"On the battlefield, it all comes down to genuine skill. Xue Meng became a centurion through his own merits, it has nothing to do with my brother," Xiao Man said with a smile. "After you get married, Xue Meng will probably stay in the Imperial Capital, right?"
"I'm not sure about that yet. However, whether he stays in the Imperial Capital or goes to Cloud City after marriage, I will follow him," Bai Linglong said, her voice filled with shyness and anticipation. Regardless of whether life ahead was bitter or sweet, she would share it with him after they were married.
"That lad Xue Meng is truly lucky to have caught your eye," Xiao Man teased. "By the way, I have some good news for you too."
"What good news? Has your wedding date with Lord Wen been set?" Bai Linglong asked curiously.
"No, it's that my sister-in-law is pregnant. I'm going to be an aunt."
"Qingge is pregnant!" Bai Linglong exclaimed with joy. "That is indeed good news. Then she probably won't be able to return for the New Year, will she? Pregnant women can't stand the strain, and Cloud City is more than a thousand miles from the Imperial Capital."
"Brother has already written back to say he won't be returning for the New Year, but he's sent back the New Year's gifts. Since you're here, you can take yours back with you," Xiao Man quickly instructed someone to fetch the gifts.
When Dugu Mingyu heard that Xiao Man wanted the Bai family's New Year's gifts, he immediately personally selected them from the gifts and brought them over.
"Sister, the New Year's gifts have arrived," Dugu Mingyu said as he entered.
Bai Linglong looked at Dugu Mingyu with some bewilderment. Sister, who was he calling sister?
"Thank you, General Dugu, for bringing them personally," Yin Zhu quickly accepted them. "General, please have a seat."
"Did General Dugu just call you sister?" Bai Linglong asked with confusion.
"Miss Bai must have misheard. I called out to 'Miss'," Yin Zhu replied.
"Then I must have misheard," Bai Linglong said with a smile. "After all, General Dugu is the eldest here. By the way, I heard that General Dugu is not yet married. Do you have a lady in mind?"
Dugu Mingyu's face showed embarrassment, and he looked to Xiao Man for help.
Xiao Man smiled. "If Miss Bai knows any suitable young ladies, you might consider mentioning them to Mingyu. Mingyu is a man worthy of a lifetime's trust."
"I have something else to attend to, I'll be going now."
Dugu Mingyu fled in a panic. As he ran out, he collided with Yin Zhu, who was bringing tea. Dugu Mingyu supported Yin Zhu with one hand and caught the teacup with the other. Their eyes met, and a flicker of panic flashed in Dugu Mingyu's eyes. He quickly helped Yin Zhu stand steady, thrust the tea tray into her hands, and swiftly fled Shui Yue Xiao Zhu.
"Young Master Dugu, aren't you going to have some tea before you leave?"
"No... no, thank you."
Xiao Man propped her chin on her hand, looking surprised. "He's stammering! This is the first time I've heard him stammer!"
"General Dugu is probably just embarrassed to discuss this topic."
Xiao Man shook her head and her gaze fell on Yin Zhu. Yin Zhu held the tea tray, looking puzzled. "Why did he leave as soon as he arrived?"
"He's probably just shy," Xiao Man said meaningfully.
Yin Zhu's gaze swept over the two people in the room. Had Miss said something that made General Dugu very difficult, and he couldn't handle it and fled?
"Did Miss tease General Dugu again?"
"I didn't tease him at all. After the New Year, he'll be twenty-five. Other people's children, at his age, would have children running around. Yet, he doesn't even have a close confidante," Xiao Man sighed. "Can I not be worried?"
"General Dugu is already twenty-five?" Yin Zhu exclaimed. "He doesn't look it at all."
"His face is quite deceiving," Xiao Man said meaningfully. "If he stood next to my brother, people would think Mingyu was the younger brother."
"That's true," Yin Zhu said as she placed down the tea and pastries. "These are freshly baked Longevity Cakes, soft and delicious. Please enjoy."
"Yin Zhu," Xiao Man called out to Yin Zhu. "Send a portion of these to Mingyu. Also, save one for A Luo. She likes sweets."
"Miss, don't worry. The kitchen always saves desserts for Miss A Luo."
Bai Linglong ate the pastries and said, "You're quite a good girl, attentive and considerate, and a skilled cook. I remember there was another maid in your courtyard who was also very good at cooking. Why didn't I see her today?"
"She's of age, so we've arranged a marriage for her," Xiao Man said gently. "How many dowry maids are you planning to bring with you when you get married this time?"
"Two maids, my wet nurse, and a housekeeper," Bai Linglong said, taking a sip of tea. "By the way, will you be attending the New Year's banquet tomorrow?"
"Yes, I will. Will you?"
"I can't. I need to prepare for my wedding. The wedding dress is already embroidered, but there are still a few handkerchiefs that need embroidering. Besides, the wedding day is approaching, and I'm afraid I can't go out and be seen."
"It's good that you won't be going out," Xiao Man whispered. "Tell your mother not to go out tomorrow either. Keep the doors closed at home and don't open them for anyone who knocks. Have all the household guards wear their weapons."
Bai Linglong immediately choked on her pastries and quickly took a large gulp of tea to swallow them. "It seems tomorrow's New Year's banquet won't be a pleasant one."
Xiao Man's lips curved into a smile. "It's always good to be prepared. It's almost New Year, and I hope we can celebrate it peacefully. I hope I'm just being overly cautious."
"It's always good to think ahead," Bai Linglong sighed. "I hope it won't affect my wedding. If it's delayed again, who knows when it will be. I'll be nineteen after the New Year. I was already a year older than Xue Meng. If it's delayed further, I'll be considered old news."
"It shouldn't affect your wedding," Xiao Man said softly. "Don't worry. If the auspicious date is missed, we'll pick another good day. I will definitely make sure Xue Meng marries you before I let him go. If he dares to run, I'll break his legs for you."
Bai Linglong chuckled. "Thank you, Aman."
"We are sisters."
After Bai Linglong left, Xiao Man stood at the door, looking at the bleak scenery outside, a strange glint in her eyes. "Are all preparations complete?"
"Miss, everything is ready. Tomorrow's imperial banquet might be dangerous. Let me accompany you to the palace tomorrow," Ying Xue said with some concern.
"Tomorrow, Qin Xue will be performing a dance at the imperial banquet, won't she?"
"Consort De invited Eldest Miss to perform a dance at the imperial banquet, and Eldest Miss has already agreed."
"Since that's the case, there's nothing to worry about," Xiao Man said slowly. "Go and inform Third Miss to attend the banquet with me tomorrow."
"Yes, Miss."
"It shouldn't snow for the next couple of days," Xiao Man said slowly. "Perhaps there will even be a clear, sunny day."
"Miss, in this misty weather, we may not see the sun."
"Once the fog dissipates, we'll see the sun."