since childhood and was used to it. Who knew that in this argument, the other party would actually hit her and push her into the lake.
It was still cold in February. After she was rescued, she fell ill and had a high fever, remaining unconscious for three whole days.
The Prince of Zhenbei was furious.
It wouldn't be accurate to say that the Prince of Zhenbei was particularly fond of Bai Xuerou as his daughter-in-law. When Bai Xuerou and Ling Zheng got engaged, the Prince of Zhenbei was still a marquis. The Bai family had a long history of scholarship, and although they weren't particularly prominent, they were still considered a prestigious family in Yandu. They were barely a good match for Ling Zheng, who was the son of a second wife.
However, as the Ling family was granted the title of king and dominated the northern border, and the Prince of Zhenbei grew increasingly fond of his third son, he became somewhat dissatisfied with this marriage.
The Bai family had already prepared to annul the engagement, but Ling Zheng insisted, and the marriage proceeded smoothly.
Despite his dissatisfaction, the fact that his daughter-in-law, who had only been married for a month, was pushed into the lake by his daughter and nearly lost her life was not a good reputation. Ling Ji'an, who rarely interfered in the affairs of the inner quarters, ordered his men to take her to the ancestral hall and make her kneel there. She has not cried out since.
Bai Xuerou was unconscious for three days, and since she woke up, Ling Shujun has been kneeling for six days.
The brothers Ling Chong and Ling Zheng were not on good terms, and Xiao Jinyu and Bai Xuerou's relationship was just so-so. It was impossible for them to care about her so much that they would come to visit her every day.
It's easy to guess that Xiao Jinyu came here for the sake of the second mistress, Ling Shujun, hoping to get Bai Xuerou, the aggrieved party, to forgive her so that she could be released from the ancestral hall sooner.
Bai Xuerou's mind was throbbing with those memories, and she didn't want to deal with these troublesome things at all. She said directly, "Just say I'm not feeling well and need to rest."
Su Chan immediately agreed.
Just like when she came in, she tiptoed out, and Bai Xuerou closed her eyes and gently rubbed her temples.
All those sweet memories of the past have now turned into torment.
Will Ling Zheng, who once insisted on marrying her and even went against his biological father's wishes, really treat her like the character in that novel?
Outside, Xiao Jinyu heard Su Chan's reply. Although she was displeased, she still comforted her gently and asked Su Chan to tell Bai Xuerou to rest well. Then she left with her maid. Once outside the courtyard, her face darkened and she looked rather unpleasant.
"What kind of mess is this?" she muttered angrily.
Xiao Jinyu comes from a prestigious family. Her grandfather was once a high-ranking official and was personally hired by the Prince of Zhenbei for his eldest son. He has always looked down on Bai Xuerou.
Now look what's happened. Because of what she did for her sister-in-law, she ended up having to sacrifice her own reputation and offer herself up to Bai Xuerou to be humiliated.
This resentment lingered in Xiao Jinyu's heart, making her feel extremely stifled.
Xiao Jinyu didn't want to come at all, but Ling Chong was worried about his sister and urged her every day. He mentioned it again after breakfast today.
Otherwise, why would she bother with this cold shoulder?
She made up her mind never to look for Bai Xuerou again; she had her pride too.
Therefore, after returning, Xiao Jinyu tearfully complained to Ling Chong about Bai Xuerou's neglect of her. However, she didn't say much about her own grievances, but only repeatedly apologized for her incompetence in not being able to move Bai Xuerou and for embarrassing Ling Chong.
As husband and wife, if Bai Xuerou doesn't give her face, then she naturally won't give Ling Chong face either.
Xiao Jinyu knew exactly how much her husband cared about his reputation.
After a few words, Ling Chong's face turned ugly, and he even mentioned Ling Zheng's name in his angry words, obviously thinking that Bai Xuerou's actions were at Ling Zheng's behest.
Xiao Jinyu pursed her lips, hiding it behind her handkerchief. Ling Shujun's character... tsk...
In her opinion, Ling Shujun was also brainless. If she wanted to make things difficult for someone without making a scene, there are many other ways. Instead, she made a big scene, which became public knowledge, and now there's no way to resolve the situation.
Those who weren't raised by a mother are just different.
However, Xiao Jinyu only thought these words in her heart and would never be foolish enough to say them out loud.
As expected, Ling Chong did not mention again that he wanted Xiao Jinyu to go find Bai Xuerou.
Xiao Jinyu felt a sense of relief, made a perfunctory gesture to send someone to visit Ling Shujun, and continued with her life. But to say she was overjoyed was an understatement—
Ling Shujun married two years ago to a capable subordinate of the Prince of Zhenbei, a talented young man. Unfortunately, he was unlucky and died last year while suppressing bandits. After that, she returned home as a widow. This sister-in-law had always been difficult to deal with and had given Xiao Jinyu no shortage of headaches. After becoming a widow, her personality became even more eccentric.
