6. Rebirth · Escape (1)

It is best that both mother and son have an extremely poor impression of her

"Then you should bring some candied fruits first, otherwise I won't drink it." Bai Zhi was extremely averse to the bitterness of traditional Chinese medicine; unless absolutely necessary, she would definitely not drink this stuff

Mu Tusu said coldly: "Your appearance this morning truly astonished me"

The makeup skills of Qinghe were passable, but she was constantly urged by Baizhi, which made her nervous. In her nervousness, she became flustered, resulting in a very poor outcome. Her hair was messy, and her clothes were not neatly worn. Unexpectedly, Baizhi looked in the mirror and was very satisfied, praising her with a beaming smile.

It has been proven, as Qing He stated, that her "loud commotion" outside in the middle of the night was misinterpreted by everyone in the household as "openly engaging in romantic affairs". Bai Zhi walked around the residence, preparing to go to the main hall to pay her morning respects to the princess, while the household servants looked at her with strange expressions.

Bai Zhi truly wished to give him a glare. Bai Shao was willing, but she couldn't be bothered with Bai Shao. Moreover, her relationship with Bai Shao was merely superficial; behind the scenes, they were both ready to stab each other in the back. Whether she was the legitimate wife of a minor household or a concubine in a noble family, it had nothing to do with her.

She sat down next to Bai Shao, who pretended to comfort her, saying: "Sister, do not be sad, there will be another opportunity next time"

I thought that a person with a personality like Miss Bai would prefer to be the legitimate wife of a small household rather than a concubine in a noble family

Under the cover of the moonlight, the surface of the pond sparkles, and the lotus flowers in the pond are budding, waiting for the time when they will bloom in all their glory, signaling the arrival of summer. A gentle breeze passes by, and Bai Zhi takes a deep breath, preparing to turn back. As her gaze casually sweeps across, she catches sight of a figure in moon-white on the opposite bank of the pond. That tall figure stands facing her; she cannot see the face clearly, yet she knows who it is. A gentle breeze passes by, and Bai Zhi takes a deep breath, preparing to turn back. As her gaze casually sweeps across, she catches sight of a figure in moon-white on the opposite bank of the pond. That tall figure stands facing her; she cannot see the face clearly, yet she knows who it is.

Bai Zhi's words left Bai Yuan at a loss for words. It cannot be said that she was not dedicated; rather, she was overly dedicated, which led to a counterproductive outcome. Bai Yuan sighed in frustration, "Zhi'er, I don't care what method you use, but you must ensure that the heir is captured!"

In this lifetime, she will undoubtedly give her full support to them

What is there to object to? Is it that the white lady has an opinion of me?

Although Bai Zhi looked down on Mu Tu Su's expression from across the river, her keen intuition allowed her to sense his sly smile

What? I cannot hear.

Mu Tusu tugged at his thin lips and continued to approach. His long fingers lifted Bai Zhi's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Bai Zhi nervously looked at Mu Tusu, who was so close, constantly reminding herself that she must not back down. She met his gaze, not shying away from his deep, night sky-like eyes. Mu Tusu's gaze swept to her slightly trembling lips, recalling the scene in the carriage.

Bai Zhi feigned grievance, "This humble woman knew that she was to pay her respects to the princess this morning, and specially groomed herself. This humble woman has set her expectations too high, causing her to miss the appointed time, which has led to the princess's amusement. I hope the princess can be magnanimous in this matter." Bai Zhi immediately knelt down.

"It is sufficient to treat each other with ordinary demeanor, now get up." The princess continued to maintain her understanding of the overall situation, but her impression of Bai Zhi had significantly diminished.

Yes. Bai Zhi responded affirmatively, while secretly contemplating how to bring Bai Shao and Mu Tu Su together, so that she could escape from her suffering as soon as possible

Bai Zhi smiled faintly, genuinely wishing from the bottom of her heart, "This could not be better; I am very pleased to become in-laws with the Young Master."

Bai Zhi, considering the image of a refined young lady, spoke in a literary manner, sincerely saying, "If the feelings are true, it matters not whether one is a concubine or a wife." In the end, she added in her heart, "What nonsense!"

