Chapter 8, Locked Out.

Upon hearing this, Yan Mo Yu suddenly smiled lightly, and looking at her slightly angry face, said: "It's not like we haven't spent time together before; don't you think it's a bit late to feel uncomfortable now?"

By the pond

Yan Mo had a head of black hair. Looking at the small hand that was pulling him outward, his gaze darkened, and he raised his hand to grasp its wrist, pulling it down.

This is just one aspect

If you have something to say, just speak up; it is getting dark. It seems inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone in the same room

Bai Xinbi's gaze swept across the faces of the two, and she let out a cold snort in her heart. She then said to Bai Han in a nonchalant tone, "Father, that daughter has returned to her room"

After sitting by the dam for an entire afternoon, as dusk approached, Bai Xindan quietly began to make her way home.

The individuals she favored, apart from a few adult princes, were primarily the Crown Prince. Unfortunately, the several princes had all taken their legitimate wives early on, and she was unwilling to be a concubine. Ultimately, she placed all her hopes on the Crown Prince. It was well known that within the Crown Prince's residence, there were only a few minor concubines and no primary wife, and the Crown Prince not only held significant power in the court but also enjoyed the Emperor's favor, which nearly surpassed that of all the other princes.

In recent days, she had already noticed that outsiders had arrived in Maoshan Village, but they were hiding very deeply

After inquiring, it was learned that the rear courtyard of King Cheng was almost entirely under the control of his mother, Mrs. Qiu. Therefore, Bai Xinbi sent the stepmother, Mrs. Zhang, of the Bai family to persuade Mrs. Qiu. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Qiu took a liking to her at first sight and also agreed to the marriage between the two families

There is sadness

Bai Xinduan smiled and said, "It won't be too late to look after you leave." After a pause, she immediately stood up, spread her hands towards the door, and said, "Please, young master, I cannot see you off. Never ever meet again."

Alas! Bai Han lightly shook his head, suddenly reached out to grasp Zhang's hand, and said apologetically, "That child has such a temperament; it has truly been a hardship for you all these years"

After speaking, he did not greet Zhang and turned to leave

Bai Xindran was taken to the village chief's house by an elderly woman

Zhang sighed bitterly and shook her head. As a stepmother, she was either overshadowed by her stepdaughter or overshadowing her stepdaughter. She wished to be the former, but unfortunately, there was still a senior matriarch in the household, who constantly protected this sole legitimate granddaughter, leaving her with no choice.

Come here! Ignoring her rude attitude, he suddenly spoke up

Wiping away a tear, she silently withdrew from the crowd, leaving the villagers to continue speculating about the cause of the village chief's death

Zhang finally calmed her expression. Fortunately, she had proven herself by giving birth to a son for the Bai family, which allowed her to maintain her current status. For the sake of her son Bai Jianhao, her mother-in-law, aside from supporting her granddaughter, did not make things too difficult for her.

Yan Mo did not hold her aloofness against her, but gazed directly at her face: "This is for you."

Suddenly, Yan Mo's face turned as black as charcoal as he stared at the tightly closed wooden door, left with nothing but gritted teeth. "Open the door!"

Bai Han lightly glanced at the Zhang family and pretended to scold, "You still speak for her; just look at her smug demeanor, which is hardly that of a proper young lady. It is all because you indulge her so excessively."

Zhang kept her lips pressed together, smiling faintly without speaking

As soon as the man stood still, the woman darted through the threshold like the wind. Before he could react, there was a loud "bang" as the old door suddenly slammed shut, leaving his tall and sturdy figure outside, the door nearly striking his head.

This is not a society governed by the rule of law; it is a society characterized by the absolute dominance of feudal imperial authority

Why do you not ask me the purpose of my coming here? He guessed that she would certainly want to know the answer

It is likely that the village chief was aware that his actions had already been exposed, which is why he chose to commit suicide by poison

Alright, Bi'er can finally get married, and no one will oppose you anymore. The Bai residence has relied on your management all these years; from now on, you can enjoy a life of comfort. I will certainly love you and Hao'er even more.

