Chapter 145: The Bai Family Marries Off Their Daughter, Luo Zijun Has a Wife and Concubines at Home

"Holy shit!"

Luo Zijun truly could not help it; these two words popped right out of his mouth.

They really did just pop out.

Because at this very moment, there were no words left that could express the shock in his heart.

The eldest daughter of the Bai Family was actually Bai Suzhen?

That girl, who was as dazzling as white jade and breathtakingly beautiful, was actually that White Snake?

"Mr. Luo, what is wrong?"

Seeing his expression was off, Bai Qingtong thought he had suddenly taken ill.

Only then did Luo Zijun snap out of his shock.

In the main hall, a middle-aged man wearing a brocade robe and possessing an extraordinary air sat in the primary seat, frowning slightly as he looked at him.

Beside the middle-aged man sat a young, beautiful woman in a moon-white dress with fair skin and a lovely face; she was also looking at him now, her face full of confusion.

Luo Zijun hurriedly bowed and offered a salute: "Junior Luo Zijun pays respects to the Master and the Mistress."

Bai Ming's brow unfurled, and he nodded slightly: "Zijun, no need for formalities. Come in and sit down to talk."

He did not call him 'Mr.', but used his name directly to show intimacy.

Luo Zijun thanked him and walked in.

Bai Qingtong also hurriedly followed, moved a chair to the side, and said: "Mr. Luo, please sit."

Luo Zijun lowered his head and said: "Many thanks, Third Miss. I shall just stand and talk."

Bai Ming smiled slightly: "Zijun, no need for formalities. You are a teacher at my Bai Mansion; it is only right that you sit."

Luo Zijun did not decline again, lowered his head, sat down, and kept his eyes straight ahead.

At this moment, the young, beautiful woman suddenly asked with confusion: "The 'Holy shit' the teacher just said at the door, what does that mean?"

Luo Zijun: "..."

The air went quiet for a moment.

He cupped his hands and lowered his head, explaining: "Reporting to the Mistress, the meaning of 'Holy shit' is... good, very good. Because I had just heard the Eldest Miss's name for the first time, I felt that both the name and the courtesy name were extremely beautiful and excellent, so I could not help but exclaim in praise. I was momentarily impolite, and I hope the Master and Mistress will not take offense."

Bai Ming comforted him: "I understand that scholars cannot help but exclaim when they hear good words. I have seen many such instances in the imperial court before."

The young, beautiful woman to the side immediately smiled broadly and said: "Does the teacher also think the names Meixue and Suzhen sound good?"

Luo Zijun lowered his head and said: "They are indeed pleasant to hear."

This young, beautiful woman was none other than the mother of Bai Meixue and Bai Qingtong, named Chu Meixiang.

Hearing Luo Zijun's praise, she was very happy and laughed: "I chose both of these names myself."

Luo Zijun's heart stirred, and he lowered his head to ask: "I wonder how the Mistress came up with these two names?"

Chu Meixiang laughed: "The teacher might not believe it, but I dreamed of them when I was pregnant with Suzhen."

Luo Zijun's eyes flashed, and he cupped his hands to congratulate her: "The Mistress is truly blessed. To dream of the Eldest Miss's name means she will surely be an extraordinary person in the future."

The smile on Chu Meixiang's face grew even brighter: "I knew Suzhen was extraordinary the moment she was born. That appearance, tsk tsk..."

"Ahem..."

Bai Ming, who was to the side, coughed once, stood up, and smiled: "Zijun, let us go to the dining hall and talk while we eat."

At this time, the maidservants had already begun serving the dishes.

Luo Zijun also hurriedly stood up.

Bai Ming said in a gentle tone: "There are only the four of us today; Zijun, do not be too restrained, just treat it as your own home."

Chu Meixiang also smiled: "The Master rarely eats lunch at home. Today, it is thanks to the teacher that Qingtong and I have the opportunity to eat a meal with the Master."

The two of them walked in front.

Luo Zijun and the Third Miss followed behind.

After entering the dining hall to the side and waiting for Bai Ming and Chu Meixiang to be seated, Bai Qingtong personally moved a chair and said: "Teacher, please sit."

Luo Zijun hurriedly said: "Third Miss, please sit first."

Bai Qingtong smiled: "Teacher, please sit first."

Luo Zijun said again: "It would be better for Third Miss to sit first."

Bai Qingtong smiled: "If the teacher does not sit, then we shall all stand and eat."

Seeing this scene, Bai Ming smiled: "Zijun, no need for formalities. You are a guest, so sit down first."

