310 White Clan's Eldest Daughter Autumn Gathering

d continue my medical skills. In this village... there will also be a doctor watching over."Ye Li asked curiously, “Why doesn’t Doctor Lin find someone in the village to inherit his legacy” Doctor Lin...310. White Family's Heiress, Autumn Flower Gathering

Before noon, Mr. Bai Yuncheng and Lady Sun had already left politely. Before leaving, Lady Sun invited Ye Li to attend an autumn flower gathering for noblewomen in the capital city two days later. Although the Western Capital was about to change hands, the nobles there did not stay home but instead held more gatherings than ever before. The heads of households gathered together to spy on each other and discuss their future plans. These activities were necessary because although the emperor planned to move south, most of the power in the city still lay with the Western Capital royal family. Especially those who harbored different intentions, none dared to visit Duke Ding as openly as the Bai and Sun families.

Ye Li had some admiration for Lady Sun's generous spirit, understanding that hosting an autumn flower gathering was not just about admiring flowers since there were no autumn flowers in Western Capital. After thinking it over, she agreed to attend and Lady Sun left happily.

When Bai Yuncheng heard this, he silently planned to implement his scheme soon.

Bai Yuncheng returned home where Madam Bai was already waiting for him with concern in her voice: "Have you seen Duke Ding and Duchess Ding"

Bai Yuncheng nodded. Smiling, Madam Bai said, "Then the people we sent…" Bai Yuncheng snorted coldly, "A bunch of useless people! I fear it won't end well." Hearing this, Madam Bai was also startled. Those who had been sent over were not just servants but included three minor sons and daughters from the Bai family. "This… Duke Ding is ruthless, but many families have sent people there recently. Why only ours…" Though she was scared for a moment, she quickly recovered since those sent were not her own children. She worried if Duke Ding had any grievances against the Bai family.

Bai Yuncheng frowned thoughtfully and said uncertainly: "Perhaps… Duke Ding found out their identities" As head of the household, he understood some taboos upper echelons have. Madam Bai sighed helplessly, "Indeed, we were too naive. The Dark Guards in Duke Ding's household are well-informed; they wouldn't be fooled…" What she didn't know was that if Duke Ding wanted to investigate, he could easily find out, but it so happened that the people sent by the Bai family encountered Mo Xiuyao and died without even meeting him.

"Today when I went to meet Duke Ding, I met Sun Family's woman." Recalling Lady Sun’s smile before she left, Bai Yuncheng’s face darkened. Madam Bai also changed her expression as many noblewomen in Western Capital looked down on Lady Sun out of jealousy. As a woman, she was able to manage the household just like a man and had no concubines when her husband was alive. When he died, countless women secretly rejoiced and laughed behind their hands. However, instead of falling into poverty as expected, Lady Sun supported the entire Sun Family with just being a widow and even made it better than before. How could Bai Yuncheng’s wife not feel envious

"That woman… why did she visit Duke Ding" Madam Bai asked sharply.

Bai Yuncheng saw that his wife was misunderstanding things, but he didn't have the mood to explain for Lady Sun and only said solemnly: "Duke Ding and Duchess Ding are quite fond of Miss Yu Shi. The duchess even agreed to attend an autumn flower gathering two days from now."

Madam Bai wasn’t completely ignorant either, asking softly: "What does my lord mean"

Bai Yuncheng said solemnly: "Two days later you should also go. You must gain Duchess Ding's favor. Also… take Ning'er with you."

"My lord…" Madam Bai frowned at Bai Yuncheng, hesitating before saying, "To start from Duchess Ding might be difficult." Though not very knowledgeable about external affairs, as a woman, she understood female psychology more than her husband. They wanted to send a Bai family woman into Duke Ding's household but it wouldn't work through the duchess since they were deeply in love and he had never taken concubines.

Bai Yuncheng didn’t care: "Madam is thinking too much. I also met Duchess Ding today, though she’s very beautiful our Ning'er isn't bad either. Besides, being from a noble family like the Xu's, how would she not understand marital duties Western Capital women are often arrogant and domineering while ours is gentle and obedient; naturally she'll look at her favorably. Duke Ding wishes to stabilize Western Capital quickly so he must marry a prominent woman as concubine to appease nobles."

The Bai family had experience with seizing opportunities to get their women close to those in power.

With the Mo Family army newly occupying Western Capital, it was inevitable for people's hearts to be unsettled. Since Duke Ding couldn't stay long-term, marrying a noble daughter as concubine would naturally ease the situation. In Bai Yuncheng’s opinion, none were more suitable than Bai family daughters.