Listening to the villagers discussing the cause of the village chief's death, various speculations reached her ears, yet Bai Xindan dared not say anything.

She only considers herself to be a mute and a deaf person

From now on, who knows how many women will envy and be jealous of her

Who allowed her to enter the mansion as a concubine

An astonishing piece of news shattered the long-standing tranquility of Maoshan Village, as over ten households of villagers gathered at the village chief's home, where the sound of sorrowful weeping could be heard.

There is also entanglement

Upon hearing this, Bai Xindian smiled. "I didn't expect you to be so generous. I am used to receiving others' charity, and since you are offering it to me so willingly, I certainly won't refuse. So thank you!"

Bai Xindran narrowed her eyes slightly, staring at him without blinking, her gaze filled with scrutiny as well as caution

Bai Xindran looked up at the sky, and after a long period without communication with others, she no longer knew how to describe her feelings

She still does not know what unspeakable deeds the village chief has committed, but based on her intuition, she understands that this matter is serious. It is likely something that the court cannot tolerate, as it has prompted them to secretly send people to investigate.

Knowing that she was as thin as a rake, he was still shocked by her frailness when he held her hand for the first time. In that moment of daze, Bai Xinyan suddenly raised her hand and glared at him with extreme displeasure.

It may not necessarily be an act of treachery, but it will undoubtedly pose certain disadvantages and threats to the court

As usual, she simply stared blankly at the coffin in the yard, watching the village chief's wife, who was prostrate on the ground, crying heart-wrenchingly. Gradually, her eyes also became moist.

The Prince's Mansion

Bai Xindran feigned ignorance and asked him: "Aren't you here to deliver something to me?"

Come here! The man's deep-set eyes fixed intently on her every move, as if he could sense her intention to flee, prompting him to speak again.

Her transformation caught Yan Mo off guard. However, seeing the woman greet him with a smile, his expression softened somewhat, and with a hint of pleasure and curiosity, he got up and walked over.

It was indeed the concubine Zhang, sitting in the lower position, who spoke with a smile.

Bai Xin furrowed her brows. In fact, she knew that his purpose for coming here was certainly related to the village chief's matter, but unfortunately, she had intended to keep a low profile from the very beginning, and at this moment, it was even less possible for her to ask anything.

At the sight of his calm and arrogant demeanor, Bai Xindian almost laughed. Did this man take her for a mere servant?

Thinking of this, Bai Xinbi could hardly conceal the happiness in her heart, and for the third time, she could not help but ask her father, Bai Hanqing: "Father, when do you think the Emperor will issue the decree?"

Just as Yan Mo was waiting for her to主动问 'the second', he suddenly saw the woman walking over, pulling at the fabric of his sleeve and tugging him towards the door. 'Since you have things to attend to, you should hurry and get to it. I will take the items.'

Come and go as you please, is this place a guesthouse?

Maoshan Village

Seeing that the man seemed unwilling to leave, she felt a sense of frustration in her heart. With a flicker of her eyes, she suddenly beckoned the man with her finger and smiled, saying: "Come here, I have something to discuss with you"

Bai Han shot her a quick glare

She knew that this man had a decent appearance, but she did not expect that with a change of attire, his demeanor would be exceptionally different. The crescent-colored brocade robe accentuated his tall and robust figure, making him resemble an immortal. The jade crown atop his head was clearly not something an ordinary person could wear. Originally, this man had a cold and ethereal aura, and now, with just a change of clothing, he not only appeared more distinguished, but the noble and proud demeanor that enveloped him had also intensified.

