DTBCF Chapter 13

Huh!

Bai Xiangxiu had no idea what she had done wrong. Why had the second male lead, who had been so interested just a moment ago, suddenly returned to his seat?

An older servant approached her, smiling as she said, “Just as Young Master Song mentioned, those characters are tiny. My eyesight is still sharp, and I can see them. This poem… it’s interesting, very interesting.”

The matriarch chuckled, “Read it aloud.”

“Alas, alas, oh alas!” The servant stopped midway, leaving everyone, including the matriarch, puzzled. Why would she lament on a birthday celebration?

Even Long Heng put down his teacup and listened carefully, though he didn’t appear angry. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. He thought, after all, she was a woman from his household, and showing concern for his mother was nothing to frown upon. While she had used some clever tactics, she didn’t seem to have any ill intentions, which was acceptable to him.

The servant continued reading: “Alas, recently, the rain has been pouring. Let the downpour bless the grand lady’s life, wishing her longevity far greater than the endless rain.”

Bai Xiangxiu had read this poem online before. She found it amusing and had memorized it. After arriving here, she wanted to display some of her talents to get the second male lead’s attention, so she altered the poem and carved it onto the teacups. She had hoped someone would notice and spread the word, but unexpectedly, the second male lead had seen it himself. However, his reaction wasn’t what she had expected.

She remembered that in the novel, when the male lead saw the heroine’s painting, he was very excited. So why hadn’t this poem sparked his interest? Could it be that her changes had completely ruined the original meaning?

Oh no, the second male lead is so hard to win over. What should I do? Urgent, waiting online!

Bai Xiangxiu was feeling deflated. After all the effort she had put into pretending to be the timid little flower, it seemed like it had all been for nothing.

She was a bit downcast, waiting for the matriarch to dismiss the concubines so that she could come up with another plan. But to her surprise, the matriarch unexpectedly showed some leniency and said, “You may all stay, but remember your place.”

Wait, what? Plot, what’s going on? In the story, the concubines were sent away, but why were they allowed to stay now? Where did things go wrong?

The other three concubines were thrilled. It was rare for concubines to have the privilege to attend such a grand banquet, proving that they had a certain standing.

Bai Xiangxiu, however, felt exhausted. The earlier series of events had already drained her mentally.

Don’t ask why she seemed so useless. Before this, she had only dealt with flowers and plants. All this scheming and strategizing was taking a toll on her.

Long Heng had remained silent the entire time. In his eyes, no matter how talented a woman was, if she showed off her abilities in such a blatant manner, she was definitely after something.

However, why had she suddenly become so quiet? She now sat in the corner, head lowered, as if she wanted to disappear. She seemed utterly fatigued.

Song Jiaoyue had also noticed her change in demeanor. Still, since she was a friend’s concubine, he couldn’t get too close to her. Even though he was curious about the entire poem, it seemed he wouldn’t get the chance to hear it.

And so, with everyone lost in their thoughts, they waited until most of the guests had arrived. Once the male and female guests had all gathered, they eventually separated into their respective areas.

Concubines weren’t allowed to attend the main event, but the three wives naturally took the opportunity to appear elegant and dignified, hoping to win the approval of the other ladies.

However, even though those ladies were polite, their status as legitimate wives and daughters couldn’t hide the disdain in their eyes.

Bai Xiangxiu quietly sipped her tea. Her maid, Xiao Shi, whispered, “Madam Xiu, why don’t you go chat with the other ladies? If you gain their approval, things will change for you.”

“How exactly would things change?” Bai Xiangxiu asked curiously. Her goals had nothing to do with these noblewomen or young ladies, so she didn’t particularly care about their opinions.

However, she did notice someone—the heroine’s mother, a beautiful woman with deep schemes.

Now in her early thirties, she had a poised demeanor and always greeted others with a slight smile. Yet Bai Xiangxiu knew this woman was extremely calculating.

She had gone to great lengths to arrange a marriage for her daughter and had ultimately chosen the male lead, Long Heng, because of his potential. Her foresight was sharp, but she hadn’t anticipated that her daughter would reject the marriage outright.

A mother who was fully committed to her family’s interests, paired with a daughter who was stubborn and wilful—it was truly a frustrating pair.

If it weren’t for the fact that the male lead later overpowered and subdued the heroine, who knows how chaotic things might have gotten between them?

When Bai Xiangxiu had read about this noblewoman in the novel, she hadn’t had a great impression of her. But seeing her now, she had to admit that at least the woman was strikingly beautiful.

She was also extremely tactful, effortlessly chatting with every lady present. She was especially friendly with the matriarch, constantly calling her “elder sister” and even presenting one of the heroine’s paintings as a gift.

Of course, the painting was given without the heroine’s consent. Her daughter had vehemently opposed the engagement, having heard all sorts of negative rumors about the male lead.

Yes, no need to doubt it. The heroine was exactly the type who was easily swayed by gossip, a bit naïve, always getting into trouble, and somehow managing to act innocent afterward.

But at least Bai Xiangxiu finally got a glimpse of the noble ladies of the era. They did have impeccable manners and could even smile without showing their teeth.

She had thought she’d been playing the part of a refined lady well these past few days, but seeing them made her realize she still had a lot to learn. More effort was needed!

Why put in the effort? Because the second male lead preferred a heroine who, though a bit naïve and pure-hearted, possessed the graceful air of a noblewoman.

Wait, didn’t the heroine’s mother just present her gift to the male lead, even though he hadn’t appeared yet? Isn’t that completely off-track? There didn’t seem to be any reason for her to do this.

Just as Bai Xiangxiu was feeling confused, the matriarch said after receiving the painting, “Indeed, it’s a fine piece of work. Someone, go and call the prince.”

Prince Long Heng arrived, accompanied by his close friend, Song Jiaoyue.

It was no surprise. The two had known each other since childhood, so Song Jiaoyue was quite at ease in the prince’s manor.

This eventually led to the second male lead being gradually drawn to the heroine, causing Bai Xiangxiu to worry for him. Falling for the male lead’s woman was practically a death sentence!

Fortunately, in the end, the male lead didn’t take his life.

Well, Bai Xiangxiu hadn’t finished reading the novel, but it felt like even if the male lead spared him, the troublesome heroine would end up dragging him into disaster with her antics.

Rubbing her temples, Bai Xiangxiu recalled all the people the heroine had offended, and her head started to ache. She felt bad for the male lead, but she also pitied the second male lead. They both needed extraordinary patience and resilience to deal with a heroine like her—it was practically a job for saints!