Madam Bai sighed helplessly; how could she explain this to her husband The stronger the woman, the less tolerant of another in his life, but perhaps their daughter had been taught according to imperial harem standards so there wouldn't be a problem

"Miss." A servant girl's voice was heard outside.

The words had barely left her mouth when a beautiful woman in colorful brocade robes stepped gracefully into the hall, bowed respectfully to Bai Yun Cheng and Lady Bai, saying, "Ning greets father and mother."

In terms of appearance alone, this woman was not exceptionally stunning. At least she did not surpass Su Zuidie who had once lived at the Bai residence in looks. However, compared with Princess Lingyun from years ago, they were on par. She had dark eyebrows and bright eyes, her vermilion lips slightly curved into a smile. Unlike Princess Lingyun’s aloof arrogance, this woman was more approachable and amiable. This woman was none other than Bai Qingning—the only unmarried daughter of the current generation in the Bai family.

Lady Bai's eyes softened at seeing her daughter as she quickly helped her up, asking, "Why is Ning here"

Bai Qingning giggled and replied, "Daughter heard that Father returned from visiting Prince Ding and his Consort. Thus, I came to pay my respects. Did Father really see Prince Consort Ding" Hearing this, Bai Yun Cheng’s expression softened as he nodded with a smile, saying, "Indeed, Father did meet the Consort."

"Then…," Bai Qingning asked curiously, "they say that Consort of Prince Ding is one of the most outstanding women in the world. What does she look like"

Bai Yun Cheng shook his head and sighed, "Consort of Prince Ding... indeed a peerless beauty. Prince Ding must be truly blessed." Bai Yun Cheng was not exaggerating. Most women were weak and gentle, managing the household well enough to be considered virtuous would already be commendable. Those who could interfere in external affairs usually had strong personalities. As for those who could lead troops into battle, people often imagined them as fierce female demons or night witches. Yet, Consort of Prince Ding was not only capable in managing the Prince’s household and on the battlefield but also possessed an exquisite, elegant appearance that was delicate yet refined, making it no wonder that Prince Ding cherished her so much.

Bai Qingning’s eyes flickered as she whispered, "Doesn’t Consort of Prince Ding surpass Aunt Bai Long in beauty" During Su Zuidie’s brief stay at the Bai residence and through Bai Qingning’s occasional visits to the palace, she had always thought Su was unparalleled in her beauty. Even if she herself was proud of her looks, she knew she couldn't match up to Su. Could Consort of Prince Ding be even more beautiful, earning such deep affection from Prince Ding

Bai Yun Cheng chuckled and said with a shake of his head, "That’s not the case. While Consort of Prince Ding is indeed very beautiful, our Ning is also quite extraordinary."

"Is that so" Bai Qingning replied with downcast eyes, her thoughts wandering.

Bai Yun Cheng looked at his daughter contentedly and smiled as he instructed, "Ning, get yourself ready. In two days, we will accompany your mother to the Autumn Flower Festival."

Bai Qingning was surprised, "Autumn Flower Festival"

"Indeed," Bai Yun Cheng stroked his beard with a smile, saying, "Isn’t Ning curious about Consort of Prince Ding’s appearance In two days, she will also attend the Autumn Flower Festival. It would be perfect for you to meet her then, wouldn’t it" Bai Qingning’s eyes lit up as she nodded with a smile, replying, "Father is right. Consort of Prince Ding is an exemplary figure among noblewomen; if I could see her, that would truly be a blessing."

Bai Yun Cheng smiled and said, "Very well then, Ning, go get ready."

Two days later,

The Autumn Flower Festival was held in the largest garden southwest of Xi Ling Imperial City. It was originally the royal garden of Xi Ling but had been bestowed upon a certain prince who later fell into decline; however, the imperial family did not reclaim it but allowed it to be passed on to civilians until recently when it came under the possession of the Sun family. Although Xi Ling’s flowers were nowhere as splendid as those in Dachu during this season, many noblewomen still attended the festival in great numbers and even more so than before.

At the garden entrance, Lady Sun had already arrived early with her entourage to welcome guests. The noblewomen naturally knew that the Sun family was now under Prince Ding’s patronage; it was clear who could make a lady of Lady Sun’s stature wait at the gate. Many others, with similar intentions but arriving later than them, also joined Lady Sun in waiting.

