A few light words fell into his ears like a thunderclap on a clear day, stunning him and leaving him unprepared.

  Taking a deep breath of cool air, he was shocked for a while before finding his own voice: "I... Ill go right away!"

  The usually indifferent Prince Zi Yang would actually lose his temper for a beauty? Its shocking and yet, Im also moved. Not easy! The old iron tree that has lived for twenty years finally bloomed with a lively flower, its really worth letting the Jiang family people come and take a look!

  He thought so, and with a burst of speed, he rushed out of the room in an instant.

  Hua Yu lay on the bed in a daze, hearing someone talking beside her ear but couldnt make out what they were saying. In a haze, she felt someone turn her over, and then something lightly tugged at her back, causing her skin to burn with pain.

  "Ah..." she groaned painfully, struggling to lift her eyelids.

  Ling Xiu stood beside her bed, clutching half of her undergarment in her hand, staring at her back with tears falling like broken pearls. When she saw her open her eyes, the tears fell even harder: "Sister..."

  "Whats wrong again?" Huai Yu said dazedly to her, "Im fine... dont cry first..."

  Is this still nothing?! Lingxiu was so anxious that she shook her head, opened her mouth, but found her throat blocked and couldnt speak. She stomped her feet twice, and then let out a loud "Waa" as she cried even harder.

  Jiang Xuanjin was originally backing away from the bed, but as soon as he heard Lingxius crying, he thought something unexpected had happened to the person on the bed and immediately turned his head back.

  The person on the bed was prone, with their clothes slipping off halfway, the fabric stuck to their back with blood, and wherever they looked, it was a mess of dark green and black, with flesh and blood blurred together.

  How could there be such a severe wound on her back?! Jiang Xuanjins heart skipped a beat, and he couldnt believe it. What kind of people were in the White Manor that they would actually lay such heavy hands on her?

  Li Huaiyus pupils were dilated, her breathing was weak, but she still stammered to Ling Xiu: "Its just a flesh wound... I didnt let them off easy either... Dont worry..."

  Looking at her like this, Jiang Xuanjin frowned and couldnt help but forget about what was improper to look at. He stepped forward and took Lingxius place, saying to her: "Go find the doctor."

  Lingxiu was still crying, and it wasnt until after a while that she came back to her senses. She nodded and then ran outside.

  She ran out of sight, and Li Huaiyu moved his eyes awkwardly, casting his gaze on the person beside him.

  "You... " still hadnt died, teasing his thoughts, and even if he was half dead, Huai Yu croaked out a sentence to him, "Your face looks so terrible... are you heartbroken for me?"

  Youre already in this state, and you still have the mood to say such nonsense? Jiang Xuanjin was really angry: "No!"

  With a pained expression, she pursed her lips and muttered in a low voice: "So heartless..."

  Jiang Xuanjins face was stern, just about to ask her why she had done this, when he saw the person on the bed seemed unable to hold on, their head tilted to one side, and their eyes suddenly closed.

  He was startled and immediately reached out to feel her breath.

  Still breathing.

  His heart was quiet for a moment, and then it started racing wildly again. Jiang Xuanjin looked down at himself, feeling that he might have contracted some kind of heart disease, as today had been abnormal all day long.

  "Go up." Ling Xiu went out and came back in a moment, stamping her foot anxiously, "They said the imperial physician is with the mistress and has no time to come over!"

  Jiang Xuanjins face turned cold upon hearing this.

  The household laws can still be found, but knowing that Bai Zhus injuries are so severe, she detained the doctor by her side, making it clear that she wanted to put her to death. The dignified imperial censors wife, how could her heart be so cruel?

  He took off the token from his waist and handed it to her along with a pouch, saying: "Take these and go outside the manor to find a female doctor. Come back through the side door, no need to inform Madam Bai."

  "Yes!"

  The doctor who was invited from outside the mansion arrived and was much more agile than those in the mansion, but as soon as she saw the person on the bed after entering the door, her eyebrows never relaxed.

  "First, help the young lady take off her clothes and prepare some warm water for me. If there is clean salt in the house, bring some over." she said.

  Ling Xiu complied and Jiang Xuanjin stood beside her, watching. He couldnt help but ask, "Is anything wrong?"

  The doctor sighed and said, "This is not just a major illness. Its already fortunate that this young lady can survive. Looking at her pulse, she must have had an old illness before, and with this severe injury, both internal and external damage, and mental fatigue, I really dont have much confidence in curing her."

  Jiang Xuanjin was taken aback, furrowing his brow: "Whatever medicinal materials are needed, just say so."

  "Its no longer a matter of medicine..." The doctor sighed, looked at his expression, and said helplessly, "Ill write a prescription for the girl to hang on for a while."

  "Good."

  She took the paper and pen from her, Jiang Xuanjin turned around and walked back to the bedside, looked at that pale face, thought for a moment, stretched out his hand to grab hers, and put the agarwood Buddhist beads he had been wearing for many years onto her wrist.

  At dusk, the sun sets.

  Bai Dezhong finally finished his morning chores and got into his sedan chair to return home. As soon as he stepped through the gate of his own mansion, a servant from the east wing came up to him and said: "Master, youd better go take a look at Madame right away!"

  "Whats wrong with your wife?" He was puzzled.

  That slave led the way in front, shaking his head as he walked: "I dont dare say, youll understand when you get to the East Wing."

  Bai Dezhong followed him, wondering in his heart why Bai Mengshi was so good at selling out.

  However, when he reached the main entrance of the east wing, he suddenly understood why the family slaves didnt dare speak.

