Chapter 668: Chapter 665: Able to Hold On – Part 1 Chapter 668: Chapter 665: Able to Hold On – Part 1 The Eldest Princess gripped the tiger head cane in her hand tightly and sighed. “She is worried that her mother in distant Shuoyang might worry. That’s why she is hastening to depart for Shuoyang. Well then… Travel slowly along the way! Otherwise, her body might be in Dadu, but her heart in Shuoyang, which will be exhausting.”

“Why not bring Madam to Dadu City!” The Crown Prince suddenly suggested.

The Eldest Princess shook her head. “Initially, the Bai family moved their entire household back to Shuoyang. Without mentioning how my eldest daughter-in-law cannot leave the Bai family’s affairs, if she comes back to Dadu, people will inevitably talk… His Majesty is severely ill and has entrusted the state affairs to the Crown Prince. And now the Crown Prince brings Princess of Zhen back to Dadu to pave the way for himself. This is not good for the Crown Prince! His Majesty, being elderly, is inevitably suspicious at times. How could we let His Majesty doubt the Crown Prince over such trivial matters!”

The Eldest Princess’s words were beautifully spoken, entirely considering the Crown Prince’s perspective.

The Crown Prince became increasingly grateful to the Bai family and nodded. “However, the road back to Shuoyang is not very peaceful. I will have my personal guards escort Princess of Zhen.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

Upon hearing that the Eldest Young Lady had returned, Chun Tao quickly warmed the bedding and ordered several hot water bottles to be prepared. The Earth Dragon had just been lit, so there was no warmth yet. Chun Tao had to bring in a brazier as well.

It was already the twentieth of October, and the weather in Dadu City had turned cold. The leaves in the courtyard had turned yellow and fell with the wind, giving a desolate feeling.

In previous years at this time, Mrs. Dong had already ordered the Earth Dragon and brazier to be prepared in the Qinghui Courtyard, and the hot water bottles as well.

This year, Bai Qingyan’s health had improved, so she said no need to prepare so early. Chun Tao did not prepare. Who could have thought that their Eldest Young Lady would suddenly get injured so severely again?

A few days ago, it was fine. Just now, while sitting in the room, Chun Tao already felt a bit of chill. Seeing that it was going to rain again, and with each autumn rain bringing more cold, the Eldest Young Lady still injured… It was better to prepare early.

It didn’t take long before the sedan chair entered the courtyard. Chun Tao hurried to greet them and, along with Bai Jinzhi, helped Bai Qingyan into the house from either side, removing her cloak and placing her on the bed.

Chun Tao stuffed a small warm stove into Bai Qingyan’s arms and poured her a cup of hot water. “Eldest Young Lady… feeling chest tightness? Should I call for Doctor Hong?”

As soon as Chun Tao finished speaking, Mrs. Hong had already arrived.

Doctor Hong examined Bai Qingyan’s pulse with a serious demeanor. Knowing that Bai Qingyan was recovering well, he kept a neutral expression. He only mentioned changing the medicine prescription tomorrow and advised Bai Qingyan to rest well before leaving with his medical kit.

Bai Jinzhi, with teary eyes, tucked Bai Qingyan in properly and choked, saying, “Eldest Young Lady, you should rest well.”

“Is Uncle Ping outside the courtyard?” Bai Qingyan asked.

Chun Tao nodded. “Lu Huwei came with the sedan chair and is still waiting outside the courtyard.”

The matters were resolved, but Lu Ping knew Bai Qingyan might have other instructions. So he didn’t leave.

Sure enough, not long afterward, Chun Tao emerged from the main room of Qinghui Courtyard and called Lu Ping inside.

Through the screen, Lu Ping bowed to Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan did not avoid Bai Jinzhi and instructed Lu Ping. “Uncle Ping, privately meet Li Mingrui and tell him that Liu Ruofu’s sincerity is not genuine. He should find a way to rescue Wang Qiulu and properly settle her, which will show his sincerity in offering allegiance to me.”

