Chapter 693 - 695: He Needs to be Strong to Protect Her
Despite the Meng Family’s commanding presence in the Northwest and Old Lady Meng’s permanent residence in Beiyu City, she was well-informed about the affairs of the capital. The saying went, ’the mountains are high and the emperor is far away,’ yet to survive in peace, one needed to keep abreast of the volatile politics in the capital city. Even Lao Maomao, who served by Old Lady Meng’s side, had a crystal clear understanding of the capital’s happenings and interpersonal relationships over the years.
Old Lady Meng heaved another sigh, seemingly aging in the process.
"Doesn’t it remind you of that dead old man Jiang?" she whispered, her voice so faint that it was nearly inaudible. But Maomao, who was closest to her, heard clearly.
Maomao’s expression changed dramatically, and she covered her mouth in panic, "Could it be... the incident from those years..."
"The Lao and Jiang families severed their relations long ago, and we were mere bystanders to that event. Even if we could have intervened, it would’ve been useless. The old man was stubborn; once he made up his mind, no one could dissuade him." Old Lady Meng sighed again, "Who knows the truth about the second son of the Jiang family, it’s just a pity for the child who fled with him."
"Isn’t it? I heard the second son of the Jiang family passed away not long after, leaving the child to wander alone. It hasn’t been easy for him," Maomao agreed, sighing as well.
"Old man Jiang was indeed ruthless. How could he not know what we all knew? He didn’t even send someone to look for his descendent, his own bloodline. I wonder if Ruozhu’s husband is the child from the Jiang family. If so, her journey to the capital won’t be easy," said the old lady, sitting up more erectly. Suddenly, her voice rang out loud: "Someone, bring me pen and ink!"
A maid rushed to prepare the writing materials. After grinding the ink, the old lady took the brush and started writing a letter. Upon completion, she said to Maomao, "Send this letter to the Capital, let them prepare ahead. We need to ensure Ruozhu is well taken care of."
Maomao blew on the letter till the ink dried, and chuckled, "The old lady really dotes on Ruozhu. Others won’t be so lucky."
On hearing Maomao’s jest, Old Lady Meng laughed as well, her previous sombreness dispersing. "It’s just that the girl is so likable. You see, even my toothache is now cured. It’s never healed this smoothly before. Also, she accomplishes the tasks I give her exemplary well. If such a girl were my granddaughter, I would never marry her off."
Maomao praised Ruozhu in return, and the two of them continued talking and laughing. Yet a trace of sadness lurked deep within Old Lady Meng’s eyes, hidden from sight.
...
On the way back, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help asking, "Did you send someone to fetch the cordyceps last night? Against my expectations, it was quite big. You’re really generous."
The indifferent facade Jiang Yichun wore in front of others had melted away, softening his brows and eyes, "Why shouldn’t I? The cordyceps belonged to my collection. Using them when the occasion calls is only logical. Giving it to Old Lady Meng who truly appreciated you was just common courtesy."
"That’s kind of you, you really splurged," Bai Ruozhu grumbled with a chuckle, but she felt warm inside.
Upon returning home, Jiang Yichun left to attend to some matters while Bai Ruozhu accompanied Dengdeng to the backyard to chat with her father.
"Father, I’ve spoken to old Shen; you’re set to supply cucumber sprouts to him. He can make it into a special dish, so start preparing when you have the time," Bai Ruozhu said.
The cucumber sprouts Bai Ruozhu mentioned were found in modern farmhouses, where small cucumber sprouts topped with yellow flowers were considered delicious and crunchy. Yet, common farmers considered it a waste. A plate full of these small cucumbers could have been grown into full-sized cucumbers, enough to make several plates of sautéed cucumber.
Thankfully, Bai Yihong had now accepted Bai Ruozhu’s concepts, wholeheartedly embracing these novel items. He nodded repeatedly, saying, "OK, I’ll take care of it in our newly purchased field."
Bai Yihong recently managed to conclude a long-postponed task: purchasing land outside Beiyu City. Fortunately, unlike last time, they met no cheaters on this occasion and successfully transferred the title deed to their name.
...
After leaving the Bai residence, Jiang Yichun rode to the Commerce Association to meet Elder Lin.
"Old man, if I can persuade Ruozhu to be your successor, would you be willing to help me out?" Jiang Yichun straightforwardly asked as he sat in Elder Lin’s residence.
Lin Zhenghui stroked his snowy beard, his eyes gleaming, "Oh? You’re even daring to sell out Ruozhu? She’s a shrewd woman; beware she doesn’t find out and take retribution."
Jiang Yichun laughed, "What do you mean ’sell out’? Don’t stir up trouble with that kind of language. I believe her additional identity would offer her extra protection and would even be beneficial to her future business endeavors."
"So, what’s this big favor you’re asking instigating?" Despite Jiang Yichun’s enticing words, Lin Zhenghui’s years of plotting kept him from being easily swayed.
Jiang Yichun’s humor receded, adopting a serious demeanor. He lowered his voice and said, "Help me ascend to the leadership position in Loushanglou."
Lin Zhenghui was taken aback, staring wide-eyed at him, "Novel When did you start harboring this ambition? Weren’t you not even interested in being a hall master before?"
"The past is the past. Now that I have a wife and child, I must have sufficient powers to protect them. I’ll tell you straight, the Department of Political History has long sought to get rid of Ruozhu," said Jiang Yichun.
This surprised Lin Zhenghui even further, "I finally found a successor and now the Department of Political History is targeting her? Explain the situation to me right away, the more I hear, the more confused I become."
"For the sake of saving her brother, Ruozhu offered her knowledge of medical skills to the Imperial Court. However, the Department of Political History leaked the information, attracting Chengshui Country to capture her. The department intends to kill her as preventative measure," Jiang Yichun’s eyes sparkled ominously as he finished. The Department of Political History harbored murderous intentions towards Bai Ruozhu; this person could not be left alive.
"They are absolutely outrageous! The department leaked the information themselves, yet when problems arise, they kill the meritorious personnel. I don’t think you should get involved with them anymore; the Department of Political History is becoming shameless!" Lin Zhenghui’s fury showed as he spoke, his beard flicking upright.
"Given my current strength, it wouldn’t be hard to seize the leadership of Loushanglou, but it isn’t a certainty. If you offer your full support, success is guaranteed. Despite being officials in the Imperial Court, there are too many restrictions and red tape. It’s better to cultivate an unseen power for contingencies," Jiang Yichun concluded, his gaze falling once again on Lin Zhenghui.
Lin Zhenghui stayed silent for a while, clearly conflicted. Suddenly, he raised his head to look at Jiang Yichun, his eyes and voice harsher, "Tell me honestly, if you become the leader of Loushanglou, you won’t use the organization’s power for revenge, would you? Remember, your father wouldn’t want you seeking vengeance!"
"I don’t have the energy for revenge. But the matter of them crippling my arm can’t be put to rest merely like this. Plus, if they dare to plot against Ruozhu in the future, they can’t blame me for being ruthless," Jiang Yichun’s eyes radiated a cold light.
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Thanks to book friends Blue Elf, Elly, Same Sky, Baby, Facing Life with a Smile, Sky of the Bright Moon, Bewitching Empress, Chaochao, Osoalc, "if...", Shout Shout, Cold Wind, Zero Ji Ve Du, Forget-me-not, Next Stop, Stay Here, Xiao Zuo, User1360329393, Forget You are Laughing at the Solidified Corner of Your Mouth, Su Yang, little left for the rewards. I am smiling in my dreams every day thanks to the rewards, hehe~