Seeing his hesitation, Bai Siruo spoke first.
"Grandfather need not trouble himself over these matters. Siruo is grown now. We still have Siming and Sihan at home. Though our lineage is not numerous, it is far better than families with countless descendants who are all good-for-nothing. Moreover, Siming is at a prime age for study. If Grandfather cultivates him well, he will surely ensure the continuation of the Bai family's glory."
"Siming will not disappoint Grandfather."
Bai Shanwei also nodded. He held immense respect for his grandfather, who had served excellently both as an official in court and as the elder in the family.
This was especially true in his dealings with the third branch. It wasn't that Prime Minister Bai was overly harsh, but rather that their greed was excessive.
From ancient times, there had been distinctions between the legitimate and illegitimate lines. The third branch had been allowed to grow to its current state without being deliberately indulged into ruin, nor was it deliberately suppressed.
The reason Prime Minister Bai kept Bai Sanlang from rising was simply because he saw through his true nature.
If he had indulged him blindly, their fate today would likely be the same as the Wei family's.
Therefore, caution was necessary.
Thinking this, Prime Minister Bai sighed deeply. When he looked at the three of them again, his eyes were filled with fatherly love.
"Siruo is right. Grandfather is old, but you are still young. As long as you are here, the Bai family will not fall."
All three bowed respectfully, indicating they would not fail their grandfather's expectations.
"In a few more days, it will be your wedding day. Take A'yao to see the preparations. Grandfather has something to discuss with Siming."
"Yes."
Bai Siruo, being sensible, led Feng Jin'yao away first. They went together to her courtyard.
At this moment, the courtyard was fully decorated, exuding joy and warmth everywhere.
"Time flies so fast. In a few more days, you will be a wife."
Bai Siruo blushed slightly when Feng Jin'yao mentioned the word "wife," but she quickly let go of it.
This marriage was one she desired, and Xiao Muqian wished to marry her. It was an auspicious union, so she was full of anticipation and not a trace of worry.
Suddenly remembering the matter of her savior, Bai Siruo recounted the entire incident to Feng Jin'yao.
Upon learning that Xiao Muqian was Bai Siruo's savior from her youth, Feng Jin'yao was extremely surprised.
"Your fate together is truly destined by heaven!"
"Indeed. It's just that so many years were wasted. If we had known this two years earlier, others wouldn't have taken advantage of the situation and left you with such a tarnished reputation. Although he doesn't mind, I still feel a bit guilty."
The "others" Bai Siruo spoke of were naturally that scoundrel Lu Yuanfeng.
If he hadn't deliberately approached her and caused so much trouble, Bai Siruo and the Bai family wouldn't have been caught up in the previous elopement scandal.
"Cousin, relax. Let the past drift away with the wind. From now on, your days will be smooth sailing."
"Mm."
"There's one more thing I haven't told Mother and the others yet."
"What is it?"
"After we get married, I want to go to Liangzhou with Muqian. Firstly, to visit his uncle, and secondly, to see if the scenery in Liangzhou is truly as he describes."
Bai Siruo yearned for it. Although she was a noble lady, she had visited very few places since childhood.
Liangzhou, in Xiao Muqian's words, was an excellent place. She was curious and genuinely wanted to see it.
"Are you afraid your aunt and the others won't agree?"
This was where Bai Siruo's distress and difficulty lay, her small face furrowed into a knot.
Feng Jin'yao found it amusing seeing her like this.
"Cousin, relax. If His Majesty issues an order for your husband to be stationed in the northwest, you'll be going with him often. For now, live well in the capital. Let your union bear fruit soon. Once you have children, you and your husband won't be as needed."
Hearing Feng Jin'yao's teasing, Bai Siruo's eyes suddenly lit up.
"That's right! How did my brain not think of this? Wasn't it Doctor Zhang who took care of Eldest Sister-in-law's pregnancy last time? Look how healthy and beautiful Luo'er turned out! I'll go ask Doctor Zhang to examine Mother tomorrow. Ideally, she'll have another son for me, and then I'll finally be free."
Feng Jin'yao was utterly stunned by her idea. Although women did give birth at an advanced age, Fourth Aunt had not been pregnant for many years, and her body naturally wouldn't allow it, otherwise, why would it have been delayed until today?
However, seeing Bai Siruo's excited expression, she couldn't be bothered to interrupt her, especially since she was getting married in a few days.
Her happiness was the most important thing.
The two chatted and laughed, sharing many amusing stories from Jiangnan, which made Bai Siruo even more hopeful.
In the study, Prime Minister Bai was speaking alone with Bai Shanwei.
"Although His Majesty hasn't said anything about this matter, the Bai family did fabricate the truth. Just because it's not mentioned today doesn't mean it won't be brought up later. Have you considered your future plans?"
"Grandfather, rest assured. As long as I am useful to His Majesty, he will not move against me, nor against the Bai family, for the time being. Since that is the case, I will continue to be useful. Once the flood disaster is completely resolved, I will return to the capital to pursue official honors and build my career step by step."
Hearing that Bai Shanwei had a clear plan, Prime Minister Bai was truly relieved.
He then pointed to four large boxes in the corner of the study and said happily.
"These books are prepared by Grandfather for you. They include orthodox historical studies and miscellaneous essays. Our Bai family members should not be narrow-minded in their reading. During your years away, you should visit various regions and understand the people's sentiments. If you gain official status in the future, you will know how to bring welfare to the common people."
"Grandfather's teachings, your grandson will remember them."
While the grandfather and grandson were having this conversation in the study, Bai Dalang had already escorted Madam Shen to the entrance of Ying Tian Prefecture.
The prefect, seeing another matter involving the family of a high official, felt a severe headache.
However, he dared not refuse. Thus, Madam Shen was taken into custody first, and her case would be heard later before a decision was made.
Bai Dalang looked at Madam Shen's eyes, filled with intense hatred, but was not intimidated in the slightest.
Instead, he said righteously, "If you had known this day would come, why did you act as you did in the first place? You don't need to worry about Sihan; she is a daughter of our Bai family, and we will take care of her. As for you, you're on your own."
Madam Shen, a divorced woman of the Bai family, with Prime Minister Bai himself having written the divorce decree accusing her of filial impiety, this grave offense would leave no room for argument. Even if the Shen family found out about this, it would be the same.
Madam Shen's good days were truly over.
As she was dragged into the dark and gloomy prison, she shed tears of deep regret.
Alas, it was all too late.
The only person she cared about was Bai Sihan, who at this moment was in the back courtyard, weeping bitterly.
If she had known this would be the outcome, she should have advised her mother not to come at all.
The wealth of the Eastern Capital had almost prevented them from returning last time, and now, it had led to a mother and daughter being separated. Her mother would likely not return this time. Living alone in the Bai family, she didn't know how she would get by in the future.