At that time, Tian Yu thought Bai Jun Chun and Wang Qing Lin were in league, plotting against him to get rid of his reputation for bringing misfortune to his wives.
Even though he was forced to marry Bai Jun Chun, he always felt awkward about it.
It wasn't until later, when he learned that Bai Jun Chun had always harbored feelings for him, that he let go of his reservations and began to live a good life with her.
Now that Bai Jun Chun was favored by her husband and was pregnant, she exuded happiness and joy from the tips of her hair to her toes, and no longer dwelled on past events.
She inquired about Wang Qing Lin.
"How is my cousin Lin? She disdained Ah Yu for not becoming the top scholar, only placing in the third tier, and refused to honor the engagement. She must have found a powerful connection and secured a good marriage by now, right?"
Bai Jun Chun's tone carried a hint of resentment. In her eyes, regardless of whether Tian Yu had achieved the top scholar rank, he was the best man in the world, the man of her dreams. She was jealous that Tian Yu had once loved Wang Qing Lin, and she disdained Wang Qing Lin for being opportunistic and fickle. Yet, at the same time, she was grateful that Wang Qing Lin had rejected Tian Yu, which had given her an opportunity.
Therefore, her feelings towards Wang Qing Lin were now complex.
She also hoped that Wang Qing Lin would get her wish and marry into royalty. If, one day, Tian Yu were to be transferred back to Duanjing, and Wang Qing Lin sought him out to rekindle their past, she was not confident that Tian Yu would remain unmoved.
It would be best if Wang Qing Lin got married, or if Tian Yu and she remained in Chang Feng and never returned.
"No," Wang Qing Yao smiled. "She was not very lucky. She was disfigured and sent by my uncle to a rural estate to recuperate. Then, she accidentally broke her leg again. Now she can't go anywhere."
"Ah?" Bai Jun Ya covered her mouth in surprise, her eyes widening as if she had heard the most bizarre news in the world.
"Really?" she confirmed repeatedly.
"Really, why would I lie to you?"
Bai Jun Ya let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief, then found it incredible.
She murmured, "How could this happen? She... Cousin Lin has always been like a pampered daughter of heaven, beautiful and intelligent, the center of attention wherever she went. I used to envy her so much..."
She spoke as if to herself, yet also as if asking Wang Qing Yao.
Wang Qing Yao said earnestly, "A wicked heart digs its own grave. No amount of intelligence or beauty is useful."
Bai Jun Chun's heart skipped a beat, guessing that Wang Qing Lin must have done something despicable to end up in such a state.
She sighed and said insincerely, "How pitiful." She paused and then asked, "What about my aunt? Is she well? She must be very sad about Cousin Lin's situation, right?"
Wang Qing Yao's expression was somewhat complicated. "She is nearing her end. The marriage between my elder brother and Ya Jie'er had to be moved up out of necessity."
Bai Jun Chun was shocked again. "Nearing her end?"
In just one night, she had been repeatedly stunned by these sudden pieces of news. She felt her stomach contract a few times and quickly placed her hand on it, gently stroking it.
Wang Qing Yao said calmly, "Don't get agitated. My aunt is gravely ill and beyond cure. The marriage was moved up to bring her some good fortune. But I see," she pretended to wipe her eyes, "it probably won't work. She doesn't have much time left."
Bai Jun Chun was speechless for a long time.
After she and Tian Yu arrived in Chang Feng City, they had only sent back one letter, addressed to Bai Jun Ya, at the time with a sense of showing off. However, Bai Jun Ya had said nothing and even congratulated her.
She hadn't replied since.
The people in Duanjing, including her father, were not worth her concern.
She absolutely did not want Tian Yu to be transferred back.
This was her new beginning.
She lowered her head, unsure of what emotions or expression to wear.
"My condolences," Wang Qing Yao said.
Bai Jun Chun's eyelids twitched. Wang Qing Yao was so certain that Madam Bai would die. Was Madam Bai truly ill?
Bai Jun Ya grew suspicious, but the suspicion flashed by quickly. After all, whether Madam Bai was ill or not had nothing to do with her.
Everything in Duanjing was irrelevant to her now.
She picked up her handkerchief and dabbed her dry eyes. "Cousin Lin and my aunt are truly unfortunate."
Wang Qing Yao: "Heh."
After chatting for a while longer, Bai Jun Ya excused herself, claiming to be tired, and left.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she remained in a daze, wondering whether to tell Tian Yu about Wang Qing Lin.
Tian Yu noticed her unusual demeanor and asked with concern, "What happened? Did the Princess say something?"
Bai Jun Chun looked up at him, reached out to stroke his face, and finally made up her mind. "I asked the Princess some things, and she told me that Cousin Lin... she was disfigured and also broke her leg."
Tian Yu froze.
Bai Jun Chun's heart clenched, and she stared intently at his face, not wanting to miss even the slightest change in his expression.
"Oh," Tian Yu said. "She's really having a tough time."
Tian Yu's face showed only surprise. After making his comment, he moved on to other matters. "Prince Ding An hasn't said why he's come to Yungui. If he's here for sightseeing, I'll take them around tomorrow... I guess he's just here to play. Prince Ding An's personality is like that. Apart from his short lifespan, he's quite a good match."
Thinking of Xiao Yun's curse, Tian Yu couldn't help but pity Wang Qing Yao.