Chapter 2 Chapter One

1102 England Rumor has it that he killed his first wife. Three of Lord Whitejem's four daughters were convinced of this terrible story.As usual, the twins Eileen and Ellie cried loudly at the same time, while Mary, in every interval between the two sisters' lesser cries, offered time and time again for the Scottish warrior who would be visiting in a few weeks' time. The scary rumors and a few vivid additions. Sir Jem tried his best to speak for the Scot, but he had never actually met him, so his defense was not convincing at all. In fact, his efforts were completely in vain, because his three daughters were not listening to him at all.He shouldn't have been surprised by that, he murmured to himself, his angels had never taken his opinion seriously.

Still, he didn't want to give up trying.After thinking for a while, Baron Jem slapped the table and declared loudly: Well, even if the rumor is true, maybe the Scotch man's wife is so bad that he deserves to be killed! He felt that this explanation could not be more reasonable.Unexpectedly, all three of his babies stared at him in disbelief, as if he had a big fly on his nose, and then the twins started screaming, and Mary looked at him with a disapproving frown. The baron covered his ears with his hands, and closed his eyes at the same time to block out their noise and stares.He gave up completely.

In desperation, he turned to his faithful servant, Herman, and ordered him to fetch his youngest daughter. His gray-haired servant was visibly relieved by his order, and the Baron almost swears to God, Hermann had muttered, as he hurried out of the room, that it was more or less. Twenty minutes later, the girl who bore the baron's name walked into the chaos, and the baron sat up straight.He gave Herman a hard look first, to let him know that he had heard his comment.Then he turned to his little daughter with raised eyebrows, and let out a long breath of relief. His Jamie will take over.Lord Jem knew he was smiling, but then it was hard for him to keep his bad mood going when his Jemi was around.

She was so good-looking, so charming.In fact, a man could just look at her and forget all his worries.She had inherited her mother's beauty, with hair black as night and purple eyes reminiscent of spring. And her skin is as white and flawless as her heart. The baron always claimed that he loved each of his daughters deeply, but in his private heart, Jamie was his real pride and happiness.Which is surprising, because he wasn't her biological father at all.Jamie's mother was the baron's second wife, and she was about to give birth when she married him.Jamie's biological father died on the battlefield a month after marrying her mother.

Jamie was the youngest and best of the Baron's four daughters.The twins and Marie are also pretty, but just not as breath-taking as Jamie is at first sight.Her smile could make a samurai fall off his horse, at least that's what the Baron boasted. But among his daughters there was absolutely no such thing as jealousy.Erin, Allie, and Mary instinctively ask their little sister about everything, and they depend on her almost as much as their father. At present, Jamie is the real hostess of the family.From the day her mother died, she took over all the responsibilities of the family.And she does it really well.The Baron, who had always liked an orderly life, was incapable of organizing, so he was almost relieved.

She never disappoints him, Jamie is always such a sensible, non-troublesome girl.Besides, she never cried, at least not after her mother died. However, the baron also knew that Jamie was not really flawless.For example, she has a better temper.She seldom lost her temper, but when she did she was surprisingly powerful.Besides, she can be very stubborn when she is stubborn.Also, she inherited her mother's medical skills.This was what the Baron disliked the most, because Jamie was often at the beck and call of servants or serfs day and night to heal wounds or deliver babies.The Baron didn't mind her getting up in the middle of the night to do these things, because at that time he was already fast asleep in bed.But he really didn't like his daughter neglecting to serve him in order to take care of those patients during the day.

Then he suddenly noticed that the twins had stopped crying.Jamie has effectively calmed the storm.He beckoned to the servants to refill his drink, then leaned back in his chair and watched with contentment his little daughter perform her magic. Eileen, Allie, and Mary scrambled to get to Jamie and began to tell her everything. Jie Mi listened for a while, but still couldn't figure out why.Come and sit next to Dad, she finally suggested in her characteristic husky voice.Then we can sort this out as a family. After the three sisters sat down obediently at the table, she turned to Mary.Mary, you seem to be the best at getting things right now.Eileen, don't cry, so I can listen to what happened.Mary, would you like to explain everything?

