Chapter 62 - 062 Family Criticism Battle
Chapter 62: Chapter 062: Family Criticism Battle
Chapter 62 -062: Family Criticism Battle
Bai Ruozhu was a student of traditional Chinese medicine herself, and had learned acupuncture from a young age.
Thus, as soon as Hao Baishuang began treating her, Bai knew that she was dealing with a professional and allowed Hao Baishuang to proceed.
“Is it already done?” Lin Ping’er, seeing Hao Baishuang withdraw her silver needle, hastily approached and asked.
Hao Baishuang was cold by temperament.
Without saying anything, she simply nodded slightly.
Bai Ruozhu quickly pulled her mother aside.
“Mother, my pain has eased.
Dr.
Hao truly has a miraculous touch,” she said.
The officer who had accompanied them sighed in relief.
He had been asked to help, yet in what way could he possibly assist?
If the Bai family were to give birth, he would be even more at a loss as he had yet to marry.
Fortunately, it had been a false alarm.
Hao Baishuang prescribed Bai Ruozhu medicine to stabilize her fetal condition.
“Try not to get exhausted or frightened again when you return home,” she said plainly.
Bai Ruozhu quickly nodded.
“I’ll remember.” She dared not be careless; even the thought of it brought back waves of fear.
When Lin Ping’er took out some copper coins to pay the consultation fee, Dr.
Hao turned and walked away, saying, “Don’t bother about the consultation fee; you’ve saved a child and that’s a significant merit on its own.”
After saying that, she left.
Lin Ping’er held out her hand with the copper coins, unsure whether to give or hold back.
The quick thinking officer stepped up.
“If Dr.
Hao says it’s at no charge, then it’s at no charge.
Don’t go against her wishes.
I’ll go find your donkey cart.
Once it’s ready, I’ll call you out.”
Upon seeing the officer about to leave, Bai Ruozhu hurriedly stopped him, handed him some copper coins, and politely said, “This is for the cart fare.
Please use the rest to have some tea.
You have been tremendously helpful today.”
The officer, looking visibly happy, accepted the copper coins.
He had assumed that he would walk away empty-handed, but discovered that the Bai family was attentive and considerate.
As the delighted officer trotted in departure, Lin Ping’er continued to gaze at his receding figure, looking somewhat unwilling to part.
When they were then alone in the room, Bai Ruozhu gently held her mother’s arm and spoke: “Mother, don’t feel reluctant.
Silver can be earned gradually, but one cannot afford to skimp on mutual obligations, so that it would not be awkward for Brother Zepei to interact with others in future.”
Lin Ping’er promptly agreed, “I understand the rationale.
It’s just a bit difficult to part with the silver since it could have bought you much meat.”
Seeing the pained expression on her mother’s face, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“Mother, you must not keep thinking about feeding me.
I’m going to become as fat as a pig if I continue to eat this much!
Instead, why not quickly have the new clothes made with the fabric we got for you a few days ago?”
Being thrifty by nature, Lin Ping’er had gotten used to a life of modest means during the family’s earlier years in the old mansion.
Since the Bai family was not as affluent as the main families, she was still a newcomer and even after giving birth to two sons, times were challenging, especially compared to the Wang family in the main room, who gave birth to two daughters.
It was common to go through days deprived of sufficient food and clothing as the Bai family did not have enough strong laborers to work.
When the second family moved out, things improved slightly for her family, they could just about eat well and stay warm.
Due to their impoverished living conditions, Lin Ping’er had not added anything new to her wardrobe for a very long time.
A few days earlier, her daughter had insisted on buying new material for the family to make clothes, but being used to a frugal lifestyle, Lin Ping’er thought that in the absence of any festivals or holidays, making new clothes could wait.
But now, her opinions had changed.
Just as they faced Officer Li earlier, others viewed her as the mother of Bai Zepei.
She felt that even though she could be laid-back at home, she needed to maintain dignity when stepping out.
“Alright, I will get the cloth cut for the clothes as soon as we get home,” said Lin Ping’er, smiling happily.
Bai Ruozhu felt relieved seeing her mother understand the situation.
She felt that life was too short and one should eat well and dress well if they could afford it, instead of making themselves suffer.
Before long, the officer returned and told them: “The cart is ready.
You all should head home quickly and rest.
I’ve already informed the coachman to drive steadily.”
Bai Ruozhu bowed to the officer and said, “I don’t know your name, sir, but we are profoundly grateful for your help today.”
The officer scratched his head.
He hadn’t been in service for long and often ran errands for the elderly with little to no personal gain.
Today, Bai Ruozhu’s generosity left a strong impression on him, and so he cheerfully replied: “My name is Wang Luji.
You can seek me out at the County Government Office if you ever need help in the future.”
While saying so, he gave a firm pat on his chest as if his words carried weight.
Bai Ruozhu, amused by the officer’s expression, cooperatively replied, “Well, thank you very much, Brother Wang.”
When Bai Ruozhu and her mother returned home, Lin Ping’er narrated the day’s events to the rest of the family.
Bai Ruozhu was subsequently scolded by her father, older brother, and second brother; she felt disheartened, ended up feeling blue, and her mood was quite low.
“Alright, alright, I understand the dangers now, and I won’t be reckless again in the future,” Bai Ruozhu quickly appealed for mercy, her ears aching from the constant reprimands, “I’ve realized my mistake.
Can I please go rest in my room now?”
Bai Ruozhu said in a pitiful tone, which instantly softened the hearts of her family members, who quickly allowed her to retire for rest.
Their scolding had come from a place of concern, but upon seeing genuine fear in her eyes and realizing the hardships she had endured, they took pity on her.
Once Bai Ruozhu had retreated to her room, Bai Yihong, out of concern, said, “Quickly brew the stabilizing fetal medicine for our girl.
It seems like she’s been really frightened.”
Lin Ping’er patted her chest, which was still filled with lingering fear.
“Isn’t that so?
That thug was extremely sinister.
Just seeing him made my legs shiver, and our Ruozhu almost got hit too.
Ah, it was nonetheless a virtuous deed in the end as we were able to save a child.”
Bai Yihong nodded in agreement.
“Our girl is indeed kind-hearted.
However, the benefactor was also right – saving lives is a noble cause, but one should not be reckless.”
Bai Zepei, who had been silently listening to the conversation, suddenly interjected.
Turning to Lin Ping’er, he asked, “Mother, what does the person who saved our little sister look like?
Did they mention their name?”
“That person wore a black face mask, likely to hide their identity.
I did want to ask for their name so we could repay their kindness in the future, but they refused to tell us and didn’t seem to appreciate our questions,” Lin Ping’er thought and spoke.
“Officer Li had a great deal of respect for this person.”
Bai Zepei nodded in understanding.
He suspected that this person was an undercover assignee from higher authorities, hence the need for concealment.
Bai Ruozhu slept soundly till evening and was only awakened by Lin Ping’er, who called her to take her medicine.
Having slept thoroughly, Bai Ruozhu woke up only to find her body aching, feeling heavier with each passing day.
After drinking her medicine soup and resting a while, she had some dinner and then relaxed in the courtyard.
Although it was the beginning of autumn, the autumn heat remained intense.
She hoped that the weather would cool down by the time of her delivery, saving her more distress during her recovery period.
Early next morning, a commotion arose outside the Bai family foyer.
Bai Ruozhu happened to wake up early that day and wondered why it was so lively outside.
She opened the courtyard gate and was taken aback at the sight awaiting her.