Chapter 301: Big Brother Really Has Good Qi
Even though Bai Zepei was not in favor of postponing his elder brother’s wedding, the situation has grown dire, many family members are missing, and all seemed to wear a frown. If they hastily proceeded with the wedding it would not be fair to Wan Caiyue.
Bai Zehao felt apologetic towards Wan Caiyue but there was nothing he could do. He could only follow Bai Ruozhu’s instructions, prepare some gifts at home, and prepare to deliver them to the Wan family.
"Father, you should stay at home and look after Mother," suggested Bai Ruozhu.
Bai Yihong shook his head, "You need to visit each house for signatures. I can at least provide some assistance."
Bai Ruozhu found no argument against this. After all, her mother would not wake up anytime soon and Fang Guizhi and Xiaosi were still present at home. Since her father had gained some prestige in the village from running the school, his presence would be beneficial.
The three of them left the West Courtyard, and rode the donkey cart to Mountain Village, heading straight for the Wan Family’s house.
As soon as they arrived at the Wan’s house, they could hear a quarrel echoing from inside. The rural homes were made of earthen walls, and the walls enclosing the yard were not high, so it was easy for loud voices to carry outside.
"It was you who insisted on arranging this marriage for Caiyue. We, the Wan family, should not be associated with such relatives. Who knows whether we will end up implicated in their mess," an old woman grumbled. It seemed to be Wan Caiyue’s grandmother, the elderly lady of the Wan family.
"You were proud when Zepei was the top scorer in the examination, and now you disdain the Bai Family when they face difficulties? Zehao is a steady young man, and it was not wrong for Caiyue to marry him. The trouble caused by Bai Yibo cannot be blamed on the second branch of the Bai Family," Wan Qilao sounded quite angry, his voice rising.
Bai Ruozhu stealthily glanced at her elder brother. His eyes were somewhat dark, staring fixedly at the ground, deep in thought.
"Mother, we must not be the kind of people who despise others when they are in trouble. Besides, Zehao has done nothing wrong, and the Bai family would surely turn danger into safety," spoke Mrs Wan. She had once wavered because of the rumors surrounding Bai Ruozhu becoming someone else’s concubine, but this time, she told herself she would not waver again.
Bai Ruozhu nodded silently. Wan Caiyue’s parents were good people. As for Grandmother Wan, she was just considering the good of her family, afraid of bringing calamity upon them.
"Grandmother, a good woman does not marry twice. Regardless of whether Zehao is in trouble, even if he were to be thrown into jail, I would still marry into the Bai family, serve his parents, and wait for his return. Thus, you must stop this talk. The wedding can be postponed, but it cannot be cancelled. Or else, I might as well hang myself with a rope," Wan Caiyue’s voice was firm and resolute. At her words, everyone in the yard fell silent.
After a long silence, the crying voice of Grandmother Wan could be heard, "Why are you being so foolish, my child? Your grandmother is merely afraid that you will suffer hardship. Zehao is indeed a good boy, but unfortunately his eldest uncle is a calamity."
Bai Ruozhu didn’t hear what Wan Caiyue had to say next because the old lady’s attitude softened. Caiyue’s emotions also cooled down, and her voice became quieter.
Bai Ruozhu turned to look at her elder brother, only to see his eyes turning red, his body trembling slightly, his hand clenching into a tight fist, the green veins popping out on the back of his hand.
She sighed, lightly patted her elder brother’s shoulder, and whispered, "Elder Brother, you are really blessed to have met such a good woman like Sister Caiyue."
Unexpectedly, the image of Wan Caiyue standing behind a tree, handing her a purse to give to her elder brother appeared in her mind. Caiyue looked extremely gentle, a faint blush could be seen on her face. She was such a beautiful and tenacious woman.
"Being able to meet her, I am indeed fortunate. In this life, I, Bai Zehao, will never let her suffer the least bit of grievance," Bai Zehao said with a glint in his eyes, the listlessness he had previously displayed was gone.
Bai Ruozhu chuckled and said in a low voice, "You should save these sweet words for Sister Caiyue."
Bai Yihong also patted Bai Zehao’s shoulder and whispered, "I’m glad you’ve chosen this daughter-in-law. I’m proud of you."
Bai Zehao offered his father a smile, the gloominess in his eyes instantly vanished.
Bai Ruozhu gestured to them to be quiet, raised her hand, knocked on the door, and called out, "Is Aunt Su there? My mother sent me to discuss something with you."
"I’m here, I’m here. Ruozhu, you’ve come. Please, come and sit," the voice of Mrs. Wan Su got closer and she had already opened the courtyard door by the time she finished speaking.
Bai Ruozhu noticed that her eyes were a little swollen. She had apparently been crying, which was understandable since she cared for her daughter, and was also worried about the Bai family’s troubles.
"Aunt Su, I came to see you guys. This is something my mother asked me to bring you," Bai Zehao made small talk with Wan Su, handing her the basket he was holding.
"Stop being so formal. Come on in and let’s talk," Wan Su was happy that the Bai family took the time to send something over. It wasn’t that she cared for the presents, but it signified the Bai family’s value for their marital alliance and love for her daughter, Caiyue.
When Bai Ruozhu and her companions walked in, they saw Wan Caiyue shyly greeting them before excusing herself under the pretense of doing some embroidery work.
Until Wan Caiyue’s figure disappeared behind the door, Bai Zehao’s gaze remained fixated on her. His eyes held a mix of emotions - sympathy, admiration, and guilt.
Bai Ruozhu was afraid that her elder brother’s expression would reveal that they had overheard the Wan family’s conversation. Even though they had done so unintentionally, it would still be disrespectful. Thus, she elbowed her elder brother, to wake him from his daydream. Bai Zehao only then snapped back to reality and quickly greeted the elders present in the Main Hall.
Grandmother Wan noticed Bai Zehao’s gaze towards Wan Caiyue. She sighed, she knew the look of love when she saw it, and realized that he might not treat her granddaughter badly. Perhaps she shouldn’t interfere too much.
Honestly, I’m too old for this. Why am I always worrying for no reason, Grandmother Wan thought helplessly.
"My mother is indisposed and she sent me to offer my apologies to all the elders. There have been recent troubles in our household. My mother is concerned that conducting the wedding in such haste would be unfair to Caiyue, hence we would like to postpone the wedding for now," Bai Zehao spoke nervously, apprehensive that his future in-laws might cause a big commotion.
Wan Pei chuckled and replied, "You’re being too polite. We understand your family’s situation. It’s better to delay matters anyway. Everything is already prepared so we can always set a date and conduct the ceremony anytime."
Wan Su followed up by saying, "Yes, yes. It’s considerable of your mother to worry about our Caiyue at this time. We have no objections. Handle Bai Zepei’s case first. If you need any help, feel free to ask."
Seeing the understanding nature of the Wan family, Bai Ruozhu was sure her elder brother had made a good marriage alliance after all.
"There is indeed a matter I wish to discuss with Mr. Wan," Bai Ruozhu said, taking out the memorandum and showing it to Wan Qilao, "Mr. Wan, I want to ask the villagers to sign this to vouch for my second brother’s innocence. We can then show it to the imperial envoy."
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How delightful. Mouka has successfully advanced to the third round, thanks to your overwhelming support. Mouka will continue to work harder and post six updates tomorrow as well! Also, I love you all, group hugs~