CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

In a tranquil courtyard nestled in a desolate corner of the Bai fu residence, Sou quin resided with her daughter, Bai Nuo. The courtyard, though not as lavish as the main one, possessed a certain rustic charm.

Inside, the walls were adorned with warm hues and elegant furniture, a testament to the comfortable life the master of the house led.

From the inner hall, the sound of a young girl's weeping echoed. Sou Qing tenderly held her daughter in her lap, offering solace and comfort.

"Niang, why was I destined to be born illegitimate? Why does Bai Liu always get the best things?" Bai Nuo's tears streamed down her face as she questioned her mother.

Sou Qing was perplexed. Her daughter had left for embroidery class but returned in a rage, tears streaming down her cheeks. No matter how much she probed, Bai Nuo continued to blame Bai Liu.

Just then, the beaded curtain at the entrance parted, revealing the furen nurse, Cai Mama, who had just arrived.

" Sou Qing Niang, Furen requests your presence in her courtyard."

Cai mama's gaze turned cold as she glanced at Bai Nuo, causing the girl to tremble upon their eye contact.

Bai Nuo knew exactly why Cai mama had come to summon her mother, Bai Lui must have complained to Furen.

Qu Ru Li rarely summoned the concubines to her residence unless it was for the morning greetings, so Sou Qing was surprised to find Cai mama standing in her courtyard.

Something must have happened. Sou Qing composed herself and followed Cai mama back to the main courtyard. As she entered, she saw Qu Ru Li selecting different fabrics from the hands of a servant girl.

Qu Ru Li noticed Sou Qing's arrival and a gentle smile graced her face.

"Mei mei, it's unfortunate that you had to come to my courtyard on such a hot day, but this matter couldn't wait."

" Sou Qing Niang greets Furen."

"Please, mei mei, have a seat," Qu Ru Li gestured.

Sou Qing and Qu Rou Li sat face to face, as Qu Rou Li gestured for the servant from the clothing department to leave before she picked up her chilled plum tea and took a sip.

"Mei mei," she began, "there are certain things that the young miss can say and do, and there are things that she cannot."

Qu Rou Li fiddled with the bangle on her wrist before she continued speaking.

Her gaze remained fixed on Sou Qing as she said, "In this household, I have never shown any disregard for Laoyi's children. And when the time comes, I will ensure they have suitable marriages."

Sou Qing nodded in understanding. "Please rest assured, Furen. We are well aware of your kind treatment towards all of us."

"If there is anything troubling you, Furen, please let this concubine know."

"I have raised all the young misses in the same manner as the legitimate miss, and their dowries will be equally substantial. So, if any of the young misses engage in behavior that tarnishes the reputation of others, it is my duty as their mother to rectify such behavior."

" Now, I have been made aware of Nuo-er's infatuation with the Second Prince." disclosed Qu Rou Li.

Sou Qing gasped, thinking to herself, That foolish girl Bai Nuo never mentioned this. This must be the reason...

Su Qing desires her daughter to have a good marriage and married out as a legal wife, but she knows it is an impossible wish, especially when it comes to the Princes who are off-limits. However, her daughter is no less than Bai Liu, both being misses from the Bai Fu. Sou Qing felt a bitter taste in her mouth, but she swallowed it.

"Furen Nuo-er is simply confused. I will definitely speak with her," Sou Qing said.

Staring at Sou Qing with a frigid gaze, Qu Rou Li delivers a stern caution. "Ensure it, or else as her mother, I will personally intervene and put an end to this."

Qu Rou Li is determined to halt her daughter's actions, although she is uncertain about the method. Su Qing lowers her head and tightly clasps her hands in her lap. She yearns to defend and fight for her daughter, but she is just an individual, a mere concubine.

Qu Rou Li sat in silence, sipping her drink, while observing Su Qing's body language. As long as Su Qing and her daughter stayed in their own lane, Qu Rou Li had no intention of intervening.

***

Once Su Qing returned to her courtyard, she angrily threw the tea set that had been gifted by Qu Rou Li to all the concubines, causing it to shatter into countless pieces.

Startled by the noise, Bai Nuo emerged from her room and witnessed the chaotic scene on the floor.

"Niang." she called out.

"From now on, you, stay away from anything related to the inperial Princes." Qu Rou Li warned sternly.

Bai Nuo bit her lip, desperately wanting to argue, tears streaming down her face.

*****

In the bustling main courtyard, Qu rou Li gazed at her daughter with a stern expression. "Liu-er, keep your distance from Nuo-er until she regains her composure. And have you been working on your wedding dress?"

you must complete the final preparations for your wedding gown and veil. We cannot afford any mishaps."

Bai Liu nodded obediently. "Bai Liu understands."

Deep down, she felt a genuine sense of joy about marrying Liang Yu. Despite Bai Liu knowing that their union served a greater political purpose.