“In his younger days, the Duke of England fought bravely on the battlefield. He played no small role in laying the foundation of Father’s empire. Still, he has grown a bit too mild over the years… Though I suppose that, too, is a kind of virtue. Maybe that’s exactly why he became a target.”

The Emperor sighed softly, then heard Ning Yan ask, “Will Your Majesty have the Virtuous Consort bestow the marriage decree tomorrow, during the Summer Calendar Festival?”

“That’s her intention.”

“I believe it’s unwise. The Summer Calendar Festival draws a crowd, and eyes are everywhere. The Duke of England’s household has just been involved in trouble—such a public pronouncement will only stir suspicion. It may tip off those we don’t want warned. Why not ask the Virtuous Consort to wait until after the festival? It won’t be so ostentatious—just a day or two’s delay.”

The Emperor considered this for a moment. “You make a good point. Let’s do that.”

…

The next morning, before dawn broke, Xuancheng was already stirring.

Bai Qingqing used a fragrant sachet to clear her mind. Zidai and Xueyue wanted to dress her up meticulously, but she refused, choosing only a simple look.

“I’ve only now come to understand how blissful it is to keep a low profile.”

Yet even in plain clothes, she was arresting. Madam Qiao was quite satisfied upon seeing her. “Best not to draw attention today. If too many notice you, there’ll be no end to the small talk—and it’s tiring.”

Bai Qingqing covered her mouth with a soft laugh, then took Yao Yao by the arm. “Feeling any better? I had the kitchen prepare some soft pastries—easy to eat. I’ve had the servants carry them along. Take a bite when you’re hungry; no one will notice.”

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“I’m fine, Sister. Don’t worry about me.”

Bai Yaoyao gave her a reassuring smile, then leaned her head shyly on Bai Qingqing’s shoulder. “I always thought I was brave, but I’m really quite useless. You and Mother have both been working so hard lately.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

The two sisters rode in the same carriage, chattering away the whole ride—especially Bai Yaoyao, who was bursting with curiosity about Ning Yan.

“Sister, the ‘good man’ you keep talking about—is it really that Lord Ning? What part of him looks like a good man to you?”

Bai Yaoyao looked utterly incredulous. “Don’t let yourself be fooled! Was it because he cracked some nuts for you? I can do that too—I’ll peel them for you every single day! That’s nothing special, so don’t let something like that trick you.”

Bai Qingqing: “…”

She was speechless. “Why would I? Honestly, Lord Ning isn’t as terrifying as you think. Didn’t he help our family?”

“But he’s—he’s just so scary!”

Bai Qingqing wrapped an arm around Yaoyao’s shoulders, their heads touching. “He is scary, I’ll admit. But Yaoyao, if he hadn’t stepped in, our family might have been framed and convicted. They could’ve confiscated our property, thrown us into prison. Father’s spent his life serving the court loyally, Mother is gentle and frail, Big Brother has a bright future, and Bai Rui, though stubborn, has his own pride. All of that—everything—could’ve been ruined. Isn’t that even scarier?”

Yaoyao gave a little shiver. Bai Qingqing went on, “No matter what others say about him, just this one deed alone—we owe him a debt.”

“…I suppose you’re right.”

Bai Yaoyao nodded slowly. “All right then. But still, Sister, I think you should keep your distance from him when you can. He helped the Bai family this time, but who knows about the next? It all depends on his mood. And if he ever…”

Her eyes suddenly went wide, and she grabbed Bai Qingqing’s hand with a jolt, as if she’d seen a ghost.

Bai Qingqing followed her gaze—Ning Yan had lifted the carriage curtain halfway and was already stepping inside.

“How did you get in? Where’s the Bai family’s driver?”

She leaned forward to look out, but Ning Yan stopped her. From outside came Ning Zhao’s cheerful voice: “Don’t worry, Miss Bai, I’ve got the reins steady.”