CHAPTER FIFTHEEN

"Mei mei, something happened that night," Bai Nuo confessed, her voice filled with remorse. "And I need to apologize. It was an instinctive reaction. You know I didn't mean it, right?"

Bai Lang's grip tightened on the book she held, her frustration growing. Bai Nuo was trying to rationalize her actions, to justify pushing the unstable Lou Meng towards her, even though Bai Lang knew she was the target.

"By 'it', do you mean last night?" Bai Lang asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. Bai Nuo nodded in response.

A smug smile played on Bai Lang's lips, fueled by bitterness. "I understand what you're trying to say, elder sister. You don't have to worry."

Relief flooded Bai Nuo, but it was short-lived as she heard Bai Lang's next words.

"If there's ever another time, sister, and we find ourselves in danger, remember it will be instinct."

Bai Nuo's smile faltered, realizing the implication of Bai Lang's words. She wouldn't speak of what happened that night, but if they ever faced a similar situation, Bai Lang might repeat her actions.

As the realization sank in, Bai Nuo's expression changed, and she could no longer bear to be in the same room as Bai Lang. "It's getting late," she said, her voice strained. "I will retire to my room."

"Fine," This mei mei won't see you off." Bai Lang responded curtly.

Seeing that Bai Nuo understood her message, Bai Lang lost interest in further conversation. She returned to her book, ignoring Bai Nuo's presence.

"These romance books are quite captivating," Bai Lang remarked, trying to distract herself from the tension in the air.

In the early morning, as the sun prepared to rise and the marketplace began to awaken, three elegant carriages adorned with the mark of Marquise Bai made their way along the dusty road towards the capital. A small group of guards trailed behind the entourage.

Inside one of the carriages, Qu Rou Li sat alongside two concubines. Qu Rou Li turned to Su Rou Xue and asked, "Did you question Xiao Lang about what happened?"

Su Rou Xue furrowed her brows and replied, "What does it matter what Xiao Lang says? A servant daring to attack their Master deserves nothing but death."

Su Qing quickly intervened to prevent an argument, understanding that Xiao Lang had been deeply affected by the traumatic incident. It was best to let the matter rest and not stir up any further trouble.

Qu Rou Li was not satisfied with this outcome, but she understood Su Qing implication. Accepting the Liang family's marriage proposal was the right decision to secure their connection to the duke's household.

Bringing up Xiao Lang's situation could jeopardize Bai Liu's reputation, something Qu Rou Li couldn't allow to happen to her daughter.

Su Qing let out a sigh and stared out of the window. She could see other carriages ahead, reminding her that she had two children of her own but.

She had developed a fondness for Bai Lang, her cousin's child, who shared blood tie to her other than her children in the Bai household.

Su Qing valued peace and despised the internal conflicts of the family. She frankly disliked politics and would rather live a peaceful life as a nun, but for her children it seems she would now have to carve a way.

****

In the grand Bai marquise mansion, Bai Kang found himself seated in his father's study. He was well aware that his father harbored reservations about their involvement in the murky world of politics. The union between their family and the dukes carried a hefty burden.

Bai Kang understood his father's reluctance to wade into the muddied waters of imperial politics. However, they had no other choice. Though the Bai Family was small in numbers, they needed to get their hands dirty in order for their family to thrive.

"Xiao Liu is almost fifteen now, and the next Five years will be crucial in determining a suitable candidate for the crown prince," Bai Kang pondered. "The royal sons have yet to prove themselves, but we have made our choice. On the other hand, it would be unfair to delay Xiao Liu's marriage for too long. Xiao Nuo and Xiao Lang, at seventeen and fifteen respectively, hold the hopes of our family."

Bai Si wanted to voice his disagreement with his son. He didn't want to sacrifice his grandchildren in order to ensure the survival of the Bai family. "It is imperative that the girls be prepared alongside the boys," he asserted. "When the time is right, they will be informed of their duties. But is Sheng truly the right person to become a scholar?"

Though Bai Si was displeased with the situation, he recognized its necessity. "Do not let our family be destroyed in the process, Bai Kang," he cautioned. "Too much power can easily turn a friend into a foe."

****

On the day of Bai Liu's coming of age ceremony, Bai Lang wore a delicate hangfu in a soft shade of pink. The hem of her dress was beautifully adorned with embroidered blue flowers, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble. As she walked, it seemed as though she was gliding along the path, her every step filled with grace.

Her hair was styled in two neat buns, with a single golden Buyao delicately attached. This simple hairstyle accentuated her pixie-like face and her captivating crescent eyes. Anyone who laid eyes upon the young girl couldn't help but be enchanted, their hearts filled with a mixture of admiration and anticipation for the beautiful woman she would become in the years to come.

Bai Lang's face was adorned with a radiant smile and infectious giggles as she made her way to the garden where the women had gathered. This sight brought warmth to the hearts of the elders and the mandams, who delighted in observing the young girl's charming personality and graceful demeanor as she went around greeting each elder with respect and joy.