Bai Dezhong stared blankly at Jiang Xuanjin. When his gaze met Jiang Xuanjin’s, which showed no hint of anger, he quickly calmed down and felt a bit surprised.
His Highness was actually… not angry?
Everyone in the court knew that Ziyang Jun was a person who adhered strictly to propriety and valued reputation. Being so openly offended by Zhujing should have provoked his wrath, yet he seemed completely unfazed.
Could it be that he was overreacting?
“What does Your Highness wish to ask?” he asked, perplexed.
Casting a glance at the people standing behind him, Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “In a few days, Jiang Yan will turn eighteen. According to the old patriarch’s wishes, he should be getting married. What are your plans, Lord Bai?”
Bai Zhujing had been betrothed to Jiang Yan since childhood, but three years ago, when it was discovered that she had fallen ill and become mentally unwell, the two families found themselves in an awkward position. Jiang Yan was the most favored grandson of the Jiang family, and marrying a mere illegitimate daughter of an Imperial Censor was already a compromise; how could he possibly marry a foolish girl?
However, given the Jiang family’s reputation, they could not actively break off the engagement. The Bai family also seemed to have their thoughts, as they had not brought up the matter, leading to the continued delay of the marriage.
Bai Dezhong sighed and clasped his hands. “To be honest, Your Highness, the Bai family has received many favors from the Jiang family. We have no face to send our foolish Fourth Miss to the Jiang residence. As for this marriage…”
“This marriage concerns the face and reputation of both families.” Bai Mengshi suddenly interjected, “The Fourth Miss cannot be married off in her current state, but we still have the Second Miss, Xuanji, who is knowledgeable, gentle, and considerate. Your Highness might as well meet her.”
At these words, Bai Dezhong turned to glare at her.
Bai Mengshi was startled, but she steadied herself and continued, “The Jiang and Bai families have been on good terms for generations; we cannot let one foolish girl ruin our relationship. Surely, you understand what is more important, my lord.”
Li Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth, and began to understand the situation.
In this body, she had originally been a fool and was thus unqualified to marry into the Jiang family. Now, Bai Mengshi was trying to push the Second Miss forward to marry instead. No wonder they had tried to drag her away earlier; it seemed she was in the way.
If it were a marriage from another family, she might have let it go. But this was the Jiang family’s marriage, which would allow her to approach Jiang Xuanjin and create countless opportunities for revenge.
Huaiyu felt she could not allow that to happen.
“What’s wrong with my appearance? Why can’t I be married off?” She curiously looked down at herself. “I’m not bad-looking, am I? Even if I was foolish for a few years, I’m fine now, aren’t I?”
Bai Dezhong was about to scold Bai Mengshi when he heard this and immediately turned his anger toward her. “You dare to speak out?” After shouting this, he seemed to realize something and looked at her in shock. “What did you just say… you’re fine now?”
Huaiyu feigned innocence. “I’m fine! I don’t think I resemble a fool at all.”
Bai Dezhong was taken aback, scrutinizing her from head to toe before glancing at Bai Mengshi. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know what happened either. Zhujing went missing for two days, and when she returned, she was like this.” Bai Mengshi frowned and added, “It seems she has completely forgotten all etiquette and propriety. Could it be that she’s possessed?”
You’re the one who’s possessed! Everyone in your household is possessed!
Huaiyu gritted her teeth, thinking, How could the noble soul of the Danyang Princess be considered possessed? At worst, she was just a wandering spirit!
“Your Highness.” Bai Dezhong regained his composure and bowed to Jiang Xuanjin. “This matter came up suddenly, and it’s a family issue for the Bai family. I apologize for making you laugh. Once I understand the situation, I will certainly send someone to the Jiang residence to report back.”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded expressionlessly. “Then I won’t disturb you any longer. Farewell.”
With that, he turned to leave.
“Hey, hey, hey!” Huaiyu called out repeatedly, her eyes filled with a pitiful look. “You’re just leaving like this?”
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t look back. “Take care, Fourth Miss.”
Take care. If he left, she would lose her protector; how could she possibly take care of herself? Huaiyu glared at him, wanting to reach out and grab him, but upon seeing Bai Dezhong’s bristling beard, she swallowed hard and withdrew her hand.
Bai Dezhong bowed to Jiang Xuanjin. “I will escort Your Highness out of the residence.”
Jiang Xuanjin politely nodded and followed him out.
“Farewell, Your Highness.” Bai Mengshi smiled and curtsied, watching them cross the threshold before turning to instruct the servants, “Take the Fourth Miss to the west courtyard.”
“Yes!” The servants responded in unison.
As Jiang Xuanjin stepped out, his gaze drifted back for a moment.
That girl was being restrained, and this time she didn’t seem to be struggling or resisting. The servants’ hands gripped her shoulders tightly as if they were using all their strength, causing her frail body to tremble.
Frowning slightly, he stopped.
“Your Highness?” Bai Dezhong turned back to call him.
Jiang Xuanjin pressed his lips together and coughed a couple of times.
Li Huaiyu had no intention of resisting. Without Jiang Xuanjin’s protection, as the Fourth Miss of the Bai family, she could not stand up to her elders; the more she protested, the more she would be punished. So even though the damned servant was gripping her painfully, she remained silent.
However, upon hearing the cough, Huaiyu paused, looking up to see Jiang Xuanjin standing at the door, not moving.
Her eyes brightened, and she immediately broke free from the servant’s grasp and rushed toward him. “Your Highness!”
“What are you doing?” Bai Dezhong and Bai Mengshi both tried to stop her.
Huaiyu frowned, bypassing them to support Jiang Xuanjin’s arm. Turning to him, she said seriously, “Instead of shouting at me, you should find a place for His Highness to rest properly. He’s still recovering from his illness and is very weak. If he worsens his condition here, how will the Bai family explain it to the Jiang family and the court?”
This was the most serious thing she had said so far. Jiang Xuanjin’s lips were pale, and he coughed again, not shaking her off.
Bai Dezhong glanced at Jiang Xuanjin’s expression and lost interest in arguing with Huaiyu. He quickly instructed Bai Mengshi, “Go prepare a guest room!”
“Yes!”
“Lord Bai.” Cheng Xu, who had been standing behind, clasped his hands. “In the past few days, His Highness has been seriously ill, and we are grateful for the Fourth Miss’s assistance. Since His Highness has not yet recovered, and the prescription is with your young lady, I have a small request that I hope you will allow.”
Cheng Xu was the most trusted aide of Ziyang Jun, and his words often carried the weight of Jiang Xuanjin’s own. Bai Dezhong naturally did not dare to take it lightly and quickly replied, “Please, speak.”
Glancing at his master ahead, Cheng Xu continued, “His Highness’s body cannot withstand the fatigue of travel. He needs to rest here, and I hope the Fourth Miss can continue to help prepare the medicine.”
Prepare medicine? Bai Dezhong frowned, thinking, Why must it be the Fourth Miss who prepares the medicine?
But then he realized that Jiang Yan was Jiang Xuanjin’s most cherished nephew, and Bai Zhujing, as the nominal future niece-in-law, would surely be favored by Jiang Xuanjin as well.