The onlookers whispered among themselves, casting disdainful glances at Chi Yanxing.
“Truly, hearing is believing, but seeing is the real proof. This young master Chi appears righteous and dignified, yet he turns out to be a womanizer.”
“A man must be frivolous in his youth, let alone when intoxicated. It’s nothing serious.”
…
How could Chi Yanxing tolerate his hard-earned reputation being ruined by a foolish girl?
He defended himself righteously: “I, Chi Yanxing, have always adhered to propriety and maintained my integrity. How could I possibly have such intentions toward a fool like you?”
With so many people watching, Bai Jing’an could not simply laugh off the fact that his nominal sister had been harassed.
“I believe in Young Master Chi’s character. He must have had too much wine, which led to this improper behavior toward my younger sister.”
Provoked by the crowd’s criticism, Chi Yanxing blurted out in agitation: “Brother Jing’an, you are mistaken. Do not forget that this foolish sister of yours was sent to my elder brother’s bed just a few days ago!
Others may not know the truth, but you and I are well aware. Even if I were the most lustful man, I would not gamble with my life!”
Bai Jing’an immediately caught the implication in his words and pulled him aside, asking seriously, “Are you speaking the truth?”
Chi Yanxing, having acted impulsively, found himself in a difficult position and had no choice but to shift the blame.
Clenching his teeth, he declared firmly: “If she hadn’t falsely accused me, I would never have spoken of this. If word gets out, my elder brother will surely blame me entirely, causing a rift between us!”
Bai Jing’an tested him further: “We always thought it was just a rumor!”
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! My mother, the head of the household, repeatedly ordered us to keep it secret, but we all know! These days, my elder brother’s courtyard has been filled with the smell of medicine—it can’t be hidden! He even has red rashes on his neck!”
Bai Jing’an’s heart sank at once.
“Thank you, Young Master Chi, for your honesty.”
Chi Yanxing patted his shoulder meaningfully: “Now do you believe me? This fool is likely already infected. I avoid her like the plague—how could I possibly attempt anything improper with her in broad daylight?”
Bai Jing’an nodded: “I believe you. I have always admired your character, Young Master Chi. It was just a misunderstanding.”
Turning to Bai Jingchu, he scolded: “Young Master Chi was merely joking with you. You’ve made a fuss over nothing and ruined our drinking mood. Hurry back now!”
Having achieved her goal, Bai Jingchu had no desire to stay. Pouting, she retorted, “Fine, I’m leaving, you villain!” and stormed off in a huff.
After this incident, no one was in the mood to continue drinking. Chi Yanxing, feeling particularly embarrassed, quickly dispersed the gathering.
With so many servants as witnesses, the matter could not be concealed. Bai Jing’an found Lady Bai Chen and relayed the events truthfully.
Upon hearing this, Lady Bai Chen and Bai Jingshu were both deeply unsettled.
“It seems this matter is almost certainly true. The marriage must be called off.”
Bai Jing’an tried to dissuade them: “Should we wait for Grandfather to return and let him handle it?”
Lady Bai Chen shook her head without hesitation: “We cannot wait. Your grandfather cares only for the Bai family’s reputation and its prosperity. Having finally secured this marriage alliance, he would rather sacrifice Jingshu than cancel the engagement.”
Bai Jingshu nodded: “Exactly. In Grandfather’s eyes, there’s only Bai Jingchu. What am I?”
“Then, little sister, have you thought it through? After breaking off the engagement, your reputation will be tarnished, and you’ll never find such a good match again. Jinghao recently discussed marriage and only managed to secure a fourth-rank deputy commander’s family.”
Madam Bai Chen also felt heartbroken: “If we could form a marriage alliance with the Marquis’ household, our Bai family could rise another level, and Jingshu would enjoy a life of prestige and luxury. If only the Young Master Yan hadn’t contracted such a filthy disease, I wouldn’t have taken this step.”
Bai Jing’an was even more reluctant.
While Madam Bai Chen still cared for her daughter, he didn’t have much affection for this half-sister who had returned midway.
Especially after Bai Jingshu’s actions over the past two days, he couldn’t help but feel a growing disgust toward her.
