Chapter 460 - 462: Who Wants to Plot Against Her?
Bai Zepei laughed and said, "He’s helped my family several times, including saving my younger sister’s life."
The Hero saves the lady, and in return, the lady rewards him with her love. Bai Zepei is clearly setting the stage for Bai Ruozhu to remarry in the future.
Mr. Xie nodded, "This gentleman may be secretive about his identity, but he certainly has a good heart. However, I believe he will be stepping into the limelight quite soon."
Interest twinkled in Bai Zepei’s eyes. Really? That’s great news. He was extremely curious about the man behind the mask.
Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun exchanged glances, breaking into radiant smiles. Yu Hongxiu, seated in the carriage, caught a glimpse of Ruozhu’s side profile, her smile as beautiful as blooming flowers. Curious, she asked, "Who is this person that has Ruozhu smiling so brightly?"
Bai Ruozhu instinctively touched her face. Had she been that transparent? She hastily lowered the blinds of the carriage, sat back down, and replied solemnly, "What? The scenery outside is just lovely."
Fang Guizhi was already cracking up, saying: "I saw it all from the gap in the blinds, Ruozhu. You can’t deny it!"
Bai Ruozhu’s face grew hot, she glared at Fang Guizhi and whispered, "Stop talking nonsense, or I’ll teach you a lesson."
Yu Hongxiu understood who it was and burst out laughing, "Are you trying to deny it by killing the witnesses? Any sensible person can see it. Truly, a gentleman’s ideal match is a gentle and graceful lady."
Wan Caiyue was also suppressing a giggle. Of course, she knew who it was. Despite her quiet demeanor, she was quite perceptive.
"A gentle and graceful lady, huh? I’m already a mother, and in a few years, I will be an old woman." Bai Ruozhu said self-deprecatingly.
Fang Guizhi reached over to pinch Bai Ruozhu’s face, saying, "Nonsense, your skin is so tender and white. You’re the last person who’d become an old woman."
The carriage was filled with the cackling laughter of the women, with the sound spilling out into the open. Seated on his horse, Jiang Yichun’s smile turned into a wry one. Did they think he couldn’t hear them?
But then, thinking of Bai Ruozhu’s shy demeanor in the carriage, his heart unexplainably fluttered with joy.
When they passed by the inn where Bai Ruozhu and the others had previously stayed, the caravan stopped for a break. Recognizing his patrons, the innkeeper enthusiastically greeted them, asking, "You brought two more people? Has the young master recuperated from his illness?"
"He’s all better now." Bai Zepei replied politely, although he didn’t want to continue the discussion. The innkeeper, tactful as he was, quickly changed the subject and prepared food for the group.
The women settled at one table, and the men at another. Jiang Yichun watched from the shadows, wishing he could sit next to Bai Ruozhu. Unfortunately, there were still limitations to his yearning.
Despite his restraint, he stole glances at Bai Ruozhu. Seated amid the group of women, her clothing and hair accessories were plain, yet he found her to be the liveliest amongst them.
Her laughter was contagious and her jokes elicited giggles from the women at her table. Her creamy white skin made her stand out even more. Holding Little Dengdeng in her arms, her face radiated a maternal glow unique to her, rendering anyone incapable of looking away.
Bai Ruozhu, too, would occasionally sneak glances at Jiang Yichun. However, fearful of ribbing from Yu Hongxiu and the others, she was subtle in her glances. Despite her discretion, their eyes often met.
They both couldn’t help but smile, their faces reflecting the taste of happiness.
Because they had to resume their journey, no one drank wine. They had a lively yet efficient meal. After it was over, Jiang Yichun rushed to settle the bill which left Bai Ruozhu somewhat unsure of what to do. However, it was Mr. Xie who found it even more embarrassing. He bowed to Jiang Yichun, saying, "I hope you would allow me to return the favor by treating you to a meal in the future."
"Great! Looks like I’m the one who’s benefited." Jiang Yichun joked. He was implying that dining here was cheap, whereas Mr. Xie’s offer was likely to be an expensive meal at a restaurant in Beiyu City.
Mr. Xie was taken aback. In his mind, this gentleman was always taciturn and reserved. It seemed like he was in exceptionally high spirits today, cracking jokes.
"Sure, sure." Mr. Xie fired back, politely.
The group climbed back onto the carriage. Bai Ruolan clung tightly to Bai Ruozhu’s sleeve, refusing to let go. Her eyes had the same pitiful look of a lost child. On the other hand, Xiaosi was also looking at Bai Ruozhu’s carriage longingly. He, like Bai Ruolan, also wanted to ride in the same carriage as Bai Ruozhu.
That morning, Bai Ruozhu had to persuade the two of them to separate, it had taken quite a bit of her energy. Yu Hongxiu still hadn’t entirely recovered, it was safer for Bai Ruozhu to stay with her. It wouldn’t be good if Bai Ruolan’s possible outbursts startled Yu Hongxiu. As for Xiaosi, despite being small, he was a boy and it was only appropriate for him to ride with Bai Yihong and the others.
Due to Bai Ruolan and Xiaosi’s expressions of distress, Yu Hongxiu felt quite embarrassed. As soon as she climbed into the carriage, she grumbled, "Everyone’s treating Ruozhu like she’s some hot cake. My spending time with her makes me feel like I’m committing a crime."
Bai Ruozhu found it amusing yet lamentable. Was it wrong for her to be liked by others?
The caravan continued towards Beiyu City. Feeling sleepy after lunch, the chattering women quieted down and began to doze off. Little Dengdeng in Bai Ruozhu’s arms had fallen into a deep sleep, even drooling a little.
Just then, the sound of a rushing arrow echoed through the air; a sound perceivable only by trained martial artists.
Seated on his horse, Jiang Yichun narrowed his eyes and swiftly dismounted, catching the incoming arrow with precision.
The sound of rushing arrows had pulled Bai Ruozhu out of her daze. She was immediately alert, hastily pulling back the window blinds to see Jiang Yichun sprinting alongside the carriage. He reached out and caught another arrow.
"Danger, get back to safety!" Jiang Yichun called out while simultaneously launching the arrow back in its direction. The arrow he threw soared far into the distance, finally disappearing in a nearby forest.
Quickly pulling her head back, the scene from outside imprinted on Bai Ruozhu’s mind. Jiang Yichun’s impressive move left her in a daze, so much so, that she momentarily forgot her fear.
"What happened?" Wan Caiyue instantly asked as she noticed the commotion.
"Don’t worry, someone tried to attack us secretly, but we are safe with Yichun here." Bai Ruozhu replied.
The women in the carriage woke up, claiming they were not nervous, but their faces told a different story.
Jiang Yichun was neither unprepared nor overwhelmed, but he regretted not bringing a couple of his subordinates along. They could have easily chased the attacker who was hiding in the forest.
Recently, due to a shortage of manpower in the anti-bandit mission, he had designated all his men to patrol around Xuantian Mountain. Though he wanted to personally accompany Bai Ruozhu, it was inappropriate to bring subordinates along. Yet, fate had other plans, and they ran into a covert assassin.
As the attacker’s movements ceased after Jiang Yichun flung back the arrow, the secret attacker decided not to continue the assault and cautiously slipped away.
In the carriage, Bai Ruozhu frowned deeply, wondering who was trying to assassinate her?