Chapter Thirty: The Virtuous Prince, Blessed with Abundant Beauty!

Spitting at Liu Linger, Ning Susu said, "Linger, you should head back now. If you disappear for too long, the old witch of Chu might send the Imperial Guards to look for you."

The old witch of Chu! Liu Linger's eyes lit up. "Are you talking about the Empress Dowager? Bai Li Xian told me just yesterday that I'd meet the old crone today. I nearly slipped up in front of her, almost couldn't save face!"

Ning Susu arched her brows with a smile. "Xian and the others only call her that in private. You're the bold one, saying it to her face. But you really shouldn't linger here; we'll talk again when there's a chance!"

Liu Linger found Ning Susu easy to get along with, someone whose temperament matched her own, worth befriending. Yet, thinking of the entanglements between Bai Li Xian and Ning Susu, a sour feeling rose in her heart.

When she was nearly at the door, Ning Susu called out to Liu Linger, "Linger, if you see Shuangshuang at Prince Xian's manor, please look after her for me."

Seeing the earnest look in Ning Susu's eyes, Liu Linger softened and somehow agreed, "Alright, I will."

She hadn't even walked a hundred meters out of the Cold Palace before regret struck. How had she so muddle-headedly promised to take care of Bai Li Xian's mistress, and now she had to look after his various lovers? What a mess! What a headache!

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Only after the morning court had dispersed in the Grand Golden Hall did Bai Li Xian slowly enter to pay his respects to Bai Li Hai.

It wasn't that Bai Li Xian held such power that he could skip morning court like a veteran minister; rather, Bai Li Hai went to great lengths to sideline Bai Li Xian, preventing him from participating in state affairs, and this was just one example.

In the vast golden hall, footsteps echoed, light and frail, as if the walker had just recovered from a serious illness. Had Liu Linger been present, she would surely have quipped: "With three thousand beauties in the harem, each fierce as a wolf, how could our adorable emperor not be worn out!"

The man walked up to Prince Xian and personally helped Bai Li Xian to his feet. "Third brother, here it is just the two of us. No need for such formalities."

His voice was gentle, like a breeze in March caressing the heart. Yet in Bai Li Xian’s ears, it sounded like wind rising from the depths of a cave, carrying a chilling undertone.

Bai Li Hai, in his dragon-embroidered golden robe, smiled at Bai Li Xian. The two resembled each other closely; if Bai Li Xian removed his mask, both would be strikingly handsome.

Born of the same mother, Bai Li Hai sometimes felt jealous of Bai Li Xian. Why, when they shared the same mother, did their father always favor Bai Li Xian? If not for the late emperor’s partiality toward him and their elder brother, how could Bai Li Hai have grown to hate them both so deeply? Now, thinking back, it was all their father’s fault.

Yet these were only excuses within Bai Li Hai’s heart. In the imperial court, brothers and fathers could turn against each other for the throne. He was merely one among many pitiful souls.

Bai Li Xian gave a dry laugh. "Your Majesty is mistaken! Even if it’s just us in the room, you are still my elder brother. Is it wrong for a younger prince to pay respects to his elder?"

Bai Li Hai chuckled. "Yesterday was your wedding. I didn't join the festivities. Are you satisfied with your bride? Now that you have a household, I can rest easy."

He didn’t join the festivities? Hardly. Though the assassin yesterday appeared to be sent by the Prime Minister, Bai Li Xian suspected Bai Li Hai’s hand behind it. But such words he would never utter.

He lowered his head in thought, then smiled. "I must thank you, brother, for stripping away my reputation as a bane to noble maidens. I am indeed blessed to have met a destined bride with talent and beauty."

"Oh?" Bai Li Hai was skeptical. The rumored daughter of the general, Liu Linger, was said to be a useless young lady. Yet you speak of her as a treasure. Keep spinning your tale! Since you brought it up yourself, if I don’t expose you, how can I maintain my standing?

Bai Li Hai grinned. "Well, since I have such a talented sister-in-law, I must meet her in person and see just how accomplished she is."

Bai Li Xian’s heart skipped a beat. Though he found Liu Linger a bit more exceptional than most girls, he knew little of her talents. If she were summoned, he might be exposed.

His eyes darted, and he replied, "Today might not be possible; my wife is currently accompanying the Empress Dowager. Another day, brother, I’ll arrange for you to meet her."

At the mention of the Empress Dowager, Bai Li Hai shivered, clearly wary of Chu Meier. His tone softened. "Indeed, mentioning that old witch spoils the mood."

Bai Li Xian seized the chance. "She’s probably tired today. I’ll take her home first. Another day, brother, please come to my manor, and I’ll treat you well."

Bai Li Hai played along. "Of course. In a few days, I’ll come to see my sister-in-law’s performance."

Liu Linger’s luck was good; after asking several young eunuchs, she finally found the imperial garden at the back hill, just as the Empress Dowager was preparing to return to the palace. She had been complaining about all the walking, her legs nearly worn through, when Bai Li Xian arrived to escort her away.

Heavens, she could finally return to the manor and rest. Poor Liu Linger, her body so frail, without inner strength—how could a woman withstand such trials?

Seated in the carriage, Liu Linger kept staring at Bai Li Xian, making him uneasy. Unable to bear it, Bai Li Xian looked at her and said, "Why do you keep staring at me? There’s nothing like bird droppings on my mask!"

Liu Linger cradled her head and grinned slyly. "Bai Li Xian, I never expected you to be so capable! My husband, Prince Xian, is certainly blessed with luck in love!"