The Eldest Legitimate Daughter is Both Beautiful and Valiant (ELDBBV) - Chapter 33

Bai Qingyan wore a pale yellow dress embroidered with flowering branches, which contrasted beautifully with her jet-black hair. It made her appear even more radiant, elegant, and unparalleled in her noble demeanour.

Second Uncle Dong Qingyue was 38 years old this year. He was unlike his elder brother, Dong Qingping, who appeared gentle, casual, and composed. His skin was dark, and he had a commanding presence. Despite being the younger son of the Dong family, he exuded more confidence, authority, and stability than his elder brother.

Seeing Dong Qingyue, Bai Qingyan’s eyes could not help but redden. Back then, when her second uncle petitioned on behalf of the Bai family, he was accused of colluding with the Zhenguo Duke’s residence and was stripped of his official position and exiled to the border.

Before his departure, her second uncle shouted defiantly while wearing shackles, “Loyal souls are tarnished and the heroes are gone! Let’s see how the Great Jin Kingdom falls!”

“Grandmother! Mother…” After bowing to the Princess Dowager and Dong-shi, Bai Qingyan also solemnly curtseyed to Dong Qingyue and his wife.

Second Aunt Cui-shi hurriedly got up to support her, “What are you doing, Ah Bao?”

She held Cui-shi’s hand and helped her sit back down, “Many years have passed. Grandmother, are you well? Uncle and Aunt, are you both well?”

Dong Qingyue put down his tea cup and smiled. His slightly crooked teeth slightly diminished his imposing demeanour, but instead added a touch of warmth, “We’re all well! Grandmother especially missed you very much! ! In the blink of an eye, three years have passed, and Ah Bao has grown up!”

Today, Dong Qingyue and Cui-shi had come together because they received an order from the Grand Madam of the Dong family to propose marriage to the Bai family for her second grandson, Dong Zhangyuan.

At first, Cui-sh was unhappy. Even though she liked Bai Qingyan very much, she was three years older than her son, and there were difficulties in terms of offspring. What would happen if she married back to their family?

When they were still in Dengzhou, Cui-shi cried and protested. However, the Grand Madam and her husband both said that precisely because it was difficult for Bai Qingyan to have children, it would be difficult for her to be treated well by her future in-laws’ family. Only by marrying her back to their family and having her nearby would she not be bullied by her mother-in-law. Then, they would arrange for Zhuangyuan to take a concubine and have all the children registered under Bai Qingyan’s name. This way, Bai Qingyan would not be mistreated by her in-laws, and in her old age, she would have sons, while Dong Zhangyuan would also have an heir.

Even so, the child was ultimately illegitimate, and what prestigious family like theirs would not want to have legitimate children? Even if Cui-shi was unwilling, the Grand Madam and her husband have made up their minds, and she had no choice but to obediently come today.

Cui-shi smiled and patted Bai Qingyan’s hand. She had a smile on her face but truly, her eyes were bitter.

Dong-shi naturally could not be happier upon hearing this news. Although Bai Qingyan’s marriage into her maternal family could be considered a lower match, with this arrangement, Dong-shi no longer had to worry about Bai Qingyan being mistreated by her in-laws. With her grandmother protecting Bai Qingyan from above and her uncle doting on her from below, all they needed to do was find a concubine for Dong Zhangyuan to continue the family line. Even if there were no obstacles with Bai Qingyan being unable to bear children, this was a good marriage that others could not hope to achieve.

“Your grandmother instructed us to come today, firstly to pay respects to the Princess Dowager, and secondly, because grandmother misses you. But due to the long journey, she really couldn’t come today, so she asked us to bring you to your uncle’s house,” said Dong Qingyue with a smile.

Before Bai Qingyan arrived, Dong Qingyue and his wife had already discussed the intention of organising marriage between the families with the Princess Dowager. This time, they were bringing Bai Qingyan over to let her meet Dong Zhangyuan and gauge her reaction.

