Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 19: Shen Baiyu on top

Shen Baiyu walks in silence with Xiao Ke Ai walking next to her, one walks in a confident stride with a white-coloured veiled hat while the other walks with cheerful steps paired with a wide smile on her lips. Moli is walking behind these odd pair of young misses with an unsmiling expression on her face as she stares at every single passerby who turns their heads to stare at her young miss and her companion.

The time is still rather early, just 10 o'clock in the morning. The city is bustling with people and, by now, they already know that the infamous Eldest Miss Shen has started to show herself more in the public and, somehow made an acquaintance with another infamous young miss, Second Miss Xiao.

People are talking about how articulate and calculating the eldest miss of the Shen family is these days. Ever since her near-death experience, she seems to bounce back in vengeance. She has 'graciously' agreed that her long-time engagement with Crown Prince Nangong Yingjun is annulled. This is rather an unprecedented move from a young lady. A young lady with a broken engagement will be seen as an embarrassment to her family and will be scorned by society in general. When people thought that she will fight for her right to be married into the imperial family, she has done the exact opposite.

The biggest shock of all time is that she demanded that she should be given 'necessary' compensation for her 'trouble'. Less than a week later, she even rebuked the young misses from the Lu, Zhao and Ye families. And, not surprisingly, demanded compensation from each of them for both Second Miss Xiao and herself.

She shamelessly asked for 1,000 gold coins each from each young misses which made the public wonder that if she demanded 1,000 gold coins each from each of them, how much should the imperial family have to compensate her? After all, the 3 families are just ordinary third-grade official families whereas both Second Miss Xiao and herself come from first-grade families that are considered as the pillars for their Kingdom. Many are anticipating hearing what will she get as compensation from the royal family.

Xiao Ke Ai noticed that people are glancing at their way but ignores it as she looks at Shen Baiyu with new found respect. This Eldest Miss Shen is definitely not a timid miss because she dared to answer back at Crown Prince Nangong Yingjun. Though he is quite a handsome man and much more manly looking than her own beloved fiancé, she discovers that his attitude is quite hateful. She is aware that he is looking down at Shen Baiyu, but she can feel that this young miss walking next to her has a bearing of becoming a formidable woman for sure. Such a rare quality is suitable to be the 'mother of a kingdom'.

As her father has said last night, Eldest Miss Shen is not only wise but quite scheming as well. Her father even said that this type of woman can establish and/or ruin anything on her way according to her will. During the short meeting with her, every members of her family noticed of her strong aura even when she just sat there in silence while calmly sipped in her tea. She does not say much but just enough to convince them to do according to her liking. Such an individual is someone should be respected and feared at the same time. If the engagement will be annulled by the imperial family, who knows whether it will be a blessing or a loss for their Kingdom.

Both her father and older brother are also worried about the handsome gentleman that is obviously showing an obvious interest towards Eldest Miss Shen which is odd anyway, but what is not her problem, not hers to care about. If someone else like Eldest Miss Shen to a point of asking her hand in marriage, that will be such a blessing for someone who will be abandoned by the Crown Prince. That mysterious yet handsome man should be respected for his honest intention.

She has heard that Eldest Miss Shen has a rather ordinary look or, perhaps, even ugly in her appearance. But, upon meeting her, Eldest Miss Shen never even once judged her for her ‘unfortunate’ look. So, she should not judge someone based on his or her outer appearance as well. What matters most is the heart. Eldest Miss Shen did emphasize that a 'beautiful' heart can go a 'long way' as long as one does not drown herself in naivety.

"Older sister Baiyu, I am really impressed with how you handled His Royal Highness earlier."

"I rather not talk to such a man but, some words should be spoken to 'slap' his proud face. Such a waste of my saliva and energy to face a 'rat' early in the morning."

Xiao Ke Ai laughs and says, "Older sister Baiyu is so daring indeed."

"To lead a life such as mine, one has to be daring. After all, soon I will no longer be engaged to him. The burden of facing society's criticism will be on me. That man will be immediately engaged to his chosen one after this one has been thrown aside. Thank goodness!"

Xiao Ke Ai becomes more and more impressed with this bold young miss and nods her head in agreement. Moli is slightly smiling when she heard what Shen Baiyu has said. Her mistress definitely changed for the better. Both young misses talk casually and happily along their way to the Xiao Residence and, without realizing it, they have soon arrived in front of the main door.

Xiao Ke Ai holds onto Shen Baiyu's hands and says, "Older sister Baiyu, I really appreciate that you are willing to become my friend. I really had a great time today. The training is tiring but it is worth it. We will meet again tomorrow then."

"Of course. Remember that we are aiming to be healthier. Do not indulge yourself with unhealthy food. Eat just enough but not to a point of fullness."

"I will try my best!"

"That warm-up exercises can be done in your own courtyard too. And, the training taught by my older brother should be practised daily as well. I will pick up you again tomorrow at the same time. Please convey my greetings towards your family too."

"Okay. Bye, older sister Baiyu. Please take care while on your way back."

Shen Baiyu smiles watching the disappearing figure, "Moli, let us go back."

"Noted, Eldest Miss."

(Picture available on w*****d)

Not long after they have reached home, Shen Baiyu takes her shower and dresses up for lunch. Upon seeing her rosy complexion, Concubine Li Xiyin smiles happily.

"Baiyu, you look so much better these days. Seems that your body is healing up well."

"Mother, I am slowly getting better. Thank you for your care and concerns."

"Nonsense... I am responsible for the well-being of my children. 3 days later, we will attend the royal banquet. I do believe that you will come along too right."

"Definitely. I would not miss it. After all, the engagement will be officially annulled then, I will be getting my compensation. My presence is a must."

"Will you regret it?"

"No. I will not regret any of my decision. Of course, there will be some losses, but I will gain more material gains. That it something to look forward to. Mother, forgive me for my boldness but I wish to manage my own dowry from these days onwards."

Concubine Li Xiyin smiles and gently pat her hand, "It is only right for you to manage your own dowry. Over the years, your father and I have been adding more items into the list too. Your older brother and his wife have contributed a fair amount as well. Even Her Majesty, the Empress, has granted you a few pieces of fertile lands. You are one rich young miss, Baiyu."

Shen Baiyu laughs and says, "I will check through the list later and some will be given away to Lianhua and Xianghua for their dowries."

Concubine Li Xiyin looks at her and says, "You do not have to do that... They have theirs too."

"No worries, mother. It is my sincere intention to provide for both of them. I have a plan to accumulate more monies for myself but that will be done after my engagement has been annulled for good."

"I am glad, Baiyu. You are such a strong girl. Speaking of which... Where on earth your younger sister has gone to? I haven't seen her at all for today."