Chapter 692: Chapter 689: Bothering_1

Mrs. Dong clutched the sheepskin map to her chest, nodding vigorously, crying and laughing, “Mother understands! Mother understands! As long as A Yu is alive, that’s all that matters! Nothing is better than A Yu being alive!”

Bai Qingyan nodded, “The map is still useful for me; I fear I cannot leave it with Mother…”

It was not that it couldn’t be copied down, but… Bai Qingyan did not want any unexpected complications. If her mother saw the map every day, thinking of A Yu, it might attract unwanted attention. It wasn’t that Bai Qingyan didn’t trust the loyal servants around Mrs. Dong, but the fewer people who knew, the better.

Mrs. Dong nodded, “As long as I know A Yu is alive, I am satisfied!”

Mrs. Dong lowered her head, repeatedly looking at the map in her hands. She pressed the map against her chest, sobbing softly, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow. She did not know where A Yu was injured after surviving, whether A Yu had enough to eat, or whether she was warm enough.

“Mother, don’t worry. Now A Yu holds a respectable position in Nanrong. The last time we met on the battlefield… A Yu appeared strong, riding a horse and shooting arrows powerfully. Mother need not worry too much!” Bai Qingyan comforted Mrs. Dong.

“Good, good, good!” Mrs. Dong laughed out loud, “Good! This is good! The sons of the Bai family all achieve great things! As long as A Yu… A Yu is alive and strong, that is the best!”

Strong and able to shoot arrows, and ride a horse, means he has all his limbs. That’s good! That’s good…

Mrs. Dong raised her hand to wipe away her tears, turning to look at Bai Qingyan, who was sitting in front of the window on a soft couch. Despite the tears in her eyes, her face remained peaceful as jade. She appeared even more composed than Mrs. Dong herself. Mrs. Dong, crying and laughing, held her daughter’s hand gratefully for bringing back the news that A Yu was alive.

Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, with dust floating in the light, casting complex shadow patterns on Bai Qingyan’s and Mrs. Dong’s faces, on a small black lacquer table, and on the floor mat embossed with five bats.

Mrs. Dong sighed, caressing her daughter’s cold hands. Uncontrollable tears streamed down her face, choking out, “It’s really good! Really good… Your father promised to protect A Yu before he went to war and not let anything happen to A Yu. He hasn’t lied to me! Your father always keeps his word! He also promised me… once A Yu assumes the position of Duke of Zhen, we would travel and enjoy ourselves…”

Mrs. Dong lowered her eyes, laughing bitterly, “I was too greedy. Having my son back is a blessing from heaven. I cannot ask for more…”

“Mother!” Bai Qingyan whispered, seeing her mother so upset and helpless, feeling a pang of heartache.

Mrs. Dong laughed softly, “A Yu’s return is already a pleasant surprise. I am very content!”

Mrs. Dong gazed at Bai Qingyan, “The Bai family has protected the people of Jin Kingdom for generations, shedding blood and sacrificing themselves. Heaven will surely look after our Bai family! I have always believed this!”

Look after?

Bai Qingyan didn’t know. She only knew… she could live again, prevent the tragic fate of her mother and aunts, stop her sisters from being tormented by King Liang, and restore the Bai Clan’s honor, not letting their century-long loyalty be tarnished.

She thought… perhaps heaven was looking after their Bai family.

Mother and daughter gazed at each other through tears. Soon, they heard Nanny Qin outside calling, “Fourth Young Lady is here…”

“Yes! I’m here to report to Eldest Young Lady!” Bai Jinzhi’s cheerful voice sounded.

Mrs. Dong quickly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, handing the sheepskin map to Bai Qingyan, “Quickly put it away!”

Bai Jinzhi was straightforward and spoke without thinking. If she knew about A Yu’s survival, she might unintentionally reveal it, causing trouble for A Yu.

Bai Jinzhi chatted outside with Chun Tao. When Bai Qingyan had safely hidden the map in a nearby box, she called out. Only then did Chun Tao invite Bai Jinzhi into the room.

Entering, bypassing the screen, Bai Jinzhi saw that both Mrs. Dong and Eldest Young Lady’s eyes were red. She assumed Mrs. Dong had scolded Bai Qingyan. After greeting them, she comforted, “First Aunt, don’t worry. Eldest Young Lady always handles things with care. Please… don’t be too angry with Eldest Young Lady! She won’t dare next time, right, Eldest Young Lady…”

Mrs. Dong, amused by Bai Jinzhi, laughed and then pretended to be stern, looking at Bai Qingyan, “This time, considering Small Fourth’s plea for you, I will let it pass!”

“Yes!” Bai Qingyan also nodded in agreement, “Next time, I will not risk my safety. Mother, rest assured!”

Bai Jinzhi, pleased to think she had resolved the problem for Eldest Young Lady, winked at Bai Qingyan before saying, “Eldest Young Lady, I couldn’t find Mr. Min. His servants said he went to enjoy the autumn scenery early in the morning and would visit within five days.”

Bai Qingyan nodded and turned to Mrs. Dong, “Since the old gentleman said so, may I trouble Mother to select a quiet place for him to stay at Bai Mansion.”

“It’s no problem,” Mrs. Dong nodded, standing up with Nanny Qin’s help, “You sisters talk! I’ll go check on Kid’s medicine.”

Watching Mrs. Dong leave, Bai Jinzhi plopped down opposite Bai Qingyan, “How about it, Eldest Young Lady? This time, I resolved the issue for you, didn’t I!”

Bai Qingyan smiled and nodded, “Yes, this time Small Fourth resolved it for me.”

“Eldest Young Lady, I just heard Mother say if Eldest Young Lady returns before your birthday, there will be a lively gathering for us sisters on the twenty-ninth. I’ve already prepared your birthday gift, Eldest Young Lady. I’ll give it to you in advance today…” Bai Jinzhi turned to call out, “Lingzhi!”

Lingzhi, holding a box and chatting with Chun Tao, responded and entered the room, carefully placing the red gold inlaid jade box carved with a design of children playing in water on the small table before stepping out.

“Eldest Young Lady, tomorrow is your birthday.” Bai Jinzhi placed her hand on the box, “This box contains Small Fourth’s birthday gift for you. Small Fourth knows you enjoy reading, so there are a few scrolls inside. I hope you will like them!”

“What kind of significant books warrant such a precious box?” Bai Qingyan glanced at the box, recognizing it as one from her third aunt’s dowry. She wondered how it ended up with Bai Jinzhi, who seemed eager to offer it.

“Good books! Really good books!” Bai Jinzhi exclaimed seriously, pressing the box, “When you have free time, Eldest Young Lady, you must read them!”

Inside were books Bai Jinzhi had collected, which she enjoyed and found most interesting. She hurried to give them today, fearing that opening the box in front of her sisters tomorrow might embarrass Eldest Young Lady.

“Alright…” Bai Qingyan nodded, “I’ll have Chun Tao put them away, and I’ll read them when I have time.”

Bai Jinzhi beamed, pleased that her Eldest Young Lady, despite being a young girl, preferred to read difficult military books and ancient texts.