Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Reluctant Marriage_1

“Miss…” Chuntao set down the white jade comb, solemnly knelt beside Bai Qingyan, and choking with red eyes said, “Chuntao knows that Chun Yan’s betrayal deserves death, but this servant only begs Miss to spare Chun Yan’s life. It is not that I am soft-hearted, but I wish to repay the favor Chun Yan did when she once saved my life.”

She looked at the innocent and kind Chuntao, sighed after a moment, and helped her up. “Enough, as long as she does nothing to harm the Bai family, I will spare her on your account. Hopefully, she won’t disappoint your pleading for her. Wipe your tears and go tell Uncle Ping to quietly keep the servant captured by Yingshuang under watch. Don’t let this get out.”

Chuntao, with tearful eyes, looked at Bai Qingyan. “Yes! Thank you, Miss!”

King Liang, who was still nursing his injuries in the mansion, received the news. He closed his eyes, leaned back against the cushion, clutching his chest. His handsome face, angular and pale as snow, lacked any trace of blood. His voice, as cold as a corpse’s tomb, said, “Has this Dong Changyuan been investigated thoroughly?”

“Dong Changyuan studied under the great scholar Mr. Lu. He became the top provincial graduate in his youth. Some even predicted he would achieve the highest honors in all three imperial exams. Over the years, many matchmakers have almost broken down the Dong family’s door, but Madam Dong seems intent on keeping this legitimate grandson for her granddaughter. She refused everyone. Moreover, this top scholar doesn’t have even one chamber maid, quite clean indeed,” reported King Liang’s subordinate truthfully.

King Liang opened his eyes, his deep, fox-like eyes showing intense coldness. His heart thrumming with anger, he couldn’t help but cough softly, his chest tearing with pain. After a long while, he called, “Tongji…”

Tongji quickly entered, carrying a steaming bowl of bitter medicine. “Master!”

“Tomorrow morning, take my royal jade pendant to the Duke of Zhen’s mansion to find Chun Yan. Instruct her to pass the pendant to Bai Qingyan! Tell Bai Qingyan I wish to marry her as my Princess and to wait for me.”

King Liang’s calculation was clear. First, the status of a Prince would pressure the Dong family not to propose marriage. Second, as long as Chun Yan accepted the jade pendant, it would prove Bai Qingyan had a private relationship with him. Her reputation would be tarnished and her chances of bearing children slim. Who would dare to marry her then?

Tongji’s brow knitted into deep furrows. “But Your Highness initially said side consort. The title of Princess is so honorable… What about the heir of the Bai family…”

“How dare you disobey me? Cough, cough…”

Tongji, shaken by King Liang’s gaze, nodded quickly and agreed.

The next morning, Dong Changyuan accompanied Madam Dong with rich gifts to visit. Firstly, to visit the Eldest Princess, and secondly, because Dong Changyuan spoke regretfully to Madam Dong the night before, pleading for another chance with the Duke’s family to see if their marriage to Bai Qingyan could still be negotiated.

It wasn’t that Dong Changyuan lusted for beauty. He saw his cousin Bai Qingyan as bright as a clear moon and flawless as ice. The thought of her marrying someone else and being disdained by her husband’s family over her offspring was heartbreaking.

The Eldest Princess and Madam Dong chatted warmly in the inner hall when Nanny Jiang was sent to invite Bai Qingyan to Qinghui Courtyard.

Chun Yan, after sending Nanny Jiang out, stood at the door with her face long and drooping as if someone owed her money. She muttered, “Why did that Lord of Dengzhou come to our mansion again after seeing the Duke’s family yesterday?”

Yesterday, Chun Yan had someone report to King Liang. She wondered if he had received the message and had any countermeasures.

If Miss really married into Dengzhou, how could she ever see King Liang again?

Seeing Bai Qingyan was already dressed and out, Chun Yan stepped forward to assist, but Bai Qingyan said, “Chuntao can accompany me.”