Apart from that overflowing chest, you have got nothing else

The epidemic incident this time was resolved within one full month, as a result of the united effort between the royal doctors and Ouyang Feilong's troop. Still, Ouyang Mingxian who took over the responsibility after his uncle was the one given main credit, while the two misses from the Bai family were showered with praise by the people of the capital.

The first miss Bai Yu, the brilliant number one beauty who discovered the cause and stopped the spread.

The third miss Bai Hua, the woman who proved that she could be useful even without magic. She used the ancient method of treatment to cure the villagers, overworking to the point of falling ill herself.

Apart from them was also Miss Xu Peipei who came later with medicine and medical equipment, and then stayed to help at the village herself. Xu Peipei could endure more than Bai Yu had expected. She assisted in many of Bai Yu's duties, and above all, she could control her personal emotion surprisingly well after witnessing a heartbreaking event.

One day, Bai Hua collapsed after overexerting herself to perform acupuncture without getting any rest. As soon as Ouyang Mingxian was notified, he immediately took her to his own tent and gave permission for her to rest there until she could fully recover. As for himself, he had men set up a new tent for him. It was an out-of-character behavior from Qin Wang who, like his uncle, was cautious of his treatment toward women.

From then on, Bai Hua's importance in Ouyang Mingxian's heart was closely observed by everyone who had witnessed the scene, since all in the capital knew that the first miss Bai Yu devoted her heart to Qin Wang alone, and she had long been supported by the Empress Dowager. However, now Qin Wang suddenly showed concern for the third miss Bai Hua. What a pity for Bai Yu, the young lady born from first Furen, to lose to a concubine daughter like Bai Hua.

Still, Bai Yu herself did not care one bit. Even with Xu Peipei taunting her every day, she was still certain that Xu Peipei also saw Bai Hua as a threat, because she had started going back and forth between harassing the heroine and bickering with her. That incident with Bai Hua had caused people to started looking at her with a strange gaze, but the villainess still lifted her chin and walked with her back straight everywhere she went. She did not care what others said about her.

Xiao Xi watched her young miss with reverence. She knew that inside, her miss must be hurting, yet she could retain her impeccable manner on the outside. As expected as the esteemed first miss of the Bai family!

In the end, no one knew the truth as well as herself. Bai Yu no longer concerned herself with Ouyang Mingxian. Everyone could love anyone, as long as they did not cross into her boundary. This life, she wanted to start over, not creating karma and intertwining her lives with anyone else's in an endless cycle.

Now that she thought of karma, Bai Yu did not know in how many lives had she and Bai Hua paid and repaid each other's karma debt through various actions. In her former life, Song Lianhua had stolen Li Wenrou from her, possibly because Bai Yu had taken advantage of Ouyang Wenrou's love for Bai Hua and used it to hurt her. She once had manipulated Ouyang Wenrou to go against his older brother, Ouyang Mingxian, and interfere with his love with Bai Hua, leading to the two fighting almost to the death. It was no surprise that karma would result in her being fooled by Li Wenrou for full nine years.

After she died, Ouyang Mingxian was born as the son of Song Lianhua or Bai Hua, but they did not have the chance to meet. That must also be the karma that punished Song Lianhua for causing Yoknapha to commit suicide, depriving her of the chance to meet her fated love.

That goddess had told Bai Yu that how karma debt was repaid in each life was different. There was one life she was born as a cat, trying to kill Bai Hua who was a mouse, and in the end, was poisoned to death by Ouyang Mingxian who hated cats.

One life she was born as a man who abandoned his own wife, Bai Hua, to be with Ouyang Mingxian, and was subsequently killed by Ouyang Wenrou who was Bai Hua's brother in that life as revenge.

There were many more ways that their other lives entwined. They would continue to hurt one another in an endless cycle. And so, she had to come here to stop it from happening in the first place.

From the goddess's words and her own judgment when she went to visit Bai Hua while she was recovering from overwork, Bai Yu was certain that the Bai Hua who transmigrated here was not Song Lianhua from her past life. Instead, she must be Bai Hua's soul from another life or another era that Bai Yu had no memory of.

