7. Rebirth · Escape (2)

Aren't you thrilled?" Mu Tusu gently stroked her delicate little nose, his face filled with affection

Only Bai Yuan smiled like a withered flower and a fallen willow

Bai Zhi sighed, "If I do not resolve this matter, I will not see the spring of next year."

Thank you for your care, Princess." Bai Zhi politely expressed her gratitude. Upon raising her eyes, she saw Bai Shao's triumphant smile, and Bai Zhi maintained a remarkably calm demeanor. Even if she was pleased, it was not what she had envisioned. No matter how good something was, in her eyes, it was merely fleeting and unworthy of attention

Ah, this is quite good, the young lady has fallen ill from longing, and the handsome man is causing trouble. Qinghe sat beside her, feeling quite gloomy, gazing longingly at Bai Zhi's bright yet slightly sorrowful expression. Bai Zhi was about to turn around and tease her with a smile when a maid approached and bowed slightly to Bai Zhi, saying, "Miss, the heir has arrived."

Bai Zhi was taken aback. The matter she had been thinking about finally seemed to have some clarity. However, upon further reflection, how could this proposal be discussed with her?

Bai Zhi trembled as she asked, "Are you the one who has betrothed me?"

Bai Zhi smiled awkwardly and said, "I truly did not expect the heir to be so thoughtful; I am quite pleased. As for the wife and the concubine, it really does not matter, as long as there is love. " She truly regretted why she had not been perceptive back then, disrupting this pair of affectionate 'lovesick man and resentful woman'; it was indeed a grave sin.

The young master enjoys a great reputation in the capital, all praised him. Now that the young master has expressed his intention to propose, yet he delays, is this not teasing our virtuous women? Fortunately, the young master mentioned this matter to me; had it been with another young lady, it could have led to some unfortunate incidents, and at that time, the young master would find it hard to absolve himself, could his conscience bear it? Bai Zhi spoke gently, yet her eyes were unpredictable. Mu Tu Su listened to her words and looked at her, ultimately unable to suppress a smile, "It is my fault; I should not have delayed taking action. I have let down Miss Bai's sincere feelings."

"Yes," Bai Zhi replied

As the two sat down, Bai Zhi smiled and said, "I wonder what brings the young master here on this occasion"

Thus, Bai Zhi fainted

Peh peh, miss, why do you speak such ominous words

The eldest daughter of the Bai family has arrived, come, sit down

Bai Zhi was eagerly anticipating Mu Tu Su's proposal to Bai Shao, but after some time, he showed no signs of action. He spent his days in the other courtyard, indulging in tea and discussing swordplay, or accompanying the princess to Bai Ma Temple to pay respects. Of course, all of this was what Bai Zhi had heard from Qing He. Since the princess and the heir had moved into the Bai residence, Bai Zhi had not stepped out of Ling Shui Pavilion. The princess's morning worship occurred once every half month, and for many days, Bai Zhi had not seen Mu Tu Su, nor did she know what he was truly thinking.

"Crown Prince, you..." This scene left the three individuals in the pavilion somewhat perplexed. The Princess of Gongqing tentatively asked, "Are you saying that the Miss Bai you admire is not the second Miss Bai Shao, but rather the eldest Miss Bai Zhi?"

Bai Zhi humbly said: "Young Master, regarding the matter of the marriage proposal, you should discuss it in detail with my father; it is not appropriate for Bai Zhi to interfere." Nowadays, in this world, everything exists; when a brother-in-law proposes, he still needs to seek his sister's opinion. Is this the custom of noble families taking concubines?

Bai Zhi set down her teacup, nodding in great satisfaction

Mu Tusu walked towards Bai Zhi, taking her hand. His bright eyes, like a vast starry sky, held a gaze that Bai Zhi found strangely familiar. It was the same look he had when he gazed at the Princess of Nanzhao. But in this lifetime, why was he looking at her?

