Bai Jingchu asked in confusion, “What does ‘flower rack’ mean? Is it putting flowers in your hair?”
“Ah, you really are a fool.”
The Lin family concubine half-reclined on the couch, her face etched with bitterness, as if speaking to herself: “Back then, to avoid marrying that wretched old man, I pretended to be foolish too. Unfortunately, I never truly went mad—I couldn’t bring myself to go that far. It might have been better to be like you, carefree and untroubled, rather than endure this caged canary’s life of suffering. No matter how much I endure, the future remains bleak and hopeless.”
Bai Jingchu could hear the helplessness and sorrow in her words. She must have resisted back then but ultimately couldn’t bear to cause trouble for her family.
In this mansion where wives and concubines vied for favor, it was only in front of a fool like her that the concubine dared to speak her true feelings.
She put away the silver needles: “My grandfather said that a canary is still much better off than a sparrow.”
The Lin family concubine didn’t linger too long in melancholy, instead mocking herself: “True, being good-looking at least helps you get by. A miserable life is still better than a good death. Since you saved my life, tell me, what do you want?”
Bai Jingchu lowered her eyes, looking somewhat aggrieved: “I don’t want anything. I just miss my grandfather. It’s been three years since I last saw him.”
“I heard that Old Master Bai went to Yuanshan Temple for spiritual cultivation. Has he not returned yet?”
Jingchu shook her head sadly: “Mother said not to disturb his cultivation or send him any messages.”
The Lin family concubine had heard a bit about the Bai family’s affairs over the past couple of days. After a moment’s thought, she said: “Since I’ve survived this disaster, I should send someone to the temple to offer incense and thank the Buddha for his protection. If they happen to see your grandfather, I’ll have them tell him you’ve returned.”
Bai Jingchu instantly brightened, her eyes sparkling with joy as she giggled sweetly: “Thank you, Auntie. Next time you’re sick and I give you acupuncture, I’ll be extra careful so it won’t hurt as much!”
The Lin family concubine chuckled: “Such foolish talk. Do you think I’ll be sick all the time?”
Upon returning to the Bai residence, she saw three or five carriages parked at the entrance.
Bai Jingchu knew there was a banquet at the mansion today.
Not wanting to pass by the main hall, she took the corridor to the inner quarters.
The plump white cat belonging to Second Aunt Bai strutted past Jingchu, lazily turning its head to glance at her.
That greedy cat must have caught the scent of fish from the flower hall.
Bai Jingchu crouched down and called out, “Here, kitty.”
The white cat approached, squinting its eyes and nudging its head against her hand before licking her palm.
Jingchu giggled as her palm tickled.
Suddenly, a frivolous voice came from above: “So you’re the silly girl who was sent to my Marquis residence for the trial marriage, aren’t you?”
The question was rude. Bai Jingchu looked up and saw a drunken man in brocade robes leaning casually against a pillar, boldly scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Hmm… he certainly looked the part of a gentleman, but his demeanor was anything but.
Had Bai Jing’an actually invited someone from the prestigious Marquis residence?
That meant today’s banquet was far from ordinary.
She lowered her head calmly and stroked the white cat’s head: “You’re the fool.”
The man chuckled lightly and staggered toward her, the strong smell of alcohol wafting over him.
He was clearly heavily intoxicated.
“Though you may be a fool, your looks are truly first-rate—like a little snowball. Once you follow along as part of the marriage, my elder brother will have quite the fortune, with beauties on both arms.”
The address “big brother” made Bai Jingchu instantly realize the man’s identity—he was none other than Chi Yanxing, the second young master of the Marquis Manor.
Rumors painted him as a dignified gentleman, but today, whether due to drunkenness or disdain for hiding his true nature in front of a fool like her, he appeared frivolous and unrestrained—clearly no decent fellow.
Bai Jing’an never acted without a motive, especially at such a critical moment. A thought struck Bai Jingchu: could he be trying to fish for information indirectly?
