Chapter 999 - 1001: Pressuring the Liu Family_1
Because in the bustling marketplace, riding a horse or sitting in a horse carriage couldn’t travel too fast, Bai Ruozhu and her party hadn’t gone far. In the carriage, she listened to the conversation between Fan Siniang and Yang Hongwen and understood every detail.
"Second brother, that Fan Siniang is quite cunning as well. Perhaps he also studied at the Imperial Academy," Bai Ruozhu cautioned her second brother.
Bai Zepei’s face held a faint smile, "He openly set a trap for Yang Hongwen, and I dare say his family doesn’t truly care about that singer. Even if he loses, offering a singer is nothing to them, yet it’s enough to bring misfortune upon the Yang Family."
Bai Ruozhu propped her chin, thinking, "Does this count as using us?"
"If we’re talking about using someone, it’s your brother-in-law he’s using. He recognized your brother-in-law’s reputation," Bai Zepei’s smile grew stronger, and upon closer look, the cunning in his eyes resembled a deeply hidden fox. Bai Ruozhu felt that her second brother might truly make a name for himself once he arrived in the Capital.
Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er listened in confusion; neither of them was very familiar with the complexities of the Capital. They simply focused on Jiang Yichun, who was riding a horse, or more accurately, the small figure obscured by him.
Bai Ruozhu also glanced over and couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation. It really was difficult in ancient times to call someone "Dad" or "Mom." Dengdeng had started to call people, first learning "Dad." Just thinking about it, one could tell how hard it was to say "Mom;" even she found it tiring.
If it were "Mama," that would be different. Just look at how easily Dengdeng learned the word "Ma" just moments ago.
Bai Ruozhu felt tears welling up silently in her heart. When could she, the poor mother, hear her son sweetly call out to her?
Soon, the group arrived at the Bai Family’s residence. Princess Diao Bin’s carriage was the last in line. After alighting and bidding Jiang Yichun to take care, she quietly returned to the Palace.
After everyone had entered the Yard, when the Liu Family realized she was gone, they grumbled that someone who was so secretive couldn’t possibly come from a respectable family. Bai Ruozhu glared fiercely upon hearing this. How dare they suggest a princess from the Royal Family doesn’t come from a decent background? Old lady, are you tired of living? Just don’t drag us into your mess.
No sooner had the Old Master alighted from the carriage than she hurried towards the Main Courtyard, clamoring, "I am the Old Master of this household, and I demand to stay in the Main house! Do not mess with the proper order here."
Lin Ping’er and Bai Yihong both looked displeased. The Main house was used frequently to entertain guests, and was it really appropriate for the Liu Family to be housed there?
Bai Ruozhu went over, patted her mother’s shoulder, and said, "I’ve arranged a courtyard for the Old Master. You go and tidy up. Don’t worry about her. This Main house is for Dad and Mom to stay in."
Lin Ping’er tugged on Bai Ruozhu’s sleeve, "Why don’t you and Yichun stay there? Your grandma can’t find fault with that. After all, Yichun holds an official position."
"Mom, the rules in the Capital are as follows: the head of the family and his wife stay in the Main Courtyard. The Old Master and Old Mistress, being advanced in years and preferring tranquility, should not be overburdened. They should live somewhere quieter, with a nicer view," Bai Ruozhu explained, then winked at her parents. "I’ll take care of Grandma. You continue settling in; it’ll be ready soon."
Having said that, she strode toward the main house, while Jiang Yichun, holding his son, watched her receding figure, a gentle smile appearing on his face. His woman was competent inside and out, and even if he had official duties to attend to, he could go with peace of mind and no worries of what he’d leave behind.
When Bai Ruozhu entered the main house, she saw Liu Family’s clothes scattered everywhere, as if strewing them about would stake a claim to the space. Bai Ruozhu was struck by how dogs mark their territory with a sprinkle here and a sprinkle there and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Liu Family jumped, only then noticing Bai Ruozhu’s presence. Glaring with wide eyes, she said, "Nobody is going to drive me away. I’m an elder in this family, so I should live in the main house. You can’t ignore filial piety and the traditions of the Capital."
"That’s exactly why we can’t break the traditions of the Capital," Bai Ruozhu replied calmly and deliberately. "You don’t believe me? Go out and ask about it. In official families and noble houses, it’s the master and lady who live in the main house, while the elders like grandpa and grandma, who are of advanced age and need their rest, live somewhere quiet with a nice view. If you insist on staying here, what will the Bo Family think when they visit and see how we have no manners? What will they say about you then?"
Liu Family snorted coldly, "The Bo Family hasn’t called for you either. What are you so smug about?"
Bai Ruozhu inwardly rolled her eyes. Bo Zheng had invited her several times to visit the Old Master on the road; she had declined on account of just arriving in the Capital and having many matters to attend to, promising to visit in a few days. Only then did Bo Zheng stop insisting.
She felt that only the Old Master of the Bo Residence wanted to see the descendants of Great Grandma; it was enough for the clan head Grandpa and the old man to visit. If a whole crowd appeared suddenly, it might scare them, or even be looked down upon by the Bo Residence.
"My bloodline is distant, naturally I can’t compare to Grandpa’s." But at least it’s better than yours, which has no relation at all, and yet you still push yourself forward.
Liu Family snorted coldly again, "Don’t give me any of that nonsensical talk. Anyway, I won’t be moving. This is my place now."
Bai Ruozhu laughed coldly, "Old lady, do you really think I brought you to the Capital because I’m afraid of you, that you can blackmail me at every turn? You should be clear that if I could bring you to the Capital, I can also have you sent back to Mountain Village. No matter how outsiders ask, I can say you were homesick and wanted to return to your roots, and no one could fault me for that. You’d better weigh your options carefully."
Liu Family’s eyes went wide with fear, but she had to admit she was somewhat afraid of her granddaughter, for their past confrontations had seldom gone in her favor. Despite invoking filial piety and other principles to suppress Bai Ruozhu, Liu Family had been defeated time and again.
"You and Grandpa are of old age. Isn’t it good to live comfortably with food and drink and care for your old age? If you stay in the main house, others will laugh at us for having no manners, and they’ll say we’re unfilial for making the old too weary," said Bai Ruozhu, her expression darkening. "Moreover, let’s make one thing clear: this place wasn’t bought by my parents. You can’t press me with your filial piety. This property is mine, and as you’ve said, a married daughter is like spilt water. So this place listens to me."
Liu Family burst out, "You’re rebelling against me, I don’t believe Chang Sheng is unafraid of earning a reputation for being unfilial!"
Bai Ruozhu sneered, "Go ahead and make a fuss. If you cause too much trouble, I’ll send you back to Mountain Village. Then, if you want to go find that Old Zhou, be my guest."
Liu Family’s face instantly turned pale, her lips quivering, "You, what nonsense are you talking about..."
"Whether it’s nonsense, you know very well," retorted Bai Ruozhu, shaking her head. "You’ve seen how formidable the guards by my side are. Do you think if I could bring you to the Capital and say these things that I don’t have any real evidence? You’re also getting on in years. Better to keep the peace, and not make yourself smell even worse!"