CHAPTER SEVEN

"Announcing the arrival of Young Master Liang!" A servant's voice echoed through the hall, catching Bai Lang's attention.

She wracked her brain, trying to recall any information about this young master, but drew a blank. Unperturbed, she carried on with her intended route.

However, as she neared her destination, an elderly servant of the old madam intercepted her path.

 "Third miss, the old madam is waiting in the main hall," the servant informed her. Bai Lang altered her course, circumventing the pond, and made her way towards the main hall.Liang Yu, the rightful heir of Duke Yu, was raised as the cherished and beloved only son.

As Bai Lang entered the grand hall, she noticed that all the women were gathered there, from Bai Si to the three concubines, Su Rou and Xue.

Bai Lang approached, her eyes catching sight of her mother seated below Rou Shi, but she kept her head held high. 

"Grandmother, Mother, I greet you," she respectfully uttered.

The old madam's face lit up with a smile as she observed the little girl standing before her, adorned in a coat adorned with plum blossom embroidery and a matching pink dress underneath.

Her ebony hair was elegantly styled in a bun, secured by a delicate pink silk ribbon. Her dainty features emanated a sense of purity and vitality, akin to a refreshing breeze.Old Madame extended her frail hand, motioning for Bai Lang to approach. 

"Come, let Aija have a look. Your mother told me you were unwell, you didn't have to come greet me today." 

Bai Lang raised her head and offered a sweet smile, making her way towards the elderly woman. "Bai Lang understands, but this granddaughter felt better and wanted to visit grandmother."

Bai Lang stood beside the old woman, allowing her to grasp her hand, as delicate as jade.

 "Good child." 

The old woman removed a warm red jade bracelet from her wrist and placed it wordlessly into Bai Lang's hand.

In the hall, onlookers observed the interaction with a range of emotions. Suddenly, Rou Shi spoke up. While the adults conversed, Bai Lang discreetly scanned the hall, her eyes locking onto a young man standing next to a middle-aged woman.

Liang Yu donned an elegant black robe adorned with intricate golden brocade, exuding an air of nobility. His presence commanded attention, captivating all who laid eyes upon him.

However, there was no trace of arrogance in his demeanor; instead, he possessed an irresistible charm unlike anyone Bai Lang had ever encountered. 

Bai Lang, with her large, luminous eyes sparkling, couldn't help but assess Liang Yu. Yet, her gaze revealed her innocence as she quickly averted her eyes, revealing a shy nature.

Bai Lang also noticed a hint of bashfulness in the young man. A faint blush graced his cheeks, drawing the attention of the wise old madam, who discreetly observed Bai Lang's reactions before glancing towards the duchess, the wife of the duke.

 "Duchess, how may our humble abode serve you?" The duchess chuckled softly to herself, casting a glance at her timid son before sighing and speaking, "I have come here to propose a marriage alliance with your eldest grand daughter." 

As soon as those words escaped her lips, a hush fell upon the room. While there hadbeen subtle indications and rumors, nothing concrete had suggested that the duke's household would propose such a significant union with Bai Liu.

The old madam, taken aback by the unexpected proposition, chose to remain silent, simply taking a sip of tea to compose herself. Meanwhile, Liang Yu gracefully rose from his seat, gracefully dropping to one knee in front of Bai Si and the old madam, displaying his sincere intentions.

"I have always held Bai Liu in the highest regard, and the thought of a life without her is unimaginable to me. She possesses kindness, beauty, and an incredible inner light that makes her the most wonderful person I know.

That is precisely why I have come here, to express my desire to marry her."

"Oh my."

Qu Rou Li exclaimed. She had great respect for anyone, particularly a man who had the courage to defy societal norms and openly declare his intentions.

However, duchess Liang's expression did not seem pleased. Who were they? They were from the household of the Duke, connected to the imperial family. How could their son kneel before a family of lesser status?

Duchess Liang concealed her disapproval, but the old madam noticed it and swiftly gave her cup of tea to the servant beside her. 

"Young lord, please rise.

This is not an appropriate greeting for us to accept." Upon hearing this, Qu Rou Li's joy halted, and she nodded in agreement. 

"Yes, young lord, please stand. Let us all engage in a calm conversation."Bai Liu couldn't help but blush; she had never heard Liang Yu speak in such a manner before. She timidly whispered, 

"Liang-ge." 

Her two sisters, overhearing the exchange, stifled their giggles. Liang Yu, before rising from his seat, glanced at Bai Liu. 

"Please grant me the honor of marrying Bai Liu." He earnestly requested.

 Qu Rou Li, fully aware of her daughter's feelings, caught a glimpse of the old madam nodding from the corner of her eye.

 "In a month's time, on Bai Liu's fifteenth birthday, we shall officially announce the engagement," declared the Old madam. "As for the wedding, it can be arranged for next spring after the presentation of the name tags." 

Liang Yu stood up, clasping his hands together, and bowed respectfully. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Duchess Liang prepared to take her leave.

.Bai Liu, along with the other ladies, observed as the Duchess entered the Duke's carriage accompanied by her servants, while Liang Yu mounted his horse.

Unbeknownst to everyone else, Bai Liu noticed the shy expression on his face transform into a cold smirk. 

"Ah, he's quite skilled," she thought, turning to make her way back to her own courtyard.