CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

In the early morning, Bai Lang awoke feeling refreshed and ready to greet her grandmother in the main hall.

As she made her way there, she couldn't help but notice the unusual behavior of the servants whenever she passed by.

"Xin yi."

she called out to the girl diligently walking behind her.

"walk faster and stay by my side."

"Yes, Third Miss." Xin yi responded.

"Have you heard of anything that happened this morning in the fu that I should know about?" Bai Lang asked.

She could see that Xin yi was visibly uncomfortable before regaining her composure.

"Replying to third miss."

"Master visited Rou Xue niang this morning," Xin yi replied. "and all the servants present witnessed Rou Xue niang being slapped across the face. Master ordered the servants to leave and never speak of it."

"But when this servant went to fetch third young miss morning meal." Xin yi continued, bowing her head pleadingly." This servant overheard the kitchen servants talking."

Xin yi paused, her eyes filled with guilt. "Forgive me, Third Miss, but Lu mama instructed me to keep this information from you."

Bai Lang looked at Xin yi, understanding why Lu mama wanted to protect her. They still saw her as a young girl who couldn't comprehend matters between men and women.

Bai Lang's warning to her Niang seemd to have fell on deaf ears, so she knew she had to be explicit with Sou rou xue before they all ended up in muddy waters.

"It's alright, Lu mama knows best. Let's go see taitai. It's not early anymore." Bai Lang said as she continued down the path.

*** Earlier that morning ***

Bai Kang had three concubines, with Qu Rou Li always holding the most important place in his heart. However, he also had a soft spot for Sou Rou Xue, despite her troublesome nature.

Her innocence and lack of common sense, Bai Kang found it charming and endearing. None of his other women dared to challenge him like Sou Rou Xue did.

That's why he often gave in to her tears.

He would visit Sou Rou Xue twice a week, dedicating the rest of his days to his beloved wife and the other concubines. But this time, Sou Rou Xue had crossed the line.

Who gave her the right to meddle in court matters? A woman should focus on raising the children and obeying her husband's words.

If word got out that his women had dared to discuss state matters with him, it would completely tarnish the reputation of Bai Fu.

This was the first time Bai Kang had been so stern with Su Rou Xue.

As he gazed upon the women sobbing on the floor, his heart ached, but he knew he had to turn a blind eye and teach her a lesson.

"You are forbidden to leave your chambers for the next few months." He said coldly.

When Su Rou Xue heard these words, she knew he was truly furious this time.

"Please, my lord!" she cried out, but Bai Kang did not even glance at her. He swiftly swept his sleeves and exited Su Rou Xue's courtyard.

***present ***

Bai Lang tore a piece of bread and quietly ate the smaller portion. She was relieved that only her grandmother was present in the main hall. Bai Kang was clearly in a foul mood and probably did not want her presence to remind him of Su Rou Xue.

Even though she had already eaten, her grandmother indulged in pastries brought from the palace.

Bai Lang finishes her tea and bids her grandmother farewell before returning to her sewing in her courtyard. With Bai Liu's wedding approaching, Bai Lang plans to embroider a lucky charm for her to take to her husband's home.

To get to her room, Bai Lang must pass by Su Rou Xue's side hall, where she spends most of her time. Although Bai Lang isn't afraid of her, she wants to avoid any conflicts, especially in the morning. So she quickly walks past the room.

Suddenly, she hears Su Rou Xue's voice projecting loudly from behind the door. Bai Lang flinches and imagines expensive porcelain crashing to the floor. Curiosity gets the better of her, and she stops at the door, listening intently.

"It's not that the master doesn't trust you, but it's easier and better for the long term to have Young Miss marry into the Bai Family," says a voice, which Bai Lang recognizes as Wu Mama, her aunt's trusted wet nurse.

Bai Lang raises an eyebrow in question. The master mentioned must be Bai Lang Jiufu, and Wu Mama is explaining the reasons behind his decision.

"But she's only twelve. Does he really want her to marry into the fu?" Su Rou Xue exclaims.

"Madam, the master hasn't abandoned you. He's just considering all options. And since you, her aunt, are already married to the Bai marquise, it's better for the master and for you to have the young miss marry into the Bai family." Wu Mama explains.

Su Rou Xue expresses her doubts."Lao ye and Furen will not agree to this arrangement."

Bai Lang silently agrees with her mother for once. Finally, she's talking sense.

"He would," the maid responds. "Not if he doesn't have a choice."

Curiosity gets the best of Bai Lang, and she presses even harder against the door, causing it to jolt. Panicking, she looks around for a place to hide as she hears Su Rou Xue ask, "Who's there?"

She hears the thumping of footsteps and quickly searches for a hiding spot.