Luo Zijun had no choice but to offer thanks and sit down first.

Bai Qingtong smiled slightly, sat down beside him, and personally picked up the wine pot to pour him a drink.

Seeing this, Chu Meixiang was stunned for a moment, then turned her head to look at her husband.

Bai Ming wore a smile, and no other emotions were visible on his face.

The maidservant to the side carefully poured wine for the two of them.

Bai Ming raised his wine cup and said: "Zijun, I shall toast you first to thank you for your contributions to our Baifu School. The principles you spoke of in class—not to mention the little ones, even the rest of us have benefited greatly from hearing them."

Luo Zijun hurriedly picked up his wine cup and stood up: "Master, you are too kind."

Having said that, he finished his drink first as a sign of respect.

Bai Ming also drank his in one gulp and smiled: "Sit down and talk."

Only then did Luo Zijun sit down.

Bai Ming asked: "Zijun, have you grown accustomed to living in the mansion these past few days? If you do not like that place, or if you have other needs, just tell Qingtong."

Luo Zijun said respectfully: "Many thanks for your concern, Master. That small courtyard is very good, and I am living quite comfortably."

"As long as you are comfortable."

Bai Ming nodded and asked again: "The provincial examination begins next year; are you prepared, Zijun?"

Luo Zijun said, "I study diligently at home every day, all for the sake of next year's examination."

Bai Ming laughed, "With Zijun's talent, you will surely pass the provincial examination next year with high honors."

Luo Zijun raised his wine cup, stood up, and said, "I will borrow your auspicious words, sir. I offer you a toast."

Bai Ming also raised his wine cup and drank it down with a smile.

After finishing his wine, Luo Zijun did not sit down. Once the maid helped refill his cup, he turned to Chu Meixiang and said, "I offer you a toast as well, Madam."

Chu Meixiang smiled and raised her wine cup, saying, "There is no need for such courtesy, Teacher. It should be me toasting you instead."

As she spoke, she tilted her snow-white neck and drank it all in one go.

After finishing, Luo Zijun raised his cup again and said to the young lady beside him, "Third Miss, I offer you this final toast. If not for you, I would have no opportunity to stay and teach at your honorable mansion, nor would I have the chance to dine with you, the master, and the madam."

Bai Qingtong raised her wine cup, stood up, and smiled, "It is our Bai Mansion's good fortune that you are able to stay, Teacher."

The two finished their drinks together and then took their seats.

Bai Ming then asked about some matters regarding his studies and the West Lake Academy.

Luo Zijun answered each one in turn.

Chu Meixiang could not help but speak up, "Teacher, Lady Xing from the Jia Mansion came to see me yesterday. I heard that the eldest master of the Rongguo Mansion wants to marry his daughter to you, Young Master. Why did you not agree? The Jia Mansion is now related to the imperial family."

Luo Zijun lowered his head and replied, "In reply to you, Madam, I already have a sweetheart."

"Oh?"

Chu Meixiang exchanged a look with her husband, feigned ignorance, and asked, "Which mansion is your sweetheart from, Teacher?"

Luo Zijun said, "She is just an ordinary person."

Chu Meixiang was silent for a moment, then smiled, "With your talent, Teacher, if she is only an ordinary woman, I fear it might be somewhat inappropriate."

Bai Qingtong quickly said, "Mother, Teacher Luo's sweetheart was also once the daughter of an official family."

"Is that so?"

Chu Meixiang glanced at her, then turned her gaze back to the young man before her and said with a smile, "Zijun, my words might be a bit unpleasant, but I hope you don't mind."

If someone else had said this, Luo Zijun would have replied directly, "Since you know your own words are unpleasant, then shut up."

But now that he was under someone else's roof and the other party was the mistress of the Bai Family, he naturally dared not speak that way, so he had to pretend to be very respectful and said, "Please speak, Madam."

Chu Meixiang said, "Teacher is indeed very talented, and you will certainly pass next year's provincial examination. It is just... Teacher, you currently have no background. Even if you rely on your own ability to pass as a provincial graduate or a metropolitan graduate, I fear you might not necessarily secure a good position. You might be assigned to some small place to serve as a magistrate, or worse, you might remain a candidate, waiting ten years without ever landing a real post. Situations like this are quite common. But if you have a background and someone to recommend you, it is a different story."

"Here in the capital of Daliang, almost every official has some sort of background. If you want to work in the capital in the future, Teacher, relying solely on yourself will certainly not work."

Luo Zijun nodded and said, "What you say is true, Madam."