After Mary's narration and the twins' interruptions several times, the whole picture of the matter was finally outlined.It turned out that Lord Jem had forgotten to hand over his tax to the king at the appointed time.King Henry issued a decree in a rage.The decree reads that he ordered Baron Jem to marry his two daughters to two Scottish lords who will come to marry in a week, so as to promote the friendship between England and Scotland? Dad, how can you do this?After talking about the general situation, Mary glared at their father angrily again.Didn't you realize how serious the consequences would be?

Mary, being loud doesn't fix the situation.Jamie said calmly.We all know how forgetful Dad is.He never meant it, did he, Dad? Almost so, my angel.grunted the Baron. So shall we consider paying the tax back to King Henry and apologizing to him, papa?Jamie asked. Well, my Baron hesitated a moment before saying: I accidentally spent all that money. The three girls quarreled again, and Jie Mi raised a hand to signal them to be quiet.Wait a minute, first let me make everything clear.What did you mean when you said that the king ordered father's two daughters to marry Scots? It means that two Scotch barbarians will come and marry two of Irene, Ellie and me, and they have the right to choose at will, and you are not on the list of being chosen, Jamie.Dad said that only the three of us were mentioned in the decree.Mary replied, and she made a final startling announcement.And it was said that Aaron King, the more powerful of the two Scottish barbarians, had killed his former wife with his own hands.

Jamie exclaimed.But then she took a deep breath and forced herself to hide the fear in her heart. Her family all looked at her with hope, and she couldn't let them down.Dad, is there really nothing you can do to make the king change his mind?Can we pay him the tax quickly, or pay a little more to appease his anger? The Baron shook his head.That means I have to tax the serfs again.You know as well as I do that those serfs can't bear such a big burden, and this year's harvest is not good. Jamie nodded, trying not to let disappointment show on her face.Apparently Papa really spent all that tax money.By the way, why wasn't I on the king's list, Dad?She asked another question.Did he forget that you have four daughters?

