Chapter 9 - 00: Praise repeatedly, but do not flatter insincerely
Upon seeing Bai Ruozhu's clear gaze and a resolute carriage that hinted at a scholar's pride, Grandpa Bai perceived her in a new light, a granddaughter who compared favorably with the daughters of distinguished families viewed in the past in the city. Apprehension gripped him as a thought crossed his mind, could he have misunderstood her?
Observing his father's demeanor, Bai Yihong, anxious, pleaded, "Father, you have seen how Ruozhu has grown, she is not inferior to any maiden of an average family, could you not trust us this once?"
"So now it's that I do not trust you?" Although Grandpa Bai was hesitant, he cherished his self-esteem and would not concede he was wrong. "I am now burdened with your worries at this venerable age. After much difficulty, Zepei has got through as a pupil, promising a bright future. How he will fare if this disgrace affects his career prospect?"
Each member of Bai Ruozhu's family was taken aback by Grandpa Bai's words, all of them intuitively turning their eyes to Bai Zepei.
Bai Zepei took a step forward to pay respect to his grandfather. His lean frame stood tall and straight, "Grandfather, please rest assured. In the event of my sister's husband's permanent absence, I will take care of her and my nephew. Furthermore, I will definitely pass the Imperial Examination next year to become a Scholar!"
Bai Ruozhu looked at her second brother in surprise, observing his determined look, seemingly filled with resolution. She felt a sweet bitterness wash over her. Her father and elder brother suffered beatings for her while her second brother made a promise for her sake. She felt a strong sense of gratitude towards the men in her family. Being reborn in such a family, what more could she ask for?
Bai Zepei's confident announcement took everyone by surprise. Although no one would typically make such a confident assertion because the exam scenario is subject to change and passing the Imperial Examination is notably a difficult task, making such a sweeping statement might come across as bragging.
However, at that moment, observing Bai Zepei's determined countenance, Grandpa Bai couldn't help but believe his words. He felt a sense of hope, acknowledging that, perhaps this grandson of his, the one most resembling himself, might surpass him one day.
Bai Yibo, watching from the side, clicked his teeth and grumbled discontentedly: "You think it's easy to pass the Examination, don't you? It seems so easy when you're not the one doing it."
Bai Zepei turned to look directly at Bai Yibo, saying: "My uncle is not wrong, it indeed is difficult to pass. Many spend their entire lives without becoming a Scholar. Whether or not I am boasting will be clear next year."
"What do you mean...?" Bai Yibo shouted, finding himself being referred to as one of the 'many'."
Bai Zepei turned his head away, refusing to answer or acknowledge him. Bai Yibo became so angry and frustrated that he kept shouting, but to no avail. He exhaled heavily, causing his nostrils to flare.
While Bai Yibo lost his composure through his rant, Bai Zepei, on the contrary, stood as resolute as a pine tree, bearing a faint aura of arrogance. It appeared that Bai Yibo was left far behind in comparison.
Refusing to indulge this any further, Grandpa Bai intervened, ordering: "Eldest, keep quiet for a while. It has nothing to do with you, go back to your room and study."
With Grandpa Bai's command stated, Bai Yibo grudgingly left the main room. However, his demeanor did not suggest he had any intentions of settling in to study.
With fewer people, the room became a great deal quieter. Seeing that Granpda Bai was not intending to chastise her any further, Bai Ruozhu too sheathed her claws.
"Thank you for trusting me, Grandpa. When the child is born, I will need you to name him, for everyone in the village praises you as an erudite. The names you chose for my father, elder uncle, and brothers are indeed extraordinary." Regardless of her personal feelings towards Grandpa Bai, he was, afterall, her father's own father. Maintaining harmonious relations would spare her father the difficulty he faced when his relationship with Grandpa Bai was threatened earlier. She had witnessed how her father's eyes turned red when Grandpa Bai threatened to sever ties.
Grandpa Bai was most delighted when others complimented his literary talent and erudition. Hearing Bai Ruozhu use two idioms, his mood instantly improved.
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"We will deal with it later." However, he could not bring himself to shift his attitude for fear of losing face.
An inward chuckle escaped Bai Ruozhu, she was right - Grandpa Bai loved this flattery.
"It definitely has to be Grandpa. His literary talent is the best in our family. If it's a boy, he should also learn from Grandpa just like my elder and second brothers. After studying under Grandpa, they are now admired by everyone in the village." Bai Ruozhu added.
Without batting an eye, Bai Zepei chimed solemnly: "Without Grandpa, I would not be where I am today, let alone pass the Imperial Examination."
Bai Ruozhu gave her second brother an approving glance, he was truly a dark horse.
"Though my academic endeavors have not been fruitful, my principles in life were imparted by Grandpa. They are valuable teachings that will serve me well throughout my life." Bai Zehao eagerly joined in showering Grandpa with flattery.
Listening to the praise, Grandpa Bai was increasingly joyous, "I have indeed given instruction to the descendants of the Bai family. Zepei's accomplishments are not just our family's pride but also result from his own diligence. Your humility and manners are commendable. Zehao, you too are among the promising youngsters in our village. The fact that I have been able to guide you two gratifies me."
Bai Yihong and Lin Ping'er exchanged glances, in each other's eyes shone delight - it seemed Grandpa was no more angry.
Bai Ruozhu discreetly winked at Bai Zehao, a sly twinkle in her eye. Bai Zehao looked at Bai Ruozhu, feeling a strange mix of emotions. His little sister, after going through such a shocking event, had matured greatly. While she seemed to have become more open-hearted, he wondered if she could ever be as happy as she once was.
"Father, if there's nothing else, we will take your leave now, as mother needs to be informed. There are also chores awaiting us home." Noting that the major issue at hand had been resolved, Bai Yihong proposed their departure.
Grandpa Bai glanced at the wound on Bai Yihong's head, then at upright Bai Zepei and waved, saying: "Go back to work. From now on, be more careful. Don't let our Bai family lose face."
The family went to the kitchen to bid farewell to Granny Bai. She rubbed her hands nervously and said, "You aren't staying for a meal?"
Lin Ping'er turned her eyes, with a twinkle in them, and replied with a grin, "It's been a long while since we last dined with you, how about we delay our departure?"
Upon hearing this, Granny Bai quickly sought Bai Yihong's consent, saying, "Oh, you should have signaled before coming. I didn't prepare much food. Maybe I should cook more?"
Bai Yihong coughed once, feeling awkward, "Mother, there is no need for trouble, we are leaving."
Listening to this, Granny Bai heaved a big sigh of relief. "Alright, do inform us in advance next time."
Bai Ruozhu pouted, the old woman was indeed as stingy as she was in her previous life.
After leaving the old mansion of the Bai family, Lin Ping'er grumbled in annoyance: "We better limit our visits here unless necessary, it feels so suffocating."
Bai Yihong did not respond. He merely hummed in response.
Bai Ruozhu looked at the wound on her father's face once again and then looked at the wound on her elder brother's shoulder. As Grandpa Bai was old and though he read a lot, he was frail. Hence, their injuries were superficial and had not affected their muscles or bones.
Once home, Lin Ping'er brought hot water, intending to dress Bai Yihong and Bai Zehao's wounds, but Bai Ruozhu hurriedly stopped her.