Chapter 38 - 0 The Coldly Arrogant Painted Immortal
Chapter 38: Chapter 038: The Coldly Arrogant Painted Immortal
Chapter 38 -038: The Coldly Arrogant Painted Immortal
The man sat astride a tall horse, which appeared to be of remarkable breed.
Although Bai Ruozhu was unable to properly judge the quality of a horse, she compared it with the one pulling the Du Family’s carriage.
Clearly, the rider’s black horse was more imposing and larger.
Held neat and tidy atop his head, his hair was not fastened with a jade-inlaid tie like Du Zhongshu’s, but restrained simply by a plain hair tie, giving him a particularly clean-cut appearance.
The blue clothing he wore resembled that of a warrior, lacking the straight-cut aesthetic of a scholar or the light, casual attire of a manor’s household.
Both his sleeves and pant legs were bound for ease of movement, but the fabric seemed to be of considerable value.
Being a modern person, Bai Ruozhu was no expert in the ancient attire but she believed this man made his seemingly ordinary outfit look remarkably well.
His cold facial expression, however, added a sharp edge to him.
For some reason, Bai Ruozhu was reminded of a monochromatic ink painting she saw in her previous life.
The immortal in the painting was outlined in just a few strokes, but the representation was profound.
It made viewers envision their version of the painted immortal.
She didn’t know why, but this man reminded her of the immortal in the painting.
If he donned white clothes, he would appear even more like an exiled immortal.
Everyone appreciates beauty.
This man held an icy demeanor that resembled the immortals in paintings which made Bai Ruozhu unable to help but sneak a few more gazes at him, as one might do to a celebrity in her previous life, only this time it was an ancient version of a celebrity.
However, she overlooked one point.
In the ancient times, even though Danliang was open-minded, it was not acceptable for a woman to stare indiscreetly at men.
Therefore, Bai Ruozhu was taken aback when she noticed the man’s gaze sweep toward her, flashing an understanding smirk.
When he rode by her, she even heard him sneer.
The sound was soft, but it expressed the man’s dissatisfaction and disdain.
The old woman was still prattling on about villagers’ gossip, totally oblivious to the man’s abnormal behavior.
Bai Ruozhu, however, felt a chill creep across her face.
All she did was steal a few glances.
Just like how beautiful flowers were meant to be admired, did he really need to look at her with such contempt?
His arrogant manner truly infuriated Bai Ruozhu.
She clenched her teeth and averted her gaze, who knew if it would result in an infection of the eye.
The ox cart went into the town and let them off.
The genial old woman clasped Bai Ruozhu’s arm tightly, causing Bai to feel somewhat uncomfortable.
She tried to subtly shake off the old woman’s arm and said as if to herself: “I feel so heavy and hot with this pregnancy.
Goodness, I’m all sweaty again.”
Fortunately, the old woman took note of this and did not try to link arms with her again.
On their way to the market, before they even reached the entrance, they saw a few people chatting with an old woman who was earnestly pointing to her teeth.
Wanting to show them more clearly, she exposed her gums.
Curious about what was going on, the old woman glanced over: “Ah, what’s happening over there?
Shall we take a look?”
Bai Ruozhu feigned reluctance, making the old woman even more interested and she pulled her toward the commotion.
When they got closer, they heard the words of the old woman.
“I can’t fool you guys.
They said they’ve chosen me, specifically for my good fortune, to try the toothpaste.
Am I not fortunate?
Can’t you see if my teeth are whiter?” The old lady’s voice carried far, she could be heard even before they got close.
“Oh, does the Du Family’s pharmacy give away stuff too?
Could they give me something?” A fellow onlooker asked with envy.
The woman who was speaking wore a proud expression: “I reckon they can’t always give things out for free.
This is a matter of luck.
Why don’t you go and ask them yourselves?”
Bai Ruozhu muttered beside her, “The thing she’s talking about must be quite good, it can be considered a valuable gift if we give it to others.”
The old woman’s eyes lit up, “Doesn’t everyone want it?
If we take it and sell it, it would be quite a sum of money.”
Bai Ruozhu quickly nodded her head, “Old Madam Wang, you are indeed wise.”
Old Madam Wang felt flattered, she hurriedly said: “Come on, let’s go to the Du Family’s pharmacy.
We’ll ask someone for direction on the way.”
The majority of villagers were healthy and even when they were slightly sick, their families had traditional medical formulas or, if the illness was more severe, they would consult with Dr.
Li in the village who always had medicinal materials on hand.
Hence, few villagers went to town specifically for medication.
Moreover, there were other pharmacies in town as well, not just the Du Family’s, which was why Du Zhongshu was faced with the challenge of his pharmacy’s low turnover.
Furthermore, as the Du Pharmacy was located in a rather secluded area, Old Madam Wang was unsure of how to get there.
This was just in line with Bai Ruozhu’s intentions.
She smiled and said: “Old Madam Wang, I have visited the Du Family’s pharmacy once before.
I should remember the way there, so I can take you.”
“Wonderful, let’s hurry then.
If we get there too late, we may miss out on the toothpaste.” Old Madam Wang’s face lit up with excitement.
She pulled Bai Ruozhu toward the shop, her steps remarkable light.
Fortunately, Bai Ruozhu had been walking a lot recently to improve her stamina, otherwise she might not have been able to keep up with Old Madam Wang.
Bai Ruozhu led Old Madam Wang around a small path, quickly reaching the vicinity of the alley she visited last time.
The area was somewhat secluded, but truly not far from Du Pharmacy.
Bai Ruozhu guessed that Mrs Liu and her cousin often secretly met there.
After all, it wasn’t as convenient in ancient times.
The town wasn’t that big, so if the couple tried to rent a room in a restaurant or inn, word would get out quickly.
“Hm, it seems we need to head this way.
Strange, my memory is failing me as my belly grows bigger.” Bai Ruozhu spoke with a hint of regret.
Old Madam Wang didn’t blame her, saying, “It’s the baby taking up all your wit.
I’m sure he will be an intelligent child!”
Bai Ruozhu just smiled without a word because she could already faintly hear voices from the depths of the alley.
Speaking any more might alert the two people hiding there and blow their cover.
Old Madam Wang quickly caught on too.
Experienced from eavesdropping, she quickly lowered her voice and mouthed to Bai Ruozhu: “Do not make a sound; I’m going to take a look.”
Without waiting for Bai Ruozhu’s response, she tiptoed over and poked her head around the corner.
Bai Ruozhu also walked towards it carefully and heard Cao LeSheng in the alleyway wheedling Mrs Liu: “Cousin, do you think my toothpaste is good?
See, my teeth are whiter and my breath is fresher.
Why don’t you give it a try?”
Mrs Liu portrayed a coy demeanor but ultimately gave him a quick peck.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, playfully cooing, “Dear cousin, please give me some of that wonderful item and make your breath nicer for our next kiss?”
Cao LeSheng groped Mrs Liu’s behind with a lecherous grin on his face.
“I knew you’d say that.
Even though I got this item by luck, it still costs money to buy.
So, if you want it, it really depends on your performance today.”