  The house, which was once tidy, is now in a state of disarray. The tables and chairs are overturned, the exquisite porcelain that was placed everywhere is now shattered into pieces, the copper incense burner and silver spittoon have been smashed to the ground and deformed, and there are even bloodstains on the wall.

  Frowning, Bái Dé shouted: "This is outrageous!"

  Bai Mengs wife came out of the side hall crying, grasped her handkerchief and knelt down to him: "Master, you must take charge for me!"

  "Whats going on?" Bai Dezhong helped her up, "What do you want me to be in charge of?"

  Wiping away tears, Madame Bai Meng choked with sobs: "What you see here is all Zhu Jis doing! She didnt come back last night and only sneaked back this morning. I was angry that she didnt love herself, so I wanted to punish her a bit to make her remember for a long time. Who would have thought that she wouldnt obey discipline? Not only did she injure the house slave, but also smashed everything in my room!"

  Bai Des expression changed as he listened: "Really?"

  "All the evidence is here, would I still dare to lie?" Bai Meng sighed, "Originally, I was thinking of Zhu Jis misfortune in losing her marriage and didnt want to bother her too much. Locking her up for a few days would be enough to teach her a lesson. Who would have thought that not only did she show no remorse, but also found someone to back her up, and even refused to accept the punishment she deserved? She left with an air of triumph!"

  Bai Des face turned red with rage: "Who dares to back her up?"

  As soon as this was mentioned, Bai Mengs expression changed and he dared not answer.

  The woman next to her immediately added, "Fourth young lady has done more than that! She also stole the dowry of Second Young Lady, and when she was discovered, she didnt show any shame. Instead, she threatened to steal all of Second Young Ladys dowry!"

  What nonsense is this? Bai De was so angry that his vision began to blur, and he didnt care about anything else. He stretched out his hand and pulled out the red wooden ruler from his sleeve, shouting: "Where is she now?"

  "In the Western Wing."

  Bai De turned around and left, his heart was burning with anger!

  He has always been self-disciplined, and in teaching his children, he has done his best. He doesnt ask for them to have great achievements, as long as they know what is right and wrong, and can distinguish between good and evil. But the result is that he has actually taught a arrogant and lawless bandit?

  Bai Zhuji didnt come back all night, and he was already holding back his temper. Today, after hearing what Bai Mengshi said, Bai Dezhong was so angry that he wished he could send Bai Zhuji back to her mothers womb, as if she had never been born!

  He rushed all the way to the West Wing and pushed open the door of the sedan chair. He saw that Bai Zhuji was lying on the bed, fast asleep.

  Still sleeping!

  In a rage, Bái Dé strode into the house, ignoring everyone else inside, and raised his ruler to strike the person on the bed!

  "Old Master!" Ling Xiu cried out in surprise.

  Bai Dezhong didnt bother to reason with her and it was impossible to reason with her, now whoever tried to stop him would be useless, he had already swung his fist and wasnt planning to pull back!

  However, in the flash of lightning, someone suddenly leaned over and blocked the bed. A three-foot-long red wooden ruler fell into that persons hand, making a crisp sound.

  "Bang!"

  Everyone in the house gasped in unison.

  Bai De was stunned, staring at the hand that caught the ruler for a while before slowly lifting his head to look at his face.

  "White Sir." Jiang Xuanjins face was gloomy, pinching the other end of the ruler and pushing it to the side, rolling up his sleeves and asking, "What are you doing?"

  "Is that you?!" Seeing him, Bai De took two steps back, momentarily thinking he had entered the wrong place. But looking around, the furnishings of the room, the scenery outside, and even Ling Xiu standing beside him all proved that this was indeed Zhu Jis room.

  At the end of the fourth watch, it was already late at night, and yet Ziyang Jun was still in someone elses daughters room?!

  The anger that had just subsided surged up again, and Bai De looked at him in disbelief, saying with a mix of annoyance and indignation: "I thought you were a decent gentleman who understood etiquette, but I didnt expect you to do something as outrageous as sneaking into someones bedroom!"

  Cant see the half-dead biological daughter on the bed, but instead blame him for sneaking into the boudoir? Jiang Xuanjin frowned at him and instantly understood why Bai Mengshi dared to beat Bai Zhuji like this.

  Bai Dezhong this old man, didnt take Bai Zhuijis life seriously at all.

  "Drink up." The nurse beside him handed over the medicine with a trembling hand, "You must hurry, theres no time to delay."

  As soon as he heard this, Jiang Xuanjin couldnt care about Bai Dezhong anymore, took the medicine and said to Ling Xiu: "Support your sister for a moment."

  "Yes!" Lingxiu hastily went over and sat at the head of the bed, supporting Li Huaiyu to make her turn sideways, making it convenient to administer the medicine.

  This movement made Bái Dé realize that the person on the bed had a pale face like paper, and the bloody smell in the room was also very heavy.

  "Whats going on?" He was stunned.

  Ling Xiu gritted her teeth and said: "Xiao Jie was beaten half to death by the mistress, now theres not a single good spot on her body. Master doesnt care at all, yet he still wants to beat out Xiao Jies last breath! She is your own flesh and blood daughter after all! How can your heart be so cruel!"

  "Did the mistress hit her?"

  He paused for a moment, then frowned and said: "She made so many mistakes, she should be beaten!"

  His temples throbbed with rage as Jiang Xuanjin glared at Bai Dechong, finally unable to bear it any longer. His face cold, he bellowed: "Yu Feng!"

