Mrs. Dong’s tone was flat. She didn’t take Mrs. Fang seriously. She saw that Bai Qingyan had finished the honey steamed ham and gave her some Shuoyang-style pickled vegetables. "As long as I call her over to inquire about relationships, she’ll immediately put on airs and take it upon herself to entertain guests on behalf of the Bai Mansion."
Mrs. Dong took a sip of her porridge and chuckled as she said to Bai Qingyan, "I guess, this Mrs. Fang might even take it a step further, writing invitations for the Bai Mansion under the pretense that I’m not familiar with Shuoyang’s social relationships."
When it came to managing the household, Mrs. Dong was the expert. No matter what trouble arose, nothing could stir up much chaos in her presence.
"Mrs. Fang may not be impressive, but her son is quite good," Bai Qingyan said, looking down as she drank her porridge.
"So, the position of Clan Leader wasn’t given to Bai Qingping’s father but to Bai Qingping himself?" Mrs. Dong looked at her daughter with a smile.
"Since our Bai family has returned to Dadu, it doesn’t matter if the Clan Leader is talented or not. What matters is that they can follow orders."
Bai Qingyan didn’t want to be too harsh. At least, she wanted the previous Clan Leader to see that even though he lost his position, his son took it. It wouldn’t be a battle to the death.
"You don’t need to waste energy on Mrs. Fang. You needn’t send anyone to reply to her. She will understand the Bai Mansion’s intentions. Now that her husband temporarily holds the Clan Leader position, she won’t dare to make a fuss." Bai Qingyan said.
Bai Qingping received the task of training and recruiting soldiers from Bai Qingyan and went home that day to discuss it with his father.
Bai Qihe, who used to be engrossed in ancient texts, listened to his son’s account of the day’s events at the Bai Mansion and earnestly thought about how to properly handle the recruitment task for Bai Qingyan.
"Children in the Bai Clan who are fourteen years old can also participate. This will show the people of Shuoyang that we are sincerely atoning for our sins and remembering the Bai Clan’s ancestral teachings." Bai Qihe said.
Previously, Bai Qihe’s father made all the decisions. Now that Bai Qihe temporarily held the Clan Leader position, he wanted to do something to make amends for the Shuoyang people. It wasn’t about clinging to the position.
Bai Qihe hoped that after Princess of Zhen, Bai Qingyan, returned to govern the Bai Clan, the elders would truly understand their mistakes and genuinely repent.
"Father is right!" Bai Qingping nodded.
Bai Qihe’s gaze fell on his steady son. People said the eldest bore the family burdens while the second son indulged in leisure. However, Bai Qiyun, spoiled by his parents, grew indulgent. Bai Qihe’s eldest son, also spoiled by his grandparents, turned out irresponsible. In contrast, Qingping showed hints of the Bai Clan’s virtues.
Bai Qihe smiled faintly, "Although you are the second son, you are more reliable than your brother. I am reassured! It’s rare that the Commandery Princess values you. You must work diligently for her. Now, our Bai family can only rely on her. Of course, I’m not asking you to flatter her. Just remember, the Bai family should unite under the Princess, striving for glory. Don’t repeat your grandfather’s mistakes, focusing on petty gains and losing sight of the long term!"
True aristocratic families knew the importance of unity. Bai Qihe understood this, even pointing out his father’s errors to warn his son.
Without a father holding the Clan Leader position over him, Bai Qihe suddenly felt ambitious to restore the Bai Clan after a few sleepless nights.
"Rest assured, Father, I understand!" Bai Qingping stated solemnly.
After Mrs. Fang sent a message to the Bai Mansion, she received no reply for two days, feeling restless like an ant on a hot pan.
Finally, an invitation arrived from the Bai Mansion. Mrs. Fang, unable to endure anymore, called over the maid who delivered the message to inquire if it was received.
The old maid confidently replied that the message must have reached, though she wasn’t sure if Mrs. Dong heard it.
Mrs. Fang silently ordered a change of clothes and a carriage to visit the Bai Mansion herself.
Upon arriving, she was told by the servant at the door, "Our madam is unwell today and busy preparing for tomorrow’s banquet. She can’t see guests, please understand."
"What about the Commandery Princess? Is she available?" Mrs. Fang’s maid urgently asked.
Mrs. Fang pulled her maid aside. If they couldn’t see Mrs. Dong, asking for the Princess was self-degrading.
The servant remained courteous. "Two days ago, I had someone deliver a message to Madam, offering my help for tomorrow’s banquet. As a member of the family, I could assist, but I haven’t received a reply. I’m not sure if Madam received it." Mrs. Fang smiled.
The servant replied with a smile, "The Bai Mansion has its rules. It’s not my place to inquire. Inquiring would be a mistake and punishable. Please don’t make it difficult for me."
Mrs. Fang forced a smile and looked at her maid beside her.
The maid quickly handed over a purse, but the servant declined, "Our Bai Mansion has strict rules. If I accept it, I might be sold by the steward."
Clutching her handkerchief, Mrs. Fang wondered if the Bai Mansion was indeed so impenetrable.
Returning home in frustration, she smashed two sets of teaware in anger.
For years, she had never been snubbed, using her father-in-law’s status as Clan Leader. Now her husband was Clan Leader, yet Mrs. Dong still disrespected her.
Even knowing the Shuoyang Bai Clan depended on Dadu Bai family, she felt it was her turn to assert herself, but nothing went smoothly.
Should she bow down even though her husband was now Clan Leader?
"Don’t be upset, madam. If the Clan Leader finds out, he’ll be angry!" Her maid Puliu said, cleaning up the broken pieces, "Yesterday, the Clan Leader warned to be cautious with Dadu Bai family. If he learns you returned upset, he’ll be mad."
Mrs. Fang, clenching her handkerchief, vented her frustration, "I went to the Bai Mansion to show others Bai family treats us differently, so no one would fight for the Clan Leader position!"
Remembering Bai Qiyun’s condescending scolding that Bai Qihe’s temporary leadership wouldn’t last without Dadu Bai family’s favor made her heart burn like oil!
The more others looked down on them, the more she wanted to show that without her aid, Dadu Bai family couldn’t manage their first banquet in Shuoyang.