At that moment, a figure entered the hall.
Dressed in the uniform of a royal guard, the man stepped forward with steady and disciplined steps. The faint clinking of his armor echoed softly in the otherwise silent hall.
He stopped at the center and bowed respectfully toward Ning Chang-Pu.
"Greetings, Head of the Ning Family."
As he straightened and lifted his head—
his gaze unintentionally fell upon Bai-Xue.
For a brief moment, he was stunned.
The girl seated there looked nothing like the rumors he had heard. She appeared delicate, almost fragile, her figure smaller than others of her age. There was an innocent softness to her face, as if she were someone who had never faced the harshness of the world.
And yet—
she sat there in complete composure, occupying the seat of the Main Lady without the slightest hesitation.
Something in the guard's heart softened.
Without even realizing it, he lowered his head once again—
this time, specifically bowing toward Bai-Xue with even deeper respect.
At the front, Chang-Pu noticed this, his expression darkening slightly, but he said nothing.
Instead, he spoke in a controlled tone.
"Speak. What message have you brought from the royal palace?"
The guard straightened himself and bowed again.
"By the command of the royal family," he began formally, "the Head of the Ning Family, Ning Chang-Pu, along with the entire Ning family, is invited to attend the grand banquet held in celebration of Third Prince Min-Sheng's birthday and to welcome Emperor Jiang-Lin."
His voice echoed clearly through the hall.
Bai-Xue listened calmly.
This was the same invitation she had already heard before.
After finishing the message, the guard bowed respectfully toward everyone present.
Hearing this, many members of the Ning family revealed expressions of excitement and joy. A royal banquet of such scale was a rare honor.
However—
the guard did not step back.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward Bai-Xue once again.
He bowed deeply.
"Princess Bai-Xue," he said respectfully, "this subordinate carries a special message for you... from Third Prince Min-Sheng."
The moment those words fell—
the atmosphere in the hall changed.
Ya-Ting's expression froze instantly.
Her eyes widened slightly before turning sharp with anger as she looked toward her mother.
Meanwhile, Jing-Yi was still sitting there, completely shaken.
The shock of what had happened earlier had not yet faded from her mind, and now, hearing this unexpected message—
her thoughts fell into complete chaos.
The royal guard lowered his head respectfully and continued delivering the message.
"His Highness, Third Prince Min-Sheng, personally invites Princess Bai-Xue to attend his birthday banquet," he said in a clear, steady voice. "He also conveyed that... he will be waiting for you."
A brief pause followed before he added,
"Because this day holds great importance... for both of you."
The moment those words fell, a subtle tension spread across the hall.
Before Bai-Xue could respond, Ning Chang-Pu spoke abruptly.
"We are truly honored by His Highness's invitation," he said with forced politeness, "however... Bai-Xue has only recently recovered. Her health is still weak."
He frowned slightly, as if genuinely concerned.
"She has never attended such a grand banquet before. To suddenly appear at an event of this scale... I fear it may not be appropriate."
His tone grew firmer.
"I do not wish for the Ning family to be embarrassed because of her. Therefore, I believe it would be best if Bai-Xue does not attend."
A faint silence followed his words.
The guard remained still for a moment before slowly raising his head.
"Forgive me, Head of the Ning Family," he said respectfully, though there was a subtle firmness in his voice now, "but this invitation... is also a direct command from His Highness, Third Prince Min-Sheng."
His gaze was steady.
"I would advise that it not be disregarded."
The meaning behind his words was clear—
this was not merely a polite invitation that could be refused at will.
After delivering the message, the guard stepped back, bowed once again toward the hall, and then turned to leave.
The sound of his footsteps gradually faded away—
leaving behind a hall filled with silence... and rising tension.
As the messenger's footsteps faded into the distance, a tense silence settled over the hall.
Suddenly—
Ya-Ting stood up abruptly.
Her face was flushed with anger, and the elegance she usually carried seemed to shatter completely in that moment.
"Father!" she said sharply. "How can Bai-Xue attend the banquet?"
Her voice was no longer soft or composed—it carried clear irritation.
"She will only bring disgrace to our family! And with her current behavior..." Ya-Ting's eyes flashed with anger as she glanced at Bai-Xue, "...I don't even think she should be allowed to step out of her room!"
The moment those words left her mouth—
the entire hall fell into stunned silence.
Everyone stared at Ya-Ting in disbelief.
To them, she had always been the image of a gentle, elegant, and soft-spoken young lady.
But now—
that carefully maintained image had completely cracked.
Seeing the shocked expressions around her, Jing-Yi's heart sank.
She quickly tried to recover the situation.
