Chapter 69 – Rebirth: The Poisonous Concubine (10)
Minister Bai had not yet returned, but Madam Bai was not worried. The Emperor often kept officials behind to discuss state affairs, matters beyond the understanding of women. Her only duty was to manage the household well so that her husband had no worries at home.
In the past, if Bai Mo had slept in until late morning, his tutor would personally come to his bedside and lecture him. However, after the terrifying ordeal last night and returning home only in the middle of the night, his loving mother had given the tutor a day off, allowing Bai Mo to sleep in properly. As a result, he slept straight through to the afternoon.
“Ah~ After a good sleep, I feel completely refreshed.” The young man stretched lazily as he sat up.
Looking around at the antique-style room, he was momentarily dazed. Outside, Jin Xin, who had been keeping watch, heard sounds from inside and entered with a basin of hot water. Only then did Bai Mo’s awareness fully return.
Oh~ right, he was in ancient times now.
“Good morning, Sister Jin Xin~” Bai Mo had long given up trying to convince Jin Xin not to serve him, so instead, he made a habit of thanking her whenever she did.
His sweet, soft voice could melt anyone’s heart. Having attended to Bai Mo for a long time, Jin Xin sincerely cared for him. When she had heard that he had ventured alone into the kidnappers’ hideout, she had broken out in cold sweat, her clothes soaked with fear. Fortunately, he had returned safe and sound.
“It’s hardly morning anymore—the sun is about to set,” Jin Xin said with a smile, handing him a towel. “The kitchen has kept plenty of food warm for you. What would you like to eat, young master?”
Bai Mo felt a bit guilty. Xiao Bobao in his head had informed him that ancient times were different from modern times—people had to wake up before dawn, or they’d be scolded for being lazy.
“Sister Jin Xin, but I’m up now, aren’t I?” Bai Mo softened his tone and acted coy. This trick always worked—on people of all ages.
Jin Xin only mentioned it casually and didn’t push further. She instructed a maid to fetch food from the kitchen while she helped Bai Mo into his outer robe. “Madam was really worried about you. The Young Master from the Yu family is still here as well. Madam wanted to wake you earlier, but Young Master Yu stopped her, saying you should wake up naturally. He’s probably preparing to leave now…”
My dear fiancé is still here!
Bai Mo’s eyes lit up. He quickly finished dressing and tied up his hair. Before the food even arrived, he bolted out of the room the moment Jin Xin turned around.
“Hey, young master, where are you going?” Jin Xin called after him. But Bai Mo had only one thought in mind—seeing his beloved.
Before he could reach the main hall, he crashed into someone at the corridor’s archway.
“Ouch!”
The person’s chest was firm, and the impact sent Bai Mo stumbling back several steps. Behind him were stairs—if he fell, his poor backside would suffer.
“Why are you running so fast, Mo Mo?”
The person he had collided with was none other than Yu Chenyi. He had been a little worried when Bai Mo slept for so long, so he had decided to check on him. However, before he even reached Bai Mo’s courtyard, his little fiancé had come rushing toward him instead.
“If I don’t run, then you’ll run away~” Bai Mo pouted, rubbing his reddened forehead with a grievance.
“I’m not running anywhere.” Yu Chenyi, amused by the young man’s assumption, gently blew on his flushed forehead. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Jin Xin finally caught up, panting for breath. “Y-Young Master, you haven’t eaten yet…” People couldn’t go without food, and Bai Mo had not eaten all day. This wouldn’t do.
Upon hearing this, Yu Chenyi gave Bai Mo a disapproving look and, without allowing any argument, half-embraced him as he led him back toward the courtyard. “Tell the kitchen to prepare a meal. I’ll personally watch over him while he eats.”
Bai Mo opened his mouth slightly, but seeing Jin Xin’s delighted expression, he ultimately said nothing.
Oh well, as long as Jin Xin was happy.
