"Since they have so much free time, let's give them something to do. It's annoying to see them constantly watching the Feng family. I've had enough," Xiao Tingyi said.
This was the first time Xiao Tingyi had openly revealed his particular attention to the Feng family in front of them. However, everyone in Ding Wang Fu, including Yang Zhao, knew that the Prince's special treatment of the Feng family was all because of the third young lady of the Feng family. But to have his feelings expressed so directly was a first.
Everyone's respect for the third young lady grew, and they resolved never to offend her.
March, spring, all things were reviving, a perfect time for outings. The Imperial Street in Dongdu City had a specially constructed stone channel, with a gentle flow of water where a few purple water lilies were planted. They were not yet in bloom, resting quietly. Meanwhile, the peach, plum, apricot, and pear trees on both sides vied for attention, their white, red, pink, and yellow blossoms creating a scene as vibrant as a brocade scroll.
The Eldest Princess Changlin had sent invitations to the young masters and ladies of various powerful and noble families, inviting them to a polo match by Mingchi Lake in three days.
When Bai Siruo received the invitation, Princess Wenyi was reluctant for her to attend. "Going means being surrounded by people again, gossiping about the Zhang family or discussing the Li family. If you go, you'll likely be slandered for a long time. It's better to feign illness," she said. Ever since being insulted by Wen Mengsheng at Fahua Temple last time, Princess Wenyi had not wanted her daughter to leave the house. Hearing such words was grating to her as a mother; if they reached her daughter's ears, it would be like tearing her flesh.
However, Bai Siruo proactively comforted her. "Mother, I can't stay at home forever, can I? If I did, wouldn't the Bai family have raised me in vain? It's my own fault for making mistakes and trusting the wrong person; my reputation is ruined, and I deserve it. But I will endure what I must and will not tolerate what I don't deserve. At the polo match, there are few with higher status than me. If they truly want to gossip, they'll only dare to do so behind my back, don't you think!"
Seeing her daughter's sensible demeanor, Princess Wenyi felt both pained and unable to persuade her further. "Then you must put your mind at ease and don't take rumors to heart. After all, it was that person who kidnapped you, and you are innocent."
When that person was mentioned, Bai Siruo's heart was calm, devoid even of hatred. Such a person should never have entered her life. They harmed her and ultimately destroyed themselves. It was truly the cycle of karma and retribution. "Don't worry, Mother. I'll go with A'yao, and Second Brother and the others will be there too. With Second Brother and Su Cheng Ge present, who would dare to speak ill of me? They'd retort immediately."
That was true. Little Second Brother was always very protective, and on that point, she was reassured. "Oh, and your third uncle wrote again, urging your third aunt and Si Han to return. I saw their luggage is almost packed this time, so there shouldn't be any more mishaps."
"It's good they're returning. Her reputation is not much better than mine now. I still have the title of county princess to protect me, but she has nothing. Speaking of which, she is rather pitiful."
Mother and daughter did not approve of her actions, but ultimately, she was just trying to secure a better future for herself. Now that they were returning to Qiongzhou, they didn't know when they would see each other again. So Bai Siruo said, "Mother, please send that box of jewelry from my desk to her. It's a token of apology for my lack of care during this time."
"You're willing to part with it?" The box contained at least twenty to thirty kinds of jewelry that Bai Siruo usually loved to wear. How could she not be reluctant? But after all that had happened, she had come to understand. In this generation of the Bai family, there were only these two sisters. As long as she didn't resort to extreme measures, there was still some sisterly affection between them, so it was not good to make things too unpleasant. "I am willing. Mother, please have someone send it over. If she finds a suitable husband in Qiongzhou later, I'll send her other things. After all, she is my cousin, isn't she?"
Princess Wenyi looked at her daughter, who seemed to have grown up overnight. Her heart was filled with both comfort and heartache. But it was good that she had grown up. In the future, if she encountered any danger, she could be more cautious and take care of herself. This way, she could rest in peace even in death.
When Bai Si Han received the box of jewelry, complex emotions filled her eyes. She was extremely unwilling to leave like this, but she could no longer stay here. This box of jewelry was quite presentable for her, but it felt like a consolation gift from someone after a defeat, somewhat embarrassing. For a moment, she didn't know whether to accept it or not.
Madam Shen would not miss such a good opportunity. The jewelry box from Bai Siruo looked very heavy. After politely accepting it from the maid, she smiled and said, "The eldest young lady still remembers her sister and sent so many good things. Don't worry, our Han'er will certainly cherish them."
"In that case, this old servant will take her leave."
"Ah, maid, please go slowly." As soon as the woman lifted the curtain and walked into the courtyard, Madam Shen impatiently opened the box. As expected, it was filled with treasures, some from Prince Kang's mansion, some bestowed by the imperial court, and some custom-made from Zhenbao Zhai. Each piece was exquisite and unparalleled. "Bai Siruo is being quite generous this time. Well, we won't see each other in the future anyway, so taking this box of jewelry isn't a loss."
Previously, she had thought that even though they were illegitimate children, they would still receive some good things when the family divided. Now, after subtly inquiring throughout the mansion, she knew that the inheritance for legitimate and illegitimate children was vastly different. Coupled with the attitude of the Bai family towards their third branch, she saw it clearly. Rather than hoping to gain benefits from the family division, this box of jewelry was more direct and readily available.
"Han'er, I think this hairpin of pure gold with a red ruby would suit you very well. Why don't you try it on?" Bai Si Han shook her head, lacking energy. She glanced around the room, and no matter how reluctant she was to leave, she had no choice. "Mother, let's pack quickly. Aren't we supposed to set off in two days? We mustn't delay our departure time."
"Ah, don't worry, everything is almost packed. As for you... perk up. If one place doesn't keep you, another will. Qiongzhou also has good young men. You don't need to worry about that young master Wen, that heartless, unfeeling, and treacherous dog!" Madam Shen cursed fiercely, having already cursed Wen family's ancestors for eighteen generations these past few days. Seeing her start again, she wanted to continue her tirade.
After hearing so many words, Bai Si Han could no longer bear it. She interrupted her mother, saying she was tired and wanted to rest, and used this excuse to send Madam Shen out of the inner room. She collapsed onto the bed, weak, her eyes tightly closed, tears slowly streaming down her face.