She and Bai Hua came from a similar era but at different time, still, their souls were the same.

Her and Bai Hua's fate could be said to be equal this time. She knew the future and could avoid it if she chose to, while Bai Hua had her ability that she could use to advance herself and gain acceptance in this world of hierarchy.

As long as they did not create karma, fate would not make them enemies in their lives after this.

"What a fool! Your lowly half-sister was using her wiles to capture Qin Wang's attention. Why are you sitting and drinking tea, acting all relaxed like this?!"

On the day that the weather was mild and not too cold, Bai Yu was drinking her hot tea and contemplating about her being transmigrated here when a voluptuous figure in bright red came barging in. Even after her relaxing atmosphere was shattered, she slowly and gracefully moved to continue sipping her tea, as if there was no interruption at all. Not long after, an empty teacup was set down, and her phoenix eyes finally turned to look at Xu Peipei, who was still trying to suppress her anger to Bai Hua and Bai Yu, her two rivals.

"Because it doesn't involve me at all. Or does it make your chest heavier?" Bai Yu teased when she saw how Xu Peipei's chest moved due to her heavy breathing from anger and from hurrying to walk all the way out to the Bai family's gazebo.

"Why are you always talking about my chest?!"

Because it was good for the eyes and looked like it would feel good to the touch too. I like it. Heh heh.

"…Is it because you're lacking yourself, so you're envious? Are you overcompensating?" Xu Peipei giggled, suddenly feeling better from having an advantage over Bai Yu in terms of figure. She intentionally pressed herself to Bai Yu's arm. The anger dissipated and was replaced by a wicked grin that enhanced her alluring charm. Bai Yu had to admit that this woman was 'sexy' unlike other women of the time.

After mocking her opponent with words and actions to her heart's content, Xu Peipei moved to sit next to Bai Yu, who had been wearing dark blue more often. From afar, the two seemed as if two boxers from opposite corners in an intense match.

Bai Yu rolled her eyes. Did you already forget that you were angry?

"Have pride in it." Bai Yu faked a smile at the woman who was feeling proud of 'winning' over her with the size of her chest. However, that pride was taken away in the next moment when Bai Yu said: "…Because apart from that overflowing chest, you have got nothing else."

"You!"

"Blessings to Qin Wang."

The maids who were waiting in front of the gazebo greeted loudly, attempting to stop the two misses inside who were having a conversation so heated that they did not notice the man heading toward them.

Bai Yu and Xu Peipei hurriedly stood up to curtsy to Ouyang Mingxian. The expressions on the two women's faces were so different that he was surprised. Xu Peipei was bowing her head while biting on her lips like she was being dissatisfied with something. On the other hand, Bai Yu had a subtle smile like something was amusing her.

The corner of Ouyang Mingxian's mouth lifted slightly. It seemed that Miss Bai was being naughty again. Lately, she had been openly causing ruckus without hiding behind a noble at all. Truly interesting.

"Did benwang interrupt you two?" He sat down and was sandwiched by the two beauties.

Xu Peipei immediately took a teapot to pour tea for Ouyang Mingxian. She smiled, pleased with herself for being faster than her opponent. She had been faster than Bai Yu in everything of late. Ever since she came to help at the village, every time the three of them were together, Xu Peipei was able to service Qin Wang with everything he did more than Bai Yu. Before, Bai Yu had never given her any opportunity to do so.

Ah…Just do as you wish, Xu Peipei

"You are not interrupting at all, Your Highness," Bai Yu replied sweetly, trying to be polite.

Ouyang Mingxian lifted his brow. Where did the delighted reaction she had every time they met go?

"Wangye please drink this tea. Pei-er brought this tea from the capital to give it to you."

"Thank you." Ouyang Mingxian lifted the tea to his lips.

Xu Peipei followed suit while acting shy. Bai Yu lifted her teacup to hide as she skewed her mouth. This tea was mine, and you just arrived a moment ago, wasn't it!

"Benwang came to inform you both that tomorrow morning, benwang will bring everyone back to the capital."

"Is that true?" Xu Peipei was openly happy.