Like a little snow ferret, Bai Mo reciprocated kindness to those who treated him well. Jin Xin sincerely cared for him, and as long as it was within reasonable limits, he didn’t mind letting her “act out” a little. As for whether a master should listen to a servant, Bai Mo didn’t have a strong sense of hierarchy and saw nothing wrong with it.
After washing his hands and having his meal, Bai Mo, now full, leaned back, letting Yu Chenyi rub his stomach to aid digestion. The scene was reminiscent of an old married couple, leaving Jin Xin and the other servants utterly stunned.
But soon, joy followed—having served Bai Mo for so long, they would follow him to the Yu household after his marriage. Seeing how much his future husband cherished him, they were certain that Bai Mo’s married life would be filled with harmony and happiness.
Yu Chenyi lingered in the Bai residence for a long time. Meanwhile, Madam Yu, seeing that both her husband and son had yet to return home, personally brought gifts to visit Bai Mo and express her gratitude.
…
By the time Bai Mo and Yu Chenyi arrived at the main hall, Madam Bai and Madam Yu were already engaged in lively conversation. As matriarchs of prestigious families and future in-laws, they had endless topics to discuss. Even the arrival of their beloved sons didn’t interrupt their chat—though the subject did shift.
“Mo Mo, come here quickly. This is Madam Yu. She even held you when you were little!” Madam Bai beckoned Bai Mo with a smile.
Bai Mo stepped forward and greeted her with proper etiquette. “Bai Mo greets Madam Yu. Madam Yu, hello. We actually met last night.”
The young man smiled sweetly, a faint dimple appearing at the corner of his lips, making him look completely harmless. Who would have thought that he had dared to charge in alone to rescue someone?
Madam Yu had a very good impression of Bai Mo. Last night, in the dim light, she hadn’t been able to see him clearly. But now, in broad daylight, Bai Mo stood before her in an elegant blue robe, appearing both obedient and clever. With his fair complexion, rosy lips, and bright eyes, he was truly a fine young man. Even without considering his abilities and courage, just his appearance and demeanor alone were enough to outshine many others.
Madam Yu suddenly understood why Madam Bai was always so strict about keeping Bai Mo from going out. If she were in her place, she would do the same. The outside world was full of dangers, and kidnappers were rampant. If Bai Mo had been a little younger and more naïve, he could have easily caught the attention of ill-intentioned people—what a terrifying thought.
At that realization, Madam Yu felt a surge of pride. Soon, Bai Mo would call her mother and officially enter the Yu family.
“Good child, you really had a tough time yesterday.” Madam Yu patted Bai Mo’s hand gently. No young man would willingly dress in red garments meant for women. If it weren’t to save her, Bai Mo would never have had to endure such a thing.
Bai Mo shook his head repeatedly, insisting it was no trouble at all. It wasn’t even his first time wearing such clothes, so he had no psychological burden over it.
But Madam Yu thought differently—and so did Madam Bai. In fact, the latter felt a tinge of jealousy.
What was so great about Yu Chenyi that he could make Bai Mo risk everything and dress in disguise for a dangerous rescue on their very first meeting?
It wasn’t that saving people was wrong, but every mother’s heart ached for their child.
The world was filled with ruthless people, and pure-hearted Bai Mo had little chance of winning against such villains.
Madam Bai cast a resentful glance at Bai Mo, who was now cozily chatting with Madam Yu. This child… he hasn’t even married yet, and his heart has already flown to another family.
As for the main culprit behind all this—Yu Chenyi—Madam Bai, who had once admired his imposing presence and noble demeanor, now found him utterly displeasing to the eye.
Stared down by his future mother-in-law, Yu Chenyi could only sigh helplessly. Though he maintained a gentle smile on his face, inwardly, he was laughing bitterly. Mother, please stop talking. If you keep going, your son’s wife might run away.
The saying “No one knows a child better than their mother” did not apply to Madam Yu and Yu Chenyi at all. Madam Yu was still holding Bai Mo’s hand, enthusiastically recounting his heroic deeds from the previous night. Bai Mo’s mother, Madam Bai, was already looking displeased, yet Madam Yu remained completely oblivious.
