CHAPTER TWENTY

The Banquet concluded without any incidents and came to an end when the two Princes departed nearly two hours later.

Bai Lang found herself in her room, preparing to retire for the night, with one of the new servants assisting her in brushing her hair.

Following the altercation involving Lou Meng, the Bai fu became more stringent with their servants.

Bai Lang now had two young servant girls, only slightly older than her, who were extremely diligent in their duties.

Additionally, her grandmother had personally selected Lu Mama retired palace slave, to oversee Bai Lang's courtyard and maintain order among the servants. Lu Mama also took on the responsibility of teaching Bai Lang etiquette and household management.

Although Mama was strict, she was also honest, and Bai Lang grew fond of her. Suddenly, Su Rou Xue entered Bai Lang's room and dismissed the servant, taking her place in brushing Bai Lang's hair.

Bai Lang observed Su Rou Xue's face in the bronze mirror, unsure of what the woman wanted.

Su Rou Xue caught a glimpse of Bai Lang's apathetic expression, and a surge of frustration bubbled within her.

"Xiao-Lang," she uttered, her tone laced with a hint of annoyance. "Mother doesn't hold you responsible, but today you've brought disgrace upon our Sou family in front of Qi Ru Li."

Internally, Bai Lang let out a weary sigh, knowing all too well that it was always about the principal wife.

"young lady?"

The new maid whispered timidly from her corner, observing the tense atmosphere in the room. She felt a deep sense of fear towards Su Rou Xue. Rumors had circulated about the concubine's unpredictable behavior towards her own daughter and the servants.

"Who gave you permission to speak to your Biaojie in such a manner? You have brought shame upon her and me. If there was an issue, you should have approached me instead."

Bai Lang scoffed silently, inwardly questioning her mother.

"Mother, what did I say that was wrong?" Bai Lang asked softly, casting an aggrieved glance at Su Rou Xue. "What have I done to deserve this? If Biaojie wishes to ruin her own reputation, why must she drag me down with her?"

"You insolent child!" Su Rou Xue couldn't believe her own daughter's words and actions.

"Mother!" Bai Lang's small voice erupted, filled with determination. "It is crucial for you to carefully consider your options. Can you truly rely on the Sou family, or would it be wiser to trust in your own daughter to uplift you?"

"What can Aunt or Uncle do to truly support you in the long run? Isn't it possible for me, once I secure a good marriage, to assist you, Mother?"

Bai Lang didn't want to be at odds with her own mother, even though fate had not blessed her with a kind and gentle one. She now had a mother, and it was imperative that their relationship didn't deteriorate any further.

Bai Lang understood that Sou Rou Xue was naive and easily manipulated. Just a few well-placed words could lead her down a destructive path.

"You...you," stammered Su Rou Xue. "Fine, fine. Finally, my own daughter has learned to surpass me," Sou Rou Xue huffed in frustration.

Bai Lang gazes at her mother with a frigid expression, silently urging her to cease her theatrics before Father decides to expel her from the household. "What I did tonight was to protect daughter's reputation from being tarnished by a mere acquaintance," she coldly states.

Su Rou Xue feels a surge of anger, as she struggles to recognize the child sitting before her. Where is the obedient child who used to fear and obey her every word? Su Rou Xue is taken aback by Bai Lang's defiant demeanor and glares at her with a dangerous intensity.

"You, come here," Su Rou Xue demands, pointing her finger.

"No," Bai Lang retorts.

"What did you just say?" Su Rou Xue questions, her mind momentarily blanking.

"I said no!" Bai Lang repeats firmly.

Su Rou Xue is overwhelmed for a moment and collapses onto the nearest futon, sobbing like a child. "Look, everyone! Look at how this young girl dares to scold her own mother! The Bai family's reputation will be ruined if anyone finds out!"

Bai Lang massages her temples, feeling a headache approaching. She lowers her voice even more, attempting to soothe the irritated Su Rou Xue.

"Mother, no one knows what's happening in this courtyard. No reputation has been left. But if you continue to cry and summon the attention of others, the only ones who will suffer are you and me, Mother."

At the mention of a crowd Appearing, Sou rou Xue fell silent and gave Bai Lang a stern look.

In a fit of anger, Sou rou Xue lifted the hem of her dress and marched away, leaving behind her frustration. Sighing heavily, Bai Lang gazed at her weary reflection in the mirror.

"Miss, would you like me to get something to help you sleep?" the servant asked.

Bai Lang looked at the servant's reflection in the mirror. "What's your name?"

"Miss?"

"What's your name?" Bai Lang repeated.

"I am Xin Yi."

"Xin Yi, there are times when you must fight and times when you must endure."

Xin Yi felt her heart ache for the Third Young Miss. "Young Miss is wise."

"I have to be." Bai Lang said, staring into her own reflection.

Her mind was clouded with memories, and her eyes became watery with tears. She had experienced similar situations before, where she was wrongly accused and had no choice but to endure. The only difference now was that she didn't have to tolerate it because of her family.

After a few minutes of melancholy, Bai Lang snapped back to reality. "Xin Yi, fetch me some ice."

"Right away, Miss."

*****