The two daughters were both extremely well-behaved. The eldest was charming, and the youngest was lively and energetic. They were the heart and soul of the Duke of Britain and his wife. Everyone in Xuancheng knew that the Duke of Britain deeply cherished his daughters; he would do anything for them.
Now that the Duke's eldest daughter, Bai Qingqing, had reached the age of marriage, many families in Xuancheng were eager to court her, hoping to marry the beautiful flower hidden in the boudoir.
But for some reason, Bai Qingqing, who used to be shy and timid about such matters, now seemed uninterested.
"Mother, I just want to spend more time with you and Father, to serve you both and fulfill my filial duties. I don't want to marry so soon," Bai Qingqing said.
Bai Jinghuai, her father, saw no issue with this, saying, "As long as Qingqing is happy, that's all that matters. I don't see anyone in Xuancheng worthy of my precious daughter."
His wife, Qiao, shot him a look, and Bai Jinghuai's confidence waned, though he still secretly signaled to Bai Qingqing that he was on her side.
Qiao spoke in a gentle tone, "I’m not in a hurry to marry you off. I do feel reluctant, but at your age, it's time to start considering suitors. It would be better to settle on a match first, so that in a few years, when you are ready, you won't have missed your chance. If you delay too long, good prospects will be gone. What will you do then?"
Bai Qingqing replied, "Then I’ll just stay with you and Father forever, unless you two grow tired of me and want to send me away earlier."
Bai Jinghuai immediately raised his voice, "Impossible! I would never get tired of you, Qingqing! I’ll take care of you for life!"
Qiao was so upset that she didn't pay attention to Bai Qingqing. She glared at Bai Jinghuai, about to pinch his ear. Bai Jinghuai dodged while trying to soothe her, "The child is still here. Madam, please give me some face..."
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Bai Qingqing watched her parents bicker, covering her mouth as she smiled. But the smile soon faded, replaced by a deep sadness that gnawed at her heart.
Once upon a time, she thought that all married people would have the kind of loving relationship her parents shared—tenderness and mutual care. It was this image that made her long for marriage, imagining that she too could experience such happiness.
But now, she realized it wasn’t always like that.
In this life, Bai Qingqing didn’t even think about marriage anymore. The idea of becoming a nun kept lingering in her mind. As long as the Bai family was safe, she was willing to stay with the Buddha and the lamp for the rest of her life.
But she couldn’t say this. If she did, even her father, who loved her, would probably disapprove.
"Mother," Bai Qingqing said with a playful smile, but her eyes were serious, "If I marry just anyone, you and Father would definitely not be at ease. I want to marry a man who respects and loves me, just like you and Father. If I am fortunate enough, I will meet him eventually, but there is no need to rush."
Qiao’s lips trembled, but she sighed softly and embraced Bai Qingqing. "Alright, it is true that a woman should be careful when choosing a husband. Qingqing, I just want you to be safe and happy. Then, I can rest in peace."
Bai Jinghuai, relieved to have escaped trouble, leaned in and added, "If you can’t find anyone, it doesn’t matter. Father will support you."
Qiao’s warm expression cracked, and she snapped, "You, be quiet! Stop speaking ill of things!"
Bai Qingqing's marriage was not a pressing matter. In her past life, the Bai family had not rushed her to marry. It was her own deep affection for Fu Yi that made her refuse all other suitors.
Bai Jinghuai, feeling helpless, tried to subtly probe the Prince Ping’s family’s intentions, but he was met with a cold response.
With Bai Jinghuai’s temperament, he felt that if his beloved daughter had her eye on Fu Yi, it was a blessing for their family! How could he refuse?
But his daughter fell ill with lovesickness, neglecting food and drink, her mind consumed with Fu Yi. Bai Jinghuai, heartbroken for her, could only shamelessly visit the Prince Ping’s residence repeatedly, unsure of what he had promised, until they finally relented.
Now, looking back, Bai Qingqing felt frustrated and could almost spit blood!