As clever as Mu Tu Su is, he can see through it. In any case, her intention is merely to distance herself from Mu Tu Su

"No need for courtesy, please accept it with a smile." Bai Zhi returned a sincere smile to him. She truly did not expect that she would not have to exert much effort and would win without a fight. Just thinking about Mu Tu Su and Bai Shao, who had been giving her a headache, both leaving her sight, Bai Zhi let out a big sigh of relief

The consequences of being clever in a petty way are extremely serious. After the morning worship, Bai Zhi could not escape being summoned into the study by Bai Yuan, who gave her a severe reprimand, expressing his passionate indignation and disappointment, lamenting that she was not living up to her potential.

When Bai Zhi rushed into the hall like an arrow, she saw her family chatting happily with the princess. Out of breath, Bai Zhi bowed slightly and said, "Princess, how do you do?" In an instant, she became the focal point of attention in the entire hall

Before Bai Zhi got up, she secretly glanced at Bai Yuan, who still wore an angry expression, though it also conveyed a sense of disappointment in her. However, Bai Zhi couldn't help but feel pleased; this was exactly the effect she wanted.

Bai Zhi feigned a look of sudden realization, "Oh dear, my early morning visit like this is quite improper. I am fortunate to have encountered my sister. Come, Qing He, let us return to Lin Shui Xuan." As Bai Zhi passed by Bai Shao, she distinctly sensed the disdain reflected in Bai Shao's eyes. Instead of feeling angry, she felt pleased.

Bai Zhi initially wanted to grit her teeth and leave, but the person on the opposite bank spoke first, "Miss Bai, are you feeling better?"

In the past, whenever she was unhappy, she would threaten to commit suicide. Now, as Bai Zhi reflects on it, she cannot help but feel a sense of dread for herself. Having faced death once, she understands the importance of cherishing life

Bai Zhi believed that her voice was loud enough, so there was no reason for it to be unheard. Out of politeness, Bai Zhi raised her voice slightly, "Thank you for your concern, Young Master, I am in good health." The strength of her voice was not well controlled, and it unexpectedly produced a long, lingering echo.

Bai Zhi, with her head lowered and a look of grievance, said: "I am doing this to pursue perfection, to make it more beautiful and present it perfectly before the princess and the heir." In truth, Bai Zhi was secretly laughing to herself.

The princess frowned, looking at Bai Zhi, who was disheveled and had a messy hairstyle, resembling a wild girl with no upbringing. Bai Zhi knew in her heart that the princess had begun to feel dissatisfied with her. After all, she was the princess, still maintaining an air of grace and composure befitting a noble family. "Miss Bai, where do you come from?"

When Bai Zhi awoke, the candlelight was flickering, and there were scattered lights swaying around her. She struggled to sit up, but was promptly restrained by Qing He, who said, "Little aunt, you can rest assured and lie still."

She had no choice but to stand still and said to Mu Tusu on the opposite bank: "Much better. Thank you, Young Master."

Bai Yuan said: "Look at how embarrassing it is today, a young girl with disheveled clothes and messy hair, what kind of decorum is this? Not to mention that the heir apparent does not like you, the princess is even less fond of you"

Qing He is truly perplexed, like a monk who cannot grasp the situation. Is it possible that the young lady has suffered from heatstroke and cooked her brain?

Naturally, Bai Zhi nodded with great certainty, emphasizing her affirmation

Bai Zhi naturally understood that this statement was sarcastic. She felt a deep sense of guilt and self-reproach, saying: "I placed too much importance on this morning worship, which instead backfired and made the prince and the princess laugh at me"

Bai Zhi did not give him a good expression, glaring at him with anger. Mu Tu Su suddenly said: "Miss Bai, I would like to propose to your father in a few days."

Qing He, feeling helpless, set down the porcelain bowl and went to the kitchen to fetch some preserved fruits. Inside the room, only Bai Zhi remained. Unable to lie still, she got up from the bed, put on a coat, and walked alone to the courtyard. Lin Shui Xuan was originally the newlywed retreat of Liu Shi and Bai Yuan. Later, after Bai Yuan married Er Niang and favored her exclusively, Liu Shi, feeling disheartened, went to the Buddhist hall. Lin Shui Xuan was then given to Bai Zhi. Bai Zhi liked the artificially carved pond in Lin Shui Xuan, which was convenient for her to drown herself in.