No, that's not the case.Lord Jem avoided her gaze, fearful that his little daughter might see the truth through his eyes.In fact, King Henry did not exclude Jemi, the words in the decree were daughters.But he knew he would have a hard time without his youngest daughter to take care of him, so he decided on his own to exclude her.He thought he was smart in doing so.Because only Mattie's daughter is mentioned.he declared. Hmm, that sounds very unreasonable to me.Airi criticized while blowing her nose. Who knows what's going on in the king's head?Mary shrugged.You just have to remember to thank God a few times, Jamie.At least you don't have to marry to Scotland.Come to think of it, if you were picked by the Scots, you wouldn't be able to marry your Ender. This must be the reason.Ellie interrupts.Baron Ander is powerful and popular.He had told us so.He must have changed the king's mind. This may be the reason.Jamie murmured.As long as Ender was as powerful as he claimed to be. I don't think Jamie really wants to marry Ender.Mary told the twins.You don't have to frown at me, Jamie, I bet you don't even like him very much. Dad likes him!Ellie gave her father a glare before making her comment.I bet it's because Ender agreed to live here after marriage so that Jamie can continue to work for him Listen, Ally, stop starting such corny stuff, please.Jamie begged. I just don't see what's wrong with me wanting to keep Jamie here after she's married?grumbled the baron. Now I know what the real reason is, Erin said.And I'm going to tell Jamie right now.Sister, Ender has given your bride price to Dad, and he What are you talking about?Jamie jumped up from the chair.Erin, you must be mistaken.No knight would pay a bride price for a wife.Dad, you didn't take a penny from Ender, did you? Lord Jem made no answer, but absorbed his glass. Oh God!Mary whispered.Erin, do you know what you're implying?If what you're telling is the truth, our father would have sold Jamie to Ender! I saw Ender hand Papa a bag full of gold coins. Jemi felt as if a hammer was hitting her head, and she was determined to find out the truth about the bag of gold coins.Dad, you didn't really trade me for that bag of gold coins, did you?You didn't do that, did you?She couldn't hide the fear in her voice. No, of course I didn't, my angel. Dad, did you know that you only call us angels when you've done something really shameful?exclaimed Ellie.God!I hate this nickname more and more. It was only a small loan, exclaimed Lord Jem.Stop this nonsense that I'm going to sell my baby. Jamie's shoulders relaxed in relief.It turns out that, you see, the money Erin and Ender gave Dad was just a loan.You made me worry for nothing.Now shall we get back to business? Dad began to look guilty again.Mary commented. Of course Dad was upset, Jamie said.You don't have to rub salt in his wounds, Mary.I'm sure he's sad enough. Lord Jem smiled at his little daughter.This is my sweet little angel.he praised.Yes, Jamie, I want you to hide for a while when the Scotchman arrives, there's no need to tempt them with something they can't get. Jamie tried her best to bring her attention back to the problem at hand, but the matter of the loan kept echoing in her mind.Besides, she had a vague sense of uneasiness, as if her father had reserved something about the marriage. Dad, it seems to me that you still haven't told us something.She tried to coax the truth out of her father's mouth. God, are you saying there's worse?Mary yelled. Dad, what else do you keep?Erin yelled. Be honest, Dad!Ellie also asked. Jie Mi signaled them to shut up again, and she could feel her temper gradually coming out.May I see the king's letter?dad?she asked. When Jamie's mother taught her to read, we should have learned with her.Erin sighed. nonsense!Ellie retorted.Gentle ladies don't need to learn how to read and write, but we really should have learned that ugly Gaelic with Jamie. [Annotation: Gaelic is the local dialect spoken in Scotland. 】.she declared.I'm not kidding you, Jamie.Glimpsing her sister's frown, she quickly adds: I really wish I'd learned Gaelic before. You mean those two Scottish monsters might not speak our language?Eileen screamed, then burst into tears again. If Irene hadn't cried, Jamie might have held her temper.What difference does that make?she blurted out.The Scotch man was out to kill his bride, not to talk to his bride. So do you believe the rumor?Mary asked gasping. No, Jamie replied.She's already starting to regret it.I was just kidding.She closed her eyes, quickly prayed to God for patience, and turned to Erin.Sorry, Erin. I accept.Erin sobbed. Papa, show Jamie the king's manuscript.Mary asked suddenly. no.The baron blurted out an answer, and immediately relented so as not to arouse the suspicion of his angels. You don't have to watch it again, Jamie.It was written clearly: Two Scotchmen will come next week, and they will bring home two brides. Jamie wanted to keep asking, but her three sisters started crying again, so she decided to use her brain to find a solution.Maybe we can talk those two Scots out of marrying you.After thinking for a while, she spoke to her sisters. How to say?The three girls asked with bright eyes. We can make them think you all have an infection, like smallpox or something. We can paint some pus scars on our faces!Eileen laughed through tears. And we can pretend we're going to throw up at any moment, and Mary has an idea.Those Scotchmen would have run for the door in terror. All four girls laughed at Marie's imaginative scene.The baron's heart was at ease.He smiled lovingly at his angels.Yeah, I told you it would be fine.Of course he didn't say that, but the fact didn't bother him at all.You go ahead with your plans, I'm going to get some sleep.He