DTBCF Chapter 22

Was she trying to speak up for me? There’s no need for that!

Bai Xiangxiu shot a resentful glance at the nanny, then lowered her head, remaining silent.

The nanny tugged at her sleeve in confusion, wondering what she had said wrong but was pleased seeing the prince’s satisfied expression. The prince said, “I’ll go check on the old madam. Jiaoyue, feel free to do as you please.”

Song Jiaoyue had originally accompanied the prince to check on the old madam but, seeing she was asleep, said, “Then I’ll head back first.” Without looking back, he walked out.

No, this can’t be happening! If he leaves, I won’t get another chance!

Bai Xiangxiu quickly turned to the nanny and said, “Mama, I need to step outside… to, um, that place.”

The mama immediately understood. Seeing that Bai Xiangxiu had taken good care of the old madam and never acted arrogantly toward them, she said, “Go ahead, but make sure to wear your veil.”

“I know.” Bai Xiangxiu, being a modern woman, believed in treating everyone equally, especially being respectful toward the elderly. She always wore a smile and never acted entitled despite her status.

She sometimes thought about putting on airs, as most time-traveling heroines did—dominating every situation and making sure no one would dare harm her. But her goal was simpler: win over the second male lead and secure her safety.

She always felt like she could return to her original world.

Unlike other time travelers, she didn’t settle in too comfortably. She preferred her previous life—growing flowers, tending to plants, and enjoying peace of mind.

Determined, she clenched her fists and hurried after Song Jiaoyue.

The relay station wasn’t large, and the courtyard was quite peaceful to accommodate the noble guests.

Accompanied only by Xiao Shi, Bai Xiangxiu shot her a look and said, “Keep watch for me.” After making a pleading gesture, she ran after Song Jiaoyue.

“Master Song, please wait!” Her voice was soft, but Song Jiaoyue heard and quickened his pace. Still, she didn’t give up, saying, “I’m sorry, there was a misunderstanding that day.”

Song Jiaoyue finally stopped and turned to face her, uncertain of what misunderstanding she was referring to regarding the Mandarin duck sachet.

Taking advantage of his moment of confusion, Bai Xiangxiu quickly approached, stopping three steps away. “The truth is, that sachet was something the old madam insisted I give to the prince.”

“Oh?” Song Jiaoyue frowned. Why would something meant for the prince end up in his hands?

“I had prepared a different gift for you, but it got mixed up somehow.”

Not waiting for his response, she handed the item to a nearby servant, avoiding handing it directly to him. She figured that way, no one could accuse her of anything improper.

Then, she turned and hurried off, not even paying attention to Xiao Shi’s wide-eyed look. She moved so fast that she nearly tripped and fell, but Xiao Shi caught her just in time.

Xiao Shi was shocked by the boldness of her mistress but knew better than to question her. She could only be perplexed in silence.

The servant glanced at his master, unsure what to do with the gift in his hands.

Song Jiaoyue, worried that others might see, said nothing and returned to the carriage with his servant. Just then, word came that the road had been cleared, and everyone was preparing to depart.

Outside the carriage, the servant asked, “Master, should I throw it away?” He couldn’t believe how bold the prince’s concubine had been.

Song Jiaoyue had been about to say yes but hesitated. Her explanation had seemed sincere, and she hadn’t appeared to have any improper intentions. “Bring it here.”

The servant, knowing how hard it was to resist a beauty’s charm, handed over the book. It was nothing more than a simple educational text.

Song Jiaoyue naturally knew the gift would be inside the book, so he flipped through the pages, uncovering a unique bookmark inscribed with a poem: “Black hair doesn’t know the value of studying early; white hair regrets it when it’s too late.”

He was stunned. This was a thoughtful, scholarly gift, not something a woman would normally give to express romantic interest. Had he misunderstood her intentions? Maybe she was simply afraid of being disliked and was trying to make amends with this gift.

In any case, the poem was simple yet profound, perfect for a bookmark to remind him of the value of learning.

After some hesitation, he decided to keep it. He could only hope that she would refrain from doing anything else inappropriate in the future. Few women were this bold, gifting things without any real reason.

Thinking about it, they’d hardly had any interactions, so her only reason for giving the gift must have been his reputation as a scholar.

That must be it, he thought. This woman must admire talent even while confined to her boudoir. But to give gifts to a man—was that proper?

Even as the carriage moved on, Song Jiaoyue found himself still puzzling over why a concubine would go to such lengths to give him a gift. While the gift itself seemed innocuous, the intent behind it was harder to interpret.

Several times, he considered discarding the gift but ultimately decided to keep the bookmark, appreciating its craftsmanship.

Bai Xiangxiu had gone all out. Desperate for some interaction with him, she resorted to this bold, almost nonsensical method. Who cared if he was confused? She was already planning her next steps.

Back in the carriage, Xiao Shi watched her mistress, wide-eyed. With Mama Ye gone due to the carriage’s jolting, Xiao Shi’s eyes were red as she stared at Bai Xiangxiu, clearly wanting to ask questions but too afraid to.

“Stop looking at me like that. Master Song helped me last time when I was out looking for firewood, so I gave him a thank-you gift.”

Bai Xiangxiu lied smoothly, not even sure if Song Jiaoyue recognized her.

Xiao Shi glared but said, “Even so, you shouldn’t have…” —do something so bold. Wasn’t this improper conduct?

“You know what happened that day can’t be told to anyone. If it hadn’t been for Master Song, I might have been taken advantage of by a scoundrel. This gift is the least I could do.”

Wiping a non-existent tear from the corner of her eye, Bai Xiangxiu’s gesture earned Xiao Shi’s sympathy. The maid now believed her mistress was justified in her actions, as Song Jiaoyue had saved her from a terrible fate.

“Fine, but don’t do it again.” She couldn’t bear another scare like this.

“Of course, there won’t be a next time.” Bai Xiangxiu was also terrified—wasn’t giving a simple gift in this world too nerve-wracking? Ancient life was too much.

After a bumpy ride, they finally arrived at Longhua Temple, where the honored guests were welcomed. The monks were busy with the influx of visitors, especially since an esteemed prince was among them—someone with wealth, power, and influence.

The female guests were quickly led to a large guesthouse with over ten rooms, enough for everyone to stay comfortably.

However, much to Bai Xiangxiu’s dismay, they were placed right next to the residence of the Lin family—where the heroine Lin Qianzhi, and her mother were staying. Being so close meant she’d have a front-row seat to the drama, especially since the heroine planned to escape tonight.

Bai Xiangxiu wanted nothing to do with the Lin family, preferring to stay as far away as possible. Besides the second male lead, she had no interest in interacting with anyone else.