C20 The Truth of Bai Yun's Death

"Do you know who gave these measurements?"

"It was the one standing next to the old lady earlier." The seamstress re-measured Bai Yun's waist. "Luckily, it's a bit too big, so we can adjust it in time."

Bai Yun nodded. Bai Shao was slightly shorter and a bit rounder than her. Judging by the sizes, Mrs. Chen had clearly given the merchant Bai Shao's measurements. It seemed like this was all planned out, a classic switcheroo.

After changing out of the wedding dress, Bai Yun decided to be cautious. She called the merchant's assistant to count the wedding clothes and accessories, ensuring everything was noted before storing them away. Glancing at the sky, she went to see Mrs. Zhao. "Grandmother, I was so focused on gathering mushrooms earlier that I forgot to share the good news with you. Ms. Shao and Kou'er are still in the woods collecting firewood. I'll go find them and bring them back."

Mrs. Zhao nodded, giving Bai Yun a once-over. "Jumping into the well must have made you smarter."

Bai Yun chuckled softly. "It's my good fortune to marry into the merchant family. I was immature before and made you upset. I feel really guilty about it and hope you'll forgive me, considering I'm still young."

"Why are you speaking so formally all of a sudden?" Mrs. Zhao was genuinely surprised by Bai Yun's change. In the Bai family, not even the men were well-read, except for Mu Jin, who could read and was in charge of the accounts. Today, the usually timid Bai Yun seemed to speak with unexpected confidence.

"Well, the merchants are from a prominent family, so being a bit refined doesn't tarnish the family's reputation."

"Yes, Grandma. I'll go find my sisters now," Bai Yun said with a slight smile, almost to herself. "Ms. Shao assigned tasks, and I've already brought back the wild greens. I bet Ms. Shao and Kou have gathered plenty of firewood by now."

Leaving the family home and heading back up the hill, Bai Yun looked around to make sure no one was watching and couldn't help but mutter, "Acting all innocent isn't easy, but it's all for survival. My methods might seem manipulative, but they wanted me gone first. If I don't play this game, they might not spare me. Please, don't hold it against me, heavens!"

Bai Yun took a side path, and since they didn't know she'd already left the hill, they kept watching the back of the hill, not noticing her.

From a distance, Bai Yun saw Bai Kou standing on the other side, staring at the hill, while Bai Shao was still sitting by the creek. There was a man beside her, and at first, Bai Yun thought he might be Bai Shao's suitor. But considering Bai Shao's ambition to replace her in marrying into the merchant family, it seemed odd. Curious, Bai Yun sneaked closer through the surrounding bushes and overheard their conversation.

"I really can't do it anymore. Last time, Yun saw me, and since she woke up, I've been hiding, too scared to go out. I can't keep doing this."

"Lin Mu, you're such a coward. Do you really think you can marry Bai Wei with that kind of nerve?" Bai Shao was fuming. "Yesterday, you pushed her into the well and just left without checking if she was okay, only calling for help later. If it weren't for your meddling, we wouldn't be in this mess today!"

"She's my cousin, after all. I couldn't just leave her soaking in the well like that," Lin Mu sighed. "Besides, I clearly saw her struggling in the water for a while before she went under. After what felt like forever, she floated back up face-down. I was sure she was gone, so I went to get help. Who knew she'd come back to life once everyone gathered around?"