Chapter 377: Each Brother Supports One
Upon noticing Wan Minglu’s strange expression, Bai Zehao was about to ask, but was interrupted by his father’s enthusiastic words from behind, "Minglu is here, please come inside and rest a bit. We will start dinner very soon."
"Uncle, there’s no need to trouble yourself with formalities." Wan Minglu’s response was noticeably awkward. It was only after he stepping into the yard that everyone saw the figure trailing behind him. It was none other than the mysterious masked "benefactor."
Lin Ping swiftly greeted him with a bright smile, saying, "You’ve come too? Please, come inside."
Jiang Yichun’s expression was hidden behind the mask, along with his emotions, but an air of proud aloofness still surrounded him, an armor of cold nobility.
"Madam, you are too kind. I merely came to check on Ruozhu." Jiang Yichun’s voice was somewhat low, yet magnetic, like fine, smooth wine.
Lin Ping was taken aback as she hadn’t expected him to say something like this, nor to show such concern for Ruozhu.
Fang Guizhi showed surprise before a thought suddenly emerged, ’the mysterious man with the mask is so concerned about Ruozhu; it’s completely different from what I thought before. I really shouldn’t have said too much.’
Thinking of this, Fang Guizhi quickly interjected, "Ruozhu is resting. I’ll go wake her up."
As she turned to leave, she was stopped by a low, resonant voice, "Wait!" This time, his speech was a touch faster, revealing his anxiety about Bai Ruozhu.
"Let her rest more if she is frightened," Jiang Yichun lightly coughed to cover his previous slip of emotion, and then, in a nonchalant tone, he added.
Fang Guizhi reluctantly paused, "Alright, I’ll wake her up after a while."
Lin Ping and Bai Yihong exchanged a glance, each seeing the confusion reflected in the other’s eyes.
"Let’s not stand around in the yard; let’s go inside and please have a seat. Caiyue, please serve tea for our guests," Bai Zehao was the first to react and urged everyone to move the conversation inside.
Wan Minglu looked as wilted as a leaf touched by frost, it wasn’t until he drank the tea poured by Wan Caiyue did he utter his first words since entering, "Thank you, little sister."
Upon seeing this, Fang Guizhi couldn’t bear it and said, "Ruozhu was fortunate you saved her today. She even wanted to thank you properly before she went to rest."
As soon as she finished, she felt a sharp gaze sweeping over her. She shivered instinctively, only then realizing it came from the mysterious masked man.
Fang Guizhi recoiled slightly, ’this man is terrifying. Just a few words can earn such a death glare? What would happen if he found out I persuaded Ruozhu to get married with Wan Minglu, would I have to die a dozen times over?’
After hearing what Fang Guizhi said, Wan Minglu perked up slightly and smiled bashfully, "It was quite fortunate that I was patrolling nearby. I only have regrets that I couldn’t capture the culprit."
"No need to be so humble. You got distracted saving Ruozhu, so you shouldn’t blame yourself for not being able to do both." Bai Yihong admired Wan Minglu and chimed in promptly.
"Yes, indeed. You’re too modest, Uncle." Bai Zehao also agreed, then turned to Jiang Yichun to explain, "Sir, he is my wife’s elder brother and a relative of our family."
Jiang Yichun glanced at Bai Zehao and replied simply, "I know."
Embarrassed, Bai Zehao recalled he had invited Jiang Yichun to Mountain Village for the wedding feast and he ought to be aware of their familial connections. He faintly laughed as he realized his forgetfulness.
Jiang Yichun did not sparing him another glance, instead stated lightly, "The assailant who ambushed Ruozhu may be related to the bandit I’m recently investigating. They are more stubborn than I expected."
Relief washed over Lin Ping and Bai Yihong as they exchanged looks, brushing aside the fact he directly called her "Ruozhu."
Wan Minglu kept his head down without uttering a word, as Wan Caiyue tried to comfort him softly, "Big brother, are you not feeling well? Is being an officer really that hard?"
At this, Wan Minglu urgently lifted his downcast gaze, replying, "No, no, I was just lost in thought about the case."
This is not the case! Heart heavy, Wan Caiyue couldn’t help but say to Lin Ping, "Mother, I’m going to take my elder brother to draw the shoe pattern, so I can make him a new pair of shoes in a few days."
"Go ahead, go ahead. You siblings should talk together more. You don’t need to be so formal." Lin Ping cheerfully instructed.
As Wan Caiyue led Wan Minglu away to get the shoe pattern, Minglu broke the silence, "Caiyue, I don’t need shoes. Mother just made me a new pair and I haven’t even worn them yet."
Wan Caiyue sighed lightly, speaking frankly, "I know Mother spoils you and you don’t lack for shoes. I was using it as an excuse, because I wanted to ask about what’s been happening today. You’ve been acting absent-minded."
Wan Minglu quickly averted his eyes, avoiding her gaze, "It’s nothing. I’m just a bit tired."
With a hint of exasperation, Wan Caiyue tugged at his sleeve, "It’s about Ruozhu, isn’t it? Do you truly believe that I can’t see what’s on your mind?"
His face flushed to his neck in an instant, "Watch what you’re saying, or people might start making wrongful gossips about Ruozhu."
"Look at how nervous you are about her, even me, your own sister, is now considered as a rumour-monger." Wan Caiyue shook her head in helplessness, "Ruozhu is an extraordinary woman, and I admire her very much. If you like her, you should work harder and stop being so despondent."
"I... I... I was just..." Wan Minglu couldn’t find the words to express himself and hung his head lower.
"You think you can’t compare to others?" Wan Caiyue asked directly, "Elder brother, if you think so, I suggest you to stop. With such low morale, how could you possibly win Ruozhu’s heart?"
Wan Minglu’s heart ached at her words, he muttered, "Are you sure you’re my little sister?"
"You have your strengths; you’re dependable, hardworking, and now even an officer. You can offer her a stable life. What’s more, our families have known each other for a long time. My in-laws would likely be more reassured with this prospect." After Wan Caiyue’s words, she stole a glance at him, and added, "So quit underestimating yourself."
Bai Zehao’s voice resounded from outside, "Caiyue’s right, Uncle, I have high hopes for you. You need to step up."
Feeling his face flush, Wan Minglu nodded fervently.
Having cheered him up, the three of them left the room and returned to the main hall. They found Bai Zepei had already returned from the East Courtyard and was discussing some official business with Jiang Yichun. After mentioning some contemporary political issues and a brief chat on one of Mr Xie’s recent critiques on Bai Zepei’s strategy, Bai Zepei found the conversation very beneficial.
"Sir, why don’t you stay for a simple meal? This would also provide an opportunity for me to consult you further." Bai Zepei suggested.
Jiang Yichun was delighted to hear this, "Alright. Please excuse my intrusion." He had originally planned to stay for dinner as it would present a good opportunity to awaken Bai Ruozhu. The thought of seeing her again made him eager. Indeed, Bai Zepei proved to be a worthy ally by providing a viable reason for him to stay.
Meanwhile, Bai Ruozhu who was still sleeping soundly in the room, was oblivious to the fact that her elder and second elder brother were backing different suitors for her yet.