Chapter 44: Obedient Awareness_1

Chun Tao did not ask why and carefully folded the paper, placing it into her sleeve and nodding solemnly, “Miss, don’t worry.”

“Miss Bai.” Chun Yan pulled back the curtain and entered, curtseying, “Guard Lu Ping has reported that the young master retrieved from the estate has already been settled in Qingming Courtyard. However, it seems he won’t be able to get out of bed for at least half a month.”

Just half a month, he got off easy.

“Hmm.” Bai Qingyan nodded, “I understand. Tell Uncle Ping to have someone guard Qingming Courtyard well. No one should enter or leave arbitrarily to prevent the little fourth from using a whip without regard. Today has been hard on him; let Uncle Ping go back to rest early.”

Lu Ping emerged from the inner courtyard, carrying two bottles of wine and some medicine to Qin Shangzhi. While changing Qin Shangzhi’s bandages, he recounted the events at Manjiang Tower today, full of worry.

“Earlier, when there was trouble in front of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage’s mansion, you shook your head and said that although Miss Bai’s words protected the Duke of Zhen Mansion’s reputation, it might make the current emperor dislike them even more. Now this commotion in front of Manjiang Tower… I’m really worried about the Duke’s Mansion!” Lu Ping sighed and took a sip of wine, “Do you think there is any way to persuade Miss Bai?”

Qin Shangzhi’s hand tightened around the wine bottle, and he looked up as if struck by a sudden revelation. His eyes brightened, and with a slap on the table, he laughed heartily, “What a brilliant strategy by Miss Bai!”

Lu Ping gazed at Qin Shangzhi, “What are you laughing at?”

“Your Miss Bai’s vision is extraordinary!” Qin Shangzhi raised his head and took a hearty gulp of wine, giving a thumbs up with a fervent gaze. “I only saw ten steps ahead, but she has seen ninety-nine steps behind! Your Miss Bai has meticulously planned each step! She aims to raise the Bai family’s prestige among the people, creating momentum and winning their hearts for the Bai Mansion!”

In Lu Ping’s bewildered eyes, Qin Shangzhi let out a long sigh, “A master strategist seeks advantage, not reliance on people, thus choosing the right person for the task! Your Miss Bai is using military tactics! She aims to make the current ruler fear the influence and public opinion of the Bai family, keeping them from making any moves against the Bai family! Those in high positions may seem to have power in their hands, but they still fear public sentiment, resentment, and the pen of historians a hundred years later!”

Qin Shangzhi took another large swig of wine and heavily set down the bottle. His heart surged with hot blood, yet he couldn’t help but feel a bit despondent over his unrealized potential, “What an incredible girl! But alas… if only your Miss Bai were a man, the Bai family’s glory could be extended for at least three generations!”

If Bai Qingyan were not a girl, she would surely have a place in the highest halls of power in the future!

If Bai Qingyan were not a girl, given her profound wisdom, Qin Shangzhi would willingly enter the Bai Mansion as a counselor! But alas… she was a woman, and no matter her talents, she could only be confined to the inner chambers.

“What a pity!” Qin Shangzhi sighed deeply, draining his cup, this low lament not knowing whether it was for himself or for Bai Qingyan.

·

The next morning, as Bai Qingyan finished her morning exercise and was having breakfast, Chun Yan walked in with a smile, “As Miss Bai predicted, the fourth young lady heard about what happened on the main street yesterday and rushed to Qingming Courtyard with a whip at dawn. Wielding it with great vigor, she even broke the newly planted saplings in half. The young master and that concubine were so frightened they huddled together in bed, not daring to come out! If you ask me, Miss Bai shouldn’t have let the guards stop her… she should have let the fourth young lady thrash them, teaching them that our Miss Bai isn’t someone they can offend! Such audacity!”

Bai Qingyan continued drinking her porridge without a word. Chun Tao frowned and said, “Even if that person is unworthy, he is still the second master’s illegitimate son, and that concubine is the second master’s concubine. As servants, we shouldn’t say these things! Don’t mention this again in the future, to avoid bringing trouble to Miss Bai.”

Chun Yan sulkily pouted and stood aside.

Just as Bai Qingyan finished her meal, Nanny Jiang arrived with people from Tianxiu Workshop.

“This imperial jade chess set was given to the Eldest Princess by the previous emperor when she was about the same age as you, Miss Bai.” Nanny Jiang placed the chess box aside, “The Eldest Princess cherishes you dearly and sent this chess set for you.”

“Thank you, Grandmother!” She fondled the exquisite jade chess pieces, knowing that Nanny Jiang was comforting her on behalf of her grandmother. “Nanny, I understand; Grandmother worries I’m overly concerned, but I won’t be.”

Nanny Jiang’s eyes reddened, “We know you won’t! You were raised under the Eldest Princess and me; we know your character well!”

After sending Nanny Jiang off, Chun Tao admired the intricate embroidery on the luxurious clothes, exclaiming, “The clothes from Tianxiu Workshop are indeed exceptional. Look how beautiful they are! Miss, which one will you wear to the palace banquet?”

She looked at the five sets of clothing sent by Tianxiu Workshop and pointed to a plain white set. Picking up a chess piece, she asked, “How many days has Shen Qingzhu been gone?”

“Miss Bai, Miss Shen has been gone for nine days now,” Chun Tao replied.

Bai Qingyan nodded, knowing that Shen Qingzhu should have at least reached Zhancheng by now.

In her past life, the news of the Bai family’s men being lost in the southern borders came on New Year’s Eve. She was reborn on the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. By calculating the time, she feared it might be too late to save the Bai family’s men, but she still sent Shen Qingzhu out.

She only prayed the heavens would pity her family and allow Shen Qingzhu to save at least one man from the Bai family.

She closed her tired eyes, steadying her hot breaths, and placed the chess piece back into the box with tears. Now was not the time for sorrow. New Year’s Eve was approaching soon, and she didn’t have much time left to act.

Just as spring followed after winter, Chun Tao had the girl responsible for managing Bai Qingyan’s clothes put the outfits away. As she came out of the room, she saw Chun Yan with a displeased look. She couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? Why are you pouting so early in the morning?”

Chun Yan frowned and whispered to Chun Tao, “I just saw Qin Lang, from a distance, bowing towards our courtyard before leaving. It was so strange!”

Bai Qingyan began grinding ink, feeling a bit relieved, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Qin Lang had not let her down; he was an insightful person.

Yesterday, Qin Lang had already moved out of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage’s residence into the house bestowed by the emperor. Qin Lang, being kind and intelligent, would move back to their new residence once Bai Jinxiu recovered. Their future life would certainly be peaceful.

“You’re worried about too many things…” Chun Tao adjusted her sleeves in exasperation, “After all, he did not disturb Miss Bai.”@@novelbin@@

Chun Yan was about to argue when she saw a gatekeeper woman peering around the entrance of Qinghui Courtyard. She couldn’t help but show a happy expression and sensibly curtseyed to Chun Tao, “Understood, Sister Chun Tao! I just remembered… Tingzhu asked me to go see her today to get some embroidery patterns, I’d better go now!”