As long as Bai Qingyan agreed, the Grand Madam of the Dong family would immediately send for her eldest son, Dong Qingping, mother-in-law, Madam Shou Shanbo to mediate the marriage.

Both families were well aware of this matter but had kept it from Bai Qingyan. Seeing her daughter-in-law Dong-shi was satisfied, the Princess Dowager naturally agreed. She only reminded Bai Qingyan to come back soon and instructed Aunty Jiang to find some medicinal herbs from the storehouse for Bai Qingyan to take to Grand Madam Dong.

“Elder daughter-in-law, it’s been years since you last saw Grand Madam Dong. Go with Ah Bao,” said the Princess Dowager with a smile, turning to Dong-shi.

Suppressing her happiness, Dong-shi thought for a moment and said, “But… Today I still have to select servants for our second son-in-law’s new residence, and I’ve already made arrangements with the brokers. They’ll be coming over between 9 to 11am.”

“Let Second Daughter-in-law go see for herself. If you’re worried, leave your attendant Aunty Qin by her side to assist,” the Princess Dowager decided.

Dong-shi hurriedly stood up and thanked her, feeling even happier.

In the carriage, Cui-shi could not help but wipe away tears again. Dong Qingyue held her hand to comfort her, saying, “You’ve seen it too. Ah Bao is even more beautiful than when she was born. She’s also more graceful and elegant. It’s just that she can’t bear children… But in terms of both family background and character, she surpasses our Yuan’er in every aspect!”

Cui-shi glared at Dong Qingyue, “Your niece is indeed outstanding! Do you think I don’t know that you’re doing this to solve your sister’s problem and repay my brother-in-law’s favour? My poor son…”

Seeing Cui-shi crying again, Dong Qingyue’s face darkened, “Whether you’re willing or not, Dong Zhangyuan will marry! There’s no room for negotiation! Don’t say such things again, stop crying, or Mother will punish you when we get back!”

Seeing her husband’s stern expression, Cui-shi bit her lip and her tears fell even more fiercely.

Inside the carriage drawn by four horses with a green canopy embellished in dark blue, Dong-shi explained Grand Madam Dong’s plan.

“Your grandmother has been unable to sleep ever since she learned of your injury! After much consideration, she decided that keeping you close is the only way to prevent your future mother-in-law from mistreating you! Your second uncle just said… In all these years, there hasn’t even been a maid in Yuan’er’s chamber! Although Yuan’er is three years younger than you, that child is mature and steady, and has the makings of a scholar. He couldn’t be better!”

Dong-shi smiled as she held Bai Qingyan’s hand, scrutinising her for a moment before her eyes reddened, “With the important matter of your life entrusted to him, Mother can finally rest in peace, even in death.”

Only then did Bai Qingyan finally understand why Cui-shi had smiled at her but had such a bitterness in her eyes when they were with the Princess Dowager earlier.

She squeezed Dong-shi’s hand. Her heart felt tangled and she was unsure of how to broach the subject, “Mother, Brother Yuan is Second Aunt’s the legitimate son. Would she be willing for her legitimate son to marry someone who cannot bear children?”

“Yuan’er is the second legitimate son after all and not the eldest. Your aunt has always been very fond of you. So… She wouldn’t mind, right?” Dong-shi’s tone was uncertain.

Following along the side of the carriage, Chunyan had strained her ears and heard Dong-shi’s words. Her face turned pale and her legs went weak, and she could not keep up with the carriage.

“Chunyan! What are you doing?! Hurry up and keep up!” Chuntao frowned and scolded.

Only then did Chunyan pick up her feet. Her mind was filled with worries, and her legs felt heavy, causing her to lag behind Chuntao’s steps. She could only trot along at the end of the group.

If Eldest Miss married the legitimate younger son of her uncle’s family, what was Prince Liang to do? What would she do? She was afraid she would never again see Prince Liang, who was as majestic as an immortal, in this lifetime.

With these thoughts, Chunyan’s eyes reddened, thinking that she needed to hurry and send a message to His Highness Prince Liang.