"Ah, I actually fainted from happiness. How ridiculous," Bai Yuan said with a smile

"Second Miss, although you have entered our Wangfu as a concubine, the heir has not yet taken a wife, so you are still the most favored. Make sure to seize this opportunity well"

Three people walked into the hall together. Mu Tusu was still wearing his dark robe, with his hair tied up high, a full forehead, and his attire was neat and tidy, looking both spirited and appropriate. In the hall, there were two boxes; although closed, Bai Zhi knew that the betrothal gifts were not few. In just half a day, he had managed to obtain such a large number of betrothal gifts outside of his own sphere of influence, which left Bai Zhi in awe. He truly was destined to be the undefeated general commanding the three armies.

Bai Yuan appeared extremely pleased, calling out to Bai Zhi, "Zhi'er, the Young Master is truly thoughtful."

May I have a cup of tea before we continue our conversation, is that acceptable

Bai Zhi smiled and replied, "To be able to become in-laws with the young master is a blessing for our Bai family." As an elder, it was appropriate for her to say such things

After finishing her lunch, Bai Zhi rinsed her mouth with a cup of water and casually said, "He has untied a dead knot in my heart"

Since the person has arrived at the Linshui Pavilion, Bai Zhi naturally did not dare to directly drive him away. She bowed to Mu Tusu and said, "I am feeling a bit unwell, and I hope the young master can be understanding."

The relationship between the two women-in-law is quite acceptable, and coupled with Mu Tu Su's "true love," this marriage is indeed wonderful

I have not mentioned anything about the matter of proposing these days; does Miss Bai have any thoughts on this?

After sending off Mu Tusu, Bai Zhi felt incredibly relieved. The matter of the marriage proposal was nearly settled, and she considered it a good deed. From then on, Bai Shao, this "hibernating snake," no longer posed a threat to her, resolving her inner turmoil. Moreover, after Mu Tusu took Bai Shao as his wife, there would be no further entanglements between them, and the remaining tribulations would come to an end.

This child is so impatient. The princess smiled playfully, while Bai Zhi and Bai Shao exchanged knowing smiles in perfect harmony.

A man's thoughts are deeper than the sea, even more so than a woman's. I truly do not know what he is thinking. Bai Zhi walked to the porch and looked up at the eaves, where the rain poured down like columns, mirroring her current mood. From her past life to now, she has yet to see through him. He is the great general who assisted the Third Prince in seizing the throne, the man who married the first princess of Nanzhao, and he once spoke of being a devoted man for a lifetime, a pair of souls united.

"There are many opinions, and the rain falling today is no exception to this. " Bai Zhi looked at Mu Tu Su with considerable dissatisfaction, her tone filled with indignation. Mu Tu Su's eyes briefly sparkled, and a smile played at the corners of his mouth, "Do tell me more."

Yes. Bai Shao is likely to bury her head under the table

Mu Tusu gently set down the teacup in his hand, his deep, unfathomable eyes seriously gazing at her, as if wanting to absorb her. He said: "I would like to discuss the matter of proposing to Miss Bai."

I naturally know that you are unwell. I specifically came here to see your 'discomfort'.

"It is not too late; proposing now is not too late either." Bai Zhi felt thirsty and casually grabbed a cup of tea in front of her, pretending to be calm as she took a couple of sips.

The Princess of Gongqin placed her hand on Bai Shao's arm, feeling greatly comforted as she said: "I have been quite depressed for some time. The heir is only nineteen years old and does not have a woman by his side. Even having a concubine would be better. This time coming to Su City has proven to be fortuitous; I never expected the heir to finally express a desire for a woman by his side." The Princess of Gongqin gazed intently at Bai Shao, her eyes filled with joy. Bai Shao, on the other hand, shyly lowered her head, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, embodying the bashfulness of a young woman.

Bai Zhi was taken aback, almost gritting her teeth, "Alright."

Today, the princess is in a good mood. Over the past few days, her impression of Bai Zhi has remained neutral, with an expression of dignified superiority on her face. Now, she wears a smile, her eyes slightly squinted, appearing quite pleased.

The Princess of the Prince of Gong turned to look at Bai Zhi and said earnestly: "In accordance with the principles of seniority, it should be the eldest daughter who marries first. However, the second daughter has caught the eye of the heir. I know you have been wronged, but in a few days, when I return to the capital, I will help the eldest daughter find a suitable match."