"My lord," she said hurriedly, forcing a calm tone, "Ya-Ting did not mean it that way—"
Before she could finish, another voice interrupted her.
"Oh? Then what did she mean, Sister Jing-Yi?"
It was the Second Concubine, speaking with a faint, mocking smile.
She lightly covered her lips as she chuckled softly.
"Please, don't trouble yourself trying to explain it away," she continued, her tone laced with amusement. "This side of Ya-Ting... I must say, even I was unaware of it."
Her eyes gleamed with hidden ridicule.
"But then again," she added slowly, "it seems none of us truly knew her at all."
A soft, mocking smile remained on her lips as her words echoed through the silent hall—
making the atmosphere even heavier than before.
Just as the tension in the hall thickened, Hai-Rang suddenly stepped forward, her brows furrowed and her tone filled with hidden hostility.
"Concubine Mei-Lin," she said, her voice carrying a faint sneer, "my elder sister only spoke out of concern for the family."
Her eyes flashed coldly.
"Unlike some people... who are too busy minding their own business to care about the honor of the Ning family."
Her words were clearly meant to provoke.
The air instantly turned colder.
Before the argument could escalate further, Ning Chang-Pu slammed his hand against the armrest.
"Enough!"
His voice thundered across the hall, silencing everyone.
He looked toward Ya-Ting, his expression softening slightly.
"Ya-Ting, my child... I understand what you are trying to say."
Then his gaze turned toward Bai-Xue, instantly becoming cold and filled with disdain.
"Bai-Xue, you will not attend this banquet."
His tone was absolute.
"If I take you with me, I will only become a subject of ridicule."
A faint scoff escaped his lips.
"You would bring me nothing but shame."
The words fell harshly—
but before the silence could settle—
a calm, firm voice suddenly echoed from the entrance of the hall.
"Then I will take her."
Everyone turned in shock.
Standing at the doorway was Jia-Hai.
His presence was steady and imposing, his eyes calm yet sharp as he stepped forward.
"If you feel ashamed to take Bai-Xue with you," he said coldly, "then I will personally accompany her to the banquet."
A ripple of shock spread through the hall.
Jia-Hai's gaze locked onto Chang-Pu, and a faint mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"Though... hearing you speak like this," he continued, his tone laced with quiet contempt, "I suppose I should not be surprised."
His eyes darkened.
"After all, abandoning a precious jade and choosing a worthless stone instead..."
He paused slightly.
"...has always been your habit, Chang-Pu."
"Father, please... I am only thinking about the honor of our family."
Ning Chang-Pu spoke, trying to maintain his composure, though a trace of frustration lingered in his voice.
Before his words could carry further—
Jia-Hai let out a cold, mocking chuckle.
"Honor?"
His eyes turned sharp as he looked at Chang-Pu, filled with disappointment.
"If you truly cared about the family's honor," he said slowly, each word heavy with authority, "then this hall would not have turned into such a disgrace today."
A suffocating silence spread.
"You cannot even manage your own household properly... and yet you dare speak of honor?"
Chang-Pu's face stiffened, his fists clenching within his sleeves, but he found himself unable to refute a single word.
Jia-Hai did not wait for a reply.
His gaze shifted—
and landed on Bai-Xue.
The coldness in his expression faded slightly.
He carefully observed the hall—the corrected seating, the restored order, the lingering tension.
Then, as if finally at ease, he let out a long breath.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Bai-Xue," he called gently, extending his hand toward her, "if you stay here any longer, you will only be surrounded by poison."
His tone softened, carrying unmistakable care.
"Come. We still need to prepare for the banquet... your attire must be chosen."
Without hesitation, Bai-Xue rose and took his outstretched hand.
Her expression remained calm, as if everything that had just happened meant nothing to her.
Together, they turned toward the exit.
As they walked past the silent hall, Jia-Hai leaned slightly closer and spoke in a low voice—
"You did well."
A trace of pride flickered in his eyes.
"Putting everyone back in their proper place... was long overdue. Their arrogance had already grown out of control."
Bai-Xue said nothing, but her gaze flickered faintly.
And then—
they left.
The moment they were gone—
Chang-Pu's expression darkened completely.
For a brief moment, no one dared to speak.
Then, Ya-Ting stepped forward, unable to hold back any longer.
"Father, you must do something. I—"
She suddenly stopped herself, regaining her composure.
Lowering her gaze slightly, she spoke again in a restrained tone—
"At the banquet... because of Bai-Xue, we will only become a laughingstock."
Chang-Pu's patience finally snapped.
"And what do you expect me to do?" he said irritably.
