CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Bai Lang trembles from the cold air as she steps into the grand courtyard, just inches away from the entrance. The sound of her grandmother's voice echoes through the air, reaching her ears with each passing word. But Bai Lang does not rush in; her steps are deliberate and resolute.

Finally, she reaches the imposing doors of the main hall. Inside, her mother, grandmother, and two concubines await. Among them stands Bai Nuo, her graceful demeanor marred by a visible frown. Bai Lang can't help but notice that while she has learned some manners, there are still imperfections that remain.

"I will marry whomever it may be, Grandmother and Mother have decided," Bai Nuo says politely, her nails digging into the palm hidden beneath her sleeve.

The old madam's face lights up with joy. Her granddaughter is finally becoming more pleasing to the eye, perhaps her time at the temple has brought her back to her senses.

"Very well, very well," the old madam responds. "You will marry the one your father has chosen, and rest assured, my dear Nou-er, you will not be treated poorly."

Her gaze falls upon Sou Qin, who has remained silent throughout the entire announcement. All eyes in the hall are fixated on Bai Nuo, waiting to see her reaction. They all know of her infatuation with the second prince four years ago, and now they are curious to see how she will handle the news.

"Grandmother, Mother," Bai Lang speaks up, her voice breaking the tense silence.

Su Qing, who had been lost in her thoughts, suddenly looks up from her cup upon hearing that gentle voice. She catches sight of Bai Lang and for a fleeting moment, anger flashes across her face.

As Su Qing lays her eyes upon Bai Lang, she finally understands why Bai Nuo despises her. The delicate yet noble look on Bai Lang's face serves as a stark contrast to her daughter's own. It highlights the undeniable difference between them, exacerbating the resentment felt by Bai Nuo.

Both of them were born as concubines, but Bai Lang's demeanor was far from that of a concubine; it resembled more that of someone who had resigned themselves to life in the palace.

This thought caused Su Qing's lips to curl and her nostrils to flare. The hatred burned so deeply in her heart that it became ingrained in her very being.

Bai Nuo, on the other hand, remained graceful and impassive, never showing her true feelings. She couldn't believe that her father would deny her this opportunity. The Prince would have been the perfect son-in-law, she thought, but now was not the right time.

If only she could marry the Second Prince, Bai Nuo pondered.

However, her mother had warned her not to act out again. That was not the way for her to achieve what she desired.

Bai Nuo had to behave and follow in Bai Lang's footsteps, even though she despised that wretched woman.

With determination in her eyes, Bai Nuo kept her mouth shut and her head lowered as she listened to Qu Rou Li and the old madam discuss her future.

"Bai Nuo," Qu Rou Li called, having witnessed the girl's humble demeanor. "Mother is pleased that you have become sensible.

Mother will ensure that you are not overlooked in this marriage, and your father has chosen a good match for you."

Bai Nuo longed for laughter, but little did she know that this dramatic scene would unfold before everyone's eyes. Qu Rou Li, who had always berated her mother and her behind closed doors, now played the role of a benevolent mother for the world to see.

Bai Lang watched the scene with a disdainful gaze.

"Daughter understands," Nou-er said coldly.

Su Qing lowered her head and continued to sip her now cold tea, her eyes filled with hatred towards Qu Rou Li, who had kept her separated from her daughter for nearly four years. She would never know the extent of her daughter's suffering and how pale and unwell she looked upon her return home.

Despite it all, Bai nuo remained indifferent, refusing to forgive them.

Silently, Bai Lang stood beside the old madam, observing the pretense on these women's faces.

Su Qing nervously nibbled on her lips, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and hidden resentment. She scanned the room, acknowledging everyone's presence, before finally settling her gaze on Qu Rou Li.

"Furen, this concubine thanks you for always looking out for Nuo-er," Su Qing said, her voice laced with forced appreciation.

"This concubine is pleased that Furen is Nuo-er's legal mother," she added, her words dripping with sarcasm. Su Qing was indirectly telling Qu Rou Li that if sending her daughter away to suffer in a temple for four years was considered good motherhood, then Qu Rou Li was the epitome of it.

Qu Rou Li, feeling the sting of Su Qing's words, avoided her gaze in retaliation. It was a silent declaration that, no matter what, Qu Rou Li would be the one making all the decisions regarding Bai Nuo, asserting her position as the main wife.

As resentment flashed through Su Qing's eyes, it was evident to Qu Rou Li, Yun Yi, and Bai Lang. The tension in the room thickened as they all sensed the brewing conflict.

Qu Rou Li couldn't help but feel resentful towards Su Qing. Over the years, Su Qing had subtly undermined her authority, making it clear that she wanted to assert her own power.

However, Qu Rou Li knew that she held the ultimate control. With the right accusation, she could have Su Qing sold off or even beaten to death.

Su Qing's unexpected statement left everyone speechless. It was so out of character for her that they could only stare at her in disbelief. The room was filled with an indescribable feeling of shock and confusion.

To break the tense silence, the old madam cleared her throat and redirected her attention to Bai Lang, trying to shift the focus away from the escalating conflict.

"What are you doing here, Bai Lang? Have your etiquette classes finished?" the old madam inquired, hoping to divert the attention and diffuse the mounting tension in the room.

"This granddaughter was released earlier as the palace mamas made their way back to the palace to organize the Emperor's banquet.

Upon hearing that Jei jei and Muqin were visiting grandmother, this granddaughter eagerly wanted to greet everyone." Bai Lang said with a sweet voice.

"Muqin?" Qu Rou Li softly called out to the old madam.

The old madam sighed, fully comprehending what her daughter-in-law was implying.

Bai Lang had become a precious treasure in the hands of her husband and son, and they were forbidden from interfering in her upbringing.