This truly confirms the saying often mentioned by Qing He, that the emperor is not anxious, but the eunuchs are. She is the pitiful eunuch who is so eager to pound her chest and stamp her feet, wanting to drag Mu Tu Su to propose marriage.

Bai Zhi was taken aback. She never expected that Mu Tu Su had such deep feelings for Bai Shao. Could it be that Bai Shao resembled the Nanzhao princess by seven parts, or was it that the Nanzhao princess resembled Bai Shao by seven parts? Was it because of her interference that Mu Tu Su did not marry Bai Shao, and out of regret, he married the Nanzhao princess instead? Following her own logic, the more she thought about it, the more terrified she became

At lunchtime, Qinghe brought the dishes, and Baizhi had a great appetite, eating two large bowls of rice. Qinghe playfully complained, "Oh dear, ever since the Young Master arrived and spoke a few words with the Miss, her mood has improved so much. Truly, it takes the one who ties the bell to untie it."

"Not seen." Bai Zhi blurted out

"The young lady is in quite a temper today." In the blink of an eye, Mu Tusu appeared before Bai Zhi. Today, he wore a dark robe, different from his usual ethereal and untainted appearance, exuding a hint of mature composure for his age.

Three people were chatting and laughing in the pavilion, drinking tea, enjoying snacks, and discussing trivial matters, until a young servant rushed over and said to the princess: "Princess, the heir has sent a formal proposal and has instructed me to invite you over."

"Miss Bai, what is the matter with you?" Mu Tusu noticed that Bai Zhi's face suddenly turned pale, and he showed a hint of concern

She does not need to please anyone

Qinghe noticed that Bai Zhi had been frowning these past few days, lacking the desire for tea or food, and teased, "Little aunt, spring has just passed, are you longing for spring again?"

Mu Tusu pressed his lips together and said, "In fact, Miss Bai is unaware that in recent days, I have been discussing with my mother. What I desire is a wife, not a concubine"

Bai Zhi sat quietly beside them. The Princess of Prince Gong asked Bai Zhi, "The eldest daughter of the Bai family and the second daughter are the same age, right?"

The resentment that Bai Zhi harbored was building up in her chest, and if it did not vent soon, she might suffocate. She waited for Mu Tu Su to finish his tea, continuing to smile, "Young Master, may I speak now?"

Qinghe sent the Biluochun tea that Baiyuan had gifted to Baizhi. When Mu Tusu lifted the lid of the cup, Baizhi immediately recognized it as her beloved Biluochun, and a wave of heartache swept over her entire body. This foolish Qinghe, why would she give such fine tea to this scoundrel?

The crowd fell silent

What made Bai Zhi feel even more suffocated was that Qing He was winking at her, as if to say, "Look, I am trying to win his favor for you."

Mu Tusu merely smiled without speaking

Bai Zhi strolled into the courtyard and saw Bai Shao sitting in the pavilion with the princess. Bai Zhi thought to herself whether she should approach and offer her greetings. In terms of both sentiment and propriety, it was indeed appropriate. Bai Zhi walked gracefully into the pavilion and, bowing slightly, said: "Princess, I hope you are well"

Bai Zhi is not foolish; she extends her hand towards the chair and says, "Please take a seat, Young Master." She then turns back to Qing He and says, "Please pour a cup of tea for the Young Master."

In a good mood, this person tends to be more active. Bai Zhi learned that Mu Tu Su was going to propose to Bai Shao; since it had nothing to do with her, she no longer needed to hide in Lin Shui Xuan. An accidental encounter would not change anything.

Nature

Since she cannot become his "other half", she has no choice but to roll far away, and from then on, they will have nothing to do with each other

Qing He does not understand, treating it as if her own young lady is yearning for a future of beautiful and prosperous life

Mu Tusu's gaze shifted to the cup in her hand, and then he noticed that the place where his original cup had been was already empty. He smiled knowingly and said, "I will definitely not disappoint Miss Bai's expectations"