Chapter 295: I Am Willing To Wait For You
The old master was stunned; He didn’t know if he was astonished because Bai Yihong dared to defy him or because Bai Yihong’s words shocked him. He was silent for two seconds. Then, he stood tall in a posture of righteous indignation and said, "Are you going to abandon your brethren for power, money, and fame? You cannot be so selfish!"
Before Bai Yihong could respond, the onlookers burst into laughter. It was indeed amusing to hear the old master’s words. When his son harmed people, it was perfectly normal; others were simply supposed to be his victims. And if others did not want to be bullied by him, they were labeled as selfish?
"Master Bai, I am an outsider and should not interfere, but your logic is too flawed. Even we, who have never studied, can’t bear it. How can you, a scholar, speak such words?" Standing on the sidelines, Zhou Deshun couldn’t hold back anymore and began to ridicule Bai Fu.
Bai Ruozhu also found it funny. Perhaps Bai Fu had become so used to his selfishness and self-centeredness that he now considered everything revolving around his favorite son as the norm, speaking it out with great arrogance.
Many villagers began murmuring among themselves, looking at Bai Fu with sheer disdain. A family patriarch showing such favoritism, no wonder the Bai family was becoming more and more downcast, facing more and more issues.
Bai Yihong gave Zhou Deshun a thankful pat on the shoulder, and then he and Bai Ruozhu left.
Bai Fu screamed, "Bai Yihong, if you insist on going your own way, don’t recognize me as your father!"
This time Bai Yihong didn’t turn back. His voice trembled slightly; it was indeed sad to hear such words from his biological father. But this time, his tone was firm, "Father, my conscience is clear and I respect justice."
Within, Bai Ruozhu praised her father. Though he was still unable to be cruel, everything he said was reasonable. The villagers were not fools; they knew who was unfilial and who was unreasonable.
Lin Ping’er glanced at Bai Yihong and said, "You did well today."
His eyes reddened, Bai Yihong said, "Seeing you in this state, if I still can’t see things clearly, then I am not a human."
Lin Ping’er’s nose twitched, "I just lost my head in anger, I didn’t know anything, but I’m fine now."
Secretly taking her mother’s pulse, Bai Ruozhu found that her Qi blood was a bit chaotic but other things were fine; she shouldn’t have a hysteria.
The family was heading towards the entrance of the village when they saw a delicate figure standing by the road looking at them anxiously.
Bai Zehao’s body tensed up. If there was any person who could transform him, it was Wan Caiyue, his soon-to-be wife! They were only five days away from marrying, yet such a calamity had happened. Could their wedding ceremony still proceed normally?
Lin Ping’er also saw Wan Caiyue, her heart ached, "I let Caiyue worry, Zehao you go talk to her, find us afterward."
Bai Zehao hesitated, "Wouldn’t it leave a bad impression if we were seen?" It was not appropriate for them to meet before their wedding in order to avoid gossip, otherwise it would look as if Wan Caiyue couldn’t wait to get married. This was a laughing matter in ancient times.
Bai Ruozhu glared at him, "Elder brother, considering the situation, why do you care about these outdated customs? Can’t you see Sister Caiyue crying?"
His own heart ached. Bai Zehao nodded and said, "I’ll come to find you immediately," and then he walked toward Wan Caiyue.
Bai Ruozhu nodded slightly toward Wan Caiyue, then turned to leave. With an anxious look on her face, Wan Caiyue waved them goodbye.
Bai Zehao walked over. He wanted to take Wan Caiyue in his arms, not wanting to see her cry anymore, but he was afraid of being seen and ruining her reputation.
"Caiyue, if our wedding has to be postponed, would you wait for me?" Bai Zehao asked courageously.
Wan Caiyue nodded enthusiastically, "I am willing to wait, I am willing to wait."
Seeing her crying harder, Bai Zehao awkwardly wiped her tears, saying, "It’s my fault. I’ve let you suffer. In the future, I’ll treat you well, only you, for a lifetime."
Wan Caiyue smiled through her tears, charmed by his foolish honesty, "You fool, how can it be only me? You must also treat your family well."
Bai Zehao scratched his head awkwardly, "What I meant was, besides my family, I’ll only be good to you. I won’t have a wandering eye."
The recent scandal involving Bai Yibo having an affair while married and proceeding towards his divorce with Wang Family was a hot topic in the village and brought into question Bai Family’s household practices. Peasant families were not in favor of having several wives or concubines, they were all about lifelong companionship, so many expressed doubt that the men of the Bai Family would change their hearts once they became wealthy. Bai Zehao had heard of this narrative and was reassuring Wan Caiyue.
"But you will have to hurry it up." Wan Caiyue blushed, "There’s all sorts of rumors now. My parents are committed to carrying on with this marriage alliance, but the more our relatives talk, the more nervous I get."
Bai Zehao nodded vigorously, "We’ll rescue Zepei as soon as possible, and then we can get married immediately."
"Yes." Wan Caiyue agreed lowering her head, her face flushed red till the roots of her ears.
When Bai Zehao caught up with Bai Ruozhu and the others, his face retained a slight blush. Bai Ruozhu glanced at him; instead of teasing him as she usually would, she simply patted him on the shoulder, "Elder brother, everything will be okay."
Bai Zehao nodded, "I told Caiyue the same thing."
Soon they arrived at Fengye Village. As soon as they entered, they saw Bai Lu storming out with an angry face, which softened a bit upon seeing them.
"Bai Yibo’s affair has been reported to me by Zeji. I’m going to Mountain Village to have some serious talks with Bai Fu." Bai Lu was truly enraged, addressing Bai Fu and Bai Yibo by name.
"Grandfather Bai, there’s no need to go now, let us come back and think it over." Bai Ruozhu knew that Bai Zeji must have rushed back to the Fengye Village to report the matter as soon as Bai Yibo was caught, and he probably didn’t know what happened afterward.
Lin Ping’er gave a shameful smile, "Zepei has been caught too, I momentarily lost control, and cut the courtyard gate of the old mansion with a knife."
"What?" Bai Lu stared at her with wide eyes, his surprise soon turning into satisfaction, "Well cut! It’s high time that they were taught a lesson!"
"Grandfather, the matter with Bai Yibo not only jeopardizes my second brother’s fate but will also implicate the entire Bai Family Sect. We came to discuss with you the possibility of erasing his name from the genealogy and expelling him from the Bai Family Sect." Bai Ruozhu was concerned seeking to alert grandfather Bai to prevent him from making a scene later. It would also help Bai Lu make a decision.
Of course, she believed that Bai Lu would definitely agree, because the Bai family had seen the hope in Bai Zeji’s form, but if Bai Yibo’s crime was grave and the sect’s descendants were restricted from appearing in the Imperial Examination, all of Bai Zeji’s efforts would be in vain.
The pressing issue was one – swiftly making it clear that they had nothing to do with Bai Yibo.
"You’re right, someone disloyal and unrighteous like him should have been expelled from the sect!" Bai Lu said loudly.