  Cheng Xū went to Jiang Fu, and upon hearing the news, Yu Feng came over to Bai Fu first. At this time, upon hearing the sound, Yu Feng drew out the Emei dagger from his waist.

  "What are you doing?" Bai De said sternly, "This is the White Manor! You dare to be presumptuous and still want to deceive our master?"

  Without responding to his words, Jiang Xuanjin ordered the eunuch: "Clear out all the idle people from this courtyard. You stand guard at the gate and dont let even a fly in without my orders."

  "Yes!" Yu Feng responded, and with a swift motion of his sword, he pushed Bai Dezhong out the door.

  The four words "idle and miscellaneous people" actually included him? Bai Dechong came out of the room, turned his head to look back, and was indeed angry: "Jiang Xuancheng, you are too deceitful! Tomorrow morning, I will definitely impeach you!"

  Put down the empty medicine bowl, Jiang Xuanjin got up and went to the door, pinched the door string and looked at the anxious person outside, coldly said: "The adults just go to participate, Ben Jun waits for the emperors summons."

  Having said that, he waved his hand and closed the door, blocking out all the noise.

  Everyone in the house was so frightened that they didnt dare to make a sound, the doctors hands were shaking as she arranged the medicine brought by the imperial envoy, and Lingxiu also hurriedly went to see Huaiyu on the bed.

  She didnt know if she didnt look, but when she did, she was so frightened that she exclaimed: "Sister!"

  The person on the bed furrowed their brow, and their face, which had just turned pale, suddenly flushed to an unnatural color. Their mouth was slightly ajar, and their entire body convulsed like a fish that had been thrown onto a stone floor. The skin, which had previously been well-medicated, began to seep blood again.

  Jiang Xuanjins jaw clenched tightly as he hastily strode over and reached out to feel her forehead.

  Tentacles are boiling!

  Taking a light breath, he turned his head towards the nurse: "Fever has risen."

  The doctor hastily put down what she was holding and went over to take her pulse again, her expression suddenly becoming serious.

  "Whats wrong?" Jiang Xuanjin looked at her.

  The doctor sighed, pointed outside the door with her hand, and got up to leave. Jiang Xuanjin understood, followed him out, and closed the door behind him.

  "Ill be straightforward." The door closed, and the doctor said in a low voice, "This girls internal and external injuries are severe, especially her spleen and lungs. If she doesnt develop a high fever, taking some miraculous medicine might still save her, but now that the high fever wont subside, Im afraid..."

  The rest of her words were left unspoken, but Jiang Xuanjin understood, his face calm and unruffled, yet his sleeves were slightly gathered.

  The doctor sighed: "Ill go get some more medicine to bring down her fever, trouble you to find some wine and water for someone to wipe her body with. Whether she can pull through or not depends on her fate."

  "Good." He responded in a low voice, watching the doctor leave, and still standing at the door for a while.

  The night was cool and refreshing, the Bai Mansion had already extinguished all lights and gone to sleep, except for this one wing of the west courtyard which was still brightly lit. Reaching out to catch the light that leaked from the gap under the door, Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips and let out a soft sigh.

  He pushed the door open and had Lingxiu bring over half a jar of wine, then he twisted a handkerchief and carefully wiped Huaizhus face and hands and feet. Repeating this process for an hour, he didnt seem to get tired of it at all.

  The medicine sent by the doctor arrived, and Jiang Xuanjin finally stopped his hand.

  "Feed her." The nurse gestured, "Be careful not to touch her wound."

  Ling Xiu responded and picked up Huai Yu, Jiang Xuanjin took over the medicine and blew it cool, spoon by spoon into her mouth.

  However, this time Li Huaiyu didnt swallow the medicine and instead frowned and spat it all out. Jiang Xuanjins face sank as he put down the spoon, picked up the bowl and pinched her mouth to force-feed her.

  Although she spat out a lot, she managed to swallow some. After finishing the bowl of medicine, Jiang Xuanjin held her for another half an hour, and Huaiyu gradually calmed down and stopped convulsing.

  As the night deepened, the noise outside the courtyard also gradually disappeared. Lingxiu looked at the time anxiously and then looked at Ziyang Jun sitting motionless on the bed, unable to help but whisper: "Your Highness, why dont you go rest in the guest room? Ill have the servants keep watch here."

  Jiang Xuanjin didnt move, only changed the handkerchief and continued to wipe her face, casually asking her a question: "What does your younger sister usually eat at home?"

  Ling Xiu was taken aback, not understanding why he asked this, but still answered truthfully: "According to the rules, every day for breakfast is a light porridge with small dishes, at noon two vegetarian dishes and one or two bowls of rice, dinner is similar to lunch."

  "Everyone in this household is a snob, they know the mistress doesnt like my sister, so they always find ways to shortchange her on food, clothes and daily expenses. When my sister was foolish, they would often bully and scold her when I wasnt around. Now that shes finally clear-headed, theyre finding new ways to cheat her out of her allowance, making her life really difficult!"

  Jiang Xuanjin listened and looked at the person on the bed, saying in a low voice: "I thought... it was indeed my mistake to blame her."

  At that time, she said that she was hungry and cold in the White House, but he thought she was lying to him for sympathy. The result was true, but he didnt want to believe it.

  All this time, he thought those lies were true, but was there also a sincerity in her that he had overlooked?

  As this thought occurred to him, countless words she had said before suddenly echoed in his ears:

  ……

  "Are you stupid, girl? When they say they want to make amends with your family, it means theyre trying to hook up with you. Who cares if they actually do or not!"

  ……

  "I wont let go, dont say such useless words."

