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In the grand Marquis Bai Zhentian mansion in the capital, as dusk settled and warm, yellow light bathed the intricately carved beams and painted pillars, it could not dispel the undercurrents of tension that flowed deep within the mansion.
Concubine Li, adorned in a vibrant red silk gown, her figure swaying gracefully, walked into Marquis Bai Zhentian’s study room.
A gentle smile graced her lips, but her eyes held a hint of calculation. She parted her cherry-red lips and spoke in a soft, melodious voice, “My master, are you busy?”
Bai Zhentian lowered the scroll in his hand and looked up at her, his expression unreadable. “Hm, what is it?”
Concubine Li, with delicate steps, slowly approached Bai Zhentian and extended her slender fingers.
She gently massaged his shoulders, her voice soft and soothing, “My master, time really flies. The eldest daughter has been gone for months now. We’ve sent people everywhere to search for her, but not even a trace has been found. In my opinion, I fear the worst.” As she spoke, she sighed softly, a look of regret clouding her face.
Bai Zhentian’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of complex emotions crossing his eyes. He spoke firmly, “I don’t believe it. Linglong, that child, is strong-willed. She wouldn’t disappear so easily.”
Concubine Li’s face changed slightly, but she quickly regained her smile and continued, “My master, look at our mansion. Now that the mistress is gone, and the eldest daughter. The entire mansion, inside and out, so many things need your attention. It breaks my heart to see this.”
Seeing that Bai Zhentian remained silent, Concubine Li bit her lower lip and, summoning her courage, said, “My master, I’ve been by your side for many years. I’ve always diligently taken care of the mansion’s affairs. Now that the mansion is in this state, shouldn’t we have a mistress to hold the fort? I wouldn’t dare to say anything else, but if I am fortunate enough to be elevated to the position of mistress, I will surely manage the mansion efficiently and ensure you have no worries.”
At that moment, Bai Xinyao also entered gracefully, her voice sweet as she called out, “Father, Concubine Li.”
She walked to Bai Zhentian, bowed respectfully, and continued, “Father, Concubine is right. Sister’s whereabouts are unknown, and the mansion is overwhelmed with affairs. We truly need a mistress to oversee everything. Concubine Li has always been so kind to me and has managed the mansion impeccably. If she could become the mistress, it would be the best possible outcome.”
Bai Zhentian’s gaze swept back and forth between the two women. After a long pause, he finally spoke slowly, “This is a matter of great importance. Let me think about it. Although Linglong has been gone for a long time, I still feel deep down that she will return safely.”
Upon hearing this, the smile on Concubine Li’s face instantly froze, a hint of annoyance flashing in her eyes. However, she forced a smile and said, “My master, please stop waiting. It’s been months now. Who knows what might have happened to the eldest daughter.”
Bai Zhentian’s face darkened, and he interrupted her, “Enough. I said I’ll think about it. Don’t say another word.”
Concubine Li’s heart burned with anger, but she dared not lash out. She could only force a smile and say, “Yes, master. I will leave you to your thoughts. I’ll take my leave now.”
Bai Xinyao also sensed the tense atmosphere and quickly followed suit, bowing before leaving.
As they stepped out of the study, Concubine Li’s face immediately turned grim. She stomped her foot angrily, muttering, “That old fool, even at this time, he’s still thinking about his precious daughter. He waited so long, and now the position of mistress, which was almost within reach, is about to slip away!”
She walked on, her voice low and venomous, a stark contrast to the gentle persona she had displayed before the marquis.
“Humph, what eldest daughter returning safely? It’s just an excuse. She’s probably dead in some corner somewhere!”
Concubine Li’s anger grew with each passing thought. She continued to mutter under her breath, “I’ve devoted myself to this mansion, yet he treats me this way. Once I become mistress, I’ll show them all what I’m capable of!”
Bai Xinyao, walking cautiously behind her, remained silent, afraid to incur her mother’s wrath.