Chapter 829 - 831 Company of Beauty_1
The two boarded the carriage, and Tu Ying, with a flushed face, grabbed Bai Ruozhu’s arm and asked, "I heard your second brother was injured in an assassination attempt, what exactly happened?"
The Bai Family did not publicize Bai Zepei’s injury, and people like Qin Kaichang dared not speak of it elsewhere. Even when the Academy’s instructors came to visit, they thought Bai Zepei had merely caught a cold and was just recovering from a serious illness.
"It was a Dark Arrow that hit him in the chest, but thankfully it missed his heart, and he’s mostly recovered now," Bai Ruozhu, not wanting Tu Ying to worry, explained briefly. However, Tu Ying’s grip on Bai Ruozhu’s arm involuntarily tightened, causing a bit of pain, which Bai Ruozhu endured without a sound.
"What? That dangerous?" Tu Ying exclaimed, quickly realizing her lapse and hastily released Bai Ruozhu’s arm, apologetically saying, "I’m sorry, did I hurt you? I’m a lot stronger than most women."
"It’s nothing, do I look that fragile?" Bai Ruozhu said with a smile.
Tu Ying felt somewhat annoyed that she hadn’t sought out Bai Ruozhu sooner. They had had an unpleasant falling out due to someone stirring up trouble between her parents, Jiang Yichun, and Bai Ruozhu. Ashamed, they avoided visiting the Bai Family. On top of that, she was somewhat inclined to keep her distance after being rejected by Bai Zepei.
Had she known about the grave danger Bai Zepei faced, she would have visited him regardless of everything.
"Did you find out who did it?" Tu Ying’s eyes flashed with hatred; she clearly loathed whoever had hurt Bai Zepei.
Bai Ruozhu was touched to see Tu Ying still caring for her second brother like this, but regrettably, her brother was a bit stubborn. Perhaps once he embarked on an official career and his status changed, he might accept Tu Ying. It was just uncertain whether Tu Ying could wait that long.
Regrettably, Bai Ruozhu was unaware of her second brother’s true feelings. If he truly loved Tu Ying, how could he let her go so easily?
"We only know a killer did it, nothing more so far," Bai Ruozhu thought it over and decided not to tell Tu Ying the whole truth. She was afraid Tu Ying might confront Wang Miaoshuang, and even though Wang Miaoshuang had already returned to the Capital, it was still better not to create unnecessary complications.
"Does Bai Zepei have any enemies that you know of?" Tu Ying asked, then murmured, "He shouldn’t have; although he’s a bit aloof, he doesn’t easily offend people. How could he have made such a powerful enemy? Besides, even those jealous of his knowledge wouldn’t dare to take such a risk to hire a killer, would they?"
Bai Ruozhu’s face felt a little hot; the person was indeed not someone her brother had provoked, but someone she had.
Tu Ying mused to herself for a while, finding no leads, and thus temporarily cast the thought aside.
"My brother’s also participating in the competition. I pestered my parents to let me accompany them, so I’ll be able to travel with you," Tu Ying said with a smile, her face lighting up once more.
Bai Ruozhu was also delighted when she heard this. Though she had Jiang Yichun and her second brother for company on the journey, they were all men with their own duties, none as close to her as a fellow young lady like Tu Ying.
"That’s wonderful, we can share a carriage. I’m just worried my son might disturb you," Bai Ruozhu said cheerfully.
"It’s fine. My aunt lived with us for a while, and my little cousin was about the same age as your Dengdeng. She was quite a handful, but I took care of her for some time, so I’m used to it," Tu Ying replied.
Bai Ruozhu hadn’t expected Tu Ying to have experience with children. Seeing that she didn’t bring a maid along and Tu Bai had no attendants, it seemed that the Tu Family encouraged independence, with the children taking care of their own affairs. With an extra child at home, it only made sense for Tu Ying to help out.
Thinking of Tu Bai, Bai Ruozhu hadn’t expected his academic skills to be so commendable, as those selected to represent the Academy in the competition were definitely the cream of the crop.
Over the next two days of conversation, Bai Ruozhu learned that Tu Bai’s academics were actually average. He was chosen for the delegation because he ranked first in horsemanship and archery, not so much as scholarship. The Eight Academy Competition wasn’t solely about literary grace but also included equestrian and archery events. Danliang Country’s academies placed great emphasis on the comprehensive development of virtue, intelligence, and physique.
As they were talking, there was movement from the Study Palace, and Bai Ruozhu immediately lifted the curtain to look. The Study Palace was now on holiday, so those emerging from inside must certainly be members of the delegation.
Indeed, it was Tu Bai, Qin Kaichang, and her second brother Bai Zepei who were speaking.
"That Dang Youshen is obviously targeting you. Who knows why he feels so proud of himself? Even if his scholarship is excellent, what of it? He still had to retake the exam three years ago after failing," Tu Bai said, clearly very angry as he spoke while walking with evident displeasure.
Qin Kaichang gave a wry smile. "We really haven’t offended him; I have no idea where his envious hatred comes from."
Bai Zepei, who was usually serene, suddenly said, "I heard that his maternal uncle Jiao Congwen is one of Prince Duan’s men."
Tu Bai’s face revealed a sudden realization, then he spat in disgust and muttered, "Traitorous scoundrels."
"Brother Tu must not speak recklessly," Bai Zepei said sternly.
Tu Bai shrank his neck and hurriedly shut his mouth.
Tu Ying also saw her brother and the others, quickly got off the horse carriage, and greeted the trio with hesitation before asking, "Bai Second Brother, you’re feeling a lot better, right?"
Bai Zepei nodded, "I’ve largely recovered."
Bai Ruozhu also got out of the carriage and just happened to see her second brother looking so pale and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. With that kind of demeanor, her brother was unlikely to charm a girl—good girls are slipping through his fingers.
Tu Ying was taken aback and didn’t know what else to say. As they were setting off the next day, Qin Kaichang said his farewells, and Tu Ying and Tu Bai also took their leave.
Upon returning to the carriage, Bai Ruozhu and her brother Bai Zepei, Bai Ruozhu asked, "Second Brother, are people at the Academy targeting you?"
Bai Zepei shook his head in resignation, "Tu Bai speaks too loudly. You don’t need to worry about this; your second brother can handle it himself."
Bai Ruozhu gave him a disdainful roll of her eyes, "Of course, I know you can handle it. I just wanted to know more about the delegation. Have you forgotten my husband is in charge of protecting you all? If someone causes trouble, he’ll be responsible too."
"I will talk to him," Bai Zepei said coldly, dropping one last remark before closing his eyes to rest, as though he was truly exhausted.
Bai Ruozhu felt annoyed inside. What did he mean by that? Did he look down on her because she was a woman?
The Academy wasn’t far from home; if it wasn’t for the fact that Bai Zepei was just recovering from a serious injury, there wouldn’t have been a need for a horse carriage. Almost in the blink of an eye, they were back at their front door. Bai Ruozhu and her brother got out of the carriage. Wa San glanced at Bai Ruozhu and followed them inside, heading to the main house to kowtow and bid farewell to Bai Yihong and his wife.
Bai Yihong was surprised to hear of his departure but understood when he heard that Wa San wanted to take some capital and try his luck elsewhere. Bai Yihong was reluctant to let him go without giving some silver, but Wa San adamantly refused this time, saying, "Miss has already rewarded me generously with a considerable amount of silver. If I take more from the master, I truly wouldn’t be able to leave this house with any dignity."
Hearing this, Bai Yihong had no choice but to stop insisting, and in the end, he bid Wa San a reluctant farewell.