Yan Mo followed her obediently and stepped over the threshold without any other thoughts

But what can she do? Should she say that the village chief deserves his punishment for his wrongdoings, or should she claim that the village chief died innocently

Qiu learned that Yan Mo had personally petitioned the Emperor for a marriage grant, and that the bride was none other than the legitimate daughter of the Bai family, which finally brought him some satisfaction. He quickly summoned the various stewards in the residence to prepare the betrothal gifts.

Recalling the words overheard that night beneath the village chief's window, she felt a tumult of emotions within her

Born in the residence of a grand scholar, she was pampered since childhood, naturally developing a disposition of looking down on everything. Generally, the sons of officials hardly caught her eye; either she found their family influence too weak or she was dissatisfied with their appearance. After much selection, she remained a young maiden even at the age of twenty.

Bai Han felt delighted in his heart and replied patiently, "Just wait a little longer. Prince Cheng has important matters to attend to at the moment. From the Emperor's tone, it seems that the Prince will only issue the decree after he has handled his pressing affairs." After a pause, he looked at his daughter, who was as beautiful as a flower and moon, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, and pretended to scold her, "You, a grown woman, keep obsessing over this matter. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at? The Emperor has already spoken; could it possibly be a falsehood? Just obediently return to your room and wait to be married!"

Zhang's support not only failed to make Bai Xinbi feel grateful, but instead, she secretly shot her a cold glare.

This damned woman, despite him thinking of her at all times, how could she treat him this way

Upon arriving at the village chief's home, it was learned that the village chief had committed suicide by poisoning the previous night

In the Bai residence, Bai Han lightly returned to report that the Emperor wished to arrange a marriage for his daughter Bai Xinbi, and the entire Bai household was filled with joy. The happiest of all was none other than Bai Xinbi herself

After meeting with Prince Cheng up close that day, Bai Xinbi became somewhat disoriented. The prince's attitude left her at a loss and extremely anxious. Little did she expect that just a few days later, her father would bring back such news.

She is now curious about what the village chief did that led him to a point of desperation, ultimately resulting in his suicide by poison

Such a handsome and powerful man, who would not be enamored by him

Bai Xinbi felt her face flush from the remarks, yet she retorted, "Father, I see that you are just dissatisfied with your daughter, eager for her to marry off as soon as possible, aren't you?"

Upon entering the dilapidated courtyard, she was taken aback by the sight of three or four large black boxes placed in the uneven yard, nearly gasping in surprise.

Bai Xindran actively walked to the door of the main hall and beckoned the man with her finger again. "Come here, I have something to tell you"

Sitting on the hard wooden bed, Yan Mo Yu looked at the angry woman, especially at her tattered clothes that had been patched countless times. Suddenly, he curled his lips and smiled

The door to the main hall was open, clearly indicating that someone had arrived at the house. This instinctively caused her to tightly close her mouth, not daring to speak up to inquire who the visitor was

This is her home, her territory

Upon seeing this, Yan Mo furrowed his thick brows slightly, his sharp face appearing somewhat cold. However, he remained motionless on the wooden bed, as if he had a great fondness for that worn-out plank.

Avoiding the large wooden box, she hurriedly walked into the inner room. Upon seeing the man who seemed to have descended from the sky, she immediately frowned and said in a nonchalant tone: "Did you not leave? What are you back for? This is my home; could you please show some respect for me as the owner?"

Moreover, it is the Emperor himself who personally officiates the marriage and acts as the matchmaker; such an honor is not something that everyone can attain

My lord, this is a great occasion for our Bai family; please allow Bi'er to be happy.

The perfect man

A man so perfect that one wants to avoid him

A hint of complexity flashed in the man's eyes: "Aren't you going to see what I have given you?"

Taking two steps back, she sat on the stool in the corner, crossing her left leg over her right, and raised an eyebrow at the man with a mocking smile, saying: "What does this young gentleman mean? Could you please explain the things in the courtyard?"

Do not say that she cannot speak; even if she were to speak, she would be unable to comfort the family of the deceased. Are we to let the village chief's wife lead her entire family to oppose the court?