In recent days, the relationship between the Grand Princess and the Grand Consort had cooled to a freezing point. He felt that the person who tied the bell must untie it. Since everything originated from Madam Zhou, then she should be kept away.
As soon as Master Bai walked out of the imperial palace, he saw the Grand Consort waiting by the roadside. The two, with unspoken understanding, arrived at the guest house one after another.
To be honest, this was the first time the Grand Consort had been alone with Master Bai. Watching him drink tea with unusual composure, he felt inferior and couldn't help but speak first.
"I believe Master Bai has already guessed most of the reason for my visit today. I won't beat around the bush. Regarding my daughter and your daughter, you must have heard about it. The Grand Princess has misunderstood because of this. I was thinking, if Madam Zhou could return to the south, would it be better for everyone? Of course, if you have any conditions, you can mention them, and I will help as much as I can." The Grand Consort felt a little guilty facing Master Bai for some reason, and his tone was exceptionally euphemistic.
"Alas, as for my daughter, she is truly passionate, loving and hating freely. When you two were together, I strongly opposed it. But at that time, you were both too naive, thinking you could join hands and overcome all difficulties. Now you can be said to be a prodigal son worth more than gold, but my daughter is suffering. Her life can be said to be completely ruined." Master Bai reasoned with her, appealing to her emotions.
The Grand Consort sat up a little awkwardly and said uncomfortably, "She can return to the south and live a good life."
"Yes, she can live a good life. But have you ever thought that if you two had not been together in the first place, she could have found someone of a suitable match to marry? Regardless, she is now the mistress of the household, not married into a merchant family that everyone looks down upon. Furthermore, because she has given birth to two children, my son-in-law, although outwardly harmonious with her, is inwardly disturbed. Which man wouldn't be?" Master Bai, although acting to some extent, was stating facts.
The more Master Bai spoke, the more guilty the Grand Consort felt. "I know I've wronged her, but things have come to this. There's no point in saying more. You should state your conditions."
"Hui Xian has the best relationship with her two elder brothers. She once said that if she ever married into a prestigious family, she would definitely help them." Master Bai said casually while drinking tea.
Upon hearing this, the Grand Consort understood his meaning, nodded, and assured him, "I know what to do. You can send her away tomorrow. After some time, your two sons will definitely be promoted, and I will do my best to help them in court."
After reaching an agreement, the two immediately changed the subject and discussed the day's court affairs.
Upon returning home, Master Bai had someone summon his daughter and relayed the conversation with the Grand Consort to her without reservation.
When Madam Zhou heard that the Grand Consort wanted her to leave, she felt a sense of inevitability.
Master Bai looked at his daughter's silent demeanor and sighed. He explained, "Don't blame me for using this matter to seek benefits for your two brothers. Only when they are well can you have a good life in the Zhou family. No matter what outrageous things you've done before, they will have to support you."
Madam Zhou understood the logic, but she couldn't get past the hurdle in her heart. Her father asked her to pack up and leave the next day. Despite her sadness, she complied.
Lying in bed that night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She resolved never to return to the capital in this lifetime, lest memories stir her emotions.
Who knew that when she woke up the next morning, after finishing her meal, an unwelcome guest arrived—her half-sister, Bai Hui Ya.
The two had often competed fiercely when they were in the inner chambers. Although Bai Hui Ya was accomplished in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was intelligent, she often suppressed her by relying on her father's affection. The reasons were always readily available: who made her steal her thunder?
Unlike Madam Zhou, Bai Hui Ya followed her parents' wishes at a marriageable age and married a newly appointed Jinshi.
Because Bai Hui Ya was a concubine's daughter, more prominent young men of suitable matches did not fancy her. Master Bai also did not want to find an unmotivated son-in-law. So, he chose a man from the newly appointed Jinshi of that year, who had an ordinary family background and a decent appearance, and married her off with a grand dowry.
More than ten years had passed, and the young Jinshi from back then had apparently become a prefect. When she returned to the capital, she hadn't thought of her at all, and she didn't know when she had returned.
This was the first time they had met since her marriage. The moment she saw her, Bai Hui Xian's heart stirred. Looking at her richly dressed and dignified appearance, with full confidence in her eyes, she knew she was living well. The person she had once stepped on and looked down upon was now a fourth-rank official's wife, while she herself had become a merchant's wife. The immense sense of disparity almost broke her composure, giving her an urge to flee. Unfortunately, Bai Hui Ya didn't give her the opportunity. Sudan Novel Network
She walked quickly, taking two steps at a time, and soon reached Madam Zhou. She grabbed her hand and said with concern, "Sister, you're so unlucky. How many years has it been, and you're still involved with them? The key is that such matters always leave the woman at a disadvantage. As soon as I heard you were leaving, I rushed over to see you off. My husband has been promoted again and has just been transferred back to the capital. We haven't had a proper gathering yet, and you're leaving. Who knows when we'll meet again."
Although Bai Hui Ya's words were full of concern, she revealed a provocative expression where no one else could see.
Bai Hui Xian knew she wanted to provoke her anger and watch her make a fool of herself. But she couldn't help but fall for it. "Stop that pretense of yours, it disgusts me. Aren't you just here to gloat? As long as Father and my brothers are here, you'll never surpass me in this lifetime."
Upon hearing this, Bai Hui Ya immediately acted wronged. "Sister, what are you thinking? I'm concerned about you."
Before Bai Hui Xian could reply, her father and two elder brothers, who had appeared at the courtyard entrance at some unknown time, overheard their conversation. Father Bai said sternly, "Hui Xian, your sister came from afar to see you, and if you don't appreciate it, fine, but why are you speaking like that?"
Bai Hui Xian turned around and saw the disapproval in her father and two brothers' eyes. This was completely different from when they were children and always sided with her whenever there was a conflict. Without thinking, she knew it was because Bai Hui Ya's husband was capable and had been steadily promoted, and everyone wanted to maintain a good relationship with him, so they could only let her step back.
The thought of being suppressed by Bai Hui Ya for the rest of her life filled her with resentment, and she secretly made up her mind.
Bai Hui Xian left the Bai family with great fanfare. Her carriage entered a manor on the outskirts of the capital for a brief rest before continuing south. However, this time, Madam Zhou claimed to have an allergic reaction to her face, and thereafter, she wore a veil whenever she went out.
As soon as they left the village, two women disguised as maids rented an ox cart and headed for the capital. One of the women was none other than Madam Zhou.