  ……

  "In my eyes, you are the most important thing in nature."

  ……

  Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, subconsciously wanting to shake his head to drive these voices away. However, the softest one at the end still managed to drill into his ears unstoppable.

  "I wish we could meet each other every year."

  Her voice is as sweet as a canarys, with a hint of flirtatiousness in her trailing tones that makes ones heart itch.

  His heart racing, Jiang Xuanjin only felt a slight tightness in his throat. He lowered his head to take another look, and the smiling face that had been in his ears and eyes just now gradually disappeared from view, while the person on the bed was still weak and pale.

  He suddenly clenched the handkerchief in his hand.

  "Whats wrong?" Ling Xiu was startled and looked at him in confusion.

  He slightly froze, realizing he had lost his composure, and slowly lowered his eyes: "Nothing."

  The commotion in his chest gradually subsided, and Jiang Xuanjin stretched out his hand to touch the forehead of Huaiyu again.

  The high fever still hasnt receded.

  His heart sank, he turned his head towards the doctor and said: "Come take a look at her."

  The doctor who was dozing off at the table came back to her senses and hurried over to take his pulse again. This time, his lips turned white.

  "How?" Jiang Xuanjin asked.

  Hesitating for a moment, the doctor reluctantly spat out four words: "Listen to heavens will."

  Jiang Xuanjin listened, lowering his head to look at the person on the bed, his sword-like eyebrows remaining stern.

  He reached out and gently touched the Buddhist rosary on her wrist, which had accompanied him for many years, and said in a low voice: "Even if its fate, it should be biased towards you."

  Ling Xiu listened to these words, looked at him in shock, and inexplicably felt a sour nose.

  Bai Dechong left the West Wing and went back to Bai Mengshis side. Although he was angry at Jiang Xuanjins overbearing behavior, he calmed down and felt that something was not quite right, so he asked Bai Mengshi: "The injuries on Zhujis body were inflicted by you?"

  Bai Mengs face fell, and she continued in a wronged tone: "Didnt I say so? I wanted her to remember the lesson for a long time, so I had someone invite the family rules. But the family rules arent heavy at all, who would dare to use real force to hit her? Dont believe those deceitful tricks!"

  "Whats going on with Zi Yang Jun?" Bai De furrowed his brow, "Why didnt you tell me earlier that he was the one protecting Zhu Ji?"

  Bai Meng became even more wronged: "What status does Zi Yang have, he doesnt give me a bit of face, how dare I accuse him?"

  He didnt even give him half a chance, let alone Bai Mengshi, he couldnt get anything good from him.

  Bai De thought for a moment and felt that Bai Mengs words were not unreasonable, so he decided to calm down, wash up and rest first, planning to pay his respects the next morning.

  It wasnt until he had a good sleep and was on his way to court that Bai De hesitated again.

  Yesterday, Zi Yangjuns face didnt show a hint of guilt, and his demeanor was upright and confident, not like someone who had done something wrong. When he was about to leave, he wasnt even slightly afraid of being reported to the emperor, and even said that he would wait for His Majestys summons.

  Is there something else he doesnt know?

  Standing in the queue, he took a peek at the emperor sitting on the dragon chair, and after much hesitation, Bái Dézhòng finally swallowed the memorial he had drafted back into his stomach.

  There were unexpectedly fewer people attending the morning court, and it ended after only one watch. Bái Dé walked out of the palace with a heavy heart, thinking that if Jiǎng Xuánjǐn was still guarding the Western Wing and refused to speak, he would go find Old Master Jiǎng to have a talk.

  However, as soon as he stepped into the White Mansion, Bai Dechong was startled by the scene inside.

  The red silk-covered gift-bearing sedan chairs lined up all the way from the gate to the front hall, looking like a fiery red dragon at a glance.

  "Master!" The gatekeeper came up with a beaming face and bowed to him, "Youre back! Everyone in the Jiang family is waiting for you in the front hall!"

  He slightly stunned, Bai De lightly patted his own forehead. Silently scolding himself for being muddled-headed, he had forgotten that today was the day Jiangs family came to offer betrothal gifts. For now, Xuanjis marriage was the most important thing, as for other matters, they could be discussed later.

  He pulled himself together, straightened his attire and stepped into the front hall.

  Bai Meng was already standing in the front hall, and with a glance at the red decorations that filled the entire house and courtyard, he couldnt help but feel overjoyed.

  The amount of betrothal gifts determines the degree to which the brides family values their daughter-in-law. The Jiang family is really generous, and they gave out sixty-four sets of the highest specifications. Just by looking at the edges of the first two boxes that are exposed, you can tell how substantial the things wrapped in red cloth are.

  The relatives of the Bai family standing behind her exclaimed with envy: "Xuanji is married well, this daughter was not raised in vain!"

  Bai Meng heard this and was even more delighted in her heart, but on the surface she still maintained a reserved demeanor, covering her mouth with her sleeve as she said: "The betrothal gifts are secondary, whats most important is that Xuanji can marry a good husband."

  Several relatives flattered her a few more times, and White Mengs reputation was lifted to the sky.

  The people of Jiangs family sat quietly on the guest seats, drinking tea without a word.

  Bai De stepped forward and didnt look around much. He first went to the front and greeted Jiang Chong: "Sorry to keep you all waiting."

  Jiang Chong stood up and didnt respond to the term "family member", cupped his hands and said: "Bai Daren has made contributions to the country, we should wait a bit too."

  Bai Dezhong was taken aback for a moment, smiling politely, but feeling that something was off. His gaze swept to the side, and he suddenly froze.

