Chapter 97: Guilty - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 97: Guilty

Just two months after Bai Chaoke and the others left, Qiao Xiu Niang had a premature birth. If not for the old family servant braving the rain to find a midwife, both mother and child might have perished. After a whole day and night of labor, the child was born—a delicate, fair-skinned boy.

However, Qiao Xiu Niang's body was severely weakened by the difficult labor, and she became gravely ill. She held on, hoping to see her beloved return, but instead, she received a letter that hastened her death. It was an apology letter from Bai Sanlang.

In the letter, he expressed his regret for failing her, mentioned that his wife was also pregnant and could not be upset, and suggested that bringing her and the child to Qiongzhou would have to be reconsidered. He asked her to take care of her health but did not mention the child at all.

Qiao Xiu Niang cried all night after receiving the letter and passed away on the third day. She died never understanding why Bai Sanlang's feelings changed so quickly. Was it truly fear of her powerful family that turned him into a heartless man?

Sighing deeply, Bai Sanlang's mind filled with memories of the sweet times he had shared with Qiao Xiu Niang. His longing and fondness for her were evident. If it weren't for that visit to offer incense, he wouldn't have encountered the monk at Baofu Temple in Qiongzhou and learned that the child Qiao Xiu Niang carried was destined to clash with him severely.

His dreams of reuniting with his beautiful concubine and their child were shattered that day. The news of Qiao Xiu Niang's death left him heartbroken and disillusioned. The child seemed like a bringer of misfortune, having caused the death of his mother shortly after birth. If he had brought the child to his side, would it have fulfilled the monk's prophecy?

He didn't know for sure, but he understood one thing: it had not been easy to reach his current position, and he could not risk it all for just one child. He and Shen Shi would have many more children in the future. The thought of abandoning his son grew stronger over the next few days. When he received a letter from his father-in-law in Lingzhou, he made the decision to abandon the child he had never met.

Shen Shi watched as her husband's expression shifted from sorrow to determination, from pain to ruthlessness, making her swallow nervously. Despite years of marriage, she still couldn't see through this man.

The incense in the room crackled softly, pulling Bai Sanlang back to the present. "This is the last time. Don't meddle with that child again, or I will divorce you!" His words were unequivocal, and Shen Shi immediately nodded in agreement. After all, she had no desire to be further entangled with the child of that woman.

Bai Sanlang spent the night in the study, unable to sleep. The news of Qiao Xiu Niang brought back deep feelings of longing for her. The child must be fourteen by now, he wondered how he was doing. Standing with his hands behind his back, he looked out at the moonlit night, silent.

The lights of the Duke of Wei's mansion were gradually being lit as the evening deepened. In the study on the east side of Qinghe Courtyard, an elderly man with gray hair, the Duke of Wei, was sitting alone, sipping tea and playing chess. He pondered for a long time before finally placing a black piece, securing his victory.

A man in his forties, dressed in black, stood nearby, waiting quietly. "Where has he reached?" asked the Duke of Wei.

"Your Grace, he has arrived in Xuzhou." the man replied emotionlessly.

"Ensure his safe escort back. The item he carries is of utmost importance and must not be leaked."

"Understood." the man replied. He swiftly disappeared into the night after receiving his orders.

The Duke of Wei looked at the losing white pieces on the chessboard, feeling a bit regretful. He closed his eyes and whispered to himself, "Feng Hai, do not blame me for being ruthless. Seeing what you shouldn't have comes with a price."

The sky over Dongdu grew darker. At Xuzhou Wharf, an official boat from Yuhang was docked. More than ten robust men, dressed as servants, guarded the boat sternly, their sharp eyes keeping strangers at bay.

Inside the cabin, a man lay resting, his mind occupied with a secret message from the Duke of Wei. The order to frame the Feng family troubled him, as he had a bit of respect for Feng Hai's integrity and uprightness. But unfortunately, Feng Hai had offended the wrong person, the Duke of Wei.

With a deep sigh, the man forced himself to sleep, knowing that the journey to Dongdu was still long, and he needed to conserve his energy. The night was dark as ink, but the wide river under the moonlight sparkled with waves.

Suddenly, the man woke up to thick smoke. The fire spread quickly as oil had been secretly poured on the deck, igniting instantly and causing a fierce blaze.

"Help, help!" he shouted, but no one responded. Covering his nose and mouth with a damp cloth, he dashed outside, calling for help. He stumbled over something and saw that all the guards were lying motionless.

Realizing his location had been compromised, he pondered who could be daring enough to oppose the Duke of Wei. Was the fire meant to kill him, or was there another motive? Amidst the chaos, he saw figures approaching and decided to escape by sliding down a rope into the river.

The sound of the fire cracking masked his quiet descent into the water. "Where is he? He’s missing!" "Find him! Search everywhere!" The men scattered, but the man swam towards the shore, hoping to find refuge in a nearby riverside pavilion. By some stroke of luck or the incompetence of his pursuers, he managed to escape.

The next day, he found some ragged clothes in a dilapidated temple outside Xuzhou, disguised himself as a refugee, and headed towards Dongdu, step by step.

Early the next morning, Feng Jinyao visited Feng Jinlin's courtyard, only to encounter Yin Canwen, who was staying there.

Seeing him, Yin Canwen was momentarily surprised. Was it really her? The woman's slender figure stood firmly in the snow, looking delicate yet strong. He finally understood something.

The few red-hearted sandalwood plum trees swayed in the winter wind, while Yin Canwen's heart surged with emotion. A mere voice had haunted him since their last encounter; seeing her in person now, he realized he was deeply captivated.

"Miss Feng?" he greeted.

"Young Master Yin, you're up early. Is my second brother awake?" she asked.

"Oh, yes. He's in the courtyard practicing martial arts. He just went inside to freshen up." Yin Canwen explained.

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