Chapter 48 She Was Actually Blackmailed! How Could This…

Chapter 48: She Was Being Blackmailed! This Was Just...

Inside an opulent carriage parked not far away, Princess Funing lazily lifted the curtain to glance outside.

She wondered why her cousin, who had been riding alongside the carriage moments ago, had suddenly disappeared.

After scanning the surroundings for a while, she finally spotted him.

"What is he doing?" Princess Funing murmured in puzzlement.

The attendant matron caught sight of A Chan and chuckled, "It seems a young lady is in some trouble, and Lord Bai has gone to assist."

"Him? Helping someone?" Princess Funing almost burst out laughing. Bai Xiuming, with his ice-cold attitude, couldn't even be bothered to look at her, his own cousin—would he really take the initiative to help a stranger?

Though she had invited him this time, she never expected him to accept the invitation.

Throughout the journey, she had tried hard to strike up a conversation, but unless she initiated conversation, Bai Xiuming remained silent. If this was how he treated her, how could he be any different with others?

"That young lady does look quite vulnerable-looking. Perhaps Lord Bai was moved by a moment of compassion," the matron remarked before suddenly murmuring in surprise.

"What is it?"

"That girl... she looks familiar. Could she be the trueborn daughter of the Marquis of Jinyang?" The matron sounded uncertain. The girl resembled the marquis's daughter in appearance, but her demeanor was entirely different.

"So it's her," Princess Funing mused with sudden interest. "Didn't the Marquis of Jinyang disown her?"

"Indeed."

"Since we've run into her, send her an invitation as well. The more guests, the better."

"As you wish." The matron smiled knowingly, thinking to herself that it wasn't about the merriment—the princess simply wanted front-row seats to the drama.

While the matron went to fetch the invitation, A Chan continued speaking softly to Xue Shi.

Though the troublesome estate manager had been bound and taken away by the Marquis of Jinyang's guards, A Chan showed no signs of letting the matter rest. Pressing her temples, she frowned slightly. "The Marchioness was so fierce earlier—it truly frightened me."

Xue Shi was infuriated by A Chan's theatrics. Taking a deep breath and catching sight of Bai Xiuming still watching her coldly from horseback, she forced a tight smile. "My words and actions today were inappropriate."

A Chan put on a show of surprise. "Is this how the Marchioness apologizes? It doesn't seem as sincere as last time."

Xue Shi's expression froze as she recalled the last incident—when she had sent people to harass Ji Chan's shop, only for the marquis to be impeached in court and herself personally chastised by the emperor.

The fallout of that incident still haunted her. She had hoped to arrange a good marriage for her daughter, but recent attempts to invite influential matrons to the estate had been repeatedly declined.

A Chan reminded her sweetly but pointedly, "Marchioness, Lord Bai is still watching."

Gritting her teeth, Xue Shi whispered to a maid behind her, "Fetch two hundred taels in banknotes."

The maid hurried off without a word, returning swiftly to press the notes into Xue Shi's hand.

Hands shaking, Xue Shi extended the notes to A Chan, forcing a composed expression. "This is for your troubles. Please do not refuse."

A Chan swiftly snatched the two notes, then flashed a radiant smile at Xue Shi. "The Marchioness is truly generous. Let us consider this matter settled—just a misunderstanding."

"Yes, just a misunderstanding." Relieved that Ji Chan was finally letting it go, Xue Shi turned to Bai Xiuming. "Lord Bai, I will be going now."

Without waiting for a response, she all but fled to her carriage with her maids and guards, as if afraid of being stopped.

A Chan glanced at the Marquis of Jinyang's carriage, where Xue Ying and Xue Zhao were watching her through the window. She mused to herself—this lotus-viewing banquet promised to be quite lively.

Only after Xue Shi had left did Bai Xiuming dismount.

Dressed in a white narrow-sleeved riding outfit with an intricate silver-threaded dragon motif at the cuffs, its maw gaping, and a matching belt cinched at his waist, his tall, slender figure was even more striking on the ground.

