Ba Dezhong ng stared at Jiang Xuanjin in astonishment. Meeting his gaze, deChengxu of any anger, he quickly regained his composure, feeling somewhat surprised.
The Lord… not angry?
Throughout the court, it was widely known that Lord Ziyang was a stickler for propriety and reputation. Being affronted by Zhuji like this should have surely provoked his ire. Yet here he stood, seemingly unfazed. Could it be that he was overreacting?
“What does Your Highness wish to inquire about?” Ba Dezhong ng asked, his confusion evident.
Glancing at the figure behind him, Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “In a few days, it will be Jiang Yan’s eighteenth birthday. According to the patriarch’s wishes, it’s time for him to marry. I wonder, what are Lord Bai’s intentions?”
Bai Zhuji and Jiang Yan were betrothed in childhood. Three years ago, upon learning of Bai Zhuji’s illness-induced mental impairment, both families found themselves in an awkward position. Jiang Yan, being the most favored grandson of the Jiang family, was already begrudgingly set to marry an imperial official’s daughter; the idea of marrying a mentally impaired commoner’s daughter was even more unpalatable.
However, given the Jiang family’s reputation, they couldn’t initiate a withdrawal from the marriage contract. The Bai family, uncertain of how to proceed, had quietly avoided broaching the subject. Thus, the matter has lingered until now.
Ba Dezhong ng sighed, bowing respectfully. “To be frank, Your Highness, the Bai family has received much kindness from the Jiangs. It would be a disgrace for us to send our mentally impaired daughter to the Jiang residence. As for this marriage…”
“This marriage concerns the reputation and honor of both families,” interjected Lady Bai Mengshi from the side. “Given Miss Four’s condition, it’s out of the question. However, we still have Miss Two, Xuanji. She’s well-educated, sensible, and gentle. Your Highness might consider meeting her?”
At her words, Ba Dezhong ng shot her a glare.
Lady Bai Mengshi startled, tried to compose herself, and continued, “The Jiang and Bai families have been allies for generations. We can’t let one simpleton ruin the relationship. His Lordship should understand the importance of the matter.”
Li Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth, beginning to grasp the situation.
Originally being mentally impaired, she wasn’t eligible to marry into the Jiang family. Lady Bai saw an opportunity to push her second daughter into the union. No wonder they had tried to whisk her away just now; she was the obstacle here.
If it were another family’s marriage, she might have conceded. But with this marriage to the Jiangs, she could legitimately get close to Jiang Xuanjin and have countless opportunities for revenge.
Huaiyu felt she couldn’t allow that.
“Why can’t I be considered with my current condition?” she curiously lowered her head to inspect herself. “I’m rather presentable, am I not? Even if I was foolish for a few years, I’m perfectly fine now.”
Ba Dezhong ng, about to scold Lady Bai Mengshi, redirected his anger toward her upon hearing this. “You dare speak out of turn again?” After shouting, he seemed to realize something, giving her a bewildered look. “What did you just say… you’re fine now?”
Huaiyu looked innocent. “Yes, I’m fine. I don’t feel like a simpleton at all.”
Ba Dezhong ng was taken aback, scrutinizing her from head to toe, then turned to Lady Bai Mengshi. “What’s going on?”
“I have no idea what happened. Zhuji disappeared for two days, and when she returned, she was like this,” Lady Bai Mengshi frowned, adding, “Forgot all about manners and etiquette, could she have been possessed?”
“You’re the one possessed! Everyone in your entire courtyard is!” Huaiyu bared her teeth, thinking to herself, How could the noble soul of Princess Danyang be considered possessed? At most, she could be a wandering spirit!
“Your Highness,” Ba Dezhong ng regained his composure, bowing first to Jiang Xuanjin. “This matter arose suddenly and pertains to our family affairs. I apologize for any inconvenience caused to Your Highness. Once I clarify the situation, I will send someone to convey our response to the Jiang residence.”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded expressionlessly. “Very well, then. I won’t trouble you further. Farewell.”
With that, he began to walk away.
“Wait, wait!” Huaiyu called out desperately, her eyes pleading. “Are you just going to leave like this?”
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t look back. “Take care, Miss Four.”
Take care. How could she take care when he left? Huaiyu widened her eyes, about to reach out to stop him, but seeing the stern-faced Ba Dezhong ng beside her, she swallowed back her words and withdrew her hand.
Ba Dezhong ng bowed to Jiang Xuanjin. “Allow me to escort Your Highness out of the estate.”
Jiang Xuanjin politely nodded and followed him out.
“Farewell, Your Highness,” Lady Bai Mengshi smiled, kneeling and watching them depart. Once they crossed the threshold, she turned and instructed the servants, “Take Miss Four to the west courtyard.”
“Yes, madam,” the servants chorused.
As Jiang Xuanjin stepped out, his gaze seemed somewhat unfocused. He glanced back for a moment.
The girl was being held back, her expression unreadable this time, deChengxu of any struggle or resistance. The servant’s hand gripped her shoulder tightly, exerting so much force that her frail body trembled under the pressure.
Furrowing his brow slightly, he halted his steps.
“Your Highness?” Ba Dezhong ng turned back, calling to him.
Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips and coughed twice.
Li Huaiyu had resigned herself to not resisting anymore. Without Jiang Xuanjin’s protection, as the fourth daughter of the Bai family, she couldn’t defy the elders. The more she resisted, the more punishment she would endure. So even though the cursed servant’s grip was painful, she remained silent.
However, upon hearing the coughing, Huaiyu paused, lifting her head to see Jiang Xuanjin standing at the doorway, unmoving.
Her eyes lit up, and she immediately shook off the servant behind her and rushed forward. “Your Highness!”
“What are you doing!” Ba Dezhong ng and Lady Bai Mengshi moved to intercept her.
Huaiyu furrowed her brow, bypassing them to reach Jiang Xuanjin’s side and grasp his arm. Turning her head, her expression serious, she said, “Instead of shouting at me, why not find a place for Your Highness to rest properly? You’re still recovering from a serious illness and are quite weak. If your condition worsens here, how will the Bai family explain to the Jiangs and the court?”
It was perhaps the most earnest she had been. Jiang Xuanjin, his lips pale, coughed twice more but didn’t shake her off.
Ba Dezhong ng glanced at Jiang Xuanjin’s complexion and decided not to argue with Huaiyu anymore. He quickly instructed Lady Bai Mengshi, “Prepare a guest room!”
“Yes!”
“Ba Dezhong ng.” Riding on the moment, Jiang Xuanjin bowed slightly. “In these past few days, His Highness’s illness has been severe. Thanks to the intervention of Miss Fourth of your household, he was aided. His Highness is still not fully recovered, and the prescription remains with your Miss. I have a request, which I hope you will grant.”
Cheng Xu, being one of the most trusted aides of Lord Ziyang, his words often carried the weight of the Lord’s own. Ba Dezhong ng dared not disregard them and hastily responded, “Please, speak.”
Glancing at his own master ahead, Cheng Xu continued, “His Highness’s body cannot withstand the strain of travel. I request that he rest here, and I hope Miss Fourth can continue to assist with his medication.”
Assist with medication? Ba Dezhong ng furrowed his brow, wondering why anyone couldn’t do it. Did they specifically need to mention Bai Zhuji?
But then it dawned on him. Jiang Yan was Lord Ziyang’s beloved nephew. With Bai Zhuji being the nominal future niece-in-law, it was likely a case of showing favor to the Lord.