10. Rebirth · Farewell

"Younger sister?" Bai Zhi asked in surprise

"Farewell, my sister, I shall not see you off." Bai Zhi replied with a smile

Bai Zhi cast her a glance, reproaching, "In the future, you can just be mute; being an honest person only leads to suffering."

After Bai Shao left, Bai Zhi sighed, realizing that Bai Shao was indeed a clever woman. Although she harbored suspicions about her, Bai Shao would use her actions to change that perception. She had truly drawn a clear line with Mu Tu Su, having no connection whatsoever, not even a half a copper coin.

Qinghe knows nothing, Qinghe knows nothing at all. The young ladies always go out with Sister Qiuchan and rarely take Qinghe along. Qinghe huddled up, trembling all over, clearly terrified

Returning to her room, Bai Zhi was filled with frustration. She could not understand the meaning behind Mu Tu Su's last words. Was it revenge against her, or was he merely mocking her? Seeing Bai Zhi's furious demeanor, Qing He stood at a distance, afraid to approach, worried that she might incur her wrath.

Oh, something has fallen into the water, go down and retrieve it

Bai Zhi continued, "The little red flower is exceptionally beautiful, and the young master is infatuated with her, completely disregarding me and rushing towards her. The little red flower knows he is the young master, so she deliberately conceals her identity as a courtesan and pretends to be shy. The two of them hit it off immediately, exchanging sweet nothings, while I am consumed by rage, unable to endure it any longer. I directly slapped her across the face and pushed her into the lake. The young master intended to catch her, but unexpectedly fell into the water with her. The young master does not know how to swim and nearly drowned."

Bai Zhi glanced at the envelope, the strong and vigorous characters "Bai Zhi". He recognized his handwriting, it was his script.

Upon learning that it was the heir who had ordered it, Bai Zhi deemed it even more inappropriate to drink it

He deliberately said it was not your fault to warn everyone present that she had cheated on him, which is why he called off the engagement. Just like his father, the first thing he thought of was that there was an affair.

Bai Shao stepped out of the Qing He while Bai Zhi entered the house, bringing a bowl of soup. Bai Zhi took the bowl, and upon seeing the ginseng slices floating on top, she couldn't help but be taken aback. Although the Bai family is considered a prominent household in Su City, ginseng slices are a rare delicacy in the remote Su City. Even if the Bai family had them, Bai Zhi believed that Bai Yuan would be reluctant to let her have any.

What does this mean?

Since then, Bai Zhi has been labeled as a promiscuous woman in Su City, and the once sought-after candidate for marriage has suddenly become neglected and ignored by all

Feel free to say whatever you wish

Bai Yuan had nothing to say; he was already accustomed to his daughter's temperament. However, the person from the capital was well-educated and cultured, and with a character like Bai Zhi's, it was certain that she would not be able to endure it, making the cancellation of the engagement entirely reasonable

What leverage do you have to guarantee that I will always be at your beck and call?" Mu Tusu's lips curled into a sarcastic smile

Bai Zhi had long anticipated that Bai Yuan would ask such a question and had already devised a countermeasure. She shook the handkerchief in her sleeve, secretly pinching her thigh until tears welled up, then took the handkerchief to wipe her eyes, choked with emotion as she said: "The heir invited me to go boating on the lake, and I was initially happy to agree. Unexpectedly, I encountered a little red flower."

Bai Zhi felt a dull pain in her chest, confirming her suspicions.

Bai Zhi, in a state of urgency, shouted with her hoarse voice, "Your Highness, my father has always been of noble character, not seeking handouts. There is no need for you to feel sympathy for my father; if you grant him a position in the capital, he can achieve his aspirations through his own efforts."

What is there to blame her for? What is there to blame her for not wanting him? What is there to blame her for asking him to refuse the marriage? All of these are her own speculations; what others know is that the heir proposed marriage and then suddenly withdrew from it, without knowing the reason.

This statement has been made quite clear; the reason Bai Yuan does not let Mu Tu Su go is not out of concern for the woman, but rather for his own career considerations. Her actions are all compelled by necessity. In Bai Yuan's view, being the brother-in-law of the Prince Gong offers hope for a position among the officials in the capital.

Xinyun: Tu Su does not know who Miss Bai is fond of. He once inquired among the people of the Bai residence, but no one knew. Tu Su thought that the person Miss Bai likes must not be accepted by Lord Bai. He then considered that if Bai Zhi were to be overlooked by everyone, only his words would matter. Over time, Lord Bai would surely accept it. You need not thank me; consider it a farewell gift.

A great uproar ensued. Bai Yuan furrowed his brows and said, "Continue."

