Chapter 571 - 573: Xiaosi Wants to Enter the Tongzheng Division
Bai Ruozhu, though physically weak, was in good spirits, immediately noticing the hesitation in her father’s eyes, she asked, "Father, what’s going on? You’d better not be hiding anything from me."
A twitch appeared at the corner of Bai Yihong’s mouth. "Ruozhu, you’re just too astute and it’s exhausting."
Bai Ruozhu was slightly speechless, laughing she said, "It’s called good observation skills, I don’t overthink things daily, how can that be exhausting? But father, if you’re hiding something from me, then I will definitely let my mind wander."
"Alright, I’ll tell you now. I originally thought to wait a few days so as not to disrupt your rest," sighed Bai Yihong reluctantly. He continued, "I just went to see Xiaosi, he’s recovering quite well. However, it seems he’s gotten chummy with the guards from the Ministry of Rites. He wishes to have one as his mentor and eventually join the Ministry himself."
Before Bai Ruozhu could say anything, Lin Ping’er was the one who reacted anxiously. "How could that be? That’s such a dangerous job! I heard that people only go there if they have no choice. He’s living a good life now. Why would he put himself in harm’s way?"
Bai Ruozhu gently pinched the chubby little hand of Dengdeng, her voice somewhat profound as she spoke, "My recent episode must have stimulated Xiaosi. He probably feels useless being unable to protect his family due to his lack of martial arts skills."
Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er were at a loss for words. Lin Ping’er had tears in her eyes and after a while she mumbled, "Oh, our Xiaosi..."
Bai Ruozhu felt a cloud of gloom in her heart, she had thought that by watching out for Xiaosi, she was opening up a whole new world for him, helping him connect with the beautiful things in life.
But now, she didn’t even know what she’d done. If it weren’t for trying to protect her, Xiaosi wouldn’t have pissed off Sanlang, who later often tormented him. And this time, if it weren’t for saving her, how would Xiaosi, at this tender age, have charged with a kitchen knife to attack someone? He nearly lost his life.
Now he wants to learn skills and join the Ministry of Rites, is he trying to gain the ability to protect her?
Bai Ruozhu found it hard to swallow, desperately wanting to break down in tears. She felt as if she had failed to protect Xiaosi and the family appropriately. She sank into a pessimistic mood, blaming everything on herself, almost thinking of herself as a calamity to the country and the people.
Dengdeng reached out his hand to touch her face, probably curious about what she was thinking. Lin Ping’er held Dengdeng closer to Bai Ruozhu. Dengdeng gurgled with laughter, put his arms around Bai Ruozhu’s neck, and planted a kiss on her face.
Bai Ruozhu snapped back to her senses, seeing Dengdeng’s triumphant little face, she couldn’t help but laugh as well, dissipating the negative emotions from before.
She knew that she wasn’t perfect or omnipotent. She wasn’t strong enough presently to better protect her family, but she was still alive. She was young, she could continue to strive. As long as she didn’t give up, she would grow stronger, strong enough that no one could harm her family!
With that thought, Bai Ruozhu was full of motivation, it was a new year and she was now seventeen. She would make herself prosperous as quickly as possible, hire some bodyguards, and even invite martial arts experts — that way, who would fear the likes of Li Yi?
Besides, there weren’t many reckless villains like Li Yi. He was dead, and his accomplices had been eradicated. What was there to fear?
"Father, Mother, don’t worry, I’ll talk to Xiao Si. He can be stubborn at times but he’s reasonable. I think he’ll understand soon." said Bai Ruozhu.
Her words brought considerable relief to Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er. The two continued their conversation with Bai Ruozhu for a while, then left with Dengdeng.
For the next two days, Bai Ruozhu would sleep for longer periods after taking her medicine. When she woke up, her parents and Dengdeng would usually have arrived to visit her. With her parents and Dengdeng beside her, she was in good spirits and her recovery was quicker than expected.
On the third day, she was barely able to get out of bed. She told the maids outside that she wanted to visit Jiang Yichun. One sharp maid found a palanquin and had two guards lift Bai Ruozhu for the visit.
Bai Ruozhu, feeling somewhat embarrassed, expressed her thanks to them and rewarded them with silver.
With three days having passed without seeing Jiang Yichun, she was feeling rather anxious, but she didn’t show it. She also didn’t dare to ask the maids about his condition, fearing he might disregard his own health and rush over to see her.
Fortunately, those three days went by quickly and now she was able to see him again.
After stepping down from the palanquin, she gently opened the room door and went in. Jiang Yichun, who lay on the bed, was still asleep, his heavy injuries leaving him oblivious to her entry.
Bai Ruozhu tiptoed over and sat down beside his bed. He had lost weight; his face was sunk in, and hair bristled from his usually clean-shaven chin. There was no maid around him and during his serious injury, there was no one to take care of him.
At this moment, a guard brought in some water and seeing Bai Ruozhu immediately paid his respects. Bai Ruozhu made a hushing gesture indicating not to wake Jiang Yichun.
The guard quickly nodded, thinking to himself how fondly Bai Ruozhu cared for Jiang Yichun.
Bai Ruozhu asked the guard to put down the water before walking out of the room with him. She gave the guard some silver and softly asked, "Have you been the one taking care of Yichun these past few days?"
"Yes, Miss Bai," the guard answered respectfully.
"Thank you for your hard work," Bai Ruozhu genuinely appreciated him.
The guard showed an awkward expression, "I’m just doing my job. Normally, Master Jiang would have a personal attendant to tend to his needs, but unfortunately..."
At this moment, there was a noise from inside the room. Jiang Yichun was waking up. The guard quickly said, "Miss Bai, you should go and see Master Jiang."
Curiosity seized Bai Ruozhu. What did he mean by "unfortunately"? Why didn’t he finish his sentence?
However, Bai Ruozhu was more eager to see Jiang Yichun. She entered the room again and the first thing Jiang Yichun saw as he opened his eyes was her. His face immediately showed surprise but then quickly fell.
"Running around when you’re not yet fully recovered, looks like I’ll have to spank you!" barked Jiang Yichun, glaring at her. He tried to sit up but Bai Ruozhu quickly stepped forward to support him, propping a pillow behind his back.
"The doctor said I can get out of bed and besides, I came here in a palanquin. I didn’t exert myself." Bai Ruozhu quickly defended herself before reluctantly saying, "I plan to go home today. It’s not convenient having my parents travel back and forth every day. Everyone at home is worried about me."
Jiang Yichun showed a reluctant expression in pulling her hand back but said, "Or could you consider staying a few more days?"
"Whether I stay here or not, I can’t see you anyway. And it’s not convenient for me to stay too long. Besides..." Bai Ruozhu trailed off a bit, "Your junior sister has been sweet-talking my mother, even wanting to hold Dengdeng."
Jiang Yichun’s face immediately sank, "You’re right. It’s not safe for your family to always bring Dengdeng here. You should go home to rest and recover. We should all recover quickly and then... then we can go to the Hot Spring Mansion."
Bai Ruozhu instantly flushed red at this remark, ’What’s he thinking? He’s seriously injured and still thinking of such silly things?’