Chapter 987 - 989 Provoked_1
If it weren’t for the fact that Furball knew Bai Ruozhu was very afraid of Poisonous Insects, it might have shown off the dead bug’s body to Bai Ruozhu.
Even so, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but shiver when she saw the insect, the bug had been inside Achun’s body all along, wouldn’t it have caused damage to his health?
Furball didn’t know what had gotten into it either but suddenly got excited and crawled onto Jiang Yichun’s body, dragging out a thin piece of sheepskin from who knows where, and presented it to Bai Ruozhu as if offering a treasure.
Bai Ruozhu was somewhat curious in her heart, what Jiang Yichun kept close to his body must be very valuable, so how come she didn’t know about it?
But after seeing the words on it clearly, she felt a thump in her heart, Furball had caused trouble and she shouldn’t have seen the secret decree issued by the emperor.
The thin sheepskin seemed to be a copy of an engraving, and there was a line of small text written below, ordering Jiang Yichun to explore the treasure map found in Batianzhai and to report back to the emperor as soon as there was any news.
Bai Ruozhu quickly guessed that it was because not only were a large number of treasures discovered when Batianzhai was being wiped out but also a mysterious map, which perhaps even the people of Batianzhai didn’t know what it was. However, there were many talented individuals around the emperor, and after he got the treasure and studied it in detail, he then issued a secret order to Jiang Yichun.
Jiang Yichun suddenly opened his eyes; as a martial artist, he was always extremely alert while sleeping, so how could he not be aware of changes in his body?
He suddenly saw Bai Ruozhu holding the secret decree, and his eyelids twitched involuntarily.
"Ruozhu, you..."
"Achun, Furball’s awake, it has removed the Life Poisonous Insect from you," Bai Ruozhu pointed at the dead black bug on the floor. Indeed, Jiang Yichun also shuddered when he saw it, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh, and the guilt she had felt before dissipated.
If even Achun found it scary, it was normal for her to be scared too.
Jiang Yichun, somewhat annoyed by her laughter, wrapped his arms around her slender waist and said, "You even dare to mock your husband? Don’t believe I’ll stuff that dead bug down your neck?"
Bai Ruozhu quickly shrank her neck, glaring at him in anger, "Have you forgotten who rid you of the poison? You’re utterly ungrateful."
Their laughter grew louder, waking Little Dengdeng who was sleeping and causing it to cry out in discomfort. The two of them were so scared that they didn’t dare to make another sound.
Bai Ruozhu gave an embarrassed smile; they really lacked the awareness of being parents.
She lowered her voice, explaining, "Furball seems to have a knack for finding treasure, somehow it pulled this from you and gave it to me. It doesn’t understand, it just wanted to show off its merit to me."
Jiang Yichun laughed, his arms still around her waist, "You don’t need to be nervous, even if you saw it I won’t blame you. Keeping it from you was also due to the Imperial Decree, besides, I was afraid that knowing too much you’d get dragged into it."
Bai Ruozhu quickly shoved the sheepskin scroll back to him, "I’m a person with a tight lip, and my memory is not good, as soon as I see something, I forget it. I don’t want to get involved in the emperor’s affairs."
"I alone serve the emperor with my life, but I can’t bear to see you being used by others," Jiang Yichun said, kissing her lips and suddenly rising to carry her to a nearby soft lounge.
Bai Ruozhu panicked inside and quickly said, "You have errands tomorrow, no, you can’t exhaust yourself..."
The corner of his mouth quirked up slightly, and he chuckled in a somewhat mischievous tone, "Who said I was tired? It seems I have to prove to you just how good my stamina is."
Her face flushed to her neck, how could she not know, he had not spared her on any ordinary day.
...
After dawn, the boat docked at the pier in Wuyuan City. Jiang Yichun took his leave with others. Although Bai Ruozhu felt somewhat reluctant, her mood improved considerably since she had resolved the Poisonous Insect curse on his body.
