CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Are you paying attention?"

The cup in Su Rou Xue's hand made a loud noise as she nearly threw it onto the table, grabbing Bai Lang's attention.

Su Rou Xue let out a sigh, her smile forced. "Why me? A son would have been preferable.

At least he could inherit. But a daughter is troublesome. If only a good marriage could be arranged, then she could rely on her husband."

She continued, "Tomorrow at noon, everyone will be going to Youhan Temple to offer incense and pray for the winter festival. I have already humbled myself and asked Qu Rou Li to make a new dress for you. Although we will be at a temple, perhaps you can attract the attention of one of the noble ladies."

Su Rou Xue failed to realize that Bai Lang was only twelve years old, still a child who hadn't yet had her coming of age ceremony. Even if she caught the eye of a noble, she wouldn't be eligible for engagement until she turned fourteen and married at fifteen.

Competing with Bai Lui now would only bring harm and potentially damage her reputation if she wasn't careful.

Su Rou Xue tightened her grip on her fist and stared ahead with determination. "Qu Rou Li cannot win. Just wait and see, I will become the lady of the house.

A good marriage will no longer be just a dream. You must listen to Mother Bai Lang." Bai Lang was left speechless in her heart. If she hadn't already known her mother's nature, she would have believed that Su Rou Xue was acting in her best interest.

The annual trip to the temple was a tradition for the family, as the Old Madame was a devout Buddhist.

However, this year they were going earlier than usual. The family's prayers and incense offerings must be for Bai Liu's upcoming marriage, bringing joy to the Old Madame's heart.

After Su Rou Xue departed, Lu Meng remained silent by the side and noticed that the young miss's smile had vanished. Concerned, she prepared a cup of warm tea for Bai Lang and asked.

"Young miss, madam has left. Shall I assist you in getting dressed?"

Bai Lang was aware of the prime minister's meticulous nature when it came to his daughters.

They received comprehensive education in the four arts: calligraphy, needlework, painting, and even had a palace maid to teach them etiquette and household management.

Therefore, Bai Lang was not surprised when her unconventional stepmother convinced the lady of the house to have a new dress made for her.

As the evening grew late, Bai Lang hurriedly led Lu Meng Su Qin and Mama Chu to the main courtyard.

Inside, her legal mother Qu Rou Li was adorned in a new outfit, radiating joy. Bai Lui, exuding the glow of youth, stood proudly by her side. Qu Rou Li lovingly supported Old Furen's arm, while Bai Lang noticed the absence of her stepmother and the other concubines.

Her younger sister was also present in the room. Just as Bai Lang breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that Su Rou Xue was not admitted, her mother entered with a maid servant trailing behind.

She wore a vibrant green skirt embroidered with ponies, paired with a white over jacket, exuding youthfulness and beauty. It was evident to everyone where Bai Lang inherited her grace from.

Old Furen clicked her tongue in disapproval. The woman possessed grace, but lacked proper manners, barely bowing to greet Old Furen and Furen before fixing her piercing gaze on Bai Lang.

Old Furen observed her third granddaughter, marveling at how her beauty and grace seemed to grow with each passing day. The young girl's jade hairpin and white rabbit fur jacket added to her youthful and fresh appearance, making her a delight to behold.

Mama Lin, who had been entrusted with the task of educating the third girl by the prime minister, stood a couple of steps behind her, nodding her head with a contented smile. Old Furen couldn't help but think.

"This granddaughter will surely find a good match."

Bai Lang blushed under the old Furen's gaze, and this warmth in the old woman's eyes filled her with affection. While they waited for the horse carriages, Old Furen engaged in conversation with Bai Lang, allowing her to learn that her two older brothers had gone to the academy to prepare for the upcoming imperial examinations in the fall.

The entire family was divided into three carriages for their journey. Qu Rou Li and Old furen occupied the first carriage, while Bai Lang and Bai Lui were in the second. Su Rou Xue, her servant, and Bai Lin Su, along with Su Rou Xue and Su Qing, were in the last carriage.

A group of bodyguards on horseback surrounded the carriages as they departed with great pomp and ceremony. It would take about two hours to reach the temple from the capital at their current pace. Bai Lang paid no attention to Bai Lui, who was engrossed in conversation.

Meanwhile, Bai Lang leisurely opened the carriage curtains to look out the window. Bai Lui felt annoyed at being ignored, as she had grown tired of the capital's sights after attending numerous gatherings. On the other hand, her third sister rarely had the opportunity to leave the estate.

Life in the capital was a mystery to her, filled with uncertainty. As the carriages slowly made their way through the bustling city, Bai Lang was captivated by the sight of people cheering and showering flowers upon a passing red procession. She tried to absorb every detail, but the scene quickly vanished from her view.

The journey to the temple had been rough, causing Bai Lang to eagerly anticipate stepping out of the carriage. She longed to stretch her muscles and limbs, but the thought of Su Rou Xue's disapproving face held her back. The Bai family was escorted to their temporary residence, where Qu Rou Li addressed them.

"We will be residing in the temple for the next two days." Qu Rou Li announced. "Tomorrow, we will partake in the ritual of burning incense and offering prayers for good fortune.

Please remember to conduct yourselves with utmost decorum, as many noble families will be present. We must not bring shame upon the Bai family."

As Qu Rou Li mentioned shame, the old Furen's gaze lingered on Su Rou Xue. "The three of you will also undergo the ritual of purification before the ceremony." she added solemnly.