The night was dark, with a strong wind sweeping through Baining Town.
A silver moon hung high above the scattered stars, casting a pale glow over Bai Manor.
Despite the late hour, the estate was still brightly lit.
Red silk left over from the day’s wedding decorations fluttered beneath the eaves, while rows of lanterns swayed gently in the wind, spreading warm light across the stone paths.
The wedding had ended hours ago, but Bai Manor had yet to settle down.
Many of the guests had traveled from neighboring towns and distant counties to attend the wedding of Bai Zhongchuan’s eldest daughter.
Since some had spent several days on the road, Bai Zhongchuan had simply ordered the servants to prepare guest rooms and invited everyone to stay the night rather than hurry home.
Because of that, the banquet hall was still filled with laughter.
“Brother Bai, your eldest daughter was married today.
You can’t refuse this cup!” “Exactly!
Come, another one!” “Don’t even think about leaving until you drink!” Bai Zhongchuan had barely put down one cup before another was shoved into his hand.
Even with his tolerance, after being surrounded and toasted again and again, his steps eventually became unsteady.
Guan Zhongjin wasn’t much better.
He had tried to slip away while no one was paying attention, only to be caught halfway to the door and dragged back.
By the time the moon was high in the sky, he was sitting helplessly among the guests, holding a wine cup in one hand and his beloved folding fan in the other, clearly regretting that he hadn’t escaped sooner.
Only Bai Yanzhou had managed to avoid the chaos.
He had left the banquet long ago, and no one dared go after him.
At that moment, he was sitting alone in Xuanlin Tower with a book in his hand.
Compared with the lively banquet hall, the tower was exceptionally quiet.
A single lamp burned beside the window, and the occasional sound of laughter and music drifted in with the night wind.
Bai Yanzhou paid no attention to it and continued reading.
It wasn’t until much later, when most of the guests had either returned to their rooms or drunk themselves senseless, that uneven footsteps approached from outside.
Bai Yanzhou paused as the door creaked open.
The smell of alcohol entered before the person did.
He frowned and looked up to see Bai Zhongchuan stumbling through the doorway.
His robes were slightly disordered, his face flushed from drinking, and he nearly tripped over the threshold before catching himself against the doorframe.
“Zhou’er…” Bai Yanzhou closed his book and looked at him.
“Father.” Bai Zhongchuan stood there for a moment before slowly walking over.
The drunkenness in his eyes couldn’t completely hide the guilt beneath it.
“Zhou’er,” he called again.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps there were simply too many words he had kept buried for too many years.
He raised his hand as though he wanted to touch his son’s face.
Bai Yanzhou instinctively leaned back.
The movement was slight, but it was enough to make Bai Zhongchuan stop.
His hand remained suspended for a moment before he slowly lowered it.
A bitter smile crossed his face.
“You still blame your father, don’t you?” Bai Yanzhou didn’t answer.
For years, Bai Zhongchuan had dealt with merchants, officials, nobles, and all kinds of powerful people.
He could negotiate business worth thousands of taels without hesitation and speak freely even before high-ranking officials.
Yet in front of his own son, he suddenly seemed to have no idea what to say.
Bai Yanzhou’s fingers tightened slightly around the book.
After waiting for a while and receiving no answer, Bai Zhongchuan lowered his eyes and gave a quiet, bitter laugh.
“Forget it.” He had barely taken a step when his body swayed.
Bai Yanzhou watched him for a moment before calling toward the door.
“Someone come.” Two servants immediately entered.
“Young Master.” “Take Father back to his room.” “Yes.” The two servants stepped forward and carefully supported Bai Zhongchuan.
“Master, please.” Bai Zhongchuan didn’t resist.
He let them lead him toward the door, but after taking only a few steps, he suddenly stopped.
He turned back and looked at Bai Yanzhou.
“Zhou’er.” Bai Yanzhou raised his eyes.
Bai Zhongchuan stared at his son for a long moment before saying quietly, “Now that you’re finally home…
don’t leave again.” He hesitated, then added, “All right?” Bai Yanzhou’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly.
He still didn’t answer.
After a moment, he simply raised a hand and rubbed between his brows.
The servants exchanged glances but didn’t dare say anything.
They helped Bai Zhongchuan out of the room, and soon the door closed behind them with a soft creak.