Chapter 197 - 197 I will make up for it tonight, alright? Part I

197 I will make up for it tonight, alright? Part I

Bai Yu summoned Xu Peipei to her palace early in the morning with the excuse that she was the Xu family’s representative in dealing with the mysterious owner of the anonymous master’s shop who had no desire to reveal his identity. In truth, Xu Luanle should have been the one to come, but the petition Ouyang Feilong had let her read last night made Bai Yu anxious. She wanted to talk to Xu Peipei more.

From early morning until almost noon, the inner court was filled with the sounds of talking and laughter from the consorts who were given exquisite, ordered-made clothes designed by the empress herself. No matter how much Bai Yu wanted to quickly get through the conversations in front of her, she had to continue her plan of buying these women’s trust. Time continued to pass until it was noon.

Bai Yu took this opportunity to hold Xu Peipei back, using the excuse that she wished to have lunch together with her friend. Xu Peipei accepted the invitation without realizing that Bai Yu had canceled her plan with Ouyang Feilong in order to have a chance to talk with her.

“You don’t want a royal marriage?”

Bai Yu did not ask directly about the relationship between Xu Peipei and Bai He. She wanted to gauge the initial reaction of her friend first.

“I…” Xu Peipei was the same Xu Peipei as always.

Her alluring eyes were cast downward, staring at her hands, hiding whatever glimpse could be deciphered from Bai Yu. She was unsure of what Xu Peipei was thinking, but this secondary villainess was not too good at hiding her emotions. It had always been like this. Bai Yu could easily see through her, all without having to mention the partner in said marriage.

Bai Yu knew Bai He and Xu Peipei shared a certain feeling. She might not know when it started, but she knew this woman would surely become her sister-in-law. However, unlike her, Xu Peipei was unsure.

“Wait. I think I should talk to Brother instead.”

.....

“No!”

Her face finally lifted up to meet Bai Yu’s gaze. Xu Peipei’s brows were knit as tightly as her red lips were pressed together. She seemed to be suppressing something.

“Why?” Bai Yu arched a brow. “You and Brother will ask for it on your own?”

“I’ll handle it myself!” Xu Peipei blurted out again. They were alone together, so there was no need to put up a pretense of title or hierarchy.

“It’s my love life. I’ll handle it myself.” Xu Peipei did not mean that she would ask for a royal marriage herself. She meant something else…

“Just when did your bravery get as big as your chest?”

“You!”

Bai Yu was glad to hear her daringness contradicted the nature of women in this era. At least Xu Peipei was not a sheltered young lady who spent her days waiting for a marriage to be bestowed on her. Still, her brave words contrasted greatly with her soft voice. Bai Yu intentionally teased her to help her relax more, though its effectiveness was minuscule.

Xu Peipei’s face was bright red because of her frustration at Bai Yu’s claim. Her beautiful eyes shone with anger for a brief moment before being replaced by open sorrow, the complete opposite of when they had started talking. It seemed Bai He and Xu Peipei’s relationship was not as smooth-sailing as she had thought.

“After marriage, have you already decided whether to follow him to Da Chu or remain in Bai Mansion?” Bai Yu gambled again.

“What do you mean?”

Xu Peipei’s confusion instantly made the current situation clear to Bai Yu. Her brother seemed to be growing a wing to fly away from this woman without giving her any warning at all.

What exactly happened between Xu Peipei and Bai He?

—————–

“Your Majesty, Gui Fei requested an audience.”

“Let her wait.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Though surprised that Zhao Ninghua wanted to see her when it was almost supper time, Bai Yu did not hurry to let her in since she was in the middle of discussing Bai Hua’s wedding with Yue Mei. Her mother came here according to the schedule they had made together so that she could report an update on the progress of the event and have the decision made by Bai Yu.

Originally, Yue Mei should have come in the morning, but because there were too many matters for her to manage, Bai Yu sent servants to tell her mother to come in the afternoon, after Xu Peipei had left in confusion at the news of Bai He’s mission in Da Chu. Before they parted, Bai Yu held her friend’s hands and told her that she would always be on her side.

And when her mother arrived, Bai Yu immediately asked her about the relationship between her brother and her friend. The answer was not too different from what she already knew. Bai He was someone who always hid his thoughts behind a smile. Be it a trivial or crucial matter, he could perfectly keep it from view. Her brother was always strong and magnificent. It was with these qualities that the position of commander-general was his at such a young age.

It seemed the story between them was known only to Bai He and Xu Peipei.

“It would be inappropriate to let a royal consort wait too long. I shall take my leave here.”

“Mother, please take care of yourself.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Bai Yu hugged her mother before walking with her to send her off in front of her palace. She watched until her mother disappeared from view; then, she turned to look at Zhao Ninghua and her servants, who had been standing outside for almost half a ke. When she saw Bai Yu, Zhao Ninghua curtsied and uttered blessings.

“You can relax.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Bai Yu turned around and walked into her palace with Zhao Ninghua in tow. She sat down on the phoenix throne, casting her gaze downward at the slender figure of the highest-ranked consort.

“Is something the matter?” After their conversation yesterday, Zhao Ninghua had established herself as Bai Yu’s ally. However, the international actress who had been through countless roles did not completely trust her yet. For now, she would let time and action be the proof of Zhao Ninghua’s words.

“Your Majesty, this is related to Mu De Fei.” Zhao Ninghua still maintained a smile on her face, though Bai Yu could see poorly hidden worry within her eyes.

“How’s her condition?” Mu Qilin did not come to greet her in the morning again. Bai Yu was not concerned by the childish act of an adult woman. Furthermore, there were so many things to do today that she did not want to busy herself with such nonsense.

“She is much better, Your Majesty.”

A sweet voice, a polite mannerism, yet her eyes tried to hide emotions within. If these were all an act, then Bai Yu would have to admit that Zhao Ninghua was an expert.

“Very well.” Bai Yu nodded and let silence form. She was adept at utilizing silence to bait information from the other party.

“I have something to report to Empress…” Zhao Ninghua finally opened her mouth. “…It is about Mu De Fei.”

“Go on.”

“Mu De Fei is Royal Doctor Mu’s daughter. Though she was born to a mistress, the former emperor still bestowed upon her a marriage and made her his majesty’s second consort. Now, time has changed. His majesty has promoted the royal doctor as head of the bureau of medicine…”

Bai Yu nodded. She did not interrupt Zhao Ninghua, despite already knowing about it.

“Today, Mu De Fei did not come to greet Your Highness in the morning. She was summoned by the empress dowager to receive a reward after the head of the bureau of medicine had sent tonics when there was news of her majesty’s illness a few days ago.”

“And what you want to say is?”