Chu Meixiang's expression shifted, and she smiled, "Therefore, I think you should consider your marriage, Teacher. With your ability and appearance, could you not choose from the daughters of any mansion in this Inner City? With just one decision, you could trade for things you might not obtain even after a lifetime of hardship; don't you think that is a very good deal? And this decision is actually not difficult."

Having said this, she smiled again, "I know that you are a man of deep affection and righteousness, Teacher. I have absolutely no intention of asking you to abandon your beloved; that would be immoral. I just think that you should consider your future, Teacher, and in fact, consider your relatives and your beloved as well. Once you succeed in the future, they will naturally live better and happier lives, will they not?"

Luo Zijun was silent for a moment, then said respectfully, "Please speak plainly, Madam."

Chu Meixiang exchanged a look with her husband and smiled, "Then I will be plain. It is like this: have you seen Qiu Ning from our mansion, Teacher? You must have. When you first went to the school, she went too. After returning, that girl kept praising your talent. Recently, after learning that books like 'West Chamber Romance' and 'The Butterfly Lovers' were all written by you, she has admired and worshipped you even more. It is just that the girl is shy and does not dare to take the initiative to talk to you."

Luo Zijun had no impression of her.

There were a great many young ladies there that day, and he had not looked carefully.

Chu Meixiang paused, then continued with a smile, "Her mother learned of the girl's feelings and came to beg the master and me. So, we invited you to dinner today to talk, and incidentally, to tell you that Qiu Ning admires and fancies you very much. She just turned fifteen this year and is at the age for marriage. So, I would like to make the decision for her and propose a marriage to you, Teacher. How does that sound to you?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the room suddenly became exceptionally quiet.

!

Bai Ming raised his wine cup and drank silently by himself.

Bai Qingtong lowered her head, looking at the wine in her cup, wondering what she was thinking.

Silence lasted for several breaths.

Luo Zijun cupped his hands and said, "Madam, you are joking. Miss Qiu Ning is a young lady of your honorable mansion with a noble status; how could she possibly marry a commoner like me as a concubine? Absolutely not! Even if you are only joking, it is still a great slight to me."

Bai Ming's brow twitched.

The smile on Chu Meixiang's face stiffened, and she quickly said, "Teacher, you have misunderstood. I meant for Qiu Ning to marry you as a wife, not as a concubine."

Luo Zijun looked astonished, "Madam, the laws of Daliang state that a man can only have one legal wife, and I already have a legal wife."

The room suddenly fell silent again.

Chu Meixiang forced a smile and said, "Teacher, do you still not understand what I just said? Besides, are you not yet married, Teacher?"

Luo Zijun said solemnly, "Although I am not yet married, I already have a sweetheart. In my heart, she is my legal wife, and the only legal wife."

Chu Meixiang frowned.

Bai Ming suddenly smiled, "Zijun is a man of deep affection and righteousness; that is a good thing. We were just mentioning this in passing; if you are unwilling..."

"Father."

Bai Qingtong suddenly spoke softly, "I went to ask Qiu Ning this morning."

Bai Ming looked at her, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he did not speak and only said, "You decide."

Bai Qingtong turned her head to look at the young man beside her and said softly, "Teacher, you don't need to be troubled. Mother's words just now were actually just said in passing. We naturally would not force you to abandon your legal wife. We meant that we would like Qiu Ning to marry you as a concubine. If that Miss Liu is the legal wife and Qiu Ning is the concubine, then you should not be troubled anymore, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Chu Meixiang's expression changed instantly.

She opened her mouth to speak, but when Bai Ming glanced at her, she had to hold back.

But the words that followed from the young man before her suddenly left her dumbfounded.

"Third Miss, I apologize, but I already have concubines, and I have three of them. In fact, that Miss Liu is one of my concubines, not my legal wife. Therefore, I can only accept your kindness and good intentions in my heart."

Luo Zijun said without changing his expression.

Bai Qingtong: "..."

Bai Ming: "..."

The room suddenly fell into silence.

Bai Qingtong opened her mouth, looking somewhat dazed, and only after a long while did she say, "Then, who is your legal wife, Teacher..."

Luo Zijun said, "I have been betrothed since I was young."

He did not answer directly.

Bai Qingtong was stunned for a moment, then suddenly gave a bitter smile, looked at him, and said, "Is this just an excuse, sir?"