Oh, my sister misunderstood. I wasn't throwing myself into the lake today; rather, I was going into the water to retrieve something. I didn't expect to slip and almost turned it into a tragedy. Fortunately, I was rescued in time, and now I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, sister

Bai Zhi had nothing to say. She had no leverage.

At that moment, Bai Zhi felt that Bai Yuan had aged. As a daughter, she should be adding to her father's glory, not hindering him. However, thinking back to her previous life, when Bai Yuan was promoted to an official in the capital, he only took Er Niang and her younger brother with him, leaving her mother, herself, and Bai Shao to guard the old residence. Her mother became increasingly melancholic and frail, ultimately succumbing to a plague that took her life, leaving her with a heavy heart

Qing He hesitated for a moment, then took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Bai Zhi, "This is a letter that the Young Master instructed me to give to you after he departed."

It turns out that when the heir said "I do not blame you," he was referring to not blaming her for her lack of understanding of social hierarchy, for being unreasonable towards him, which caused her to lose face

The overall meaning is to advise Mu Tu Su not to overthink

Mu Tusu rose and was about to leave

Upon waking from her nap, Bai Zhi was surprised to find Bai Shao as the first person she saw

Qinghe lowered her head in acknowledgment, then appeared to hesitate, wanting to say something but holding back.

Bai Yuan sighed, his tone no longer as forceful as before, "Well, it is what it is. Fate has its own course, and it seems that I am destined to have no chance in this lifetime."

"Little Red Flower? The top courtesan of Lichun Courtyard?" a young servant exclaimed excitedly, disregarding the occasion. Realizing that Bai Yuan was glaring at him, he knew he had misspoken and promptly fell silent.

He urged me to think it over again, saying that the eldest daughter of the Bai family could not do without me. Time and again, she was unable to come to terms with it and sought to end her own life. Lord Bai, being deeply concerned for his daughter, pleaded with me in a manner that was both tearful and pitiful, putting me in a difficult position.

Qinghe knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Baiyuan slammed his palm on the table, startling Qinghe, who immediately ceased her weeping. Baiyuan, filled with rage, demanded, "Tell me, who is the lady's lover?"

Bai Shao sat by the bed, carefully observing her, "What do you mean by throwing yourself into the lake today?"

The Bai residence was in a state of shock, and the onlookers began to discuss among themselves.

The meaning of Mu Tusu is to let her be ignored by everyone, becoming an old maid, and then her so-called beloved, who stands out alone, comes forward to claim her. Bai Yuan would certainly be overjoyed to marry her off, regardless of whether this unique individual is missing limbs or is a foolish idiot.

Bai Yuan sharply shifted his gaze to Bai Zhi, "Speak honestly."

Qinghe stared blankly at the celadon bowl, pouting, "It was the heir who had the kitchen prepare this. A bowl of ginseng soup is supposed to dismiss us, what does that even mean!" Clearly, Qinghe was extremely dissatisfied with the heir's refusal of marriage, and thus harbored a corresponding dislike for him.

Now, it is not her fault; all the responsibility has been shifted onto her. One cannot help but wonder to what extent the fantasizing masses will think, and Bai Zhi couldn't help but wipe the sweat from her brow.

Look, Erniang's words are indeed clever, while Liu Shi holds a string of prayer beads, murmuring softly, it is unclear whether she is reciting the Diamond Sutra or the Yi Jin Jing

Bai Zhi lay on the bed, sighing; pretending to be faint was rather boring, so she might as well take a nap. Thus, she relaxed her entire body, treating it as an afternoon rest

She heard Mu Tusu's deep voice coming from the doorway, "It's fine, you can go down first." Then, footsteps followed.

Mu Tusu did not turn back, only saying: "Miss Bai is overthinking; I am not a great benefactor and will not help others indiscriminately, especially those who have no relation to me at all"

At the entrance of the Bai residence, there is a horse-drawn carriage.

"Your Highness is being too modest." Bai Yuan bowed respectfully

Qinghe did not refuse, seemingly fully supporting Baizhi's actions, and took the celadon bowl before leaving. Baizhi had intended to get up and freshen up, but a loud commotion came from the doorway as Qinghe exclaimed, "Oh dear, I’m so sorry... Ah, Young Master."

Bai Zhi successfully completed the action and sat up, but she did not intend to get out of bed. She explained to Mu Tu Su, "Bai Zhi's clothes are disheveled, and I am afraid I cannot rise."

Bai Shao listened to Bai Zhi's words and, realizing she could not inquire further into the matter, decided to take her leave. "Since sister is no longer in serious trouble, I can rest assured. Please take good care of yourself."