Ye Li always valued punctuality and disliked keeping people waiting for long outside. Thus, not much time passed before Prince Ding’s carriage appeared from a corner of the street. Black-robed guards accompanied the carriage on all sides while inside was a simple-looking vehicle unlike those usually seen among royal or princely households. The carriage stopped at the garden entrance where Lady Sun hurriedly greeted them with a smile, "Lady Hui warmly welcomes Princess Consort."

Qin Feng, riding beside the carriage, dismounted and pulled back the curtains as all women looked curiously towards it to catch a glimpse of Consort of Prince Ding. First out from the carriage was a white-robed figure with pale hair, her expression cold yet handsome—it could only be none other than Consort of Prince Ding herself!

Ding Wang dismounted from the carriage and turned back, stretching out his hand towards the inside with a smile. "Alu, we're here."

He reached in to help Ye Li out of the carriage but before she could jump down herself, he picked her up at the waist and gently set her on the ground. Some people were surprised to see Duke Mo and his wife, because today’s flower exhibition was supposed to be only for women but no one dared to stop Ding Wang from entering. They hesitated as they approached him: "Your Excellency, Empress Dowager, this..."

Duke Mo waved his hand indifferently, "I'm just dropping my wife off and I'll need to go to the palace soon to see Emperor Xi Ling, so I won't bother you." Hearing that, the Empress Dowager secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Many people among the nobles of Xi Ling had some ulterior motives against Ding Wang, and there were many young women attending today’s flower exhibition as well; if Ding Wang was present it might be troublesome.

Duke Mo didn’t look at others and bent his head to whisper softly to Ye Li: "Alu, wait for me outside the palace" Ye Li nodded helplessly. She hadn't slept well in recent days and her appetite wasn’t good either; Mo Xiu Yao treated her as if she was a porcelain doll that would break with just one touch. Letting out a soft sigh, Ye Li reached up to straighten his collar: "Be careful yourself, I'll wait for you."

Mo Xiu Yao couldn't help but smile at this. Alu had been in low spirits these days and hadn’t spoken softly to him like that for many days; was it getting better now "I know," he said. “Alu also needs to be careful. I’ll go to the palace first.” But he didn’t realize how many young women’s hearts were stirred by his smile at this moment. Mo Xiu Yao looked refined and handsome but often had a trace of indifference in his eyes. However, right now his smile was sincere without any pretense, making him look even more strikingly handsome.

He repeatedly instructed Ye Li and Qin Feng who followed her for some time before finally leading a horse to ride away with people following behind him. The Empress Dowager beside covered her mouth in amusement: "Your Excellency and your wife have such deep affection, many women envy them." Ye Li smiled gently as she said: "Madam is being too kind, this must be Madam’s daughter" Next to the Empress Dowager was a girl of eight or nine years old dressed in fine clothes. She looked similar to the Empress Dowager but seemed to have more refinement than her. A pair of bright big eyes were curiously staring at Ye Li when she turned around and hid behind the Empress Dowager again.

The Empress Dowager pulled the girl out from behind herself with a smile: "Yes, this is my daughter Sun Xiaofu; Xiaofu, show your respects to the empress dowager."

The little girl curiously looked at Ye Li and took one step forward with a clear voice, “Xiaofu greets Empress Dowager.” Ye Li happily patted the small girl’s hair and said: "Good child, no need for formalities." After some thought, she unclipped a purple pearl pendant from around her neck and handed it to Sun Xiaofu as a gift. The little girl looked at her mother nervously before taking the necklace when seeing that the Empress Dowager nodded and thanked the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was even more pleased with Ye Li’s gesture. As a widow running the household, what she gave wasn’t important but it implied an attitude of Ding Wang’s Mansion. Indeed, the ladies looked at her with more enthusiasm. Even those who looked down on her as a merchant or widow had changed their mind.

"Tea and snacks have already been prepared inside, Empress Dowager please come in." The Empress Dowager said warmly.

Ye Li smiled gently: "Madam please lead the way."

A group of people followed Ye Li and the Empress Dowager into the flower garden. It was much quieter outside after they entered.

Outside the gate, a carriage was parked near the roadside with Mrs Bai and her eldest daughter Bai Qingning inside. When they arrived, they happened to see Ding Wang’s carriage approaching too so naturally had to move aside to allow his passage.

"Ning" Seeing her lost in thoughts, Mrs Bai asked worriedly.

Bai Qingning raised her head and asked: "Is that person just now Duke Ding"

Mrs Bai nodded. "He’s said to have white hair; it must be him."