She had just been relieved that the other party had targeted Ling Zheng and his wife, and before she could even breathe a sigh of relief, this incident occurred. She herself was fine, but Xiao Jinyu couldn't help but worry that Ling Chong would be implicated because of her.
The birth mother of Ling Chong and his sister was a princess of the imperial clan, and the Prince of Zhenbei disliked his eldest son from the start...
After the first spring rain stopped, the world seemed to have been washed clean, everything was fresh and green, and everywhere was full of vitality.
On the last day of February, in the afternoon, after taking Bai Xuerou's pulse, Dr. Ge said that she could go out for a walk, but the illness was slowly healing and she still needed to be careful and rest for a while.
By this time, Bai Xuerou had been awake for five days.
Ling Zheng breathed a sigh of relief, held Bai Xuerou's hand, gazed at her tenderly, and said, "Listen to the doctor, your health is of utmost importance, and we cannot be careless in the slightest."
A few days is enough time for Bai Xuerou to sort out her memories and feelings, and to deal with Ling Zheng normally.
She smiled back and said, "I'm fine. It's you who's been worried about me these past few days. You must be tired."
"You're always so considerate. This whole thing is my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have suffered so much." Ling Zheng couldn't help but feel guilty upon hearing this.
Bai Xuerou said unhappily, "Husband and wife are one, why are you talking about 'you' and 'me'?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Zheng smiled and chatted with her for a few more minutes, his expression gradually revealing a hint of hesitation.
“Chunniang…” He hesitated, looking somewhat troubled.
Bai Xuerou's heart skipped a beat, and she asked with a considerate smile, "What's wrong?"
"I plan to speak to my father tomorrow and ask him to release my second sister," Ling Zheng said slowly.
Bai Xuerou frowned slightly, naturally showing her displeasure. Seeing this, Ling Zheng became even more embarrassed. Just as he was about to explain, he saw her slowly sigh.
"I'll listen to you," she said.
“Chunniang, I…” Ling Zheng felt a sense of relief and prepared to express his thoughts. Bai Xuerou shook her head and interrupted softly, saying, “I know.”
"No matter how bad Second Sister is, she is still Father's biological daughter. You are siblings, so you can't be too cold-hearted."
“Your initiative has made Father even happier. This is a good thing.” Bai Xuerou was as considerate and thoughtful as ever, and even comforted Ling Zheng with a smile, “I know you have it tough. I can’t help you with things outside, but I can still make decisions on this little matter.”
As she spoke, she looked at Ling Zheng, her eyes filled with a hint of hope that she herself hadn't even noticed.
Ling Zheng was deeply moved, feeling that his wife was considerate in every way. He pulled her into his arms and comforted her, whispering, "Don't worry, I will definitely give you an explanation when I have the chance."
That glimmer of hope was then extinguished.
Bai Xuerou suddenly realized that she had actually been hoping Ling Zheng would refuse.
But he didn't.
She was momentarily stunned, wondering if her memory was faulty or if Ling Zheng had changed.
Ling Zheng, who always put her first and once sought revenge against others for bullying her, is now actually waiting for an opportunity?
What if there's no opportunity?
What does her grievance matter?
When did this change occur? Was it always like this, or was she too oblivious to notice when it changed?
Bai Xuerou knew that her current thinking was somewhat of a dead end, influenced by the novel. But the events were real, and her grievances were real.
Bai Xuerou's mind was in turmoil, and she showed some disappointment on her face, but she softly agreed. Ling Zheng naturally wouldn't ignore this, and felt a pang of guilt, thinking he should comfort her more later.
Chunniang is usually very understanding and will surely understand his predicament.
My father is unwell, and no new children have been born into the family in recent years, and it is unlikely that there will be any in the future.
Of the six children, he was the most favored by their father and closest to receiving the title. At this crucial juncture, Ling Zheng didn't want anything to go wrong.
Once he inherits the title, everything will be fine.
He will make Ling Shujun pay the price for this.
After chatting for a while, Ling Zheng went to the study. Bai Xuerou, having finally been released from the ban, was about to go out for some fresh air.
The apricot blossoms, which were just beginning to bloom before, are now mostly in full bloom, covering the trees in fragrant beauty.
Looking at the flowers, Bai Xuerou was reminded of the desolate scene described in the novel: she was imprisoned in the courtyard by Ling Zheng, all her close maids were dead, and she was left only with the apricot blossoms for company.
She closed her eyes and waved away the demonic influence.
"My lord, Bai Shan requests an audience, saying he has something to report," Su Chan reported.