Chi Yanxing was no fool—why would he openly slander Chi Yanqing in front of so many people? A single denial from him could ruin the misunderstanding she had worked so hard to create.
Jingchu lifted her face to confirm his identity: “How do you know me?”
“A few days ago at the Marquis Manor, you were shouting about wanting to treat my grandmother. I noticed you then. Just now, your brother mentioned you to me.”
So that was it. That day in the old lady’s courtyard, surrounded by maids and servants, she truly hadn’t noticed him.
“What do you want with me?”
Chi Yanxing swayed as he crouched down to face her, his expression full of ill intent: “Just catching up, of course. I heard from your brother that Chi Yanqing is quite rough in bed, isn’t he?”
Just as she had suspected—Bai Jing’an was indeed probing about this matter, even going so far as to make lewd jokes at her expense.
Birds of a feather flock together—a bunch of hypocritical, fame-seeking libertines.
Her heart chilled, and she already had a plan.
Bai Jingshu wants to marry into the Marquis Manor? Keep dreaming.
Today, she was determined to ruin this marriage, and no one could stop her.
Chi Yanqing, don’t blame me for tarnishing your reputation—after all, you don’t have much of one to begin with.
Jingchu nodded seriously: “Yes.”
“Where did he hurt you?”
Bai Jingchu pointed to her shoulder: “He bit me.”
Chi Yanxing’s interest was immediately piqued: “Take off your clothes and let me see how bad the bite is.”
Jingchu stood up to leave: “My mother said people who ask me to take off my clothes are bad.”
Chi Yanxing stepped forward to block her path, his peach-blossom eyes narrowing: “Don’t rush off. Let me take a look, and I’ll give you money—enough to buy lots of tasty treats.”
Jingchu seemed tempted: “How much will you give me?”
Seeing an opportunity, Chi Yanxing eagerly reached into his purse and pulled out two gold leaves: “These are for you.”
Jingchu pouted disdainfully: “So stingy. Do you have more?”
He pulled out another handful and waved them in front of her: “I have plenty of gold. As long as you obey me, it’s all yours. How about it?”
Without hesitation, Jingchu snatched them from his hand, counted them carefully, and widened her eyes in surprise: “You’re so rich!”
“Then how about keeping me company tonight as well?”
Jingchu tilted her head, looking innocent: “Keep you company? Like keeping vigil? If you give me a little more, I can even wail at a funeral for you.”
Chi Yanxing choked as if he had swallowed something foul.
“You little fool, you’re making fun of me! Give me back the gold!”
Jingchu nimbly dodged him and shouted loudly: “Help! Someone’s assaulting me!”
The corridor wasn’t far from the main hall. Bai Jing’an and the others, noticing Chi Yanxing had been gone too long, had sent someone to check on him.
Seeing her sudden outburst, Chi Yanxing sobered up instantly and hurriedly covered her mouth: “What are you shouting for?!”
Bai Jingchu kicked and hit him, then clawed at his face, leaving four bloody scratches.
From a distance, the scene looked exactly like Chi Yanxing attempting to force himself on Jingchu, who was desperately fighting back.
Not only Bai Jing’an and the others, but even the servants of the Bai residence were drawn over by the commotion.
Bai Jingchu broke free from Chi Yanxing and hurriedly hid behind Bai Jing’an. “Brother, save me! This scoundrel gave me a gold leaf and tried to strip off my clothes.”
Chi Yanxing’s face instantly flushed a deep, ugly red. He brushed off the front of his robe, regaining his usual sanctimonious and aloof demeanor.
“Brother Jing’an, don’t listen to her nonsense. I thought she was a maid from your household and was merely giving her a reward.”
Bai Jingchu fumed, “I’m not lying! It was him! He harassed me, asking if Young Master Yan was particularly rough in bed and even wanted me to spend the night with him! I know this is called harassment!”
As she spoke, she opened her palm to show everyone the gleaming gold leaf in her hand.
Who would be so extravagant as to reward a mere maid with so much gold? It was clear he had ulterior motives.