  Old Master Jiang sat at the guest seat with a dragon-headed cane, accompanied by a smiling Jiang Shen. Behind him stood a row of people who were all uncles and relatives of the Jiang family, any one of whom was a prominent figure in the imperial court.

  No wonder it was empty at this mornings meeting, how did all these people end up here?!

  His heart was shocked and frightened, but Bai De strongly calmed himself down. He cupped his hands together in respect and bowed to Jiang Lao Taigong: "Sir has actually come to our humble abode personally, I am truly flustered!"

  Old Jiang smiled and kindly said to him: "Please sit down first."

  He glanced at the people behind him and Bai De stiffly sat down, only daring to sit for half a moment, his body straight as a pen.

  The old man said: "I have come today to propose a marriage."

  Bai De bowed his head and cupped one hand in the other, saying: "Actually, according to etiquette, General, you should have come over. Your visit has made me, Bai, feel ashamed that my households courtesy is not up to par."

  The old man smiled and shook his head: "Lao Gui is just following the rules, dont worry about it, the courtesy of your family is very thorough."

  What does this mean? Bai Dezhong was a bit bewildered, and behind him, Bai Mengshi also heard it vaguely.

  Isnt it the custom for the grooms father to come and pay respects? Jiang Yan is getting married, what is Old Master doing here? Moreover, didnt General Fang just make a mistake? Why did he address Bai Dezhong as "Sir" instead of "Relatives" like Old Master?

  Before they could understand, Old Master Jiang said another sentence: "Is my humble son Xuanjin still bothering you at your esteemed residence?"

  At this mention, Bai Des face turned slightly unpleasant: "Jun Shang is probably still in the West Wing."

  "All right." The old man nodded and turned to Jiang Chong, "Go call him over."

  Bai Meng hastily interrupted, "The Jiang family has already gathered so many people for Xuanjis wedding today, its already a big commotion, why disturb the emperor again?"

  Looking at her, the old man smiled and said: "If its about the marriage of the second young lady of your esteemed house, I wouldnt have to sit here today."

  As soon as this was said, Bai Dezhong finally thought of something and looked at the Jiang family in shock. He opened his mouth to speak, but felt that his idea was absurd and couldnt bring himself to say it out loud.

  Bai Mengs family still frowned in confusion, feeling that this was inexplicable. The people of the White House on the hall were whispering to each other, discussing it in an uproar.

  West Wing Chamber

  Jiang Xuanjin did not sleep for the whole night, but still did not wait for the person on the bed to wake up. A pair of eyes stared at the doctor who was taking the pulse, with a color as deep as the black night.

  The nurse nervously felt the pulse, but didnt say a word for a long time. He was getting impatient and wanted to check the persons breathing again. Just as he was about to put his fingers on the nose, the door of the room was pushed open by someone.

  "Master." The servant came in and bowed, "The old master asks you to go to the front hall, the young master is waiting for you outside the courtyard gate."

  He invited him to go, and it was probably Bai Dechong who returned to the government office. Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, looked at the person on the bed, and stopped his fingers an inch away from her nose. After thinking for a moment, he finally put down his hand to tuck in her quilt.

  "Ill go settle some other matters first." He stood up and said to Ling Xiu, "Take good care of your younger sister, if anything happens, come inform me at once."

  Ling Xiu nodded repeatedly.

  Taking the clean outer garment handed over by Yu Feng, Jiang Xuanjin changed his clothes and wiped his face with cold water before going out to look for Jiang Chong. The two of them went together to the front hall, and as soon as they stepped across the threshold, they heard Old Masters stern rebuke: "What kind of behavior is this!"

  Everyone was startled and didnt know who he was scolding. Jiang Xuanjin, however, stepped forward very consciously, stood in front of him and bowed his head: "The son is being rude."

  "Do you also know that youre being rude?" The old man glared at him, "On the day of the wedding, the groom is supposed to arrive earlier than the brides family, but youre later than them!"

  The front hall, which was just noisy, became quiet in an instant, as if everyone had died.

  Bai Des eyes widened in shock, and Bai Mengshi also stared with wide eyes. The crowd of people from the White family behind them were all stunned on the spot. Some even dug their ears, suspecting they were dreaming.

  Who is going to marry? Zi Yang Jun? Isnt this old man getting senile?

  In a state of shock, Jiang Xuanjins face was very calm, turned around to Bai Dechong and said in a light tone: "The junior arrived late, hoping the adult will forgive."

  Bai Dezhong: "......"

  Although Jiang Xuanjin was younger than him in both age and generation, his identity was placed here, and he had always referred to himself as "Ben Jun". When he suddenly called himself "Late Generation", Bai Dezhong inexplicably felt a sense of unease in his heart.

  "Whats going on?" Bai Mengs composure was lost, she furrowed her brow and looked at Jiang Xuanjin, then turned to look at the old master behind him, "Today wasnt supposed to be about Master Jiangs young son coming to propose to Xuanji? How did it become about Ziyang Jun getting married?"

  Old Master Jiang leaned on his cane and smiled, "Today, Ive invited so many people from both families to clarify this matter once and for all, so as to avoid any future gossip. As the elder brother, Xuan Jins marriage should naturally take precedence over Yan Ers. Today, everyone in the Jiang household has come, just to show Lord Bai our sincerity, so he can rest assured and marry his daughter to Xuan Jin."

  Bai Dezhong was shocked to hear this, not because he doubted Jiang Fus sincerity, but because... Zi Yang Jun actually wanted him to be his son-in-law?