"You two, please prepare accordingly."

"It is a shame, Your Highness. I feel quite attached to this place already," Xu Peipei said with a gloomy face.

Bai Yu lifted the teacup to hide her mouth again. Didn't you just arrive here last week?!

"Father had already issued a royal decree to organize a banquet to celebrate those who have contributed to stop this epidemic. It might help Miss Xu feel better."

"The Emperor is truly gracious, Your Highness."

Xu Peipei beamed. And Bai Yu lifted her teacup for the third time.

"How about Miss Bai? Are you not glad?" Ouyang Mingxian turned to her.

"Ugh…"

Bai Yu choked on her tea. She was sitting quietly for a while, why was he picking this moment to talk to her?!

She took out a handkerchief to wipe away the spilled tea before answering. "Being able to return to my mother would of course make me glad, Your Highness."

"Miss Bai truly loves her family," Ouyang Mingxian said while gazing at a familiar-looking handkerchief. Bai Yu understood his line of sight and thought that he must be thinking about the handkerchief from last time.

She immediately put it back into her sleeve pocket.

"I am away from home for quite a while, so naturally, I miss my mother."

Now Xu Peipei skewed her mouth without hiding behind any teacup.

"Pei-er is away from home for quite a while too. The cold weather like this makes Pei-er worry about her mother, Your Highness."

This Peipei…really knew how to adapt.

"The two misses are both gracious. Benwang is glad to be assisted matter." by you both in this

"Pei-er is always willing to lighten Wangye's load."

"Me too, Your Highness."

Bai Yu blatantly copied Xu Peipei. She did not want to say anything too much. The matter could be resolved because everyone came together to help. Qin Wang himself also did so much for the villagers that lately he became quite haggard.

Ouyang Mingxian continued to converse with them for a little while. To be precise, it was him having a conversation with Xu Peipei, since Bai Yu said almost nothing except when prompted by Ouyang Mingxian. Even when her heart was pounding the whole time he was close, today she could conceal her reaction extremely well.

It would not be long before she could be completely cured of loving him. Bai Yu consoled herself by imagining that she was having a disease called 'Loving Ouyang Mingxian'. And so, there was nothing much to think about other than focusing on taking medicine and resting. The symptoms would be gone in no time, and then she would be free…

"How is Miss Bai's wound?"

"It had completely healed, Your Highness." It had been this long, plus, she was treated by Ouyang Wenrou, there was no way it would not have healed. This person must have remembered it only just now and faked being worried about her. Hmph!

"Grandmother has entrusted benwang to take care of you. But benwang was too busy taking care of the patients and could not find the opportunity to come to see you. Benwang hopes Miss Bai does not take offense."

"Yu-er does not dare." Bai Yu bowed her head. "Wangye's heart was full of concern for the citizen. I have seen how Wangye has worked hard for the villagers. How could Yu-er be offended?"

"Then benwang could feel more at ease." Ouyang Mingxian looked at Bai Yu's calmness. It seemed that she truly was not angry with him at all, which was different from before where she would find every opportunity to force him to be close. He hid the small surprise beneath his calm exterior as he excused himself from the two of them. Bai Yu and Xu Peipei stood up and curtsied to him according to tradition.

"Farewell to Wangye."

"Seems like you have to really give up now," Xu Peipei said as they were watching the tall figure walking further away. "Today Wangye talks to me a lot more than you. You should've realized that I'm the winner."

"Don't be too conceited. I'm not your only opponent." Bai Yu glanced at the woman in red next to her as she coolly replied. Then, she turned and walked away without caring about Xu Peipei's stomping her feet in anger.

She still had to plan for the next conflict in the series between her and Bai Hua that happened after arriving at the mansion. If that came true, then it would be a good thing that the story had not deviated too much from the original, and it would mean that she still knew the future.

----------------------------

At dawn, Bai Yu went back to pray to the Buddhist statue at her ancestral temple for the last time. She told her maid that she wanted to return to the capital with a calm heart, so she chose to wear an all-white dress for women practicing Buddhism precepts. After returning from the temple, the royal cavalcade was ready to depart to the capital.