A Chan's gaze lingered on his waist—ah, he wasn't carrying his sword today.

"You've used me quite smoothly."

Just moments ago, he had allowed A Chan to have her way, yet now he seemed ready to change his tune.

"Not at all! It's simply that the Lord is ever so helpful," A Chan sweet-talked, "Thanks to your presence today, I wouldn't have known what to do otherwise."

"I never help others out of kindness." Bai Xiuming's gaze dropped pointedly to A Chan's hand.

She instinctively pulled it back, but he continued leisurely, "Using my position to extort the Marchioness of Jinyang—in the grand scheme, it compromises my standing. What punishment do you think fits the crime?"

You don’t even have a reputation to tarnish, A Chan seethed silently.

Reluctantly, she pulled out one of the banknotes and held it out to him.

Bai Xiuming merely glanced at it, unmoved.

After a tense standoff, A Chan gritted her teeth and handed over the second note as well. Only then did he accept it, pocketing it deftly into his robes.

Just how many times has he done this to be so practiced?!

Fuming, she was ready to scream—in plain daylight, she was being blackmailed! Was there no law and order?

At least it wasn't her money. Still, she wouldn't let these two hundred taels be for nothing.

"My Lord, could you lend me a few men? The people in this estate seem quite hostile. I fear they won't leave peacefully and might make trouble later."

If A Chan was reclaiming the estate, she couldn't keep its current occupants.

Today, they had been incited by Xue Shi to defy their true mistress—who knew what they might do next? She intended to clean house completely.

Bai Xiuming replied, "I didn't bring anyone today."

"Oh? Then what brings you here, if not official business?" A Chan asked, surprised.

"To see the flowers."

"How cultured of you. I wonder what kind of flowers could draw the Lord's attention." She was genuinely curious—could it be some exotic specimen? She’d love to see it.

As they spoke, the princess's chief attendant approached, first bowing to Bai Xiuming before presenting A Chan with an invitation. "Miss Ji, this is an invitation from Her Highness. If you are free in the next few days, she would be delighted by your presence at the lotus-viewing banquet."

Princess Funing's lotus banquets were nothing new—Ji Chan had attended once with her mother years ago and knew it lasted several days.

Accepting the invitation, A Chan said, "Please thank Her Highness for me. I shall attend."

Then she added, "May I bring someone along?"

"Of course."

A Chan doubted the princess had suddenly developed a sudden fondness for her—this was likely Bai Xiuming's influence.

Well, two hundred taels for an invitation to the banquet? She’d count that as a win.

As the matron turned to leave, Bai Xiuming spoke up, "Matron, might I trouble you for a favor?"

"Go ahead."

"The people in this estate are untrustworthy. Have them all removed and replaced with a new batch."

The stewardess glanced at the estate not far away and smiled. "That won’t be a problem. I'll have someone take care of it right away."

Then she turned to Ji Chan and asked, "Does Miss Ji have any requirements for the new tenants?"

A Chan thought for a moment and replied, "Just honest and hardworking people will do."

"Very well. Please wait a moment, miss. I'll have someone clear out the estate immediately."

After the stewardess left, A Chan immediately said to Lord Bai Xiuming, "Thank you, Lord Bai. You’re too kind."

Bai Xiuming shot her a sidelong glance, mounted his horse, and turned toward Princess Funing's carriage.

"Take care on your way, my lord. I'll come find you tomorrow to go flower-viewing together!" Even after he had left, A Chan was still enthusiastically waving her little handkerchief.

The two hundred taels were well spent—thanks to the generosity of the Marquis of Jinyang's household.

The stewardess by the princess's side was indeed efficient. While the group heading to the Lotus Garden was still moving leisurely, she had already dispatched guards and attendants to enter the estate.

Before long, the original tenants were herded out in a line from the estate.

A Chan, accompanied by Chen Hui and Lin Sui, entered the estate to rest and found that the departing tenants had even tidied up the place before leaving.