She was played by him again

Bai Zhi also feigned a sigh, saying, "Sister really shouldn't do that." A casual glance revealed that Mu Tu Su had been watching her all along, his brows furrowed as if he could see through her little cleverness

He chuckled to himself and let her go

What? Bai Zhi was taken aback. Could it be that he no longer needed her to act as a bridge, and he had already secretly met with Bai Shao? However, upon careful consideration, she found it quite reasonable. Bai Shao's appearance was seven parts similar to that of the little princess of Nanzhao. In her previous life, both she and Bai Shao were attracted to him at the same time, and she, relying on her status as a legitimate daughter, forced Bai Shao to give up her thoughts. If it had not been for her earlier unreasonable behavior, she was confident that Mu Tu Su would not have chosen her; his concubine would have been Bai Shao.

Bai Zhi had not yet begun to regret herself when Qing He had already heard the commotion and rushed over, urgently stopping her, "Heavens, Miss, are you trying to announce to the entire household that you were out in the middle of the night, flirting with the Young Master?"

Mu Tusu squinted his eyes and asked, "Are you sure?"

Bai Zhi smiled and said, "It's nothing."

As Bai Zhi stepped out of the Lin Shui Pavilion, she seemed to transform into a different person, her leisurely pace suddenly quickening. As she approached the main hall, her steps shifted from walking to running. Qing He followed closely behind, crying out, "Miss, slow down"

This is akin to lifting a stone only to drop it on one's own foot, a case of self-inflicted consequences

"Miss, good medicine is often bitter to the mouth"

Oh? Why do you place such importance on this morning worship, to the extent of going to such lengths to torment yourself? Mu Tusu approached Bai Zhi, who took a few steps back until there was nowhere left to retreat, her body pressed against the pillar of the corridor. Bai Zhi admonished, "Young Master, please have some self-respect!"

After being instructed by Bai Yuan, Bai Zhi returned to Lin Shui Xuan. On the way, she had to pass by the other courtyard, where she encountered Mu Tu Su. Bai Zhi politely inclined her body towards Mu Tu Su across from her, saying, "Young Master."

In the days that followed, she was able to live comfortably. This joy made her long for the buns from the North Street Bun Shop again

Bai Zhi watched the sun gradually rise from the eastern mountains, and then put down the fish food in her hand, leisurely saying: "Qing He, hurry up and wash up, be a bit quicker."

She observed Bai Yuan's anger and shame, Liu's surprise and helplessness, Er Niang's sarcasm and regret, Bai Shao's pride and disdain, as well as Mu Tu Su's contemplation and confusion

"Why are you feeling fine? The doctor said you have insufficient blood and energy, and considering that your daughter is in a special period, she may be physically weak. Today, the sun is particularly harsh, which might have caused some heatstroke." As Qinghe spoke, she picked up a small blue-and-white porcelain bowl from the tea table and scooped a spoonful to bring to Baizhi's lips. Baizhi sniffed it; it was the unpleasant smell of traditional Chinese medicine, and she quickly turned her head away, saying, "It's very bitter, I don't want to drink it."

On the first day of the morning audience with the princess, Bai Shao was undoubtedly dressed to the nines. Bai Zhi thought to herself that such a stark contrast would surely earn her a reprimand from her father. How could this be called "making every effort to please"?

Mu Tusu was momentarily taken aback, but then he chuckled softly, his bright and shining eyes seriously gazing at Bai Zhi, "Then, I shall not stand on ceremony."

Returning to the Linshui Pavilion, Bai Zhi not only slowed her pace but also leisurely began to feed the fish. Meanwhile, Qing He was quite anxious, as time was becoming increasingly pressing. Yet, her young lady was not hurrying to groom and adorn herself; instead, she was feeding the fish. Truly, it is the emperor who is not anxious, but the eunuch who is anxious.

Qing He thought, the aftereffects of heatstroke—Miss's head has truly been cooked.

Bai Zhi lowered her head, pretending to be a frightened little deer. She understood her father too well; after he vented his anger, he would be fine, and there was no need to confront him head-on.

"Sister, are you feeling better?" Bai Shao was dressed quite elaborately today, wearing a light blue glazed silk dress with large sleeves embroidered with golden white lotus flowers, her hair styled in a flying swallow bun, with a simple jade hairpin inserted at an angle. In comparison, Bai Zhi appeared too plain.