Bai Sihan watched as the "sisters" who had been so close to her moments ago now treated her as if she were air. Unable to bear the blow, she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and quietly left the water pavilion.
Wen Mengsheng, who was standing nearby, watched her go. After a moment of thought, he followed her out.
The more Bai Sihan thought about it, the more wronged she felt. She ran forward with her head down, sobbing softly as she ran.
She remembered how she had lived in Qiongzhou, where every young gentleman had doted on her. She never expected to be treated like a servant in Dongdu City.
Being a young girl, she couldn't tolerate such a drastic change.
When she reached Mufeng Pavilion, she finally burst into tears.
Wen Mengsheng, who had followed her, was about to enter when he saw her crying with tears streaming down her face. There was no beauty in her tears, and he couldn't help but scorn her in his heart, thinking she was truly a country bumpkin from a small place.
However, he still put on a concerned expression and said softly, "Miss Bai."
Bai Sihan had not expected anyone to be behind her. Thinking that this person had seen her unrestrained behavior, she immediately became flustered, and shame crept onto her cheeks, turning her as red as a ripe shrimp.
"Who are you?" Her eyes were full of defensiveness.
"I am the only son of the Minister of Personnel, and the cousin of Wen Yuwei, Wen Mengsheng."
The Minister of Personnel was a second-rank official, much higher in status than her uncle. Why was he here?
Bai Sihan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and bowed slightly.
"Greetings, Young Master Wen. Have I disturbed you?"
She had run over in a hurry and hadn't noticed if anyone was around, so she felt a bit apologetic.
"No, I was afraid Miss Bai would be wronged and worried that you would get lost alone in this unfamiliar place, so I followed you from the water pavilion."
"Then you... you saw..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Bai Sihan remembered her embarrassment. This person said he followed her from the water pavilion, so he must have seen her embarrassing side too?
"My sister is young and ignorant. I am here to apologize on her behalf."
Apologize? Bai Sihan was a bit confused by his words. "Young Master Wen, you are too kind. Miss Wen and I have no misunderstanding, why do we need to apologize?"
Wen Mengsheng smiled faintly and took a few steps forward. A serene fragrance emanated from him, making one feel comfortable.
"Peonies are graceful and noble, peonies are of unparalleled beauty, autumn chrysanthemums are not afraid of the cold wind, and lotuses emerge from the mud unstained. I believe that each flower appeals to different eyes. Regardless of one's background, everyone can find a place in this garden full of spring. My sister is short-sighted and does not understand this principle. I hope Miss Bai will not hold it against her."
Using Wen Yuwei's name, he eased Bai Sihan's embarrassment.
His words made Bai Sihan feel much happier, and the knot of resentment in her heart dissipated.
"Thank you for your enlightenment, Young Master Wen. I feel much better."
For a moment, she developed a good impression of this Young Master Wen.
Wen Mengsheng looked at her shy appearance and sneered inwardly, thinking how easily she was fooled. He then found an opportunity to ask, "Miss Bai, did you come alone?"
"No, I'm with my elder sister and cousin Feng. However, my elder sister has a headache, and Cousin Feng is accompanying her to rest in the side room. She should be back at the water pavilion by now."
So that's how it was. No wonder he hadn't seen Feng Jinyao since he entered.
Thinking that he had helped this little girl once, he believed she might put in a good word for him with Feng Jinyao, perhaps resolving their previous misunderstanding. He spoke again.
"Miss Bai, could you introduce me to her? I seemed to have offended Miss Feng earlier and have always wanted to explain, but I haven't had the chance."
He then sighed deeply, looking regretful.
Offended? Did this person have some unknown relationship with that cousin from the Feng family?
"Do you know Cousin Feng already?"
"It wouldn't be considered knowing each other, it's just..." His hesitation made Bai Sihan anxious.
This young master in front of her was handsome, kind, and a good match in terms of status, appearance, and temperament. Since the First Prince didn't fancy her, she didn't need to fixate on him. This man was a good option.
But if he was entangled with Cousin Feng, would she lose her chance?
Her small face wrinkled into a ball. Wen Mengsheng saw a hint of calculation in her eyes. This was exactly the effect he wanted, to make people misunderstand that there was something going on between them.
"Miss Bai, please don't misunderstand. It's just a small matter. If it's inconvenient for Miss Bai, then forget it."
"Young Master Wen, don't worry. When I see Cousin Feng, I will naturally speak for you."
"In that case, thank you for your help, Miss Bai."
Although he said this, he was thinking, "Dream on if you think I'll be a go-between to resolve the misunderstanding between you two."
"I wish the misunderstanding would be so great that you two would have no contact at all."
With their own calculations in mind, they chatted idly in the pavilion for a while. Thinking that it was inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone, Wen Mengsheng left first and returned to the water pavilion. After half an incense stick's time, Bai Sihan, guided by a maid, returned to the water pavilion.
Upon entering, she looked around and walked towards Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao.
"The temple fair at Fahua Temple is the most lively. I've been there with my mother and aunt a few times before, but it wasn't fun because they were so restrictive. There's another temple fair in a few days. Would you like me to pick you up to go together?"
Bai Siruo was very playful and loved excitement since she was young. She didn't know who she took after.
Feng Jinyao nodded in agreement. Her gaze swept over Bai Sihan, who was walking towards them. The corners of her eyes were still a little red, clearly from crying.
"What's wrong, sister?"
"It's nothing. My eyes were just blown by the wind, and they turned red after rubbing them a few times."
How could they not know the truth of the matter? But since the show hadn't started yet, they had to cooperate with her and play along.
"That's good. Many young masters here today are unmarried. Sister, you should not leave alone. If someone sees you, it will be difficult to explain."
"Thank you for your guidance, Cousin. Sihan understands."
Her respectful and obedient demeanor surprised Bai Siruo. Why had this girl's personality changed so suddenly? Had she become a different person after going out?
Just as she was wondering, Xu Mingyue hurried over.
She looked at them apologetically and said, "My grandfather is not feeling well today. I was at home serving him medicine, so I'm a bit late."
They had all heard that Elder Xu had been unwell for the past few days, so they naturally didn't blame her. Bai Siruo even reminded her to take care of herself.
Liang Luo stood beside Wei Lanxuan, smiling triumphantly.
Seeing Bai Sihan walk in, she kept looking at them, wishing she could steal her thunder again.
Unexpectedly, she saw her future sister-in-law, Xu Mingyue. Her previously happy face immediately fell.