Chapter 758 - 760: Have you taken a liking to her man?
"What?" Bai Ruozhu cried out, "Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Her husband is dead, how will she survive with two children?"
Jiang Yichun scratched his head with a dry laugh, saying: "She still has relatives on her husband’s side and her own family. You shouldn’t worry too much about it."
Bai Ruozhu calmed down, yes, she was worrying too much. Niu Cuihua was pitiful, but she was not a charity. Plus, this situation was quite special. If the Imperial Court learned about Xiaosi’s identity, and coupled with the fact that Xuantian Mountain hadn’t been eradicated yet, Xiaosi would surely arouse discontent from some people in the court, including that sinister and ruthless Sun Chengchao.
The failure against Batianzhai was embarrassing for the government, although it was because Li Yi had infiltrated them, but it must have left a deep grudge in Sun Chengchao’s heart.
"You’re right, how is she doing now?" Bai Ruozhu asked.
"I’m not sure, I haven’t had the time to check on her since." Jiang Yichun replied.
Bai Ruozhu thought about how he almost lost his life at Xuantian Mountain, only to return home and travel to the capital a few days later. On his way, he hurried back day and night to save her. After that, he had to be wary of Zhou Jue. How could he have the energy to care about anything else?
After a while, Sui Ge had found six trusted embroiderers and brought them to Bai Ruozhu in the yard. Bai Ruozhu saw that they were all very honest and had clean backgrounds. She taught them simple needlework techniques and promised them a high monthly salary as teachers at the Weaving Pavilion.
The six of them were thrilled. They had been living a hard life, working day and night to embroider for others for meager wages. Now that they had met such a kind-hearted master, their future days would be much better.
"Master, when are you going to start the shop in the capital?" Sui Ge asked with an ambitious expression.
"Let’s wait until after the Imperial Examination. Both manpower and shop location are an issue. Once the shop opens, I plan to hold an autumn new product launch conference together with the one in Beiyu City." Bai Ruozhu replied.
Sui Ge had heard of Hua Xiangrong’s launch events and regretted not being able to see them for himself. He asked, "The shop in Beiyu City is going to have a summer launch event soon, right? I’d like to go and see, participate in it, and gain some experience."
Seeing such enthusiasm from her subordinate, Bai Ruozhu immediately agreed.
A few days later, an imperial edict arrived from the palace. The Empress Dowager invited Bai Ruozhu to her birthday banquet. Not long after, Wang ZhenRu came looking for her, calling out in a familiar tone, "Sister Bai, the Empress Dowager has invited you to her birthday feast, hasn’t she? Shall we go together?"
Bai Ruozhu was a little uncomfortable and found an excuse to go see the children, freeing herself from Wang ZhenRu’s grip.
Returning to her room, Bai Ruozhu grimaced at Jiang Yichun, "That Miss Wang is really annoying. Despite our poor relationship, she insisted on cozying up to me. I think she’s even older than me, and yet she keeps calling me ’sister’."
Laughing while holding the baby, Jiang Yichun said, "Is someone giving you a hard time for a change? Isn’t it normally the other way around where others find you unbearable?"
"Don’t attack someone who is all smiles," Bai Ruozhu retorted, "Plus, she has robust support. If I start a fight, wouldn’t it give the Wang family an excuse to hassle with me?" She rolled her eyes at him. Did he think she had it easy, having to pander to that woman?
Sighing, she grabbed a half-knitted skirt and left.
Since Wang ZhenRu had gifted her with a high-valued item last time, and Bai Ruozhu not liking owing others, she decided to return the favor with the knitted skirt.
Wang ZhenRu was delighted with the gift and cooed at Bai Ruozhu again, saying, "Sister Bai, you are just too kind!"
While the two were chatting, a messenger arrived announcing the arrival of Leng Wanhua.
Bai Ruozhu immediately perked up, "Please show Miss Leng in."
With Leng Wanhua present, Wang ZhenRu wouldn’t dare pester her. She secretly glanced at Wang ZhenRu’s expression, chuckling quietly to herself. These two were adversaries, weren’t they? They always seemed to bump into each other.
Leng Wanhua quickly made her entrance in her usual brisk manner. She had recently dressed in a vibrant red, looking like a beautiful flower. This made Bai Ruozhu involuntarily think of another person - Tu Ying.
Tu Ying also loved wearing red - often donning red riding costumes that gave her a sharp appearance. Bai Ruozhu wondered how Tu Ying was doing now. Had everything between her and her second brother truly ended?
"Sister Bai, what are you daydreaming about?" Leng Wanhua quickly approached Bai Ruozhu and waved her white hand in front of her eyes.
Bai Ruozhu came back to her senses and smiled, saying, "I was just thinking about my family back in Beiyu City. I wonder if my second brother is still too engrossed in his studies to take a break."
"I heard your second brother is exceptionally talented. My uncle speaks highly of him." Leng Wanhua said with a delighted grin, referring to Meng Liangshen.
Seeing that Leng Wanhua had stolen the limelight, Wang ZhenRu leaned in and added, "My aunt also said that Sister Bai’s second brother has twice come out on top in the examinations. His future is immeasurable!"
Leng Wanhua gave Bai Ruozhu a look and they intentionally ignored Wang ZhenRu’s comment. "Sister Bai, let’s sit together during the palace banquet. That way, we can look out for each other."
"Okay, I’m unfamiliar with many things here in the capital, so I’ll have to trouble you." Bai Ruozhu said politely.
Wang ZhenRu appeared displeased. She had also asked Bai Ruozhu earlier, but Bai Ruozhu had skillfully changed the subject. Now Bai Ruozhu had readily agreed to Leng Wanhua’s proposition in front of her, evidently rejecting her.
Being a proud person herself, Wang ZhenRu felt unwelcome and decided to leave. She stood up and said, "Sister Bai, I have matters to attend to at home, so I’ll take my leave now. I’ll see you at the palace banquet."
Bai Ruozhu also stood up and politely offered, "Let me see you out, Miss Wang."
Leng Wanhua followed them out, not saying anything but casting a teasing glance at Wang ZhenRu.
The three ladies emerged from the room just in time to see Jiang Yichun in the yard, passing instructions to his guards. Hearing the commotion, Jiang Yichun turned around and smiled at Bai Ruozhu, saying, "Ruozhu, the Emperor has summoned me to the palace. I was about to leave since you had guests, but it seems you are free now. I must be off, and I might return late."
Bai Ruozhu smiled back at him, "You should hurry, then."
Jiang Yichun didn’t pay any attention to the other two women and left, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor.
Once he was out of earshot, Leng Wanhua covered her mouth and chuckled softly, whispering, "Your husband is really handsome, and he only has eyes for you."
Bai Ruozhu followed her gaze to see Wang ZhenRu blankly staring at the retreating figure of Jiang Yichun, her eyes unusually bright.
"Oh? Is she attracted to my husband?" Bai Ruozhu felt a pang of triumph in her heart. Her husband was indeed handsome, and his aura was incomparable to others. Despite, all they could do was look but not touch.