The Eldest Legitimate Daughter is Both Beautiful and Valiant (ELDBBV) - Chapter 60

Dong-shi gritted her teeth and gently patted Bai Qingyan’s hand as she embraced her. Her nostrils flared, and with her eyes closed, her tears began to flow like a broken string of pearls.

On the 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Xuanjia year, snow fell heavily. The Zhenguo Duke’s household’s First Madam Dong-shi, Second Madam Liu-shi, Third Madam Li-shi, Fourth Madam Wang-shi, and Fifth Madam Qi-shi, were all heartbroken when they received the devastating news that all the men of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence had perished in Nanjiang.

While the capital was enveloped in festive cheer for the New Year, a sombre cloud hung over the Zhenguo Duke’s residence. The concubines, maids, and servants who were unaware of the situation instinctively sensed that something was amiss. They kept their heads low, careful not to cause any commotion.

Inside the main hall of the Princess Dowager’s Changshou Courtyard, First Madam Dong-shi was relatively composed. She tightly held the hand of her stepdaughter, Bai Jinse, reassuring her not to be afraid.

Second Madam was weeping quietly, wiping away her tears. Third Madam sat in stunned silence, her face drained of all colour as if she had lost her soul.

Fourth Madam had a fragile temperament and would have collapsed were it not for her twin daughters, Fifth Mss and Sixth Miss, standing by her side and holding her hands tightly.

Only Fifth Miadam, like First Madam Dong-shi, managed to remain composed. She sat with her back straight and eyes red. Her hands were protectively placed over her pregnant belly. She clenched her teeth, saying nothing.

Bai Qingyan, Bai Jinxiu, Bai Jintong, Bai Jinzhi, Bai Jinzhao, Bai Jinhua, and Bai Jinse were all sitting next to their mothers.

The Princess Dowager absentmindedly fiddled with the prayer beads in her hands, her eyes closed. Tears she tried to suppress still escaped, silently trailing down her face.

“Fifth Madam is with child, and Fourth Madam is too timid to be of help. This Zhenguo Duke’s household, which has prospered for a century, has come to this… It will depend on the strengths of the First, Second, and Third Madams!” the Princess Dowager said wearily. “We must prepare ourselves for what is to come! We cannot wait… We cannot wait for the news to arrive and find ourselves unprepared.”

“Yes, I understand,” Dong-shi nodded with tears in her eyes.

“The Duke, First Master, Second Master, Third Master, Fourth Master, Fifth Master, and… All 17 sons! Their coffins will surely be hastily assembled!” the Princess Dowager continued, her eyes still closed but the tears flowing freely, “The Duke’s coffin has long been prepared, but it is the 29th of the 12th month, and the coffin shops are likely closed. First Madam…”

Before the Princess Dowager could finish, Bai Qingyan interjected, “Then when the news arrives, we shall borrow coffins. We shall borrow them from the whole world…”

The Princess Dowager slowly opened her eyes, the candlelight stinging her sore eyes.

“Grandmother, only by laying heroes to rest in such a tragic manner, letting the world witness the sacrifice our Bai family has made for this kingdom and its people, can we make those who have wronged our Bai family feel guilt. It will compel the Emperor to recognise the contributions of our Bai family, ensuring that the widows of our family are treated with dignity and protected from harm.”

Bai Qingyan knew very well that, as long as it did not involve rebellion, her grandmother would agree to anything that benefited the Bai family.

The Princess Dowager gazed at Bai Qingyan for a moment, then nodded. “Do as Ah Bao says.”

“After this ordeal is over, if any of the maids and servants in the household wish to seek another path, return their contracts and grant them 500 taels each, then let them go! You should each look after your own affairs in your own quarters and spare your eldest sister-in-law any further trouble,” the Princess Dowager added kindly. After a long moment of hesitation, she said, “If any of you are unwilling to stay in this house, you can leave too! But do not fear… even if you leave the Duke’s residence, as long as I live, the Duke’s residence will always be your home.”

