Chapter 37 - 0 The Plan, Involving the Matchmaker
Chapter 37: Chapter 037: The Plan, Involving the Matchmaker
Chapter 37 -037: The Plan, Involving the Matchmaker
“Guizhi, what happened to you?” Bai Ruozhu took Fang Guizhi’s hand and asked.
Fang Guizhi’s eyes were red, and her nose was red too.
She looked like a pitiful little bunny.
She sniffed and said, “I didn’t mention that we were going to town to sell apricot preserves.
My mother just thought I was going out to play.
She wouldn’t let me go no matter what, she wanted me to stay at home and work.”
“But why did she hit you?” Bai Ruozhu was slightly angered.
How could such a big girl still be beaten at will?
Besides, she was slapped in the face.
Which mother would be so cruel?
“I argued with my mother a bit.
I said we had made an agreement and I couldn’t break my promise.
My mother thought I was disobedient, so…” Fang Guizhi didn’t want to explain further.
She sniffled again, and her voice started to choke a little, “Ruozhu, I’m sorry, I can’t go with you.
Be careful when you go to town, don’t exhaust yourself.”
Bai Ruozhu knew she couldn’t interfere in Fang Guizhi’s family matters, no matter how angry she was.
All she could do was pat Fang Guizhi on the hand, trying to console her: “Don’t worry.
I’ve been there quite a few times, I am familiar with it.
When I sell the apricot preserves and earn some silver, I’ll share it with you.”
Fang Guizhi knew she hadn’t contributed to the effort, and felt somewhat embarrassed, but she also knew that Bai Ruozhu wouldn’t let her refuse.
Thus, she nodded her red-face, bid farewell to Bai Ruozhu, and ran hurriedly back home.
Actually, Bai Ruozhu had a plan for the day, which was why she had insisted on convincing her family to let her go to the town by herself the night before.
Initially her sister Lin Ping’er strongly disagreed, but Bai Ruozhu managed to persuade her by saying she was familiar with the route, and it wasn’t tiring to travel back and forth, plus, she would have Fang Guizhi for company, so it would be safe.
Lin Ping’er hesitated at first, but she was busy discussing plans for her children’s wedding with Wang Sulai.
Furthermore, her oldest son was helping his father build tables and chairs for the school, so he wouldn’t be able to accompany Bai Ruozhu.
Despite Fang Guizhi’s absence, Bai Ruozhu decided not to change her plan.
She packed a large bundle of apricot preserves in oil paper, and prepared another small bag to carry on her arm.
Then she headed towards the riverside.
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Just as expected, Old Madame Wang was washing clothes by the riverside, a place she often frequented at this hour.
Old Madame Wang was a very nosy person and enjoyed gossiping about others’ private affairs.
The moment she saw Bai Ruozhu, her dim eyes lit up.
She greeted Bai Ruozhu with a smile, “Bai family’s girl, where are you off to?”
Bai Ruozhu politely returned her salute, “Old Madame Wang, you’re washing clothes so early, you’re really hardworking.”
Old Madame Wang pretended to wipe the non-existent sweat from her forehead and said proudly, “I just can’t sit still.
What are you planning to do with that bag?”
“I’ve made some snacks myself and plan to sell them in the town for some silver coin.” Bai Ruozhu replied cheerfully.
A look of surprise appeared on Madame Wang’s face, “You, with your growing belly, are still so diligent?
Did your parents ask you to do this?” As she asked this, her eyes were darting around, obviously trying to get more information from Bai Ruozhu.
“My parents don’t allow me to do these things, they’re afraid it would tire me out.
That’s why I have to sneak to the town to sell things.” Bai Ruozhu pretended to look worried, “I don’t know anything, I’m afraid I might get cheated.”
Old Madame Wang’s eyes sparkled, “I happen to have free time, how about I accompany you?
To guide you?”
“How could I?
It would inconvenience you.” Bai Ruozhu appeared to be moved, but immediately shook her head to decline.
Seeing Bai Ruozhu’s reaction, Old Madame Wang became even more excited, “No worries, just slowly walk towards the entrance of the village first.
