The Eldest Legitimate Daughter is Both Beautiful and Valiant (ELDBBV) - Chapter 97

At such a young age, to already possess such broadmindedness and great wisdom, just what kind of person would she become if given more time?

Xiao Rongyan could not help but think of his own mother, his fingers tightening slightly around the jade cicada.

He had never looked down on any woman because of her gender. From the start, he had already thought that Eldest Miss Bai was not only capable but also cunning and clever. After having tea today, Xiao Rongyan had more than just a new respect for Eldest Miss Bai.

His bl00d boiled with passion. If he could gain such a person to join him in supporting Great Yan, what need would there be to fear that Great Yan could not dominate the world?

Xiao Rongyan straightened his back, raised his hand in salute with greater solemnity than before, and said respectfully, “Although Eldest Miss Bai spoke of war and slaughter, they also hold the benevolence of a great scholar’s compassion. I respectfully admire…”

Bai Qingyan did not dare to be arrogant and returned the salute respectfully.

Bai Qingyan had spoken today with utmost gravity. It essentially gave Xiao Rongyan a revelation. The Bai family… would only protect the people of Great Jin, not the imperial power of the Lin family.

Within the Zheliu Pavilion on the hill north of the city, Xiao Rongyan watched Bai Qingyan depart by carriage, and his heart was deeply moved.

This Eldest Miss Bai, though a young girl, surpassed the men of the age by more than a few measures in the scope of her vision and the expanse of her mind.

Over tea at Zheliu Pavilion today, Xiao Rongyan had almost been unable to restrain himself from inviting Bai Qingyan to the Yan Kingdom.

But Great Yan was now mired in internal strife and external threats from all sides. Most of its rich rivers and mountains have already been lost. Even its former imperial capital had been ceded to the Jin Kingdom, and only then was it able to preserve the kingdom’s survival.

In a kingdom like this, he did not know if someone like Bai Qingyan, who had both the heart to govern and the ability to fight wars, would be willing to condescend herself.

“Master, this Eldest Miss Bai truly has discovered your identity. Would she…”

Xiao Rongyan gathered his cloak about him, eyes carrying a smile as he said, “No, put away your worries!”

Since this Eldest Miss Bai had extended a hand to save him, she would not act like a petty villain to harm him afterwards. Originally, today’s meeting had only been Xiao Rongyan’s attempt to find out what motive Bai Qingyan had in saving him.

Now, having learned that this Eldest Miss of the Bai family sought nothing from him at all, in his heart there arose instead a faint trace of disappointment.

How good it would have been if she had sought something, for if she sought something… there would be an interaction. If there were interactions, then friendship could be built.

“It’s getting windy, let’s return!” Xiao Rongyan said.

“Master, this year the capital is mourning the Zhenguo Duke’s household. It’s likely that the Lantern Festival will hold little festivity. Why don’t we… set out earlier?” Xiao Rongyan’s subordinate asked tentatively.

“Hmm, go back and make preparations…” Xiao Rongyan said slowly. “Once the funeral of the Bai family of the Zhenguo Duke’s residence is over, we will depart.”

Inside the swaying carriage, Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, pondering over the Bai family’s future in her thoughts. She already had a rough outline in her heart of the path ahead.

Withdraw into seclusion, lie low, and gather strength in secret.

After the Bai family’s funeral, she, Bai Jinxiu, and Bai Jintong would each separate and act on their own.

The most important thing right now was how to use the list of contacts for Nanjiang’s grain shipments left behind by Qin Shangzhi to stir Prince Liang into action.

Prince Liang was like a venomous scorpion currently lurking in the shadows, waiting for his chance. If she did not settle the matter of Prince Liang before going to Nanjiang, she would not feel at ease.

Though the Zhongyong Marquis and Prince Liang appeared to have no ties on the surface, in her previous life Bai Qingyan had stayed by Prince Liang’s side and naturally knew that the Zhongyong Marquis and Liu Huanzhang were his followers.

