Chapter 245: Baichai: He Who Does Not Strive, Hence No One in the World Can Challenge Him

Inside Li Xiang Courtyard,

The lamps glowed luxuriantly.

Aunt Xue, seeing that her daughter gave no reply and thinking she was reluctant, spoke with a hint of emotion, urging gently:

"Good girl, this isn't me being capricious; I'm only thinking of you!"

"Some say a woman's marriage is like a second rebirth; there's truth in that."

"Being born well is not as good as marrying well! The happiness of the latter half of life depends entirely on marrying the right person."

"I mainly don't want to see you end up like me, having to bow and smile to those imperial edict ladies just as I do today!"

Aunt Xue's tone carried a hint of complaint and regret about her own marriage.

She thought that she and Lady Wang were originally close sisters, sharing the same family background, and she prided herself that her looks and character were no worse than Lady Wang's.

But because Lady Wang, as the elder sister, outwardly displayed gentleness and kindness, while she, the younger, had a somewhat unruly temperament in her youth.

Consequently, one married into the Duke's manor and the other into an imperial merchant family, and the disparity in their later lives emerged because of those marriages!

She became a widow while still young, left without support, and now she must come to beg Lady Wang's aid.

Lady Wang, not only the lady of the Duke's manor, holds a fifth‑rank imperial edict, and her daughter is a fourth‑rank township lord; they mingle with high‑born families.

All the bitterness and regret, haunting her in midnight dreams with tears soaking her lapels—who can she tell?

Moreover, after seeing the dignity and honor of imperial edict ladies in Jia Mansion these past months, she resolved to have her good girl marry suitably, not repeat her own old path.

Baichai listened to her mother's words, her hand holding the purse trembling slightly, feeling both joy and worry.

She was glad her mother had changed her attitude and now supported her interactions with Jia Jing.

She worried that she did not know what Third Brother truly thought, and how much he understood her feelings.

After a long while, Baichai sighed, and, meeting Aunt Xue's probing gaze, said slowly:

"Mother! I know you mean well! But some things cannot be forced. If fate allows, I would naturally… be willing!"

"Yet the ultimate outcome depends on Third Brother's wishes!"

Baichai's expression held a hint of shyness, but with her mother she no longer concealed her thoughts.

Aunt Xue, hearing this, let a comforting smile appear on her fair face, leaned forward slightly, and laughed lightly:

"I knew you still think of Jia Jing; last time you had Ying Er send him a knee pad."

"Lately you've either been doing needlework or leafing through the book he gave you; I've seen it all."

"Rest assured! I will definitely support you, even if it tarnishes my reputation, I'll help arrange this good marriage!"

"I'll speak on your behalf to his family's matriarch and senior lady; though they cannot decide Jia Jing's marriage, they can exert some influence."

"Also, regarding Xiangling, I'll have her inquire about Jia Jing's intentions."

"She benefited from our family's kindness, gaining such a good match, so she should remember our gratitude as well."

Speaking of Xiangling, Aunt Xue's expression turned somewhat wistful; she felt that sometimes a person's fate is just a matter of luck!

When Xiangling's fate was poor, she was separated from her parents, abducted, wandering in hardship.

But when fortune turned, she instantly became Jia Jing's chief maid, a household member.

If nothing goes awry, she will become Jia Jing's concubine.

Should Jia Jing be ennobled, she could even become a secondary consort.

Although 'secondary consort' sounds nice, it isn't officially recognized by the court and carries no title or stipend.

Yet she would be the prince's concubine; who from a common family would dare look down on that?

A shift in luck instantly makes a world of difference in circumstance!

No wonder people often say, 'When the time is right, heaven and earth unite; when fortune departs, heroes are not free!'

Baichai listened as Aunt Xue discussed her marriage arrangements, silently lowered her head, and a faint blush spread across her fair face.

However, after careful thought, she did not agree with Aunt Xue's plan; instead she whispered:

"Mother, based on what I know of Third Brother, it's better to stay still than act hastily."

"Third Brother is strong‑willed and decisive; he isn't easily swayed by a few words from others."

"Especially his family's matriarch and senior lady; even without saying it, each has her own calculations, perhaps hoping to further intertwine our families."

"Even if they speak well of me before Third Brother, it may only make him think our family is scheming behind his back, which he would dislike."

"And regarding Xiangling, we must not put her in a difficult position; Third Brother has instructed them not to leak any household secrets outward."

"She has finally obtained this fate with great effort; if we cause Third Brother's displeasure because of us, that would be improper…"

Baichai's expression remained calm as she analyzed the pros and cons for Aunt Xue.

Her nature is 'content at all times, believing herself simple.'

This character shows in her words and deeds: she does not contend or seize, adapts to circumstances, and treats others with complete propriety.

Even while residing in Jia Mansion, she constantly maintains a low‑key restraint.

Although she harbors the ambition 'a favorable wind lifts me to the azure clouds,' she pursues it not by confronting or battling like a man.

Instead, she goes with the flow, endures silently, harmonizes, does not oppose the great trend, shows no sharp edges, and advances in life through a gentle, rounded approach.

Moreover, she has recently studied the 'Yan Family Instructions' given by Jia Jing, gaining several insights on household management, which adds poise and steadiness to her character.

She believes Jia Jing's gift of the book was certainly not without reason.

Perhaps she should focus on learning to be a virtuous inner aide, rather than scheming for titles.

She trusts that Jia Jing has a scale in his heart, clearly seeing who would best manage his household and harmonize inside and out…

But Baichai's thoughts were evidently not well understood by Aunt Xue.

Hearing this, she grew a bit flustered and hurriedly asked:

"Good girl, so many people are watching Jia Jing now!"

"Should we do nothing? This concerns your lifelong affair…"

"Mom!" Baichai interrupted her, her voice not loud yet carrying undeniable force.

Baichai stood up, slowly walked to the window, and pushed open a slit in it.

The night wind poured in from outside, bringing the fresh scent of garden soil.

Baichai stood at the window, moonlight fell on her, lighting her profile like a piece of warm white jade.

"To contend is not to contend, not to contend is to contend. It is precisely because one does not contend that the world cannot contend with him…"

"If Mom truly wants to help me, then don't meddle with this; I know what's in my heart!"

Baichai's voice was calm and carried an indescribable charm.

Aunt Xue looked at her own daughter and suddenly felt she seemed a few degrees more mature than before.

She let out a long sigh, was about to say something, but was interrupted by a stumbling footstep in the courtyard.