Banquet III

Bai Zhenxiang's frown of anger eased up, but the anger within his heart was hard to dispel.

"Hmph, we don't have to bring out the family law! Let him go to the Ancestral Hall to think about his mistakes! Before the Lan family banquet, he isn't allowed to take a single step away! After the banquet, I will then discipline him!"

Yu Rong's words were not without reason. He could not allow others misunderstand and think that he was ill-treating Bai Xiao and so, he could only temporarily let him off.

After the banquet was over, he would settle the score with him!

***

After Bai Xiao left the old residence, he did not immediately return to the Bai family. Instead, he made a trip to the Lan family first, relaying Bai Yan's words to Old Madam Lan before returning back to Bai Manor.

After he returned to Bai Manor, he was informed that Bai Zhenxiang wanted him to go to the Ancestral Hall to reflect on his mistakes. He sneered and could not be bothered to explain himself, directly entering the Ancestral Hall instead.

If he was to show his face to these people of Bai Manor, then he'd rather stay in the Ancestral Hall. It was still better than seeing those people…

Within a few days, the news of the Lan family wishing to organize a welcoming banquet for Bai Yan was spread throughout the main streets and small alleys. Many people of great forces received the invitation.

Naturally, as Bai Yan's former fiancé, Nangong Yi had also received the news. He had originally thought that the Lan family would definitely send him an invitation. Who'd knew that he waited till the night itself, yet he did not receive any invitation.

"Crown Prince."

A voice so soft downright to the bones made Nangong Yi regain his sense. He hugged the woman who was laying by his side and said gently. "Ruo'er, did you know that Bai Yan is back?"

Obviously feeling the woman in his embrace stiffen, Nangong Yi immediately felt heartache. "I know that you have suffered in the Bai family residence all those years because of Bai Yan. Now, you don't have to be afraid. With me here, I will make a decision for you." 

"Crown Prince." Bai Ruo lowered her head as she sobbed softly and said, "Bai Yan's character has always been vicious and malicious, and she is even blindly in love with you. Since she has returned this time, she would definitely not forgive me. After all, it was I who had snatched you away."

"Ruo'er, what silly words are you saying? How could I be snatched away by you? We are both willing parties. What is Bai Yan even counted as?" Nangong Yi frowned, obviously not having any good feelings toward Bai Yan. "Furthermore, you are the current crown princess consort. Besides the empress dowager and the empress, you are the noblest woman in this world. Our Lin'er is also extremely noble. Why is there a need to fear her?"

"No, no," Bai Ruo shook her head and said with a bitter smile. "I am clearest about Bai Yan's character. She likes to reverse white and black. In a situation whereby she knows her identity is not comparable to mine, she would definitely smear the Bai family's name. For example, she will say that her loss of innocence was my doing, her running away from home was because my mother was greedy and sold her off…Bai Yan would always push her own responsibility to others."

Nangong Yi's expression darkened and anger surged in the bottom of his eyes.

"Crown Prince…" Speaking till here, Bai Ruo held Nangong Yi's hands, her gaze affectionate. "Ruo'er doesn't care how the world discusses this. As long as you believe Ruo'er, that is enough."

Under Bai Ruo's beautiful gaze that was full of deep feelings, Nangong Yi's gaze softened. "Ruo'er, how could I not believe you? Not believe the Bai family? Bai Yan is malicious and vicious, while you are kind and gentle. Who the world would believe in is extremely obvious. As for the Bai family selling her, that is really quite ridiculous…"

He sneered as his lips were full of sarcasm. "The Bai family is so rich, how would the Bai family lack that bit of silver? Just based on her dirty body, nobody would want her even for a tael of silver."

"Hubby…"　

With this utterance of 'hubby,' Nangong Yi felt his heart flutter as he looked at the woman who had buried her head in his chest as he said in a warm tone, "Ruo'er, I plan to make a trip to meet the Lan family later on."