CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

That's why they decided to send Sou Qing, her cousin, to tame Sou Rou Xue.

"Waizumu, this granddaughter, deeply missed Waizumu, and concubine mother yearned to see Waizumu.

However, this granddaughter was unwell, and mother refused to leave my side." Bai Lang spoke tenderly.

With a heavy sigh, the elderly Madam Sou carefully removed her jade bangle and placed it in Bai Lang's hand.

"Good girl, you understand how to protect your mother's reputation."

Sou Zhang Zhu observed Bai Lang's enchanting face and couldn't help but acknowledge the child's true beauty.

However, as a daughter, Bai Lang's value was not promising. Since his sister was not the principal wife, they wondered what they could do with her. The best they could hope for was to send her off to the crown prince as a concubine. Frustrated, he couldn't help but voice his thoughts.

"I wish you had been born a son," the elder male grumbled, casting a disdainful look at Bai Lang.

"Sou Zhang Zhu!" Sou Madam exclaimed, taken aback by her son's candidness. She never expected him to express his true feelings.

If Bai Lang had been a male, he would have had the opportunity to compete for the leadership of the Bai family. Their renowned Scholar family, the Sou Family, could have flourished even more.

"Pay no attention to him, Xiao Lang. Zumu is happy to see you." Sou old Madam reassured.

"Hmph." Sou Zhang Zhu turned away, refusing to acknowledge Bai Lang. "Where is your husband?" he asked Sou Rou Xue.

"He's entertaining Duke Liang." Su Rou Xue informed her brother, pointing towards the path that led to the main hall where the men had gathered.

Su Rou Xue tightened her grip on her fists, sensing the urgency in her brother's words. The idea of not having a son left her feeling uncertain, especially considering that even her own cousin had entered the fu and given birth to a son.

But for her, after having Bai Lang, her stomach remained as still as water. Could she really get to be Bai Kang's main wife without giving birth to a son? These thoughts filled Su Rou Xue with frustration as she looked at Bai Lang.

A warm smile spread across Sou Zhang Zhu's face. "I must go and greet them," he declared, leaving his wife and daughter behind as he pulled the younger male along with him.

Bai Lang gaze followed closely behind Sou Zhang Zhu, watching as he disappeared down the path towards the main hall. She could already sense that he was going to try and impress her father and Duke Liang.

Sou Zhang Zhu's wife approached Bai Lang with a young girl by her side. She gently nudged the young lady towards Bai Lang and introduced her as Biaojie Sou Tan Mei.

"Xiao Lang, please take good care of her, even though she's a year older than you. This is Tan Mei's first time in the capital," Madam Sou said with a sweet smile.

As the gears in Madam Sou's mind started turning, she realized that with the Bai family's eldest daughter getting married, it might soon be the turn of their eldest son. If Sou Tan Mei could marry him, their family would secure a strong position in the capital.

"Sou Tan Mei greets the third miss," Tan Mei politely greeted.

Bai Lang shifted her gaze towards the girl. There was no denying that she was beautiful. With her oval face, almond-shaped eyes, and delicate pink lips, Sou Tan Mei would stand out even in a crowd.

"Xiao Lang greets Biaojie. Biaojie, you don't have to stand on ceremony. Just call me Xiao Lang," Bai Lang replied graciously.

If she possessed even a fraction of her father's qualities, Bai Lang knew they would exploit her. But who were they to think they could use her? This cousin of hers should take a good look and understand her place.

Madam Sou released her daughter's hand, saying, "I must greet the other ladies. Xiao Lang, please take care of Tan-er."

Bai Lang's grandmother and mother walked away with Madam Sou, leaving the two young girls alone. It had been years since lo- shi was last in the capital. Su Rou Xue was the perfect person to be by her side and introduce her to the other ladies, she thought.

Bai Lang suppressed a sigh. If she wanted a companion, she would have chosen one of her sisters. "Please come with me, Biaojie. I'll take you to where my Jei jei are."

This is the first time Sou Tan Mei has ever encountered such a large gathering of people in her entire life. Living in the peaceful countryside since she was four years old, social events and parties were rare occurrences.

Su Ran's face illuminated with delight as she overheard the sweet greetings of numerous ladies towards Bai Lang.

"Xiao Lang is quite popular," Sou Tan Mei remarked, barely concealing her envy. "Xiao Lang should introduce us."

Before Bai Lang could respond, Bai Liu hurriedly approached her. "Xiao Lang, the Princes have arrived. Do you remember how to properly greet them?"

Bai Liu unintentionally overlooked Sou Tan Mei, simply because she didn't notice her presence.

"Yes, Jei jei."

"Introducing the First Prince and Second Prince."

The previously bustling main hall fell silent in an instant. It was unexpected for the Princes to grace the Vice Minister's daughter's coming of age banquet. However, it made sense considering the Prime Minister's prestigious Bai marquise house.

Beside Bai Lang, a gasp escaped someone's lips, followed by the whispered words, "They are truly captivating."

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