Night.
After Bai Tian had cleaned himself, he walked toward Mu Xingyue's room.In front of the door, Bai Tian stood for a long time. Yet, the door showed no sign of opening, not even a crack.
The small courtyard where Mu Xingyue lived had only one main building as a residence. There was no point in hoping for another room, because besides the main chamber, there was only a cold old storage.
If this were the Xiao family's residence, Bai Tian could have sneaked into the servants' beds or found a warmer corner. But this was the Mu family's residence. Nearby, besides Mu Xingyue's room, there were only the servants' rooms, the bathroom, and the chilly storage.
As night deepened, the air became more bone-chilling, especially tonight, with the sky overcast and a light wind carrying damp cold. Bai Tian raised his hand and knocked on the door again, this time with a weak, pleading sound.
"Hey… you're not really going to leave me out here, are you? It's cold tonight, and the sky is gloomy."He paused for a moment, then added in a half-whining tone:"After all, I'm still your husband. Can you really bear to see me laughed at?"
Yet, the room remained silent, as if uninhabited. Only the sound of rustling leaves outside could be heard. Bai Tian began to lose patience. Just as he was about to decide to kick the door open, the door finally moved—slowly, as if reluctant to allow entry.
Without a second thought, Bai Tian stepped inside as fast as lightning and shut the door tightly, as if afraid it would reject him again.
Mu Xingyue remained seated on the bed, in the same position as before. Though sitting casually, she radiated a subtle but undeniable aura of elegance. Her beautiful gaze shifted slightly to look at Bai Tian, and her lips parted to speak in a soft yet firm voice:
"Sleep on the floor."
Bai Tian let out a long sigh. After marrying such a beautiful wife, he could not touch her, could not embrace her, and was not even allowed to sleep in the same bed. All he could do was sit in the corner, hugging his knees against the cold wall, trying to comfort himself with the little warmth of his own body.
After a while, he could not help speaking again."You're not… really going to drive me out, are you?"
Mu Xingyue's long lashes blinked slowly. She shifted slightly, reclining gracefully on the bed. Then, without a word, she waved her hand. In an instant, Bai Tian's eyelids grew heavy, and his body collapsed, falling asleep without resistance.
Time passed.Outside, the rain began to fall, breaking the night's silence with a soft yet piercing patter.
When the sun rose, Mu Xingyue woke from her sleep. Before she could fully regain her composure, a servant arrived with a message: the Head of the Family wished to see her.
Without delay, Mu Xingyue prepared herself. She dressed neatly and gracefully, then walked toward the Mu family's main residence, followed by several servants.
Upon reaching the main hall, she bowed respectfully and spoke softly:"Greetings, Head of the Family. What matter requires my presence today?"
"Sit," said the Head of the Family Mu briefly.
Soon, the hall door opened again. A middle-aged man wearing a Xiao family robe entered. He was the representative of the Xiao family.
"Greetings, Head of the Mu Family. I hope you are in good health," he said, bowing slightly.
The Head of the Mu Family nodded, gesturing for him to sit. The servants immediately served fragrant tea on the table.
After the atmosphere settled, the Head of the Mu Family asked,"Representative of the Xiao Family, what brings you to the Mu residence today?"
The Xiao family representative sighed heavily. He then recounted everything—about the disappearance of Bai Tian's parents. His voice sounded heavy, filled with deep concern.
The Head of the Mu Family listened attentively. When the explanation was finished, he let out a long sigh. There was a clear sadness in his eyes. Although Xio Feng was not a legitimate child of the Mu family, he had been quite close during his adolescence.
"Thank you for the information. May Feng…" the Head of the Mu Family murmured, as if unable to finish the sentence.
They then discussed several other matters.
Time passed. This time, a representative from the Lu family arrived at the Mu main residence, bringing several gifts. Accompanying him was a handsome young man named Lu Yan—the younger brother of Lu Wen, one year his junior. Lu Yan was the second person ever to see Mu Xingyue's true face, and from that moment, he immediately developed feelings for her.
Lu Yan was the son of one of the concubines of the Lu family representative. He had long petitioned his family to marry Mu Xingyue.
"Greetings, Head of the Mu Family. I apologize for visiting uninvited. Please accept these small gifts from us," said the Lu family representative, gesturing for the servants to place the gifts.
Lu Yan stood beside him and said,"Greetings, Head of the Mu Family. I am Lu Yan, the eighth son of the Lu family representative."
The Head of the Mu Family nodded, inviting them to sit and instructed the servants to serve tea.
A moment of silence filled the room. Then the Lu family representative stood and said,"Head of the Mu Family, the purpose of our visit is to seek your blessing for Lu Yan to marry Mu Xingyue. He is intelligent and diligent. If this happens, perhaps our families could become in-laws."
The room fell silent. All eyes naturally turned to Mu Xingyue. The Head of the Mu Family then commanded a servant to summon Xio Tian.
Elsewhere, at Mu Xingyue's residence…Bai Tian had just awakened. He had cleaned himself and walked to the door. When he opened it, he saw a servant who usually stayed by Mu Xingyue's side standing there.
"What is it?" Bai Tian asked, his brows slightly furrowed.
The servant did not answer directly. He simply tossed a jade slip containing news about events at the Xiao family residence after Bai Tian's wedding day.
After reading the entire message, tears flowed uncontrollably. They were the first tears he had shed since becoming part of the Xiao family. Anger, pain, regret, and myriad emotions swirled inside him.
The servant quietly watched Xio Tian (Bai Tian) drown in sorrow.
After a moment, the servant spoke softly, informing him that the Head of the Mu Family wished to see him. Without further words, the servant guided Xio Tian (Bai Tian) to the main hall of the Mu residence.
On the way, Xio Tian (Bai Tian) asked,"In the main hall… who will be present?"
"The Head of the Mu Family, Miss, the Xiao family representative, and the Lu family representative," the servant replied.
"Anyone else?" Xio Tian asked again.
"The eighth son of the Lu family, younger brother of Lu Wen, Lu Yan," the servant answered.
Bai Tian fell silent, deep in thought. Despite the weight of the situation, he understood what might be happening. With a heavy heart, Bai Tian began to make a decision within himself.