At least that time bomb had been defused.
Soon, she discovered that Yao Yuxuan had left with Jiang Yichun’s group. Considering Yao Yuxuan’s resignation from the Imperial Court, it wasn’t surprising—his mother was the former Grand Princess, and he was related to the current Emperor by blood. As for what title the Emperor should use to address Yao Yuxuan, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t be bothered to figure it out.
Since the ship was not departing until the evening, everyone on board was feeling stifled and looked forward to disembarking to stroll around. Bai Ruozhu arranged for dark guards to follow and took her group down to the city for some recreation.
Bai Lu had worked the fields all year round and was in robust health, showing no signs of discomfort during the journey. Bai Fu and the Liu Family matriarch, however, looked worse for wear and had even lost some weight.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but think of the information a maid taking care of the old lady had reported to her privately the day before. The old lady had been complaining that everyone from Bai Yihong’s family and Bai Lu, Bai Yixiao, looked energetic, while only she and Bai Fu had lost weight, convinced that Bai Ruozhu must’ve been giving them supplements secretly while neglecting her and Bai Fu’s wellbeing.
Bai Ruozhu found it amusing and ridiculous when she heard this. Naturally, those who exercise regularly would be in good health. Did they think replenishing tonics were for casual consumption?
As she mulled over this, she heard the old lady addressing her directly, "Ruozhu, just what good things have you been giving your parents? Even if you dislike me and your Grandpa, couldn’t you spare a thought for our old bones? What if we fall ill on the road and delay your trip?"
As she spoke, the old lady glanced meaningfully at Bo Zheng, the manager accompanying them, clearly intending for him to hear.
A sarcastic smile appeared on Bai Ruozhu’s face as she retorted, "Grandma, why are you looking at Manager Bo? Oh, that’s right, he also looks very energetic. Why don’t you ask him if I’ve secretly given him any special treats?"
Before the matriarch could respond, Bo Zheng spoke up with a smile: "Apart from seasickness medicine, there’s really nothing much. I’ve just been active outside all year round, so I’m used to a bit of hard work, and the road’s hardships don’t bother me."
Bai Ruozhu shot the old lady a glance, "Granny, you lead a life of luxury, so it’s natural you’re not used to this."
Upon hearing "life of luxury," the matriarch perked up instantly, completely missing Bai Ruozhu’s sarcasm. She puffed up with pride as if infused with an adrenaline rush, while Bai Fuqi inwardly cursed in frustration.
Bai Zepei saw his younger sister handle the old lady with just a few words and secretly gave her an approving look. Bai Ruozhu also raised her eyebrows at him—when it came down to it, the old lady relied only on her status to intimidate others, and it was laughable how she didn’t even have a leg to stand on when trying to compete with Bai Ruozhu.
Bai Ruozhu instructed everyone to go shopping together and to meet at the Yingkela Restaurant in the city at noon, while she planned to visit the Commerce Association.
However, upon arriving at the Commerce Association, she found a large crowd gathered outside, making the scene quite lively.
Bai Ruozhu turned to Jianqi and asked, "Is there some special event happening?"
"Not sure, I’ll go take a look," Jianqi replied, then quickly disappeared and soon returned.
"Master, it’s Wuyuan City Commerce Association’s annual Arithmetic Competition. All accountants and anyone skilled in arithmetic can participate. This competition is held once a year and is also a good opportunity for the Commerce Association to select new members," Jianqi reported.
No sooner had Jianqi spoken than an arrogant and somewhat snide voice chimed in, "Well, well, if it isn’t Bai Ruozhu, the one who climbed up the ranks through a man. What, you want to join the competition too? Just don’t embarrass yourself."
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Nono, the dog from Mouka’s family, was treated at the hospital for ten days but passed away in the afternoon. I kept thinking he would get better. Even though the pet shop owner said they would compensate me with another dog, I’m just not in the mood right now. Maybe I’ll think about it after a while.