CHAPTER TEN

Bai Lang understood that Yun Yi was attempting to manipulate her into seeking help from her father, which would ultimately result in her mother's confinement and negatively impact Bai Lang.

Despite Su Rou Xue's misbehavior, she still held a special place in her father's heart. Whenever Su Rou Xue threw a tantrum, her father would only scold her, leaving her alone afterwards.

Bai Lang recognized that Su Rou Xue knew how to provoke a reaction from her father, and this ultimately benefited Bai Lang as a concubine's daughter. Letting out a sigh, Bai Lang coldly stared at Yun Yi and remarked,

"There's more than just mosquitoes around here. I even saw a rat. Rats make me sick." Bai Lang made it clear to Yun Yi that she would not engage in gossip or carry news, especially when it concerned Su Rou Xue.

Yun Yi furrowed her brows, expressing her distaste for children.

She could merely tolerate their presence, except for this fourth girl who seemed to be an exception.

This girl, hungry for affection, always obediently followed Yun Yi's every word. On the other hand, Bai Lang subtly disregarded the women in the room, indicating to Yun Yi that it was time for her to leave.

The silence in the room became uncomfortably awkward, and Yun Yi realized that she had overstayed her welcome. She hastily apologized to Bai Lang and said, "I shall take my leave now. Visit my courtyard later, and I will have the chef prepare some sweets for you."

Bai Lang's face turned cold as she stared at Yun Yi, but then quickly reverted to her innocent, child-like expression. Yun Yi was momentarily frozen when she witnessed this transition, wondering if she had imagined it.

Just then, a mama from the main courtyard entered.

Upon stepping into the inner chambers, Yun Yi warmly welcomed her. Being one of the trusted servants of the esteemed Madam Bai, she often took charge of significant tasks. With a courteous nod towards Yun Yi, she then turned her attention to Mama Chen and respectfully approached her.

"Mama Chen, Madam Bai has informed me that the seamstresses have arrived to measure the young misses for their spring attires.

She kindly requests if the Fourth Miss could join everyone in the main hall." Bai Lang paid no heed to Yun Yi, who remained standing, and gracefully moved behind the divider. There, she had Lou Meng assist her in changing into a suitable ensemble.

Skipping away from the decorative walkway, Bai Lang exuded a radiant aura in her spring-inspired ensemble.

Adorned in a vibrant yellow dress adorned with delicate white lily embroidery on the sleeves, her hair was styled into two adorable buns, each adorned with a white ribbon.

Bai Lang now appeared as a distinguished young lady, full of brightness and joy. As she walked past Yun Yi, she no longer acknowledged her presence.

"Mama Chan, let's not keep grandmother waiting any longer," Bai Lang exclaimed, urging her the servant to join her. With Mama Chu and Lou Meng trailing behind, Bai Lang gracefully made her way to the seamstresses, eager to be measured for her new garments.

***

When the evening descended upon the Bai Household and its residents were still engrossed in their activities, Bai Lang sat down for a quiet meal with Su Rou Xue. However, she used the excuse of fatigue to retreat to her chambers.

As the night grew darker, Bai Lang prepared herself for sleep. The day had been exhausting, especially with the elaborate dinner she had with her mother. But amidst the weariness, Bai Lang couldn't help but contemplate her uncertain future. Su Rou Xue was relatively easy to handle, should the need arise.

The real challenge lay in dealing with the mysterious person responsible for her fall at the lake. Bai Lang had a meticulous plan in place. It didn't make sense for her to expose Su Rou Xue when there was an unknown threat lurking in the shadows, waiting to harm her.

With a mother like Su Rou Xue, Bai Lang had little hope of turning out any different. It seemed that old bai lang would have either inherit her mother's twisted nature, become mentally unstable like her, or be forced to mature too quickly.

Yet, Bai Lang the child had chosen a different path. Instead of embracing adulthood earlier than normal, she remained timid and sought solace in the affection of others.

It was uncertain what kind of person she would have become in the future if bai chan had not reincarnated in her body.

Feeling exhausted, Bai Lang let out a tired yawn. She couldn't bear to stay in a place where she was constantly criticized without standing up for herself.

"I need my beauty sleep." She thought, as fatigue washed over her. Just as she was about to drift off, she caught a glimpse of a shadow in the corner of her eyes, hidden behind the bed curtains. Her heart froze at the sight of the person.

***

The mornings at the Bai residence were usually quite uneventful. A young servant girl, with her hair neatly arranged in two simple buns, dressed in a plain gray cotton dress, gently parted the beaded curtain and entered the inner room.

There, she found Bai Lang sitting on a cushion, lost in thought, while Lu Meng combed her hair. In a soft and humble voice, she informed Bai Lang.

"Third Young Miss, Concubine Su has arrived for the morning meal."

As Bai Lang prepared for the day, she couldn't help but notice that the portion of food seemed larger than usual. It appeared that Su Rou Xue, her mother's concubine, still insisted on taking care of her daughter. Sitting up, Bai Lang turned to the servant girl and said with a sweet smile and warm tone.

"Please, invite my mother in quickly." Her words were gentle and comforting, making the servant girl feel a pleasant tingling sensation inside.

Bai Lang typically enjoyed her solitary breakfast, but today she found herself accompanied by Su Rou Xue.

The morning meal was a peaceful affair, with Su Rou Xue being the only one to engage in conversation.

Bai Lang quietly savored her food, stealing glances at Lou Meng. Although the servant girl appeared unchanged, her bloodshot eyes hinted at a sleepless night.