Bai Jing, who had been sleeping comfortably, suddenly felt pain in his right leg. The pain was so intense, it felt like thousands of ants were biting his leg. He began to fight and cry in his sleep. His body was involuntarily reacting to the torment, yet his eyelids remained stubbornly shut, refusing to open despite his desperate attempts. Two hours later, the pain subsided, and Bai Jing finally fell asleep again.
.....
The next day at the Bai Family residence:
Lord Bai was sitting at the table with his seven wives to discuss the situation regarding Bai Jing's matter. Lord Bai was sitting at the top of the table; his wives were seated to his right and left. Lady Bai, also known as Xin Ying, his principal wife, sat at the end of the table. She was dressed in a light, elegant robe, sipping tea: "The engagement with the Ye family is set for this evening, as we discussed." She announced with a smile in her voice.
"This isn't good. Xiao Jing hasn't recovered from the trauma, and his leg still hasn't completely healed. How about we wait a couple more days?" Zhu Ping suggested, his voice filled with concern.
"No way!" Yu Hui exclaimed angrily: "If he's ready before the ceremony even starts, what's the point of waiting?"
As Master Bai's youngest wife and the only one without a child, Yu Hui's standing was not high. He wouldn't miss any opportunity to curry favor with Lady Bai.
"What do you mean?" Zhu Ping had a bad feeling
"It doesn't matter," Lady Bai interjected, breaking the silence that had fallen over the table. "Bai Jing's leg is already healed, I assure you. I had a servant apply the grade-three, level two bone-rejoining medicine on his leg last night."
Zhu Ping immediately stood abruptly and slammed the table: "How dare you?"! He shouted furiously: "Do you have any idea how painful the high-grade bone rejoining potion is? How could you use it on my son without my concern?"
His anger was so intense that his spirit force surged uncontrollably, causing everyone in the room to feel a suffocating pressure. It was the first time any of them had witnessed such an unrestrained outburst of rage from him. Lady Bai, who was caught off guard by his anger, was stunned and speechless.
Zhu Ping was known for his quiet and easygoing nature. He was never one to instigate an argument or even engage in one. He simply accepted things as they were and made the most of what he had. His priority was always to avoid trouble. Therefore, his sudden burst of anger took everyone by surprise, though only for a moment. After all, even the most accepting person will not tolerate harm coming to their child.
"Stop!" Lord Bai, who had been silent until now, shouted angrily: "My wife has already done enough for your son. Don't blame her for such a minor issue. She was merely concerned that the Ye family would hold us responsible if we delay any longer."
Zhu Ping was immediately heartbroken. 'What do you mean 'your' wife? Am I not your wife as well?'
But he knew the answer more than anyone that he could only rely on himself.
"My lord, please forgive my insolence," Zhu Ping pleaded, bowing deeply. "I wasn't thinking clearly when I lashed out."
Why were they tormenting him and his son? The Bai family's evilness had become unbearable, and Zhu Ping could not bear another day of their cruelty.
Lord Bai nodded, gesturing for him to sit. "It is settled." He announced with a smug tone: "Bai Jing will be sent to the Ye family this evening. A pregnant ger cannot, after all, remain in his father's house." He paused, then added: "I hope you're not too disappointed, Zhu Ping."
How could he not be disappointed? He'd been married here for seventeen years, and the person he married to doesn't care about him and his child.
Zhu Ping just sat there and did not respond. He couldn't bear to lose Bai Jing, his only child, but he also couldn't stand to see Bai Jing suffer any more than he already had. He could not bear watching his child enduring again and again. But as a ger and wife, there's nothing he could do.
Lord Bai has many children. Except for Zhu Ping who only has one child and Yu Hui with none, the rest of his wives have three to four children. Therefore, losing one child would have no significant impact on him.
Zhu Ping was left alone at the table after the meeting was over. He felt incredibly lost, overwhelmed by how quickly events had transpired, giving him no space to make preparation. As he sat there, a knock sounded from the front door.
His servant came in: "Master, the young master is awake. I think you should take this opportunity to stay with him a while longer before he leaves." the servant said.
Zhu Ping stood up and sighed. "You're right, I'll go take this chance." Zhu Ping said walking towards Bai Jing's bedroom.
🪷🪷🪷
After he woke up, Bai Jing felt his legs had already healed. A servant came in and brought his breakfast. He was surprised when the servant told him, "Young master, your engagement will take place this evening. This servant wishes you a good marriage."
Bai Jing didn't say anything because from what he overheard from Zhu Ping and Lord Bai last night, this engagement was supposed to be in a few days.
He ate the breakfast slowly, not really tasting it. It was as if something was bothering him but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. After the servant left, he heard footsteps coming closer and saw a young man standing against the wall.
Bai Han, the third young master of the Bai family looked at Bai Jing as if the other party was a dirt under his feet. The moment their eyes met; Bai Jing knew this person was up to no good. His expression turned cold: "What do you want?" He asked, suppressing the emotions that were threatening to burst out.
"You should thank me." Bai Han smiled and closed the door: "If I hadn't interfered with the accident the other night, your situation would be far worse by now. You know what happens to those who disregard my rules and obstruct me." He sneered. "So why the miserable expression, when you should be celebrating?"
"Who's miserable? Me? You're the one who set me up! I can't believe you'd pull such a dirty trick!" Bai Jing didn't bother to hide his hatred towards Bai Han. "You just used me as an excuse to get closer to Zhao Yuyuan, didn't you? I bet he wouldn't have agreed if you'd asked him first. You're such an asshole!"
"So what?" Bai Han scoffed: "Ye Cheng is nothing but a bastard the main wife is desperate to get rid of. What's so great about him? Don't think for a second that joining the Ye family will bring you wealth and luxury. I hear that as soon as you're married, you and Ye Cheng will be banished to a remote village."
As he listened to Bai Han words, Bai Jing's heart pounded, he clenched his fists unconsciously and his breathing grew heavy. The original owner's emotions were out of control, but before he could respond, Bai Han cut him off: "Your senior brother Zhao Yuyuan whom you love so dearly, will become my betrothed in a few days."
"What did you say?!" Bai Jing immediately stood up from where he sat, causing his chair to fall to the floor along with the porcelain cup that he used. His chest heaved as his face grew hot. His eyes were burning with fury and murderous intent.
Bai Han just watched him with amusement: "Actually, Father intended to arrange a marriage with the Zhao family, since Zhao Yuyuan has also taken interest in you. After all, the Zhao family has the most influence in Qingzhou and if our families were to combine forces, we will be able to surpass the Ye and Chen's powers."
He chuckled, and added: "But who would have thought you'd be so impatient as to sleep with Ye Cheng and even carry his child? A lustful person such as yourself doesn't deserve Zhao Yuyuan! Therefore, Father has replaced your name with mine."
"You Bastard!" The next second, Bai Jing shrieked, instantly launching an attack. The ceramic teacup, and its contents flying towards Bai Han's face, shattered on the floor as Bai Han easily dodged. Bai Jing followed up with another attack but was no match for Bai Han. Bai Han moved with lightning speed, landing two powerful punches to Bai Jing's chest, sending him flying. He crashed heavily against the wooden table, sending more porcelain scattering and smashing to the ground.
Bai Jing groaned in pain after hitting his head against the table. It hurt so much.