Tears welled up in Bai Di's eyes. They trickled down bit by bit, soaking the white veil on her face.
A flicker of surprise flashed across Feng Linyuan's eyes.
As if realizing something, Bai Di quickly covered her face with both hands and lowered her head. Her voice was shrill as she said, "Zheng'er, I've treated you like a real sister since childhood. Why are you so vicious and hurt me like this..."
As she spoke, tears streamed down like rain.
Zisu, standing beside her, wiped her tears. Her eyes were full of pity as she choked out, "Madam, the Third Miss has always been malicious. Before, because Young Master Chu favored you and insisted on breaking off the engagement with her, she's harbored a grudge against you. It's just that you're too innocent and were deceived by her!"
At this moment, Bai Zheng's view was blocked by Feng Linyuan standing in front of her, so she couldn't see what was going on ahead. But hearing this, her heart sank abruptly.
Why did this mistress - servant pair suddenly bring up Chu Feng for no reason?
But then again, when Chu Feng had caused a ruckus at the gate of the Bai Mansion to break off the engagement, he had said in front of everyone that he favored Bai Di. If it was really said that Bai Zheng hated Bai Di because of this, there would surely be some who would believe it.
Everyone was stunned speechless by this sudden scene. The only sounds in the entire main hall were Bai Di's sobs and Zisu's voice.
"Madam, you've regarded the Third Miss as a family member. You thought she was mediocre in both talent and appearance, so you pitied and protected this younger sister. But in this younger sister's heart, she must have envied your beauty long ago, which is why... why she did such a vicious thing!"
The more Bai Zheng listened, the more something seemed amiss. She frowned and said loudly, "Zisu, speak clearly. What on earth have I done?"
"How dare you even ask!" Zisu gritted her teeth in hatred. "What has our madam ever done wrong to you? Even if Young Master Chu liked our young lady back then, it was Young Master Chu's own choice. What does it have to do with our young lady!
Moreover, now that you've married into the Marquis's Mansion, why do you still hold a grudge against her for what happened before!"
By now, Bai Di had slowly raised her head. Although she still covered her face with both hands, her red - rimmed eyes, tear - stained eyelashes, and slightly trembling shoulders made her look extremely pitiful.
Although Bai Di's reputation in Yongding City had been ruined, among those who had come to the Marquis of Dingyuan's Mansion today, there were still many who were in Yongding for the first time and didn't know about Bai Di.
Seeing such a beautiful woman crying like this, it was hard not to feel pity.
There were also more people who wanted to play the hero to save the beauty.
"Madam, if you've suffered any grievances, just speak up." It was the voice of the envoy from the Southern Shu Kingdom.
"Yes. The Marquis of Dingyuan has always been impartial. If the Marquis's wife really did something to you, it's better to let him know earlier!" Zhuo Yi added, not minding adding fuel to the fire.
As if persuaded by these words, Bai Di quickly made up her mind and said firmly, "Zheng'er, I could forgive all the dirty things you've done on a daily basis. But this time... you've gone too far! If I don't expose you today, I'm afraid the Marquis will also be deceived by you!"
The more Bai Zheng listened, the more wrong it seemed. She stepped aside and walked to Feng Linyuan's side. "I wonder what dirty things I've done on a daily basis and what I've deceived the Marquis about today, which has made Second Sister so indignant?"
"Still not admitting it? Fine! Let the Marquis take a good look at what kind of venomous woman he married in with eight sedan chairs!" Bai Di suddenly stood up and lifted her hands from her face.
Feng Linyuan had been watching coldly. When he saw the flash of determination in Bai Di's eyes, he had a sudden thought. He quickly turned around and covered Bai Zheng's eyes with one big hand.
The light veil on Bai Di's face had already become transparent under the erosion of tears and was virtually useless.
When Bai Di removed her hands from her face, she simply took off the light veil as well, revealing her face completely to everyone.
"Hiss—"
A chorus of gasps sounded in the hall.
Feng Jingxuan stared at her in disbelief with his eyes wide open. He was completely frozen. "Your face..."
Several young princes and princesses were frightened into crying on the spot.
Hearing these sounds and recalling what Uncle Zhu had said about the toxicity of the tuwu herb earlier, Bai Zheng's mind instantly became clear.
She finally understood Bai Di's purpose - she was sacrificing her own appearance to pour dirty water on her!
"Is her face very terrifying?" Bai Zheng raised her fair hand and placed it on Feng Linyuan's big hand, asking in a low voice.
Now she finally understood why Feng Linyuan had made this move.
It turned out that he was afraid that the face Bai Di showed would be too hideous and scare her.
Warmth welled up in Bai Zheng's heart. This man was sometimes so cute in his attentiveness.
There was a hint of displeasure in Feng Linyuan's voice. "A hideous face. There's no need to look."
Bai Zheng couldn't help but smile. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Bai Di shout hysterically, "Yes, a hideous face! The Marquis of Dingyuan is right. All I have on my head now is a hideous face!
But do you know, Marquis of Dingyuan? In the past, my elder sister Bai Sheng and I were once known as the twin pearls of Yongding City. Although my face wasn't exactly beautiful, it was at least passable.
But now, my face is ruined. Why?
Isn't it all thanks to your good wife, Bai Zheng!"
When Feng Linyuan had said that sentence, his voice wasn't soft. Obviously, Bai Di had heard it, which instantly stirred up her boundless anger.
This was understandable.
The words "hideous face" were really hurtful to one's self - esteem. An ordinary woman couldn't bear such a blow, let alone Bai Di, who was originally proud and arrogant.
It was no wonder she was on the verge of a breakdown!
Feng Linyuan's voice was as cold as iron. "Madam Chen had better watch your words. In my Marquis of Dingyuan's Mansion, you're not allowed to slander my wife without reason."
Bai Zheng gently patted his hand. "I'm ready. I can look now."
Feng Linyuan was a bit displeased. "There's no need to look."
"Now that I'm your wife, I should stand by your side and face things with you. If I'm always protected by you, I'll only become a burden to you. You know that at least I can deal with these clowns."
Bai Zheng's tone was firm.
Feng Linyuan wanted to say something, but in the end, he couldn't resist her determination. He sighed and reluctantly removed his hand.
Bai Zheng blinked her eyes. After gradually getting used to the light outside, she cast her gaze on Bai Di in front of her.
At this sight, she suddenly felt a sourness in her throat and almost vomited.
On Bai Di's cheeks, there were long and short scars all over. These scars were oozing either white or black pus, and some even had protruding blood blisters. They were crisscrossed on Bai Di's once fair face, looking disgustingly nauseating.
Bai Di's almond - shaped eyes were full of tears, and her cherry - red lips made the intact skin look even fairer. But the more so, the more terrifying those pus - filled scars seemed, bringing a great shock to people.
Was this still the Second Miss Bai Di of the General's Mansion who had once been famous in Yongding and amazed everyone?