Bai Junjun was keen on gossip, but when she became the subject of others’ attention, it wasn’t so amusing anymore.
After being watched repeatedly as though she were a monkey, Bai Junjun could no longer sit still and prepared to make herself scarce as a gesture of respect.
When she decided to leave, everyone naturally followed suit.
Thus, the high stage, worth a small fortune, saw its audience leave before half the performance was done, even before the literati could start their literary contest.
Bai Junjun didn’t care; she hurried to leave before turning into the center of attention.
The group hurried back to Dongsheng Tavern.
But Wenren Pingting, as if afraid they would escape, had already dispatched guards to follow them.
How could Bai Junjun have not noticed?
However, having been discovered by Wenren Pingting, it was too late to hide.
She could only resign herself to attending the appointment tonight.
Soon evening arrived, and Dian Hong reappeared at the inn, simply saying that the banquet was ready and inviting her to proceed.
Bai Junjun stood up to leave, causing Dian Hong great alarm.
"Miss... aren’t you going to bathe and change your clothes?"
Bai Junjun glanced at herself, looking very clean and tidy.
"Wouldn’t I have to wash again after I return if I bathe now?"
"..." Dian Hong’s forehead twitched, finding herself at a loss for words.
For the nobility, wasn’t it basic etiquette to burn incense, bathe, and dress up before receiving guests?
Dian Hong had readied herself for a wait, but to her surprise, Bai Junjun, with no regard for trivial formalities, simply got up and left.
This left Dian Hong stupefied.
However, Dian Hong was, after all, a seasoned professional maid, and recalling Bai Junjun’s experiences, she said no more and took a step back, ready to depart.
As the two prepared to leave, Bai Sasa was the first to speak up, clutching Bai Junjun’s robe, a look of concern in her eyes.
Even if she was not the sharpest, she knew by now who Dian Hong worked for. Despite having no interaction with Wenren Pingting, she understood they were not on good terms.
Nows, as they were down on their luck and Wenren Pingting had become the Imperial Concubine, even a fool would know Wenren Pingting’s invitation to her elder sister was not well-intentioned; it could even be a Hongmen Banquet.
Amidst Bai Sasa’s trepidation, a warm, soft hand rested on her head.
Bai Junjun patted Bai Sasa’s head, "It’s fine; I’ll be back soon."
"But..." Bai Sasa glanced at Dian Hong and hesitated.
As if interpreting Bai Sasa’s worry, Dian Hong bowed respectfully, "Miss, rest assured, our master has no ill intentions."
Dian Hong was indeed Wenren Pingting’s most intimate maid, and Wenren Pingting herself had a reputation for being virtuous. Her maids were also well-mannered, especially Dian Hong, who never abused Wenren Pingting’s power.
Even knowing Bai Sasa was merely Bai Junjun’s half-sister born of a concubine, Dian Hong still remained impeccably polite without spilling a drop of water.
At this point, Bai Sasa couldn’t say much more; her eyes filled with worry, she sighed.
Bai Junjun looked at the people in the courtyard, "I hear there’s a performance tonight. If you feel bored, go watch the show; I’m leaving."
With that, Bai Junjun walked over to Dian Hong’s side.
Li Wenli rose, planning to accompany Bai Junjun, after all, he considered himself someone from Wenren Pingting’s past, didn’t he?
Having stayed in the Old Imperial Capital and considering Wenren Pingting had invited even her arch-enemy, the inclusion of her former fiancé didn’t seem like an issue, right?
Li Wenli felt it was perfectly reasonable and saw no problem with it.
Dian Hong seemed to notice and turned around to bow to Li Wenli.
"Young Master, our Family Head also asked me to send her regards. However, since the master is now married, due to her status, she cannot invite men outside the family to meet, please understand, Young Master."
Isn’t it before marriage that one avoids meeting men outside the family? Since avoiding them, why act like the Flower Goddess?
This isn’t how you make excuses.