Luo Zijun cupped his hands and said with a face full of sincerity, "Third Miss is joking. How could I refuse such a wonderful thing? I would be overjoyed. It is just that I truly already have a wife and concubines at home, and... my legal wife is very fierce. So, even if I were incredibly tempted, I could only painfully refuse. After all, Miss Qiu Ning is of noble status; how could I bear to let her marry into my home to suffer, endure hardships, and perhaps even be beaten?"

Bai Qingtong: "..."

Chu Meixiang opened her mouth, feeling her head spinning a bit today.

The room fell silent for a while again.

Bai Ming laughed and said, "Alright, let us not mention this matter again. Zijun, eat your food. I invited you here today just for a casual chat; you do not need to take these words to heart."

Luo Zijun raised his wine cup and said, "I shall toast you once more, sir."

Bai Ming smiled and raised his wine cup.

Following that, they chatted about things at the school, reading, and some interesting events that had recently occurred in the Inner City.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Luo Zijun rose to take his leave.

Bai Ming did not try to keep him, politely saying they would eat together again next time.

After Luo Zijun left, the dining room immediately fell into a long silence.

Bai Ming seemed relaxed, looking at his daughter and saying, "Alright, you do not need to think about this marriage proposal anymore, do you?"

Bai Qingtong lowered her head in thought and did not speak.

Chu Meixiang, who was to the side, said somewhat angrily, "He is not even willing to have Qiu Ning marry him as a concubine; this is just too... sigh, it is embarrassing just to think about it. Since when has a Young Lady of our Bai Family fallen to the point of being rejected by a mere scholar... If Second Sister heard this, wouldn't she be furious to death?"

Bai Ming looked at his daughter and did not speak.

Bai Qingtong pondered for a while before slowly saying, "I feel that those words of his just now were likely just an excuse. As for why he would refuse, based on my understanding of him over this period, he must feel that we have not met yet and there is no affection, so..."

Bai Ming said, "Qingtong, do you still not want to give up?"

Bai Qingtong raised her head, looked at him with determined eyes, and said, "Father, your daughter now not only does not want to give up, but my heart is even more anxious and firm. Father, think about it: if it were other men, how would they act when faced with those temptations just now?"

Bai Ming did not speak again.

Chu Meixiang, to the side, let her gaze flicker and said, "If it were other men, they would certainly be immediately grateful and agree. A dignified Young Lady of our Bai Family taking the initiative to marry down, and even willing to be a concubine... even if they had a legal wife, they would probably say they did not, or even go back and secretly divorce her immediately..."

Bai Qingtong said, "Therefore, your daughter feels that Master Luo is an extremely upright person who values loyalty and affection. Once he joins our Bai Family, he might protect our Bai Family for his entire life and work for our Bai Family with all his heart for his entire life."

Chu Meixiang frowned as she looked at her and said, "Qingtong, do you really think that highly of him?"

Bai Qingtong nodded very seriously: "From childhood until now, your daughter has never thought as highly of someone as I do now. Your daughter can be certain that he will by no means be a person of mediocrity in the future."

Chu Meixiang frowned and did not speak again.

Bai Ming suddenly looked at his daughter and said, "Qingtong, since you really think that highly of him, why bother racking your brains to find someone else and let others benefit? Why not marry him yourself, keep an eye on him personally, and train him? Wouldn't that be better?"

Bai Qingtong froze.

Luo Zijun thought all the way back to his residence, and the first thing he did was have Zhiyuan go find that Miss Fen.

"Tell her I am waiting for her here, and have her bring Miss Bai Bai and Miss Qingqing along. As long as she answers a few questions for me, I will let her take revenge however she likes, and I will not fight back."

Upon hearing this, Zhiyuan was full of confusion, but she agreed and immediately went out.

Xiaohuan, who was to the side, asked with a confused face, "Young Master, Miss Bai Bai and Miss Qingqing?"

This little girl had not seen those two since she arrived here.

Luo Zijun said, "After they left before, they came here; they entered the residence a step before us."

"Ah!"

Xiaohuan widened her eyes, then immediately said, "Then this servant will go tell the Madam."

Ever since those two beautiful young ladies left without saying goodbye, the Madam had been sad and fretting about them every day; she never expected they had already come here long ago.

If the Madam knew, she would surely be very happy.

"Fine, I still have things to ask them; you come back later."

Luo Zijun was preoccupied and gave the instruction.

Xiaohuan agreed and immediately hurried away.

In the small courtyard, it became quiet, leaving only Luo Zijun alone.

He sat before the stone table, and in his mind, he could not help but conjure up that beautiful figure in a white dress, looking like a celestial being.

"Bai Suzhen..."

(End of chapter)