Chapter 94 - 094 I Will Live Well
The old master incredulously looked at "the grandson most like himself." In his mind, having a daughter was the same as having an outsider. The old saying goes, "A married daughter is like spilled water". Was there a real need to care so much for a child with a different last name?
He couldn’t believe that Er Lang dared to publicly oppose him. Thinking about it, he remembered everything that happened today. The rage in his heart became uncontrollable, and he impulsively slapped Bai Zepei.
With the sharp crack of the slap, the onlookers went silent. The scene around the entryway of the Bai family home was surreal; everyone either gaped or widened their eyes, creating a curious calm.
While everyone was still stunned, Bai Zepei once again paid a deep respect to his grandfather, then calmly expressed, "Grandpa, your teachings are correct, yet I still hold the same conviction: Ruozhu will always be my sister."
Old master took deep breaths, pointing at Bai Zepei, "You, you..." but he struggled to say more.
He wanted to scold Bai Zepei for being an unworthy grandson, but every time he saw him, he would pay his respects. Even after a slap, he bore no grudge, reaffirmed his respect, and acknowledged his teachings. How could he accuse Bai Zepei of being an unfilial son? However, Bai Zepei’s protection of Bai Ruozhu was a pill the old master couldn’t swallow.
Bai Yibo quickly stepped in to support the old master, patting him on the back to ease his vexed spirit then turned to Bai Zepei, "Er Lang, after reading so many books, how could you let your grandpa get so upset? What would become of him if he passed away from the distress?"
"I don’t understand what uncle means, when did I ever disrespect grandpa? Or do anything disgraceful to our family?" Bai Zepei remained steady and composed. Everyone thought a fight would break out, yet against all odds, Bai Zepei remained calm and reserved, choosing the demeanor of a scholar over confrontation.
Bai Yibo, lacking Bai Zepei’s grace, retaliated, "By infuriating grandpa to this point isn’t that disrespecting him? Does defending Bai Ruozhu, a monetary liability, seem worth it?"
"Uncle, do you not also have a daughter? And sisters?" Bai Zepei retorted, unphased.
Everyone turned to Bai Yibo, curious to hear if he’d label his own daughters and sisters as "monetary liabilities" like he did with Bai Ruozhu. Bai Yibo grunted, muttering, "It’s not the same." His confidence, however, was notably shaken.
Bai Zepei ignored him thereafter, again paid his respects to the old master, and said, "Grandpa, I didn’t mean to upset you. My younger sister is about to give birth. Once the child’s father returns, we must give him an answer. So, I ask for your understanding if I promptly return home."
Upon finishing his words, he entered the house without looking back. He made no further request for the old master to enter. The door remained open, but Zhou Deshun had blocked it.
"Uncle Bai, are you not going to come in and have some tea?" Zhou Deshun asked with a pleasant smile, then turned to Bai Yibo, "Brother Bai, could you lower your voice? You’ve already scared the young woman, let’s not disturb her giving birth."
At that moment, an old onlooker shouted, "The birth of a new generation is a big deal, let them give birth in peace!"
Others joined, chanting in agreement. Everyone saw that the old master and others are not here to make amends, they were obviously here to cause trouble. They wouldn’t even let the family give birth in peace, shameless.
Bai Fu’s face reddened and paled with embarrassment amid the comments from the onlookers. He wanted to enter the house and give Bai Yihong a proper scolding, but he worried about the dishonor his eldest son would endure from the village. Finally, after a moment’s hesitation, he tossed his sleeve, sighed, "Children and grandchildren have their own destinies. I’m too old to manage it all. I’m going home." After finishing his statement, he turned to leave, Bai Yibo, his third son, and Mrs. Wang quickly followed; they hadn’t any desire to come in the first place, and they simply wished to leave as soon as possible.
Only when they dispersed did they notice the small figure of the fourth son standing alone. His young face marked by brutality, yet he showed no tears or tantrums. He stood there, staring straight at the gate of Bai family’s second house, lost in thought.
Bai Yihong saw him through the crack in the door. His heart ached, and he quickly said, "Let’s bring the fourth son in. When the midwife arrives, let her take a look at his injuries. He’s too young to get seriously hurt."
Zhou Deshun quickly gestured for the fourth son to come in, inviting him into the room.
Before, no one paid attention to Bai family’s fourth son, the child that everyone believed was "a bit foolish". Now, his acts of "righteous indignation" had drawn people’s attention; they discovered that he wasn’t foolish, he just chose not to speak.
The fourth son went into the yard and ignored everyone else, instead heading straight for Bai Ruozhu’s room. He ignored Bai Yihong’s warning not to enter, and walked straight in to find Bai Ruozhu.
"Are you going to die?" the fourth son asked expressionlessly once he saw Bai Ruozhu.
Bai Ruozhu forced out a small smile and said, "No, I’m going to be fine. You’re also going to have a little nephew."
This child was previously neglected by everyone, now there was also the concern for him, she thought. He will surely do better in the future.
"That’s good." the fourth son nodded, then turned and walked out.
Zhou Deshun’s daughter-in-law was surprised, she said to Bai Ruozhu, "This child seems very fond of you."
"He’s closed off his mind, and I just helped him open a window," Bai Ruozhu spoke in a breathless tone.
In general, after labor starts, it’s advised to move around to speed up the process of dilation. With her water already broken, Bai Ruozhu was unable to stand, let alone walk, so her dilation progressed slowly. She estimated there was still a long way to go.
Zhou Deshun’s daughter-in-law checked the time and said, "I will go make some noodles for you. You might need the strength later."
Bai Ruozhu hurriedly thanked her, knowing this was not the time to be polite.
Upon hearing that Bai Ruozhu needed noodles, Bai Zehao rushed to help in the kitchen, with Bai Zepei fetching water. A bowl of noodles was quickly prepared with two poached eggs nested within.
Bai Ruozhu actually had no appetite but endured the pain and ate the noodles slowly, spoonful by spoonful. Zhou Deshun’s daughter-in-law appreciated her more for being sensible as she saw her bearing the pain without crying or complaining.
After Bai Ruozhu finished eating the noodles, Fang Guizhi came rushing in. A red mark could be seen on her face, probably from her mother forbidding her to come to the Bai house, and she ran away instead.
Seeing her, Bai Ruozhu teared up, "Silly girl, you’re yet to be married. It’s not appropriate for you to be here. You should go home later."
However, Fang Guizhi insisted on staying. She was worried about Bai Ruozhu.
In a little while, Wan Caiyue’s mother, Mrs. Wan, also came over to help. Since Wan Caiyue was about to marry Bai Zehao, it would be inappropriate for her to come over at this moment. However, as a woman who had previously given birth, Mrs. Wan could offer much more assistance than Caiyue herself.
As everyone anxiously waited, Zhao Ludan arrived at the door of the Bai’s home with his donkey cart, shouting, "Make way! The midwife has arrived, don’t delay her!"