Chapter 156: Loving Couple
The arrival of Mr. Bai Zepei’s teacher at their home at a time when they had not informed the old patriarch was potentially problematic. The old mansion didn’t need another stir of complaints about how the second branch of the family was disregarding the elders and dismissing their importance.
The accusation of being unfilial was too heavy to bear, and Bai Ruozhu did not want to be falsely charged with it.
She chatted and laughed with everyone she met, spreading the news of the impending visit from Bai Zepei’s teacher. Soon, the news spread throughout the village. Many people envied them, commenting on Bai Zepei’s luck of having such a good teacher, which contributed to him achieving first place in his examinations.
"Look at you, pleased as punch, be careful that Mr. Xie might think you’re too extravagant," Lin Ping’er chided once she returned home with the news, poking Bai Ruozhu’s head with her finger.
Bai Ruozhu chuckled twice, not taking it to heart. Wasn’t this all to save face and prevent troubles? Mr. Xie should understand.
In a blink of an eye, it was the next morning. Lin Ping’er took care of slaughtering the chickens and fish, while Bai Yihong and his three sons went to work in the fields early. The work in the field could be completed in the coming days.
As for Bai Ruozhu, she was responsible for preparing all kinds of ingredients and having them ready to be cooked at the right time. Of course, the rich soup had to be cooked in advance.
By noon, Bai Yihong and the boys returned home, and after freshening up, Bai Zepei dressed in clean clothes, announcing he would go to the entrance of the village to welcome his respected teacher. Bai Zehao said he would accompany him.
Not long after the brothers left, there was a knock at the door.
"They’re here so soon, Ruozhu, start cooking," Lin Ping’er said upon hearing the knock, and went to open the door. However, Bai Ruozhu stayed where she was, knowing her mother was mistaken, and that the visitors were not Mr. Xie and his family, but members from the old mansion.
When the door opened, Bai Yibo, just as she had suspected, was standing there. Seeing him, Lin Ping’er’s face fell, and she didn’t bother exchanging pleasantries with him, instead turning around and going back inside the house.
Bai Yihong had to step forward to greet him, asking, "Do you need something, big brother?"
Bai Yibo didn’t reply right away, instead looking around the yard, his eyes drifting towards the kitchen. Unfortunately, it was quite far from the doorway, and he couldn’t clearly see what was happening inside.
"Second Brother, you are increasingly crossing the line. You have an esteemed guest visiting and don’t even inform Dad, now you’re hosting a banquet without including me nor our father?" Bai Yibo looked at Bai Yihong, sneering arrogantly as if he had pinpointed Bai Yihong’s fault.
"It’s Er Lang’s (Bai Zepei’s nickname) teacher who is visiting, not exactly a grand banquet. Since Mr. Xie likes peace and tranquility, we thought it would be best to invite father over after the meal. After all, the guest’s preference should be the top priority, and we wouldn’t want to upset Er Lang’s teacher, would we?" Bai Yihong replied calmly, not missing a beat. This response was premeditated, suggested by Bai Zepei beforehand.
"What? You don’t want me here? Is it because Mr. Xie prefers serenity, or is it because you just can’t stand the sight of me?" Bai Yibo exclaimed.
Bai Ruozhu stuck her head out of the kitchen, loudly proclaiming, "Uncle, we’ll have esteemed guests arriving soon. Please, refrain from causing a scene. Mr. Xie is a respected teacher from a well-to-do family in Beiyu City. Please don’t offend him."
Bai Yibo stopped short; he knew Bai Ruozhu was warning him off, telling him to not cause a disruption. But, from a different perspective, considering Mr. Xie’s status, getting to know him might be beneficial for his upcoming Imperial Examinations. Wouldn’t it be better to seize this opportunity and forge a connection with Mr. Xie?
Thinking along these lines, Bai Yibo wasted no time arguing with Bai Yihong. Instead of being tactfully pushed away by the second branch of the family when Mr. Xie arrived, he thought it would be best to go home, discuss with the patriarch, and then come back later together. This way, he would avoid being looked down upon by Mr. Xie.
As Bai Yibo turned around to leave, Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er were left dumbfounded. Lin Ping’er darted out from the main hall, puzzled, "Did... did he just leave?"
Bai Ruozhu burst into laughter, asking her mother mischievously, "What, you were hoping he would stay, Mother?"
Lin Ping’er glared at her daughter, somewhat vexed, "Of course not! I just find it strange."
"Big brother is probably going home to inform Dad so that they can come together. Believe me, he won’t let it go this easily," Bai Yihong surmised.
Bai Ruozhu chuckled again, "Dad, you understand uncle quite well. However, I bet uncle isn’t just coming for a free meal, his real target is Mr. Xie."
"What!" as soon as Lin Ping’er heard this, she jumped up in panic, "That won’t do! We can’t allow him to enter the house! If his character was commendable, we wouldn’t mind introducing him to Er Lang’s teacher, but knowing him, his unscrupulous nature could damage Er Lang’s reputation."
Bai Ruozhu shook her head, "How will we stop him? Let’s play it by ear for now. I think Mr. Xie is no fool; his eyes are wide open. How else would he pick Er Lang as his student?"
This statement pleased both Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er, who both nodded in agreement, their worries somewhat alleviated.
Suddenly, they heard Bai Zehao’s voice from outside, "Dad, Mom, Little sister, Mr. Xie and Mrs. Xie have arrived! Come greet them!"
The family hurried to open the door, and indeed saw Mr. Xie and Mrs. Xie standing outside.
Mr. Xie had a white face framed by a beard, appearing to be in his early thirties. He was slightly shorter than Bai Zepei, but had a lean and thin physique. Despite his emaciated appearance, his eyes were remarkably bright.
When Bai Ruozhu turned to look at Mrs. Xie, she was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Mrs. Xie to be so young. Was she Mr. Xie’s second wife? She vaguely remembered Mrs. Xie being Mr. Xie’s first and only wife. Could her past life’s memories be wrong?
Though surprised, Bai Ruozhu did not reveal any unease. She followed her parents and welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Xie inside, pouring tea for the couple to rest after their journey.
Mr. Xie had a pleasant demeanor. He enthusiastically conversed with Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er, enquiring about this year’s harvest and even stated, "I too am from a farming family. I am familiar with farming, but haven’t had the chance to till the land in recent years. If given the opportunity, I am confident I could do a great job."
When Mr. Xie took the tea earlier, Bai Ruozhu had noted his hands. They were coarse and calloused, indicative of a life of manual labor. Clearly, Mr. Xie was not bragging about his background.
Bai Yihong nodded, "We could tell from our brief conversation that you are indeed a seasoned farmer."
Mr. Xie chuckled, delighted by his comment. He then introduced his wife to the Bai family, saying casually, "I’m sure you must be surprised by the youthfulness of my wife?"
Bai Zepei chuckled awkwardly, saying, "I didn’t inform my family in detail."
Mr. Xie dismissively waved his hand and said, "What does it matter? You’re too cautious, you’ve become more old fashioned than I am."
Mrs. Xie covered her mouth and laughed, "You shouldn’t flatter yourself too much. Just by looking at their faces, people would assume they are younger than you."
"My dear wife, you are not giving me any respect." Despite his complaint, Mr. Xie burst into laughter, indicating the couple’s strong relationship. Otherwise, Mrs. Xie wouldn’t dare make such jokes in front of others.