CHAPTER SIX

"Third Young...young miss." Lou Meng's voice trembled as she called out, her guilt evident in her eyes. She couldn't regain her composure after being caught in the act.

Bai Chen furrowed her eyebrows, observing Lou Meng's guilty expression.

As Bai Chen delved into Bai Lang's memories, she discovered that Lou Meng had been gifted to her by her mother. She also learned about their interactions since she arrived in this new world.

Despite Lou Meng's respectful treatment towards her, she couldn't overlook the fact that she controlled Bai Long's monthly allowance and reported everything happening in her courtyard to her mother, the concubine .

Bai Chen was aware that Old Bai Long remained silent out of fear for her mother and Lou Meng, who pretended to be kind but was far from genuine.

However, as Bai Chen felt the menacing aura emanating from Lou Meng, she could infer that this young girl had recently attempted to end her life.

Otherwise, she would not have displayed such a shocked expression when Bai Chen's eyes suddenly snapped open.

Bai Chen pondered whether Lou Meng was responsible for her being pushed into the water.

Despite the servant girl's disloyalty, Bai Chen desired to keep her around. However, she realized the importance of maintaining appearances to avoid being labeled as possessed and facing a fatal consequence.

As her consciousness slowly cleared, Bai Chen noticed Lou Meng growing anxious.

"Young miss, you're awake. I'll fetch the medicine," she said before quickly disappearing. Bai Chen didn't utter a word but watched as Lou Meng hurried away. She relaxed her intense demeanor and sat up with the help of a maidservant who had rushed in upon hearing the commotion.

"How much time has passed while I was in a state of unconsciousness?" The young servant girl, barely twelve years old, assisted Bai Chen in changing her robes.

The fabric clung to her body, drenched in perspiration and causing discomfort.

"Young Miss consumed a significant amount of water, resulting in her catching a cold.

She has been in an unconscious state for nearly a complete day. We can only express our gratitude to Madam for promptly summoning the doctor," the servant girl remarked.

Just then, Lou Meng reappeared, holding a tray containing a gaiwan filled with medicinal concoction. Trailing behind her were two kitchen mamas, balancing a tray adorned with various side dishes.

The mothers set up a modest meal and exited the room. Bai Chen glanced at the food but had no desire to eat. Lou Meng observed as the young lady leaned against the cushions, her eyes closed and showing no sign of recognition.

Lou Meng noticed Bai Lang's eagerness to pass the cup to her, but Bai Lang's delicate jade-like hand lacked strength.

Eventually, Bai Lang managed to receive the cup, taking a few sips before feeling her energy wane. Lou Meng stepped forward and gently took the cup from Bai Lang's unsteady hands, setting it on the corner table.Exhausted beyond measure, Bai Lang wearily shut her eyes, seeking solace in the stillness.

Today had been yet another close call, a brush with death that reminded her of her past existence. She refused to live a life where she simply went along with the choices others made for her, complacent and resigned.

No, she had experienced the darkness of that existence, where survival was a constant battle, and she had perished within its clutches.

Initially, Bai Lang had believed her life had reached its bitter end. But fate had other plans, as she unexpectedly found herself reborn, inhabiting a completely new vessel. Her previous life had been a tumultuous journey, filled with sorrow and despair, especially after her ill-fated marriage.

When she had breathed her last, her heart had been heavy with resentment and animosity. Perhaps the divine beings above had taken pity on her and granted her a chance to start anew, bestowing upon her a fresh identity.

Bai Lang was determined to protect her happiness at all costs. She made a solemn vow to herself and to the heavens, swearing that she would eliminate anyone who dared to ruin her joy.

Lou Meng, noticing that Bai Lang showed no interest in eating, approached her cautiously.

"Miss, the kitchen staff left some appetizers to whet your appetite. Should I bring them to your bedside?"

Lou Meng asked, her eyes filled with concern. Bai Lang kept her eyes closed, still lacking any hunger, and replied with a frown, "No, take them away. I will retire for the night."

Lou Meng hesitated for a moment before gathering the dishes and removing them from the room. The young maid then extinguished the lamps, leaving Bai Lang in the quiet darkness.

Not wanting to dwell on the memories of her past life, Bai Lang closed her eyes and succumbed to sleep. With the effects of the medicine taking hold, she was able to let go, no longer worrying if Lou Meng would return to harm her.

In the month of April, the temperatures began to rise, although it still remained on the chilly side, and rain poured incessantly. Bai Chen woke up early in the morning to the steady drizzle, scanning the room before coughing.

Her throat felt dry, but the burning sensation that had plagued her the previous night had vanished.Lou Meng, upon hearing her cough, pulled back the curtains that blocked the entrance, revealing a little girl sitting up in bed.

She was clad in long-sleeved nightwear adorned with intricate red embroidery. Her long, black hair cascaded around her, and as she turned her head, her delicate profile came into view. Her thick, long eyelashes fluttered, and her perfectly pink, red lips parted, revealing a set of flawlessly shaped white teeth.

Lou Meng found herself captivated by the beauty of this young girl, who had not yet fully blossomed. She knew Bai Lang was truly a stunning individual.

Her mother, a captivating woman, was the epitome of beauty, standing out even among the other ladies in the backyard. Letting out a sigh, she ignited the charcoal burner and poured a soothing cup of water before approaching the bedside.

"Miss Water," Bai Lang's vacant gaze remained fixed past Lou Meng, but she accepted the cup and drank the water. The cool liquid relieved her parched throat, providing instant comfort.

Bai Lang remained silent, her eyes locked in a wordless exchange with Lou Meng. This silence made Lou Meng uneasy and filled with concern.

Ever since that fateful day when the lively girl, who constantly longed to see her mother, had undergone an inexplicable transformation overnight, Bai Lang had been far from herself.

The room felt damp due to the relentless rainfall, but the warmth from the burner helped alleviate some of the chill. Lou Meng couldn't ignore the fact that Bai Lang had stopped speaking to her after yesterday's incident.

Observing that Bai Lang's complexion seemed to have improved, Lou Meng summoned Min Lu to prepare hot water for the young miss's bath.The scorching water arrived promptly, carried by Lou Meng and two other diligent servants who were hidden behind the elegant mahogany screens.

***

The morning sun cast its radiant rays upon the grand residence, illuminating the title of Prime Minister Bai Fu. The servants bustled about, tirelessly attending to their masters' needs during breakfast.

However, the atmosphere in the courtyard was usually relaxed, allowing the maid servant to enjoy some leisurely time until the midday meal.

Today, though, was unlike any other, as Young Master Liang and his mother had sent a letter announcing their visit.

Bai Lang, on her way to her grandmother's courtyard to offer her morning salutations, noticed that the main pathway was abuzz with activity.

Lou Meng and Min Lu trailed closely behind her, curious to witness the unfolding events.