Everything that needed doing was more or less wrapped up in a hurry, and the next day, word spread from the Bai household: Madam Qiao had fallen gravely ill.
Bai Yan even went out of his way to invite an imperial physician to examine her. The diagnosis was excessive worry and frailty—she would need long-term rest and might not be able to get out of bed for several months.
Bai Qingqing made a brief visit to Qingxin Pavilion to hand over the daily responsibilities, saying she had to tend to her ailing mother. The affairs of the shop were entrusted entirely to the manager. From that day on, the Bai family’s gates remained tightly shut. Occasionally, a physician would come by, and even from outside the gate one could smell the bitter tang of medicine. All the Bai children stayed indoors and were rarely seen.
That afternoon, with Qiao-shi and Bai Yaoyao reluctant to part, Bai Qingqing changed into a man’s garb. She darkened her skin with powder, drew on thick brows and broad lips, and—on a whim—added a brown birthmark to her temple. At first glance, she looked downright alarming, and there wasn’t the faintest trace of Bai Qingqing left in her.
Qiao-shi and Bai Yaoyao’s sorrow at saying goodbye was somewhat eased by her ridiculous appearance. Qiao-shi hesitated and said, “Do you really need to go this far?”
Bai Qingqing turned this way and that in front of the mirror, utterly pleased with herself. “I think it’s great. No one would ever guess it’s me.”
She didn’t mind looking ugly—anything was fine, so long as it didn’t cause trouble for Ning Yan.
But Ning Yan arrived at the Bai residence without alerting anyone. He gave Bai Qingqing a single glance and said coldly, “Go change.”
Bai Qingqing tried to argue. “Why? No one would suspect me like this.”
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“To avoid drawing attention means don’t be so beautiful that people remember you,” he said flatly, “and don’t be so ugly they can’t forget.”
Ning Yan cast a few more glances at her face and found it an affront to the eyes. “When you’re out on the road, where will you find the time to fuss with your appearance like this? Take that birthmark, for instance—can you guarantee you’ll draw it the same every time? What if someone notices it keeps changing?”
Bai Qingqing: “…”
He had a point. Without further protest, she obediently went to the back to wash her face. Qiao-shi, standing nearby, looked a little nervous. “Lord Ning, please don’t take offense. Qingqing has never traveled far, has no experience, and still carries a child’s temperament. I hope you can be patient with her.”
Ning Yan’s tone softened. “That’s not it. Very few girls would go to such lengths or be willing to make themselves ugly. Just for that alone, she’s already better than most. But it really isn’t necessary—wearing all that on your face must be uncomfortable.”
Qiao-shi was stunned. She glanced at Ning Yan from the corner of her eye, but there wasn’t a trace of impatience on his face. Her mind drifted to something Bai Jinghuai had once said to her.
After a while, Bai Qingqing returned. This time, she wore a plain attendant’s outfit. Her hair was simply tied back, and there wasn’t a single unnecessary ornament on her. Aside from her overly delicate features, she genuinely resembled a frail little page boy.
Ning Yan stepped forward and circled her once. “Not bad. Looks good. At a glance, no one would think to associate you with the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Ying.”
Bai Qingqing carried only a small bundle. Ning Yan picked it up with ease, but she quickly snatched it back. “I’m your attendant. How can I let you carry my things?”
Ning Yan couldn’t help but laugh. “All right. The carriage is ready outside the city. It’s time to go.”
No sooner had he spoken than Qiao-shi’s eyes turned red in an instant. If Bai Jinghuai hadn’t held her back, she might have rushed over to cling to Bai Qingqing and refuse to let go.
Bai Qingqing stepped forward and bowed deeply. When she rose, her gaze was steady and unwavering. “Father, Mother, don’t worry. I will find the evidence to clear our family’s name. May all go well with you in Xuancheng. Wait for me to return.”
Tears streamed down Qiao-shi’s face. Bai Qingqing clenched her teeth, turned back to Ning Yan’s side, and spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, trembling ever so slightly.
“Let’s go.”