CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

***

One week had passed, and a wave of astonishment washed over the servants as they learned about the ailing state of the Third Concubine of Bai Kang. The reason behind her illness was a prolonged period of suffering due to the tragic loss of her beloved firstborn child.

The matter of Su Rou Xue Seclusion was meticulously packed away and discarded. She was merely a concubine, a fleeting topic of conversation that was quickly overshadowed by something more captivating, and she was soon forgotten.

Now, Bai Lang occupied the courtyard all by herself.

***

"Do you find it sorrowful, Su Rou Xue Niang's punishment?" Bai Lang was seated next to Bai Nuo, engrossed in her reading while waiting for Bai Liu to showcase her wedding gown. It was then that Bai Nuo posed the question.

Not receiving a response, Bai Nuo would steal glances at Bai Lang whenever she turned a page in her book.

Bai Nuo's query was not whispered subtly to Bai Lang; she made sure it was audible, relishing in the fact that Bai Lang had encountered misfortune.

Bai Lang would be deceitful if she claimed not to feel any emotions regarding her separation from Su Rou Xue. However, it wasn't so much sadness as it was a sense of guilt that consumed her.

"Niang faces punishment for her actions, so why should Bai Lang feel sad? After all, Niang and i still shares the same sky."

Bai Lang didn't directly answer Bai Nuo's question, but she didn't want to appear heartless either.

Bai Nuo felt a sense of suffocation from Bai Lang's ambiguous response. She had hoped to see some distress on Bai Lang's face, but to her disappointment, there was none.

Just as Bai Nuo was about to reply, the screen door swung open and Bai Liu entered, dressed in her wedding attire.

Even without jewelry or a headdress, she still looked stunning.

"Beautiful!" Qu Rou Li exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. This moment marked the departure of her daughter from home. "You look absolutely beautiful, Liu-er."

Beside her, a soft snort could be heard, though no one else noticed. Bai Lang did.

Bai Nuo's constant animosity towards Bai Lang and Bai Liu was starting to grate on Bai Lang's nerves. The girl made no effort to hide her dislike, and it was becoming apparent.

"Is something wrong, jei jei?" Bai Lang whispered, not too quietly.

All eyes were fixed on Bai Nuo, her body shrinking in the chair under the weight of their intense stares.

Cough. "It's nothing," coughed Bai Nuo, her voice strained. "Just a sore throat."

"I'll excuse myself then, wouldn't want to make everyone sick before the wedding," Bai Nuo hastily made her way towards the door, casting a venomous glance at Bai Lang as she left.

Qu Rou Li watched the girl's departure, then shifted her gaze towards Sou Qing. "If you find it difficult to talk to her, I'll gladly take care of it."

"No, no. I'll handle it," Sou Qing turned pale and quickly followed after her daughter.

Qu Rou Li returned her attention to Bai Liu, while the culprit responsible for driving Bai Nuo away couldn't help but smile.

After the dress fitting was completed, Bai Lang trailed behind Bai Liu as they made their way to their regular embroidery class.

Leaving Qu Rou Li and Yun Yi together, who were about to head to the sitting room, they suddenly heard a loud crash and commotion coming from Bai Kang's study.

"What's happening in there?" She asked the guard.

The guard hesitated, but Qu Rou Li intervened. "Step aside."

"Madam?" The guard by the door looked conflicted. The master had instructed not to let anyone in.

"Step aside." Yun Yi forcefully pushed the guard out of the way.

The two of them cautiously opened the door but didn't venture further inside. They stood at the entrance, surveying the chaotic scene.

"You... You murderer!" Madame Sou screamed. "You killed my daughter. I just know it . I will report this to the authorities."

Shards of broken glass littered the floor around Bai Kang's desk, yet he seemed oblivious to it all.

Upon learning of the events at the Bai Marquise Fu, old madam sou immediately admonished her son and rushed to check on her daughter.

The Sou couple, son and daughter-in-law had arrived at his estate an hour ago and learn of Sou Rou Xue's seclusion, and they were denied access to see her. This led them to believe that something had happened to their beloved daughter.

Although old Madame Sou was typically composed and polite, she understood Sou Rou Xue's nature all too well. She cherished her only daughter dearly.

With her knowledge of the inner workings of a prominent and influential family, old Madame Sou understood that when a concubine went missing or was secluded under the guise of illness.

It often meant they had been quietly disposed of. This realization filled her heart with fear, leading to her emotional outburst.

Bai Kang was not at all surprised to find them there. He knew they had not yet left the capital.

Sou zhang zhu arrived at the Bai estate with a plan, while Sou Madam sought a solution for her daughter.

"Go ahead," Bai Kang said calmly. "Su Rou Xue is alive and well. If you wish to make a report, I can show you the way. Just remember to include how a low-ranking official's wife attempted to blackmail and falsely accuse the child and heir of a noble of high rank."

Sou Zhang Zhu sneered, begrudgingly accompanying his father to the Bai Marquise Fu to seek forgiveness. However, they were unable to locate his useless sister anywhere.

He couldn't help but contemplate if she had been disposed of. What a burden she had become, now that her daughter's reputation was tarnished. He needed to gain something from this unfortunate situation.

"There's no point in pretending, Marquise Bai Kang. Even without concrete evidence, we are aware that you have done something to her. The slightest hint of suspicion will cast doubt upon you," Sou Zhang Zhu declared.

"Consider the consequences for Su Rou Xue's child. What will happen to her reputation if the truth comes to light?"

Bai Kang's temper flared as he glared at the two of them. "What do you want, Sou Zhang Zhu?"

Sou Zhang zhu grinned, knowing that he held the upper hand. "I want Sou Tan Mei to be married in."