Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 302 - 300: Comprehensive Lifetime_1

Chapter 302: Chapter 300: Comprehensive Lifetime_1

But when it involves life and death, the Emperor of Yan could not stay in the Jin Kingdom even if he detoxifies.

"Alright..." Bai Qingyan nodded. "But as for the jade relic... you should take it back. Publicly, you can say that I refused your gift."

"This is my elder brother’s intention." Xiao Rongyan’s lips carried a very faint smile. "If you don’t accept it, my brother can’t be at ease."

"Accepting it would only invite criticism." Bai Qingyan’s attitude was resolute. "If Mr. Hong successfully detoxifies the Emperor of Yan this time, it won’t be too late for me to accept it then. Otherwise, given the nature of the Shuoyang Clan, they would likely pressure our Bai family to hand over this heirloom treasure, betraying both the Emperor of Yan and Mr. Xiao’s good intentions."

What Bai Qingyan said was indeed true. Xiao Rongyan had seen the nature of the Shuoyang Clan before.

"Then I’ll take it back as if Miss Bai is temporarily keeping it with me." Xiao Rongyan gently stroked the jade cicada in his hand, looked up at her, and extended the jade cicada to her. "Since that’s the case, Miss Bai, please accept this first."

The jade cicada...

Her pupils trembled slightly. In her previous life, Xiao Rongyan had given her the jade cicada when she was at her lowest point.

Xiao Rongyan had given her the jade cicada for her to flee for her life...

Unexpectedly, in this life, Xiao Rongyan again offered this jade pendant to her, in a completely different gentle tone.

"This is a personal item of Mr. Xiao’s. It is not appropriate for me to accept it." Bai Qingyan’s hand hidden in her sleeve tightened slightly.

Xiao Rongyan took a step forward, blocking Nanny Qin and Chun Tao’s line of sight with his back. He overstepped boundaries and grasped Bai Qingyan’s slender wrist, placing the jade cicada into her hand. "This is a relic of my mother’s. It was given to her by a sage back then, claiming it could ensure safety. Later, during the chaos at the palace, my mother hung the jade cicada she never parted with around my neck and had my uncle take me to escape. I remained safe and sound..."

Xiao Rongyan took a step back and stared at the towering tree in the courtyard, with young green buds sprouting from it.

The chaotic scenes from back then were still vivid in Xiao Rongyan’s memory.

He also remembered his mother hanging the jade cicada on him, hugging him tightly, and urging him to save his elder brother and live well.

It was the first time Xiao Rongyan had seen his mother’s tears in his memory. She was such a strong and powerful person. Believing her husband couldn’t even protect their child must have been utter despair, something Xiao Rongyan didn’t understand at the time.

Later, when his brother had children and was secretly harmed by the lingering remnants left by the emperor, he vaguely understood the heart-wrenching agony his mother must have felt back then.

Seeing Xiao Rongyan deeply gaze at the tall tree, he seemed to be lost in some emotion.

"The tree in the palace back then was even taller than this one. My uncle hid me in it, the dense leaves and branches providing cover. I saw father coming and wanted to call for help, but my uncle covered my mouth. I watched as the black-clad assassins of the palace knelt in front of father, reporting. That’s when I knew it was father’s intention."

The lifelike jade cicada still carried Xiao Rongyan’s hand warmth. Bai Qingyan lowered her gaze... sure enough, it was identical to the jade cicada from her previous life.

Xiao Rongyan lowered his gaze, pulling himself out of that deep sorrowful emotion, turning to gaze at Bai Qingyan. "So, I once swore... if I ever took a wife, I would never doubt her and would protect her all her life."

His deep, captivating eyes gazed quietly at Bai Qingyan, making her feel as if he harbored deep feelings for her.

It was as if he was making a promise to her.

Bai Qingyan’s hand holding the jade cicada tightened slightly, then she held it back out to Xiao Rongyan. "Such a precious jade cicada, how dare I accept it? Please take it back, Mr. Xiao."

"If you don’t accept even the jade cicada, how would I explain to my elder brother? Miss Bai, please don’t make it difficult for me."

Before Bai Qingyan could refuse again, Xiao Rongyan smiled and changed the topic. "On April 6th, the third prince is hosting a polo match. Will Miss Bai be attending?"

"I’ll let the younger ones go to enjoy the lively atmosphere. I won’t be going." She turned to Xiao Rongyan. "Or is there something you need, Mr. Xiao..."

"What if I want to invite you?"

Xiao Rongyan’s rich, gentle voice reached her ears, making Bai Qingyan’s heart skip a beat.

His deep, sincere gaze made Bai Qingyan turn her head to avoid his eyes. "I’ve never been fond of such lively events. I fear disappointing your kind intentions, Mr. Xiao."

"No matter. Miss Bai has just returned from the southern regions and hasn’t had time to rest from the continuous gatherings. We have plenty of time ahead." Xiao Rongyan replied.

Bai Qingyan said nothing more. By the time she realized she should return the jade cicada to Xiao Rongyan, he had already bowed to her and left.

She carefully examined the jade cicada in her hand. Even the chipped corner of this jade cicada was the same as the one she had seen in her previous life.

But she couldn’t understand why, if it was such a precious keepsake from his mother, Xiao Rongyan had given it to her in their past life.

If it was meant to symbolize status, even a token would have been more appropriate than a jade cicada.

Why was this?

Grasping the jade cicada tightly, she was soon called over by Mrs. Dong.

"What is going on between you and that Mr. Xiao?" Mrs. Dong frowned. "From the time of our Bai family’s funeral... Mr. Xiao has been helping. I feel something isn’t right. Does Mr. Xiao have other thoughts about you?"

Mrs. Dong, having experienced life, was naturally worried, especially as Xiao Rongyan didn’t hide his gazes toward Bai Qingyan.

"Mother, that’s not the case at all! I’ve already sworn to never marry in this life! Don’t worry... I know my boundaries when interacting with Mr. Xiao." Bai Qingyan held her mother’s arm as they returned to the courtyard.

Hearing her daughter swear to never marry, Mrs. Dong’s heart ached.

The displeasure in her heart dissipated, and she even began to speak well of Xiao Rongyan. "That Mr. Xiao, though a merchant, has a good demeanor and character, not to mention his looks and talents. Mother isn’t blaming you; if you think Mr. Xiao is good but are mindful of your vow, you can consider having Mr. Xiao marry into our Bai family."

"Mother, you’re speaking nonsense!" Bai Qingyan’s ears turned red. "Talking about marrying in! It’s unfilial to be without offspring. I have no hopes for descendants, so why involve others? Even if I remain unmarried, I can live freely and happily. Don’t worry."

Mrs. Dong pressed her lips, glaring at Bai Qingyan. "It’s because I’m worried that I’m telling you this! Your grandmother still has Chang Yuan waiting for you, but he’s like a brother to you. What about others? I’m afraid... when mother is no longer around..."

Mrs. Dong couldn’t suppress her sobs, gripping her daughter’s hand tightly, controlling her tears. "I’m afraid you’ll be lonely!"

"Mother, I have my younger sisters! Our bond is strong. Don’t worry so much!"