Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 22: Unlucky day

Shen Baiyu is deep in her thoughts and did not realize that her sudden silence, while she is standing while watching into the distance, has attracted the attention of the family members and the servants as well. She is thinking that in order for her to form her very own mercenaries’ group in this ancient era, she needs an ally that she can trust. She did not want any of her ‘new’ family members to know about this.

As she continues to stare into the distance, a handsome face suddenly pops into her mind. That Third Young Master from the Xiao family. From the original body owner's memories, he is one of her father's newly recruited armies. Yes, he is an expert in martial arts and ancient weaponry, but he is also known to be quite a genius that was said to rival both of his father and older brother. But, from their short meeting the other day, she can feel that the handsome young man possesses not only a bright mind, but he is quite wise yet cunning as well. This type of person suits her purposes. She needs a plan...

"Mother... Older brother... Do I have to stay inside the manor for the time being?"

Concubine Li Xiyin looks at her stepdaughter and says, "You have to stay put, Baiyu. You are the object of interest for both princes now. Though the Crown Prince intends to annul his engagement to you, with the Third Prince suddenly appear, he might change his mind."

"Those brats! They made me unable to go out and about. I haven't managed to paint the town red. Dimwitted fools! One of these days, they will pay for my sufferings!"

Shen Baiyu curses both princes without realizing her current situation. This sudden burst of curses coming from the so-called gentle Eldest Miss made everyone look at her with their gaping mouths. When she realized that her surrounding has become so silent, she pretended to act calm as a cucumber.

Shen Lianhua then suddenly laughs before she says, "You are absolutely right, older sister! Goodness! You have really changed! I prefer this version of you!"

Shen Baiyu turns her head and looks at her with an appreciative smile on her lips, "Lianhua... Being gentle and timid failed me big time. I need to change for the better."

"Though it is quite a shock for me... Baiyu, I never ever heard you even raised your voice. You even cursed! I nearly drop dead due to the shock!"

"Mother... Do not be such a drama queen. Do not worry. I will still act as the most perfect gentle Eldest Miss Shen when I am outside. I have a reputation to hold onto."

"Older sister... You already completely destroyed the 3 young misses just the other days."

"That brainless girls deserved it. I have no regret."

Captain Shen Yili smiles as he watches his mother and younger sisters' conversation. His wife is watching in fascination as well. These days, she is absolutely keeping a close watch on Baiyu. She told him that she is quite fascinated with his second younger sister from the very first time she met her. According to her, ever since Baiyu's close call with death, she has become more and more attractive yet somewhat vindictive in nature. He too founds out that Baiyu is no longer timid and recluse in nature. She is more outgoing and outspoken. She has become more and more cunning too. Seems like that 'brilliant' Crown Prince is to be thankful for this rather positive changes of Baiyu. She no longer worries him as much as she did like in the past.

Though, these days, she is attracting all sorts of attention, especially from those royal brothers. Even the neighbouring prince seems to be interested in her. She has always been a beautiful young girl, but she is much more comfortable staying in her own 'safe haven'. She always wears a veiled hat whenever she is out in the public so most thought that her appearance is not something to be proud of. What if she decided to stop covering her face? What kind of troubles will come knocking onto their door? Crown Prince Beitang Moran better do something about it. It is not like he did not realize that there is a shadow guard protecting Baiyu these last few days. That shows his intention towards her. And, he hopes that he will do something during the banquet.

He sincerely thought that it is better for Baiyu to be in another kingdom to start afresh. Her beauty will become her greatest tumble stone. Her personality will for sure attracts all kind of men. Only a man like the neighbouring prince by her side that no one will have the guts to try to stake a claim on her. She might have the chance to become an empress too. By then, her power is enough to incite fear to anyone including the Nangongs.

"Mother... I think I will skip lunch today. I am not in the mood nor am I hungry."

"Is there something wrong? You are not sick right?"

"I am fine, mother. I just want to get some sleep to ease my troubling heart."

"Second sister-in-law, take a good rest. Mother and I will go to the Xiao Residence later this afternoon. Rest assured."

"Thank you, sister-in-law. Thank you, mother. Older brother... Lianhua... Thank you for being such good siblings too. Baiyu really appreciates it. Love you!"

With that, she runs off towards her courtyard with Moli immediately follows her suit.

"That girl really has become so lively these days. She will become more attractive towards others for sure. Your father will be quite troubled when that happens."

"Indeed, mother. Baiyu is bursting with charms these days."

"Just the other day, she even flirted with that new gentleman too!"

"What?!?!?!"

"Husband... You're back..."

General Shen Jilie nods his heart before he sits next to her with a heavy sigh coming out from his mouth.

"His Majesty insisted that, if the engagement to be annulled, Baiyu must be engaged to one of the royal princes. I do not want her to marry into any of the Nangongs. How could she marry into the same family that slights her in the first place? Because of them, she has become the talk of the Kingdom."

First Princess Nangong Rouran then says, "Father-in-law, I have a feeling that Baiyu will definitely fight for her rights. No worries, I will back her up too. As his only daughter, imperial father will not reject my request."

Captain Shen Yili smiles lovingly at his wife, she has indeed become a "Shen" and will do anything for the family. Shortly after lunch, he has to return back to the palace because the emperor wanted to further discuss with him with the current situation in between his sons. Shen Lianhua watches her older brother and his wife with a mischievous smile on her face.

When Shen Baiyu arrives at her courtyard, she suddenly stops, "Moli, I might be hungry after all. Prepare food for me. Bring along the other maids too."

Once she is sure that no one else in her courtyard, she turns her head to watch the now familiar face. She did not wear her veiled hat but to cover her face, she uses her hand fan.

"You are here... What do you want?"