The Princess Dowager’s words touched the hearts of Second Madam Liu-shi, Third Madam Li-shi, and Fourth Lady Wang-shi. The three of them covered their mouths and began to sob again. They wept for their husbands and sons, for even though they had cried countless times, the thought of their lost loved ones tore at their hearts anew.

“Mother, I promised Dalang that while he protected the people of the Jin Kingdom, I would safeguard the Bai family for him. We share honour and disgrace, our lives and deaths are intertwined. I will never betray that promise,” Dong-shi spoke of her husband with a tenderness that was indescribable, “Although he is gone, our oath remains. I will not let down the Bai family in this life, I am the matriarch of the Bai family, and in death, I shall be a soul of the Bai clan.”

The Princess Dowager nodded and closed her eyes, her tears flowing silently as her throat choked with sobs.

Bai Qingyan grasped Dong-shi’s hand, which was even colder than her own, gently rubbing it in an attempt to warm her. In her past life… Her mother Dong-shi had truly fulfilled her promise.

In fact, it was fortunate that her mother and aunts had a mother-in-law as understanding as her grandmother.

In this life, she never wanted to witness her mother and aunts taking their own lives to seek justice for the Bai family again.

Perhaps her heart was too narrow, for in both her past and present lives, she could not let go of the deaths of her grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers.

Having been reborn and returned… She lived only for vengeance! That was why she earnestly wished for her mother and aunts to emerge from the despair of losing their husbands and sons. She even hoped they could remarry.

As for all the hatred that engulfed the Bai family… She alone was enough to bear it.

From the 29th day of the 12th lunar month up until New Year’s Eve, the days stretched unbearably long.

Just like a condemned prisoner on death sentence knowing they were doomed to die, yet not knowing when the blade hanging above would fall.

Bai Qingyan sat in the pavilion by the rock garden, lost in thought. It was not until Lu Ping came to report back on the arrangements for Wu Zhe’s passing that she was finally pulled back to reality.

“According to Eldest Miss’ instructions, this servant has delivered the deed for 200 acres of high-quality irrigated land to Wu Zhe’s parents, and has also withdrawn 500 taels of silver from the accounts to give to Wu Zhe’s parents and wife. This servant informed Wu Zhe’s parents that he was on an official mission when he encountered bandits, and all of the funeral expenses will be covered by the Duke’s residence. Wu Zhe’s wife is due to give birth in February, so there is at least he’ll have a descendant. Eldest Miss, don’t be too sad!” Lu Ping said.

Bai Qingyan nodded, her expression weary, “Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Ping…”

Lu Ping knew why Wu Zhe had died and was naturally also aware of the situation on the battlefield in Nanjiang. His eyes reddened.

Seeing Bai Qingyan like this, Lu Ping, a rough man, did not know how to console her and simply said, “Eldest Miss, Qin Shangzhi said Eldest Miss has an extraordinary vision. He can see ten steps ahead, but Eldest Miss has already seen 99 steps ahead. He also said that if Eldest Miss were a man, the Bai family’s honour would last at least another three generations! I believe him! Although the Duke and the others have… Although they’re gone, Eldest Miss, you must hold strong.”

Bai Qingyan never expected praise from someone like Qin Shangzhi. He was someone who was proud of his talents. In her past life, she had never heard of Qin Shangzhi complimenting anyone.

“I understand. Don’t worry Uncle Ping, I can hold on!”

Having lived through two lifetimes and experienced it twice, if she could not stand firm, it would be a waste of the heavens’ grace in bringing her back.

Lu Ping saw Chuntao and Chen Qingsheng approaching from the edge of the rock garden. He bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan before taking his leave.

Chen Qingsheng and Lu Ping met on the steps of the rock garden, exchanged polite greetings, and then he hurried toward the pavilion.

“Eldest Miss!” Chen Qingsheng greeted her.

“Today is New Year’s Eve. I should be letting you reunite with your family, but there is an urgent matter that only someone trustworthy can handle, so I must trouble you!” She held the hand warmer tightly, eyes lowered and voice hoarse.