Chapter 405: Rescuing People Regardless of Past Resentments
Bai Ruozhu saw Du Zhongshu looking particularly happy, and she was quite puzzled but did not think too much of it. She merely assumed that Du Zhongshu was hospitable, or perhaps he found it interesting to travel with her second brother.
Meanwhile, within the backyard of the County Government Office, the deputy examiner was discussing matters with the Royal Commissioner, the main examiner, while Li Shunsheng was standing by awaiting instructions.
"Sir, while it’s true that Bai Zepei is indeed a scholar of considerable ability, far surpassing the second-place candidate, his uncle was involved in a grave cheating scandal. Would it not be inappropriate to recommend him as the top candidate?" asked the deputy examiner.
Upon hearing this, Li was taken aback. He wondered about the deputy examiner’s motives. Had Bai Zepei offended him in some way?
After pondering for a moment, the Royal Commissioner replied, "His skills are indeed exceptional. It would be a shame for him to be implicated because of others. Frankly, I have developed an appreciation for his talent."
The deputy examiner’s expression shifted slightly before he responded, "It was merely a suggestion on my part. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, Sir."
"Your point isn’t without merit. I’ll consider it," the Royal Commissioner concluded and excused himself, postponing the decision.
Li Shunsheng quietly worried for Bai Zepei. While the difference between the first and second place might seem insignificant, the top position in these exams held great prestige. With the plagiarism scandal and subsequent rumors, only by once again ranking first could Bai Zepei truly dispel the gossip.
However, he had to be careful about advocating for Zepei, lest it backfired. Given the known close relationship between the two, his pleas could potentially provoke the Royal Commissioner’s resentment.
...
The day of the results announcement arrived. Bai’s family accompanied Bai Zepei to check the results, even delaying opening their stall, causing Bai Zepei to feel slightly embarrassed.
"Look, look, the results are out!" A government official posted the list, and Bai Zehao-called out excitedly.
"Hurry, let’s check," said Lin Ping’er nervously, her clenched hands trembling slightly.
However, as people rushed towards the results, Bai’s family was pushed back and unable to see the words on the notice. Everyone was extremely anxious.
Bai Ruozhu stood on her toes and squinted at the notice. After a moment, she called out, "I can see it! My second brother is the top candidate again!"
"From this far away, can you really see clearly?" Lin Ping’er asked uncertainly, worried that the scandal involving Bai Yibo had affected Zepei.
"I didn’t misread, let’s go back home. The official document will arrive shortly." Bai Ruozhu, clearly in high spirits, pulled her second brother away. Continuing to stand here would be a waste of time.
A commotion broke out among the crowd. Someone shouted, "Someone has fainted! Everyone, stop crowding and be careful not to step on him!"
Possibly afraid of causing trouble, those crowding to see the notice began to spread out. Seeing this, Lin Ping’er did not want to leave. She pulled Bai Ruozhu’s hand and said, "Let’s go and take a look. Mother also wants to see the big red announcement, she missed it last time."
Okay, hearing about it and seeing it herself were two different experiences. Bai Ruozhu only found empathy for this situation.
As the family reached the notice, Lin Ping’er finally saw Bai Zepei’s name on the list, tears of joy welling up in her eyes.
Bai Ruozhu turned to look at the person who had fainted, and let out an involuntary gasp. The rest of her family also looked over, only to realise it was none other than Zeng Shusheng, who had splashed them with black dog blood.
"It’s that young man who threw dog blood at Zepei last time, seems like he didn’t make it on the list. Served him right!" crowed Bai Zehao.
Bai Ruozhu frowned, "He did not just faint. He has heart disease. If he’s not treated in time, he could die suddenly."
The others were taken aback upon hearing this -- they hadn’t known about his disease, and felt fortunate Zeng Shusheng hadn’t fallen ill when they’d fought.
Good-hearted as always, Lin Ping’er asked, "Ruozhu, can you save him?"
Bai Ruozhu nodded, "I have the same intention. Even though his actions were despicable, we did punish him then, so it’s as if he had already learned his lesson."
"Let my sister go and rescue him. We’ve already taught him a lesson, so we’re even. It’s not good to stand idly by while someone’s in danger," said Bai Zepei.
"Alright," Bai Ruozhu said, quickly walking over to Zeng Shusheng’s side with her family members following closely behind to create a shield around her from the onlookers.
"Please step back! He’s having a heart attack and needs immediate treatment!" Bai Ruozhu shouted.
Upon hearing the words "heart disease", the onlookers retreated, giving Bai Ruozhu a wide berth. She promptly opened Zeng Shusheng’s collar and began to treat him with acupuncture. Soon, Zeng Shusheng’s breathing stabilized, and he slowly opened his eyes.
"Why... why is it you guys?" he asked, startled to see Bai Ruozhu and Bai Zepei upon regaining consciousness.
Bai Ruozhu was in the process of removing her silver needles and, somewhat irritated, she said, "Don’t move around so much. If you break my needle, you’ll have to pay for it."
Zeng Shusheng saw the needles in his chest only after lowering his head and got so scared that he stopped moving immediately. However, his expressions changed continually, as if he was figuring out what had happened.
Just then, someone from the crowd called out, "Isn’t that Bai Zepei, the top candidate? It’s his family members who are saving him!"
"Hey, wasn’t it him who splashed black dog blood on Bai Zepei during the examination day?" Someone else recognized Zeng Shusheng.
"Indeed, true to the top scholar’s reputation. He was even willing to save the man who once wronged him. What high moral character. I’m truly in awe," another person in the crowd said, gesturing towards Bai Zepei to express his admiration.
Soon, others started to praise Bai Zepei. He stepped forward, returned the salute, and with great humility responded, "I appreciate your overwhelming praise and kind words, but the credit for saving the man goes to my younger sister. It would be inappropriate for me to accept your compliments."
Upon hearing his words, the crowd’s gaze filled with even more respect towards Bai Ruozhu. His humble response further solidified his image of humility and propriety.
By this time, Bai Ruozhu had removed all of her silver needles. She looked at Zeng Shusheng coldly and said, "You suffer from heart disease. You should visit the Fushou Hall and get a doctor to prescribe some medicine for you. This illness can only be managed by taking proper care of your health and emotions. You must not let your emotions fluctuate too severely."
Zeng Shusheng, who had previously seen a doctor and knew about his heart disease, was unable to utter a single word in response. He felt cold all over when he thought about what had just happened. By the time he recovered, Bai’s family was already far away, and he hadn’t even had a chance to thank them.
This small incident passed by quickly, and the Bai family just reached home when the official document announcing Bai Zepei as the top candidate arrived. Mr. Xie was incredibly pleased, as if he himself had topped the exams. He immediately decided to throw a celebratory feast at the East Courtyard during lunch.
The very next morning, as Bai Ruozhu got up and ready, there was a knock at the door -- the carriage arranged by Du Zhongshu had arrived.
Lin Ping’er hurried to open the door and joyfully said, "Master Du, please come in and have a seat..." But before she could finish her sentence, her complexion changed.
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I want to thank my Book Friends ’Safeguarding Our Peace’, ’Fairytale’, ’Meng’, ’Golden Pup Tea Oil’, ’A Scorpion with a Simple Face and Poisonous Heart’, ’Pass’, ’『if...』’, ’Bright and Colorful’, ’User...’, and ’Elly’ for your rewards. Much gratitude for your unwavering support, I, Mouka, bow in appreciation~