Lu Ping frowned. “If we rescue Wang Qiulu and hand her over to Li Mingrui… Li Mingrui might use Wang Qiulu against you and the Bai family!”

After all, the Eldest Young Lady had visited Wang Jianghai and Wang Qiulu in prison that day. If Li Mingrui rescues Wang Qiulu… and settles her, someday Li Mingrui might claim that the Eldest Young Lady had secretly ordered him behind the Crown Prince’s back to rescue this traitor. Then use Wang Qiulu to implicate the Eldest Young Lady in King Xian’s rebellion. What will we do then?

“I made it very clear to Wang Qiulu. If he remembers clearly who his master is, he can live. If he betrays… then send him to meet his father. It would be a way to repay my fourth uncle!” Bai Qingyan’s gaze was cold and stern. “Rest assured, Uncle Ping. If I dare to let Li Mingrui handle this, then I can control Li Mingrui.”

Lu Ping suddenly recalled how Bai Qingyan had him break Left Prime Minister Li Mao’s youngest son, Li Mingtang’s, leg. He bit his lip and responded. Their Eldest Young Lady never did anything without confidence. She always had a backup plan, so he didn’t need to worry excessively.

Lu Ping acknowledged and left the Qinghui Courtyard.

Bai Jinzhi was still a bit confused. But seeing Bai Qingyan already showing signs of fatigue, she endured without further inquiries. Her youthful face carried an inexplicable heavy sorrow. She softly told Bai Qingyan to rest well, then left.

Even Chun Tao found it surprising. She prepared a hot towel for Bai Qingyan to wipe her hands. “Fourth Miss actually managed to hold back and didn’t press for answers this time.”

“Little Four will grow up eventually.” Bai Qingyan leaned against the cushion, wiped her hands, and, holding the silver engraved hand warmer she had used for years, she felt a sense of familiarity.

“At this hour, there shouldn’t be any more matters. I will prepare water for you to rest.” Chun Tao said with concern. “The Eldest Young Lady is about to return to Shuoyang. You should make sure to recover well so that Madam won’t worry too much.”

Bai Qingyan nodded, knowing Chun Tao was advising her not to read anymore that night.

After assisting Bai Qingyan in washing and lying down, Chun Tao drew the bed curtains and carefully lowered the green brocade curtains hanging on the gilded copper hooks. She meticulously checked the window frames to prevent the cold wind from blowing in and chilling the Eldest Young Lady.

Extinguishing the lamp, Chun Tao cautiously exited the main room to fetch hot water for washing and returned to keep watch for the night.

Not long after Chun Tao left, there was a light sound from the door. Soft-soled shoes entered the room, and Bai Qingyan opened her eyes.

She pretended not to know, raised her hand, and gently parted the bed curtains. Through the gap in the green brocade curtains that were never fully closed, she saw a shadow behind the semi-transparent screen in the outer room, lit by the single lamp.

“Kid, are you asleep?”

A low voice came from beyond the screen.

Bai Qingyan, startled, lifted the bed curtain. Attempting to prop herself up, her injured arm throbbed, making her gasp in pain.

Xiao Rongyan, unable to hold back, bypassed the screen. He quickly strode to the bedside, lifted the green brocade curtains, and helped Bai Qingyan. He placed a cushion behind her waist.

After many days apart, Bai Qingyan’s complexion had improved compared to the day she was shot. But her face was still very pale.

Their eyes met. Bai Qingyan’s ears turned red. “Why did you sneak in at night again?”

Though her words sounded like reproach, a smile shimmered in her eyes.

“For several days, I have come to visit, but you refused to see me, claiming you were half-asleep.” Xiao Rongyan held Bai Qingyan’s slender wrist, gently stroking it, gazing at her with a smile. His deep voice carried a hint of warmth and bewitching charm. “I truly couldn’t stop thinking about you. Today, after you went out, and the Crown Prince brought you back, I had no other way.”