Chapter 179: The Innocent Proves Their Innocence
Bai Yihong was summoned to the old mansion that night only to be berated by the old master. However, in his anger, the old master didn’t want to see or reprimand Bai Ruozhu, as if he couldn’t bear to look at her.
"Our Bai family is a family of scholars and intellectuals, raising three scholars. We enjoy a certain reputation in and outside of our community. And look now at what your precious daughter has done!" The old master pointed in the direction of Bai Yihong’s house, as if he could point at Bai Ruozhu’s nose this way.
Bai Yihong stayed silent. Everyone from the second house knew about the rumors circulating in the village. They also knew it was the old woman Wang who spread them, and they knew what Bai Ruozhu did was for a reason.
"Her marital affairs are in complete disarray, that’s one thing. What’s more, she wants to break away and set up her own family. She thinks too highly of herself. In the end, she even sold her own sister to get some silver. Do you know how people in the village are slandering her?" The old master paused, scorn more evident on his face. "People are saying that she sold her soul for money and the heavens will surely punish her for it."
Bai Yihong couldn’t take it anymore. He broke the silence and said, "Father, don’t listen to the nonsense from old woman Wang. Ruozhu only did it to save Fang Guizhi. The girl’s parents were going to marry her off to a widower who beats his wives. Being sold is surely better than being beaten to death, isn’t it?"
Before leaving home, Bai Ruozhu had repeatedly told Bai Yihong not to argue with the old master or try to explain the whole situation. She was adamant that her plans shouldn’t be disclosed and didn’t care how others saw her.
Despite her words, the family was really worried about Bai Ruozhu. She was saving someone and she didn’t deserve a bad reputation for it.
"Have you not heard the old saying, ’Death before disgrace’? Even if Fang Guizhi is beaten to death, it is still better than becoming a lowly servant," the old master belted out in a tone of righteous indignation.
"It was the Fang family who came begging. Ruozhu had no choice but to accept," Bai Yihong grumbled. He knew the whole story but couldn’t tell it. He could only watch Bai Ruozhu be misunderstood and treated unjustly. This feeling was like having a fishbone stuck in his throat - unbearable and impossible to swallow easily.
In the end, the old master scolded him for a long time before allowing Bai Yihong to leave. Naturally, Bai Ruozhu felt very bad about causing trouble for her family.
Of course, at the same time, news about how Guizhi’s mother planned to marry her off to an elderly widower and later sold her for even more silver spread as well. This news quickly overshadowed the rumors about Bai Ruozhu, as it was far more sensational.
That night, the second house of the Bai family held a family meeting initiated by Bai Ruozhu. The meeting revolved around selling griddled pancakes in town. The family quickly divided up the tasks, and everyone began to busy themselves the next day.
Bright and early the next day, Bai Ruozhu was on her way to the Xie residence. Yu Hongxiu was very understanding. After welcoming Bai Ruozhu into the yard, she didn’t rush her to check on Mr. Xie’s pulse immediately. Instead, she let her meet with Guizhi first, intentionally giving them space to have a good talk.
"Ruozhu, has old woman Wang been spreading rumors about you?" asked Fang Guizhi. As someone who often moved around the village, she was quite familiar with many people’s characters. Coupled with her keen intuition, she had a clear idea about old woman Wang’s revenge.
Bai Ruozhu, realizing she couldn’t hide this from Guizhi, smiled and said, "Nobody takes seriously what she says, it’s like she’s babbling nonsense. You don’t need to worry about it. I’m in the clear and over time, people will forget."
The corners Guizhi’s eyes reddened. "You don’t need to hide it from me. Everyone knows that I was sold and they will definitely concoct stories about you. I’m sorry for getting you into this mess."
Bai Ruozhu put an arm around her shoulder, took out a handkerchief, and gently wiped Guizhi’s tears, saying, "You’ve really been through it these days. Anyway, as long as everyone’s safe now, that’s what matters. Would you rather I let you marry such a man and felt uneasy for the rest of my life?"
Hearing this, Guizhi cried even harder. Bai Ruozhu never stopped wiping her tears but they just kept coming like beads pouring from a broken string.
Eventually, Bai Ruozhu gave up on wiping the tears and said, "Go on, have a good cry and let it all out. Once you’ve cried it out, forget all about it. There’s a long road ahead. For starters, you have to work for me to pay back the money, so you’d better get yourself well soon."
"Yes, I heard from Mrs. Xie that I was bought with your money. I promise to pay it all back," Guizhi said with a sob.
Bai Ruozhu tapped the top of Guizhi’s head with her finger. "Who told you to repay the money? I told you that you’re working for me. I’ll teach you bookkeeping, so you can help me run the business and become a female steward."
Fang Guizhi was stunned by what she heard. She stopped crying and stared at Bai Ruozhu. After a long while, she asked somewhat uncertainly, "Can I...can I learn it?"
"Why wouldn’t you be able to? If a skilled master can’t churn out a capable disciple, who can? I bet I can teach you," Bai Ruozhu started laughing triumphantly.
Fascinated by her confident and playful demeanor, Fang Guizhi laughed and, for a moment, it seemed like she saw a ray of hope for the future. Slowly but surely, her mood started to improve.
"Are you getting used to things here?" Bai Ruozhu asked.
Fang Guizhi nodded vigorously. "Mrs. Xie is a very kind person. She returned the indenture contract to me as soon as I arrived and told me to repeal my servant status when I have the chance. She arranged for me to stay in a guest room and said I will earn a salary for being a helper in the residence from now on."
Guizhi then grinned shyly, "I was too embarrassed to accept the salary. I’m already causing them a lot of trouble."
"All this was arranged in advance with Mrs. Xie. If she wants to give you a salary, take it. You’re working hard, it’s not that you’re getting money for nothing. If you feel embarrassed about it, when you’re about to leave, use the salary to buy a gift for her," Bai Ruozhu suggested.
Considering Bai Ruozhu’s reasoning, Guizhi nodded her agreement.
Bai Ruozhu then talked about her future plans. Once she left, she was planning to take Guizhi along. Hearing this, Guizhi was overjoyed and her mood improved considerably.
Since Bai Ruozhu still had to check Mr. Xie’s pulse, she couldn’t talk too long with Fang Guizhi and led her to find Sister Hongxiu shortly thereafter.
Seeing Guizhi’s swollen red eyes but improved spirits, Sister Hongxiu knew she had come to terms with a lot. She felt relief and took a liking to the simple and honest Guizhi.
"Sister Hongxiu, when do you and Mr. Xie have time? I will take your pulses, and then we can decide on your future diet," Bai Ruozhu suggested with a smile.
Sister Hongxiu intertwined her arm with Bai Ruozhu’s and said, "I’ve already spoken to my husband about it, and he knows. I can do it right now. I’ll send someone to fetch him from the study immediately."
Shortly a little maid escorted Mr. Xie over. Accompanying them was Bai Zepei. Bai Ruozhu greeted Bai Zepei with a smile, to which he responded by glaring back at her. "Pay full attention! If the diet you set for my Master is unsuitable, you’ll have me to answer to," her brother warned.
Suppressing her laughter Bai Ruozhu thought that her brother was just assuming responsibility. If anything went wrong, he, as the older brother, would take the blame for not supervising his sister properly. Thinking this, Bai Ruozhu felt a warm surge in her heart. She was truly blessed with the best family in this life.