  How many people in the imperial court wanted to be related to Zi Yang Jun, even Qi Ge Lao was willing to give his legitimate daughter to him as a concubine. Such a stunning beauty that could topple cities and states, he didnt even glance at them, so how did he take a liking to Bai Zhu Ji?

  If it werent for yesterdays incident, Bái Dézhòng might still have naively thought that Zǐyáng Jūn had taken a liking to Xuàn Jī. But after what happened yesterday... If he still doesnt know who he wants to marry, then these forty-odd years of his life would have been lived in vain!

  Bai Mengs face suddenly turned from red to white, staring at Jiang Xuanjin with wide eyes, her fingernails digging into her flesh.

  He wants to marry Bai Zhen? How can he marry Bai Zhen! Xuan Zhen marrying Jiang Yan is already a high match, what qualifications do those four fools have to marry Zi Yang Jun? If this really happens, wont Xuan Zhen have to call her Aunt in the future? Its simply absurd!

  She was so angry that she couldnt care less about etiquette and hastily said: "This wont do!"

  Bai Dezhong had not spoken, but the woman spoke up first. Jiang Lao Taigong frowned and looked at her with displeasure, asking in a low voice: "Why not?"

  Bai Mengs face was flushed with anxiety and urgency as he stepped forward and asked: "Does the old master know who the young master intends to marry?"

  "Its natural." He nodded, "The Fourth Miss of your esteemed household, Bai Zhuji."

  "If you know, then the old master should also know that Bai Zhuji is foolish and has a bad reputation for many years! She cant even marry the young master, let alone marry the lord!" White Mengshi shook her head repeatedly, "Please ask the old master to reconsider!"

  These words were unpleasant to hear and indirectly stepped on Jiang Yans foot. Jiang Chong, who was beside her, also lost his good temper at once.

  "How dare you!" Baide suddenly became aware of something being off and scolded her, "What right do you have to speak here?"

  "You are the pillar of the country, and your marriage cannot be taken lightly. Even if Master scolds me today, I must speak out to clear things up, and not let her deceive you!" Bai Mengshi had a just and upright attitude, "What I say is all true. That Bai Zhuji not only has a habit of stealing, but also doesnt come home at night, ruining her reputation, its really hard for her to enter a noble family!"

  In other peoples homes, when marrying off their daughters, they all try to speak well of them, fearing that the in-laws will look down on them. But this White Manor is different; as soon as the matchmaker says a few words, the mistress of the house hastily wants to splash dirty water on the daughter who is about to be married off.

  Jiang Xuanjin raised his eyes and looked at her flustered appearance, slightly hooked his lips: "Every word is true?"

  Meeting his gaze, Bai Meng felt a bit guilty, but still nodded vigorously: "Yes, everyone in the mansion knows! Bai Zhuji was vain and stole her second sisters dowry to wear, yesterday she ran off somewhere unknown and didnt come back all night!"

  "Steal her second sisters dowry?" Jiang Xuan thought for a moment, "Is Madam Bai referring to the jewelry on Fourth Young Misss body yesterday?"

  "Yes!" said Bai Mengs wife firmly. "Those were all prepared by me for my second daughter, I personally checked them, there wont be any mistake."

  With a chuckle, Jiang Xuanjin flipped his hand and took out a golden silk eight-treasured hairpin: "Lets take a look at this, Madam Bai. Is this also part of Er Xiao Jies dowry?"

  This was dropped by Bai Zhen in the Ink Dwelling, or perhaps it was brought by the Wind Chaser to the White Manor. It was originally intended to be returned to her after she woke up, but unexpectedly, it came in handy.

  Bai Meng looked at the hairpin in his hand and felt that the workmanship was similar to those on Bai Zhus body, so he nodded immediately: "Yes! This one too!"

  Withdraw your hand, Jiang Xuanjin nodded: "This is easy to handle. This hairpin comes from the Cang Hai Yi Zhu Ge, and the house of Lu Zhanggui, the owner of Cang Hai Yi Zhu Ge, is just next door. If Madam Bai insists that these things were prepared by you as a dowry for your younger sister, then its not a problem to invite Lu Zhanggui over and ask him, everything will be clear."

  As soon as this remark came out, Bai Mengs face suddenly turned pale, and then she angrily said: "Your Excellency means that I am telling lies?"

  This is an angry rhetorical question. Normally, people would be intimidated by her and say something like "I didnt mean it that way".

  However, standing in front of her was Jiang Xuanjin, who never gave anyone a chance.

  "You were lying from the start." He furrowed his brow, his expression growing even colder. "The jewelry that Fourth Young Miss wore was a gift from Lu Zhanggui of Cang Hai Yi Zhu Ge, but you claimed it was stolen and said it was White Second Young Misss dowry. The mistress of the White family actually publicly slandered her junior?"

  Unexpectedly, the lie was exposed on the spot. Bai Mengs face turned red with embarrassment, and he stuttered a few words, his awkwardness fully revealed.

  She looked like this, and Bai De couldnt help but feel ashamed when he saw her. He scolded: "How dare you speak nonsense here!"

  "I... " Bai Mengs wife gritted her teeth, thickening her skin to refuse to admit it, "I didnt lie! It was obviously the master who intentionally covered up for Bai Zhuji! Even if we take a few steps back and say that she got the jewelry from somewhere else, its still true that she didnt come home at night! A young lady who hasnt married yet, staying overnight in someone elses house, who knows what happened!"

  "Youre being ridiculous!" Concerned about the reputation of his daughters family, Bai Dezhong finally couldnt sit still, got up and gave Bai Mengshi a slap in the face, causing her to stumble backward several steps.