I will finish up here and join you soon.
It’s not a bother, I was planning to go to the town one of these days.”
Fearing that Bai Ruozhu might leave, Old Madame Wang quickly picked up her wooden basin and hurried home after finishing her sentence.
Bai Ruozhu’s lips curved up slightly, and then she proceeded to walk leisurely towards the entrance of the village.
Before she even reached the entrance of the village, she heard Old Madame Wang’s voice coming from behind.
Turning around, she noticed Old Madame Wang panting and rushing over.
Sweat was dripping off her forehead showing how eager she had been.
Bai Ruozhu finally managed to stifle her laughter and spoke to Granny Wang, “You got here so fast, Auntie Wang.
I’m going to need your help today.”
“No trouble at all, no trouble at all, just don’t forget about me if you gain anything.” Granny Wang replied with a greedy glint in her eyes.
Bai Ruozhu chuckled inwardly, knowing well that Granny Wang loved taking advantage of others.
“I won’t forget about you, Auntie.”, Bai Ruozhu replied respectfully.
As they reached the entrance of the village, they saw a donkey cart leaving.
Among the several people on the cart heading to town was Liu’s third daughter-in-law.
Combining the previous accidental incident with Liu’s third daughter-in-law and the memories of her previous life, Bai Ruozhu found that Liu’s third daughter-in-law went to town on a fixed schedule.
So she speculated that the woman would go to the town today, and she was indeed correct.
“Hey, was that Liu’s third daughter-in-law on the cart just now?” Bai Ruozhu asked Granny Wang intentionally.
“Yes, she has some relatives in town.
She visits every few days to chat with her aunt who is quite wealthy and often gives her some nice gifts.” Granny Wang said, her eyes lighting up and revealing an envious expression.
Bai Ruozhu however, looked troubled.
“Maybe I should not go today?
I’m still healing from the beating Liu’s third daughter-in-law gave me last time.” She said as she brushed back her hair, pointing to the healing wound on her head.
Granny Wang looked over, the scab on Bai Ruozhu’s head had fallen off, but a scar remained.
It was uncertain if it would ever disappear completely, making Granny Wang frown.
The incident of Bai Ruozhu being assaulted by Liu’s third daughter-in-law had caused a lot of commotion at the time.
The Liu family had to pay the Bai family a large sum in silver as compensation.
The villagers knew all about it since Bai Ruozhu’s father donated the silver to the village school, leading many villagers to contribute as well.
“No worries, we may not run into her.
Plus, you’ve got me to protect you.”, Granny Wang said, puffing out her chest and patting it to emphasize her point, as if that somehow demonstrated her strength.
“What you said makes sense, Auntie Wang.
I’ll come with you today.”, Bai Ruozhu replied.
Soon, they found an ox cart.
The two of them climbed up onto the cart and started their journey to the town.
The ox cart was slower than the donkey cart, so Bai Ruozhu and Granny Wang were easily left behind by Liu’s third daughter-in-law.
Yet, Bai Ruozhu wasn’t worried, instead, she leaned lazily against the sacks on the cart.
The rising sun warmed her, making her feel sleepy.
Fortunately, Granny Wang kept up a constant chatter, preventing Bai Ruozhu from falling asleep.
As the ox cart entered the town, the sound of horse’s hooves met their ears.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t resist looking over.
The people of the town were mostly farmers, hardly anyone rode horses.
That’s why when Du Zhongshu’s horse carriage passed through Back Mountain Village, it caught everyone’s attention.
Bai Ruozhu had encountered horse carriages after her transmigration, but she hadn’t seen anyone riding a tall horse before.
Her curiosity piqued, Bai Ruozhu looked over, only to be left awestruck by what she saw.
She was not particularly eloquent, but nor was she lacking in vocabulary.
Yet, she couldn’t find the right words to describe the man’s appearance.
———-
I would like to apologize to everyone here.
Mouka fell ill yesterday with acute gastroenteritis.
The continuous retching and diarrhea kept me up late, so I didn’t get a chance to update.
I’m feeling bad and hope this won’t happen again.
Looking for comfort here~