Chapter 598 - 600: Are They Still Not Giving Up?
Three days later, when Bai Ruozhu received Jiang Yichun’s letter, she was busy preparing for the clothes she would wear to the party of Lady Meng.
In his letter, Jiang Yichun mentioned that he was about to set sail. Unless he made a stop midway, it wouldn’t be convenient for him to send letters. Bai Ruozhu found it amusing that considering the time it took for the letter to reach her, he practically wrote it the day after he left.
Moreover, according to the content of the letter, Jiang Yichun’s forgetfulness spell still hasn’t been lifted. For some reason, everytime she thinks about this forgetfulness spell, her heart would pound probably from the fear of being surpassed by others.
As Bai Ruozhu let her mind wander, time flew by and by noon she had only completed a quarter of the dress she was making.
Feeling frustrated, she set aside her work and went to feed Dengdeng. She had stopped taking the medicine a few days ago and could now breastfeed Dengdeng, so she paid off the temporary nurse she had hired and thanked her graciously.
As soon as she stepped out of the room, she bumped into her second brother’s inquisitive gaze. With a raised eyebrow, he asked: "What’s the matter? You seem lost."
Jiang Yichun’s letters couldn’t be delivered directly to the Bai Family. Instead, they were sent to the City Lord’s Residence and then passed on by Meng Liangshen to Bai Zepei, before finally being handed over to Bai Ruozhu.
So, Bai Zepei was well aware of Jiang Yichun’s trip to the capital.
Bai Ruozhu pouted in embarrassment, accepting that her second brother was making fun of her this time.
Before she could speak, Bai Zepei walked over, ruffled her hair, and said: "Don’t worry, Mr. Meng said he will definitely be promoted this time. You can start preparing your wedding dress."
Bai Ruozhu blushed. Was her second brother comforting her or making fun of her by mentioning a wedding dress?
"Second Brother, stop worrying about me all the time. You’re always attending these banquets, haven’t you met any woman who could captivate your heart?" Bai Ruozhu decided to hit back.
Bai Zepei’s eyes flashed as he replied, "No."
Bai Ruozhu chuckled. Her brother was certainly hiding something. Could it be that his love life was finally about to bloom?
Just then, Lin Ping’er called the siblings for lunch. Guizhi brought the food into the main room. Bai Ruozhu remembered her feelings for her second brother and felt a twinge of pain for her.
She hoped that Guizhi could let go sooner; feelings were the hardest things to force.
That night, Bai Ruozhu summoned the women of the family and carefully discussed the requirements for Lady Meng’s screen. Upon hearing that the screen would be presented to the palace and even given to the Empress Dowager, everyone immediately became serious, their backs noticeably straighter.
"You don’t need to be too nervous. What we are making now is just a sample and not the final submission. And we only need to make a quarter of it." Seeing their anxiety, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh. She recalled her own initial reaction: fear of losing her head that she dared not accept the task.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Bai Ruozhu then turned to Wan Caiyue and said: "Sister-in-law, it’s important for you to take care of your pregnancy. You can just watch how it’s done for now, and help when we officially start."
Wan Caiyue pursed her lips and finally nodded in agreement. It wasn’t a good time for over-exerting herself.
Soon, everyone was diligently working on their tasks. The good thing about crochet is how easy it is to connect the individual pieces.
By the afternoon the next day, the first sample was complete. Bai Ruozhu brought the sample to the Meng Residence.
Now Bai Ruozhu was favored by Lady Meng. Being generous also helped, the doorkeeper was overjoyed to greet her and accompanied her to the inner courtyard.
Upon seeing Lady Meng, Bai Ruozhu displayed the small sample. Upon inspection, Lady Meng commented, "It really does look like the drawing."
Lady Meng gently felt the fabric, looking somewhat worried, she asked: "If the screen is left standing for a while, will it sag and become deformed?"
Bai Ruozhu thought for a moment and agreed that it could become a possiblity. She frowned, "Lady, I’ll have to think about some improvements. I’ll present a revised version in a few days."
Lady Meng smiled warmly and said, "You are very conscientious. I feel relieved leaving this matter to you."
Afterwards, Bai Ruozhu checked on Lady Meng’s dental condition, her tooth pulp was almost strengthened completely, it was now possible to fill the cavity. Bai Ruozhu decided that in a few days once she received the materials sourced by the Du Family, she could fill Lady Meng’s tooth decay.
After bidding Lady Meng farewell, Bai Ruozhu proceeded to the Xie Residence. She was worried, as Yu Hongxiu had stopped visiting her after her injury.
Upon arriving at the Xie Residence, Mr. Xie was not home. As Bai Ruozhu was waiting for Yu Hongxiu, a middle-aged woman with a square face approached her. Though she was all smiles greeting Bai Ruozhu, her eyes were constantly sizing her up.
"May I know your name young lady?" the square-faced woman asked.
Bai Ruozhu was slightly irritated by the woman’s attitude. It was impolite to examine guests like this. Surely she should have introduced herself first before asking such a question. Why was she being so intrusive?
Bai Ruozhu assumed the woman must be a relative of the Xie Family. To maintain courtesy, she bent slightly, introducing herself as "I am Bai Ruozhu. May I know how I should address you?"
For some reason, upon hearing her name, the woman’s previously smiling face instantly darkened. The look in her eyes turned from curious to blatant disdain.
"Hmph, so you’re that Bai Ruozhu," said the square-faced woman with a strange tone that left Bai Ruozhu somewhat puzzled.
Just then, Yu Hongxiu’s voice came from inside, asking "Ruyi, could you check if Ruozhu is here?"
When Bai Ruozhu heard Yu Hongxiu’s voice, she was startled because it was weak and hoarse, sounding extremely tired. It felt as if she had just recovered from a serious illness.
Ignoring the square-faced woman, as soon as she saw Yu Hongxiu’s maid, Ruyi, she rushed up to her and asked anxiously: "Ruyi, what happened to Sister Hongxiu?"
Ruyi glanced at the square-faced woman, opened then quickly closed her mouth, looking frightened to speak.
Bai Ruozhu had an idea, but didn’t want to put Ruyi in a tough spot, she said: "Let’s go and check on Sister Hongxiu first."
To her surprise, as she was about to leave, the square-faced woman suddenly charged towards her, blocking her way and roaring: "Who gave you permission to come in? You are a charlatan who bewitches people with your words. I won’t let Yu Hongxiu be deceived by you anymore!"
"Who are you to meddle in the affairs of the Xie Family?" Bai Ruozhu retorted coldly, not backing down.
With a trace of triumph in her eyes, the square-faced woman responded: "I’m Xie Dun’s aunt. His parents died early, so if his uncle and I don’t look after him, who will? We’re practically his parents, don’t you think I have a right to interfere in Xie Family’s affairs?"
Bai Ruozhu mulled over this. Yu Hongxiu had mentioned the situation of the Xie Family in the past. After two years of marriage without children, the elders started stirring up troubles. Some suggested that Xie Dun take a concubine, others suggested him to adopt children from the family. But now with Yu Hongxiu pregnant, were they still unwilling to give up?