Chapter 57 A Concubine Can’t Easily Leave the House

Chapter 57: A Concubine Finds It Hard to Leave the House

Yang Xingxian indeed did not have two hundred taels, and he regretted having been so hasty in buying the carriage...

Although he still had a few hundred taels in the residence, obtained from selling items from the Marquis's study with Lady Wu and splitting the proceeds, that was their last bit of capital.

"A mere maidservant, and she dares to ask for two hundred taels?"

Qi Chengyun was now just playing around. He could tell Bai Zhining was dying to get into his household. That was fine—he was a man of rank, after all, and Bai Zhining must have gotten wind of it somehow.

But Xi Qianyue also clearly wanted him to take Bai Zhining in, and it wasn't because she was jealous of her own husband.

He was curious why Xi Qianyue felt that way.

Sure enough, after he said that, Xi Qianyue quickly urged him: "A lousy two hundred taels—surely Young Master Qi wouldn't even blink? This Miss Bai is so pitiful and delicate, she can sing, and her pipa skills are top-notch. Two hundred taels is a steal."

"If she's such a steal, why doesn't Miss Xi buy her?"

Qi Chengyun's brow arched slightly, and the corner of his mouth curled up.

Yuan Lin, who knew him well, could tell his master was in a good mood.

Sure enough, Xi Qianyue got flustered: "Why would I buy her? I have plenty of maidservants!"

Yang Xingxian quickly put in: "Wife, buy her. It's a good deed, and when you want to hear pipa music, wouldn't it be handy? You've got all kinds of maidservants around you, but none of them are musically talented."

"If you want to buy her, go ahead. What, you don't have two hundred taels?"

Xi Qianyue didn't hold back, and Yang Xingxian's face turned ashen. Calling her own husband broke in front of strangers—was this woman out of her mind?

Bai Zhining's eyes welled up with tears: "I've troubled you all. I don't want to sell myself anymore!"

With that, she hugged her pipa and walked off without a backward glance.

Yang Xingxian called out "Hey, hey," but Bai Zhining kept going and quickly headed down the stairs.

"Are you happy now? You satisfied?" He shouted at Xi Qianyue.

"There are people around, and I don't want to hit you in front of them! Shut up." Xi Qianyue was furious as well.

Yang Xingxian snorted coldly but didn't dare say more, and left with Achang.

Qi Chengyun was puzzled: "I didn't buy this Miss Bai. Are you disappointed, Miss Xi?"

"Why would I be? Buying and selling is everyone's own business. You can't force a sale."

With that, Xi Qianyue left with her maidservants.

Qi Chengyun opened his mouth but couldn't find the words to ask her to stay.

He didn't know what had come over him—he actually wanted to talk more with Miss Xi...

Yang Xingxian hurried downstairs with Achang and quietly trailed behind Bai Zhining.

Xi Qianyue gave Qing Bi a meaningful look, and Qing Bi knew what to do, trailing behind them as well.

Qing Bi followed them until they ducked into a small alley that led to a run-down courtyard.

She overheard Young Master Yang's syrupy voice: "Miss Bai, please take this. It's not much, but it should help you get by for now. Hurry up and get a doctor to treat your mother."

"I can't accept a favor I don't deserve. How could I take your money?"

"To be honest, miss, the moment I saw you today, I felt a connection, though I can't explain it. Maybe it's because our fates are deeply tied together."

Qing Bi listened to his sweet-talking and wished she could go up and punch him twice.

But she knew that without the mistress's orders, she definitely couldn't act rashly.

"Do take the silver quickly. I only have this much on me today; I'll come see you again later. Not to badmouth anyone, but that Young Master Qi—even if he bought you, would he ever care about you? I'm different. I was taken with you at first sight..."

Qing Bi heard Yang Xingxian's voice get softer, and she knew it must be a confession of love.

In the end, Bai Zhining accepted the silver Yang Xingxian gave her—twenty taels.

She knew that if she wanted to completely dash Yang Xingxian's hopes, she shouldn't accept the money.

But today's attempt had failed, and she needed to keep her options open.

She had made a stunning entrance, yet Sixth Young Master Qi showed no interest in her, instead keeping his eyes on Xi Qianyue.

If she truly couldn't get close to Sixth Young Master Qi or win his heart, then she'd have to turn her attention back to Yang Xingxian.

After all, she knew that Yang Xingxian would eventually have a bright future.

But for now, Xi Qianyue seemed like a problem.

"Young Master Yang, you and your wife seem really in love?" Bai Zhining said softly. "Your wife is beautiful and vivacious. If you show favor to other women out there, she'll be deeply hurt."

Yang Xingxian was taken aback: "In love with her? Our marriage was forced on me. I have my reasons. If I get the chance, I'll definitely divorce her or annul the marriage! I don't want to spend my life with her."

Bai Zhining got the info she wanted, keeping her face neutral: "I heard you're a son of the Marquis of Changping's household, and the mistress is a merchant's daughter. In terms of status, it's indeed a mismatch. However, since you've tied the knot, it must be true love. Why insist on a divorce?"

"How could she ever be worthy of me?" Yang Xingxian said with disdain.

Qing Bi, crouching outside, heard every word and clenched her fists.

Later, she heard Yang Xingxian eagerly offering to find a doctor for Bai Zhining, and only then did she leave.

Back at the residence, Qing Bi reported everything she'd heard to Xi Qianyue, and the maidservants were all furious.

"He's always been like that. You've known that from day one. Why bother with him?"

Xi Qianyue was mentally prepared and wouldn't let it affect her mood one bit.

"Instead, let's pass this news to my second sister and let them fret over it. I won't bother with these matters. As for me, I just need to manage my own money and enjoy my life."

Qing Bi took the order and left, giving Xi Jiaojiao a vivid account of the day's events.

Xi Jiaojiao couldn't believe it. Her husband had only taken her as a concubine a few days ago, and now he was already eyeing other women out there? And eagerly handing out silver and running around?

But in front of others, she refused to show any weakness.

"I know my elder sister wants to see me heartbroken, but why would I be? It's normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. It's my elder sister, the legal wife, who should be more upset."

Xi Jiaojiao smiled, looking carefree.

Qing Bi's lips curled: "Our mistress was kind enough to pass this news to Concubine Jiao, since it's not easy for you to go out. As for the rest, our mistress won't bother with it. She said she just needs to live her life happily."

Watching Qing Bi's retreating figure, which seemed to carry a hint of smugness, Xi Jiaojiao's eyes turned red with anger.

"Lv Zhi, I really want to see what that vixen outside looks like, to have charmed the young master like that!"

Lv Zhi sighed helplessly: "But... concubine, it's not easy for you to leave the house."