  Covering her face and leaning on the table, Bai Mengs eyes became increasingly resentful: "Im telling the truth, and its for the good of our White family. If you impulsively marry Zhu Ji and take her back, only to discover something wrong later, wont you blame our family?"

  These words are sinister, every sentence implies that Bai Zhuji is not clean, and saying this in front of the elders of both families is almost as if they didnt plan to leave Bai Zhuji a way out.

  The Jiang family members looked at each other in surprise, and after a moment of silence, Old Master Jiang suddenly stood up and bowed to Bai Dezhong.

  Bai De hurriedly stretched out his hand to support him, frowning and saying: "Youre bullying Bai!"

  "The old master should indeed take this step." Old Master Jiang sighed, "As Madam Bai said, an unmarried young lady staying overnight at someone elses home is indeed not proper."

  Bai Meng was overjoyed when he heard this, thinking that his words had finally taken effect.

  However, the old man continued to say: "Moreover, Xuanyin has always been a person who upholds etiquette. He knows that this is not good for the Fourth Miss, yet he still kept her at the Jiang Manor overnight. This is indeed the fault of my poor teaching, and I am ashamed before our relatives!"

  Jiang Chong also bowed his head: "As a big brother, I didnt stop him and Im ashamed in front of Lord Bai!"

  Jiang Shen cupped his hands: "As the second brother, I didnt stop him either, and its a shame to face Lord Bai!"

  The people in the row behind Jiangs house who knew about "Third Master hiding a woman in his room" all bowed to Bai Dechong. As members of the Jiang family, not only did they not stop him, but they were also particularly happy, which was really shameful!

  Looking at the neat and tidy hair in front of him, Bái Dé was stunned, and Bái Mèngs wife was also stunned.

  "Last night... did Zhen Zhu spend the night at Jiang Fu?" Bai Dezhong asked in a low voice.

  Jiang Xuanjin gave him a cold glance: "Fourth Miss twisted her ankle at the Jiang manor yesterday and is temporarily unable to walk, so I let her stay in the guest house. This was my own oversight and has nothing to do with Fourth Miss, please forgive me, sir."

  What is thievery, what is not returning home at night and being with someone, it all turns out to be slandering! After Jiang Xuanjin finished speaking, everyones eyes fell on the mistress of the White family. This time, even the members of the White family felt that Bai Mengshis behavior was truly vicious and absurd!

  Bai Dechong looked at Jiang Xuanjin with a guilty conscience: "So, your highness was so overbearing yesterday because I wronged Zhu Ji?"

  His face slightly darkened, Jiang Xuanjin said: "Does the lord think that he has simply wronged her?"

  "Whats wrong?"

  Take a look at Bai Mengs family, Jiang Xuanjin said to Bai Dechong: "Your wife almost beat your biological daughter to death, if it wasnt for me stopping her last night, she would have been out of breath! Youre fine, you dont ask or know, but you blame and scold her, is there a bit of dignity in your words and actions that deserves my respect?"

  Bai Des heart skipped a beat, he opened his mouth, but couldnt refute it.

  The people from the Jiang family were also frightened and hastily asked him: "Whats going on? Is Fourth Miss injured?"

  Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes and covered up his emotions, answering: "Life or death is still uncertain."

  As soon as he heard this, Bai De couldnt believe it and looked at Bai Meng in shock. The latter hastily lowered his head and whispered, "I didnt use such a heavy hand."

  They were all beaten by the family slaves.

  He didnt have time to greet others, and Bai De hurriedly walked towards the West Wing. Jiang Lao Taigong couldnt sit still either, fearing that his long-awaited daughter-in-law would disappear like this, so he hastily followed with his cane.

  He moved, and all the people of the Jiang family got up, leaving only Bai Mengshi and a few members of the Bai family standing still in the hall.

  A group of people were about to arrive at the West Wing, but they saw a young girl running out from the entrance of the West Wing. She was running very quickly and suddenly tripped and fell heavily to the ground.

  "Ling Xiu?" Bai De shouted as soon as he saw him.

  Looks like she fell hard, Ling Xiu couldnt get up, lying on the ground and lifting her head to see Jiang Xuanjin, silly and smiling: "Your Highness, Xiaojie made it through!"

  This smile was radiant, even with a dirty face, it seemed to be shining. However, this light only lasted for two moments before disappearing completely, staring blankly at a vacant spot, suddenly bursting into loud wails.

  A night of fear and trepidation, a night of heart-pounding terror, all poured out in her tears. Her sobs were heartbreaking, and the people present felt a pang of sorrow in their hearts.

  Jiang Xuanjin looked at her, and his clenched fist also slightly loosened.

  Finally made it through...

  These four words made everyones heart feel a bit complicated, and Bai De looked at the small room in front of him again, finally feeling that he had indeed treated Zhu Yi poorly, allowing her to be bullied to such an extent.

  He turned around and said to the group of people behind him, "The house is small, let Jun Shang and Old Master go in first, you all can rest your feet in the side room."

  So many people came to visit the sick, which also affected the patient. Although everyone wanted to take a look at those four misses, the host family said so, and they also nodded in understanding.

  Jiang Xuanjin entered the inner chamber and went straight to the bedside, lowering his head to take a look at the complexion of the person on the bed.

  Still a pale face, but vaguely, I can feel a hint of vitality.

  He relaxed his eyebrows and looked at Bai Dezhong beside him, getting up to make room for him. Bai Dezhong leaned forward to take a look, with an even thicker guilty look in his eyes.

