Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress-Chapter 75 - 74: Deployment_1
Chapter 75: Chapter 74: Deployment_1
The news that the fourth young lady of the Bai Mansion had whipped a greedy troublemaker outside the Duke of Zhen’s mansion and received fifty military cane strokes as family punishment quickly spread among the common folk.
Some praised the Duke of Zhen’s mansion for its high moral standards, saying, “I’d rather have the world betray me than betray the world!”
Others felt that the Duke of Zhen’s mansion was too weak, wondering how it could allow its own daughter to be punished after resisting an intruder.
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However, when the matter was brought up, the public couldn’t help but recall the thunderous anger of the Bai family’s eldest daughter in front of the mansion. Suddenly, the Duke of Zhen was scorned for his obstinate military decisions which led to the disastrous defeat in the southern border.
Some citizens speculated about the surviving King Xin, wondering who first guessed that King Xin might have shifted the blame for the failed campaign onto the deceased hero to protect himself.
Others suspected that the person behind the scenes, who bribed the soldiers’ families to cause trouble at the Duke of Zhen’s mansion, was none other than King Xin.
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Rumors intensified, and soon the public firmly believed it to be the truth.
In less than half a day, households across Dadu City could hear citizens whispering curses against King Xin, their words laced with intense bitterness.
Some bold men even ran to King Xin’s residence to spit at the gate before leaving in anger.
The advisors left in King Xin’s mansion were like ants in a hot pot, gathering in the discussion hall without reaching a resolution.
“Fortunately, we have already tested that the Bai family does not have the military records! For now… we must find those records as soon as possible!” An advisor frowned under the bright lamp.
“We have no choice but to proceed this way! Keep a close watch on the Duke of Zhen’s mansion. Report immediately if there’s any suspicious activity!”
The old man in the green robe shook his head under the lamp. “With the military report, King Xin was too eager to cover his mistakes, and using the phrase ‘obstinate military decisions’ was too obvious. It was a blunder, a great blunder!”
King Xin would be returning on the fifth with the deceased’s spirit enshrined. The Bai Mansion was suddenly burdened with a great mourning. Fortunately, Mrs. Dong managed the household strictly, and the Bai family worked in unity. Despite it being the festive season, they received the news on New Year’s Eve. In just three days, the preparations in the Duke of Zhen’s mansion were mostly complete.
Yet the discussion of whether the second house’s illegitimate son, Bai Qingxuan, should perform the mourning rites remained unresolved among the Eldest Princess, the mother, and various aunts.
Now, all the male members of the Bai family were deceased, leaving only the illegitimate son from the second house, who had yet to be entered into the family register. The gender of the fifth wife’s unborn child was still unknown.
If Bai Qingxuan were allowed to perform the rites, it would signify the Bai family acknowledging his identity, even entrusting him with the family’s honor. If the Duke’s position could be preserved, it would surely be inherited by him.
However, Bai Qingxuan was known for his violent and ruthless nature, lacking any sense of justice and righteousness. Neither the Eldest Princess, Mrs. Dong, nor the other wives trusted him with the fate of the Bai family.
After discussing all afternoon in the Eldest Princess’s Changshou Courtyard, the wives still could not reach a decision. Observant servants, however, were quick to curry favor by running to offer their assistance at Qingming Courtyard.
Even Bai Qingxuan’s mother started acting like the future mother of the Duke of Zhen. During such a crucial time in the Duke of Zhen’s mansion, she completely ignored Mrs. Dong’s orders for the household to eat vegetarian food. She demanded blood swallows for her son from the kitchen, then honey-glazed ham, then crystal pork elbow, and kept finding faults with the maidservants for not being pretty enough, claiming they sullied her son’s noble eyes.
Some servants, eager to please this mother-son duo, secretly sent an array of delicacies to Qingming Courtyard.
Some maids, aware of Bai Qingxuan’s lecherous tendencies, harbored improper thoughts and flaunted their looks in Qingming Courtyard.
Bai Qingyan stood in front of the brass fire shield, listening to the steward nanny she had placed in Qingming Courtyard, who stood respectfully and reported on recent events there.
“The nanny from the second house boasts in Qingming Courtyard, saying that whoever injured her son will be punished when they gain power.” The steward nanny knew she must report this to Bai Qingyan, as the statement was aimed at her.
“Nanny, your hard work is appreciated. Please keep a close watch on Qingming Courtyard during this critical time to prevent any disturbances,” Bai Qingyan instructed, looking up at the elderly steward nanny.
“Don’t worry, eldest young lady! If anything happens, this old servant will send someone to report immediately,” the steward nanny assured.
Chun Tao escorted the steward nanny to the door and was about to return to attend to Bai Qingyan when she saw Nanny Tong, carrying a bundle, hurrying into Qinghui Courtyard.
Chun Tao’s eyes welled up. She quickly stepped forward, bowed, and greeted tearfully, “Nanny Tong, you’ve returned!”
Though Nanny Tong was usually stern and strict in Qinghui Courtyard, keeping all the servants firmly in line, she was their pillar of strength, especially in such a crisis.
With the Duke of Zhen’s mansion facing such a catastrophe, Nanny Tong’s return provided the servants with the vital support they needed.
Nanny Tong helped Chun Tao to her feet, her eyes reddened. Her inherently stern features grew even more solemn, “How is the eldest young lady? Can she endure it?”
“Nanny, rest assured! The eldest young lady is well and holding up!” Chun Tao said, tears streaming down.
With the stream of calamities befalling while Nanny Tong was away, Chun Tao managed to hold up just like the eldest young lady. But now that Nanny Tong had returned, she felt her strength crumble. Thinking of the disgraceful and vile Chun Yan, and the tragic fate of the Bai family’s men, Chun Tao couldn’t help but cry.
Nanny Tong heard several rumors about the eldest young lady while away. Despite her anxiety, she felt relieved hearing Chun Tao’s words.
“Let me freshen up first, and then I will see the young lady,” Nanny Tong said, heading to the side room to tidy up. She stood by the brazier to dispel the cold before entering to pay respects to Bai Qingyan.
Hearing about the calamity the Duke of Zhen’s mansion had suffered, Nanny Tong had hurried back and was tearfully relieved to find Bai Qingyan in good health, even appearing stronger than when she left.
Bai Qingyan had Chun Tao help Nanny Tong sit on a cushioned stool and asked, “Nanny, did you arrange everything at home before returning?”
Nanny Tong had left to care for her gravely ill son. Bai Qingyan had sent word for her to remain home until the new year. With the tragic news of the Bai men’s demise, her swift, loyal return was evident.
“Everything is settled at home, eldest young lady. No need to worry. I also bring a message from Nanny Jin, your wet nurse, entrusting your two wet-nursed brothers to serve you and the Princely Heir’s wife during these crucial times. Nanny Jin wants you to know… you mustn’t fear. The loyal servants of the Bai family stand ready to aid you at your command.”