CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Bai Lang could possibly be the sole individual, aside from the soon-to-be bride, who was genuinely thrilled about the banquet celebrating Bai Liu coming of age. Bai Lang was aware that her father held a prestigious position as a marquise, but she had no inkling of his standing within the imperial court.

Thus, she was taken aback to discover that her father held the esteemed title of Vice Minister of Revenue, second in rank.

He was entrusted with the vital task of overseeing trade between the prosperous regions of Horun and Zhu. Consequently, numerous nobles, eager to forge connections, eagerly eyed the Bai family, hoping to secure one of the young misses as their future daughter-in-law.

After exchanging words with the elderly woman, Bai Lang gracefully made her way down the path that led to a quaint pavilion overlooking a serene pond. It was here that the young ladies would often gather. Accompanied by her two newly acquired servants, Bai Lang approached the gathering, catching the attention of Bai Liu. With a warm smile, Bai Liu stood up to greet her.

"Mei mei."

"Jiejie, are you excited to see Liang-ge again?" Bai Lang playfully inquired, as her other three sisters joined them.

Bai Liu's cheeks turned a rosy hue at the mere mention of Liang Yu, just as they always did. Bai Lang couldn't resist teasing her.

"Jiejie, your cheeks are so red! It must mean you're absolutely thrilled to see him."

Bai Liu's face turned scarlet as she instinctively covered her cheeks with both hands. "Xiao Lang!" she exclaimed, causing Bai Lang to burst into laughter. "Who on earth taught you such words?"

Bai Lang, not missing a beat, promptly threw Bai Sheng under the bus. "It was Sheng-ge," she confessed with a mischievous grin. "So, are you satisfied with the answer?"

Bai Liu blushed even deeper, her mother had recently given her an expllanation about the intimate aspects of married life. Bai Lang could practically see the steam rising from Bai Liu's head. Even a boiled octopus wouldn't be as red as she was in that moment.

In the grand main hall, where the gentlemen gathered, the air was filled with joy and celebration. While the occasion was Bai Liu's coming of age, the other attendees were focused on making valuable connections.

Laughter and conversation echoed throughout the room, but hushed as Liang Yu entered. He wore a striking navy blue robe that accentuated his impressive physique.

His hair was neatly tied in a top knot, adorned with a small golden crown that showcased his perfectly sculpted eyebrows, straight nose, and slender lips.

The capital's ladies eagerly awaited a glimpse of the duke's heir, knowing that he had a reputation for being The top-ranked young individual in the capital city, his rank was determined by his background, appearance, and achievements.

Not only has this Liang Yu successfully passed the imperial examinations, but he have also surpassed his peers in terms of accomplishments. Besides being the heir to the duke, his achievements have prompted parents of daughters who reach marriageable age eagerly present their daughters for marriage consideration by duchess.

Liang Yu warmly greeted Bai Kang before engaging in conversation with some of the other officials.

Meanwhile, Bai Liu returned to the company of the other young ladies, accompanied by Bai Lang.

Bai Lang's attention was drawn to a young girl who appeared to be around the same age as Bai Liu. She was happily eating and chatting with the rest of the young ladies when she noticed Bai Lang standing behind Bai Liu.

"Oh, Bai Liu, you're back! Is this your younger sister?" she exclaimed in a soft, high-pitched voice, capturing the attention of the other young ladies.

Despite the fact that it was Bai Liu's coming-of-age celebration, she couldn't help but notice how all the other young ladies gathered around this particular girl.

With grace, Bai Liu stepped into the pavilion and replied, "Yes, this is my Mei mei, Bai Lang."Bai Liu settled into a chair across from the young woman.

"Goodness, she is nothing more than a concubine's daughter." she remarked with a disdainful air.

Just as Bai Lang was about to address the situation, the entire group fell into an astonished silence. Some of the young ladies blushed in response.

Bai Lang turned around to see Bai Sheng escorting Liang Yu and a few other young gentlemen towards the pavilion.

Bai Lang noticed Bai Liu's breath hitch and saw her struggling to compose herself. "Take a deep breath, Jei jei Young master Lu came to see you," she whispered jokingly.

A couple of servants entered the pavilion and placed chairs opposite the girls, creating a clear division between them.

As Liang Yu stepped into the pavilion, he greeted Bai Nuo and Bai Lang, both of whom curtsied in return. However, his eyes remained fixed on Bai Liu.

With a gentle smile, Liang Yu approached Bai Liu and exchanged pleasantries before joining the other young masters.

Despite their engagement already being announced, Bai Liu had to be cautious of her reputation and that of her sisters. Any hint of scandal or impropriety could tarnish their good name.

****

As the night wears on, Bai Lang finds herself in a rare moment of silence. She has little to say to Bai Nuo and the other young Miss, who dominates the conversation with her sarcastic comments, drawing all the attention to herself.

Bai Lang watches silently as the other girl's eyes remain fixed on Liang Yu, trying to be subtle but failing to hide her interest.

Bai Lang, however, is not oblivious to this subtle game. She catches on to the other girl's intentions but chooses to say nothing, simply observing the situation unfold.

Bai Lang was just uncomfortable being seated beside Bai Nuo,Ever since that day at the temple, there has been an underlying tension between two.

They hardly exchange words, their interactions limited to a few basic greetings. It is as if they refuse to acknowledge each other's presence.

Bai Lang moved in closer to Bai Nou, ensuring that there would be no room for any potential awkwardness. She then spoke softly, "Jei jei, this mei mei will leave and visit councubine mother."

Bai Lang, without waiting for any replies, gracefully exited the pavilion. Her steps were neither slow nor fast, and her two servant girls followed closely behind at a leisurely pace.

If Bai Lang had glanced back at Bai Nuo, she would have witnessed a face contorted with anger and bitterness. Bai Nuo was no longer the quiet and gentle person she once appeared to be. It seemed that their exchanged had transform this person's character, Bai Nou had some resentment towards Bai Lang's disregard towards her.

Returning to the main courtyard, where the madams were indulging themselves, Bai Lang flitted from table to table, engaging in lively conversations. She turned on the charm, effortlessly winning them over.

"Enjoying yourself?" someone inquired as Bai Lang found a vacant table.

Startled, Bai Lang glanced to her left and realized that Yun Yi was already seated there, accompanied by two other cunning ladies who appeared just as scheming as her.

"Concubine Yun?" Bai Lang greeted Yun Yi.