She was unwilling for this matter to occur, therefore, she had no choice but to apologize to her father

In the blink of an eye, two years have passed

This is truly an unnecessary addition, only serving to create more chaos

"Let's disperse." Bai Yuan staggered away

Bai Zhi tightly pressed her lips together and after a long while spoke in a hoarse voice: "My father has grand ambitions and has always wanted to serve the country with loyalty, but unfortunately, he is stuck in this remote and impoverished place, where he has no opportunity to make use of his talents"

Mu Tusu asked: "What are we doing today after going into the water?"

I see... The disappointment that flashed in Mu Tusu's eyes.

Bai Zhi understands Mu Tu Su; since he has said this, he will not act otherwise. Everything is going very smoothly, and I hope to safely get through this hurdle.

She opened the letter, read it for a while, clutched her chest, rolled her eyes, and nearly fainted. Fortunately, Qinghe was there to support her in time, "Miss, what happened?"

It seemed as if heaven had heard Bai Zhi's prayers; the Princess of Gongqin, who had originally planned to stay in Su City for half a year, received the news of Gongqin Wang's illness and without a second thought, immediately packed her bags to return to the capital

Bai Yuan pounded his chest and stamped his feet, wishing to offer himself to Bai Zhi, yet no man desired him

Second Lady is gentle and steady, "Master, success depends on human effort; one cannot rely on connections. With personal diligence, the grace of the Emperor will surely be witnessed."

This method is indeed good... but her beloved... cannot be conjured by any trick.

Bai Zhi's face turned pale as she watched Mu Tu Su get onto the carriage with a cryptic smile. At that moment, Bai Zhi wished to accompany him onto the carriage and tear Mu Tu Su into pieces. Even if she could only say some meaningless words before leaving, why did he have to leave behind such an extremely suspenseful remark

I had thought he would leave without a word, but unexpectedly he said one last thing, "I do not blame you"

It is a pity that everyone is like the white angelica. How can such nature be so openly revealed?

The entire Bai family has come to participate in the ceremony

Bai Zhi wailed inwardly, why say it like that, such words lead others to speculate? Although this is a truth more genuine than pearls

After Mu Tusu left, Bai Zhi was immediately summoned to the hall by Bai Yuan. In the hall stood the worried Liu family, the regretful Second Madam, the confused Bai Shao, the nearly crying Qing He, as well as several esteemed servants and matrons of the Bai residence.

She returned the celadon to Qinghe, saying, "Who served it to you, return it to them, and just say that I broke out in a rash from drinking the ginseng soup, and apologize."

Bai Zhi secretly cursed in her heart, wondering if the people who were angered no longer understood the value of cherishing and protecting delicate beauty

The Princess of the Prince Gong naturally turned her gaze to Bai Zhi, sighed, hesitated to speak, and directly got into the carriage. Mu Tu Su, who was beside her, couldn't help but glance back at Bai Zhi before mounting his horse, his eyes deep and elusive, leaving Bai Zhi unable to discern his thoughts.

Bai Zhi thought, it's over. Qi Ti has misunderstood.

Mu Tusu has arrived White Zhi was taken aback and was clearly unprepared for his arrival

The Princess of the Prince Gong politely said to Bai Yuan: "During these days, I am truly grateful for the care provided by Lord Bai, it has been quite troublesome."

Bai Zhi trembled as she held the letter

Having said that, he left without looking back

Bai Zhi held her head high, "The pure will naturally be clear."

Bai Zhi wishes to request one more thing from the heir.

Bai Zhi felt a shiver run through her body

Fortunately, a passerby came to our rescue, and the two of us narrowly escaped disaster. The heir apparent found me rude, with a fiery temperament, and prone to unreasonable outbursts, and he bluntly stated his intention to refuse the marriage. I could not contain my anger and retorted a few times, saying some unpleasant things. In front of a large crowd, I caused the heir apparent to lose face. Bai Zhi displayed a look of regret, saying, "How I regret it; I should have revealed my true nature only after the wedding, it was truly inexcusable."

Is that so? Mu Tusu smiled to himself, sitting by the bed, his gaze fixed intently on her. "Just now, Lord Bai came to see me."

Why did the young master suddenly refuse the marriage? And why did he say he does not blame you?

Clearly, Bai Shao is not concerned about her health at all, but rather about her objectives

Bai Zhi immediately shrank back into the bed, and upon seeing Mu Tu Su already within her line of sight, she pretended to struggle as she climbed up. "Young Master..." She thought that the Young Master would surely stop her from making such "difficult movements," but unexpectedly, he simply stood quietly by the bedside, silently watching her complete this series of actions.