The Bai Family Was Not Worthy of Him

"Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for your efforts."

After an exchange of compliments, the messengers departed in high spirits.

Madam Chen emerged at an unhurried pace, looking gentle and virtuous as he gazed affectionately at Bai Peilan.

When Bai Peilan saw Madam Chen, she assumed he was also happy that her eldest daughter had passed the examination and had come to the gate especially to hear the good news.

"You're here, husband. What a pity, the messengers just left."

Madam Chen smiled faintly, speaking as though he shared in her pride. "What a shame. I can only blame my slow feet. As soon as I heard the messengers had arrived, I hurried out, but I still missed my chance to share in the good fortune.

"Congratulations, family head. Momo has grown up and become sensible. Although Shuang'er passed the xiucai examination two years earlier than Momo, I'd say Shuang'er was a slow bird that started flying early. Our Momo is the one truly blessed with intelligence."

Bai Peilan did not catch the insinuations hidden in Madam Chen's words, but Bai Mo heard them loud and clear. She could not help sneering inwardly and could not be bothered to watch him act.

"Seeing you so happy, Mother, I'll work even harder and truly bring you back a top scholar title one day."

Bai Peilan made no attempt to conceal her feelings. She took Madam Chen's and Bai Mo's hands, smiling with the triumphant delight of a spring breeze, prouder than if she had passed the jinshi examination herself.

"You're absolutely right, husband. Momo is intelligent indeed, a great talent with hills and valleys in her heart, beyond the measure of ordinary people. If her father knew, he would surely be comforted."

As she spoke, she thought of her beloved late husband, and her smile slowly faded.

Madam Chen secretly ground his teeth but showed nothing of it.

"Wife, today is a wonderful day. I'll have a feast prepared. Why don't we invite Elder Brother over for a few drinks?"

"You're as thoughtful as ever, husband. Have someone make the arrangements. If Elder Brother learns that Momo came first in the examination, he'll be overjoyed."

"Yes. Let's not stand at the gate anymore. Everyone, go inside."

Bai Peilan did not let go of her daughter's hand. After taking a couple of steps, she turned back and instructed, "Today is a day of great joy, and the whole household will celebrate. All servants are to be rewarded with two months' wages."

"Thank you, family head."

"Thank you for your generosity, family head."

The servants were delighted to hear of the reward, and everyone at the gate went inside in high spirits.

Bai Mo followed Bai Peilan into the study to discuss her studies and arrangements for attending the academy.

"Young master, Eldest Miss Bai placed first in the examination."

"I made inquiries. The examiners at the examination compound had high praise for Eldest Miss Bai's literary talent."

As Shen Qing listened to Xiaotian's report, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and his mood visibly improved.

He stopped placing his piece on the board.

"She always surprises people."

Yun Wu, seated across the board, was also delighted, but he did not show the slightest trace of it. He knew his every word and action could not be displayed before Shen Qing, or he would be failing to know his place.

Xiaotian continued, "When the old madam returned to the residence just now, she ran into me. She instructed you to visit her courtyard, young master."

"There have been many rumors in the Capital today. I'm afraid it's because of that..."

Yun Wu saw the faint smile vanish from his face, leaving it cold again.

After a moment's pause, Shen Qing said, "Are the rumors about Bai Mo and me?"

Xiaotian was slightly taken aback. His young master's heart really was as clear as a mirror.

"Yes. They say... they say you and Eldest Miss Bai privately pledged yourselves to each other for life."

Shen Qing's lips turned pale.

"Yun Wu, rest here in the courtyard for now. We'll continue this game when I return."

"Xiaotian, come with me to Grandmother's courtyard."

Yun Wu watched the master and servant leave, a little worried, but there was nothing he could do to help...

Shen Jingwen, the reigning dynasty's grand preceptor, was already past the age of fifty. Having spent years in officialdom, she held great power and had always been a person of deep, inscrutable thoughts.

She had paid some attention to the rumors in the Capital today. After sending an old servant at her side to make inquiries, she had learned everything about Bai Mo's background.

How could the grandchild she valued most become entangled with such a woman? She did not believe it, though a trace of uncertainty lingered in her eyes.

Grand Preceptor Shen actually knew a thing or two about Shen Qing's methods.

"Second young master, the old madam is waiting in the hall. Please come in with me. Xiaotian, wait outside."

"Yes, Mama Sun."

The voices outside interrupted her thoughts, and Shen Jingwen looked up at the newcomer.

Shen Qing's appearance was truly beyond reproach, and he was intelligent by nature. He was an excellent young man.

"Greetings, Grandmother."

Shen Qing stepped forward steadily, every step perfectly proper and every movement measured.

A single glance was enough to see how exceptional he was; he excelled in every respect.

"No need for ceremony. Sit and talk."

Shen Qing nodded in acknowledgment and sat down at Shen Jingwen's right.

Shen Jingwen could not be bothered to beat around the bush. This grandson of hers had always been clever, so she asked directly, "The whole Capital is saying today that you and that young woman of the Bai family are in love. What do you make of it?"

Shen Qing said nothing, and the room fell silent.

"You know I've been making plans for your marriage lately. You're not a muddleheaded child."

Shen Qing rose, knelt, and bowed his head deeply to the floor.

"Grandmother, the rumors are true, but there's more to it. I hope you'll hear me out."

Shen Jingwen's brows knitted tightly. She was utterly bewildered, and her words were full of anger.

"Then speak!"

"I grew up on the estate, Grandmother, and was only able to return to the residence thanks to your affection. But something else happened, and I concealed it from you. I beg your forgiveness."

Shen Jingwen's expression grew colder. "Concealed it? Go on, then. Tell me what you've been hiding."

Shen Qing's face showed sorrow, though he made an effort to stay calm. "While I was at the estate, I accidentally consumed a medicine. It was an extremely vicious slow-acting poison. I fear I won't live past nineteen."

"What?" Shen Jingwen stood up in shock.

"Accidentally consumed it? Hmph. Did someone poison you?"

Shen Qing knew his grandmother's mind; she certainly would not believe he had taken it by accident. He continued, "No one poisoned me, but Father knows about it. If you don't believe me, Grandmother, an investigation will reveal the truth.

"Last time, at the Third Princess's residence, Eldest Miss Bai and I were both set up, and a grave mistake was made. I didn't dare speak of it, but someone with ulterior motives spread word of it anyway. It's all my fault. I've brought shame upon you, Grandmother."

Shen Jingwen's face turned pale, her heart torn with conflicting thoughts. Was this second son-in-law of hers truly so audacious as to defy the heavens? Shen Qing had such a hidden ailment, and he dared not tell her plainly? If he had been matched with someone of high status, that would have been no marriage alliance!

And... a man who had lost his chastity could not marry someone of high status either. Such a fine chess piece, wasted!

Even Grand Preceptor Shen, steady as she was, found her game thrown into disarray.

She stood and paced slowly back and forth, at a loss for what to do. How was she to explain this to Shujun?

Shen Qing bowed to the floor once more.

"Please take pity on me, Grandmother. I don't have long to live, and I don't want to bring shame upon the Grand Preceptor's Residence. I have no other choice. Why not send me to the family temple?"

Shen Jingwen let out a deep sigh.

Though she felt little affection for these descendants of hers, every action of the Grand Preceptor's Residence mattered: when one prospered, all prospered; when one suffered, all suffered.

"You cannot go to the family temple. If I sent you there, it would be a slap in the face to the Grand Preceptor's Residence. Others would think our residence had confessed without being accused.

"The Bai family's standing is truly too low, and that daughter of theirs is truly beyond the pale. Even with your hidden ailment, the Bai family is not worthy of you."