"Heh, I never knew Young Master Wen was so eloquent," she said, "to use His Majesty to pressure me."
"I dare not. I beg the Princess's forgiveness."
"I beg the Princess's forgiveness."
Seeing the two brothers so united, Changlin, accustomed to the schemes and deceptions of the royal court, did not believe in fraternal affection. This was an opportunity to test them.
Lowering her head, she looked at the two kneeling figures and their performance, leaving only a single sentence: "Since Young Master Wen uses His Majesty to pressure me, then wait. I shall see how Lord Wen chooses at that time."
With that, she left the banquet, leaving the two brothers bewildered, looking at each other.
"What does the Princess mean?" Wen Mengsheng asked Wen Xinglu, not understanding. He only shook his head. Their expressions were both grim, especially Wen Mengsheng's.
He did not know why things had escalated to this point tonight. Thinking of the Feng family who had left earlier, he felt a sense of being manipulated.
Those still feasting and celebrating at the Feng residence at this moment had no idea what had transpired at Changchun Tower. They were still merrily discussing seeing Xu Mingyue off.
Wenjin Academy was located in Lingzhou, not far from the Eastern Capital, only a few dozen li away. Those with quick feet could reach it in half a day. However, meeting here was more convenient than there. Once she left, she could not return unless there was a day off. They would likely not see each other again until the academy closed at the end of the year.
Feng Jinyao and Bai Siruo both held onto Xu Mingyue, reluctant to part. But this was the path she had chosen. Compared to the scheming and deception here, such a pure place was more suitable for Xu Mingyue.
"I have lived in Sucheng for more than half my life, yet this is the first time I have met someone with Miss Xu's disposition. Not infatuated with others, nor compromising her own aspirations. I am impressed, truly impressed!"
Upon hearing that she was going to the academy as a teacher, all the men present were stunned, and then filled with admiration.
The capabilities of Wenjin Academy were evident to all. To be appreciated by Dean Wang could only mean that Xu Mingyue was truly remarkable!
Yin Canwen also sincerely admired all learned scholars. He said to Miss Xu, "Miss Xu's ambition is great. It is we who are too greedy for fame and fortune."
"Young Master Yin, why must you say that? It is only a pity that our dynasty has no precedent for women serving in official positions. Otherwise, I would wish to compete alongside you men and show the world that women's lives are not confined to the hustle and bustle of the inner courtyard." At this point, no one present was not impressed.
Feng Er felt even more admiration for her. It was never the rules that constrained women, but women themselves who constrained themselves. She was one of the few in the world who could break free.
Looking at her, he wondered if it was the captivating night or the lingering charm in her eyes.
At the Bai residence, when the guard sent the half-dead Bai Sihan back, the servants at the entrance were in a panic and immediately sent someone to inform the master.
Shen Shi, who had been congratulating herself in the back courtyard, almost fainted upon hearing the terrible news. If not for Madam Zheng, who was beside her, pinching her philtrum, she would have already passed out.
She rushed towards the mansion gate and happened to meet the servants carrying someone in. The stretcher beneath Bai Sihan was stained a deep red, even more tragic than when she had been beaten by Lin Shi of the main branch that day. "My child... my precious daughter..."
She ran over, weeping, only to see that her daughter's pale face showed no reaction. When she touched her, her body was ice-cold. The blood from the wounds had already frozen in the winter air, and a patch of dark red blood stained her skirt.
Seeing this scene, Shen Shi wailed, cursed, and cried, alarming the entire Bai residence.
Feng Lai, who was by Lin Shi's side, was also shocked by the situation and quickly ran back to report to Lin Shi.
In Lin Shi's room, the eldest master Bai Chao'an was also present. Upon hearing Feng Lai's words, he hurriedly said to his wife, "Quickly send someone to find the household physician and send over the household medicines. Sihan is, after all, a daughter of the Bai family. If anything truly happens, the consequences would be unimaginable."
Lin Shi nodded. Although she disliked Shen Shi and her daughter, she had never wished for their deaths.
If Bai Sihan were to die in the Eastern Capital, it would be the misfortune of the Bai family.
"Quickly, send someone to find a few more doctors skilled in treating external wounds. The Second Miss's injuries cannot be delayed."
"Yes."
With the eldest branch's command, the servants of the Bai residence became busy, and the household physician rushed over with his medicine box.
Upon entering the room, he felt a chill. With such severe external injuries, it was uncertain whether she could be cured. If not, she might be disabled for life.
Thinking of this, he hesitated to step forward, fearing the blame.
Seeing the household physician arrive but not approach, Shen Shi immediately cried out, "What are you doing! Hurry and see how my daughter's injuries are!"
"Yes, yes." Frightened by her, the household physician had no choice but to step forward.
After a careful examination, he knew without looking that her skin must be torn and flesh exposed.
"Third Madam, please forgive me. The Second Miss's external injuries are too severe. I am truly unable to treat them. I fear we must find a doctor skilled in external wounds to examine her!"
"Useless!" She had never held out hope for the household physician, so after he finished speaking, she immediately told Madam Zheng, who was beside her, to find Lin Shi. "Go, tell the people of the main branch to find a doctor to treat Han'er. If anything happens to her, I will risk my life to make the Prime Minister's mansion restless!"
"Madam, rest assured, your old servant will go now!"
"There is no need. Sister-in-law, if you wish for unrest, I have ways to deal with you. But Sihan is my Bai family's daughter, and there is no reason to watch her die. I have already sent someone to invite a doctor, and Fourth Sister-in-law has also sent someone to find an imperial physician. Just wait."
Lin Shi, worried about Bai Sihan's injuries, had rushed over to see her. Who knew that as soon as she reached the door, she heard Shen Shi's vicious threat. She truly thought herself a nobody, an ignorant fool.
"It had better be so. If Han'er does not recover completely, I will not let you rest, even as a ghost."
"Hmph, ridiculous. It's as if I beat her, isn't it? If you have the ability, go find the main culprit!"
When the person was sent back, the guards of the Princess's mansion bravely took responsibility and left their names. Therefore, everyone in the mansion knew that she had suffered the beating because she had offended Princess Changlin.
Instead of finding trouble with the princess who administered the beating, Shen Shi was now throwing a tantrum at those who were finding doctors. She was truly mad.
"I don't care. If Han'er has an accident, the Bai family and the Princess's mansion will all have to pay for it."
Shen Shi had only this one daughter. Seeing her like this, she had already gone mad, lost her soul. Therefore, she was not afraid of anything and dared to say anything. She glared fiercely at Lin Shi, as if Lin Shi had beaten her.
Lin Shi could not stand her behavior. She angrily flicked her sleeves and left in a huff.