couldn't wait to leave the hall. Half an hour later, Jie Mi walked to the barn alone. From a long time ago, the old Ma Yibike had always been her most trusted mentor and helpful friend.He taught her everything he thought she had to learn, including riding, hunting, archery, Gaelic, and so on. There was only one thing on which the two of them disagreed: Piccolo so disapproved of the Baron's treatment of his young daughter that they always carefully avoided the subject. Jamie waited patiently for Pick to assign the work to his helpers before telling him the whole story in detail.In order not to be heard by others, she spoke Gaelic. It's all my fault.After the narration, she confessed sadly. Why do you think so?Peak also asked in Gaelic, his native language. I should have paid the tax directly to the king, Jamie explained.Now my sisters must pay for my laziness. Lazy?my God!Peake grunted.You are too busy to send someone to deliver the tax to the king.I will never forgive myself for teaching you those skills.If you are not so good at riding horses, then you are good at hunting, and the work of the whole manor will not fall on you.No, Jamie, it's all my fault. Jamie was not fooled by the sadness on his face.She grinned at him.You always like to exaggerate my ability, Peak, but it's just your preference for me. I do prefer you, Piccolo said.But I will never sit back and watch you take your father's faults on yourself because of this. wait, peek You said you weren't on the bride's shortlist?Piccolo changed the subject.Isn't that weird? I think so too, but I have no right to question the king's decision. Have you read the king's letter?Did you see what was written on it with your own eyes? No, Dad doesn't want me to bother watching it again. , Jamie replied.Pick, what do you think?For a moment just now, your eyes were not very happy. I think your dad must be planning something.I've known your father longer than you've known him, girl.Don't forget who married with your mother.Piccolo frowned.I don't deny that your father called you his daughter, but he didn't treat you well. Nonsense, Peake.Dad treats me wonderfully.Jamie shook her head disapprovingly.Your loyalty is questionable. I am only loyal to you, no one thinks about your future except me.Now stop frowning and tell me when those Scottish countrymen will arrive. Jamie is grateful for Pick's willingness to stop talking about her father.A week later, Pick.Although I don't know why, but Dad insisted that I hide during that period. It was really difficult. Who would hunt the meat for three meals?How long do you think they'll stay, Peake?At least a week, right?maybe i should marinate some meat first I want them to stay a month, Peak cut her off.Then you can get the rest you so desperately need.Do you always work from morning to night?You won't live long like this.I worry about you, girl.You were a naughty little kid until your mother fell ill.Remember that time you tied a rope between two towers and walked across it like a juggler? Jamie laughed.I remember you spanking my ass so hard I couldn't sit down for two days. But you told your dad that I didn't hit you because you were afraid I'd get in trouble. You are really going to be in trouble!Jamie declared. Piccolo laughed too.You ended up getting another good beating from your mother for it.If she knew I had taught you a lesson, she wouldn't hit you. You saved my life that time.Jamie said seriously. I saved your life more than once.Pick answered. That was a long time ago, Jamie reminded him softly.Now that I am grown up, I have many responsibilities.Even Ender can forgive the situation, why can't you? He didn't want to answer the question directly.Because he knew Jamie would be very upset if he told what he really thought of Ender.Although he had only seen the Baron's ideal son-in-law once, that one time was enough for Piccolo to see that the guy was a narrow-minded soft bone.For God's sake, Piccolo's stomach hurts every time he thought of his precious Jamie being bound to that man for life. You need a strong man, girl.Of course, I mean another one besides me.Although you don't know it yourself, there is still a suppressed wildness in your heart.You will want to be free. You're exaggerating, Peake.I'm not wild, at least not anymore. Do you think I didn't see you get on your horse the last time you galloped across the southern meadows?Jamie.I really regret teaching you that trick, you want to challenge the devil every chance you get, don't you? Piccolo, are you spying on me? Well, someone has to watch over you. Jamie sighed, and turned the conversation back to the Scots.Peak let her speak freely about her worries, hoping to share some of her burden. Jamie didn't know at all what was going on in Pick's mind when she left him and went back to direct the housework. He would have wagered his life that Sir Jem had played a trick, and he swore he would never let his master do it. Peake was determined to be Jamie's savior, but first he had to take care of the two Scots himself.As long as one of them was the kind of man who really feared God and cared about women, Piccolo would find a way to drag the lord aside and tell him that the Baron had four daughters, not three. Well, he's going to save Jamie from her miserable fate, he's going to set her free. The priest told us that Ariel Kim was coming back with an English bride.They were all unhappy, not because he remarried, but because his bride was from England.He was just obeying the king's order, some people defended him; others wondered how he could face the English bride without nausea. God!I really hope he can fall in love with her.Of course that's a bit too demanding, because Aleigh hated the English as much as any of us. It did, however, make murder a lot sweeter.