Bai Yinan nodded. "Precisely. You're your father's beloved daughter and the only young lady of the Bai Mansion. Although Chu Feng was a man of no great consequence, he was originally a talented scholar proficient in poetry, calligraphy, and horsemanship. He was barely a match for you. Naturally, the man selected this time can't be inferior to him."
Bai Zheng laughed. "Father, choosing a husband isn't like selecting a top scholar. Literary talent doesn't necessarily represent a person's character..."
Bai Yinan shook his head. "But if a man lacks these qualities, doesn't it prove that he's lazy and good - for - nothing? Our Zheng'er can't marry such a dissipated playboy."
As the saying goes, every parent loves their child dearly. Bai Zheng grumbled inwardly. "Then how do you plan to conduct the contest tomorrow, Father?"
"Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, horsemanship, archery, and swordsmanship. After these seven events, based on the results, you can make your own decision. After all, His Majesty has decreed that you have the final say in this marriage selection. We can only help you with the preliminary screening. The final choice of your husband still depends on you."
It sounded quite interesting. A smile curved Bai Zheng's lips.
Actually, Bai Zheng hadn't taken this marriage selection too seriously. All the candidates were just choices made due to intertwined interests. How much sincerity could there be? Tomorrow, if there was someone she liked, she'd choose him. If none of them caught her eye, choosing someone who wouldn't bother her and with whom she could live a peaceful life would also be fine.
But if, as Bai Yinan said, she could choose a husband who was proficient in all aspects, her future life might be easier.
"I understand, Father. You're the one who loves me the most." Bai Zheng's eyes were as bright as stars in the sky as she smiled sweetly.
The next day, before dawn, Bai Zheng was woken up early by Mrs. Lin. Although she had been going to bed early and getting up early during her time in this different world, looking at the still - dark sky outside, Bai Zheng felt a bit helpless.
"Mother, today is just a marriage selection, not a wedding. There's no need to dress me up so elaborately, right?" Bai Zheng looked at herself in the mirror, wearing a magnificent brocade robe and adorned with jewels. She felt like a peacock showing off its feathers.
Mrs. Lin also looked at her daughter with a bit of embarrassment. Since she married Bai Yinan, this was the first time she'd encountered such a major event. She could only pile all the best things she could think of on Bai Zheng.
But why did these treasures, each of which could be a highlight on its own, look so unappealing when put together?
Mrs. Lin walked around Bai Zheng several times and finally gave up the plan to transform her. She said awkwardly, "My daughter has grown up. You can dress yourself."
Bai Zheng heaved a sigh of relief. She quickly took off the hairpins on her head and, with Zhuling's help, redid her makeup.
The Gaochang Marquis Mansion was located in the south of Yongding City, adjacent to the Princess Pingyang's Mansion. It covered an area of about a hundred mu. Bai Zheng took a carriage all the way in. She lifted the curtain and saw pavilions and towers in the distance, with lush trees and clusters of red plum blossoms. The air was filled with a fragrant and refreshing smell.
In front of the magnificent mansion gate, the carriage finally stopped under everyone's expectant gazes.
Bai Yinan helped Mrs. Lin out of the carriage first. Everyone's eyes showed respect. Then they looked even more eagerly at the carriage.
A charming maid - dressed girl walked to the carriage and lifted the curtain. A quiet and pretty girl stepped out.
So this was the legendary Third Miss Bai?
Bai Zheng had her long black hair simply coiled up. There were no gold ornaments or precious stones in her hair, only a few scattered pearls. Her light - blue clothes seemed plain at first glance, but in the sunlight, there were faint plum - petal patterns flowing on them, along with narcissus patterns embroidered with silver thread, delicate and vivid.
Although the girl in front of them had a simple makeup and her beauty couldn't compare to that of the Second Miss Bai Di, who was famous for her gorgeous looks, she had delicate features, clear eyes, and elegant manners, which was completely different from the rumors of being ugly, vulgar, and talentless.
Facing everyone's eager gazes, Bai Zheng showed no sign of uneasiness. Her eyes slowly swept over the crowd, and then she lowered her head and smiled slightly, which made some shy young masters' ears turn red.
A man who looked like a butler stepped forward. "Miss Bai, the Marquis and the Princess have been waiting for you for a long time."
Bai Zheng nodded and signaled Bai Yinan with her eyes before following the butler into the mansion gate.
Today, the Gaochang Marquis Mansion was bustling with activity with its gates wide open. Bai Zheng attracted many glances as she followed the butler.
With so many people staring at her, how could she slip away to find the Bone - penetrating Herb? Bai Zheng frowned slightly. She wondered if Mo Li had stolen the Bone - penetrating Herb during his night visit to the Gaochang Marquis Mansion.
Bai Zheng glanced around the corners of her eyes but didn't find Feng Linyuan or Song Yiqing.
They had separated in a hurry last night, and they hadn't left any way to contact each other. Bai Zheng knew nothing about their current situation, and a sense of worry welled up in her heart.
"Here she comes!" As soon as Bai Zheng stepped into the hall with the butler, she heard a clear female voice.
Bai Zheng looked up and saw that there were already many people sitting in the hall. In the middle were a well - dressed couple. The man on the left had slightly gray temples, but his eyes were bright and full of energy. The woman on the right was in her forties. Although her somewhat cold - looking face was still well - maintained, her beautiful willow - shaped eyebrows were slightly raised, making her look noble and a bit unapproachable.
There was also a young girl in yellow clothes standing beside the woman. She was pointing at Bai Zheng and laughing.
Bai Zheng stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Greetings to the Marquis and the Princess."
"Get up." Princess Pingyang waved at her with a smile on her lips. "Come here."
"Yes." Bai Zheng said and walked gracefully to the side of Princess Pingyang. She bowed her head politely, showing a respectful and gentle demeanor.
"Miss Bai is indeed a graceful beauty." Princess Pingyang praised.
The Gaochang Marquis beside her also stroked his beard and laughed. "Yes, just look at her gentle nature. If our Yan'er could learn even a bit of it, we'd save a lot of trouble."
"Dad!" As soon as the yellow - dressed girl heard this, she pouted and protested dissatisfiedly. "What are you talking about!"
"Look, you're about to get married and still so arrogant. Be careful that the Fourth Prince won't marry you!" The Gaochang Marquis said with a helpless smile.
Zheng Yan was so angry that she ran in front of him and punched him without saying a word. "Stop talking nonsense! Stop talking nonsense!"
Bai Zheng twitched the corners of her eyes and stood aside awkwardly. As the rumors had it, Miss Zheng was indeed spoiled, willful, and domineering. She was not someone to be offended. It seemed that Feng Jingyang was in for a hard time in this marriage.
"Miss Zheng is extremely beautiful and charming. She has a unique charm." Bai Di, who was sitting below, suddenly spoke up to defuse the situation. "Otherwise, how could my cousin be so infatuated with Miss Zheng!"
Just as everyone didn't know how to persuade them, they all burst into laughter upon hearing this.
Zheng Yan stopped her hands and blushed immediately. She mumbled, "Infatuated? Your cousin doesn't even have me in his eyes..."