If it could bring prosperity to the Bai family, what did it matter if Bai Jingshu had to sacrifice a little?
“Such a major matter should at least be reported to Father. We shouldn’t make the decision on our own. Besides, breaking off the engagement will surely offend the Marquis’ household—it’s no small matter.”
“Is it our fault that Chi Yanqing went whoring and didn’t take care of himself?” Bai Jingshu retorted indignantly.
“Where’s the evidence? We can’t very well betray Chi Yanxing and cause strife between brothers.”
Bai Jing’an repeatedly tried to stop this matter, and Bai Jingshu, watching him, vaguely guessed his selfish motives.
Delays breed complications. Would Father be just as ruthless?
Bai Jingshu insisted, “That’s easy to handle. When Mother goes to the Marquis’ household, bring Bai Jingchu along and say she’s already been infected with an unclean illness. Once the Marquis’ household hears this, they’ll know they’re in the wrong. Would we even need to bring up breaking off the engagement?”
Madam Bai Chen hesitated slightly: “The plan is good, but what if the Marquis’ household demands a physical examination?”
“The Marquise knows the truth. To protect Young Master Yan’s reputation, she’ll have to swallow her pride. Even if they insist on an examination, we’re not afraid. I have a way.”
Glancing at Bai Jing’an and fearing he might raise more objections, she leaned close to Madam Bai Chen’s ear and whispered a few words.
Madam Bai Chen raised her hand and tapped Bai Jingshu’s forehead: “You little schemer, always full of clever ideas. Then, Mother will do as you say. Once it’s done, we’ll have someone examine Bai Jingchu!”
Bai Jingshu hugged Madam Bai Chen’s arm and cooed, “I knew it. In all the world, only you, Mother, truly care for me.”
She shot a furious glare at Bai Jing’an.
Bai Jing’an remained silent, feeling only regret.
Father and Grandfather had gone to great lengths to secure this high-ranking marriage with the Marquis’ household for her.
Wealth and power aside, if she were to see Young Master Yan’s handsome and talented appearance, she would surely regret it deeply.
Why did it have to be such a shameful and incurable filthy disease?
Xinyi Courtyard.
Bai Jingchu waited all day but received no news of Madam Bai Chen going to the Marquis’ household to break off the engagement.
Instead, someone from the Lin family arrived.
They said that the Lin family’s young concubine had sent someone to the temple to offer incense and had brought back some vegetarian snacks. She specifically ordered them to be delivered to Bai Jing’an and Bai Jingchu as a token of gratitude.
This meant that the message had reached Grandfather.
Bai Jingchu was instantly filled with anticipation.
Yuanshan Temple wasn’t too far from the capital. At most, in two or three days, Grandfather should return to the capital, right?
Before Grandfather returned, she had to make Madam Bai Chen break off this engagement!
When faced with the choice between interests and Bai Jingshu’s lifelong happiness, the Bai family had always struggled to decide.
A significant reason for this was likely the lack of a similarly suitable alternative.
With time pressing, she decided to push things along, ensuring there would be no lingering concerns.
Jingchu curled up in bed, resting for a while to conserve her energy.
It wasn’t until the aroma of boiling rice porridge wafted from the kitchen that she rose, opened her clothing chest, and retrieved several small bottles and jars from the bottom.
These were medicines she had stealthily taken from her grandfather’s pharmacy in the dead of night.
Taking out a paper packet, she discreetly sprinkled some of the powder inside while Li Ma and Xuecha were distracted.
After the evening meal, as the night watch began, Li Ma and the others yawned incessantly. Once they had helped Jingchu wash up, they collapsed into a deep, thunderous sleep.
The manor gradually grew quiet.
Because of her trial marriage, everyone in the household feared she might have contracted a venereal disease, avoiding her as much as possible. No one dared to visit her uninvited.
In a way, this misfortune turned out to be a blessing, making it easier for her to carry out her plans under the cover of night.
Jingchu changed into a practical dress, covered her face with a black scarf, and stealthily slipped out through the side gate, heading straight for the antique shop, Elegant Odes.