Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 496 - 493: Invincible_1

Chapter 496: Chapter 493: Invincible_1

This time, Mrs. Cui not only prepared gifts for Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan, but also for the Bai sisters and various ladies of the house. Though the gifts were not particularly expensive, the care and thoughtfulness in their selection were evident. She clearly put effort into this, indicating she could handle the duties of the family matriarch.

"Grandmother always worries about our cousin. I think only by keeping her close will Grandmother feel at ease..." Mrs. Cui looked toward Bai Qingyan. "Cousin, if you have free time, you could come to Dengzhou for a few months. That would certainly ease Grandmother’s worries!"

Bai Qingyan nodded with a smile. "Alright..."

It was noon, the hottest part of the day, but the Shaohua Court’s breeze carried a coolness. The courtyard had tall, ancient trees with lush foliage, providing ample shade. There was also the sound of flowing water, and the Shaohua Hall was nestled amidst layers of green. Rays of light occasionally pierced through the overlapping leaves, creating beautiful golden beams. The white drapes and curtains swayed gently in the cool breeze, and copper hook bells clinked softly. From a distance, the Shaohua Hall looked even more dreamlike.

After lunch, everyone enjoyed some tea and snacks on the second floor of Shaohua Court. A servant came to report that Junzi Pavilion, prepared for Dong Changlan and Mrs. Cui, was ready. Xiao Rongyan then stood up to bid farewell.

Dong Changlan and Bai Qingping accompanied Xiao Rongyan to the door. After seeing him off, Bai Qingping returned to take his leave from Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan noticed Bai Qingping looked unwell, with dark circles under his eyes, and asked him, "Are your father’s and mother’s issues affecting you?"

Bai Qingping’s hand tightened at his side. He hesitated but didn’t speak. He hardly had the face to tell Bai Qingyan about his mother’s outburst at the training ground gate, calling him ungrateful and even being accused of unfilial behavior by his uncle.

But what could a son do? Force his father to fetch his mother back to the Bai family? His mother still didn’t understand why his father was angry and wanted to divorce her. She always blamed them for being heartless.

Last night, Bai Qingping met with his father, who said his mother didn’t understand the severity of things. Nowadays, the Princess of Zhen only maintained her face for their sake. If his mother continued to be indiscreet, it might cause a catastrophic disaster.

His mother even dared to think of having her nephew join the Bai family by shady means. If she actually did it, it would cut off the Bai family’s ties with the Princess of Zhen. Then their fate would be the same as those expelled from the clan, reliant on nobody.

Bai Qingping understood these issues, but his mother did not.

He wondered whether it was better for his mother to stay away, as being without support might prevent her from making irreversible mistakes.

As a son, though, he hoped for harmony between his parents.

"I don’t think your father will want a divorce. He might just want your mother to go back to her family and think things over. It could be beneficial for her." Bai Qingyan tried to comfort Bai Qingping.

He nodded. "I think so too."

"Go back and rest well. After a day’s rest, the training ground will need you again. Without someone from the Bai family watching, I can’t feel entirely at ease." Bai Qingyan said.

After nodding, Bai Qingping added, "Sister, I think there are still useful people in the Bai Clan. Have you considered using them?"

"It’s up to you. If you find someone useful in the clan, you don’t need to report to me. Make the decision yourself." Bai Qingyan was gradually giving Bai Qingping more authority. "As for Shen Yanzong, you need to come up with a justifiable reason for using him. Think it over."

Bai Qingping felt the weight on his shoulders increase but was happy for Bai Qingyan’s trust. He bowed deeply. "Don’t worry, sister. I understand how to handle it."

As soon as Bai Qingping finished speaking, Steward Hao hurried over, standing behind Bai Qingping. It seemed he had something to say but hesitated due to Bai Qingping’s presence. Bai Qingping wisely took his leave.

"The people from Fenxiang indeed came from Dadu. I’ve had people tracking them. Today, someone left quickly towards Dadu. I’ve sent people to follow them carefully. We should be able to find out if they are associated with the Left Prime Minister’s residence." Steward Hao was quite worried. "Young Lady, we’ve offended the Left Prime Minister’s residence badly in Dadu. Now these people are colluding with expelled members of the Bai Clan. They might be planning something against our Bai Mansion!"

"Keep an eye on them. Note everyone they interact with. This is Shuoyang; dealing with them isn’t difficult. If it’s confirmed they are linked to the Left Prime Minister’s residence, it will be time to send him a grand gift." Bai Qingyan didn’t fear Li Mao’s potential collusion with expelled Bai Clan members, stirring up trouble.

As Bai Qingping walked down the winding corridor, he glanced back to see Steward Hao standing by Bai Qingyan, reporting something in a low voice with a worried expression.

Bai Qingyan, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed, as if nothing could unsettle her.

Bai Qingping dared not look any longer. He followed the servants and left the Bai Mansion.

From the bottom of his heart, Bai Qingping admired his cousin. Although he was in Shuoyang seven months ago, the news from Dadu terrified him.

The men of the Bai family in Dadu were mostly lost, yet his cousin surpassed even the men. She mobilized the people by borrowing coffins, incited outrage by striking the drum of justice, protected the Bai family with public sentiment, and supported the family’s honor amidst battles in the Southern and Northern Frontiers. She seemed invincible. Even the outstanding young men of the Jin Kingdom couldn’t match her achievements.

As a man, he felt he was no match...the Qi family.

He admired Bai Qingyan and envied her courage. He hoped to become someone like her one day.

Bai Qingping glanced back at the black and gold plaque of the Bai Mansion, clenched his fists, mounted his horse, and headed for the training ground.

Early on the twenty-second, Lu Ninghuan and Bai Jinse took a carriage back to the Imperial Qing Temple. They immediately informed the Eldest Princess about catching the Empress and General Fu in a tryst.

The Eldest Princess listened without pausing her bead work, only sneering. "It seems the Empress has reached the end of her rope."

Lu Ninghuan and Bai Jinse were puzzled.

"You did well, Ninghuan!" The Eldest Princess smiled at Lu Ninghuan. "Go and rest!"

After Lu Ninghuan and Bai Jinse left, the Eldest Princess had Nanny Jiang summon Wei Zhong. She asked him, "How did the investigation ordered by Kid go?"

"Reporting to Eldest Princess, I found that the one who defiled the Princess of Nandu was a Hidden Guard from the Crown Prince’s residence. However, this guard was coerced. As for who coerced him, I’m still investigating. Since the investigation was to be done secretly, I am somewhat hindered." Wei Zhong reported.