Transmigration: The Fate of the Villainess

209 I am not going anymore! Part II

The names of the diplomats were announced one week later.

Important figures who would join the envoy were Wei Wang Ouyang Wenrou, Commander General Bai He, First Master of the Xu family, and Second Miss of the Xu family. These names did not differ from Bai Yu’s expectations. Others within the group had varying ranks and statuses as Ouyang Feilong tried to organize the envoy to be practical while at the same time not affecting the structure of the court.

Other than that, it was Ouyang Mingxian who would join the envoy to enter into an agreement with Da Chu before returning alone before the envoy. Bai Yu did not want to know what the said agreement was, but if she had to guess, then it would be none other than something to boost his eligibility for the future position Ouyang Feilong had planned for him.

It would be Bai He’s departure in a few days. Today, members of the Bai family were given special permission by Ouyang Feilong to enter the palace and stay with Bai Yu until lunchtime. Bai Yu waited for her father, mother, and brother with her heart full to bursting. She was excited, yet at the same time upset at the thought of not being able to see Bai He for another three years unless a significant event happened.

“Blessings to Empress Dowager. May you live and reign for a thousand years, a thousand years, thousands of thousands of years.”

“Please, don’t be so formal.”

For privacy, Bai Yu welcomed her family into her own palace and ordered all servants to leave except Xiao Xi and Xiao Chang, who were used to those of the Bai family.

“I miss you all so much.” Bai Yu abandoned her status. She threw herself into her mother’s arm first, followed by her father, then remained in Bai He’s hug for so long that her mother had to separate them so that they could talk while waiting for lunch.

“Yu-er, it’s all because your father is incapable.” Her father’s hand stroked her head after they had sat down. “I entered the royal palace every day, and yet I couldn’t come here to visit you. I’ve made you lonely.”

.....

“Not at all, father.” Bai Yu held her father’s hand. “Father and Brother have duties you’re responsible for, and Mother has to take care of Bai Mansion. I’m also an adult. I must endure and focus on my work like you all.”

“You’ve grown so much, my child.”

Bai Yu smiled at her mother. Suddenly, Yue Mei’s eyes watered as she watched her daughter’s beautiful smile. “You are happy here, right?”

She had almost destroyed her daughter by trying to give her to Ouyang Mingxian. Her daughter had made her and Bai Han understand each other, and so now she wished for Bai Yu to be happy with her love. What luck that Bai Yu and Ouyang Feilong shared a wondrously profound love.

“With Brother gone, who will act as commander general then?” Bai Yu changed the subject to her brother. She did not want her mother to shed tears for her.

Bai Han lightly patted the back of his wife’s hand, comforting her, who was pleased to see her daughter’s love while still blaming herself at the same time.

“It’s Yue Shi who will be acting as commander-general in my place.”

“Yue Shi?” Bai Yu recalled her memory. “Is that the person whose sword was hit by a concealed weapon and flew toward me?”

Bai He nodded. “It is him.”

Two siblings continued to talk about Yue Huiling before changing to another subject, with their parents joining the conversation. Xiao Xi made sure to change out cold tea for warm ones while Xiao Chang refilled their snacks with a face full of smiles.

This was the first time that Bai Yu could spend time with all of her family members. No other furens. No half-sisters. Only her own family.

“When your mother was pregnant with He-er, she was so aggressive that I was afraid to approach her.” Bai Han recalled the time when Yue Mei was pregnant with Bai He. “She’s a skilled martial artist. I thought the main building might crumble every time she threw a tantrum.”

“It’s you yourself that annoyed me.” Yue Mei glared at her husband.

“Because Mother was aggressive like that, Brother was born a great warrior, right?” Bai Yu hurriedly came to her mother’s rescue.

“That is true.” Yue Mei solemnly nodded.

“Not true at all.” Bai Han shook his head in disagreement.

Bai He laughed at how his father seemed to argue with his mother more and more.

“When she was pregnant with you, she was also very emotional. Less fierce than the first time, but still fierce all the same.” Bai Han explained everything in detail. Yue Mei’s face reddened as she sat silent, unable to object.

“That’s why I’m beautiful and strong like Brother.”

“You might even be stronger than me.” Bai He teased. “People all talk about your sparring match with Qin Wang Fei. I’m not sure anymore whether you’re reputed to be elegant and beautiful or strong and dauntless.”

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? I’ll be the strongest empress.” Bai Yu joked.

“But you should still remain reserved. Otherwise, you might lose the emperor’s favor.”

“There’s no need to worry, mother.” Ever since she married Ouyang Feilong, her mother did not talk much about her husband. It was rare to hear Yue Mei’s concerns regarding her married life.

