Chapter 196: Avoiding Disaster - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 196: Avoiding Disaster

In the army, orders were strictly followed, and even a slight mistake could lead to punishment by military stick. Therefore, Xiao Mu Qian always carried some medicine with him. His worry for Bai Siruo was unabated. If Shen Shi saw this scene, she would probably be furious to the point of spitting blood. Xiao Mu Qian was truly a stubborn person.

Princess Wen Yi, on the other hand, felt somewhat guilty towards her brother and sister-in-law. She was about to kneel and said, "Brother, sister-in-law, this is all my fault. I didn't properly restrain Siruo, which led her to take this wrong step. But she really didn't elope with someone; she was kidnapped."

"Good sister, we watched Siruo grow up. We know her mind. By saying this, you're insulting us. Rest assured, we came here today to discuss this matter with you and the elders of the Bai family. No matter how ugly the rumors outside are, our marriage alliance with the Bai family is set!"

The words of the heir's wife acted like a reassurance, finally putting Princess Wen Yi's heart at ease.

Although everyone knew the truth, it was understandable if the Prince Kang's Mansion canceled the marriage to save Xiao Mu Qian's face. However, if that happened, Bai Siruo would probably never be able to marry again in her lifetime.

"But Siruo is a daughter. With her reputation now tarnished in Dongdu City, it will be hard for her to stay here. Our idea is that after Qian'er returns from this expedition, we let them get married, and then Siruo can go to Liangzhou with Mu Qian. It's far from Dongdu City and no one will gossip behind her back. Wen Yi, what do you think?"

The heir's wife was sincerely considering Bai Siruo's well-being. After this incident, it would be difficult for her to integrate into the social circles of these ladies. Rather than staying here and enduring their mockery, it would be better to leave. After three to five years, these things would naturally fade away.

Princess Wen Yi looked serious, earnestly contemplating the heir's wife's suggestion. But then Bai Silang, who had just walked in, said loudly, "Thank you for your kind offer, sister-in-law, but Siruo will not go anywhere. She will stay in Dongdu City. The daughter of our Bai family made a mistake and has been punished. However, if those unfounded accusations are imposed on her, leaving will only make the rumors worse."

The heir's wife understood Bai Silang's point, but a daughter cannot be compared to a son in facing hostility from all directions.

"Brother-in-law, I know you're angry, and I know the Bai family has integrity. But Siruo is a woman who has to deal with a bunch of gossiping ladies. Whenever there's any commotion, they can't wait to ridicule someone to death. Not to mention, Siruo's matter has caused such a stir. I'm afraid she can't bear it!"

"If she can't bear it, she must. As long as we stand upright, we are not afraid of what others say. Moreover, my eldest brother and I have already reported this matter to His Majesty this morning. I believe it won't be long before His Majesty gives our Bai family justice and clears Siruo's name!"

Seeing Bai Silang speak so confidently, the heir's wife and her husband couldn't persuade him any further. It was Xiao Mu Qian who, after being silent for a long time, finally spoke, "Aunt, uncle, can I see Siruo?"

Bai Silang looked at Princess Wen Yi, who didn't want to speak to him, indicating she was still angry.

The young couple had not even married and were already going through this. He would leave Dongdu City tomorrow, and thinking of this, he felt a bit reluctant. So he said, "Go ahead, but she is injured, so don't talk too long."

Xiao Mu Qian's eyes lit up. After saluting the elders, he left.

When the injury was mentioned, Princess Wen Yi looked at Bai Silang resentfully. He did not feel guilty but owas a bit uncomfortable being stared at by his wife like this. He then said to the heir, "Brother, come with me to the front hall for tea. The Jingming tea just delivered a few days ago tastes perfect."

The heir thought his wife and sister-in-law might have some private words to share, so he didn't linger and followed him.

Once only Princess Wen Yi and the heir's wife were left in the room, Princess Wen Yi began to cry bitterly.

"I really don't know who we offended, to have my daughter humiliated like this. How will she hold her head up in the future? I don't even need to listen to the rumors outside to know they're not good. My poor Siruo, how did she become so unfortunate!"

Now she truly understood Shen Shi's heartache when Bai Sihan was sent back by the Princess Changlin's
Mansion.

The heir's wife comforted her, "Look at that girl from the Xu family. After her engagement was canceled, she acted as if nothing happened and even went to Wenjin Academy to be a teacher. Once Siruo's injury is healed and the weather warms up, she can go out to enjoy the flowers and scenery. Once she feels better, she'll naturally become more open-minded."

Princess Wen Yi, with tear-filled eyes, was distressed. Meanwhile, Bai Siruo, the center of the public's attention, looked calm.

She could only lie on the bed now. When Xiao Mu Qian arrived, she was only wearing an inner garment, so they could only speak through the screen.

After being tormented for half the night, enduring the cold and beatings, she was now utterly drained.

Looking at the tall figure outside the screen, she said, "My reputation is ruined now. If you want to break off the engagement, just go ahead. I won't cling to you."

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm here today to tell you that I, Xiao Mu Qian, will marry no one but you!"

"But I..."

"Siruo, live for yourself. If you can't control others' mouths, then control your own heart. When I return, we will get married. If you want to stay in Dongdu City, I'll ask His Majesty to transfer me back. If you want to go to Liangzhou, I'll take you there. Although it's dusty and lacks supplies, it's not as cold as Dongdu City. In fact, it's much freer than here."

Xiao Mu Qian couldn't stay by her side but was worried she might become depressed. So, before leaving, he had to express his feelings.

He was never one to care about others' opinions or weigh pros and cons. With his elder brother shouldering the responsibilities of Prince Kang's Mansion, he could live more freely. Thus, he hoped his future wife could live the same way. However, if she became troubled over this matter, it would be quite a waste.

Bai Siruo felt increasingly remorseful for her impulsive actions after hearing his words.

Now she had to swallow her bitterness.

"But if you stay with me, you will also be ridiculed. One or two days are fine, but what about a year or two?"

There was an old saying that love fades when beauty wanes. In her case, it might turn into accumulated conflicts.

Besides, living with someone while always feeling guilty would be worse than becoming a nun.

Sensing her lack of confidence, Xiao Mu Qian disregarded the propriety between men and women. After all, she would be his wife in the end. He simply walked out from behind the screen, startling Bai Siruo.

He looked at Bai Siruo with firm eyes, his tone serious and solemn, "If you're worried about this, I can swear now that if I ever wrong you in this life, may I die a terrible death!"