Meanwhile, the Xiao Bobao gleefully chimed in: “Oh ho, someone’s about to face the consequences!”
As long as Bai Mo’s personal safety wasn’t at risk, the system was more than happy to see his beloved husband-to-be suffer a little. After all, life was full of ups and downs.
…
Inside the palace, the emperor had moved to Cining Palace. The Prime Minister’s wife had entered the palace to pay her respects, accompanied by several young maids—but not her daughter, Wei Yuyan.
“Where is Miss Wei?” the Empress Dowager inquired. She never involved herself in court matters, but she was deeply concerned about her grandson’s marriage. The Third Prince was the child her niece had given her life to bear, carrying the bloodline of her family. She strongly supported his claim to the throne, believing that if he became emperor, her own family would flourish for generations.
The Prime Minister’s wife lowered her head respectfully and replied, “Yu Yan is feeling unwell. She feared bringing illness into the palace and affecting the noble ladies. Once she recovers, I will personally bring her to pay her respects.”
The young eunuch who had delivered the imperial decree had already accepted her bribe, ensuring he would keep his mouth shut. Now, all she had to do was get past the Empress Dowager, and everything would be fine.
However, just because the messenger had taken the bribe didn’t mean the emperor was unaware of the truth. After the Empress Dowager ordered an imperial physician to visit the Prime Minister’s manor to examine Wei Yuyan, the emperor smiled and said, “So, according to you, Miss Wei is currently at the Prime Minister’s residence?”
The Prime Minister’s wife, feeling increasingly anxious, answered in a low voice, “Yes.”
The emperor clapped his hands, signaling for the guards at the door. “Bring Wei Yuyan from the prison,” he ordered. Then, turning to the Empress Dowager, he said, “Last night, Minister Bai and the others captured the leader of the kidnappers.”
The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile. “I have heard of it. Minister Bai and Censor Yu have worked hard.”
The emperor continued, “During the arrest, a female fugitive was caught. She claimed to be the Prime Minister’s daughter. As we all know, a lady’s reputation is of utmost importance. Miss Wei is not only the daughter of a high-ranking official but also the betrothed of my third son. This matter affects not only the Prime Minister’s household but also the royal family’s honor. That is why I have gathered everyone here in Cining Palace today—to resolve this issue properly.”
The moment the emperor revealed that Wei Yuyan had been imprisoned, the Prime Minister’s wife was hit with an overwhelming sense of doom. She instinctively glanced at the Prime Minister, but he showed no reaction and did not even look at her.
For the first time, she felt utterly alone.
Meanwhile, Censor Yu and Minister Bai exchanged knowing glances, silently communicating with each other. No one paid attention to her, and no one could understand the fear growing in her heart.
The Prime Minister had absolute faith in his wife. He cupped his hands and addressed the Emperor, “Your Majesty, Yu Yan has always been well-behaved. She spends her days at home reading and embroidering—how could she possibly be involved in a human trafficking scheme? This must be someone attempting to use my name to evade punishment.”
The Empress Dowager found his words reasonable and nodded in agreement. “The Prime Minister makes a fair point. I have met Yu Yan before—she is quiet and well-mannered, a model of proper upbringing.”
“Let’s hope so,” the Emperor replied nonchalantly, leaving those words hanging as he turned his gaze to the Prime Minister’s wife. His silent scrutiny sent a wave of panic through her.
After about the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Wei Yuyan was finally brought in. She was still dressed in men’s clothing, though her hair was disheveled and loose. Her head remained bowed, obscuring her face from view.
The moment the Prime Minister caught sight of her attire, he loudly declared, “Who is this criminal daring to impersonate the daughter of a court official? Using my name in an attempt to escape punishment is a crime deserving of death!” His words carried an air of unwavering righteousness.
The young woman trembled at his outburst.
If not for the solemnity of the occasion, the Prime Minister’s wife would have collapsed on the spot. After spending more than a decade raising her daughter, how could she fail to recognize her own child? The person before her was undoubtedly Yu Yan, the very daughter who had been missing all night.