Chapter 792 - 794: The Lady Does Not Accept Male Disciples
Jiang Yichun immediately deflated, feeling that it might be better if he stayed silent on such matters.
Suddenly, he thought of something, his expression turning serious.
"You’re close with Tu Ying; maybe you should discuss this with the Tu siblings privately. Tu Lie probably feels threatened due to my sudden rise and my youth. He constantly looks for ways to give me trouble." Jiang Yichun touched his nose awkwardly. "Causing me trouble is of no concern. I can handle it. But some people are using this to foster a beneficial relationship with him, specifically people from Prince Duan’s side."
Bai Ruozhu was taken aback, "Does Tu Lie not know? Or is he intentionally getting closer to Prince Duan?"
"It’s hard to say. They all belong to the royal family, and Prince Duan is no less legitimate than others. Therefore, it’s not surprising if some get close or align with him," Jiang Yichun responded, his expression growing cold. "But Beiyu City holds a unique position and can be considered a stronghold in the Northwest, along with Tu Lie’s high-ranking position. If this continues, the emperor might think of a way to deal with him."
Bai Ruozhu was startled and hurriedly said, "Wouldn’t it be a pity if he genuinely decided to ally with Prince Duan due to this?"
Jiang Yichun shook his head, "The Emperor wouldn’t give him such an opportunity."
"In that case, it appears that most of his current behavior is due to resentment of your rapid rise to power. Seeing your youth, he is being childish. I will talk to the Tu siblings, to avoid the Tu Family displeasing the Emperor." Bai Ruozhu said.
Jiang Yichun nodded, "If it weren’t for you being close to Tu Ying, I wouldn’t bother with these matters."
Bai Ruozhu laughed at his arrogant attitude and responded, "Indeed, Minister Jiang, you’re always busy."
The next day, Bai Yihong took Bai Ruozhu to see the fields and manor he had purchased. They were accompanied by two property managers.
Vegetable cultivation had already begun at the manor, and Bai Yihong’s cucumber seedlings were sprouting. Following Bai Ruozhu’s method, Lin Ping’er made a quick stir fry, and it turned out to be delicious. The entire family immediately fell in love with these cucumber seedlings.
When Bai Ruozhu arrived at the manor and saw the promising results, she was thrilled. The sight of the vibrant green vegetables whet her appetite. The saying goes that wealthy families grow tired of much meat and fish and would cherish the fresh young vegetables. She had no doubt that her suburban resort manor would be a hit.
"Father, let’s have a pond over there to raise some fish. This is perfect for guests who enjoy fishing. Over here, let’s build a pavilion. In the future, guests can pick their vegetables, fish from the pond, and have barbecues. Our manor should cater to providing unique, novelty dishes, and a different kind of experience to the customers." Afterward, she turned to the two managers and said, "From now on, you’ll assist my father wholeheartedly and help get this resort manor up and running."
The two property managers were previously assigned to various errands, but now they were excited to hear about this novel venture. They were aware of Bai Ruozhu’s successful proposals at the Commerce Association. Whatever Bai Ruozhu pursued turned into a money-spinner, much to their benefit.
"In the future, we’ll provide grilled fish and barbecue, homegrown vegetables, and we should add in a hot pot too." As Bai Ruozhu spoke, she found herself salivating. Suddenly, she was looking forward to the opening of the agritainment venture. She found her own idea rather pleasing and fun.
The nobles of Danliang Country enjoyed picnics. They often traveled by car, and young men would go horse riding, hunting in the suburbs. It was leisurely and carefree. The addition of this agritainment venture would certainly provide them with another great place to spend their leisure time.
Bai Ruozhu toured the entire manor with her father. Bai Yihong, filled with excitement, showed his daughter each new development. Soon Zhou Deshun’s family arrived. They were now living quite comfortably on the manor, and the prospect of the venture making money filled them with hope.
"I am planning to find a wife for Zhou Chuang by the end of the year." Zhou’s wife chattered excitedly with Bai Ruozhu while expressing deep gratitude to Bai Ruozhu for treating their son’s illness.
"Those were minor health issues, just needed some management. Be sure to rest adequately in the future." Bai Ruozhu responded, holding Zhou’s wife’s hand, "Why not wait for another year or two? By that time, the manor would have generated more profits. You could then buy a more substantial house or land for Zhou Chuang. With more resources, you’ll have a wider choice for his future wife."
Zhou’s wife thought of it as a reasonable plan. It’s not about being materialistic; it’s just about ensuring compatibility between families, so they are more likely to get along better in the future.
"Ever since I mentioned that my old folks and Zhou Taohua’s family plan to move near us, his second uncle has planned to come as well. I tried to discourage them, but they have already found jobs and will come next month. They rented out their fields and claimed that they wouldn’t bother us. Who knows? Let me let you know though that Taohua is still unmarried. Their actions are only becoming more suspicious."
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but feel hostile towards Zhou Taohua and her mother when she thought of their ingratitude. As long as they did not interfere in her business, she would tolerate their presence.
"Be careful, aunty. Ensure that they are not exploiting you." Bai Ruozhu cautioned.
"Yes, I should be more careful," Zhou’s wife echoed, taking Bai Ruozhu’s warning seriously.
After spending a little while more at the manor, Bai Ruozhu returned home with her father. In the evening, Bai Zepei came home and announced that he would participate in the competition held by the Eight Great Academies in Jiangnan, and would be leaving on the eighth of next month.
The family was both happy for him and saddened by his impending departure. They stayed up late into the night, chatting and reminiscing about how quickly time has passed since they were living in Anyuan Town.
The next morning, a visitor came to the Bai household. A maid announced that a young lady and young man were seeking an audience with Bai Ruozhu. She immediately thought of Tu Ying and Tu Bai. Laughing, she said to Jiang Yichun, "See, I didn’t have to look for them. They came to me, saving me the trouble."
But upon greeting her guests, she discovered that it was not Tu Ying and Tu Bai, but unexpectedly, Diao Yao and Chu Hai from the Bihai Sect
"Sister Bai, we finally found you! How could you just go without leaving a note?" Diao Yao complained.
Facing the little girl’s reproachful look, Bai Ruozhu felt awkward asking them to leave. She simply said, "I had to rush back to handle my poisoning."
Chu Hai swiftly moved in front of Bai Ruozhu and excitedly reached for her wrist. "Have you cured your poison?"
However, before Bai Ruozhu could react, a shadowy figure swooped in, striking Chu Hai’s hand away. He protectively pulled Bai Ruozhu behind his back.
"Who are you? How dare you lay a finger on my wife?" Jiang Yichun glared at Chu Hai coldly as if he were about to rip him apart on the spot.
Diao Yao quickly pulled Chu Hai back and explained, "We are disciples from the Bihai Sect. Brother Chu didn’t mean any harm. He merely wishes to ask Sister Bai to be his mentor, to learn medical skills from her."
"No!" Jiang Yichun decisively declared, "My wife does not accept male disciples!"
Bai Ruozhu also intended to reject the idea, but Jiang Yichun pre-empted her. With him declaring no male disciples allowed, she couldn’t help but twitch in amusement. Just how obvious did her husband intend to make his jealousness?