Bai Yu did not change before riding in her carriage. This was her intention.

Bai Yu and Bai Hua had to have an argument in public, in front of the Bai mansion. This was caused by Yue Mei's plan that caused Bai Hua to hold a grudge and then tried to cause disturbances to get back at her. However, that plan had failed because of Bai Yu's meddling, so she was unsure if the argument would still happen like in the series or not. Nevertheless, she still had to prepare for the worst.

It was late afternoon when the two carriages stopped in front of the Bai family's mansion. One was an ornately decorated carriage, while another was a common one that was not too old or too new. Yue Mei's maids who had been waiting knew at first glance which one belonged to the first miss.

The villagers in the area were gathering in hopes to see the two Bai beauties who were rising in popularity. The elder sister was intelligent and could figure out the cause of the disease, while the younger one was compassionate and exerted herself to help others until she fell ill.

It was Bai Hua who came out of the carriage first.

Xiao Zi came down and held out her hand to support the person inside. The surrounding people started singing praise as soon as they saw the delicate fingers that were like high-quality jade. Then, the bewitching beauty that could conquer cities of the gentle heroine appeared to the public. Astonishment and praises sounded when everyone witnessed her beauty and goodness; however, those soon turned into criticism when they saw that the beauty…was wearing ragged clothes!

The Bai family had one miss who was called useless, and that miss was right in front of them now. They never thought that the Bais would treat a young lady so poorly, even her clothes were of a maid's.

"G…Greetings to third miss." Yue Mei's maid awkwardly curtsied to her. After receiving an order from first Furen, she had already prepared a plan to destroy the third miss's reputation, preventing her from stealing the first miss's spotlight.

But who would expect Bai Hua to return in a maid attire?!

Seeing this, the people would condemn the Bai family for being cruel and heartless to the woman who had saved numerous villagers' life. The woman whom even the Emperor had complimented, but was neglected by the Bai family!

"Isn't it this third miss that saved hundreds of people's lives? Why is the Bai family so cruel to her?!"

"Her clothes are no different from a maid. How could they do this to their own daughter?"

"What a shame that third miss's beauty and kindness were hidden by the Bai family for so long."

"What a shame."

"That's right."

"This isn't fair at all."

People's gossip and criticism were the fastest way to spread news in this age. Bai Hua excellently took advantage of that fact. Even without the kidnapping incident, fate still pitted her against Bai Hua.

Bai Yu sighed at her foolishness. Out of all the ways to harass the heroine, she chose to take away her clothes. Like this, she only helped Bai Hua get back at Yue Mei like the original plan, only this time the target was not Yue Mei, but her!

Oh well, at least she had prepared herself for it.

"Greetings to first miss. Welcome back." The cheerful voice sounded loudly by many in front of the chancellor's mansion, attracting people's attention.

Bai Yu gracefully stepped down from her own carriage. Even in the all-white clothes of a commoner, her beauty still shone through. The pretty face that was not touched by any cosmetics elevated her appearance into seeming like an immortal who had severed herself from worldly affairs.

"Look at the first miss's clothes. That's also commoner clothes!"

"That's true."

"It seems the Bai family wasn't particularly cruel to third miss like we thought. Even the first miss did not wear anything fancy."

"They probably live like a commoner while staying at that village. Commendable."

"Look at the first miss, she's beautiful even without any cosmetics."

"As expected of the number one beauty!"

Bai Yu openly smiled with satisfaction.

Do not say that she was cruel. She had destroyed her mother's plan already; her sister's plan was nothing.

"First miss, this way." Yue Mei's maid smilingly led the first miss into the mansion. This time, her miss really did save the Bai family from being heavily criticized.

Bai Yu stepped through the front gate, dignified, before stopping when she saw her mother's maid stopped and turned back toward her.

"Third miss please enter through the side entrance."

Ah…She forgot that there was also this scene in the series too!

In this world, children born from concubines, no matter how beautiful or capable they were, were forbidden from entering through the mansion's front gate! Because the front gate was reserved only for her and her brother who were born from the first Furen.

This kind of thing…was surely Yue Mei's scheme!