C10 Bai Mengci

These words seemed to drain the last bit of strength from Qiushuang, and she collapsed to the ground, speechless, her eyes filled with fear and confusion as she looked at Bai Liyuv, unsure of what to do.

Seeing her like this, Bai Liyuv's smile deepened. She helped Qiushuang to a chair by the table and poured her a cup of tea. Though it was cold, it was better than nothing.

"You've been by my side for quite some time now, and you're both graceful and beautiful. Are you really content to waste your life away here?" Bai Liyuv sighed softly, her fingers tracing the rim of the cup as she spoke in a distant tone. "My life is set. Even though I'm about to marry into the mansion and become a princess, everyone knows what the Yu King is like. Blind and lame, marrying into the Yu King Mansion gives me nothing but an empty title. Whether it's a life of honor or not is another matter entirely, especially when..."

She paused, looking softly at the silent Qiushuang across from her. "My life is not my own, but yours is different. I've seen how good you've been to me over the years. You're a smart girl, and when I struck you earlier, it was for your own good. We're like sisters, and I don't care about your status. But if you continue like this once you leave here, you'll suffer greatly! I can't stand by and watch you throw away your happiness over something so small!" Bai Liyuv wiped away nonexistent tears from the corners of her eyes, her voice growing more sorrowful. "To be honest, I don't want to marry into that mansion. I... I... my cousin, he... we..."

Upon hearing the mention of identity, Qiushuang's eyes filled with jealousy. Her interest piqued, she asked excitedly, "Cousin? Are you talking about Mr. Soong Qingyuan?"

Bai Liyuv's face flushed with a shy blush as she looked down, nervously twisting her sleeve. In a soft voice, she replied, "Yes, it's him. But in the end, I must let him down."

Realizing what she had just confessed, she looked up at Qiushuang with a panicked expression and pleaded, "Please, you mustn't tell anyone about this! You're the only one I can trust here. Even if my sister asks if I went out last night, you must say you don't know. Otherwise, I fear..."

She left the rest unsaid, casting a meaningful glance at Qiushuang, who nodded understandingly. Qiushuang assured her with a pat on the chest that she wouldn't breathe a word. After offering a few half-hearted words of comfort, she left the room, her face still red from a recent slap. Once outside, she spat silently in the direction of the door, a sly smile playing on her lips as she hurried towards Bai Mengci's quarters at the Sycamore Courtyard.

In the Sycamore Courtyard, Bai Mengci was seated inside, brewing tea. She wore an elegant pale green gown, her dark hair styled into a cloud-like bun adorned with exquisite, expensive jade hairpins. Her graceful and delicate appearance was truly a sight to behold.

Outside, the sound of fabric rustling could be heard as Mrs. Zhou stood at the door, bowing respectfully. "Miss, the maid Qiushuang from the Orchid Courtyard requests to see you. She says it's urgent."

Bai Mengci paused slightly, a hint of displeasure crossing her brow. However, thinking of the Orchid Courtyard, she managed to suppress her emotions and said calmly, "Let her in."

Once given permission, Qiushuang could barely contain her excitement. She quickly followed Mrs. Zhou into the room, keeping her head lowered as she knelt on the floor, fawning, "This servant Qiushuang greets you, Miss."