“Yu-er.”

“Yes, father.”

“Is there anything bothering you here?”

Bai Yu smiled at her father’s gentle voice as she shook her head. “Father, please don’t worry. His majesty and I share a love that can’t be shaken or threatened. Moreover, I have the Bai family behind me. No one would dare trouble me.”

“Very well.” Yue Mei smiled and took her daughter’s hand. “His Majesty has only recently ascended the throne. The nation’s affairs must be very restricted right now. If you’re lonely, why don’t you have a grandchild for me? That way, you won’t be alone.”

“I understand.”

Bai Yu did not agree or refuse her mother’s word. She also did not tell them that she was already pregnant. She could not determine yet whether the news would have a positive or negative effect on her. However, one thing that she was sure of was that it would surely harm Ouyang Feilong’s plan.

—————-

On the day of the departure, Bai Yu and Ouyang Feilong went out to send off the diplomats of Da Yang at the city’s gate. The area was crowded with families of those in the envoy. Among them were the Bai family and the Yue family, who came to see Bai He off.

Bai Yu had only a few words of farewell for the Xu siblings. They all knew this was a scene they had to act in. The first master of the Xu family might have to depart for Da Chu, but how could the anonymous master leave his shop? With his level of magic, Xu Luanle could easily travel between two nations. But for Xu Peipei, Bai Yu did not know what she would do next. Still, the look in her former rival’s eyes seemed to reflect friendliness and gratitude.

Today, Bai Yu had created a chance for Xu Peipei. From this point on, everything would be up to the two.

“You’re no longer my baby sister. You’re now the mother of Da Yang, Yu-er…” Bai He said softly to his sister in farewell. “...The dangers on my battlefield are nothing compared to the dangers around your phoenix throne. You must think carefully before you act.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“The Bai and Yue families will be with you forever. If there’s an emergency, Yue Huiling will help you. Be alert…”

Bai Yu understood his meaning. Even though she had Ouyang Feilong with her, he could not help her with everything, especially when it involved relations between families. Ouyang Feilong had to be careful of the power balance in the court. If there was something she wished to do, she should ask the Bai family or Yue family to act in her stead.

“Most importantly…” Bai He gazed at the woman he loved and protected all his life. “…I want to see you happy.”

“Brother…”

“No matter how far I am from you, I still hope for your happiness.”

The love in his dark eyes destroyed every determination Bai Yu built up. She reached out to hold his hand, wishing to convey her warmth and love through her actions and eyes. “I have my happiness with me already. Brother, please don’t worry.”

Bai He frowned at her words.

Bai Yu did not offer an explanation, only cast her eyes downward to her stomach, which was slightly raised. She was only two months pregnant, and she was still young, so her figure had not changed much.

Bai He followed his sister’s eyes, then studied the phoenix robe she wore loosely. Normally, Bai Yu would wear clothes in a way that would emphasize her figure and enhance her youthful beauty.

His eyes slightly widened as his hand flipped to hold her hand instead. He excitedly said, “So you’re…”

Bai Yu nodded to confirm his thought. Yes, she was pregnant.

“I’m not going anymore!”

When Bai Yu could finally convince her brother to leave, several pairs of eyes were focusing on them for having such a long goodbye. Fortunately, Ouyang Feilong was standing far away in order to let her privately speak to her Bai He, so he did not hear the conversation between them.

Bai Yu understood how much her brother was worried about her. If someone learned of her pregnancy, Bai He would be an important ally in assuring Bai Yu’s stability and safety. He may have been stationed at the border as commander-general, but his power could easily reach far into the inner court.

Da Yang was heading in the direction Ouyang Feilong had intended. Bai Yu did not want the child in her womb to become a burden for him. He would have to discover this secret one day; that was a guarantee, but Bai Yu hoped it would not be soon.

While overcome with worry, Bai He understood his sister. He firmly told Yue Huiling to take good care of Bai Yu without giving a reason. He would not mention it if Bai Yu did not want anyone to know, not even Ouyang Feilong.

Bai Yu gave her brother a smile so wide that dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her dark eyes gazed at the figure on the horse until it became smaller, farther, and finally disappeared from view. In her heart, she wished to have her brother with her. Still, she knew Bai He had carefully considered his decision. And so, she could only send him off with a smile. They had spent so little time together.

Today, Bai He had to leave for three long years on duty to support the man whom she loved no less than her brother. Bai Yu had to accept this farewell and wait until time brought her brother back to her once more.

You could see someone off for a thousand li, and you would still part all the same.