The steward sent to assist, fearing A Chan might grow impatient, came over to inform her that the new tenants would arrive within an hour, all carefully selected.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before the new tenants arrived. A Chan picked one who seemed sharp and capable to serve as the estate manager, and with that, her estate was fully under her control.

The new manager immediately had their living quarters tidied up. Hearing they intended to cook for themselves, he said nothing, simply ensuring fresh ingredients were provided.

After the meal, A Chan excitedly took Chen Hui and Lin Sui to the pond to see the lotuses. Unfortunately, the pond held only a few scattered buds, showing no signs of blooming anytime soon.

Disappointed, A Chan said to Lin Sui, "Let’s go to the Lotus Garden tomorrow instead. We can admire the flowers in the morning and visit your brother in the afternoon."

"That works for me." Last year, Yao Shi hadn’t brought her to the lotus-viewing banquet, so Lin Sui didn’t mind seeing the flowers first.

After a moment’s thought, A Chan added, "We left the city in a hurry and didn’t bring gifts. Tomorrow, we’ll take two hens from the estate."

She had learned that visiting someone required gifts, and in her eyes, the hens running around the estate were generous gifts.

Lin Sui, thinking her brother’s injured leg could use some nourishing chicken soup, agreed.

The two happily settled on the plan and discussed the next day’s itinerary before retiring to their rooms.

Early the next morning, before dawn, A Chan was jolted awake by a rooster’s crow, still groggy.

After rising, she impulsively switched the gift from two hens to one rooster and one hen. Before leaving, she had the manager tie them up so she could deliver them later—this time without hesitation.

The three boarded a carriage and traveled along the road beside the estate. After a few turns and some distance, they arrived at the Lotus Garden, built into the mountainside.

Built along the mountainside and waterside, the garden captured the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

After presenting the invitation, they were politely escorted inside.

The Lotus Garden was vast, with several ponds of varying sizes, each growing different lotus varieties, most already in bloom. Covered walkways and pavilions were built over the water, allowing visitors to admire the flowers.

For those who didn’t want to walk, boats were available.

After exploring the garden for over an hour, the three boarded a boat.

Drifting across the water amidst blooming lotuses, Chen Hui and Lin Sui enjoyed the scenery while A Chan demanded to get off. The boatman, having only circled twice, reluctantly returned them to shore.

A Chan’s legs were wobbly when she stepped ashore—her first boat ride had revealed her motion sickness.

Amused, Chen Hui and Lin Sui supported her to a secluded walkway, seating her on a stone bench to rest while Chen Hui went to fetch food.

The garden provided meals throughout the day, available upon request. After Chen Hui left, A Chan took a while to recover.

Leaning against Lin Sui’s shoulder, she groaned, "Let’s leave after eating. This place hates me!"

Lin Sui, recalling A Chan’s earlier overreaction about the boatman trying to kill her, suppressed a laugh. "Weren’t you going to admire flowers with Lord Bai today?"

"No. We’re not meant to enjoy flowers together."

"Alright." Perhaps cheerful at returning to the village, Lin Sui spoke more than usual. "Our village has a pond too, full of fish. My brother and I used to love fishing there. I can teach you later—Wang Third Madam makes delicious fish."

"Sounds great!" A Chan perked up, asking Lin Sui eagerly for more village tales.

Lin Sui reminisced, "The village children sometimes play in the back hills. There are fruit trees—when in season, everyone goes picking. But Grandma never let my brother and me go. Once, I sneaked up and got lost. My brother found me and brought me home."

A Chan listened quietly as Lin Sui spoke of her childhood in the village, her expression uncharacteristically serene. Those days, though others saw them as poor and hard, were held dear.

"How old is your brother now?" A Chan asked.

"He’s fifteen this year." Lin Sui answered without hesitation. "Last year, he passed the Tongshi exam. The village teacher praised his intelligence and diligence, saying he had a gift for studies."

Her gentle expression faded. "If not for Lin Heng and his malicious scheming forcing him up the mountain, he wouldn’t have broken his leg. Now, who knows if he can even continue studying?"