Now with the Zhongyong Marquis Qin Dezhao having been imprisoned, she wondered if Prince Liang and Du Zhiwei were anxious or not…

When the carriage reached the back gate of the Bai family’s residence, Chuntao supported Bai Qingyan down. Seeing Xiao Ruohai driving the carriage away, Chen Qingsheng stepped forward in guilt and said, “Eldest Miss, it was this servant who thought the matter too simple and handled it poorly, letting Mister Xiao trouble Miss. In the future, this servant will act with greater caution.”

Chen Qingsheng was clever and capable. It was good that a single mistake made him vigilant, but Bai Qingyan feared he might overreact.

“It’s alright! In the end, he owes us a favor. He merely offered his thanks, hardly what you’d call trouble!” Bai Qingyan was still very satisfied with Chen Qingsheng. “As for the register, you handled that very well.”

“It was Mister Qin who contributed the most to this matter. This servant dares not take the credit,” Chen Qingsheng replied humbly.

“Starting tomorrow, you will serve at Third Miss’ side and follow her instructions. I will tell Housekeeper Hao to choose a few capable helpers for you. Do your work well… and try to return with Third Miss soon!” Bai Qingyan squeezed Chuntao’s hand, “That way, Chuntao too may have a good home!”

Both Chuntao and Chen Qingsheng blushed crimson.

Chuntao shyly averted her gaze and in so doing, caught sight of Aunty Tong hurrying over.

“Eldest Miss, Aunty Tong is here…”

“You may go now,” she said to Chen Qingsheng.

Only then did Chen Qingsheng respectfully withdraw.

Aunty Tong approached Bai Qingyan, gave a bow, and said, “Eldest Miss, the servants in the Qingming Courtyard reported that the two people staying there have packed away money and valuables, as well as ornaments from the Duke’s residence’s rooms. Kitchen maid Granny Wang said they even asked for quite a lot of cured meats and dry food. It looks very much as though they are preparing to flee.”

Bai Qingxuan and his mother had always been ones to seek advantage and avoid harm. This time, Prince Xin’s attitude toward the Bai family upon his return to the capital was plain for all to see. As the legitimate son… Prince Xin was the one most likely to ascend the throne.

And today, the Princess Dowager had led the Bai family to the palace gates to force Prince Xin to death. Bai Qingxuan was clever, yet not truly wise. Naturally he would scheme a way to escape. This was all understandable.

“Let them go. It’s best to make a big stir so everyone knows it was them, mother and son, who insisted on leaving during the Bai family’s funeral.” She thought for a moment, then added, “Give this task to my two foster brothers. They only just arrived at the Duke’s mansion, so they need to be assigned tasks to establish themselves.”

Aunty Tong immediately understood Bai Qingyan’s intention. Back then, Xiao Ruohai and his brother, one had learned business under the head shopkeeper in charge of Dong-shi’s shops from her dowry, and one had studied estate management under the head steward of Dong-shi’s dowry farms. The intention was that when Bai Qingyan married, both would accompany her to her husband’s household and become her best assistants. Thus they had had little contact with the rest of the Bai household.

Now that calamity had suddenly fallen on the Bai family, although the two were Bai Qingyan’s foster brothers and the Bai family’s servants and loyal retainers would treat them with respect, if they did not accomplish a few matters, they might not be able to integrate into the household for quite a while.

Aunty Tong took Bai Qingyan’s hand, and upon touching it found her palm ice-cold. Her eyes narrowed. “Eldest Miss went out without a hand-warmer? Why is your hand this cold?”

As she spoke, Aunty Tong cupped Bai Qingyan’s hands with both of hers, and turned angrily to scold Chuntao, “Chuntao, what’s the matter with you?! Usually you act so steady and reliable. Knowing that your lady is afraid of the cold, how could you…”

“Aunty!” Before Aunty Tong could finish, Bai Qingyan gently squeezed her hand and stepped up the corridor steps. “It was I who didn’t have Chuntao prepare a warmer. One cannot treat oneself like an invalid just from a fear of the cold. In the past I withstood winter’s harshest days and summer’s hottest without faltering. Now, I’m wearing a fox-fur cloak, it’s just that I didn’t bring a hand-warmer. I can handle it. Aunty, you’re too cautious.”