Bai Shan was someone Bai Xue Rou rescued when she was young. He stayed in the Bai family as a guard and later moved to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion after Bai Xue Rou got married.
Although she couldn't go out due to illness these past few days, she hadn't been idle. She had sent instructions early on to have Bai Shan investigate some things, and now was the time to verify them.
Let her see for herself whether what she learned from books is true or false.
Of course, there is another important thing.
If what that novel says is true, then her identity as a bodyguard is quite extraordinary.
Bai Xuerou is still somewhat surprised when she thinks about it now; she never imagined that she had such a formidable person by her side.
"Go and invite them," Bai Xuerou said gently.
Su Chan immediately responded, and soon brought in a tall and strong man. He turned from the corridor and immediately saw the person under the corridor.
She wore a peach-pink top and a willow-green skirt, turning sideways towards the outside of the corridor. Even in profile, she was still extremely beautiful. The bright spring sunlight streamed through the eaves and fell on the fair and delicate skin of her wrist, like jade glowing. In a daze, it seemed even whiter and warmer than the white jade bracelet on her wrist, making Bai Shan somewhat lose his senses.
"Master, Bai Shan has been brought." Su Yun curtsied softly.
Then Bai Shan saw Bai Xue Rou turn her head and cast a glance at him.
He instinctively lowered his head, afraid that his gaze might reveal something inappropriate and offend her.
“Master,” he said respectfully.
Bai Xuerou looked at him.
Born in a chaotic era, Bai Shan's origins were unknown, but no one in the Bai family investigated his background. He was unwilling to mention his former name, so Bai Xue Rou named him Bai Shan.
It wasn't until she read the novel that she realized Bai Shan's background was extraordinary. This was why Bai Xue Rou had asked him to come over when she had some free time. She wanted to try to verify how much of what was said in the book was true.
"Suyun, you can go down now," she said.
Su Yun immediately withdrew.
"Speak," Bai Xuerou said softly.
Bai Shan then recounted everything.
Bai Xuerou had previously asked him to investigate matters related to Ling Shujun, and five days was more than enough time for him to find out everything clearly.
"...She had a close relationship with one of the guards in the manor, meeting him privately on several occasions, which aroused my suspicion..."
Upon hearing this, Bai Xuerou's eyes flickered slightly.
It matches up, it matches up perfectly.
The novel mentions that Ling Shujun and a guard in the Prince's mansion were in love, but they dared not confess because of the Prince of Zhenbei, and they continued to see each other in secret.
First it was Bai Shan, then there was Ling Shujun's affair.
If it really is the work of a demon, could it be that the demon has been hiding in the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion all along, just to fabricate this story to deceive her at this moment?
What's the point?
Bai Xuerou refused to believe it, but the scales in her heart couldn't help but tip towards the contents of that novel.
She remained silent for a long while.
"That's all the information I found," Bai Shan said, falling silent.
"Only?" Bai Xuerou snapped out of her daze, turned to face Bai Shan, and said with a gentle smile, "Guard Bai is too modest. This is already a lot."
Bai Shan lowered his head and asked respectfully, "What are your plans, Madam?"
In the silence, he heard Bai Xuerou speak, but she didn't talk about that matter; instead, she said:
"Bai Shan, I just learned something and would like to ask you for clarification." Bai Xue Rou's voice was soft, weak, and revealed her frailty.
Bai Shan has been by Bai Xue Rou's side since she was ten years old, and has watched her grow from that little girl into the stunningly beautiful woman she is today.
He kept his head down, but even without looking, he could imagine what Bai Xuerou looked like.
Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but glance at her. Seeing her tired and pale expression, he couldn't help but feel worried, and his murderous intent towards Ling Shujun intensified.
If it weren't for the worry of causing trouble for Bai Xuerou...
"Please speak," Bai Shan said, restraining himself from looking away.
“Over the years, I have never inquired about your background, but I have learned some things by chance… I would like to ask about your origins to verify the truth of those things,” Bai Xuerou asked directly.
Bai Shan felt a chill in his heart, but his face remained impassive. He said, "I joined the army when I was young. Who knew that my family, which had some wealth, would be ruined by a corrupt official? In a fit of anger, I killed that corrupt official and fled here."
He had pondered his background and origins countless times over the years, carefully considering every detail to ensure there would be no surprises, even down to his name.
This person does exist; he was Bai Shan's former subordinate.
No, he didn't have that name back then; his name was Wei Yi.
He was one of the rebel leaders who once stirred up turmoil in half of the Great Qi Dynasty. He was a wanted criminal with a bounty of 10,000 gold coins on his head. His wanted poster is still hanging on the bulletin board in Yandu.
Bai Xuerou smiled softly and uttered a name:
"Wei Yi."
A note from the author:
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