Bai Qingning nodded, sighing quietly. "I didn’t expect... Duke Ding is so young, but he has this head of white hair…" Without the white hair, what would he look like with black hair

Inside the flower garden, the Empress Dowager accompanied Ye Li as they walked slowly. Although it was early winter in Xi Ling and there wasn’t much blooming flowers around, even common plants that thrived during autumn and winter in Chu were rarely seen here. Nevertheless, Sun’s family had decorated the entire garden beautifully with many places adorned with silk flowers.

Because the weather had turned chilly, everyone moved the banquet location from the garden to a pavilion by the waterside in a corner of the floral garden. The pavilion was open on all sides but covered with thin gauze curtains. People could sit inside and drink while still being able to clearly see outside performances. Ye Li was naturally invited to seat at the highest place. Although there were many high-ranking officials, nobles, even royal princesses and duchesses among the guests, everyone knew that the imperial city had changed hands; this beautiful woman in green attire with her gentle and elegant aura was now the new owner of the imperial city. No one felt unhappy about it.

Guests and hosts took their seats. Although Ye Li didn't recognize most people there, she could still tell some things from their attire. It seemed that Lady Sun's daily management skills were indeed impressive; many among them were not mere merchants but rather influential figures who wouldn’t normally attend such gatherings.

"Everyone doesn't need to mind me. This gathering is an act of karmic connection, so please enjoy yourselves," Ye Li smiled gently when she noticed people's awkwardness.

Although she said that, how could these noblewomen truly be at ease Lady Sun smiled and replied, "Your Excellency is correct. If there are any inadequacies in the reception, I hope all ladies and young misses will kindly forgive us."

The guests quickly exchanged pleasantries as the atmosphere gradually eased up. Many people were secretly observing the sitting First Rank Princess of Ding Wang, who appeared to be barely twenty years old with her gracefully elegant features. Her every move radiated faintly noble elegance that made one reluctant to look away. Such grace seemed like a refined lady from ancient paintings, making it hard for anyone to imagine this was the legendary female hero who could ride into battlefields. After their observation, quite a few people who had intended to send their daughters to the Ding Wang Manor felt disappointed. The Xiling women were generally not as good-looking as those in Da Chu; how could their daughters compete with such beauty and win over Ding Wang's attention

"Princess Lingyun is here! Lady Bai is here! Miss Bai is here!" someone loudly announced outside the pavilion.

The guests quickly stood up. Regardless of whether Xiling had moved its capital or what their intentions were, they were still Xiling subjects and thus had to show respect to Princess Lingyun as a symbol of allegiance.

Princess Lingyun arrived in her usual splendid attire with an arrogant air. The expression on Lady Bai's face was not good, though. They knew about the poor relationship between First Rank Princess Ye and Princess Lingyun but couldn’t help coming together since they had been delayed outside and met Princess Lingyun. They hoped that First Rank Princess Ye wouldn't blame them for this.

"Greetings to Your Highness!"

Princess Lingyun snorted, glanced at Ye Li who was sitting and drinking tea, then turned to Lady Sun with a sharp glare brimming with cold anger. It seemed she hadn’t forgotten being blocked from the banquet several days ago.

"Your Highness has honored us with your presence; please take a seat," said Lady Sun warmly.

Princess Lingyun sneered and said, "I thought you were planning to kick me out again today"

Lady Sun laughed in surprise, "How could that be Who dares to drive Princess Lingyun away Are they still alive"

This comment made everyone’s faces awkward; several young women giggled secretly. After returning from Da Chu with her face blackened, Princess Lingyun's temper had become even worse. Emperor of Xi Ling hurriedly arranged a marriage for her but she was so infuriated by something that she killed a maid in the first month after her wedding and then another servant because they didn’t let her enter the house when her mother-in-law fell ill. It became a laughingstock in Xi Ling’s imperial city.

Princess Lingyun's face twisted, but she held back from an outburst and sneered coldly, "So it was you who ordered them to stop me at the gate Or did you want to see if I would dare kill someone"

Lady Sun’s expression changed slightly. She said coolly, "I recall what Your Highness mentioned. That day's gathering was for unmarried women in the city. Though a few ladies joined, they were all exemplary virtuous examples teaching young ladies etiquette and refinement. Even I didn’t attend such gatherings personally, so how could Princess Lingyun…"

She left her sentence unfinished but it made people more uncomfortable. As an already married woman with neither talent nor virtue, what right did Princess Lingyun have to participate in such a gathering Wasn't she setting a bad example

-- Extra content --along with Mo Xiuyao, no one could deny his capability and status. This old man's arrogant tone suggested he neither respected Mo Xiuyao nor them. The Southern Duke remained calm in appearance, but hi...