  "Im not a good father," he said. "I promised her mother that I would take good care of her, but I didnt."

  "Old Jiang said: Its still not too late to make amends now."

  Bai Des face twisted into a bitter smile: "What does Old Master think Bai should do to make amends?"

  "Isnt that simple?" The old man glared, gripping his cane and pointing at Jiang Xuanjin beside him. "Marrying your daughter to him is the best compensation."

  “……”

  Bai De was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "The old master is right." He looked at Jiang Xuanjin beside him: "Its probably because the heavens took pity on Zhuji, so she received your favor. To be honest, this morning Bai almost really rebelled against you. Fortunately, fortunately, Bai believed in your good character once again."

  Jiang Xuanjin lowered his head and remained silent.

  Old Master Jiang smiled and said: "Its good that he has been impeached once, this child hasnt been impeached by anyone before, its not bad to have some experience."

  His family is so open-minded, and Bai Dezhongs heart is even more grateful. But looking at the weak person on the bed, he asked the doctor with some worry: "Is it really okay?"

  The doctor smiled tiredly: "The prescription has been written out, take it three times a day and with careful nursing there will be no problem."

  Nodding his head, Bai De once again bowed his hands to Jiang Xuanjin: "Thank you for saving my daughters life."

  Jiang Xuanjin hadnt even had time to respond when Old Master Jiang beside him shook his head and said, "Whats there to thank? If he hadnt saved her, shed be a widow now!"

  As she spoke, she pulled Bái Dé out again: "Since the relatives have also accepted this marriage, lets discuss the wedding date in detail and receive the betrothal gifts at the same time."

  Bai Dezhong nodded repeatedly and followed him out, but couldnt help turning his head to take another look.

  In the dimly lit room, Zi Yang Jun stood quietly beside the bed, his demeanor elegant and refined, just like the figure he had seen in the imperial court. He was clearly close to others, yet seemed distant at the same time.

  East Wing Main Building.

  Bai Xuanji had already silently shed half a times worth of tears, and Bai Mengshi was pressing an ice pack against her face, her eyes also filled with resentment.

  "She must have used some fox charm, otherwise the lord would not have taken a liking to her?" Bai Meng said with hatred, and then comforted her for two sentences, "Dont worry, they only said that Ziyang Juns marriage should be prioritized, but didnt say that your marriage would be cancelled."

  "It doesnt matter if its mentioned or not, whats the difference between saying it out loud and actually breaking off the engagement?" Bai Xueqi wiped away tears, "Besides, even if we dont break it off, Ill still be inferior to Bai Zhuqi."

  Having a good marriage would certainly make her happy, but what made her even happier was being able to step on Bai Zhuiji. Now not only is the marriage uncertain, but Bai Zhuiji has also turned around and stepped on her, how can she be willing to accept this?

  As soon as she thought of her relatives hypocritical eyes at home just now, Bai Xueji felt a surge of resentment in her heart.

  Bai Meng sighed: "If I had known earlier, I would have killed her directly. This way, even if Zi Yang Jun wanted to marry her, she wouldnt be alive to do so."

  Upon hearing this, Bai Xueqi raised her eyes and looked at her.

  Her heart skipped a beat, and Bai Mengs family hastily said: "I was just joking, if I really killed him, I would also have to eat prison food."

  Wiping away her tears, Bai Xueji said: "If you had killed him openly, you would definitely have to go to jail."

  But what if its not on the surface?

  Bai Meng was taken aback, looked at her eyes, and suddenly felt a chill behind his back.

  The Jiang family and the Bai family discussed the details of the marriage, then bid farewell to the whole family. Old Master Jiang stepped out of the door, took a look at Jiang Xuanjin who had not followed him out, and laughed with anger: "You are the dignified Zi Yang Jun, are you going to marry into their family?"

  "I have something to return to her." Jiang Xuanjin said, "Wait until she wakes up and returns it, then leave."

  Just worry about it then, no need to find some rotten excuse. The old man heard this and shook his head: "No integrity!"

  Jiang Xuanjin pretended not to hear, watching them leave with his eyes, and then said a couple of words to Bai De before returning to the West Wing.

  "Master." Yu Feng followed behind him and said, "You should go to sleep first, your eyes are all red."

  Jiang Xuanjin shook his head and sat down on the edge of the bed, saying: "I didnt go to the early court today, there are many things to deal with, you can just brew a cup of tea for me."

  Yu Feng sighed and left with an order.

  There were quite a few newly arrived books by his side, Jiang Xuanjin rubbed his brow and patiently picked them up one by one to read. When he saw the fifth book, the person on the bed coughed.

  He was slightly startled and hastily leaned over to take a look, only to see that Bai Zhujis eyes were tightly closed, her lips slightly parted as if she was reciting something. The first time he didnt hear clearly, but the second time the two words became clear.

  She cried out: Father Emperor.

  Jiang Xuanjin was taken aback, staring at her for a while before bursting out laughing.

  Shes so beautiful that even in her dreams she dreams of being a princess!

  Just as he was about to reach out and touch her nonsensical lips, a sudden shout came from outside: "Whos there!"

  It was the sound of the wind, Jiang Xuanjin raised an eyebrow, put down his fan and got up to open the door.

  Outside the door, Yu Feng held a cup of tea in one hand and pinched his eyebrows with the other, watching the opposite side with caution.

  He stood facing a person, who was wearing a silver silk snow cloak and holding a Nanyang jade bone fan.

  "Get out!" Lu Jinghang raised his eyes and looked at him, with a fierce glare in his eyes.