The people nearby gasped in shock, "Oh my, are they really starting a fight? Isn't this a bit too undignified?"

Many people pictured women slapping each other and pulling hair, but the next moment, they realized they were mistaken.

Bai Ruozhu seemed completely unaware, continuing to walk forward without a hint of panic, her steps steady. In the next second, Ma Linglong fell heavily to the ground.

"Ah..." Ma Linglong let out a miserable cry. Clearly, she intended to attack Bai Ruozhu, but somehow Bai Ruozhu moved far away in an instant, and she ended up falling face-first.

Ma Linglong's fall was especially undignified, and others nearly burst into laughter. But not wanting to be impolite, they held it in, except for a few who couldn't help but snicker quietly.

Bai Ruozhu turned around, surprising everyone, "Ma Linglong, what happened to you? Although I am an officer, today we are all here to prepare for Yihuan's wedding. There's no need for such formalities, you're too kind."

"I..." Ma Linglong breathed in continuously from the pain and was about to retort, but Bai Ruozhu interrupted her.

"Alright, alright, no need for formalities. I know you were apologizing for your earlier rudeness, and I've received your sentiment. I won't blame you."

Others almost laughed out loud. Bai Ruozhu really had a way with words. She knew Ma Linglong wanted to hit her and still said this.

Si Yihuan couldn't hide her smile. She realized Ruozhu could be so mischievous, but she liked it.

"You, you..." Ma Linglong, seeing others laughing, was so angry she couldn't speak clearly.

"What about me? Do you think that's not enough, and you have to kneel to me again?" Bai Ruozhu said with a smile, "No need for that. After all, I'm not in the court. How could I accept such a grand gesture? You should stand up; it's quite embarrassing to stay on the ground."

At this time, a few women who were close to the Ma family realized the awkwardness and went forward to help Ma Linglong up.

"What did you mean by what you said earlier? Bai Ruozhu, let's not beat around the bush. Be straightforward with me!" Ma Linglong caught her breath and shouted at Bai Ruozhu.

Si Yihuan frowned, "Linglong, what kind of day is it today, and you're shouting like this?"

Ma Linglong snorted, "Since you're marrying into their family, you're speaking for them."

"Everyone is here preparing for my wedding, and if it were anyone else, I wouldn't want you shouting at them either," Si Yihuan replied bluntly.

Ma Linglong was about to continue, but Bai Ruozhu blocked in front of Si Yihuan and asked, "Which sentence? Why don't you explain it clearly so everyone can judge. Otherwise, you'll accuse me of bullying you."

At this moment, Ma Linglong looked disheveled, and one might think she was the one being bullied. But on second thought, she was the one who tried to fight and ended up falling face-first.

"You wished me a harmonious marriage and many children, thinking I wouldn't catch your double meaning?" Ma Linglong was even more agitated.

Bai Ruozhu scoffed, "Aren't these the usual auspicious words for congratulating newlyweds? Can anyone tell me where I went wrong? How is it a double meaning? You're overthinking it. However, I won't stoop to your level. We're here for Yihuan's preparation, not to cause trouble."

Other women nodded in agreement, and some who were friendly with Ma Linglong whispered to her, "Linglong, for Yihuan's sake, let's not say any more."

Ma Linglong snorted, "Bai Ruozhu, you've been deceitful for ages now. Sooner or later, I'll settle this score with...ugh..."

She spoke with great momentum but couldn't finish her sentence as a loud hiccup interrupted her. The sound stunned everyone, and after a few seconds, they couldn't help but laugh.

And Ma Linglong wasn't done with one loud hiccup; they kept coming, preventing her from speaking clearly. Someone next to her handed her hot tea, and she downed a whole cup, but the hiccups persisted, just as loud.

The room fell silent as everyone tried to stifle their laughter, listening to her hiccups. Eventually, feeling too embarrassed, Ma Linglong excused herself, claiming she was unwell.

Once she left, a maid quickly reported the event to Si Yihuan's mother, Lady Si.

Upon hearing it, Lady Si's face grew stern, "If it weren't for the family ties and giving General Ma face, why would I let that disgraceful person in? She really doesn't know her place! Inform the family that if she comes again, find an excuse to refuse her entry!"

The nanny beside Lady Si quickly agreed and advised, "Madam, don't let someone like that upset you. With the wedding tomorrow, you'll need to conserve your energy."

Lady Si's expression softened, "You remind me well. Send someone to inform the Ji family not to let Ma Linglong attend tomorrow's wedding, or don't blame me for kicking her out!"

"Yes, I'll arrange it right away," the nanny replied and exited.

On the other side, after everyone left, Si Yihuan pulled Bai Ruozhu aside and asked, "Did you only bring me the East Pearl Necklace, nothing to eat?"

True to her foodie nature, Bai Ruozhu gave Si Yihuan an approving look, "My second brother said you like osmanthus-flavored snacks, so I brought some for you, not much. Anyway, you're marrying into our family tomorrow, and you can eat as much as you like."

As she spoke, she took a delicate snack box from her sleeve and handed it to Si Yihuan.

Si Yihuan's eyes lit up as she opened the box, took a small piece of soft osmanthus cake, and tasted it with satisfaction.

"That's the taste. Once I've had it, I can't get it out of my mind," Si Yihuan remarked.

"That time my second brother gave it to you. Aren't you more interested in the person who brought it than the snacks?" Bai Ruozhu laughed heartily.

"Of course not!" Si Yihuan denied hastily, but her face turned red to her ears. Bai Ruozhu observed with amusement; it seemed Si Yihuan was interested in her second brother.

Si Yihuan took a couple more bites of the snack and then closed the box, "I'll save the rest for tomorrow morning. They probably won't let me eat anything, so I need to prepare myself. By the way, your second brother carried the scent of osmanthus all over when he brought the snacks. How come I didn't smell anything from you before you took them out of your sleeve?"

Ha, she's got a keen nose. Bai Ruozhu hadn't actually kept the snacks in her sleeve, but in her space, so naturally, there was no scent.

"He had them wrapped in oil paper, so they easily spread the fragrance. My wooden box is specially made, don't you think the aroma is more concentrated and pleasant?" Bai Ruozhu smoothly explained.

Si Yihuan nodded, "That's indeed the case. By the way, did you find out any secret about Ma Linglong?"

"It's not exactly a secret. She might not even realize it herself but has her suspicions. My words just triggered her," Bai Ruozhu replied with a smile.

---

Observant netizens reminded Mouka that Yu Hongxiu's second child was also a boy. It is said that having sons can be 'contagious'... Mouka previously made an error, so here's a correction.

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