"I cannot go against Father."
His voice was filled with frustration.
With a sharp flick of his sleeve, he turned away.
"This matter is over."
Without another word, he walked out of the hall.
Ya-Ting stood there, her face burning with anger.
With a cold glare, she turned and left as well.
Hai-Rang quickly followed behind her, her expression dark and filled with resentment, while Jing-Yi silently trailed after them.
The moment Ya-Ting stepped into her chambers, the doors slammed shut behind her with a loud thud.
Her composure shattered instantly.
"Mother!" she burst out, her voice trembling with anger and panic as she turned toward Jing-Yi, who had just entered behind her. "You said you would find a way... you promised me!"
Her hands clenched tightly.
"Now what am I supposed to do? That Bai-Xue... she's going to take Min-Sheng away from me!"
Her voice rose into a near scream, filled with desperation and jealousy.
But Jing-Yi—
did not respond the way she expected.
Her eyes were bloodshot, her expression twisted with humiliation and fury.
Never in her life had she suffered such disgrace.
The very servants who once feared her... the very people who bowed their heads in her presence—
today, they had watched her be slapped.
Watched her fall.
And worse—
some had even dared to laugh.
Jing-Yi slowly sat down at the edge of Ya-Ting's bed, her hands trembling slightly.
Then, under her breath, she began muttering—
"I should have killed her..."
Her voice was low, unstable.
"I made a mistake... a grave mistake... I should have killed her along with her..."
Her words sent a chill through the room.
Hai-Rang, who had followed them inside, froze in shock.
She quickly stepped forward, her brows knitting together.
"Mother... what are you saying?"
But Jing-Yi didn't seem to hear her at all.
She continued muttering to herself, her voice growing darker with each word.
"I shouldn't have spared her... I should have ended it that day... both of them... none of this would have happened..."
Hai-Rang's unease turned into alarm.
"Mother!" she called out louder, grabbing her arm. "What are you talking about?!"
Still—
Jing-Yi continued, as if trapped in her own madness.
Finally, Hai-Rang shouted—
"Mother!"
The sharp voice seemed to snap something inside Jing-Yi.
She suddenly raised her head and screamed—
"I should have killed Huang-Lin's daughter along with her!"
The room fell deathly silent.
Ya-Ting and Hai-Rang's faces drained of color instantly.
Cold sweat formed on their backs.
For a moment, neither of them could even breathe.
Then—
Ya-Ting reacted.
She hurried to the door, her heart pounding wildly, and pulled it open just enough to glance outside.
The corridor was empty.
No servants. No guards.
No witnesses.
She quickly shut the door and rushed back, her voice lowered but filled with panic.
"Mother, what are you saying?!" she whispered harshly. "What if someone had heard you?!"
Her hands trembled slightly.
"This... this is not something you can speak of so carelessly!"
The air in the room turned heavy—
as if a dark secret, long buried, had finally begun to surface.
"I... I can't believe what you just said, Mother!"
Ya-Ting's voice trembled, no longer with anger—but with sheer panic. Her face had turned pale, and her hands shook uncontrollably.
"Have you lost your mind?" she whispered harshly, her eyes wide with fear. "If even a single word of this leaves this room... our heads will be hanging at the gates of the Ning Mansion!"
Her breath came unsteadily, the weight of those words pressing heavily upon her chest.
Beside her, Hai-Rang stood frozen, her mind reeling.
"Mother... what did you just say?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You... you killed Princess Huang-Lin...?"
Her eyes were filled with disbelief, as if she could not recognize the woman before her.
"...How could you do such a thing?"
"Enough!"
Ya-Ting snapped, turning sharply toward Hai-Rang, her expression suddenly cold and commanding.
"This is not something you are allowed to question."
Her gaze hardened.
"This... is a secret that must never leave this room."
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"You will not speak of it. Not to anyone. In fact—forget it."
Her eyes locked onto Hai-Rang's.
"Forget that you ever heard it."
Hai-Rang stiffened, unable to respond.
Then Ya-Ting turned back to Jing-Yi, her composure cracking once more.
"Mother, pull yourself together!" she said urgently, gripping her arm. "I want to marry Min-Sheng... I have no desire to die because of this!"
Her voice lowered, but the fear in it was unmistakable.
"Do you understand what this means if it comes out?"
At that moment—
Jing-Yi finally seemed to regain her senses.
Her muttering stopped.
Her eyes slowly cleared, and realization dawned upon her like a nightmare she could not escape.
The color drained from her face.
She had spoken.
Spoken of something that should never, under any circumstances, be uttered.
Her lips trembled slightly.
A secret buried for years—