Unnoticed by them, two figures stood nearby, listening in.

By the time Chen Hui returned with food, the eavesdroppers had vanished.

A maid holding Lin Ting’s arm muttered indignantly, "No wonder Madam looks down on the eldest miss. Raised in the countryside, she would badmouth Second Young Master to an outsider."

Lin Ting smiled faintly. "This is perfect. If she hadn’t spoken, how would Second Brother know his own sister resents him so?"

Passing through an arched gate, they entered a garden where young men and women were playing games.

Lin Ting’s gaze swept the crowd, landing on Lin Heng in his vivid red riding outfit. She whispered to the maid, "Later, tell him exactly what you heard."

"Miss, you mean to—" The maid’s eyes gleamed.

Lin Ting said no more, leading the maid to Lin Heng, who was practicing archery with friends.

Lowering his bow, Lin Heng turned and smiled. "What brings you here? I thought you disliked these games."

"Mother’s party was boring, so I came to find you." Lin Ting hesitated, then added, "Earlier, I saw Eldest Sister in the garden."

At the mention of Lin Sui, Lin Heng frowned, displeased. "How’d she get in?"

"Who knows? Perhaps someone brought her." Lin Ting shrugged, then glanced at her maid, who stepped forward indignantly.

"Second Young Master, I didn’t want to say this, but Eldest Miss was just talking about you to someone..."

"What did she say about me?"

"She... she told others that you have a wicked heart and that it was you who caused her brother's inability to take the imperial exams."

Lin Heng laughed in extreme anger. "Good. I didn’t kill that little beast back then, and now she resents me for it. As if some low-born country bumpkin could ever pass the imperial exams?"

Lin Ting waved her hand, signaling the maid to step back. Once the maid had left, she approached Lin Heng and whispered soothingly, "Second Brother, why bother stooping to Eldest Sister’s level? You know she grew up in the countryside, never had a proper education, and has no affection for the family. It’s only natural."

Lin Heng snorted coldly. "Mother brought her home two years ago, yet she hasn’t improved one bit. She’s nothing but a thankless viper. Someone like her shouldn’t even stay in this household."

Lin Ting sighed. "Such a waste of Mother’s kindness. Eldest Sister only considers her village brother as family. Just now, I heard her say she plans to visit him in the village."

Lin Heng’s expression darkened, as if deep in thought.

Seeing this, Lin Ting persuaded, "Second Brother, what’s the fun in competing in archery here in the garden? Why don’t we all go hunting in the mountains instead? Last time you went, you ran into trouble and didn’t bring back the little rabbit you promised me. You can’t break your word this time."

Her words swayed Lin Heng. He had never been interested in flower-viewing to begin with—he’d only come because Mother insisted such occasions were mandatory, and because his friends were attending.

"Fine," he agreed after a brief pause, his tone sinister. "Perfect timing. We’ll need a guide for the hunt. That boy’s leg should’ve healed by now."

Lin Ting watched as Lin Heng began gathering his friends to discuss their hunting trip. She covered the smile twitching at the corners of her lips with her handkerchief.

Destroying Lin Sui was easy—all she had to do was remove the person Lin Sui cared about most. With her fiery temper, once she learned this was Second Brother’s doing, she’d surely turn her fury on the entire Lin family. Once the scandal erupted, she’d sever ties with them for good.

Lin Ting had known from the start how to manipulate Lin Sui—otherwise, she wouldn’t have so easily driven a wedge between her and Mother. Mother despised defiance, yet Lin Sui, foolishly believing herself to be Mother’s real daughter, acted without restraint. What an idiot.

Once Second Brother removed the obstacles for her, even if Father remained reluctant to abandon his blood daughter, Lin Sui’s own words would eventually wound him. And if Father grew disillusioned with her, what would Lin Sui amount to then?

Lin Sui didn’t want her in the Lin family—but did Lin Ting want Lin Sui in it? She had grown up in the Lin household. This was her home.

The General of Anxi could only have one daughter—and that was her, Lin Ting.